There can be many components to any auto insurance policy, but two common elements are collision and comprehensive coverage. It’s important to understand the difference between these two, and most importantly what is included in your policy.

First, collision insurance is just what it sounds like. This exists to provide coverage in the event of an accident with another vehicle, person, object, etc. With collision insurance, you will be reimbursed for repairs or replacement costs, less your deductible (the amount you are required to pay out of pocket). If your car cannot be repaired, the amount you are reimbursed is often limited to your vehicle’s actual cash value. The decision to carry or not carry collision coverage therefore may be based on the value of your automobile. If it is new and expensive you would be well served to carry the coverage. If it has seen some years of service and has depreciated considerably in value, the coverage minus the deductible may not be worth the cost. If you have a lien holder, you may be required to carry both comprehensive and collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage will help to cover damage to your vehicle from incidents other than collision. If your car catches on fire, has been vandalized or stolen, or damaged by severe weather, comprehensive coverage will most likely pay for the damage, minus your deductible . Theft is one thing you should pay close attention to. If your car is stolen, your comprehensive coverage will cover your loss, less your deductible, but it likely will not cover the contents within your car. Those items may, however, be covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, once again minus the deductible for that policy. If you have made any aftermarket additions to your vehicle, such as added a new stereo or GPS, those may be covered, but you should contact your insurance provider for specific details, as you may need purchase additional coverage to insure those items separately.

Are you looking to save on insurance? Higher deductibles may lower the cost of your insurance, but since you cannot predict when you will need to file a claim, you should always be sure that your deductible is something that you will be able to pay at any time. Also, many insurers may reduce premiums for vehicles with anti-theft devices as well as those parked in a low crime rate area.

Keep these things in mind when you are shopping for an auto insurance policy or reviewing the one you currently have. As always, our PoliSeek representatives are here to help with any of your auto Insurance needs.

The most important thing to remember when driving in the rain is to slow down. There are a lot of reasons for this such as the increase in stopping distance caused by wet and slippery roadways and the need to stop for unexpected obstacles such as that giant puddle that magically appears in front of you.

Turn on your headlights. In California it’s now the law that you turn on your headlights when driving with your windshield wipers operating.

Check your tires, and wiper blades. Wiper blades will dry out and crack after a long hot summer. If you can’t see it you can’t stop for it. Badly worn tires have little or no traction on wet roadways.

Be prepared with an alternative route for your commute. Due to flooding or accident(s) your regular route may be severely impaired.

Don’t try and cross that puddle if you are unsure. Don’t be the first one to try. Don’t try to cross fast moving water.

Give extra space for large vehicles. It is going to take longer and more space for that 18 wheeler to stop. Give him some room.

If the rain becomes severe and you can’t see, turn on your hazard flashers, pull over and stop. Wait until you can see clearly before proceeding.

Last remember that rainy day driving takes a higher level of concentration that normal driving. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by your cell phone or other electronic device.

The most important factor in determining your auto insurance rate is your driving record. How many tickets have you had in the last three years? How many accidents have you been involved in – also in the last three years? Were the accidents your fault? What about major violations going back 10 (or more) years? These would be for drunk driving, reckless driving or other similar serious offences.

The next factor is your age or years of driving experience (in CA). The rate is fairly high until you reach 25 (or 9 years experience) and then pretty many levels out until age 70 or so when it goes back up.

Your gender is a factor that tends to modify the rate. In the early years men are usually involved in more accidents than women. That explains why the rate for teen-age boys is much higher than for teen age girls.  Your marital status is also a factor. Married people get in fewer accidents than single people. As our society changes to be more inclusive in the definition of marriage, this factor is also changing.

Another factor is the use of your vehicle and the miles driven. Common use classifications are commute, business and pleasure. Vehicles driven during the work day are rated for business. Commute means driven back and forth to work or school. Pleasure simply means not commute and not business.

Other factors which may affect your rate are:

• The state in which you reside. Insurance (and accident frequency) vary widely by state.

• The address where your vehicle is kept. This is called the garaging address and is determined by zip code. Depending on state, this could be a primary or a secondary factor.

• The type of vehicle you are driving. There are typically surcharges for sports cars, 4X4 pickups, and unusual (hard/expensive to repair) vehicles. These surcharges generally impact your collision and comprehensive (“other than collision”) coverage.

• Year/make/model of your vehicle. The more expensive the vehicle (cost new) the more expensive the rate.

Finally, in some states your credit score may affect your rate. This controversial factor is not used in all states (i.e. not in CA).  If you should have any questions, please contact a PoliSeek licensed agent at 866-540-7335. We are here to assist!

If you are driving a motorcycle on the road, you must have motorcycle insurance. This insurance coverage protects you in the event you are in an accident and you get hurt or you damage your motorcycle. For those that have recreational motorcycles that are not ridden on public roads and meant for off-road use only, you still may wish to consider motorcycle coverage. While it is not required by law, the benefits of having motorcycle coverage can far outweigh its modest cost.

When you purchase motorcycle insurance for your recreational bike, you are ensuring that you protect yourself while having fun. Benefits include:

Motorcycle repair, if it is damaged
Medical compensation, if you are injured
Theft protection

If you decide not to cover your recreational motorcycle and you get hurt, or damage your bike, you will be left with the full cost of replacement or medical bills. Motorcycle insurance is relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of money in the long run if you end up hurting yourself, someone else or your bike.  For more information on motorcycle insurance and other insurance products, please contact Poliseek today.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.  No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.