Could I be in trouble if I do not carry auto insurance?

Being a car owner is common for those in the Evergreen Park, IL area. If you are going to buy a car here, you will have a convenient way to get around the community. Those who own a car will also need to ensure they are adequately insured. If you do not have proper insurance, you could face various repercussions and find yourself in trouble in various ways. 

Financial Challenges

One type of trouble you can find yourself in is a financial challenge. An auto insurance plan offers significant financial protection. This includes both for your vehicle, if you have comprehensive insurance, and for liability coverage. If you are not insured, you will still be held responsible for replacing your car and compensate other parties if you are at fault in an accident. This could create a significant financial strain. 

Legal Challenges

Beyond financial strain and stress, a lack of auto insurance can lead to legal challenges. No matter where you drive a car, you are required to carry liability insurance. If you are caught driving without it, you will be issued a ticket and can face other repercussions in the future. This can even include losing your license for a period of time if you are a repeat offender. 

When trying to get insurance for a car in the Evergreen Park, IL area, you always need to ensure you speak with someone you can trust and who can help you choose the right policy. Our professionals with the Martin Insurance Team are always available to help with this. Our Martin Insurance Team professionals will give you the support you need to create a plan that appropriately protects your vehicle. 

Why does someone need to have transportation insurance in Evergreen Park?

The shipping and transportation industry in the Evergreen Park, IL area is critical. This industry is responsible for shipping and transporting products worldwide to ensure everyone receives their needs. Those in this industry will find there is always continued demand but also risks. Many of these risks can be covered and reduced with insurance. For various reasons, someone here must get a full transportation insurance plan. 

Freight and Cargo Coverage

One reason to have transportation insurance is to receive freight and cargo insurance. When you ship products, the underlying value can be significant. You could be held responsible if these items are damaged or stolen in transit. A proper transportation insurance plan will offer freight and cargo insurance, which will help protect the items you are transporting.

Excess Liability Insurance

It is also a good idea to have transportation insurance to ensure you are covered for other forms of liability. As you move products across the country, you will recognize that accidents can happen. You can be held liable if this damages other property or causes employee injuries. You will mitigate these risks when adequately covered with a transportation insurance plan.  

Transportation insurance is critical for many in the Evergreen Park, IL area. When you are ready to start shopping for a new plan here, you should call our professionals with the Martin Insurance Team. When working with the Martin Insurance Team, you will get any help you need to build a proper policy that will meet your needs and ensure you are appropriately covered. 

How to Insure Custom Motorcycles

Custom motorcycles are a labor of love, reflecting your unique style and personality. Protecting these one-of-a-kind machines requires specialized insurance coverage. Here at Martin Insurance Team, providing motorcycle insurance to customers in the Evergreen Park, IL region, we want to teach you how to insure your custom motorcycle to ensure it stays safe on the road.

Assess Your Bike’s Value

Before securing insurance, determine the value of your custom motorcycle. Consider factors like custom parts, upgrades, and any sentimental value. This assessment will help you choose the proper coverage.

Choose the Right Coverage

Standard motorcycle insurance may not adequately cover your custom bike. Look for policies that offer "agreed value" or "stated value" coverage. These policies allow you to set a value for your motorcycle, ensuring you’re compensated appropriately in case of a total loss.

Document Customizations

Thoroughly document all customizations, modifications, and upgrades made to your motorcycle. Keep records of receipts, invoices, and photographs. This documentation will serve as crucial evidence when filing a claim.

Shop Around for Quotes

Insurance premiums for custom motorcycles can vary widely. Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare rates from different insurers. Be sure to inquire about discounts for safety features and anti-theft devices.

Custom motorcycles deserve custom insurance. Assess your bike’s value, choose the right coverage, and document customizations meticulously. If you’re in the market for new motorcycle insurance in the greater Evergreen Park, IL area, regardless of whether it’s for a custom or standard motorcycle, the insurance agents at Martin Insurance Team would love to help you find the policy that is best suited for your needs. Call or email us to start the process of finding you a new motorcycle insurance policy. 

What Kind of Problems Can Summer Heat Cause a Car?

Who doesn’t love backyard barbecues, swimming pools, and playing in the park? Summer is four months of freedom from cold weather, accidents on slushy roads, and being bundled up in layers of clothes and coats. On the other hand, the heat causes severe and costly problems to your car. Here’s what Evergreen Park, IL’s Martin Insurance Team wants you to look out for with your auto.

Heat Doesn’t Always Make Things Expand

Did you know that heat will thin the motor oil in your car? As it circulates through the engine, it thins, leaving not enough oil to reach all the corners of your engine.

Did you also know that the heat causes your tires’ air pressure to increase? This could mean a blowout, which in turn could mean a wreck.

Here are other ways summer heat affects your auto.

Battery Trouble

The chemical processes inside a car battery are delayed in the summer heat. This means the battery won’t hold a charge even if it generates enough power. Additionally, battery fluids evaporate faster in summer. Check your battery regularly in all seasons.

The A/C

While it doesn’t impede the car’s operation, it does make the summer heat more bearable. If you find your a/c sluggish or not putting out enough cold air, by all means, get it checked. 

Windshield

You wouldn’t think the windshield would matter in the heat of August, but it definitely does. Anything can cause a crack to start, such as a stone or something flying through a bad storm. The problem comes when the heat causes that crack to expand. Get any windshield problems fixed immediately for safety.

We usually consider storms and icy winter roads when considering what could happen to our auto. Call or stop in Evergreen Park, IL to ask Martin Insurance Team for more information.

How Much Auto Insurance Do You Need in Illinois?

Auto insurance is mandatory in Illinois. All drivers must have a policy that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. If you’re currently looking for an auto insurance policy in Evergreen Park, IL (or Florida in the Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples areas), be sure to contact us at Martin Insurance Team to learn more. In the meantime, check out how much auto insurance you’re required to attain in Illinois:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage pays for injuries or death to another person if a driver is at fault in an accident.
  • Property Damage Liability: $20,000 per accident. This coverage pays for damage to another person’s property that occurs in an accident where a driver is at fault. Usually, this means damage to another vehicle, but it can also cover buildings, utility poles, fences, and other structures.
  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage pays for injuries to drivers and their passengers if they are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault.

In addition to these minimums, Illinois requires at least $15,000 in uninsured motorist property damage coverage with a $250 deductible for hit-and-run accidents.

While these are the legal minimums, it’s often recommended that you carry more than the required amount of insurance to protect yourself financially. This is especially true for drivers with significant assets that could be at risk in a lawsuit.

Optional coverages that you might consider include collision coverage, which pays for damage to your own vehicle in an accident; comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage to your car from things like theft and natural disasters; and medical payments coverage, which pays for medical or funeral expenses for you or others riding in your vehicle regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

And remember, if you’re currently looking for an auto insurance policy in Evergreen Park, IL (or Florida in the Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples areas), be sure to contact us at Martin Insurance Team today!

What Does Transportation Insurance Cover?

Suppose you plan to travel from one location to another, whether for work, you may want to secure travel insurance. This coverage protects you from liability in the event of an accident or incident where there is damage to property or any cargo you may transport. Most truck transportation companies and owners secure this additional coverage to prevent losses from fire, theft, delays, or damage. Let the experts at Martin Insurance Team, serving Evergreen Park, IL, help you secure the coverage you need. 

Transportation Insurance Coverage

Consider this coverage if you have a commercial truck or a regular car and want added protection against physical damage and cargo losses. It’s additional insurance protection aside from liability. It can protect you when you experience unexpected events, such as an accident involving an animal or even falling objects and vandalism. 

Transportation insurance is a blanket of protection for the cargo and the vehicle in one package. Transportation insurance covers more than just trucks, however. It can cover vehicles and cargo that range from standard trucks to railway cars and boats. This insurance is also ideal for protecting employers from the negligent actions of employees on the road. 

Find Out More Today

The experts at Martin Insurance Team are ready to assist the residents of Evergreen Park, IL, and the surrounding areas in getting the insurance coverage they need to protect them from risk and liability. Call or stop by the office today to speak with one of our helpful agents. We can help determine the level of coverage you need and provide great options to help protect your cargo and assets while they move from one location to another. 

What type of insurance do I need for trucking?

If you’re a truck driver in Evergreen Park, IL, you know an effective insurance plan is essential. But with all the different types of coverage available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which type of policy is best for you. Here the Martin Insurance Team provides an overview of the different types of insurance that truckers need to consider. 

Commercial Vehicle Insurance 

Commercial vehicle insurance is designed to protect truck drivers from losses caused by damage to their vehicles while they are on the road. This type of coverage typically includes property damage and liability protection, and most truck drivers are required to have at least a minimum level of commercial vehicle insurance to operate legally. 

Cargo Liability Insurance 

Cargo liability insurance helps protect against financial losses if goods or materials are damaged or destroyed while in transit. This type of coverage is especially important for those transporting valuable items such as electronics, jewelry, or antiques. It also covers any legal costs should a claim be made against the driver or company due to cargo damage. 

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance 

Non-trucking liability insurance provides coverage when a truck driver is not directly engaged in carrying goods or services for their business but still needs protection from potential liabilities arising from accidents or other unexpected events. This policy covers incidents such as vandalism, theft, fire, and personal injury claims related to non-business activities like driving home after work. 

Having adequate insurance coverage is essential for any truck driver in Evergreen Park, IL who wants peace of mind while on the road. Contact the Martin Insurance Team for more details.

Safety tips for motorcycle riders

Riding a motorcycle can be a fun and exhilarating experience, but it’s also important to stay safe while on the road. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while riding your motorcycle.

1. Wear a helmet – A motorcycle helmet is the most crucial piece of gear you can wear while riding. It can protect you from serious injury in the event of a crash. Ensure your helmet is fitted correctly and meets all safety standards.

2. Wear bright colors – Wearing bright colors makes you more visible to drivers, which can help reduce the risk of getting hit by a car.

3. Ride defensively – Always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid accidents.

4. Use signals – Use signals to indicate when you’re turning or stopping so that other drivers know what you’re doing.

5. Don’t drink and ride – Drinking and riding can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting into an accident. This is especially important when you are on two wheels.

6. Check your motorcycle’s oil level and tire pressure – Checking your motorcycle’s oil level and tire pressure before every ride can help reduce the risk of experiencing a mechanical failure while on the road.

7. Carry a spare key, ID, and money – Carrying a spare key, ID, and money in case of an emergency can help you get home safely.

Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable activity, especially in Ft Myers, FL, but one that is inherently prone to risks. Knowing that you are covered in case of an emergency will make the experience even more fun. To explore your options for motorcycle insurance, contact the Martin Insurance Team today!

How to Stay Safe When You Have Passengers in Your Car

Tragically, thousands of accidents happen yearly due to distracted drivers with passengers in their vehicles. You may not think about it, but their safety is partially in your hands when you have passengers in your car. Here are some tips from the Martin Insurance Team of Ft Myers, FL, to help keep your passengers and yourself safe while driving.

Always wear a seatbelt.

It is always essential to wear a seatbelt as a driver or a passenger in a vehicle. Wearing a seatbelt can help to protect you in the event of an accident by keeping you restrained in your seat. This can help prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle or thrown around inside the car, which can lead to severe injuries or even death.

Do not distract the driver.

As a passenger, you should never distract the driver by talking on the phone, having loud conversations, or doing anything that takes their attention away from the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, so it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and not cause unnecessary distractions.

Do not let anyone drive under the influence.

When someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are not in the right mind to drive. They may be unable to think clearly, and the driver may slow down their reflexes. This can lead to them getting into accidents and even killing themselves or others.

If you’re looking for a great car insurance team in Ft Myers, FL, look no further than Martin Insurance Team. We’re here to help you find the right coverage for your needs and budget. Give us a call today to get started.

Four of the most important things motorists should know about auto insurance

As a motorist, it’s important that you’re informed about how auto insurance works and what types of coverage you need. We can help you get the information you need about auto insurance in Ft Myers, FL at Martin Insurance Team.

The following are four of the most important things motorists should know about auto insurance.

Auto insurance coverage is required by law.

It’s crucial to purchase auto insurance because liability insurance is required by law in just about every state in the US. If you don’t carry adequate auto insurance, you could be subject to fines or worse if you get pulled over by the police.

You can get quotes from different auto insurance providers to compare policies.

Auto insurance providers will offer you quotes on the policies so that you can determine a price. You can get quotes from numerous insurance providers and compare them. This way, you can find a policy that offers value while providing you with all the coverage you want and need.

Your driving history and credit score affect auto insurance premiums.

Maintaining a driving record that’s free from infractions can allow you to take advantage of the lowest possible auto insurance premium costs. You’ll also benefit from having a good credit score. Motorists with higher credit scores usually also enjoy lower auto insurance premiums.

There are numerous discounts available on auto insurance premiums. 

Auto insurance providers typically offer discounts for paying for your entire policy upfront or completing a defensive driving course. Explore discount options so that you’re sure you’re not paying more than you should have on your auto insurance premiums.

Call or email us at Martin Insurance Team to explore auto insurance options available to you in Ft Myers, FL.