Comprehensive Coverage is part of your “Physical Damage” or “Damage to your Auto” coverage.  It is sometimes called “Other Than Collision” coverage.  Simply put it covers “Damage to Your Auto” – “Other Than Collision” and is “Comprehensive”.  By that I mean that Comprehensive Coverage is an example of “all risk” coverage in that everything not excluded is covered.  It typically covers, subject to a deductible, nonmoving losses such as fire, theft and vandalism.  The policy may contain a list of loss types which are defined as not collision.  These then are specifically comprehensive losses.  This list is not, however exhaustive.  Remember that all losses not otherwise excluded are covered.  Some interesting provisions in the coverage are:

1.  Collision with an animal is covered under comprehensive

2.  Windshield damage is covered under comprehensive and may be free from your deductible if the windshield can be repaired instead of replaced

If any time you have concerns or questions about Comprehensive Insurance, please contact our team of PoliSeek licensed representative to assist.  They can be reached at 866-540-7335 or by visiting poliseek.com.

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.

An Umbrella Policy is a policy which is specifically designed to provide additional liability coverage when you have exhausted the limits of your traditional policies. If you are like most of us you carry several lines of insurance to protect your personal assets. These make include auto insurance, homeowner or renters insurance and perhaps even RV or boat insurance. Each of these policies offers coverage for described property and also provides some liability coverage in the event you injure another or damage their property. Within the liability coverage each of these policies also has a limit, which is a maximum amount payable per loss. If this limit is inadequate to pay for the total loss, you are personally responsible for the balance. A solution to this “underinsurance” problem is to purchase an Umbrella policy. As its name implies, this policy provides an “umbrella” of liability protection over each and all of these other policies. If the limit of your “underlying” auto policy, or homeowner policy or boat coverage is inadequate to pay all the damages in a given loss, the umbrella policy steps in and pays its limit of top of such underlyer.

Example: A race to the railroad crossing finished in a tie. The collision caused the derailment of the train locomotive which slid down an embankment and into a river. The cost to extract and repair the locomotive was over $1,000,000 and the driver of the automobile (who was miraculously unharmed) was held responsible. The driver’s auto policy paid its property damage limit of $100,000 and the umbrella stepped in and paid the balance. Without the umbrella coverage the driver could have lost all that he owned in an attempt to pay the damages.

An umbrella policy may also provide coverage (subject to a deductible called an SIR) not provided in the underlying policies such as worldwide auto liability coverage or coverage for libel and slander. If you are interested in more information or to obtain this valuable coverage please call us at 866-540-7335.

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.

This is an amount of money which must be paid by the insured in the event of loss, prior to the insurer paying ay sums. The purpose of a deductible is to eliminate small claims and the administrative cost of handling them. The estimate is that it cost between $300.00 and $400.00 to handle the administrative cost of even the simplest auto claim. This is only the cost of assigning the adjustor, handling and processing the paperwork, and reporting the information to the appropriate sources. This has nothing to do with the amount paid for the claim but merely the internal cost to handle the claim. The purpose of the deductible is to eliminate as many of small claims as possible and their inherent cost. In its simplest form this is how it works.

Driver “A” backed his car into a post at the local high school parking lot. No one was hurt and the post was undamaged. If the cost to repair the damage to his automobile is less than his collision deductible, then driver “A” has no claim and will have to absorb the cost of repair himself. If the repair cost exceeds the deductible then driver “A” will have to pay the deductible and the balance will be paid by his collision insurer. Logically then, the higher the deductible, the fewer claims get reported and so the lower the premium. Deciding what deductible to carry is a bit of a balancing act. You must balance the savings of a lower premium against the higher cost to you in the event you have a loss.

If you have questions regarding this or any other insurance matter, please give us a call at 866-540-7335.

Purchasing a new car is often a joyous occasion. You are excited to sign the paperwork and drive your new vehicle off the lot, but, before you do, keep in mind the legal ramifications of your actions. You are legally required to carry automobile insurance. Additionally, it is dangerous and costly to drive without it. We often get asked “am I automatically covered when I drive off the dealership lot with a new car?” The answer is may be no, as the process is not always automatic.

If you are currently insured, you should contact your insurer to find out the specifics of your policy. Many automotive insurance plans have some type of automatic coverage provision in place and they may give you a period of time to add a new car after purchase, however it is up to you to be a knowledgeable consumer and know the specifics of your agreement. You are still responsible for adding the new car within the parameters of your policy, as well as any additional costs that may be associated with your new car make or model. If you hear the phrases “grace period” or “30 days of free insurance” understand that only what is in the written, signed agreement is enforceable by law and you should find out the exact parameters meant by these phrases according to your policy provider. If you have already purchased a new vehicle and have not contacted your current insurance provider, please do so as soon as possible to make sure you are fully covered.

Contact PoliSeek to learn more about low cost automobile policies. If your auto insurance policy is through PoliSeek, we make it easy for you to add a new vehicle to your account.

Finding the right automobile insurance policy can help keep the process of buying a new vehicle enjoyable. Let PoliSeek help you find the right coverage at the right price for you!

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.

Non-accident related vehicle damage can occur at any time. It could be malicious, for example the keying of a car resulting in scratched paint or the slashing of tires, or it could be an act of nature like a falling tree branch cracking a windshield. Knowing that things happen beyond your control (and often when you aren’t even in your car) is the first step in preparing for them. The question that is often asked of insurers is “what type of auto insurance covers vandalism and damage to my car?” The answer is comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage encompasses a wide range of non-accident related vehicle damage sources. This may cover damage from theft, vandalism, natural disasters, damage by animals, and more. Additionally, comprehensive coverage policies may allow for windshield replacement due to a covered cause of loss in some states. When researching non-accident related vehicle damage coverage, you should ask if your state includes windshield replacement under comprehension coverage. It is also good to ask about any specific worries you may have about natural disasters that are more likely to occur in your area such as hurricanes in the Southeast United States.

There are many types of auto insurance coverage to choose from. It is very important to understand the different types of coverage in order to make sure you select the right coverage and are properly protected. The following is a list of the main types of auto insurance coverage available in addition to comprehensive coverage: collision coverage, property damage liability, bodily injury liability, personal injury protection (PIP – available in “no-fault” states), and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. There is also ancillary coverage like rental reimbursement and towing and labor.

PoliSeek has extensive information about all of these types of insurance and can help you find the right policy for you. Policies with comprehensive coverage are available. No matter whether you are concerned with vandalism or natural disasters, PoliSeek would like to help you find the right coverage plan, whether it be comprehensive coverage or another policy.

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.

What is the difference between Roadside Assistance Coverage and Mechanical Breakdown Protection?  Many drivers, whether those with a car, truck, or motor home, are not familiar with the differences between these two options for specialized coverage.  Even savvy drivers may not realize that one includes the other.  

What Is Roadside Assistance Coverage?

Roadside Assistance Coverage is the policy that allows you peace of mind when you and your family travel.  Roadside emergencies can happen anywhere and to anyone and Roadside Assistance Coverage allows you to depart on your vacation knowing that if emergencies come up, you are covered.  Policies with a good amount of coverage will include 24 hour emergency road service.  Minor mechanical work, towing, tire changes, jump starts, and fuel delivery should all be available to you in your time of need.  Households with multiple family members who drive should look into covering all members on their policy.

Coverage is also available for drivers with motorcycles, buses, motor homes, trucks, or RVs.  Additional information about Roadside Assistance for RVers is available on the PoliSeek website.  

What Is Mechanical Breakdown Protection?

Mechanical Breakdown Protection is coverage, available in four different levels, which may offer an extra level of protection over your vehicle’s warranty.  The four levels of coverage are Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze ranging from the most inclusive to the least.  Read more on our recent blog post: Mechanical Breakdown Protection. 

Do I Need To Carry Both On My Vehicle?

Carrying Roadside Assistance Coverage is not only a smart move, but relatively easy and affordable as well.  Knowing that 24-hour Roadside Assistance is included in Mechanical Breakdown Protection may be an added incentive to upgrade to one of the four Mechanical Breakdown Protection policies.  Breakdowns and accidents come without warning and it almost goes without saying that you would be more at ease knowing you have some level of coverage.  If you are looking for the most coverage, look into the Platinum level of Mechanical Breakdown Protection.

PoliSeek has details on the four levels of Mechanical Breakdown Protection coverage and can help you find the right policy for you.  Policies with coverage of roadside assistance are also available.  No matter whether you have an old or new car, or a larger vehicle, PoliSeek would like to help you benefit from being protected and covered in the future.

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.

When shopping for auto insurance or looking to reduce your payment on your current insurance policy, there are many things you can do.  Below are a few tips that can help you to save some money.

 •             Raise your deductible – If you carry a low deductible such as $250-500, raising it to $1000 can save you on your yearly premium.  Having a higher deductible means you may have more out of pocket expenses if you have an accident. 

•             Buy the right car – When shopping for a new car, doing your research and opting for a less expensive or less powerful model can save you money.  Even buying the less sporty model can be less expensive.  When buying a car, ask yourself if the 15 extra horsepower is really worth the insurance premium increase.

•             Research before you move – If you are moving and have a choice of the area you live in, do some research ahead of time.  State and city lines can be the difference between affordable and high rates.  Cities tend to be more costly than rural areas because more traffic and people, means there is more of a chance of being in an accident.

•             Ask about discounts – When purchasing new insurance or speaking with your current provider, ask an agent if there are any discounts that you are eligible for.  If you are a teacher, belong to a certain group or are a “safe” driver, you could qualify for additional discounts.

The above are just a few ways to save on auto insurance.  For other ways to reduce your costs, please contact a PoliSeek licensed representative at 866-540-7335 or www.poliseek.com.

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.

Usage based car insurance also known as “pay as you drive” insurance, is different than a traditional policy in that you only pay for insurance based on the mileage you drive in a given year. A traditional policy considers your safety record (tickets/accidents) and then calculates your average driving distance to produce a price that you will have to pay on a semiannual basis. A drawback with traditional insurance is that based on the same driving record, a person who drives 5000 miles a year could, due to old information or an inaccurate mileage projection pay just as much as a person who drives 50,000 miles a year.

Pay as you drive insurance can help the person who drives a low number of miles in a year save a lot of money. All things being equal, the majority of state households could save a few hundred dollars per vehicle per year on a pay as you drive insurance plan (according to a report by the Brookings Institution).

How is my mileage determined?

To determine your rates insurance companies must take a reading of your odometer. They are currently using 3 different ways to calculate your mileage:

• Electronic monitoring of mileage

• Submission of maintenance records or

• Regular odometer checks by insurance company representatives

Is it right for you?

This type of insurance is best suited for low mileage drivers who accurately report the number of miles they drive to insurance companies. If you underestimate the number of miles you drive each year, you could pay higher rates compared to a traditional policy.

Other added benefits

Some environmental agencies are supporting the pay as you drive insurance policies because it is helping people to reduce how much they drive which in turn can help the environment. They are also predicting that it can reduce traffic congestion by 10-12%.

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.

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.

In today’s insurance market place many carriers are offering multi-policy discounts. Their reasoning for making this offer is the long proven fact that the more lines of coverage (types of policies) a company has with a client, the longer that client are going to stay with them (and pay premium). There are advantages to the client as well, however.

The first and most obvious is, of course, money. These discounts can be significant. A carrier may offer up to a 15% discount on their auto insurance if the policyholder also has a homeowner’s insurance policy with them. If that client had four cars and two teenage sons, this discount could be substantial, and in fact could be sufficient to pay the entire homeowner premium.

There are two other reasons that come to mind immediately. One has to do with coverage. If there is a dispute regarding coverage between the homeowner carrier and the auto carrier, it becomes academic if they are both the same company.

The other has to do with one’s relationship with the carrier. In the event that luck turns bad and there are several losses, the carrier may be more reluctant to cancel or non-renew the policy, if carrying multiple lines of coverage.

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.