Insurance Tips

Insurance Tips

Please click on the links below to view some handy insurance tips we have assembled. As always, our staff will be happy to provide you with all of the information you need about the coverage we provide.

How to Prevent Vehicle Theft

Although you can not ensure your vehicle will not be stolen you can take a few easy steps to prevent the likelihood of it happening, by making it more difficult for a thief to steal your vehicle and its contents.

• Always lock your vehicle
• Never leave your keys in the vehicle
• Turn off your ignition whenever you leave your car
• Avoid parking on the street
• Conceal items left in your car, keep things in the trunk and never leave money or compact discs in the open
• Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit, well-guarded, highly visible area.
• Ask your neighbours to watch out for your vehicle and do the same for them
• Install an anti-theft deterrent such as car alarms or an ignition disabler.

For tips and more information to help you avoid having your car broken into or stolen please visit the following web sites:Vehicle Safety and Maintenance

• Read your vehicle owner's manual to understand its maintenance needs.
• Maintaining your vehicle according to the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule will go a long way in extending the life of your vehicle and spotting minor problems before they become major repairs.
• Have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic whenever you notice a change in braking or handling.
• Consider taking a recognized driver safety course.

Brakes:

Your brakes are obviously one of the most important components on your automobile. Proper care and regular maintenance is essential to protect both yourself and others from the potential harm caused by faulty brakes. Some signs that your brakes may be failing or require maintenance include:

• The brakes squeal, grind or bang when applied. If this occurs you should immediately have your brakes checked
• The car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes
• The brakes stick or a loss of engine power when you are driving . Your brakes may not be releasing properly which can lead to total brake loss.
• The brakes grab when lightly applied. This could be caused by loose or broken brake parts
• The brakes need a lot of pressure to work or the pedal needs to be near the floor before it works. This may be a sign that your brakes are worn and replacement is necessary
• The brake pedal, steering wheel or entire car vibrates when you step on the brakes

Anti Lock Braking Systems:

For information pertaining to what an Anti Lock braking system is, why it is used, how it works and other related topics please visit the site.

Child Restraint Safety

• It is important to install a child's restraint seat properly in order for it to be effective.
• Read the manufacturer's installation instructions thoroughly
• Many police departments have programs to help with proper installation

For tips and information regarding child seat safety please visit the site.

Road Safety

Road safety is an important issue on today's crowded roadways. For statistics and information regarding road safety and its impact on social and medical costs please visit the site.

Airbags and Seat belts

Airbags have been the topic of much discussion since they have become a standard feature with newer automobiles. For information and guidelines pertaining to use and safety issues of air bags please visit the following sites:Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving has been the cause of many unfortunate accidents resulting in serious injuries and loss of life on our roadways. The following web sites contain statistics and information pertaining to drinking and driving:Cell Phones and Safety

Cell phones can be valuable equipment in a car when you need to call for assistance. However, they can also be a distraction if they are used while driving, and many jurisdictions are considering restrictions on cell phone use while driving.
For safety’s sake, don’t use your cell phone while driving. If you need to make a call, stop your car safely away from traffic before picking up the phone.

Preparing for Winter Driving

Canadians know that winter driving can be treacherous at the best of times. The following web sites contain tips and information to help you prepare yourself and your vehicle for safe winter driving.What to Do When You Are Involved in an Accident

Being involved in an accident can be a very stressful event. To ensure you protect both yourself and your interests please take time to understand what you should do if you are involved in an automobile accident.

Safe Driving Quiz

Are you a safe driver? Why not test your skill and knowledge by taking one of the quizzes provided by the Canada Safety Council.

General Commercial Crime Prevention

• Ensure that all exterior doors have deadbolt locks with a minimum one inch bolt into the strike plate.
• Secure exposed exterior door hinge pins to prevent their removal.
• Protect all grade floor glass through the use of bars, metal screens or burglary resistant glazing materials.
• Install a burglar alarm system which is monitored offside. We recommend that the system be certified by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULT).
• Continually check for unsafe work conditions and practices, and take prompt corrective action.
• Provide a complement of serviced, mulch-purpose fire extinguishers in your premises and instruct all staff in their use.

Protecting Your Computer Equipment

• Clamp or lock PCs to desks/work stations. Security kits are available at nominal cost.
• Backup data and programs on a regular basis and store them offside in a secure location.
• Laptop computers are portable and easy targets for theft. Do not leave them unsecured or unattended.
• Maintain records of serial numbers for all of your computer equipment.

Business Interruption Prevention

• Employ the services of a professional accountant to:
  • Prepare financial statements.
  • Perform an annual audit of your books.
• Maintain a list of secondary suppliers of materials in the event your primary supplier suffers a loss.
• Be prepared with a plan of action as to how you will continue to service your customers while your premises are being repaired after a loss. This will help you to avoid losing your customer base. Consider availability of temporary premises where you can resume operations immediately.
• Reduce the physical and moral hazards of your business.
• Duplicate your business records and store them off-site; in the event that your premises are damaged, you will have documents to substantiate any business interruption loss

Contractors’ Loss Prevention Tips

• Focus on pre-job and per-task planning. The principle of planning the work and working the plan should be followed.
• All tools and equipment should be kept in a locked area at all times when not in use.
• All tools should be stamped with an identification number to assist in recovery. Tools should be painted with bright, easily recognizable colours to ease in their identification.
• Any onsite storage of materials should be in a secure storage area. Where the materials are considered a high target, they should be kept inside a building in a locked area or brought to the site only when they are needed.
• Warning signs should be posted limiting access and indicating the safety equipment required to gain entry.
• All electrical cords that pass through pedestrian areas should be secured so that tripping is avoided.
• All mud or water on public traffic areas should be cleaned regularly.
• The local utilities should be contacted to locate underground services in the event that any excavations are to be performed.
• All flammable liquids used should be stored in approved safety containers.
• All notwork should be controlled. Combustibles should be removed at least 11 metres from the notwork. If this is not possible non-combustible shields should be used. A fire watch should be provided for at least a half-hour after the hotwork is completed. All hotwork permit regulations must be followed.
• All combustible refuse created during the work should be cleaned up regularly. Oily rags should be separated and stored in metal containers with tight fitting lids.
• Fire extinguishers of the appropriate type should be available at all times.
• Certificates of liability should be obtained from all subcontractors to ensure they are maintaining adequate liability coverage.
• All new equipment should be tested and inspected when the work is completed. Customers should signoff the job once complete.
• Ensure that the project complies with all applicable codes and standards.
• Records of all jobs including plans, testing documents and approvals should be maintained.

Office Loss Prevention Tips

• Avoid overloading of electrical outlets, particularly in older buildings equipped with fuses instead of circuit breakers.
• If existing electrical service is inadequate, ensure that any required electrical modifications are done by a professional electrician.
• Ensure that life and safety features such as fire alarms, exit signs and emergency lights are operational and serviced as per applicable fire code specifications.
• Clean all spills or wet floors immediately, post signs warning of wet or damp floors and check floor surfaces for potential hazards on a regular basis. Non-slip rugs should be used during the winter months.

Commercial Vehicles Loss Prevention Tips

• Be SELECTIVE when hiring drivers for your vehicles by obtaining pre-employment checks on all employees. Your vehicles should be suitable for the type of work you do and the relative experience of your drivers. A safety conscious driver, with a clean driving and operating record, is the key to reducing the risk of personal injury to the driver and passengers as well as any damage or injury to others.
• Drivers should NEVER pick up hitchhikers or allow anyone who is not authorized by the OWNER, to ride in the vehicle.
• Proper MAINTENANCE improves road safety and should be completed by experienced and qualified mechanics. Regular maintenance schedules and records should be kept to prevent accidents caused by unexpected mechanical failures.
• Inspect your vehicle every day against a standardized checklist. Keep your vehicle equipped with a flashlight, good spare tire, jack and flares in case of emergencies.
• Proper USE of vehicles extends the life of your vehicle as well as preventing damage to the property of others. Drive on well-maintained and well-traveled roads. Travel at speeds that are not in excess of the posted speed limit. Properly secured loads prevent your load from spilling on the roadways causing damage to others. Improper loading or overloading leads to load shift and/or upset or rollover. Vehicles should only be used for their intended purpose.
• Always lock your vehicle and take the keys with you, even if it is only for a few minutes.
• Never leave the engine running while your vehicle is unattended.
• Safeguard your keys - NEVER keep your vehicle keys or business keys on the same key ring and NEVER attach identification tags to them.
• Valuable items exposed to view are an invitation to thieves, e.g. log books, delivery schedules, cash, exchequers. Drivers should NEVER reveal the contents of their vehicles, their loads, their destination or leave their loads unattended.
• Deliveries should not be made unless the receiving party signs them for.
• Parking in well-lit areas is important for personal safety and for the protection of your vehicle and cargo. Keep your vehicle in a locked garage or protected location when not in use.
• Choose your anti-theft devices carefully. There are many types of anti-theft devices available to protect your vehicle and cargo. Choose the mechanical device, alarm or electronic immobilizer that is best suited to protect your vehicle and cargo.

Repair Garage Loss Prevention Tips

• Establish, post and strictly enforce a rule forbidding customers from entering the service bay area. By establishing a clean, safe waiting area for customers, you will significantly reduce the possibility of "slip and fall" types of losses. An added benefit is that customers will not disturb your mechanics while they are working on vehicles.
• Ensure that you always get signed customer work orders that outline the authorized repairs. This will eliminate any disputes as to the work that was authorized by the customer.
• When preparing a customer's work order, all completed repairs should be listed along with all recommended repairs declined by the customer; the customer should sign-off the work order. Including declined recommendations in the work order could protect you from a potential liability loss.
• Make sure that the front, rear and interior of your business premises are well lit, particularly when closed for business.
• When overnight storage of customers' vehicles is necessary, they should be stored inside if possible. If outside storage of vehicles is required on a regular basis, the area should be well lit, adequately fenced and padlocked overnight.
• Establish a key control procedure with employees to limit access to customers' keys. Keys should be kept under lock and key, within your office premises. This will reduce the accessibility of keys to potential thieves and vandals, reducing the possibility of customers' vehicles being stolen or vandalized.
• Limit the amount of cash in the till by using a safe or money-limiting device. Make regular bank deposits, varying the time of deposits and the route taken.
• Ensure that you maintain accurate inventory records for all stock, including tools, automobile parts and miscellaneous retail items. In the event of a theft loss, accurate records will make it easier for the insurance adjuster to settle your claim fairly, quickly and equitably.
• Obtain driver abstracts for all employees on a regular basis. This will help you to determine which employees should be test-driving customers' vehicles.
• Establish guidelines for employees as to when and who is permitted to test drive customers' vehicles.
• Ensure that test drives follow a predetermined route, in areas that have relatively light vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This can significantly reduce your chance of suffering a loss with a customer's vehicle.

Retail Loss Prevention Tips

• Never store combustible material, such as cardboard or paper, near heaters or electrical equipment and remove combustible waste on a regular basis.
• In sprinkle red buildings, keep stock more than 18 inches below the sprinkler heads, so as not to interfere with the system's effectiveness in the event of a fire.
• Avoid overloading of electrical outlets, particularly in older buildings equipped with fuses instead of circuit breakers.
• Keep all of your stock off the floor, stored on skids, shelves, or racks.
• Make sure the front, rear and interior of your business premises are well lit, particularly when closed for business.
• Arrange the interior layout of the store so that the till area is clearly visible from the exterior of the building.
• Limit the amount of cash in the till by using a safe or money-limiting device.
• If your store is open long hours, consider the installation of closed circuit television cameras and hold-up alarms.
• Make regular bank deposits, but vary the timing of the deposits and the route taken.
• Install anti-shoplifting devices and surveillance equipment or keep high priced merchandise under lock and key in display cases.
• Ensure that life and safety features such as fire alarms, exit signs and emergency lights are operational and serviced as per applicable fire code specifications.
• Do not block exits with stock or equipment. Ensure that all exit doors are unlocked during store hours.

Slip and Fall Loss Prevention Tips

• Inspect the interior of your premises on a regular basis for unsafe conditions that could lead to a slip & fall loss. Maintain a daily log of when the inspection was done, what conditions were noted and what corrective action was taken.
• Floors should be kept clean and in good repair at all times, with loose or defective flooring being replaced immediately.
• Ensure that aisles are kept clear and free of fallen merchandise or stock. (e.g. fruit, vegetables, clothes etc.)
• During periods of inclement weather, all entrances should have mats or rugs to help keep the floor clean and dry. Damaged mats should be replaced as soon as possible.
• Non-slip wax should be used on floor surfaces, where required.
• Water and other spills should be mopped up immediately and a Caution-Wet Floor sign should be posted.
• For surfaces that are consistently slippery, specialized non-slip epoxy coatings or non-skid flooring materials may be used.
• For spills involving oil or other industrial materials, absorbent non-combustible cleaning materials should be used.
• Ensure that all entrance ways and aisles are clear of obstructions and/or promotional displays.
• Inspect the exterior of your premises on a regular basis for unsafe conditions that could lead to a slip & fall loss. Maintain a daily log of when the inspection was done, what conditions were noted and what corrective action was taken.
• Any damage to stairs, sidewalks and pavement should be repaired as soon as possible, with signs and barriers posted, until such time as repairs are completed.
• A snow and ice removal program should be implemented and adhered to, with a single individual having responsibility for the program.
• Have the appropriate equipment, tools and materials available for use by your staff, in the case of a weather related emergency. e.g. shovels, salt, sand etc.
• Professional snow removal contractors should be contracted to plow, sand and salt your parking and walkway facilities. Ensure that the contractor keeps a comprehensive log of the work performed.
• Clean gutters and downspouts and ensure that melt water is directed away from sidewalks and walkways. Check that exterior lighting is adequate and check on a regular basis for malfunctioning light fixtures.
• Establish and maintain a daily garbage removal program, whereby the walkways and sidewalks are swept and the debris removed on a regular basis.

Crime Prevention Tips

Burglary is always a crime of opportunity. Here are some interesting facts you should know about burglary:

• Studies show that most burglars attack during the daytime when dense bushes and trees protect them from view, and the building appears unoccupied
• One-third of burglars enter from the basement
• One-third of burglars force entry through a window or door
• One-third of burglars gain access from an unlocked/open door or window

To best protect your home, look at it from a burglar's perspective. What are the vulnerable parts? If you take a few simple and inexpensive steps to make sure your home is not an attractive target, you'll greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

The following are some tips to help you prevent a burglar from entering your home:

Tips for Inside your Home

The goal of indoor crime proofing is to secure your premises, and to make them appear occupied at all times. Here are a few simple tips:

• Secure your premises.

• Close blinds and curtains at night so that a burglar can’t scope your belongings.
• Lock all doors and windows before leaving.
• Lock windows so that they can’t be opened from the outside. If they can't be locked, you can pin them by drilling a hole through both window frames and inserting a bolt or metal pin. The pin must be easily removable for emergency situations.
• Home burglar alarm systems are a great deterrent. Even if you have an alarm system, don't neglect the other security measures available to you. An alarm provides an extra layer of security, but is no replacement for good common sense. Alarm owners should still do what they can to make sure their home is not an attractive target for thieves.

• Make your home look occupied at all times.

• Use timers to maintain normal lighting patterns.
• Leave a radio on when you are away from your home for short periods of time.

• Protect your valuables.

• Consider marking your valuables indelibly (engraved) with your drivers licence or social insurance number.
• Take an inventory of your home with a videotape and/or photographs.
• Keep jewelery and negotiable in a safety deposit box or an unlikely place (i.e. Not your bedroom).

Tips for Outside Your Home

There are many things that you can do to the exterior of your house or in the yard to deter burglars and make it more difficult to force entry.

• Keep your shrubbery cut back so that it doesn't block windows and doors.
• Secure window air conditioners from the inside.
• Illuminate as much of your property as possible.
• Exterior doors should be solid, not hollow. Metal doors provide the best protection against forced entry.
• Use a fencing style that would not conceal a burglar’s activities. Remember if you can’t see out, others can’t see in.
• Secure any glass that is less than 40' from a door lock. Either coat exterior glass with an acrylic or polycarbonate to strengthen, or replace with laminated or tempered glass.
• Door hinges that are on the outside should have a non-removable center pin that can’t be tampered with.
• Install deadbolt locks.
• Dogs are great deterrents to burglars. Even a strategically placed "Beware of Dog" sticker can make a burglar think twice. Of course, vicious dogs are never a good idea. If your dog bites someone, you might find yourself in court. A dog that barks is better than one that bites.
• Place hinged security bars over basement windows. Remember to keep the key nearby for emergency exits.
• Pin sliding patio doors together when closed. Another easy security step is to drill a hole in the upper track and insert a screw that extends out into the runner to prevent the door from being lifted up and out of its track.
• Ensure that a burglar cannot access the roof from high trees or a ladder left outside.

What NOT to Do

• Don't put up a nameplate outside of your house with your full name. A burglar can use this information to look up your number in the phone book and call to see if you are home.
• Don't leave a note on the door or in the mailbox telling a friend/family member that you aren’t home.
• Don't leave spare keys in an obvious place such as the mailbox or under the front door mat. This makes it very easy for a burglar to rob your house quickly without forcing entry.
• Don't leave cash and handbags in view in your home.
• Don't leave any doors unlocked when you are at the other end of the house or in the yard.

Going on Vacation

If you are going on vacation it is especially important to make your home appear inhabited. To fully protect your home you will need to enlist the help of trusted neighbors, family and friends. Here are some things that you can do:

• Stop all mail delivery.
• Arrange for a neighbor to cut the grass or shovel snow.
• Cancel all deliveries during the time you will be away.
• Maintain normal lighting patterns by using electronic timers.
• Ask a neighbor to put one of their garbage bags in front of your house on collection day.
• Leave a radio on, with a timer if necessary to simulate normal use.
• Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.
• Arrange for neighbors to pick up flayers.
• Don't talk about your vacation plans with strangers or service people.
• Use your work address on your luggage tags so a potential burglar won’t know where your empty house is.
• If practical, remove valuables from your home. Small valuables should be stored in a safety deposit box.
• Lock garage door.

Note: Before you leave, you should tell someone you trust:

• That you will be away
• How long you will be absent
• Whether or not you will have a house sitter
• The number where you can be reached

What to Do if Your House is Broken Into

Despite your best efforts, a burglar may still penetrate your home. If you return to find that your house has been robbed:

• Don't stay - Always think of your safety first
• Never confront a burglar or block the exit route
• Go immediately to a neighbor's home or nearby location and phone the police

Auto Insurance Online

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Insurance Auto Secure

Much discussion is currently occurring around the topic of universal health care and how it is applied by nations of the world. But while such systems may benefit native citizens, travelers and non-natural citizens living in those countries cannot always reap the rewards of the programs. Further complicating matters is the fact that as a traveler or temporary resident overseas, your own insurance coverage may have provider or network restrictions that can make obtaining coverage for the medical care you need a difficult task. Knowing this, it’s a great idea for anyone moving abroad or visiting for any significant length of time to protect their access to medical coverage by buying policy.

While the country you’re visiting may offer comprehensive, free insurance plans to its own citizens, chances are good you as a visitor will not be allowed to use them. When traveling for short durations, be sure to consult your own health insurance provider and see what coverage is currently built into your plan, and what extra coverage might be available for purchase.

However, if you’re planning to live abroad or travel for a longer period of time, then a special health insurance policy is advised. One example of the kind of policy you’ll want is the Citizen Secure Insurance plan, which is backed by Lloyds of London. A plan like Citizen Secure lets travelers know that their short-term residency or extended stay trip will be free of worry regarding whether their insurance will or won’t be accepted.

Eligibility for varies by policy and provider, so be sure to consult with your representative. The Citizen Secure International plan referenced earlier, for instance, is available to citizens from ages– days to 74 years, and it specifies that the policyholder must reside abroad for at least six months.

These types of plans offer more comprehensive coverage, often including issues like mental health and even transplants. Additionally, when selecting plans for longer-term stays, you may want to consider the area you’re residing in, as supplemental evacuation coverage can be added to these policies. International health insurance can be the difference between getting the high-level care you deserve during a personal or national emergency.

In addition to providing for your well-being, the plans like the Citizen Secure International policy offer a number of travelers assistance features. From helping you track down lost baggage to securing emergency cash transfers to communicating with family members during an emergency, you can reap a number of additional travel-related benefits through these policies.

The more actively-inclined policyholder will also be able to obtain sports coverage as a part of the program. Extreme sports activities like hang-gliding carry significant risk, but these insurance policies offer some degree of peace of mind when participating in them.

International health insurance is something short-term travelers should definitely consider, and for those living internationally for six months or more it’s simply something they absolutely need to have. Consider the area you’ll be residing in, how long you’ll be staying, what you’ll be doing during your stay, and you’ll be able to find the right plan for you.

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The Auto Insurance Basics

An auto insurance policy is a package of different coverages. Most states require you to purchase a minimum amount of certain kinds of coverage. But if you're interested in protecting yourself from a lawsuit or from hefty repair bills, then it makes sense to buy more than what's required.

Liability insurance

Liability lingo

Liability coverage limits (that's for the damage you do to others) is usually presented as a series of three numbers. For example, your agent might say that your policy carries liability limits of 20/40/10. That stands for $20,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $40,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 in property-damage coverage per accident.

Liability coverage is the foundation of any auto insurance policy, and is required in most states. If you are at fault in an accident, your liability insurance will pay for the bodily injury and property damage expenses caused to others in the accident, including your legal bills. Bodily-injury coverage pays for medical bills and lost wages. Property-damage coverage pays for the repair or replacement of things you wrecked other than your own car. The other party may also decide to sue you to collect "pain and suffering" damages.

The foundation of your auto insurance puzzle is liability insurance. Forty-five states require the purchase auto liability insurance (New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin don't mandate liability coverage), so your insurance minimum will depend on where you live. For example, in Texas, drivers have to purchase at least $20,000 worth of bodily injury coverage per person, $40,000 worth of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $15,000 worth of property damage coverage (also known as 20/40/15).

See what's required where you live. Remember, if you cause a serious accident, minimum insurance may not cover you adequately. That's why it's a good idea to buy more than what your state requires. If you own a home and have nest egg and a savings account, you should consider more liability insurance because, in most states, drivers are allowed to sue other drivers who injure them in car accidents. If you're sued and your liability insurance doesn't pay for all of the damages, your personal finances are on the hook, and it's likely you'll become a target.

Collision and comprehensive coverages

If you cause an accident, collision coverage will pay to repair your vehicle. You usually can't collect any more than the actual cash value of your car, which is not the same as the car's replacement cost. Collision coverage is normally the most expensive component of auto insurance. By choosing a higher deductible, say $500 or $1,000, you can keep your premium costs down. However, keep in mind that you must pay the amount of your deductible before the insurance company kicks in any money after an accident.

Replacement cost vs. actual cash value

Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace your vehicle or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. Depreciation is the decrease in vehicle value because of age or wear and tear.

Actual cash value (AC) is the value of your property when it is damaged or destroyed. Claims adjusters usually figure AC by taking the replacement cost and subtracting depreciation.

Insurance companies often will "total" your car if the repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the car's worth. The critical damage point varies from company to company, from 55 percent to 90 percent.

Comprehensive coverage will pay for damages to your car that weren't caused by an auto accident: Damages from theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters, or hitting a deer all qualify. Comprehensive coverage also comes with a deductible and your insurer will only pay as much as the car was worth when it got wrecked.

Because insurance companies normally will not pay you more than your car's book value, it's helpful if you have a rough idea of this amount. If your car is worth less than what you're paying for the coverage, you're better off not having it.

Medical payments, PIP, and no-fault coverages

MedPay will pay for your and your passengers' medical expenses after an accident. These expenses can arise from accidents while you're driving your car, someone else's car (with their permission), and injuries you or your family members incur when you're pedestrians. The coverage will pay regardless of who is at fault, but if someone else is liable, your insurer may seek to recoup the expenses from him or her.

Personal injury protection (PIP) and broader "no-fault" coverages are expanded forms of medical payments protection that may be required in your state. Some states have optional PIP or no-fault coverage. Expanded features include payments for lost wages and child care.

If you have a good health insurance plan, there might be little need to buy more than the minimum required PIP or MedPay coverages, if at all. And, if you already have disability insurance, there's little reason to purchase higher-than-minimum amounts of PIP.

Uninsured/Under insured motorists coverages

Uninsured motorists (UM) coverage pays for your injuries if you're struck by a hit-and-run driver or someone who doesn't have auto insurance. It is required in many states.

Under insuredmotorists (UM) coverage will pay out if the driver who hit you causes more damage than his or her liability coverage can cover. In some states, UM or UM coverage will also pay for property damages.

You'll probably want to have at least the minimal amount of UM/UM because if you can't find the other driver, you'll at least have some coverage for pain-and-suffering damages.

Add-on features

Several supplemental auto coverages are available, either as separate premium items or included in augmented policies.

• Rental reimbursement, a common add-on, covers vehicle rentals required because your car is damaged or stolen.
• Coverage for towing and labor charges in case of a road breakdown is also common.
• Gap coverage for your new car will pay the difference between the actual cash value you receive for the car and the amount left on your car loan if your vehicle is totaled in an accident.

Department of Auto Insurance

Buying one of the most important decisions you can make. Generally, consumers seek car insurance that is comprehensive and low-cost. But you have to make sure that the auto insurance is offered from a reliable company. A reliable company has several qualities including, exceptional customer service, deals with claims expeditiously, and has a good credit rating. These are some steps you can take in choosing the right insurance company:

Research the State’s Department of Insurance Web site
Most consumers are not familiar that their state has a department of insurance. These departments have websites, and make public ‘consumer complaint ratios’ for all insurance companies that sell policies in the state.
It is advisable that consumers use complaint ratios to screen prospective auto insurance companies.

Get the Cheapest Available Rates Online For Free. Find the Top Brokers in Your Area for Free.
Call various companies to get a list of the most competitive premium quotes. The next step is to write down the quotes and the complaint ratios in adjacent columns corresponding to each insurance company. A low consumer complaint ratio means that the insurer has a complaint share that is less than their market share. Herein, compare the lists, the insurance companies that rank best on both lists merit the closest scrutiny.

If you are unable to locate the complaint ratios for your state, you can seek out the ratios in other states. For example, Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation in their Annual Report publishes the consumer complaint ratios. Heller recommends examining the complaint ratios published by other states. But keep in mind that an insurance company’s performance can vary from state to state, hence pay attention to general trends.

Also, insurance department websites offer basic rate comparison surveys. Herein, this can give you a close approximation without you going to each car insurance company’s site and typing in all of your personal information to get a quote.

J.D. Power Evaluations
J.D collects data from auto policyholders nationally and rates them according to price, claims handling, coverage options, satisfaction with company representatives and the overall experience. The rating company is known for their objective analysis of data in helping consumers make more informed decisions.

Review Financial Strength Ratings
Consider in your decision, the ratings of rating agencies such as, A.M. Best, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor's. These companies rate the financial strength of insurance companies which determines an insurers’ ability to pay out a claim.

The major insurance carriers should be a safe bet; for you, viewing the ratings is an exercise in formality, if you are considering only a big carrier.

Some Popular Auto Insurance Companies:

• AIR
• Allstate
• Americanism
• Anica
• Insurance
• Farmers
• Geiger
• MAC Insurance
• Liberty Mutual
• Met life
• Nationwide
• Progressive
• Prudential
• Safe co
• State Farm
• The General
• The Hartford
• Travelers
• 21st Centaur
  

Today’s consumers have a wealth of information available to them which can help discern the merits of services and products. The above insights will guide you in deciding the right insurance company to help meet your auto insurance needs.

Auto Insurance Frod

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