Auto Insurance
When it comes to auto insurance, there are some basic things you know.
Like the fact that most states require it in order to drive,
and that it can be expensive. But do you really understand the
coverage you are paying for? Do you even know whether you have
too much or too little coverage?
The following should help you navigate through the mountain curves of automobile insurance coverage.
Please remember that in order for
your insurance coverage to take effect, all drivers and cars
must be specifically listed on your policy. You should also
refer to your automobile contract for the specific terms and
conditions of the coverage that you have purchased. If you
have any further questions you should speak directly
with Leonard Insurance.
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Liability If
you have an auto accident, the legal costs could be
devastating. Liability coverage offers protection against
claims, property damage or bodily injury to a third party that
you or a member of your household accidentally caused while
driving your car. This coverage applies only if the driver is
considered legally responsible for the damage.
In addition, liability coverage from Leonard Insurance
offers:
- up to $250 for the cost of bail bonds required because
of the accident
- premiums on appeal bonds
- interest accrued after a judgment is entered in any suit
we defend
- up to $50 each day for loss of earnings because we have
requested that you attend a hearing or trial
- other reasonable expenses which may be incurred at our
request.
Medical payments The last
thing you need to worry about at the time of an accident is
your medical insurance. The medical payments portion of your
policy assures that you, your family members and passengers in
your car will receive necessary medical and dental services
resulting from an auto accident...regardless of who caused the
accident. We also provide coverage if you and your family
members are involved in an accident as a pedestrian.
Uninsured motorist/Underinsured
motorist Uninsured motorist coverage will
pay for injury expenses incurred should you, your family
members or passengers be involved in an accident with an
uninsured motorist. This coverage also provides protection for
a hit-and-run accident or an accident with a driver who
has less insurance than required by law.
Underinsured motorist coverage comes into
play when the other driver is found legally responsible for an
accident and has coverage, but not enough to cover your
injuries. If your coverage limits are higher than those of the
at-fault driver, this coverage will absorb the additional
expenses.
Un/Underinsured coverage is not identical in all states
since each state has its own uninsured motorist laws. In most
states this coverage applies to bodily injury only. However,
property damage coverage is available in some states.
Damage to your auto We've
discussed legal and medical damages.
Another common loss is
the physical damage to your vehicle that can result from an
accident. There are two types of physical damage coverages:
Collision and Comprehensive.
Collision coverage pays for any damage to your car
caused by accidental impact with another vehicle or
object...or if your vehicle overturns. The maximum amount to
be paid is limited to the actual cash value of your vehicle,
commonly referred to as "blue book" value, less the collision
deductible. Please remember that the blue book is only a
guide. The actual cost of the car may be more or less
depending on the actual condition of the car.
Comprehensive coverage pays for most types of damage
to your car resulting from a situation other than a
collision. Typical examples include breakage of glass,
falling objects, fire, theft, windstorm, hail, water, flood,
malicious mischief, vandalism, or impact with a bird or
animal. The maximum amount paid is limited to the actual cash
value of your vehicle less the "other than collision"
deductible.
Situations where damage is not covered. Please be
aware that your policy will not pay for damages due to normal
wear and tear such as mechanical or electrical breakdowns and
flat tires.
Personal injury protection
(No-Fault) Your policy will provide no-fault
insurance for residents of states where it is required. This
means that you, your family and any passengers are covered
under your policy regardless of who is responsible for the
accident. This coverage includes medical, surgical, dental,
hospital, work loss and certain other related expenses. This
same coverage extends to you or your family member in an
accident as a pedestrian.
Additional, optional
coverages Some coverages are not included as part
of the basic auto policy. However, you can customize your
policy to your needs by adding the following coverages:
- Towing and labor: pays for towing and labor costs
each time your car is disabled. Covered labor must be
performed at the place where your car is disabled. There's
usually a limit to the dollar amount that will be applied to
each loss.
- Rental reimbursement: pays for a rental car if
your car is damaged by a situation covered by comprehensive
or collision coverage and if your car is out of commission
for more than 24 hours.
- CB radio/car phone: Unless installed by the
manufacturer, these items are not covered under your basic
policy. This additional coverage pays for loss to your CB or
two-way radio/telephone if the equipment is not permanently
installed in your car at the time of loss.
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