Your Insurance Questions Answered

Generally, your auto insurance will adapt to meet the minimum coverage requirements of another state you’re driving through. It’s important to remember however, that your standard auto insurance policy is only valid within the United States, its territories and possessions, and Canada.

Here are some additional tips:

• Contact your insurance company before you travel: Let them know where you’ll be going and for how long. They can confirm if your coverage extends to that location and advise you on any additional coverage you might need.
• Be aware of minimum coverage requirements: While your insurance might adjust to meet another state’s minimums, these may be lower than your current coverage limits. Consider if you need extra protection and increase your coverage temporarily if necessary.

Need to file a claim? We’ve got you covered! Choose the method that works best for you:

• Contact your insurance carrier directly: This is the fastest way to get started (find contact details by carrier here).
  
• Contact us directly: We can help connect you with the right resources.

Thinking about renting a car? Here’s how your insurance might (and might not) cover you:

• Liability: Your existing personal liability coverage usually extends to rental cars. This means it will cover injuries or property damage you cause to others while driving the rental.
• Damage to the rental car: If your policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage, they may also apply to a rental car. This protects you from financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle itself (e.g., collision, theft, vandalism). Check your policy details to be sure.
• Lost income: Rental car companies may offer coverage for lost income if the car is damaged and unavailable. However, this can be expensive. Review your own policy to see if it already offers similar protection.
• Credit card coverage: Many credit cards provide some level of rental car insurance. Be sure to understand the specifics and limitations of your card’s coverage before relying on it solely.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Rental companies offer CDW, which waives your financial responsibility for most damage to the car. This can be convenient but can also be expensive. Consider your options carefully, especially if your own insurance or credit card already provides similar coverage.

Remember: It’s always best to double-check your own insurance policy and credit card benefits before you rent a car. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs and ensure you have the right protection for your trip.

Not sure if your business insurance covers rented vehicles? The short answer is that most standard business auto policies don’t automatically extend coverage to vehicles your company rents.

However, there’s good news! You can usually add protection for rented vehicles by including Hired Auto Liability and Physical Damage coverage to your existing policy. This coverage helps you out in two key ways:

• Hired Auto Liability: This covers injuries or property damage caused to others by an employee driving a rented vehicle for business purposes.
• Physical Damage: This protects your company from financial responsibility for damage to the rented vehicle itself (e.g., collision, theft).

Considering adding Hired Auto coverage is a smart move if your employees frequently rent vehicles for business use. It provides peace of mind knowing you’re covered in case of an accident.

Here’s what to expect after you file your claim:

• An adjuster will reach out: An insurance adjuster will contact you to gather details about your claim. Be prepared to answer questions and provide any necessary documentation.
• Inspection might be needed: Depending on the claim, an adjuster may need to inspect your vehicle or property. You may also need to submit proof of value and ownership.
• You’ll receive an estimate: Once the adjuster has all the information, they’ll prepare an estimated payout amount.
• Receive your payout: If you agree with the estimate, you’ll receive your claim payout.
  Disagreements happen: If there’s a difference between the actual damage and the estimate, it will be addressed.
• We’re here for you: Throughout the process, our agency will keep you informed and ensure a fair and efficient settlement. Your satisfaction is our priority.

If your car is leased long-term, owned or financed:

• File a claim with your insurer: Start by contacting your insurance carrier to file a claim. You’ll typically need to pay a deductible, which is a specific amount you’re responsible for before your insurance kicks in.
• Managing your claim: If applicable, your insurance will take care of your losses, including any payment owed to the financing company or leasing company if your car is financed or leased. In addition, your insurance company typically manages damage to the other vehicle or property.

Generally, if another driver collides with your vehicle, their insurance will cover injuries, your vehicle or property. But what happens if the other driver is not insured or underinsured? This is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage on your own policy comes in. UIM or UM is particularly important if you or your passengers are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident.

Filing a claim won’t necessarily hurt your insurance. In most cases, a single incident won’t cause a rate increase or policy cancellation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Frequent claims: A pattern of claims within a short period (typically a few years) can lead to higher premiums or even policy non-renewal.
• Reckless behavior: Claims resulting from accidents caused by gross negligence, like driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving, will likely result in significant premium increases or policy cancellation.

The key takeaway? Be a safe driver and avoid filing unnecessary claims. This will help you maintain good standing with your insurance company and avoid any negative consequences on your policy.

Who’s covered to drive your car? Generally, your auto insurance extends coverage to people you give permission to drive your vehicle. It’s important to note that this doesn’t require a formal process. The key is that the driver has a reasonable belief they have your consent. To be clear and avoid any confusion, it’s always best to explicitly give permission to anyone who will be driving your car.