What is homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it.
Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people. This includes damage caused by household pets.
Damage caused by most disasters is covered but there are exceptions. The most significant are damage caused by floods, earthquakes and poor maintenance. You must buy two separate policies for flood and earthquake coverage. Maintenance-related problems are the homeowners' responsibility.
What is auto insurance?
Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy.
Auto insurance provides property, liability and medical coverage:Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car.Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage.Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.An auto insurance policy is comprised of six different kinds of coverage. Most states require you to buy some, but not all, of these coverages. If you're financing a car, your lender may also have requirements.
Most auto policies are for six months to a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it’s time to renew the policy and to pay your premium.
What is Car Insurance and Why is it Important in the State of Tennessee?
Many people, when asked if they know what insurance is, can rarely answer correctly. We've all heard about it and carry it because often times it is required, but we don't all understand it. As a licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, in the State of Tennessee, I am qualified and feel responsible to help people understand exactly what car insurance is, and why it is important.
Insurance is defined as transferring risk from an individual to a group. A risk is defined as something that may cause a loss of valuable property. Very simple examples of valuable property are but not excluded to: homes, vehicles, recreational vehicles, commercial equipment, and believe it or not, human life. Insurance companies exist to help their policy holders and their families protect their valuable property from unexpected events like car accidents, tornadoes, earthquakes, storms, fires, and even death. This just basically means that a person who pays for insurance is planning a head of time for the unexpected, by protecting their insurable assets. Insurance companies can make all of this possible by collecting money from a group of people and then paying it out to those who need it after a loss.
Insurance is very important because it helps people return to the way their lives were before their catastrophe happened. This is called: Indemnity. It is also very important because it protects the insureds' assets. Insurance companies are held responsible for deciphering what coverages each individual needs according to their own financial positions and insurable interests and/or assets. Obviously, someone with more property needs more insurance
What Is Gap Insurance?
Gap insurance literally covers the gap between what you owe on a car and what it's worth if your car is totaled in a covered loss, such as an accident or theft. The types of losses covered and the extent of coverage vary depending on the company providing the gap insurance, so make sure you clarify what's covered before you make your decision.
Who Needs Gap Insurance?
If you purchased or leased a new vehicle and weren't able to afford a large down payment, you may need gap insurance. Vehicles notoriously depreciate in value — and quickly — and depreciation starts the moment you leave the dealership. If you're not able to pay the difference between what you owe and what your vehicle is worth out of pocket, gap insurance may be worth your while.
One thing to remember if you're leasing a vehicle: Often, leasing companies include gap insurance or loan/lease payoff coverage in their contracts, so make sure you review your contract before you purchase it from your auto insurance company.
When Do You Need Gap Insurance?
Here's an example of when you'd use gap insurance: You swerve to avoid a deer and end up driving into a ditch, where your brand new vehicle rolls over. Though no one's hurt, your car sustains heavy damage — so much so that the cost to repair your vehicle is higher than its actual cash value (ACV). Your insurance company decides to total your car, and after running an N.A.D.A. valuation, they determine the ACV is $25,000.
When shopping for auto insurance, do a little homework first, shop around, and select your insurer carefully. Your insurer should offer both fair prices and excellent service. These tips will help you find the right insurer for you:
Know your state's auto insurance requirements:Most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. Many states have "no-fault" auto insurance systems. Coverage for medical costs for you and your passengers is optional in some states. Coverage for damage to your car is optional.
Write up your personal auto insurance profile:List pertinent information concerning what type of vehicle you drive, where you drive, who else drives, what your driving record is, where you live, what optional safety features your car has. This profile will make the next step easier.
Comparison Shop:Prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars, so it pays to shop around. Ask your friends, check the Yellow Pages, and call your state insurance department for guidance. Contact insurance agents or companies for general pricing information. Select a few insurers for personalized quotes.Meet with potential insurance agents:Make a few appointments, bring your personal auto insurance profile with you, and ask questions. You want a fair price AND quality service. Ask about available discounts, higher deductibles, service options and claims procedures after accidents. Take notes. Compare Again:Consider cost, coverage offered, and quality of service available. Select your insurer.
Read your policy:Yes, even the fine print! Ask questions. Keep your policy at hand. Call your insurer to keep your policy up-to-date, inform your agent of any changes, and ask periodically about any possible discounts. Review your policy yearly with your insurer.Keep your insurance information with you:Many states require drivers to carry a proof-of-insurance card with them when driving. Ask your insurer for a card, and keep it in your wallet or in your car.
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