Auto insurance explained simply

Coverages. Limits. Deductibles. How do you ensure your Auto insurance policy is properly protecting your car, you and your passengers?

 

1. Consult an expert.
   
   
   
   An independent insurance agent is your local insurance expert and he or she represents several insurance companies from which to choose. When it comes to customizing an Auto insurance policy that meets your needs, your local independent agent is the answer. And, if you choose a Brightway agent , you’ll benefit from the broadest choice of carriers offered by an agent in the industry.
2. Know your coverages.
   
   Coverage may vary by insurance company, but here are the basics.

• Coverage for damage you cause to others and their property:

  Bodily Injury Liability: As the name implies, it covers injuries that you cause to someone else. You choose the “limits” of your Bodily Injury Liability coverage (the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out in the event of a covered loss). Choose the highest limits you can afford; if you injure someone, you may be sued for a large amount of money.

  Property Damage Liability: provides coverage for damage you may do to someone else’s property, including their car, fence, building or other structures. Again, you’ll have the opportunity to choose the limits of your coverage.

• Coverage for damage to your vehicle:

  If you add Collision coverage to your Auto insurance policy, you’ll have coverage for damage to your car resulting from just about anything except hitting a deer or other animal. With collision, you’ll need to choose a “deductible,” or the amount you’ll need to pay in the event of a covered loss before the insurance company pays its portion. Make sure you can afford the deductible amount.

Comprehensive can reimburse you for loss due to theft or damage caused by something other than a collision with another car or object (covered by Collision coverage) including fire, explosion, windstorm, hail or flood. Again, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your deductible amount for this coverage.

• Coverage that protects you against uninsured or underinsured drivers:

  Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage will reimburse you if you are hit by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. And, if you include Underinsured Motorist Coverage on your Auto insurance policy, the insurance company can provide reimbursement if you are involved in a crash with an at-fault driver who has insufficient insurance to pay for your loss

• Coverage that provides an alternate vehicle:

  • Rental insurance can cover the cost/part of the cost of a temporary replacement vehicle in the event your vehicle is unable to drive as a result of a covered loss. Adding this coverage to your Auto insurance policy is usually extremely affordable, and unless you have access to another vehicle to drive, is generally a great idea to include in your policy.