Auto Insurance Coverage
Auto insurance coverage explained.
Auto insurance coverage options
While it's great to save money, you want to be sure your insurance is providing the protection you need. With 1 in 8 drivers uninsured, it's important to have the right coverage in place.
Below are coverages and our minimum recommendations. Having a quality auto insurance policy is important to not only protect your vehicle but your income and assets as well.
We believe in educating our clients so they can make an informed decision on what is best for them. When it comes to auto insurance, one size does not fit all.
Bodily Injury Liability
Pays for bodily injury you have caused someone else if you're at-fault in an auto accident.
Our minimum recommendation: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability
Covers the cost of damages you cause to other vehicles and/or property such as trees, fences, signs and more.
Our minimum recommendation: $100,000
Medical Payments
Covers you and your passengers no matter who is at-fault. It can be a great way to cover your health insurance deductible, co-pay, ambulance ride and more.
Our minimum recommendation: $5,000
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Only available in some states. Also, required in some states. Personal injury protection is similar to Medical Payments in that it covers medical expenses regardless of who's at-fault.
Our minimum recommendation: Differs by state
Comprehensive
Covers damage to your vehicle from things like hail, theft and flood. A deductible will apply. People will often use the term "Full Coverage" when referring to Comprehensive and Collision coverage.
Our minimum recommendation: Add if you don't have an emergency fund large enough to replace your vehicle. Or if you do not wish to self-insure for this risk.
Collision
Provides coverage if you have a collision with another vehicle or object, like a street sign or a tree. People will often use the term "Full Coverage" when referring to Comprehensive and Collision coverage.
Our minimum recommendation: Add if you don't have an emergency fund large enough to replace your vehicle. Or if you do not wish to self-insure for this risk.
Uninsured
Uninsured Motorist Coverage pays for bodily injury to you and your passengers when a driver without insurance is at-fault.
Our minimum recommendation: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident.
Underinsured
Underinsured Motorist Coverage pays for bodily injury to you and your passengers when another drivers is at-fault and has inadequate liability limits to cover the full cost of the claim.
Our minimum recommendation: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident.
Roadside Assistance
Coverage for jump starting batteries, changing tires and towing services.
Our minimum recommendation: Case by case.
Rental Reimbursement
Pays for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim.
Our minimum recommendation: Case by case. If you have an extra car, this may not be worth the extra cost to you.
Loan/Lease Payoff
Often referred to as GAP insurance, this covers the difference in what your car is worth and how much you owe on it.
Our minimum recommendation: Consider if you have a vehicle that is 2 years or newer. Depreciation can quickly cause a gap in coverage.
OEM Parts Replacement
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This optional coverage will ensure your car will only be repaired with the same brand of parts that were used to build the vehicle.
Our minimum recommendation: This one is personal preference.
New Car Replacement Coverage
Not offered by all carriers. This coverage will pay to replace your vehicle with the most recent model year.
Our minimum recommendation: Personal preferrence.
Ridesharing
If you drive for companies like Uber or Lyft you could have a gap in coverage. While these companies offer insurance, there are times in between customers when you aren't covered by either your employer, or your personal auto insurance policy. This is where adding rideshare coverage can fill the gap.
Our minimum recommendation: Check your contract and insurance coverage with the rideshare company.
Trip Interruption
Trip interruption can provide extra coverage beyond roadside assistance and towing. Coverage may include lodging, food and transportation. Not available from all carriers.
Our minimum recommendation: Personal preference.
Custom Parts and Equipment
Covers customizations that have been done to your vehicle such as wheel chair lifts, custom wheels and upgraded electronics. Most aftermarket alterations will fall under this coverage.
Our minimum recommendation: Case by case
Pet Injury Coverage
Covers injuries your pet sustains in a car accident. Not available with all carriers.
Our minimum recommendation: Case by case
Diminishing Deductible
This is a nice perk for being a loyal customer. Your deductible will decrease over time if you don't have any claims. Not available from all carriers.
Our minimum recommendation: Case by case
Still have questions about auto insurance coverage?
We understand there are a lot of options and definitions when it comes to auto insurance coverage. We take a consultative approach to educate our clients. Just give us a call. We would love to talk about crafting your perfect home and auto insurance plan. We're real people solving real problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Full Coverage" is not an actual insurance term. Most likely, when people say this, they are referring to adding Comprehensive and Collision coverage to their policy.
Auto insurance liability provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage you cause.
Our minimum recommendations:
Bodily Injury Liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability: $100,000
Gap insurance covers the difference in what your car is worth and how much you owe on it. It's sometimes referred to as Loan/Lease Payoff coverage.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This optional coverage will ensure your car will only be repaired with the same brand of parts that were used to build the vehicle.
By adding Custom Parts and Equipment coverage, you can cover things like wheel chair lifts, custom wheels and upgraded electronics to your auto insurance policy.
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