by John Larsen | Jul 9, 2022 | Personal Protection
Auto Insurance Recommendations TLDR;
- [STATE] state has minimum auto insurance requirements regarding bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. This usually isn’t enough insurance for proper protection. However, it’s also important to avoid being over-insured.
- If you are in an accident, always report it right away and take lots of photos!
- When shopping for an auto insurance policy, be sure your vehicle’s features are fully documented so that you can be properly compensated in case of a total vehicle loss.
- Always comparison shop for insurance. (At [INSURANCE_AGENCY] we do that for you!)
- PLEASE understand the important differences between an Independent Insurance Agency and a Captive Insurance Agency. The difference could have a massive impact on your insurance costs and your insurance claims experience!
- Be sure to discuss ALL the potential discounts available to you based on your specific situation. For example, the more you share about the number of vehicles you own, if you own/rent a house, etc. can help you save significantly through bundling.
- If you own a business, there are special considerations you need help with even if your employees are driving their own vehicles while performing work-related tasks. You definitely need an adequate risk analysis to help you understand what kind of insurance you require.
State law in [STATE] mandates that you purchase a certain minimum amount of auto insurance. This isn’t only for your protection when driving. It’s also to help protect other drivers on the road. This leads some individuals to make potentially poor choices with their coverage. At [INSURANCE_AGENCY] we’re here to help you learn what you need to know about car insurance… check out these ideas…
While [STATE] state has minimum liability insurance and property damage requirements, the minimums are often not enough to adequately protect you in the case of a multi-vehicle car accident. There’s also the issue of uninsured motorist / underinsured motorist insurance. Conversely, people often end up being over-insured by buying too much auto insurance. Having comprehensive coverage is important however being over-insured only benefits the insurance company. We prefer your protection to be “just right” for your needs. It’s also better for your bottom line. If you are working with another insurance agency and want us to review your policy, we’re happy to do it at zero cost to you and to present you with potential money-saving options.
So what happens if you are involved in an accident? It’s really important that you report it to your insurance carrier right away. If you work with us here at [INSURANCE_AGENCY], please tell us too. We’re your local auto insurance lifeline in [CITY] and the surrounding counties. We’re here to help you to make sure your claim process goes well. One tip: take plenty of photos of your vehicle from all angles possible. Take photos of other cars involved in the accident and be sure to photograph the overall “scene”. All of this documentary evidence is important for your protection and to ensure you are correctly compensated for the damages resulting from your accident.
Another point to consider is making sure you have supplied your agent with the most accurate information about your vehicle. The best way to do this is to provide your independent insurance agent with a copy of your VIN number. This “Vehicle Identification Number” documents the year, make, and model of your car as well as it’s important features and options. However, you should review those carefully and be sure your agent is aware of other features not mentioned. For example, you may have paid to have a high-end audio system. You’ll want to be sure details like that are taken into consideration. These might actually increase the cost of your insurance policy but it also makes certain that if your vehicle is totaled, you get the maximum dollars available to help you replace your ride.
As you shop for insurance in the [ZIPCODE] zip code and surrounding areas, it’s a good idea to comparison shop. One thing people love about working with us at [INSURANCE_AGENCY] is that we actually work with many high-quality carriers and do the comparison shopping for you. This saves you time and helps you make a good decision on the insurance you purchase. Remember that insurance is about more than just how much it costs. It’s also about the support you’ll receive if and when you have a claim. We know the carriers we work with and can guide you on the ones that have the best potential claim outcomes based on your specific needs and budget. That way we can help you both afford the right insurance while at the same time giving you the peace of mind knowing that you are properly protected.
Another benefit of working with us as an Independent Insurance Agency is that we really are here to serve you. We work for you. That’s different than “captive” agents who work directly for the specific insurance company they represent. Because we work for you, we are 100% focused on what you need. That includes helping you properly compare various insurance policies in an “apples-to-apples” sort of way. This again helps you to find the best insurance in [CITY] and all of [STATE] possible.
If you are a new driver, talk with us about potential insurance coverage savings by taking drivers training courses. The cost of such lessons are definitely offset by potential savings you’ll receive by taking them. Again this varies a bit by carrier so it’s best to talk directly with us to see what’s available.
Speaking of discounts, we will always seek to help you save money at [INSURANCE_AGENCY] while also maximizing your protection. There are often discounts for being a good driver, non-smoker, insuring multiple cars with the same carrier, etc. Even your age can have an impact on pricing. One of the best ways to save is to “bundle” your homeowners insurance and auto insurance together. This can achieve significant savings for both kinds of policies. (We may even be able to help you if you are a renter.)
Finally, if you own a business in and around [CITY} and in [STATE] in general and need to insure vehicles (or drivers) for the business… rest assured that we have your back. Much of what we’ve already discussed in this article applies to you as well. And there are important nuances about business risk management when it comes to employees using their own cars for work purposes that you must consider. Again, we’re here to help with FREE advice so definitely reach out to us to learn more.
At [INSURANCE_AGENCY], we love helping folks in [STATE] with their auto insurance needs. We want you to have the best car insurance for your requirements. Please reach out for a FREE review of your current car insurance policy. We’ll be happy to chat with you. Give us a call at [PHONE].
by onlinefinancialnewsletters | Nov 21, 2018 | Personal Protection
With leaves falling and cold temperatures filling the air, it’s time to pay extra attention to the road and to potential animal hazards including deer. A deer popping out from the side of the road is a scary proposition at any time of year and especially hazardous when road conditions are slick with fresh rain or icy because of cold temperatures. Peak accident times include both the early and late hours of the day.
In truth it is important to keep a continuous lookout for all kinds of wildlife near or on the highway. And be sure to understand what kind of animal-related insurance claims are covered in your insurance policy.
Insurance coverage from damages associated with accidents involving deer or other animals may be optional depending on your insurance and carrier. Knowing this is important. If you presently lack protection, find out what it would cost to add the optional coverage. It’s typically a small investment that can save you should you suffer a collision with a deer, elk, or other animal.
At the very same time, be sure to practice good safe driving protocols. Indeed many safe-driving advocates say to brake but never swerve to avoid the animal. (You may swerve into oncoming traffic or lose traction on the road.) Exercise caution while driving through wooded areas. Slow down and be prepared to stop if the deer go into the road if you spot deer or other wildlife. If a deer is struck, call the police and your insurance agent as quickly as safe to do so. Take images of the crash site, automobile damage and any damage to the car. Be sure to include images of the animal as further proof of the cause of the accident. And in the event a claim is submitted, be sure to have your care thoroughly evaluated mechanically.
The late fall and winter months bring an increase in driving activity on roads that may already present challenges. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 1.5 million accidents with deer are documented each year. More than 200 of these resulted in fatalities and cost an estimated $1 billion in damages each year… so take care. Be sure you’re protected. Practice safe driving.
And if this causes you some concern, we’re here to help. Be sure to reach out to us if you have questions about your auto insurance.
by onlinefinancialnewsletters | Oct 29, 2018 | Personal Protection
If you’re a driver in the US, or many countries for that matter, you are required by law to have car insurance. Driving without car insurance is illegal, and for a very good reason. Although a technical US exception is New Hampshire, where drivers don’t have to have insurance per se… they still have to be able to prove that they have enough money put away in order to pay out if a crash happens. For all intents and purposes… you have to have car insurance in the US.
Over 37,000 people die in US car crashes every year, with a further 2.3 million becoming injured or disabled. All of this mounts up to a whopping $230 billion in costs annually, and car insurance is designed to protect drivers (and their four-wheeled assets) in case of unexpected events. Still, if you’re idiotic enough to drive without insurance and get caught, here are some of the consequences you’re likely to face.
Tickets/fines
If you get caught driving without valid insurance, you’re likely to get a ticket and you will also be fined. Although the fines vary from state to state, some parts of the country charge you thousands of dollars if you’re caught driving without insurance.
Suspension
The police have the power to remove and suspend your driving license if you’re caught driving without auto insurance, something which no driver wants to deal with! You’ll only be able to get your license back if you pay to have it reinstated (which isn’t cheap) and also provide proof of insurance. It can vary from state to state when it comes to how long you’ll have your license suspended, and repeat offenders can see their license being taken away permanently.
Towing
If you’re caught driving without insurance by police, you could be prevented from driving away by them having your car towed. You needn’t be in a crash or serious incident – you might have your car pulled over due minor speeding or a broken taillight, suddenly finding that your car is being towed away and impounded because you’re driving around uninsured.
While you haggle for insurance in the meantime, you’ll also be racking up impound fees too, making any financial struggles greatly exaggerated. In some regions, they begin auctioning your car away if you cannot pay and organize insurance quickly enough! In NYC, your car starts to go through the auction process a mere 72 hours after being impounded!
You could wind up in serious financial trouble
If you have a crash and you’re found to be at fault, you’re very likely to be financially responsible for covering the medical bills and repair expenses of the driver you crashed into, something which would have been made much easier had you possessed auto insurance. If you cannot pay, the victim driver may take you to court, causing you to rack up a fortune on legal fees, damages, and much more.
Police are beginning to get serious
The average uninsured driver rate in the US is around 12%, although some states are trying very hard to crack down on this number even further. For example, in Arizona, the police conduct random tests to see whether vehicles are insured or not. If they aren’t, the police will suspend the car owner’s driving license. Also, in Louisiana, the police are now able to monitor residents’ car insurance status in real time. For example, if pulling someone over at a traffic stop, Louisiana police will be able to check the driver’s insurance status almost instantly.
Getting future insurance
The irony here is that all of these consequences will be noted down and recorded in official documents, making it even more difficult and expensive for you to get insurance in the future. Having had your license suspended, for example, is likely to raise your insurance premiums when you DO look to organize insurance. Lying for your car insurance policy is insurance fraud, something which would also increase your premiums. The moral of the story is to simply follow the law, be honest, and choose adequate coverage. Otherwise, you could find yourself in both legal and financial trouble.
Looking for affordable car insurance which is tailored to your individual needs and circumstances? Get in touch with a member of our expert team today, who can consult with you and offer you top-tier advice.
by onlinefinancialnewsletters | Oct 18, 2018 | Personal Protection
We’ve all been there at some point – you’ve just passed your test, you’re excited to finally have some freedom, and then you realize that you’re going to have to pay car insurance. Car insurance, like all insurance, features premiums which are calculated according to risk. Unfortunately, the younger and the more inexperienced you are at driving, the higher the risk is that you’re going to crash. The result? Largely unaffordable car insurance premiums for young drivers.
You see, drivers aged between 15-20 make up only 6.7% of all drivers in the country, yet they’re involved in 20% of all the crashes. The numbers just aren’t in the favour of young drivers and college students! Nonetheless, finding affordable car insurance for college students is still a possibility. Here are some ways to find an affordable car insurance plan if you’re a college student.
Get good grades
Certain insurers, such as Allstate and Geico, will offer car insurance discounts to college students who can demonstrate that they achieve good grades, the thinking being that straight-A students are less likely to be reckless drivers. State Farm even offers a 25% discount for students with high grades! To qualify for such discounts, you usually have to be 25 or younger, enrolled in a school/college/university full time, maintaining a 3.0 GPA (or be on the honor roll/ dean’s list), and be able to provide proof of your grades via a report card, school letter, or another means of proof.
Look into pay-as-you-go coverage
If your car is mainly used for social and recreational use, such as going to visit friends or going to the grocery store, it may be worth considering pay-as-you-go car insurance which costs less if you driver fewer miles. Officially known as usage-based insurance (UBI), this type of insurance uses data about your driving to determine your premiums, meaning that it will be lower if you drive safely and less often. However, if you’re prone to long late-night trips and heavy acceleration, this may not be the best thing for you.
Choose an adequate amount of coverage
The state you’re in will have a minimum coverage requirement, so you should be sure to comply with this if you think that you’re going to need a more traditional driver-based car insurance plan. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a map which can tell you the insurers in your university’s state, ensuring that you’re adequately protected. For example, Nevada state laws stipulate that you must have a car insurance liability policy which covers $55,000, while in Texas, you need to have at least $115,000 in liability coverage.
After meeting the minimum state requirements, decide whether or not you need extra coverage. For example, if you drive an expensive car or you’re moving to an area which is known for car theft and crime, you may want to consider additional coverage. On the other hand, if you’re a very safe driver who is unlikely to crash, increasing your deductible could dramatically reduce the cost of your premiums.
Think about staying on your family’s plan
Surveys show that around 52% of college students leave their car at home when they leave for college. Even if you’re one of those people, it may be a good idea to stay on your family’s multicar insurance plan. You can be named as an “occasional” driver on the policy, keeping you protected when you drive at home, while still reducing your premiums. This is sometimes called a “resident student discount” or “student away at school discount”, and usually applies to students attending college more than 100 miles away from their parental home.
All things considered, you should consider your budget and your existing expenses when deciding what car insurance you can afford. Are there existing expenses, such as textbooks and groceries, which you may be able to cut down on? Whatever you do, avoid being underinsured, as getting into a crash without adequate insurance could see your claim being rejected, meaning you’ll pay enormous sums of money – often more than you would’ve saved by having too-low premiums in the first place.
If you’re a college student looking for advice of affordable car insurance, why not get in touch with a member of our knowledgeable insurance team today?
by onlinefinancialnewsletters | Sep 3, 2018 | Personal Protection
If you’re looking to buy a new car, there’s an awful lot of factors to consider in addition to the purchase price, and ensuring that you can afford them all is an essential part of the car-buying process. Here we list some factors to consider when buying a new car!
Financing vs Purchasing
If you can purchase a car in full, this is always the better option financially, as you won’t be paying any interest on the price. However, if you’re looking to finance your car, you need to assess the deal carefully and look into the loan term, interest rate, and more. If you must finance, try to put down a large down payment, as this will reduce your interest rate and reduce your monthly payments overall.
Taxes and Fees
Bear in mind that you’ll have to pay sales tax when purchasing a car, and this is calculated differently depending on which state you’re in, so be sure to check the local sales tax regulations. In addition, some states charge your car with an annual tax which is variable according to the vehicle you own. All of this is also combined with registration, license plate, and title fees, which could easily set you back up to $800 per year depending on your car’s make and model.
Auto Insurance
Insurance companies use a magical formula of never-ending criteria in order to ascertain the monthly premiums on your car insurance, and the power of modern data analytics is helping them to scrutinize drivers more than ever before. Although quotes will inevitably vary from carrier to carrier, younger and more inexperienced drivers will always be charged substantially more for their premiums, and people who have been involved in accidents will have higher monthly premiums too. Some vehicles are cheaper to insure than others due to a range of factors, so be sure to look into which vehicles within your price range are cheap to insure for you. There are also other ways of potentially lowering your auto insurance premiums, such as volunteering to pay a higher excess in the event that you do have to put in a claim.
Gas
If you’re looking to buy a huge gas-guzzling SUV, prepare to pay a lot in gasoline every month. Of course, your gas spending will vary widely on your type of vehicle and how often you drive, as well as the type of fuel that your vehicle uses. Buying a smaller car with an efficient engine and driving it rarely will obviously bring your gas budget down compared to driving around in a large SUV for many hours a week.
There are many other things to consider when buying a car, such as maintenance costs when things go awry. If you’re looking to lower the cost of your auto insurance, speak to a member of our dedicated team today!
by onlinefinancialnewsletters | Aug 20, 2018 | Personal Protection
It’s hard to know when to shop around for your home insurance, as there are no set guidelines in place unless you’re moving or getting married. Because of this mysteriousness surrounding home insurance, here we have ascertained some guidelines to help you decide that it’s time to look into your home insurance.
Buying a house
This is, of course, the most obvious one, as it’s critical to insure your new investment. You should take out a home insurance policy before you close on the home, although bear in mind that you may not know everything you need to know about the property if you don’t live there yet.
When your home’s value changes
The most obvious time that your home’s value changes is when you have extension work or restoration work done. Whether you’re building a large storage shed or you’re remodeling your bathroom, any major changes which affect your home’s value need to be accounted for in your home insurance policy or you’ll risk being underinsured.
After you buy expensive items
Your personal property is covered by your home insurance, so you should consider adjusting your policy or shopping around if you decide to bring home a 50-inch 4K TV or a priceless set of golf clubs one day. Sometimes your current insurer may raise your premiums substantially if you buy a bunch of high-value items and put them in your home, so it may be a good idea to shop around at this point if necessary.
When your premium goes up for no apparent reason
Home insurance premiums are inevitably affected by factors outside of your control such as burglaries and floods in your local area. Most homeowners will realize these changes when it comes time to renew their policies, and this may be a good time to shop around. It may turn out that your premium is low when compared to other insurers who have also adjusted their rates according to new data, or you may find that your insurer is taking advantage of you. Whatever happens, there’s no harm in heading to your laptop and finding out whether other insurers would also charge you similar premiums for forces out of your control.
When switching auto insurance
Many companies offer combined bundles for home and auto insurance, meaning that you could be entitled to generous discounts if switching your policies in one fell swoop. However, entangling your insurance policies in this way can make things complicated if you want to switch or amend things in the future. For example, if you get a new car or move, you might find that your rates are adversely affected.
When you’re not satisfied with your current insurer
We’ve all heard horror stories of insurers not paying out when the time comes, and this is an obvious alarm bell if you’ve had a bad customer experience with an insurance company. In an ideal world, your insurer should be customer-oriented, knowledgeable, and they should fill you with confidence. There are many polls and surveys available which detail the best companies for customer service and satisfaction – insurance providers are no exception and you should look to switch if you’re unhappy with how you’re being treated.
If you are dropped as a customer
Insurers are indeed able to drop you as a customer, although it obviously depends on the circumstances and their reasons for doing so. If your insurer does drop you, try to find out the exact reason(s) why and take note, as this information could help you to negotiate a deal which covers you when looking for alternative insurance providers down the line. Take note of the dates and amounts paid, as this information is important, and be sure to maintain a record of your claims and any relevant details. You could also order a CLUE report in order to help you with your insurance shopping process.
Home insurance ultimately protects what is usually your largest asset – your home. As a result, it is important to speak to a team which is knowledgeable and up-to-date on the latest developments in home insurance policies and premiums. If you need help, contact us today and see how we can assist you in your personal situation.
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