Car insurance agencies field a lot of questions each day. Some of them are so unique, while others tend to pop up on a regular basis. Since many local drivers tend to have some of the same questions, we’ve made it easy to find the answers. Continue reading to learn answers to 4 of the questions car insurance agencies get the most.
1. What Deductible Should I Choose?
The deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying toward the repair or replacement of your vehicle after a covered loss. Choosing a higher deductible will generate lower premiums. However, we advise not taking a deductible that is so high that you cannot easily afford to pay it should you need to file a claim. If you depend on your car to get to work or the kids to school, you don’t want to be without transportation because you can’t afford to get your car back from the shop after an accident. Your independent agent can help you weigh the options and come to a conclusion that will serve you best.
2. Do I need collision insurance if I have comprehensive coverage?
Collision and comprehensive insurance are two different types of coverage altogether. While both are designed to pay for repair or replacement of your vehicle, they cover damages from various types of events.
Collision insurance pays for damages to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or stationary object, such as a fence or tree. Comprehensive pays for losses in other scenarios, such as theft, vandalism, fire, inclement weather, and striking an animal.
Though the State of Wisconsin does not require that drivers have either of these types of coverage, most lenders do. If you financed your vehicle or otherwise wish to protect yourself from a sudden financial loss, we recommend both types of coverage.
3. What happens if a claim exceeds the limits on my liability coverage?
This is one of the scariest things that can happen to a Wisconsin driver following a collision. If you are responsible for causing an accident, you can also be held liable for the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, physical property damages, legal fees, and more. Your liability protection can only provide payment up to the limits you select in your policy. If a victim has $100,000 in medical bills but you only have $50,000 in liability, you would be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars. Always consult with your independent insurance agent to determine how much liability you might need to fully protect your assets.
4. Why should I use an agent if I can get the same coverage online?
In Green Bay as well as the rest of Wisconsin, we tend to want to take care of things ourselves – even if that means shopping for our own car insurance. Despite the widespread availability of online insurance quotes, car insurance is still one thing that is better purchased offline with the help of an agent.
Have you ever heard of getting professional advice at no cost? Having an agent is like having free, anytime access to a licensed professional who can offer valuable counsel and industry advice when you need it most. Your agent is someone who can assess your individual situation and provide valuable guidance in choosing the types of coverage and limits that will protect you when the going gets tough. The best part of it is, working with an independent agent won’t cost you a penny. In fact, they will help you save money on your car insurance. And don’t just settle for any agent. Look for an independent car insurance agent who will shop and compare insurance from multiple providers until you have the coverage you want and need.