Jerry Falwell Insurance Advices

Archive for November, 2009

Collision” and Comprehensive coverages, which are also known as physical damage coverages, pay for repair or the actual cash value of your auto regardless of who is at fault. Collision coverage pays if your auto collides with an object, including another car, or if it overturns. Your own insurer will pay for such damage even if the collision is your fault.

In addition, collision premiums are based on the make and model year of your car. You should evaluate the current market value of your car and your ability to afford a similar car should it be destroyed before you purchase this coverage. You may not need this coverage if your car has decreased in value or if you can afford to replace it. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your auto from almost all other causes such as fire, vandalism, water, hail, glass breakage, wind, falling objects, civic commotion, or hitting an animal. Damage from striking a deer is a relatively frequent accident in Wisconsin. It is important to know that most policies cover hitting an animal under comprehensive, not collision, insurance.

Comprehensive coverage also pays if your auto or parts of it, such as a battery or tires, are stolen. Flood damage to your car is also covered if your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. If you carry collision without comprehensive coverage, you are not covered for flood damage. If you borrow money from a bank or some other financial institution to buy your car, the lender will probably require you to purchase physical damage coverage to protect both of your interests in the car.

When you begin to contact insurers, there a few things you should know about how insurance companies work. For the most part insurance is sold directly through an insurance company or indirectly through an agent or broker. An independent agent may represent more than one, and sometimes several insurance companies. An exclusive agent sells solely for one insurance company or group of related companies if the insurance company or group writes that type of insurance. Independent agents, as well as exclusive agents, may place business with another company if the company(s) he or she represents does not write the type of insurance needed. A broker represents you in dealings with an insurance company.

When you first talk to an agent, be sure that he or she is willing and able to explain various policies and other insurance-related matters. An agent should look for ways to get you the most protection at an affordable cost. Make certain that your agent agrees to review your coverage from time to time, advises you about other financial services, and assists you when problems develop. Many people are interested in selling package products or services to as many people as possible. While there is nothing wrong with low cost, standardized products, they should fit your needs. If you are not convinced that a particular agent understands your needs and will give you the service you want, seek another agent.

Agents and insurers differ. Friends may have some recommendations. If not, try the yellow pages. Agents and insurers are listed alphabetically and by location. If you travel frequently, you may want to check with your insurer or agent to find out how to file a claim when you are out of the area.

If you cause an auto accident, you may be responsible for the losses of the other people involved. A claim may be made or a lawsuit filed against you for those losses. You may have to pay not only for the property damage you cause, but also for the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of any injured person. The amount of money you may have to pay could be substantial.

If you don’t have insurance, anything of value that you own, including your home, savings, future wages, and other assets, may be taken to pay for those losses. Auto liability insurance can help protect you so that this doesn’t happen. Liability insurance also pays for an attorney to defend you against any claim or lawsuit that may be payable under the policy. You can also buy insurance to cover damages to your auto. This optional coverage will help pay for your losses whether or not you were at fault. Insurance is based on the theory that only a small portion of all drivers will be involved in accidents. The premiums paid by all drivers during the year are used to pay for the losses of those drivers who have accidents. When you buy insurance, you receive financial protection in case you become involved in an accident. You also make sure that a person injured through your fault will recover for losses you cause.