Four Things To Look for When Choosing Auto Insurance Coverage

When it comes to car insurance, there are many things to consider. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. This post will cover four key things you need to look for when choosing auto insurance coverage. So whether you’re a first-time buyer or just looking for a refresher, read on for some helpful tips.

1. Make Sure You’re Getting the Right Amount of Coverage

It’s vital to ensure that your auto insurance policy covers you for the right amount. You don’t want to be underinsured and risk paying out of pocket for damages or being overinsured and wasting money on unnecessary coverage. Be sure to speak with your insurance agent to determine the right amount of coverage for your needs.

2. Consider Your Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money you must pay before your insurance kicks in. It’s important to choose a deductible that you’re comfortable with and one that won’t put too big of a financial burden on you if you have to file a claim. Generally, the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly or annual premiums.

3. Understand Your State’s Minimum Coverage Requirements

Each state has its minimum auto insurance coverage requirements. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s requirements to make sure you’re getting the right amount of coverage. However, remember that meeting your state’s minimum requirements is not always the best option, as you may still be underinsured.

4. Know What Additional Coverage Options are Available to You

Once you understand the basics of auto insurance coverage, you can start to explore additional coverage options that may be available to you. Common options include collision and comprehensive coverage, personal injury protection, and roadside assistance. Be sure to speak with your insurance agent about which options are suitable for you.

Get Insurance in Florida

Choosing the right auto insurance coverage can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Just keep these four things in mind, and you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect policy for you. And if you’re ever unsure, our Martin Insurance Team in Ft Myers, FL, is always happy to help! Give us a call to request a quote.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

If you have recently thought about purchasing a vehicle or getting auto insurance within Ft Meyers, FL, understanding the various insurance options on the market will be an essential part of your journey. Below, Martin Insurance Team explains different auto policies to consider looking into.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage comprises two components, with the first being bodily injury liability. This covers costs related to 3rd party injuries when you are found liable for an accident. The second is property damage liability that caters to other parties’ costs of vehicle repairs and replacement.

Medical Payments Coverage

A medical payments policy takes care of your medical costs when you are injured in an accident. This policy also covers your passengers, allowing them to offset any treatment costs and examination fees.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage comes in handy when your vehicle is damaged during non-collision accidents. These include instances involving fire, theft, hail, and vandalism. Depending on the damage caused, your comprehensive policy allows you to take care of your replacement or repair expenses.

Collision Coverage

As the name implies, collision coverage is designed to help you pay for damages arising from collision accidents. If you hit another vehicle during your drive, this coverage ensures that your vehicle replacement or repair costs are covered. It also comes in handy when you hit objects such as fences and posts.

Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage

If you are hit by an uninsured driver whose coverage cannot pay for your treatment or vehicle damage costs, uninsured coverage will help you offset these expenses. Underinsured coverage kicks in when you get into an accident with a driver whose insurance is not enough to pay for your medical or vehicle damage costs.

If looking for auto coverage designed to protect you and your vehicle, Martin Insurance Team is the partner you need. Call us today for auto insurance designed with Ft Meyers, FL needs in mind.

Why do you need auto insurance in Illinois?

Most people that are in the Evergreen Park, IL area will find that owning a car is a good idea. If you are going to be a vehicle owner in this part of the state, you will find there are a lot of great benefits that come with coverage. It is also typically a necessity for most vehicle owners. There are a few reasons that you will need to maintain an auto insurance plan in this state.

Coverage is a Legal Requirement

The first reason that anyone in this area of the state will want to have an auto insurance plan is that they will be required to have it to comply with the law. Illinois is similar to other states as it requires motorists to carry liability auto insurance. If you do not carry this coverage at all times, you could face penalization if you are caught without it. 

Coverage is Required by Lenders

Purchasing a vehicle today is quite expensive and many vehicle owners will need to have a loan to ensure they can finance the purchase of it. As you are looking to take out a loan, you will want to ensure that you understand your insurance requirements. Most of the time, an auto loan provider is going to require that you maintain a full collision and comprehensive plan as long as the loan is outstanding. 

Getting an auto insurance plan in the Evergreen Park, IL area is a good option for all motorists. As you are looking for a plan here, you should call the Martin Insurance Team. The team with the Martin Insurance Team can give you any support that is needed to choose a new plan. This includes helping you determine what your needs and different options are. 

Who needs to have collision and comprehensive auto coverage

It is pretty safe to say everyone should have auto insurance. On average 6 million auto accidents happen in the United States every year. With about 230 million licensed drivers, plenty of opportunities for mayhem are out there on the roads waiting to happen. Collision and comprehensive are not mandated by the state of Illinois, they are optional coverage. If you live in Evergreen Park, IL, Martin Insurance Team is a full-service independent agency that is ready to answer any of your insurance questions. 

Collision and comprehensive are types of insurance coverage you will need to carry if you are leasing a vehicle or have an auto loan. It will be required by the lessor or the lenders. It is insurance that covers your vehicle. If you have an accident where the other driver is at fault, their insurance will repair or replace your vehicle. When you are the at-fault party, the repair or replacement is on you. Collision insurance would pay for the repair or give you the value of your car minus the deductible. 

Comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle but from things over which you have no control. Many weather events can damage your vehicle. High winds can send tree limbs onto your vehicle. Heavy rains and flooding can damage your vehicle and hail can ruin your paint job and maybe even windows. Theft of the entire vehicle and vandalism are covered by comprehensive. Deer in the road are a real hazard and they can send your vehicle to the trash heap if you are not able to avoid hitting them. 

When it comes to who needs collision and comprehensive auto coverage the answer is anyone who needs their car and couldn’t easily repair or replace it out of their pocket. 

Contact Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL with any of your insurance questions or needs. 

How does auto insurance protect someone?

Anyone that lives in the Evergreen Park, IL area will be much better off having a car than not having one. When you do have a car in this area of Illinois, you can conveniently get around town and take advantage of all local amenities. Along with picking a new car, you also need to choose a new auto insurance policy. A quality auto insurance policy can protect someone in several different ways. 

Insurance Protects Vehicle

One way that your auto insurance policy can protect you is by providing you with coverage for your vehicle. When you do go and buy a car, you are going to have to spend a lot of money on the purchase and maintenance of the car. Losing this investment to theft or damage could be devastating. Fortunately, you can protect your car and your investment if you do get a full auto insurance policy with collision and comprehensive protection.

Liability Protection

No matter how safe of a driver you are, there is always going to be a chance that you could cause an accident while you are driving. If this does happen, you will need to pay for any damages that you cause. This could end up requiring you to spend a lot of money out of pocket to cover the damages. When you get an auto insurance policy, it will include a provision for liability insurance that could help to offset and mitigate this risk.

When you want to get an auto insurance policy in the Evergreen Park, IL area, you need to make sure that you call the Martin Insurance Team. With the Martin Insurance Team, you can receive a lot of support that will help you to choose a quality policy. This can help ensure you remain properly covered at all times. 

Things You Need To Know When Shopping For Auto Insurance

Purchasing auto insurance seems like an easy task. However, even though it is not a very complicated process, there are still things you need to take into considerations.  If you are currently searching for an auto insurance policy to protect yourself on the road, Martin Insurance Team serving Evergreen Park, IL has prepared the list of things you should know: 

Factors Affecting Auto Insurance Costs

Some factors that may affect your car insurance premiums include your driving habits, your age, your driving record, vehicle type, the deductible you choose, and some others. 

Higher Deductible Lowers Your Premium

A deductible is an amount you have to pay yourself before your insurance policy starts covering. If you choose a higher deductible, then your monthly payment for auto insurance will be lower. And vice versa, a lower deductible means more expensive insurance. You have to decide which option is better and more affordable for you.

Lying Is Too Risky

Many people lie and provide fake information about themselves when they are buying auto insurance in order to save some money. Yes, it may help you save a few bucks but increase the risk of severe punishment if you get caught. Therefore, it is highly recommended to provide only factual and detailed information. 

Getting the right auto insurance coverage is important. You do not want to make a mistake when choosing a policy. If you are currently looking for insurance to protect your vehicle and yourself and you still have questions, Martin Insurance Team working with the clients from Evergreen Park, IL and other surrounding areas will be glad to assist you. Do not hesitate to give us a call to talk to one of our experienced and knowledgeable insurance agents. 

Do Illinois Drivers Need Auto Insurance?

The state of Illinois requires all vehicles on the road to carry liability insurance, specifically a 25/50/25 policy. If you used a loan to purchase your car, the lender will likely require that you obtain full coverage of the vehicle for the life of the loan. There are several elective policies, between the minimum and full coverage, that can cover particular incidents that may arise outside of your control. The Martin Insurance Team, serving the Evergreen Park, IL area, can help determine what insurance you need.

State Minimums

Illinois state law requires a liability policy of a minimum of 25/50/25 coverage. This means that the policy will pay up to:

  • $25,000 for medical expenses per individual.
  • $50,000 for the total of the medical expenses. 
  • $25,000 for property damage to the other parties.

Optional Policies

Though you can do your best to avoid accidents, there are things that can happen beyond your control that will result in damage to your vehicle. Your own liability coverage will not cover your vehicle as it would be expected the other person is responsible. Sometimes, nature is responsible. 

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Should someone cause damage to your vehicle and that damage exceeds their coverage, this will cover the disparity. 

Medical Payments

Should you be responsible for an accident, liability only medical coverage only pays for the other parties’ medical expenses – not yours. This policy will cover any medical expenses that you may incur should you need to seek treatment. 

Auto insurance needs can be as unique as the individual seeking coverage. Full coverage may be overkill for some vehicles, but minimum coverage can lack enough protection. Speak with one of the experienced professionals at the Martin Insurance Team, serving the Evergreen Park, IL area, to learn what policies are available to suit your needs.

Is It A Good Idea To Add A Teenage Driver To Your Auto Policy?

Martin Insurance Team is here to help any parents in Evergreen Park, IL who are looking to add teen drivers to their auto policy. There are certain considerations that need to be made before a motorist can make a final decision. These are the areas that are most commonly discussed when these situations arise…

1. Rates Are Going To Rise

This is a given but it should not deter parents who are looking to insure their young drivers. The accident rates for these drivers are higher but there are discounts available. An experienced insurance agent is able to point their clients in the right direction in this regard. 

2. Liability Insurance Will Increase

These drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than any other group. As a result, parents who wish to insure their young drivers will want to make sure that they are obtaining the proper amount of liability insurance. Don’t make the mistake of relying on bare minimum coverage. 

3. State Rules

Illinois laws require teen drivers to maintain a certain level of coverage. Bodily injury and property damage are the two primary areas of insurance that have to be discussed. While every parent should certainly take the time to obtain these policies, bare-bones coverage should not be relied upon. Find out more about the other factors that have to be considered.

4. College-Aged Drivers

When children head off to college, they will usually need access to a vehicle and a reliable form of coverage to go with it. Many insurance companies actually offer a discount to students who are heading to college. If the teen lives a certain distance from home and will not be driving the car as often, they often qualify for lower rates. 

5. Continued Driver’s Education 

Driver’s ed does not conclude once the teen has their license. The longer the teen is able to drive without causing an accident or incident, the lower their rates will be. Parents can also enroll their children in various continuing education programs, so that their rates drop even further.

Be sure to meet with Martin Insurance Team as soon as possible to discuss teenage driving concerns. Any concerned parent in Evergreen Park, IL will want to take all of the necessary steps to ensure continued protection for their teenage motorists. 

The Best Way to Insure Your Child’s Vehicle

Raising kids is — a bigger job than can fit in this blog. There are many milestones to celebrate and dread. Someone, your child learning to drive is both. If you’re planning to get them a car of their own, there are some things you should know before you take the loan. Insuring your kids is a little more complicated than you might think, even in Evergreen Park, IL. That’s why Martin Insurance Team has a couple of tips for you.

When They Live With You

If you’re paying your kid’s insurance and they live with you, things are a little easier. The most important thing to know about is registration. You might want to put the car in your kid’s name, but that comes with complications. Generally speaking, an insurer will not grant a policy if the name on the registration and the primary driver don’t match. When your child lives with you, that matters less, since both of you should be listed as drivers regardless. When they don’t live with you, things get more complicated

When They Don’t Live With You

It’s hard to justify putting yourself as a primary driver on a car that you never drive. Also, having multiple drivers usually raises the premiums. When this happens, the easiest way to handle insurance is to put the registration in your kid’s name. They’ll be the primary driver, and the policy will be in their name too. If you’re still paying for all of it, that’s fine. Insurers don’t care who cuts the check, as long as the paperwork matches and they get paid.

While these two tips are useful, Martin Insurance Team has plenty of advice for residents in Evergreen Park, IL. If you want the best plan for all of your policies, a simple chat can get you there.

 

How Your Car Insurance Will Change After Marriage

Marriage is a huge time of change for a couple. Most people move after marriage, merge bank accounts, start thinking of having kids and basically get much more serious about their lives. Car insurance is another aspect of life that can change drastically after marriage. While planning your wedding you probably didn’t give much thought to car insurance, but car insurance is an important topic to discuss. Here are a few ways car insurance might change might change if you combine policies after marriage. 

Combine to Make Life Easier

It is not a law that you combine your car insurance after marriage, however, most couples find that combining policies is much simpler than dealing with two different policies. This would also be a good time for both of you to shop around a bit in order to make sure you have the best deal possible. 

Combine to Save

In many cases, married couples will get a discount that single people can’t get. And even if you don’t get a discount for being married, you will often get a discount for having multiple cars on a policy, so either way, there is potential to save some money now that you are married. 

Combine to Save on Other Big Changes

If you have coupled buying a home with getting married, which many people do, then you will want to check with the insurance company to see if they also offer home owner’s insurance. There are huge discounts available to individual’s who bundle their auto with their home owner’s insurance. This is a great way to knock out two chores at once and save some money at the same time. 

If you would like to learn more about how your insurance will change after marriage, contact the helpful staff at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL.