Auto Insurance
Car insurance plans are designed to help cover potential car-related damages, loss or injuries from a financial perspective. Maintaining proper insurance not only helps protect you and your vehicle in the case of accident, but it also serves to protect your passengers, other drivers, pedestrians and property. Additionally, car insurance helps protect you in the event of a lawsuit associated with an incident involving your car.
With so many car insurance companies available, as well as various coverage options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding which particular company and insurance plan is a good fit for you. But with Algate Advisors, each client’s individual needs are considered and the process of obtaining affordable insurance is a quick and easy process!
Algate Advisors will provide you with rates from multiple insurance companies to help you shop for the best combination of price and coverage and clearly explain the options, so you can make the best decision on which plan works best for you.Common Auto Insurance Questions
Is my rental car covered by my auto policy or do I need to purchase the rental company’s insurance?
Most drivers are adequately covered for the average rental car (assuming it’s for pleasure and not business). However, if your coverage is liability only, because you have opted out of Comprehensive and Collision coverage, then you may not be covered.
When my child gets a learner’s permit, are they automatically covered on my auto policy?
If your child has a learner’s permit, it is important to add them to your policy, however, there is no additional charge until they have their driver’s license. The insurance company likes to know if there are new drivers in the household, but as long as the new driver is operating the vehicle with a qualified licensed driver in the passenger seat beside them, they have coverage under the family auto policy. It is extremely important to let us know that your child has gotten their driver’s license as soon as possible so we can add them to your policy.
Is my auto covered if I am using it for deliveries for an outside business?
Typically, no. If you or your family member is driving your auto for another company, delivering something like pizzas or flowers for a flower shop, it is very possible that your auto is NOT covered by your current policy. You may need to get a business auto policy.
Are there ways that I can lower my auto insurance premium, regardless of my driving record?
There are many ways to lower auto premiums.
- Billing Options: You will frequently pay a lower premium for auto insurance by paying your premium in full or paying via scheduled monthly EFT (out of your checking account). When the insurance company has to send a paper bill every month, your premium will be increased and you will often pay a larger monthly fee.
- Email Address: Simply supplying the insurance company with an email address will often get you a discount. Easy to do for free money.
- Shop Early: Most companies offer a discount for shopping 7-10 days before you need the auto policy. They feel clients should be rewarded for being responsible and not attempting to get insurance at the last possible moment.
- Combine Coverage: The best way to lower premiums is to place your home and auto insurance with the same carrier. These discounts can make a huge difference in the overall premium.
Is there any reason I should have auto insurance if I don’t have a car?
Yes! If you plan to have a car in the future or are between vehicles, you should keep an auto policy. The best way to increase your premium in the future is to go without insurance for any length of time whether it is 1 day or 6 months. You can get an inexpensive driver only policy that will continue coverage while you are between cars. If you buy a car in the future and do not have insurance, you could pay anywhere from 25-40% more because you are considered uninsured.
Are my personal items in my car covered under my auto insurance?
There is very minimal coverage for your personal belonging inside your auto. If you have an auto theft and your golf clubs, laptop and cell phone are all in your car, your auto policy will not have enough coverage to replace those items. It is crucial to have a homeowners or rental policy because that policy will cover your personal property, regardless of where the loss occurs.
