Auto INSURANCE
Auto Insurance: Protecting You and Your Vehicle on the Road
As a driver, you know that auto insurance is required to legally operate a vehicle on the road. But what exactly does it cover, and how can you ensure you have the right policy for your needs?
At Cornerstone Insurance Brokers, we believe in providing our clients with the best possible insurance options while giving back to the communities we serve. In this article, we'll take a closer look at auto insurance, including what it is, the types of coverage available, and how to choose the right policies for your needs.
WHAT IS Auto Insurance?
Auto insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company that protects you from financial loss in an accident or theft. It covers the costs associated with damage to your vehicle and medical expenses for injuries sustained in an accident. Auto insurance policies also provide liability coverage, which pays for damages or injuries you cause to drivers, passengers, or property.
Cornerstone Insurance Brokers covers various vehicles, including motorcycles, automobiles, motorhomes, boats, and pretty much anything else with wheels.
Types of Auto Insurance Coverage
You can choose from several different types of auto insurance coverage, each with its own set of benefits and costs. Here are the most common types of coverage:
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Liability Coverage
This type of coverage is mandatory in most states and provides financial protection if you are responsible for an accident that causes injury or damage to someone else's property.
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Car Involved in a Collision without Car Insurance
It pays for the repairs to your vehicle if you are involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
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Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects you from damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage pays for damages or injuries if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance coverage to pay for the damages.
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Medical Payments
This coverage can cover medical expenses for you or your passengers during an accident regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
What Does Auto Insurance Cover?
Property Damage
Auto insurance policies cover repairing or replacing damaged vehicles. This includes damage to your car and other drivers' cars or property, such as fences, buildings, or utility poles.
Bodily Injury
Auto insurance policies also cover the liability associated with injuries or death you or another driver may cause while driving. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the injured party.
What Does Auto Insurance Not Cover
Natural Disaster
Auto insurance policies do not cover damage to your car caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or any other "acts of God."
Carelessness
If your carelessness caused damage to your car, your insurance claim may be rejected. Examples include leaving your keys in the car or not properly locking your vehicle.
Theft of Personal Belongings
Although car insurance policies will cover any damages to your vehicle resulting from vandalism or a break-in, any personal belongings that may have been stolen will not be reimbursed. However, property policies can often cover these belongings (homeowners insurance, renters insurance, business owner’s policy)
Someone Else's Car
You cannot file a claim on your auto insurance policy if you have an accident while driving someone else's car. Claims can only be made for the vehicle registered under the policyholder's name.
Note: To avoid any surprises related to coverage exceptions, thoroughly reviewing your policy details is crucial. Familiarizing yourself with the specifics can help prevent potential issues down the road.
Who is Covered by My Auto Insurance?
Your auto insurance covers you and your family members when driving your car or someone else's car with permission. It also covers non-policyholders driving with your consent. However, personal auto insurance only covers personal driving and not commercial use, such as delivering pizzas or providing ride-sharing services. Some insurers offer supplemental insurance products for vehicle owners providing ride-sharing services but at an additional cost. If you are planning on using your vehicle for Uber, Uber Eats, Diner Dash, Shipt, etc it’s important you let us know ahead of time.
Choosing the Right Auto Insurance Policy
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right auto insurance policy. The following tips will assist you in making an informed decision:
Determine Your Coverage Needs: Consider factors such as your vehicle's value, driving habits, and budget when selecting the types and amounts of coverage you need.
Shop Around for Quotes: It is always a good idea to get quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure you get the best value. (we do this for every quote, for every client, every year)
Read the Fine Print: Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the policy, including any deductibles, exclusions, or limitations.
Consider Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, multiple vehicles, or bundling policies, so be sure to ask about any available discounts.
Review Your Policy Regularly: As your driving habits or life circumstances change, reviewing your policy and adjusting your coverage as needed is essential.
Why Choose Cornerstone Insurance Brokers for Your Auto Insurance Needs?
At Cornerstone Insurance Brokers, we prioritize the needs and satisfaction of our clients. As a For Benefit insurance company, we strive to provide unparalleled auto insurance coverage while contributing to the betterment of our communities. Our team comprises skilled and knowledgeable insurance brokers who will scour various insurance carriers to secure the best value for you at a competitive price.
We pride ourselves on not charging broker fees, resulting in greater savings for our clients. Additionally, we are committed to giving back to places in need, with 10% of all our revenue allocated towards supporting those within our communities.
THINK WE MIGHT BE A GOOD FIT?
Let’s talk! Reach out now and let us know what questions we can answer for you!