Car Insurance

What is the importance of having uninsured and underinsured motorists on an auto policy?

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At Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, we frequently encounter clients asking if it’s important to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on their auto insurance policy. The answer is a resounding "YES!" When you’re on the road, you can’t be sure if the driver next to you has sufficient insurance coverage to cover damages if they cause an accident that harms you or your vehicle.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an additional feature you can add to your policy to ensure you and your passengers are protected if you’re involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This coverage will cover bodily injuries to you and any passengers up to the policy limits and repair any damage to your vehicle. However, this coverage is subject to policy limits (usually mirroring but not exceeding your liability bodily injury and property damage limits). Under UM coverage, you are required to pay a property damage deductible to have your vehicle repaired.

Understanding Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the party at fault for the accident doesn’t have enough liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage to cover the extent of the injuries and damages they caused. UIM will pay up to the policy limits (typically below or at the same limits of liability you carry).

For More Information

To learn more about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages or if you have other questions about your auto insurance policy, give us a call at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, at (780) 330-4404. We also have offices in Fort Myers, FL, and service the Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples areas.

When Your Auto Insurance Policy Needs Gap Coverage

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Most auto insurance policies include comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to protect your vehicle from damage. However, these may not cover the full amount you owe on a car loan or lease. That’s where gap coverage comes in.

Understanding Comprehensive, Collision, and Gap Coverages

The two main coverages that protect against vehicle damage are comprehensive and collision. Comprehensive coverage is generally for incidents not involving another vehicle (e.g., animal strikes, falling trees, burglaries, etc.), and collision coverage is generally for accidents with other vehicles.

Each of these protections usually provides coverage up to your vehicle’s fair market value at the time of the incident. That amount isn’t necessarily equal to what you owe on a car loan or lease, however. In many cases, the value of a vehicle is less than what’s owed.

Gap coverage is so-named because it can fill in this gap—the difference between what you owe and what your car is worth. If your vehicle is totaled in either a comprehensive or collision claim, it’s gap coverage that may help pay off the remaining loan or lease.

When Gap Coverage is Needed

Gap coverage is typically required if you have a vehicle loan or lease and your outstanding obligation is more than the vehicle’s value. There are several reasons why this is often the case:

  • Vehicles have become more expensive to purchase in recent years
  • Vehicles still depreciate in value quickly after purchase
  • Loan and lease down payments can be quite small
  • Loan and lease monthly payments can also be relatively small

When these factors make you "upside down" on your vehicle, meaning you owe more than it’s worth, lenders will almost certainly require gap coverage. We at The Martin Insurance Team have helped many drivers determine whether they need this coverage.

Get the Auto Insurance Coverages You Need

Gap coverage is just one auto insurance protection you might need. For help insuring a vehicle in Evergreen Park, IL, contact us at the Martin Insurance Team.

How to Protect Your RV From Rain and Snow Damage During the Winter

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Many people enjoy their RVs during the spring to fall months. But once it gets cold, they often put it away for the season, opting to stay home. Here at The Insurance Outfit, serving the greater Chester, NJ area, we have seen rain and snow damage RVs that are not properly stored or protected from the elements. Here are some tips to help you adequately protect your RV from winter weather when it’s not in use.

Use a Good Cover

Buy a strong cover that fits your RV well. This cover will keep rain, snow, and ice off your RV and help prevent water damage and rust. Make sure it’s made for tough weather and freezing temperatures.

Seal Cracks and Holes

Check your RV for any cracks or holes. Use sealant to close gaps around windows, doors, and vents. This stops water from getting inside and causing damage. Also, check the roof seals to ensure they are in good shape.

Clean the Roof

Before winter, clean your RV’s roof and look for any damage. Fix any cracks or holes to keep water out. A clean roof helps stop snow and ice from building up.

Drain Water Systems

Empty all the water tanks and pipes to stop them from freezing and breaking. RV antifreeze can be used in the plumbing to protect the pipes from the cold. Make sure all the water is out before storing your RV.

Ensure Your RV is Protected With The Help Of The Insurance Outfit

Having the proper insurance protection for your RV is important if the unexpected happens. Here at The Insurance Outfit in Chester, NJ, we can help ensure you’re fully protected. Call us now to learn more.

New Freedom: Adding A New Teen Driver To Your Auto Insurance Policy

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Learning how to drive is both a pleasure and a privilege. Parents take extraordinary care to ensure their child knows the rules of the road, as well as lessons of courtesy and safety. At the Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, we can help ensure you have the right coverage for your teen driver.

Adding Your Teen Driver to Your Policy

In Illinois, you should contact your insurance agent as soon as your teen gets a learner’s permit. This informs them there is a new driver on the policy. You can determine if you need additional collision or comprehensive coverage at that time. You will need information such as their birth date, driver’s license number, and Social Security number to add them to the policy.

Guiding Your Child to Become a Safe and Responsible Driver

As a parent, you can help your child become a skilled and responsible driver. Provide sufficient time for practice under a variety of conditions. This gives them the confidence they need to be competent on the road. Additionally, safety measures should be reinforced, such as checking mirrors frequently and avoiding distractions like texts, cell phone calls, and the conversations of others in the vehicle. Establishing good driving habits at the start of your child’s driving career will stay with them throughout life.

Choosing the Martin Insurance Team for Your Auto Insurance

If you have questions about your auto insurance, our experienced agents can provide detailed answers. They can help you choose the right level of coverage for your needs. We offer many home, life, health, business, and trucking insurance products. Contact the Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, today for a no-obligation quote on auto insurance for you and your teen driver.

How Does Transportation Insurance Differ From Auto Insurance?

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Understanding the differences between transportation and auto insurance can be confusing, but ensuring you have the right coverage is essential. At Martin Insurance Team, serving the Evergreen Park, IL, area, we’re here to explain these distinctions.

Understanding Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is designed specifically for personal vehicles. It typically covers damages from accidents, theft, and other incidents involving your car. Policies often include liability coverage, collision, comprehensive, and medical payments. The goal is to protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident or your car is damaged.

What Is Transportation Insurance?

On the other hand, transportation insurance is more comprehensive and applies to businesses involved in transporting goods. This type of coverage is essential for companies that ship products, whether by land, sea, or air. It protects against loss or damage to goods during transit and covers a wide range of potential risks, from accidents to natural disasters.

Key Differences

The primary difference lies in their applications. Auto insurance is personal and vehicle-specific, while transportation insurance covers business-related transit activities. Transportation insurance is crucial to safeguard against potential losses if you’re running a shipping business.

Choosing the Right Coverage

Selecting the right type of insurance depends on your specific needs. For personal vehicle protection, auto insurance is the way to go. However, if your business involves shipping goods, you’ll need transportation insurance for comprehensive coverage.

At Martin Insurance Team, we provide insurance solutions to residents in the greater Evergreen Park, IL, region. We’re committed to helping you navigate your insurance options. Contact us today to learn more about the right coverage for your needs and ensure you’re fully protected.

A Quick Look at Motorcycle Stats Every Rider Should Know

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Are you looking to buy a motorcycle? Do you already own one and need motorcycle insurance? Martin Insurance Team offers motorcycle insurance to residents of many communities, including Evergreen Park, IL. Let’s delve into some crucial motorcycle statistics you should know.

Key Motorcycle Statistics to Consider

Motorcycles are generally considered more dangerous than cars due to the exposed nature of riding and the impracticality of installing certain safety features, like airbags. However, motorcycles can be safe when handled correctly.

While accounting for only about 3% of registered vehicles, motorcycles are responsible for nearly 15 percent of total fatalities. Tragically, the number of deaths has been steadily increasing over the last decade. In 2022 alone, over 6,000 fatalities occurred in accidents involving motorcycles.

Motorcycle usage is also climbing. In 2022, merely 4.3 million motorcycles were registered in the United States. This number doubled to reach 8.6 million by 2021. More motorcycle riders may potentially lead to an increase in accidents and incidents.

Motorcycles can also be quite expensive, sometimes rivaling the cost of luxury cars. Legal experts report that insurance settlements average $60,000 per accident. If a motorcycle is involved in a wreck, it’s highly likely to be totaled. Thankfully, the right motorcycle insurance plans can provide coverage and assistance.

It’s crucial to thoroughly understand specific motorcycle insurance policies to ensure you know what is and isn’t covered. Partnering with a competent insurance agent can reduce the risk of misunderstandings. If you’re searching for a trusted insurance agency serving Evergreen Park, IL, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. The Martin Insurance Team is eager to assist you.

Five Things to be Sure to Discuss With Your Teen Driver

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Are you welcoming a new teen driver to the family? Martin Insurance Team understands. We serve drivers of all types in the Evergreen Park, IL, area, including those with teen drivers. It is important that young drivers get off to a safe start in their driving careers. Here are some tips to set them on the right path.

Discuss Economics

Now is a logical time to let them know that driving is a privilege—an expensive privilege. They should know that car payments, repairs, fuel, and auto insurance can be costly. Safe driving and proper maintenance can help keep those expenses in line.

Talk About the Dangers of Distracted Driving

While cell phones are a significant cause of distracted driving, other causes include putting on makeup, playing with the radio, and eating or drinking.

Incentives For Safe Driving

Create a plan that rewards your safe teen driver for every year of accident and citation-free driving.

What To Do in a Traffic Stop

Your teen driver should know what to expect in a traffic stop and how they should respond. Make sure they understand the importance of having proper paperwork and ID.

Encourage Defensive Driving

Remind teens to watch out for the other guy. They need to keep their emotions in check and avoid aggressive driving. Avoid engaging other drivers.

Insuring Your Teen Driver

Adding a teen driver to the family will likely significantly increase your car insurance premiums.

The Martin Insurance Team of Evergreen Park, IL, can help. We can help you explore discounts, such as those available for good students, bundling, and more. Contact us to discuss your options and to get a free quote. We look forward to assisting you.

How Often Should You Update Your Auto Insurance Policy?

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At Martin Insurance Team, we want to help you protect your vehicles and keep them covered for the long term. If you’re in the Evergreen Park, IL area and looking for auto insurance, we’re here to help. Whether you’ve had your policy for years or it’s newer, making sure it’s updated is the best way to keep your vehicle safe and create peace of mind for you, as well.

By working with us, you can get the policy updates you need to keep your vehicle secure. It’s best to update that policy at least once every year. Of course, if you make changes to your vehicles or who drives them, you’ll also want to update your policy at that time. There’s no reason to settle for a policy you’re not sure about or don’t feel comfortable with when we can help you adjust your coverage or even switch to a different insurer.

We’ll provide you with quotes, review your policy, and talk with you about any concerns you have. Our agents are also happy to answer your questions so you can get all the details about any policy you’re considering. We want you to feel comfortable when you choose an insurance policy, and we know your vehicle is important to you. Getting the right coverage and all the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision is how you can enjoy your vehicle long-term.

Contact us at Martin Insurance Team today if you’re in the Evergreen Park, IL, area and looking to update or change your auto insurance policy. You don’t have to make changes alone or wonder whether you’ve picked out the right options to protect your car when you have us to help you get the right coverage today.

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

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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?

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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.