Automobile Insurance Archives - Page 4 of 4

If you’re sitting at a stop light and are rear-ended or are involved in a low-speed accident, you may think that the little amount of damage incurred is just not worth involving your insurance agent. It’s not uncommon for us to hear that people were offered cash to repair the damage to the car, hoping to eliminate claims and potential insurance hikes. While this workaround seems to make sense for accidents that are not large-scale in nature, it could cost you much more in the long run.

Damage Can Be More Extensive Than You Know

Much of the bodies of cars built today are plastic and fiberglass. While this keeps the costs down for manufacturers and results in a car with clean, slick lines, those same cars suffer much more damage than the heavily built cars from the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Rear bumpers that were once made of aluminum or steel are now made of plastic. Instead of crumpling like steel would, these high-tech plastics can flex in and pop back out, leaving seemingly little damage behind at first glance. If you get out and eyeball a broken taillight and accept the standard $300-400 in cash to fix it and there’s extensive damage to your body, reinforcement bars or exhaust system underneath, you’re going to be forking over hundreds, maybe even thousands when you take the car in for repairs. Damage can sometimes take days before you notice it, and continued driving of the vehicle can mean that you’re causing more harm.

They May Be Trying to Skirt the Law

The state of Connecticut requires car insurance for every driver, no exceptions.The driver that hit you may have no license, no insurance or a poor driving record. You can still receive insurance benefits if the other driver has no insurance, but if the claims are large, you can be out a significant amount of money for an accident that was not your fault. First make sure that you are in a safe place and that no one is injured badly enough to require medical attention. Obtain their insurance information and cell phone number. Take a photo of the card, their license plate and the damage your car, no matter how minimal it seems.

Your Injuries Could Exacerbate. When you are in an accident your adrenaline is high and you may not realize how badly hurt you are. It’s not uncommon for whiplash, back injuries or knee problems to start days later after the internal impact is felt by the body. If you do require medical treatment, those costs can stack up quickly. If you feel any pain at all at the scene of the crash, seek medical attention immediately.

If you have questions about car insurance contact us. We’ve served Norwich, Connecticut for over 100 years and are happy to help you!

Before your newly permitted or licensed teen gets behind the wheel of their car make sure they have car insurance. Teen driving insurance in Connecticut is necessary and practical. Insurance is an expense, but there are tips to follow to help keep the price down without sacrificing coverage.

Insurance Needs for a Driver’s Permit

When your teenager secures their driver’s permit get in touch with your insurance agent to confirm whether or not they need a policy. Typically, permitted drivers are covered by the policy already in place on the vehicle they are driving. For instance, if your teen practices driving using your car with you present, they would be covered by your policy. Double check to make sure, so everything is set and everyone has the proper coverage.

Driver’s Education

Many insurance companies offer a discount to teens who have completed driver’s ed. Some insurers even offer their own advanced driving training program that may provide an additional discount, so ask. This extra training provides experience and instills responsibility while also saving money.

Choose the Right Car

Insurance premiums are based on the type and age of the car. Finding the right car takes work. Ideally, you want something new enough to be safe and dependable, but old enough to lock in a lower insurance rate. Sports cars and SUVs are often quoted higher rates, so a sedan is usually the best bet in terms of paying an affordable rate. This may not align with what your teen had in mind, but explain why this is the responsible decision.

Consider the Safety Features of a Car

Built-in safety features will give you peace of mind, but can also lower teen driving insurance in Connecticut. Cars with anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, electronic stability control and automatic seatbelts may secure a lower insurance rate. Frontal airbags are required by law, and side airbags are now standard on most vehicles. Cars equipped with additional airbags, like rear window curtain airbags or inflatable seatbelts, may qualify for additional safety discounts.

Bundle Policies

Starting a new policy is often expensive. Adding your teen driver to your existing policy will typically be cheaper since it shows you are responsible for your teen. You may secure an additional discount by having multiple car insurance policies.

Talk to Your Agent

Check with your agent to see if there are any other discounts to be had for your child’s policy. Good student discounts may be an option to keep the cost down, and possibly incentivize your child to keep their grades up.

Secure the Best Price for Teen Driving Insurance in Connecticut

Make sure your teen is prepared for the road ahead as they take off on new adventures. Proper training and the right car are just some of the ways to get the best price possible for your teenager’s car insurance.

If you have teenagers in your homecoming to drivers age and would like to discuss Driving Insurance Options.

Why You Shouldn’t Take Cash After a Fender Bender

Teen Driving Insurance in Connecticut