9 Questions to Ask Your Car Insurance Company
It’s important to understand auto insurance so you can be confident in your choices. An excellent place to start is by asking the right questions to ensure you know the coverage you need.
Auto insurance can seem complicated, so it’s essential to know how it works. Here are nine car insurance questions to consider when talking with your car insurance company.
Are there any additional auto discounts I can get?
Some companies offer auto discounts that can help you save on your car insurance.
- Common discounts include
- Multi-Car Discount
- Multi-Policy Discount (bundle more than one product like auto and home or renters)
- Preferred Payment Discount (payments deducted from your bank account or in 1 or 2 payments)
- Paperless Billing Discount (receive your bill by email)
- Purchase your car insurance online
- Claims/Violation Free Discount
- Military Discount
- Good Student Discount
- Safe driving: Onboard App (telematics program) could save you up to 30% just for being a safe driver.
Ask your insurance company to review your policy to ensure that you’re getting all the discounts you’re eligible for.
Am I sufficiently covered? What should I ask my car insurance company about coverage?
Here are some questions to help you determine whether you have enough car insurance.
- What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in my state?
- Is my car’s actual cash value worth the cost of having Comprehensive Collision Coverage?
- If I’m at fault for an accident, would all of my assets be covered with the state minimum coverage? The amount of Liability Coverage you get should be enough to cover your assets.
- Am I required to have Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection?
- Only some states require this type of coverage. If it’s optional, ask about the benefits of having it if a person with little or no insurance hits your vehicle.
- If I’m in an accident, will my health insurance pay my medical expenses?
- If not, add or raise your limits on coverages like Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay). These can help pay your medical expenses after a car accident – regardless of fault. Uninsured Motorist Coverage can also help pay your medical bills if an uninsured driver hits you.
What isn’t currently covered under my car insurance policy?
Review your car insurance company’s policy and consider what you may want to add based on your needs. Here are some optional coverages not included in a standard car insurance policy.
Gap Coverage: If your car is totaled or stolen, and its value is lower than the amount remaining on your loan, gap coverage will cover the remaining amount that you owe on your loan/lease.
24-Hour Roadside Assistance: Get peace of mind knowing help is just a phone call away. It can help if your car breaks down, you lock yourself out of your vehicle, and if you need a tow or a jump-start.
Rental Car Reimbursement helps pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident.
Am I protected if I seriously injure someone in an accident?
If you cause an auto accident and one or more people are seriously injured, you can be financially responsible. This includes paying their medical and car repair bills. The good news is that liability Coverage can help cover these costs.
Please note that having state minimum liability limits may not be enough for serious accidents. If an accident loss exceeds your limits, you may have to pay the difference out of your own pocket.
How much are my deductibles?
Your deductible is the amount you pay if you have Collision and/or Comprehensive Coverage and are involved in a covered loss. It’s a good idea to save this amount so you can cover it if needed.
Please note that raising your deductible may lower your insurance bill while lowering it can increase it. Make sure to weigh your options and pick what works best for you.
When does my policy renew?
For a few reasons, it’s essential to know when your insurance renewal date is.
- Know when your bill is due
- Before renewal is an excellent time to decide to continue your policy or get quotes from other companies
- You can get a new policy well in advance of your renewal
- A good time to review your policy coverages with your agent, verify discounts, and make any changes
Should I consider a telematics device?
Telematics devices track your vehicle’s speed, mileage, total driving time, braking, acceleration, and other parameters. They can be plug-in devices for your car or apps for your phone.
Safe drivers can benefit from these devices by getting policy discounts based on good driving. These devices can also help drivers be more aware of how they drive and help drivers make positive changes.
The Onboard App program puts you in control of your auto policy savings by evaluating your safe driving habits. After you enroll, download the app, drive for 90 days, and save up to 30% for safe driving.
Am I covered if my car is stolen?
If you have Comprehensive Coverage, your insurance should help cover the costs of your stolen vehicle. In general, there are two ways Comprehensive can help.
- The car isn’t found: Comprehensive can pay for the current value of the stolen vehicle.
- The vehicle’s found: Comprehensive will help pay for the repairs to the car.
In both cases, you’ll have to pay your policy’s Comprehensive deductible.
If my car is totaled, will my insurance company pay for a new car?
If you have Comprehensive and Collision, you have coverage for a covered loss. In general, a vehicle is considered totaled if
- It can’t be repaired to make it safe to drive again
- The repairs cost more than what the car is worth
Please note that your vehicle’s value is calculated based on its value before the accident minus your deductible. Keep in mind that Comprehensive and Collision will only pay up to this amount.
At Risk Coverage, we offer insurance to help protect new vehicles if they’re totaled.
- New Car Replacement Insurance: This coverage helps pay for a new car if your new vehicle is totaled in the first year
- Better Car Replacement Insurance: This pays to replace your old car for a model that’s one year newer if your vehicle is totaled
See how much you could save on car insurance when you only pay for what you need! Get a car insurance quote in under 10 minutes!
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