What coverage pays for damages to my vehicle? 

 

Depending on what kind of damage your car suffers, one of your physical damage coverages, either comprehensive or collision insurance, will pay for the damages.  If your car is hit by a deer or other animal, catches fire or is vandalized or stolen, your comprehensive coverage will kick in.  If you crash into something and damage your car, your collision coverage will pay.  Both of these coverages are optional and, of course, adding them to your policy will raise your insurance premium. 

 

Do you sell dental insurance? 

 

Yes.  We sell Delta Dental.  Call us for a quote. 

 

My teenager just got a driver’s license and the insurance rates are through the roof.  Do I have to add him to my policy?  Do I have any other options? 

 

Yes, your teenager has to be insured as a driver on an insurance policy when he gets his permanent driver’s license or school permit.  It makes good financial sense to add your teen as a driver to your existing policy so he will receive the same multi-car, multi-policy, etc. discounts that you currently receive. However, if you own an expensive car, it might make more financial sense to buy your teen a safe, older vehicle and write a separate policy in his name.  How you title a car can also make a difference in how the policy must be written.   

 

Do I need to purchase insurance before I buy a new car? 

 

If this is your first car, yes, you’ll have to buy auto insurance before you drive your shiny new car off the dealer’s lot.  If you are financing the purchase, the lender will require that you buy a policy with comprehensive and collision coverages.  If you have owned a vehicle and already have auto insurance, that policy will generally cover your new automobile for a period of time up to 14 days after you buy it and only for the kind of insurance you already carry.  If you have liability only on all vehicles, then your new car is covered for liability only.  If you carry full coverage on one or all vehicles, your new car is covered for full coverage.  It is always best to notify your agent or your company as soon as possible after purchasing a different vehicle.  The company is going to charge premium back to the date of purchase anyway, so you don’t save premium by waiting to report the purchase.         

 

What happens if I purchase a car on a weekend or after office hours? 

 

You may call your insurance company direct to have them add the new vehicle. Phone numbers are located on your policy or on our website. 

 

What can I do to protect myself against uninsured drivers? 

 

Purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can protect you against uninsured drivers.  In many states, UM coverage is required by law.  UM coverage will pay for medical bills and possibly pain and suffering if you are hit by an uninsured driver.  

 

What is SR-22? 

 

An SR-22 is a form that shows that you have auto insurance.  It is required by the state for drivers who are high risk.  Here are some of the reasons a state might require you to file an SR-22 form: 

 

DUI (drunk driving) 

Serious moving violations such as reckless driving 

Excessive violation points in a short period of time 

Being an habitual traffic offender 

Causing an accident while uninsured 

 

Regulations vary from state to state, but high risk drivers usually have to carry SR-22 insurance for two years.  More insurance companies are now willing to sell policies to drivers who have SR-22 status.  However, those policies are going to be more costly than a standard auto policy. 

 

I got a speeding ticket.  How much will it affect my auto insurance premium? 

 

We cannot tell you whether your auto insurance premium will increase or by how much.  That’s because some states have laws governing when and why auto insurers can change policyholders’ premiums.  Often, insurers will not raise your rates after just one speeding ticket or other citation.  So, if it was your first ticket, you might not see a change in your rates.  Even if you have received speeding tickets in the past, different companies have different practices when it comes to increasing premiums.  Some companies will consider the severity of your violation and raise your premium accordingly.  Other companies will raise your rates a specific amount per violation. 

 

If a tree falls on my house from my neighbor’s yard, who pays for the damage? 

 

Generally the insurance responsibility lies with whoever’s property is damaged.  In other words, if a tree falls on your home, no matter where the tree came from, your insurance company should pay for your home repairs.  An exception would be if the damage occurred as a result of negligence.  For instance, if the tree was dead before it fell, and you had proof that your neighbor knew the tree was dead, your neighbor could be held liable.  As a rule, state insurance officials suggest that you file a claim with your insurance company and let them deal with it. 

 

I have a dog that bit someone once.  Will that affect my chances of getting homeowners insurance? 

 

While having a dog with a history of biting doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a homeowners policy, it can make it more difficult and more expensive.  You might end up having to get a policy that excludes coverage for anything your dog does. 

 

How can I get flood insurance? 

 

If you live in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you are eligible to purchase flood insurance.  Davis County does not participate, but some of the surrounding communities do.  Please visit www.floodsmart.gov to check to see if your community participates. 

 

How are auto insurance rates calculated? 

 

Numerous factors determine your insurance premium.  Some of them are your age, your gender, your car, your location, your driving patterns, your driving record, your claims history and your credit score. 

 

How can I save money on car insurance while maintaining safe levels of coverage? 

 

Choose the right car: Before you buy a car, check with your agent to see how much the rate for the car you have chosen will be and if the premium and the car payment will fit your budget. 

 

Choose a higher deductible: Your insurance premium can be decreased if you increase your portion of the risk.  By raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles from $250.00 to $500.00 or higher, you can save money.  You do need to be aware that you will have to pay the higher deductible any time you use these coverages. 

 

Take advantage of special discounts: Ask each company what special discounts it offers.  Discounts are available to young drivers who are good students.  Discounts are also available to people who insure both their home and auto with the same company.  There are many discounts, so please ask if you are getting all that are available to you. 

 

I am a renter, not a homeowner.  Do I need insurance? 

 

The same rule of thumb applies to renters as to homeowners.  If catastrophe struck tomorrow, could you afford to replace everything you own?  Or, if you were sued, would you have enough money to pay legal fees and possibly settle the suit?  If not, you would benefit from the protection renters insurance brings. 

 

Renters insurance offers the same general personal property coverage and liability protection as a homeowners policy.  Thus, your camera is insured while you are on vacation, and you are covered for liability if your grandfather clock crashes into the apartment wall and leaves a gaping hole.  In fact, most policies are surprisingly extensive and may include additional living expenses (also called loss of use coverage) if you are forced by fire or other damage to temporarily live elsewhere.