Auto Insurance

Buying or leasing a vehicle is a significant investment, and it's necessary to safeguard it. Having car insurance may provide peace of mind in an accident, theft, vandalism, collision or natural catastrophe. Customers who have auto insurance make a payment, and the company subsequently covers all or most of the expenses when a car accident occurs subject to coverage's chosen and limitations of the policy. 

Most states require you to have personal auto insurance, which offers some financial protection in the event of an accident. However, is it enough? Are there any other choices? Read on to learn how car insurance companies operate and what kinds of coverage they offer.

The fundamentals of automobile insurance

The fundamentals of automobile insurance

An auto insurance policy is a legal agreement that binds you to the insurer and provides coverage in the case of an accident or damage to your car. Once you get your car insurance quote and pay a premium, the insurance provider promises to cover your losses as specified in the contract based on the coverage's chosen. 

The following are some of the things that automobile insurance covers:

  • Liability Coverage
  • Underinsured-Uninsured Motorist Coverage
  • Medical Expense
  • Comprehensive Coverage
  • Full Glass
  • Collision
  • Rental Reimbursement Coverage
  • Towing

Most states in the U.S. need personal vehicle insurance. However, the requirements differ from state to state. We will tailor your automobile insurance coverage to fit your specific demands. Look for the best auto insurance quotes.

Policies are typically provided for six months or on an annual basis.

How broad is my car insurance policy scope, and under what conditions does it apply?

How broad is my car insurance policy scope, and under what conditions does it apply?

If you or another family member is driving your vehicle, your auto insurance will provide coverage (with their permission). If you give consent to someone who is not listed on your insurance to drive your automobile, your policy covers them as well.

Whether commuting to work, conducting errands, or taking a road vacation, your vehicle coverage only protects you while you're behind the wheel. This policy will not cover you if you use your automobile for commercial activities, such as delivering pizzas.

Using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft may void your motor insurance policy since these services are not covered. However, supplemental ride-sharing insurance is now being offered by several motor insurers (at an extra fee) to vehicle owners who provide ride-sharing services.

Is it necessary to get car insurance?

Is it necessary to get car insurance?

Different states have different minimum standards for auto insurance. Additionally, your lender may have restrictions if you are financing a vehicle. Car owners in almost every state are required to carry:

  • Bodily injury liability- covers you when you or another driver inflicts an injury or death while operating your vehicle.
  • Property damage liability: If you or another driver driving your automobile causes damage to another vehicle or other property, you or the other driver will be reimbursed for the damages.
    In many states, you must also carry:
  • Insurance coverage that reimburses you and your passengers' medical bills in the event of an accident. Loss of pay and other expenditures will also be covered.
  • In the event of a hit-and-run or an accident caused by a driver who does not have car insurance, uninsured motorist coverage offers reimbursement. You can also purchase an underinsured motorist policy to cover the expenses of a significant accident when another driver does not have appropriate insurance.

It's always a good idea to get PIP and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, even if your state doesn't require it.

High End Automobiles

High End Automobiles

Additional Coverage Considerations

Agreed Value:  Provides coverage equivalent to the agreed value at the time of purchase with no depreciation.

OEM Coverage: original parts at the time of a loss versus used or after market parts.

New Vehicle Replacement: up to a two year old car, at time of a loss you get enough money to replace your vehicle with a new car.

 FAQs

  • How much liability should I have in auto insurance?

Consider purchasing liability insurance to cover the amount of money you may lose in an automobile accident lawsuit, as a general rule of thumb we would not recommend liability limits less than $300,000 single limit or $250/$500/$100 split limit liability policies. Also, most automobile drivers should also consider an Umbrella Liability Policy. 

  • Should I have collision insurance on an old car?

Collision and comprehensive insurance coverage should be dropped when an automobile is about 10 years old and/or reaches 100,000 miles on the odometer.

In the current market, though, it's all about the car's resale value and the cost of any necessary replacement components. Collision and comprehensive coverage on a Mercedes may be worth it for many more years than a Nissan Sentra. On the other hand, the cost of replacing parts may be so high that you exceed the deductible.

  • Do I need medical payments covered on my auto insurance?

Coverage for medical expenses is an optional benefit. An automobile accident victim without medical payments coverage faces footing the fee for their medical care or submitting to your medical insurance provider subject to the deductible on the medical insurance.