Your Guide to Auto Insurance
You’re legally required to have auto insurance in most states, including Massachusetts. At a minimum, your insurance policy must include basic liability coverage that includes bodily injury to others and damage to someone else’s property. Your minimum coverage also includes bodily injury caused by an uninsured or unidentified driver and personal injury protection, which covers medical expenses and lost wages.
Most drivers need more than just the minimum coverage. Your car insurance is there to protect your vehicle, yourself, the other passengers in the car, and your financial assets. Car accidents happen, and sometimes you can’t prevent them. But you can make sure you have adequate insurance coverage in place, which may also include rental car coverage, gap insurance, and roadside assistance. Our agents are here to help you find the right car insurance policy to fit your needs.
Minimum Required Coverage
You must carry the minimum coverage required by the state. This includes bodily injury to others and bodily injury caused by uninsured motorists of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. You also need to carry personal injury protection with a minimum limit of $8,000 and liability coverage of $5,000 in case you damage someone else’s property.
Standard Policy Components
Your auto insurance coverage should also include comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision covers damage to your car from colliding with another vehicle or stationary object. Comprehensive insurance covers events like theft and vandalism. It also applies if a tree branch falls on your vehicle and causes damage.
Additional Coverage Options
We tailor your auto insurance policy to fit your needs. There are additional coverage options that may make sense for you. For example, you can include roadside assistance and towing services to your policy. If your car breaks down, your insurance can help cover the cost of transporting it to the mechanic of your choice. Roadside assistance also includes having someone help you with a flat tire, jump starting the batter, or filling up your gas tank.
You may also want to include rental car coverage. If you rely on your vehicle for transportation to school and work and don’t have other cars, rental car coverage provides you with a set of wheels while your car is in the shop, after an accident. Finally, you may need gap insurance if your lease or loan amount for the car is higher than its current value. Otherwise, you’d be responsible for the difference if your car is totaled in an accident.
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How Can I Save Money on Premiums?
Car insurance can get pricey, but there are things you can do to save on premiums. We recommend bundling your car insurance with your home or renter’s insurance or increasing your deductible. You can also take a driving course, drive a less expensive car, or reduce some of your coverage options to decrease the amount of your monthly car insurance premiums.
When Can I Drop Collision & Comprehensive Coverage?
Legally, you’re not required to carry collision or comprehensive coverage. However, if you have a loan or lease, your lender may require it to protect their asset. Otherwise, some people decide to drop collision and comprehensive coverage for an older car they already own. However, you must be able to cover any repair or replacement costs out of pocket if you drop coverage on your vehicle.
What Affects My Premiums the Most?
Insurance premiums can vary from one insurer to the next. It depends on the drivers listed on your policy and their driving history and what type of vehicle you have. Typically, a more expensive car will cost more in premiums, and a teenage driver will also increase the cost of insurance. You may qualify for certain discounts that reduce your premiums, such as a multi-vehicle discount and good student discount.
Get Your Customized Quote Today
We will tailor your car insurance policy to meet your specific needs. We work with many reputable insurance companies to provide you with the best coverage at the most competitive price. Let’s have a conversation about your car insurance needs, and we can help you determine your optimal coverage options. Call us today to get a quote for auto insurance.