Auto Insurance

WHY DO YOU NEED AUTO INSURANCE?

Good question. Drivers everywhere are required to carry auto insurance at all times. This protects you, and it protects other drivers. Even tiny fender benders can cost thousands of dollars, so it is important to have coverage!

 

EXAMPLES OF RISKS DRIVERS FACE

From a legal standpoint, driving without insurance can result in fines of up to $1,000 and even jail time (depending on the laws and regulations in your state). If you are in an accident and found at fault, you could be responsible for damage to vehicles, property, and any injuries. That means you could be paying for emergency services, follow-up visits, repairing or replacing the vehicle, and other costs associated with the accident.

 

It isn't uncommon for a person to be ruined financially due to an uninsured accident, paying for years and having to sell possessions to pay back damages.

 

WHAT IS COVERED BY AUTO INSURANCE?

Auto insurance covers damages incurred during a moving or non-moving accident, depending on your policy. For example, your car insurance policy can cover damage done to your vehicle if it is parked and someone hits it and doesn't leave a nice note with an apology and phone number. It also covers backing into someone's car in the grocery store parking lot.

 

Bodily injury of passengers and drivers is covered in your car insurance policy for your passengers and the passengers of the other vehicle. Your car insurance policy may also cover damages if the other driver is uninsured.

 

Other examples of coverage include auto theft, vandalism, and a variety of other damages.

 

This all depends on your level of coverage. The most basic insurance policies only cover the other driver if you are at fault. In other words, if you get into an accident and both vehicles are damaged, your policy will only cover the other driver and vehicle or property, not you (depending on the specific terms of your auto insurance policy). These limited liability policies are the least expensive but provide little protection if your vehicle is damaged or totaled.

 

WHAT AFFECTS YOUR AUTO INSURANCE RATE?

Much information goes into compiling an auto insurance quote. Your rates can be affected by age, gender, number of years driving, and driving record. Other things considered are the type of vehicle, where you live, your occupation, and how much you drive your car.

 

For example, a twenty-two-year-old with multiple speeding tickets who commutes to the city two hours per day could have a considerably higher insurance premium than a middle-aged person who works from home with a wagon and a squeaky clean driving record. 

 

That said, a big factor is the insurance company. Rates vary from company to company. It's important to run the numbers through multiple companies to get the best rate.

 

How much does auto insurance cost?

Auto insurance varies in cost, with factors such as your zip code and state being applied. Much like fingerprints, auto insurance rates are unique to each policyholder.

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Typically, your provider will tailor the cost of your insurance based on the following factors:

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• Age 

• Location

• Type of vehicle

• Marital status

• Driving history

• Use of the vehicle

• Gender

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When should I buy auto insurance?

If you're buying a car, it's always best to have auto insurance before driving off the lot. However, suppose you want to switch from existing auto insurance to another. In that case, there are many good times to start shopping around. For one, you can start looking for better coverage if your existing policy has lapsed.

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You could also consider buying a different auto insurance cover in the following cases:

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• You have moved to a new state

• You're newly married

• Your existing car insurance has expired

• Your driving record has changed

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How much auto insurance do I need?

Every state has "minimum limits" for car insurance when purchased. Our insurance agents can go into detail as to what those limits are. This basic coverage is often known as liability insurance. It covers the costs of property damage and bodily injuries you cause to others in the event of an accident.

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Remember that liability insurance does not cover the costs of damages to your vehicle. So, you may need other coverage options, such as personal injury protection or medical expenses. Other coverages you should consider are:

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• Collision coverage

• Comprehensive Coverage

• Rental Reimbursement Coverage

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While liability insurance would only cover property damage and bodily injuries to others, adding comprehensive and collision coverage to your policy is known as "full coverage" auto insurance.

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What isn't covered by auto insurance

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Your auto insurance does not cover intentional damage. These intentional damages include staged accidents or vandalisms. Other things that your insurance provider won't cover include:

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• Pet injuries

• Routine maintenance, service, or repairs not from an accident

• Mechanical breakdowns

• Wear and tear

 

Does my auto insurance cover other drivers?

Some insurance providers cover drivers who drive your car only occasionally. These drivers are called permissive drivers by insurers. A permissive driver can be a family member, friend, or co-worker. Car insurers will ask you to provide details of these drivers when you take out your policy.

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How do insurance companies assess my risk?

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At Bald Guy Insurance, we'll gather some of your information for insurers to asses your risk correctly. Some personal data that determines the risk include age, gender, marital status, and occupation.

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In addition to personal information, insurance companies also use your driving history to assess risk. For instance, if you have committed several traffic violations, your provider will classify you as high-risk. Such breaches include:

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• Speeding tickets

• At-fault accidents

• Driving under the influence

• Reckless driving

• Hit-and-run accidents

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What can I do to lower my auto insurance costs?

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There are many ways to lower your car insurance premiums. One way is to keep a clean driving record. Adhere to traffic laws and minimize traffic violations. With a clean driving record, the insurance company will reward you with low insurance premiums. 

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You can further reduce your insurance costs with the following tricks from Bald Guy Insurance:

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• Shop around. Insurance rates vary from one auto insurance company to another. Thus, you must shop for fair rates before purchasing your next insurance policy.

• Pay your premium in a lump sum. Some insurers give discounts for lump sum payments. So, instead of monthly payments, pay for an entire year or six months at a time.

• Bundle your insurance. Insurers give discounts to customers who use their auto, home, and renter policies under the same umbrella.

• Take a defensive driving course. A defensive driving course shows you are committed to safe driving habits. In this regard, your insurance provider may give you a discount.

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GET AN AUTO INSURANCE QUOTE FROM BALD GUY INSURANCE TODAY!

Let's face it: you need insurance. You don't have time to call dozens of insurance companies and lose your hair from the stress of getting the best rate. We can help. Make the Smooth Choice and get an auto insurance quote from the Bald Guy. Our no-nonsense approach to car insurance means you get the best rate and coverage with no hair loss and no problems. Get in touch with us today.