Do
I need to buy the collision damage waiver when
I rent a car?
Every insurance company has a different policy
when it comes to damage to your rental car.
We suggest that you contact our office for
a specific answer to
your question.
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If
I borrow my neighbor’s car and get into
an accident, whose insurance applies, my neighbors
or mine?
Insurance always follows the vehicle first.
Therefore, your neighbor’s
insurance would be the primary coverage. The driver’s insurance would
be secondary.
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I
have an old car that isn’t worth much.
Do I still need auto insurance?
Liability insurance is required in the state
of California. However, you may decide not
to purchase physical damage coverage (comprehensive
or collision).
Usually the cost of repairing damage to older vehicles is greater than the
value of the car itself. As a result, if you purchase physical damage coverage,
the insurer will usually "total" the vehicle and issue a check for the vehicle’s
market value (less the deductible).
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What
factors affect my auto insurance rates?
Your auto insurance premium is based on several factors. The most significant
factors are: your driving record, the number of miles you drive annually and
number of years of driving experience you have. Other factors which can also
affect your rates are: the type of car you drive, how the vehicle is used,
where you live and marital status. Statistics show that married people tend
to have fewer accidents than single people.
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Why
do I need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
(UM) coverage if liability coverage is required
in California?
Even though liability coverage is required
in California, some people are still driving
without coverage. In addition, California
only requires minimum liability
limits of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident. If the other party is determined
to be legally liable, these limits may not be adequate to cover your damages.
This coverage also is applicable in the event of a hit and run accident.
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I’m
driving to Mexico for the weekend; do I need
to buy special coverage?
Yes. Auto accidents in Mexico are subject to the laws of Mexico, not the laws
of the United States. As a result, Mexican law requires you to purchase liability
insurance through a licensed Mexican insurance company if you are driving your
vehicle into Mexico.
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What
about Canada?
The coverage territory of your auto policy is defined as the United States
of America, its territories or possessions, or Canada. Therefore, additional
coverage is not required.
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If
I rent a car while on vacation in Europe (or
other foreign country), will my auto policy
cover me?
In most cases,
no. A majority of auto policies do not provide any coverage outside
of the United States (its territories or possessions, or Canada).
In order to be covered, you must purchase coverage from the rental
car company in the country you are visiting. However, if the
country recognizes U.S. auto laws, there may be an exception.
Please contact our office for more details.
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Is
my roommate covered under my auto policy?
Most auto policies include a Permissive Use
provision giving full or limited coverage to
someone who drives your car with your permission.
However, the
terms of this provision can change if the driver resides in your household.
Please contact our office for a specific answer.
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