Sunday, October 28, 2007

Auto Insurance Rates


Auto insurance rates will vary depending on the insurance agency, your driving record, and the type of insurance you are looking to purchase. I you are looking for affordable car insurance or truck insurance then read on.

There are ways to reduce your premiums without giving up coverage. One of the easiest things to do is get auto insurance rate quotes online. This will allow you to comparative shop stress free.

Raising your deductibles is the easiest way to reduce your rates. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium will be. The deductible is the portion you will have to pay in the event of accident, before your insurance coverage steps in. It's important not to carry a deductible that's more than what you are able to pay. Your insurance company will not honor its portion of the claim until you've paid your deductible.
However, the higher your deductible the lower your premium cost will be, so you need to find a ,Always remember to ask your insurance broker for any available discounts. Quite often we forget to ask and they don't seem to volunteer the information. A clean record on the current policy for a certain period of time, having your homeowner's coverage with the same insurer, taking a defensive driving course, having an accident free driving record, and having an approved anti-theft device will reduce your auto insurance rates.

The type of car you drive can also reduce your rates. Stay away from cars that have a high class rating. Rates vary among the different makes and models of vehicles. The different rates are based on the risk of accident, cost to repair, higher theft rates for a particular model and replacement costs such as with a new vehicle. So be sure your vehicle isn't going to be in a category that increases your rates too much.

A safe driving record consisting of no accidents and no traffic violations will get you the most substantial discount. Most insurance companies are very good at recognizing good driving habits. These are the drivers they want to insure because their risk is much lower.

If the car is old and not very valuable, comprehensive insurance is probably not worth buying as it can quickly add up to more than you'd ever receive in the event of an accident. You can save up to 20% by eliminating collision insurance. You may want to opt not to carry collision insurance as well which can save you and additional 20%.

Check around to make sure you are getting the best auto rates you can. Online auto insurance shopping has taken the guess work out of buying insurance and you can very quickly see if you are being hosed. So if your insurance is coming due now is the time to start shopping!
Auto Insurance In Texas

If you are looking for auto insurance in texas, you might want to check out golden rule insurance company who offers cheap auto insurance online. Of course there are plenty of other companies that also offer affordable rates, but first you should understand Texas auto insurance requirements.

Texas is a tort state, which means that the driver is financially responsible for any damage and injury they cause in an accident. Purchasing Texas Auto Insurance will fulfill this legal requirement.

Texas auto liability minimums are 20/40/15 which translates to $20,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party to a total of $40,000 for all claims and up to $15,000 for damage you cause another persons property. These are the minimum requirements and it is recommended that you carry much higher levels of liability insurance.

In addition to required liability coverage, Texas drivers may choose to purchase coverage for some "first party benefits". These include compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and loss of services. These benefits apply to every accident regardless of fault.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist policies also cover your expenses, but these apply in the event that you are struck by a driver with inadequate liability insurance. These policies are not required, but they're relatively inexpensive, and can provide a lot of protection.

Texas auto insurance companies will also offer optional policies such as collision and comprehensive coverages. Be warned the mandatory requirements are way too low for the average cost of serious injuries and financial loss from an automobile accident. All insurance agents recommend you purchase much higher levels of liability insurance.

Auto insurance companies also offer optional coverage such as medical payments, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured and underinsured motorist's bodily injury coverage.
How your insurance rates are set in Texas is different than many other states. The rates are determined by the behavior and accident rates of all Texasn drivers. The cost of insuring Texas drivers' including settlements and legal fees is totaled for the entire state and divide it up between everyone.

Of course these costs are not spread around evenly. The percentage of these costs that you are going to pay is determined by things like your driving record, your age, where you live, and the kind of car you drive.

Not all insurance companies compute their figures the same way so a driver with the same profile can land up with different rates depending on the insurance company. That's why it is so important to get several quotes before purchasing insurance.

As mentioned previously liability is the most important element of your entire insurance policy. Make sure you purchase adequate liability insurance to protect your assets, because within a split second, the time it takes for an accident to occur, your life could be left in financial ruin if you are not adequately covered.
There are also other coverages you can buy such as collision, comprehensive, rental, and even towing and road side assistance. You will need to determine what your personal needs are.
When comparing insurance make sure you compare equal policies. Make sure the deductibles are the same, that the exemptions or fine print reads the same and that the liability is for the same amount. It is important to compare policies of equal quality to make sure your cheapest quote truly is your cheapest quote.
In less than a half hour you can have all the quotes you need and be on your way to buying cheap Texas auto insurance. Why waste time? Get busy!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Police price determinining


How Is Your Auto Insurance Policy Price Determined?


The average auto insurance policy price is derived from a variety of factors. Many of these variables are common knowledge and make sense for the most part but it's always a good idea to refresh yourself with what insurance companies are looking for when determining how much your coverage will cost.


Driving Record ? Your auto insurance policy price is determined from 6 major areas. The first is your driving record. The key thing to remember is the better your driving record the lower your total cost to insure your automobile. This would include auto accidents, speeding tickets and believe it or not if you've gone without insurance for several years. The good thing is that you can directly control many of these factors. Concentrate on keeping a clean driving record and this area shouldn't cause your rates to be outrageous.


Coverage Amount ? Do a self check sometime and call your insurance company up to see what impact raising and lowering your deductibles and coverage amount has on the price of your insurance. Raising a deductible lowers your monthly payment. Increasing the deductible has the opposite effect. The same goes for the actual coverage amounts.


Age ? Case studious have proven that younger drivers are involved in more accidents then older drivers. This potential to be involved in a collision is a result of inexperience behind the wheel of an automobile. Generally speaking most insurance companies charge more for individuals under the age of 25.



Vehicle Model and Driving Mileage ? If your interested in that fancy new sports car you may want to check how much it will effect your auto insurance policy price. Thanks in large part to theft, vehicular costs and safety records some cars rate a higher premium over other vehicles. As if it wasn't bad enough the amount of annual miles you place on your vehicle through driving can increase your auto policy. The average used is 10,000 miles in a year. If you exceed that total then you can expect a rate increase based on your increased potential to be involved in an auto accident.


Your Residence ? It's a pretty safe bet that you'll pay more for your auto insurance policy if you live in a big city when compared to a nice farm out in the country. The city probably has more thefts and accidents, which lead to higher costs absorbed by the insurance company and then passed along to the consumer when the insurance companies determine your auto insurance policy price.


Hopefully this information can help you focus in on some areas within your auto policy that you can review with your insurance agent in the hopes of actually lowering your auto insurance rates instead of raising them.



Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Claim Guide


This is a FREE Insurance Claim Guide


Your "Motor Vehicle" can be a truck, car, motorcycle - - you name it! If it's powered by a motor and has one, two, three, four (or even more) wheels this "Guide" is for you.
The information below is a bare-bones "Guide" for those who have had such a motor vehicle accident. It details the basics of how one should with their property damage and/or personal injury claim.


AFTER IMPACT CHECKLIST
We heartily suggest you make a copy of this "Impact Checklist" to be kept handy within the confines of your motor vehicle. A "Guide" to refer to so you'll be certain, should an accident take place, that you've covered everything.
Other than the fact that one must obtain from the other operator, both their drivers license and motor vehicle registration information, you should also proceed to do the following:


IMMEDIATELY MAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF: Names and addresses of eye witnesses. And later the investigating police officers name and badge number. WEATHER CONDITIONS: Snow, rain, fog, mist, sleet, etc. ROAD SURFACE: Dry, wet, slippery, icy, etc.IMPACT AREA: City, suburban, business, wooded, etc.


VISIBILITY: Sunny, cloudy, dusk, night, moonlight, etc. (Was the sun in the other driver's face)? TRAFFIC CONTROLS: Were there overhead lights? Posted speed limit signs? Stop or warning signs? Hospital or school zone signs?


CREATE A DIAGRAM: Driving area: Flat, crowned, straight, curved, macadam, asphalt, concrete, cobblestone, dirt, etc. Indicate the width of street. Show the location of impact, gouge and/or skid marks.


CONDITION OF MOTOR VEHICLE THAT STRUCK YOU: Age and general overall condition. Is their state inspection sticker displayed and up to date? Were chains or snow tires needed?


AS SOON AS POSSIBLE RETURN TO THE SCENE AND SNAP PHOTOGRAPHS: It's most important to take pictures of: Skid or gouge mark's on the road surface plus the damage to both vehicles.


PHOTOS OF YOUR BODILY INJURIES: It's crucial to the ultimate value of your claim to snap a multitude of colored photos (up close and from different angles) of your bodily injuries - - especially all black and blue marks or bruises.


INSIGHTS INTO HANDLING YOUR CLAIM

(There Are Six Areas You Must Be Familiar With)

1. Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

2. Lost Time From Work - Lost Wages

3. Property Damage Losses

4. What Your Medical Doctor And/Or Chiropractor Reports Should State

5. Medical Payments Coverage

6. What To Do If An Adjuster Refuses To Cooperate
You Should Go Into Detail Regarding


These (Below Listed) Six Areas:
(1) OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES:These are expenses that can be measured in definite sums of money. They are the foundation of the calculations used to award damages (including that often great and extra amount paid to you for your "Pain and Suffering") regarding any financial loss flowing directly from the injury you may have sustained.


MEDICAL EXPENSES:

Obtain all bills and services rendered. (Prior to their being sent out, you have ever right to ask for and read the crucial Final Reports regarding your physical condition from your Doctor, Chiropractor, "Medical Specialist" and/or Dentist).Medical Expenses Typically Include: Ambulance ~ Emergency Room ~ Hospital or Clinic ~ Laboratory Fees and Services ~ Diagnostic Tests: (X-rays and/or CT Scan) ~ Registered or Practical Nurse Fees ~ Medicine and/or Prescription Medications ~ Prosthetic Appliances or Surgical Apparatus (Canes & crutch, etc.) ~ Physical Therapy ~ Ace Bandages, Gauze & Tape ~ Heating Pads ~ Creams, Ointments, Balms & Salves. As you read them make sure these Medical Reports include the length of time of your "Total Disability" and/or your "Partial Disability". These are of enormous value because they justify the often HUGE, extra payment made for your "Pain and Suffering" . (Plus this information will also prove your claim for Lost Wages).


NON-MEDICAL DAMAGE EXPENSES. These include: Lost Wages and Earnings ~ Lost Vacation Time and/or Sick Leave ~ Travel Expenses: (Transportation costs incurred getting to and from The Doctor and/or Hospital, etc.) ~ Household Help During Disability ~ Child Care During Recuperation.


(2) LOST TIME FROM WORK - - LOST WAGES - - YOUR "LOSS EARNING CAPACITY":

The weeks, hours and/or days you were unable to work (thus the money you may have lost) is added up and documented on company letterhead. You're often entitled to compensation for "Lost Time and Earnings" even if you have no actual loss of money ! Such as, for example, if your salary is paid by some other insurance coverage you may have or by taking sick leave or some other similar arrangement. It doesn't matter if you're employed full time, part time, self-employed, own your own business, retired, unemployed, or a housewife not employed outside the home, you should keep a written record of all household help and/or child care needed during your disability period.


All of these constitute an element of your "SPECIAL DAMAGES" mainly "Lost Wages". Insurance companies usually don't view your time away from work (because of an injury) as "Lost Time And Earnings" but as "Lost Earning Capacity". In most states one is entitled to compensation for lost time and earnings even if they have no loss of money. For example, when your salary is paid for by another insurance coverage you have or by taking sick leave and/or some other similar type of arrangement. There are specific situations to be considered and called to the forefront when it comes to being employed either full-time or part-time. More detailed information (regarding these above stated area's of your loss) are found in CHAPTER FOUR "Damages" within the book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM.


(3) PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSSES:

"AGREED COST TO REPAIR": This figure has been negotiated between your damage repair person and the insurance adjuster. Be sure you know (and possess a written copy of) exactly what that figure is.COLLISION: There's usually a deductible. Read your policy. (If you're not at fault you should eventually be able to get this money back).PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY: Protects you for damages you do to the property of another (i.e. his or her trees, lawn, shrubs, mailbox, etc.) EXCLUSIONS: These are stated in your policy. A good rule of thumb is, "If it's not excluded, it's covered". Read your policy closely to discover your exclusions and how they apply. TOTAL LOSS: A "Total Loss" is when the motor vehicle damage exceeds the value of the vehicle, as stated within all of the up-to-date and "Official" Property Damage books and/or documents. OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSSES: Clothing, jewelry, watches, eye or sunglasses, etc. You can also collect for your (or any other individuals) personal property which happened to be in the car and was damaged. (Be sure to have written proof of the cost of each item damaged plus the date it was purchased). Never forget: You're entitled to be reimbursed for any charges you may have incurred for towing, storage and/or substitute motor vehicle rental, or for that matter - - any other alternate transportation.


The above is a very brief review. For more in-depth information read CHAPTER FIVE: PROPERTY DAMAGE found in AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM.

(4) WHAT YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR AND/OR CHIROPRACTOR REPORT SHOULD STATE: Each "Injury Evaluation Factor" should be clearly stated within each of your final Medical Reports. For example: That your disability is solely the result of the accident. If there were any pre-existing conditions aggravated by your injuries? What treatments were administered and for what duration? What medications were prescribed, in what amounts and for how long? What symptoms or medical problems were such medications meant to relieve? Were there any adverse reactions demonstrated? Ask to read them before they're sent to the adjuster so you're sure it explains the nature, plus the extent and frequency of the pain that an injury, such as yours, will likely cause.


PROGNOSIS:

This is the clearly stated information (regarding your personal injury progress) and should include: The part played by a pre-existing condition, if any? Their prediction of any possible future temporary disability/impairments? Does the individual attending you anticipate any further or future treatments? LENGTH OF YOUR "TOTAL" DISABILITY: Why? Because it's so important (when it comes time to settle) this is clearly stated in weeks and days. LENGTH OF YOUR "PARTIAL" DISABILITY: Again (and for the same reason as above) this too should be clearly stated in weeks and days. (Specific details, regarding both "Partial" and "Total" Disability , and the incredible value it provides for you in your claim, are found in CHAPTER SIX: YOUR BODILY INJURY).


(5) MEDICAL PAYMENTS COVERAGE: If you have this coverage in your motor vehicle policy, it will pay (up to the limits stated) for all medical bills arising out of the accident - - regardless of who's at fault! (You must read your policy carefully because the "Who", "Why" and/or "How" of this often differs).


A WORD ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS: In certain instances, it may be possible to have your medical bills paid and yet avoid any repayment by tapping into your health insurance coverage, or some other plan you may have. (Yes, this means, under certain circumstances, you may be able to collect twice for the same medical bills)!


(6) WHAT TO DO IF THE ADJUSTER REFUSES TO COOPERATE?

These Are Your Usual And Routine Choices: a. Threaten that you're going to obtain the services of a lawyer to represent you. b. Go over the adjuster's head. c. Resolve your loss in Small Claims Court. d. Contact the proper people (working through the State Department of Insurance) implementing the time honored principle of "Good Faith" vs. "Bad Faith".

Intro to Auto Insurance



Although premiums, policies and prices vary widely, the mandate does not. Automobile insurance is an unavoidable expense of driving. Ideally, you will never have use for your auto insurance. In the event that you do; however, you will considerably improve your satisfaction with the claims process by doing thorough research before policy inception.

Begin with an understanding of auto insurance terms:
Bodily injury (also called liability)
This coverage offsets costs related to the bodily harm and property damage of the other driver(s) when you are at fault in an accident. Insurance companies impose limits on the amounts that they will pay to the victim(s), and for each accident. Your premium amount is determined, in part, by the limits you select. Higher potential payouts by your insurance carrier translate to higher insurance premiums for you, the consumer.

Collision
In the event that you have an accident, your medical expenses and property damage will be covered if you select collision protection as a part of your plan (again, there are limits).

Comprehensive
This category covers costs related to damage, theft, vandalism, etc. For example: if someone breaks your car window, you would access your collision coverage to repair the damages. Again, higher payouts mean higher premiums. If cost is a concern, increase your deductible to decrease your premium. The deductible is the amount, usually between $250.00 and $1,000.00; you pay toward accident/theft related expenses before the insurance company contributes.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Although automobile insurance is legally required, some drivers do not comply. If you have an accident with such a driver this coverage will provide some compensation for medical expenses.
Auto insurance can be quite costly, but it is far more expensive to forgo. Many states arrest and/or fine drivers found to be uninsured. Additionally, accidents, theft and damage can create financial chaos for uninsured/underinsured motorists.

When choosing an insurance carrier, make sure that you have chosen a reputable firm that is accessible, responsive and financially solvent. The coverage is of no use to you if you can reach no one to file a claim, or if there is no money to pay it. Check with agencies such as Standard & Poor's and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to get the information you might not get from a slick brochure or salesperson


Auto Insurance Primer


What is auto insurance? Auto insurance (or car insurance, motor insurance) is insurance consumers can purchase for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Its primary use is to provide protection against losses incurred.

By buying auto insurance, depending on the type of coverage purchased, the consumer may be protected against:


* The cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident
* The cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or damaged beyond economic repair
* Legal liability claims against the driver or owner of the vehicle following the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party.


Liability insurance covers only the last point, while comprehensive insurance covers all three. Even comprehensive insurance, however, doesn't fully cover the risk associated with buying a new car. Due to the sharp decline in value immediately following purchase, there is generally a period in which the remaining car payments exceed the compensation the insurer will pay for a "totaled" (destroyed, or written-off) vehicle. So-called GAP insurance was established in the early 1980's to provide protection to consumers based upon buying and market trends.


The escalating price of cars, extended term auto loans, and the increasing popularity of leasing gave birth to GAP protection. GAP waivers provide protection for consumers when a "gap" exists between the actual value of their vehicle and the amount of money owed to the bank or leasing company. In some countries including New Zealand and Australia market structures mean that people are more likely to buy a nearly new car than a new car so this is less of a problem.


In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured's vehicle, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder and are not specifically excluded on the policy. In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added on to the policy. Liability insurance generally does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own.


When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party's policy. Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle.
Generally, liability coverage does extend when you rent a car. However, in most cases only liability applies. Any additional coverage, such as comprehensive policies, i.e. "full coverage" may not apply. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured's vehicle. This coverage may not apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured's vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured's vehicle. Some states, such as Minnesota, may require that it extend to rental cars. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. In some regions, the costs associated with not having access to the vehicle ("Loss of Use") is also covered

Money Saving Auto Insurance Tips



Our money saving auto insurance tips were written for one reason - To Save You Money on your next auto insurance policy. Since in most states you are required by law to purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage we've looked for ways to save you money. Additionally many people want more than just the bare minimum in order to provide themselves with adequate protection.


The top two biggest money saving auto insurance tips are to first shop around. There are numerous providers of insurance and generally speaking you can save a great deal of money on your policy if you take the time to find the right provider.


The second biggest tip to lower your rates is to simply raise your deductable. In some cases you can reduce your annual premium by 10 percent or more if you increase your deductible by a few hundred dollars. USE CAUTION HERE: You want to make sure you can actually afford the amount that you raise your deductible to or you're no better off then before.


Additional tips include eliminating certain types of coverage from your current policy and reducing the amount of coverage you currently have. Generally this is up to each individual based on thier needs, wants and desires. You may want to consult an insurance agent before making any drastic changes to your current policy.


Other factors raising the cost of your policy include the amount of mileage you drive annually and the type of vehicle you own and operate.
Did you also know that where you live can determine rates and keeping your car in a garage can lower your rates. Cars parked in garages are less likely to be stolen, vandalized, or struck by other vehicles. Using a garage to store your car may entitle you to a slight premium reduction.
If you have multiple cars and drivers then you could qualify for a multifamily discount. Sometimes your children's insurance premium can be lowered based on their school grade point average.


Other discounts may be available if you meet certain criteria. Examples may include discounts for taking a defensive driving course, being a AAA member or staying with the same auto insurance company for a number of years. These discounts vary by company.


Finally try using an anti-theft device. This helps to reduce your insurance cost.
Thanks for taking the time to read our money saving auto insurance tips. We hope our free tips and save you some of your hard earned cash.


Auto Insurance

Driving your car around while trying to avoid an accident with the streets getting more crowded from traffic congestion is difficult enough without having to worry about how high your insurance rates will be. We take the guesswork out of how much your insurance will cost you by providing quality merchants that will save you money.

The automobile insurance provider we represent offers insurance coverage at extremely competitive rates. The fact is you may already be paying too much for your current auto insurance policy coverage. Spend a few minutes using the free resources we provide and visiting the insurance provider we recommend to see if you really are getting the most for your hard earned money when it comes to your vehicle insurance. Your information is always kept confidential and secure with the highest encryption security and best of all our rate quotes are presented for FREE. In many cases you can find out how much you can save on your car insurance in a matter of minutes.


Sit back and relax as you start your car insurance search with our friendly site. We have searched the internet for lenders that offer the best rates and provide friendly customer service. Our job is to make your online auto insurance search as easy and beneficial as possible. The lender we have identified below represent what we consider to be the cream of the crop when it comes to providing excellent car insurance without breaking your bank account or emptying your wallet.


How Do I Lower My Auto Insurance Rates?

Since there are many factors that go into determining your auto insurance rates, there are many chances to lower your rates.

If you change jobs and your drive to work changes or you stop working or you work from home, you should contact your insurance company.

If you have a teen driver and they go to school over 100 miles away without a car then you should be able to get a discount.

If you get married and are in your teens or twenties call your insurance company and see about combining your policies. Take defensive driving if your state allows it for a discount. See if increasing your comprehsive and collision deductibles will save you a lot of money.

You need to compare what you're saving and how much more you will have to pay if you file a claim.

For example, if you go from $500 to a $1000 deductible and it lowers your insurance $50 per 6 months then it saves you $100 a year. It will take you 5 years to break even from what you are saving compared to how much more you have to pay. Now, if it saves you $250 every six months then it would be more worth your while. See if combining your auto and home insurance polices will qualify for a multi policy discount with your current company. This could be a substantial discount.

Auto Insurance Basics



Most people only think that insurance is something they need so they can get their registration and tag so they can drive. It is something that they need because their license will be suspended if they don't get it. It's just a bother to some because people think "I don't get into accidents, I am a careful driver."


Often times people will call for insurance and say give me the cheapest insurance or give me only what is required. Many people don't even know what this insurance coverage this is. A lot of people only really become aware of what coverage they have when they need it, like when they need to make a claim.


When you run into that stopped car or have someone sideswipe your car in a parking lot while you are shopping, suddenly having only the coverage is required by law may not be the best thing to have. You should always have as much insurance as you can afford to carry. Having too little is never good and if you have insurance you cannot afford is not any better. A policy that is cancelled due to non-payment does you no good at all.


Lets take a look at the state I am familiar with - Florida. Florida is a no-fault state. What does this mean? Well, if you have the proper state required coverage you will be protected by the no-fault law. If you are in an accident whether you are at fault or not at fault you will go through your own personal injury coverage for your medical expenses for the first $10,000. If you do not have at lease state minimum insurance then you will not be protected and may be subject to paying for the injuries of the other people you hurt in the accident.


There are many types of coverage to purchase and meet your insurance needs. Every coverage has a purpose and all are good to get.
Florida state minimum insurance is Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage. Personal Injury Protection or P.I.P. covers your medical, hospital and funeral expenses up to its limits. It also covers others in your vehicle and pedestrians struck by your car. You are covered for up to $10,000. There also may be a deductible. This can be 0, 250, 500 or 1000 deductible. A $1000 deductible being the minimum in Florida.


Property Damage liability covers if your vehicle damages another person's property. This could be their car, house, motorcycle, etc. Limits for this are $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000. The Minimum in Florida is $10,000.


Another valuable coverage is Bodily Injury Liability. Bodily Injury covers other people's injury or death that you are responsible for up to the limits you purchase. This is not required by Florida for state minimum insurance, but it would satisfy another law called the Financial Responsibility law. This law states that if you are not financially responsible at the time of and at fault accident where someone gets injured or property damage occurs, your license may be suspended. At this point you may be able to get your license back by filing an Sr-22. This form shows to the state you are now carrying Bodily Injury Coverage and are now financially responsible. Usually you must carry this for 3 years with no lapses in coverage.


Another common insurance people ask for is Full Coverage. This is not an insurance coverage and means a different thing with every company you call. Most people only know that their car dealer or bank wants Full Coverage so they ask for it. Comprehensive and Collision is what these companies are looking for. Collision covers repairs when your vehicle hits or is hit by another vehicle. If it is destroyed it will also pay up to the book value of the vehicle at the time of a loss. Comprehensive covers for loss caused by other circumstances other than a collision. Some examples are theft, flood, fire or animal damage. This will also cover total losses up to the book value of the vehicle.


Other types of coverage available are medical and Uninsured Motorist. Medical covers medical costs to you and your passengers injured in an accident. Uninsured Motorist covers injuries to you and your passengers when the other person in the accident is at fault but does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance.

What is Car Insurance?

Car Insurance is compulsory in the UK. You are required by law to have a policy to cover your liability to other road users.

The Road Traffic Act requires all motorists to be insured against their liability for injuries to others (including passengers) and for damage to other people's property resulting from use of a vehicle on a road or other public place. It is an offence to drive your car or allow others to drive it without insurance.

Owning and driving a car means taking on many risks to yourself and others. When a traffic accident happens, damage, injuries, loss or all of these factors may be inflicted upon you and others. Damage and loss of your property may also occur. Fire, theft, vandalism and natural disasters are other possible risks.

Car Insurance protects motorists and drivers against liability in the event of accidents they may cause. It can also provide cover for the motorist's own vehicle.

Car insurance is what safeguards you against loss due to traffic accidents, thefts or other reasons. Taking out car insurance is very important as insurance is what secures you from economic loss or damages. In case you do not have car insurance and you are involved in an accident, in spite of who is at fault, you will be paying the compensation concerned with damages. Car insurance is designed to protect yourself and others against these risks.
Many different types of cover are available, ranging from third party cover which protects individuals against liability should they injure a third party or cause damage to a third party's property, but does not provide any cover for the individual's own vehicle or property, through to comprehensive cover, which can offer protection for accidental damage, theft, fire damage as well as liability towards third parties. The minimum legal requirement for car insurance to drive in the UK is Third Party Only, Car insurance is a contract between you and the insurer, specifying each party's rights and obligations. Essentially the car insurance company promises to provide specific coverage for you in return for your payment of the car insurance premium.

It is vital to know what your car insurance policy covers. It could be a complete and comprehensive policy that covers you for all risks that might be surrounding your car. The basic requirement is that in the event of an accident, you are covered for the compensation that you may have to pay for injury to other people and their vehicle. This is an amount that could run into several thousands which will be covered in the car insurance policy.


There are two main types of car insurance policies available in the UK :


Third Party
Third party insurance covers the insured when driving on private property as well as on public roads. This policy offers protection against legal liabilities as well as covering third party claims.

Comprehensive
Comprehensive insurance cover is the most popular form of cover, the most important addition being accidental damage cover, where policyholders can get their own vehicle repaired in case of damage. For people who want to be covered against as many risks as possible, then comprehensive policies is the solution.
You should read your car insurance policy carefully to ensure it gives you the level of cover you are seeking. There should be no small print or difficult language in modern insurance policy documents. If you are unsure about what the policy does or does not cover then just ask your insurer or insurance adviser to explain.