Insurance Information

An 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 hoping to close a deal.

Nicole Soltau
President and Founder
http://CreditUnionRate.com/
The Leading Online Credit Union Directory


MORE RESOURCES:

The Money Times

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RTT News

Sector Snap: Insurance stocks mostly rise
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AP 07.23.08, 3:39 PM ET Insurance company stocks mostly rose Wednesday, as investors responded to a fairly positive second-quarter report from The Travelers ...
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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Small Pickups Falter In Side-Impact Crashes
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Campaign aims to get kids, adults health insurance
Chicago Tribune, United States - 19 hours ago
AP INDIANAPOLIS - An annual back-to-school campaign aimed at enrolling children in low-cost government insurance added a new goal this year: getting their ...
IN officials encourage insurance sign-ups WFIE-TV
Campaign Aims to Get Kids Health Insurance 93.1 WIBC Indianapolis
all 17 news articles


Ohio health-insurance reform panel presents recommendations to ...
Bizjournals.com, NC - 16 hours ago
A state panel on Wednesday rolled out recommendations for extended health coverage to Ohio's uninsured, a report in the works since last summer. ...
Insuring the uninsured will be costly Columbus Dispatch
Plan would require all in Ohio to have health care Cincinnati.com
State Coverage Initiative team issues report that recommends ... Wilmington News Journal, OH
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New small business owner insurance program
Indianapolis Star, United States - 11 hours ago
Indianapolis based, HR Partnerships, Inc, a local human resource management company announced the establishment of a new Small Business insurance initiative ...


Travel insurance presents its own set of risks
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 15 hours ago
Let's say you're a cautious soul and bought travel insurance for your trip. But when something unexpected happened - for what you thought you were insured ...

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