Auto Insurance
Auto insurance is one of those things in life that you can't stand having to pay for until the time comes when you need it, and then you are grateful you had it. Having the right coverage in place can give you peace of mind when you're on the road. Whether you're a new driver or a seasoned one, auto insurance is something that should not be overlooked. Connect with your Eagle agent to learn more about the best ways to save.
What affects my car insurance price?
Things insurance companies consider that typically affect your auto insurance rate are:
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Where you live
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Your driving record
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Your insurance score
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How often you drive
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Age
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Cost to repair your vehicle
Discounts available
Each carrier offers a range of discounts, some the same but many different. Below are some of the ones we see most often:
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Bundling multiple policies
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Telematics
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Preferred payment
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Claims-free discount
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Violation free
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Student away at school
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Good student
What's typically covered?
From accidents to windshield damage to lawsuits and more, there are many different coverages available, some required and some optional. Depending on your policy, auto insurance can provide coverage for:
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Injury to you or someone else
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Damage to someone else's car
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Damage to your car
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Damaged property
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Rental vehicle expenses
Learn more about how some coverages work below
When it comes to auto insurance, it's important to know what is and isn't covered. While basic personal auto insurance may provide some financial protection in case of an accident, it's essential to understand your policies different types of coverages and limits along with your State's requirements. Minimum State requirements may not be enough to cover the costs of a serious accident, so it's wise to always consider higher levels of coverage. To help you make informed decisions, here's a little more information on some coverage options available. Some are mandatory, others optional, but all should be considered when purchasing your auto policy.
Common car insurance coverages
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage can pay for injuries or damages you cause, up to your policies limits. It is required in most states, and it's divided into two parts: Bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
Comprehensive
Collision coverage helps protect your vehicle from events out of your control, such as fire, theft, vandalism and more.
Uninsured/underinsured Motorist
UM/UIM coverage can cover injuries and property damage caused by a driver who either doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to pay for the full damage.
Medical Payments
Often referred to as "Med Pay", this coverage can help pay for medical and funeral expenses for you, your family members, or passengers.
Collision
Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your damaged vehicle if you collide with another object or vehicle.
Personal injury protection
Personal injury protection (PIP) is offered in some states and can cover medical bills for you and your passengers from injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of who's at fault.
Additional car insurance coverage options
Most carriers offer some version of these optional coverages but not all are available with every carrier. Its best to review with your agent to see what is available with your carrier in your specific State.
Rental car reimbursement
Coverage to help pay for the cost of a rental car if you're in a covered accident, up to your policy limits.
Roadside assistance
Sometimes called towing and labor coverage, can help cover the cost of emergency services like: flat tire changes, towing, jumpstarts, lockout, fuel/fluid delivery if you run out of gas, and other related issues.
Gap coverage
Sometimes referred to as loan/lease payoff coverage. If your car is totaled, your car insurance will usually reimburse you for its actual cash value, which is its value after depreciation, but that's not always enough to pay for the remainder of your loan or lease. This coverage can help pay for the difference between what your car is worth and what you still owe on the lease or loan. Some limits may apply.
New car replacement
The settlement you get after your car is totaled may not be enough to pay for a replacement that's the same make and model, especially if you had an expensive new car. That's where this coverage can help. Each carrier has different limits and rules, so be sure to review with your agent.
Ridesharing
If you drive for a ridesharing company, such as Uber or Lyft, you may already know that a personal car insurance policy typically does not cover "business use" of your vehicle. If you're in a car accident while on the clock, you could end up paying out of pocket for expenses such as vehicle repairs or an injured person's medical bills. This coverage can help extend your policies standard coverage to these situations. Limits, rules and availability vary by carrier so be sure to ask your agent for specifics..
Umbrella insurance
Umbrella insurance is extra insurance that provides liability protection beyond existing limits and coverages of other policies such as homeowners, auto and even sometimes boat. Umbrella insurance usually requires you to have certain auto insurance limits in place in order to be eligible to purchase which can vary from company to company. We always recommend adding an umbrella policy for extra protection. Ask your agent about specifics.
Availability of optional coverages varies by State and insurance company.