Do I really need auto insurance?

Auto insurance is now mandatory in most states, so to meet the state’s laws you must have insurance. Equally important is the protection from financial losses you may be exposed to by operating a vehicle. The benefits of auto insurance include:

• Financial support after a covered loss
• Legal representation if you are sued, regardless of your fault
• Medical coverage for injuries
• A rental car while yours is being repaired
• Towing and roadside assistance

What should I do if I have an accident?

• Make sure you, your passengers or others are not injured. If there are injuries, call for help immediately.
• In most states you are required to notify the police.
• Obtain the name address telephone number and insurance information from the other driver(s) and give them the same information.
• Gather information about the accident. Write down a diagram of the scene, time of day, road condition, names of all passengers, and write down names and telephone numbers of any witnesses. Keep a disposable camera in your vehicle to record an accident scene on film.
• Do not accept responsibility for the accident.
• Do not accept a monetary settlement at the accident scene.
• Contact Premier One as soon as possible. We will process the information with the insurance company to ensure that your claim gets handled right away.

How much liability insurance should I have?

Most state laws require that you carry a minimum amount of liability coverage to pay for damage or injury you cause in an accident. If you have assets to protect you may need to consider increasing your liability coverage accordingly. Our auto insurance experts can help tailor an insurance program that is specific you and your family’s needs.

How long do tickets stay on my record?

Minor traffic convictions and accidents stay on your record for three years. All major violations remain on your driving record for seven years. Any changes to your policy to add or delete points are made at the renewal of your policy.

Do I need to buy the collision deductible waiver when I rent a car?

Every insurance company has different provisions relating to coverage for rental vehicles. While many policies extend coverage to rental cars while you are on vacation, this is not standard procedure for every company. The best course of action is to contact our office and let one of our auto insurance experts check your specific policy.

Will my auto policy cover me while I am traveling outside of the United States?

Mexico – Mexican law requires that you purchase liability insurance through a licensed Mexican insurance company if driving your vehicle into Mexico.

Canada – Your auto policy includes Canada in its definition of coverage area. As a result, no additional coverage is necessary when driving your vehicle in Canada.

Other foreign countries – Most auto policies provide no coverage outside of the U.S and Canada. Therefore, when renting a vehicle in a foreign country it is necessary to purchase coverage form the rental car company.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage? Do I really need it?

Even though liability coverage is required in most states, there are many people who do not buy it. Also, many people carry only the minimum limits required by law ($15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident in California). If an uninsured driver causes an accident you may not be able to recover all or most of the damages or injuries you sustain. Uninsured motorist coverage can provide you and your passengers bodily injury and property damage coverage caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

If you have any other questions about a particular auto insurance coverage, please call one of our specialists or email us at info@premierone.com.