What can I do to lower my auto premium?

Be sure to talk to your insurance agent about available discounts on car or auto insurance such as: multi-car, renewal, claim-free, student discounts, driver training, defense driver course, anti-lock brakes, air bags, anti-theft devices and auto/home discounts. Ask how much you can save by increasing your deductibles.

 

What’s “full coverage”?

The term “full coverage” is a term that means the legally required or most commonly requested coverages. The term “full coverage” does not mean that everything is covered no matter what happens. “Full coverage” typically includes bodily injury, property damage, uninsured and underinsured motorist, damage to a covered vehicle (also known as Comprehensive and Collision) and any other coverages available such as: rental car, towing, road service or additional equipment coverage. Your auto insurance policy declaration page lists the coverages you have selected.

 

Am I covered if I drive someone else’s vehicle?

The coverage provided varies from state to state and you should consult with your insurance agent for details. Generally, you are covered only for liability to the third parties unless the owner is a resident of your household, or the vehicle is furnished for your regular use. In many states, you are not covered for physical damage to the borrowed vehicle. Any coverage provided is over and above the collectible coverage provided by the owner of the vehicle.

 

When renting a vehicle, should I buy the insurance coverage offered by the car rental company?

It may not be necessary to purchase the insurance from the rental company. In many cases your personal auto policy would already provide you with this coverage. Talk to your agent to confirm that you would have this coverage.

 

If my car is in the shop and I need to rent a temporary vehicle, is the rental car covered on my auto insurance policy?

Rental car coverage is only for vehicles that have been in an accident, not for cars experiencing mechanical failure.

 

When my child gets his/her driver’s license must I add him/her to my insurance policy?

Yes. All licensed drivers living in the household need to be listed on the auto policy unless they have their own auto insurance elsewhere.

 

Who is usually covered under an auto insurance liability policy?

An auto insurance liability policy usually covers the following people:

  • Named insured–the person or persons named in the policy, no matter what car they are driving.
  • Spouse–even if the spouse of the named insured is not named on a policy, liability insurance almost always covers him or her, unless the couple does not live together.
  • Other relative–anyone living in the household with the named insured related to the insured by blood, marriage or adoption, usually including a legal ward or foster child.
  • Anyone driving the insured vehicle with permission–someone who steals the car is not covered.