Auto Insurance Terms St. Louis, Missouri

Auto Insurance Terms – Part 2

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Auto Insurance Terms St. Louis, MissouriRecently, we discussed the importance of understanding four basic auto insurance coverages; liability including bodily injury and property damage, and comprehensive and collision coverage. Almost all states require liability coverage for auto insurance.

In Part 2, we will explain additional coverages you can add to your auto insurance policy. Not only will this give you more coverage in the event you have a claim, but it could only be a small increase in price to have potentially thousands of dollars in coverage in the event you have to file an insurance claim. Let’s discuss what could be considered full coverage auto insurance.

Full coverage auto insurance typically means you have liability coverage (bodily and property damage), collision coverage, comprehensive coverage plus additional coverages such as PIP and uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage can be broken out into four parts; uninsured motorist bodily injury, uninsured motorist property damage, underinsured motorist bodily injury, and underinsured motorist property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can pay for damage up to your policy limits in the event you get into an accident and the other driver has little to no auto insurance coverage.

This policy can provide you with coverage if you experience a hit-and-run too.

Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments is another form of coverage many individuals invest in when it comes to purchasing an auto insurance policy. PIP can help pay towards medical bills for you or your passengers after getting into a car accident. It can also pay towards medical supplies, care, lost wages, prescriptions, or other services you may need. Every insurance carrier and state is different so it is best to talk to your insurance agent about the details of this coverage for your policy.

More coverages to consider for your auto insurance policy:

Roadside assistance: If your vehicle breaks down, this coverage can provide you with several services such as towing services, flat tire changes, fuel delivery (not including the cost of the fuel), lock-out service, and more. Talk to your agent about the details of your policy as each insurance carrier may be slightly different in how they can offer roadside assistance.

Custom parts and equipment: does your vehicle have custom parts or equipment? This could be an upgraded stereo, custom wheels, navigation system, custom paint, and more. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, this coverage can pay up to your policy limits to repair or replace it.

Windshield repairs: Are you prone to glass chips in your windshield?

Ask your agent if you have an option for a “no deductible” glass replacement. This can be an inexpensive coverage that can save you from having to pay your typical comprehensive insurance deductible.

If you are interested in purchasing full coverage car insurance, call our agency. We can shop with our top insurance carriers to help you find the best policy for your needs. Once we have determined your insurance carrier and policy, we can explain and then look at extra coverage options for your auto insurance.

Auto Insurance in St. Louis, Missouri

Four Auto Insurance Terms You Should Know– Part 1

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Auto Insurance in St. Louis, MissouriThere are many ways you can purchase auto insurance for your vehicle. Calling a local independent insurance agency can offer you some additional benefits and personalized service as well as help you select the right coverage for your situation. It’s important to understand your coverage options since you’ll want the right coverage in the event of a claim.

Once you understand each coverage, you can have better knowledge of what options best suit your situation. Opening a discussion with one of our agents can help and we are here to provide you with professional insurance advice, guidance, and knowledge.

Let’s break down the four most common auto insurance coverages.

State minimum liability coverage: (Bodily Injury & Property Damage)

State minimum liability coverage is actually two coverages. It will pay towards bodily injury claims and property damage claims.

Every driver is required to purchase state minimum liability insurance unless you live in New Hampshire.

This typically is the least expensive auto insurance policy but it also provides you with the least amount of insurance coverage.

State minimum liability coverage will provide insurance coverage if you are involved in an at-fault car accident that results in injuring someone or causing property damage. It covers the injured person’s medical bills related to the auto insurance accident, up to your policy limits. It will also pay for repairs to the damaged property. Liability limits vary by state. If your at-fault accident causes more damage than your liability limit, you would be held accountable for the remaining balance. That’s why it is important to purchase limits higher than a state-minimum liability when you can.

If your vehicle is damaged or you are also injured in the accident, state minimum liability coverage will not provide you with any protection. It is purely for those you cause damage or injury to. You would be required to pay out-of-pocket for your medical bills & repairing your vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage:

This coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is vandalized, damaged from a fire, stolen, collides with an animal, or is damaged by hail, a fallen tree, wind, floods, lightning, or other inclement weather.

If you are financing or leasing a vehicle, it will be required by your lender to have this coverage on your auto insurance policy.

Do you need this coverage? If you own your vehicle, it is up to you. If you value what your car is worth & prefer not to pay out-of-pocket for any damage that could occur in the event you get into an accident, you will benefit from having this coverage added to your auto insurance policy.

Collision coverage:

This coverage can pay towards repair damage (or replacement) for your vehicle if you collide with another vehicle, a guardrail, fence, or any other object.

If you have taken out a loan or are leasing a vehicle, it will be required to have collision coverage.

Do you need this coverage? If you own your vehicle, it is up to you. If you are found at fault for an accident & your vehicle is damaged, you would have to pay out-of-pocket for repairs to your vehicle if you do not have collision coverage. If you prefer to not have this financial liability, it may be worth adding collision coverage to your auto insurance policy. If your vehicle is valuable, you may also want to consider this coverage.

Talk to an agent in our office about these different auto insurance coverage options. We can provide you with quotes from many insurance carriers & help you find the best policy for your needs & budget. There are additional car insurance coverages you can add on top of liability, comprehensive & collision coverage. These coverages include Medical payments, Uninsured/Underinsured motorist, Roadside assistance, Custom parts & equipment, and many more. We’ll discuss in detail these coverage options in Part 2. Get a free car insurance quote by calling or emailing us.

How to be a safer driver in in St. Louis, Missouri

It’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month – Facts & Tips

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How to be a safer driver in in St. Louis, MissouriAccording to National Safety Council (NSC) driving has become more dangerous in the last two years. Motor vehicle accidents are up 9% from 2020 and 18% from 2019. Car accidents where drivers collided with other vehicles or fixed objects were the two most common types of accidents. Distracted driving has played an unfortunate role in this rise in accidents.

What are the most common distractions when driving?

Using your cell phone

National Safety Council states roughly 26% of car accidents involve cell phone use.

How to be a safer driver

Assess how you use a cell phone when you are in a vehicle. It is not against the law to talk on a cell phone while driving. However, it is imperative to pay attention to your driving behavior when you are talking on a cell phone.

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you put yourself or others at risk while using a cell phone:

  1. Are you able to concentrate not only on the road but on other drivers or pedestrians while talking on the phone?
  2. Are you holding a phone when you drive? If you are going to use a cell phone, it is best to be hands-free.
  3. Do you ever text and drive? How can you avoid doing this when driving?
  4. If you have children or teenagers, are you setting a good or bad example of using a cell phone while driving?
  5. Are you using your cell phone for GPS directions? Where is your phone located when you are using GPS? Do you have a holding device for your cell phone so you can easily see directions & the road?
  6. Are you using your cell phone to play music? Can you control your music settings through your car? Are you changing songs while driving or do you already have a playlist formed before you hit the road?

Consider answering all these questions to determine how safe of a driver you are on the road. Any of the following scenarios can put you at risk. Look to find ways to avoid them at all costs to help prevent an accident.

Other common distractions:

  • Talking to passengers
  • Grooming
  • Dazing off
  • Trying to control children or pets in the back seat
  • Eating or drinking

It’s important to evaluate your driving and determine if you catch yourself driving distracted. If you are a safe driver, we can help you find affordable car insurance; carriers that reward safe drivers with better rates. Call our agency for multiple car insurance quotes. We represent the top auto insurance carriers and can help you find custom coverage that suits your needs. We will also shop for all discounts that can apply to you.

You may even want to consider participating in a telematics program, which offers a car insurance discount, but also evaluates your driving habits. Contact us for more information.

Temporary Insurance Policies in St. Louis, Missouri

Scenarios That Warrant Short-Term or Temporary Insurance

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Temporary Insurance Policies in St. Louis, MissouriWhile our agency does not specialize in short-term insurance policies, there are a few scenarios that can warrant the need for short-term insurance policies. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these.

Traveling to Mexico:

If you’re driving into Mexico it is likely that your existing auto insurance policy excludes travel to Mexico. You’ll want to find an agency that offers Mexico Auto Coverage. Your typical coverages are available to cover your vehicle and can include roadside assistance. Talk to an agent about what might be the best fit for you if you’re traveling to and from Mexico.

Renting A Vehicle

If you plan to rent a vehicle as a temporary replacement while on vacation, your existing auto coverage should transfer to the rental vehicle. However, items like loss of use are not covered and could cause you to accrue some out-of-pocket expenses should you be found at fault for an accident that removes the vehicle from the rental fleet. Talk to an agent before you rent a vehicle and ensure your existing coverage will transfer to the temporary replacement. You can always purchase the rental agency’s coverage as a primary coverage as well.

Vacation or Travel Insurance

If you’re going on vacation you might want to consider travel insurance if your plans get interrupted. Things like sickness, injury, and lost luggage can be covered with a simple policy. You can even find coverage for “cancel for any reason” which could help with some unusual circumstances for having to cancel a trip. Be sure to ask your agent about the coverage details so you fully understand your coverage.

Wedding & Special Event

If you are planning on hosting a special event such as a wedding, bar mitzvah, baby shower, charity auction, Easter egg hunt, or even a cocktail party, you should consider special event insurance. Getting a one-day (multi-day also available) special event insurance policy is an easy chore.

Even if you don’t serve alcohol at your party, by inviting guests and children onto your property you have a liability that needs to be protected. Consider trip and fall accidents, food poisoning, or even a dog bite. Many things can happen during an event that should be planned for.

As an independent insurance agency, we not only represent a variety of great insurance carriers but we can help you plan for these temporary insurance policies. Purchasing a policy can be as simple as a quick phone call with your travel or plan details and we can provide you with a quote.

Spring Activities to Consider in St. Louis, Missouri

5 Things to Consider Doing This Spring

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Spring is in the air! Plants are starting to bloom, days are feeling longer and the weather is getting warmer. There are many things to be excited about when it comes to a new season. Our agency shares five things to consider doing this spring. Spring Activities to Consider in St. Louis, Missouri

Plan a fun, local spring activity

Spring can be known for beautiful flowers. One of the best spring activities to do is to visit a tulip garden or your local arboretum. Visiting a tulip festival could be a family outing or a great date night with your partner. Your local arboretum can also allow out to see the season’s change. Plan a picnic or just enjoy a stroll in the park.

Change Out Your Wiper Blades on Your Car

Spring is a great time to change out your wiper blades. Your wiper blades have worked hard to keep your windshield clear of grit and grime on the roadways. If you need help changing out your blades many locally-owned auto parts stores can help. Changing them out usually only takes a minute and can keep you safe on the road if inclement weather strikes.

Consider Growing a Vegetable or Flower Garden

Growing a vegetable garden not only helps you save on groceries, but it gives you the satisfaction of growing your own food. Many people feel like vegetables from their garden taste better too. Flowers also provide many gardeners with joy. As a bonus, maintaining a garden can be relaxing and a great hobby to add to your lifestyle.

Choose a Day to Spring Clean Your Home

We all have heard about spring cleaning. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Spring cleaning doesn’t necessarily mean you have to commit a whole weekend to cleaning. You could start by doing one task only.

Consider one below:

  • Clean out your closet & donate clothes you haven’t worn in over 12 months.
  • Organize your pantry.
  • Vacuum out your car and wipe down the interior.
  • Dust your house including your blinds if you have them.
  • Clean out your fridge. Not only discarding bottles that may have expired, but actually wipe down drawers and shelves. Make it sparkle again!
  • Change your smoke detector batteries.
  • Organize your garage.

Are You Considering Buying a Used RV?

RVs are great for outdoor enthusiasts. If you are shopping for a used RV, be sure to look for water damage before making the purchase. RV’s are very susceptible to water damage. Truth is many manufacturers in the US don’t build the RVs with as much quality as they could.

Water damage is usually easy to spot or smell. If the RV smells musty or feels damp, this is a big indicator. Look for mineral stains or water stains on wood towards the floor, around skylights, and air conditioners or vents located on the roof. Also, go around the RV or trailer and push in on all the sides all the way around. If water has gotten into the walls, it could quickly rot the structural portions of the RV and will feel spongy. Pushing on the sides will identify any areas that may be compromised. An RV should be stiff and hard, if it flexes, it is possible there is water damage. This quick inspection could save you thousands in repairs.

We hope you enjoy your spring! If you ever have questions regarding your auto, home, boat, RV, or motorcycle insurance, be sure to reach out to us.