Insurance Cancellation vs. Non-renewal

, ,

There’s a difference between an insurance company canceling a policy and choosing not to renew it.
Auto insurance cancellation
Insurance companies cannot cancel a policy that has been in force for more than 60 days except when:

  • You fail to pay the premium
  • You have committed fraud or made serious misrepresentations on your application
  • Your drivers license has been revoked or suspended.

Auto insurance non-renewal
Either you or your insurance company can decide not to renew the policy when it expires. Your insurance company must give you a certain number of days notice and explain the reason for not renewing before it drops your policy (the exact timeframes and rules will depend on the state in which you live).
There are a number of reasons an insurance company may choose not to renew a policy, and it may have nothing to do with you personally. For example, your insurer may have decided to drop that particular type of insurance or to write fewer policies where you live.
However, a nonrenewal can also be due to your record or your actions. Doing something to considerably raise the insurance company’s risk—like driving drunk—would be cause for non-renewal.

/by

Tips for Driving in the Rain

, ,
Nearly half (46%) of all weather-related car accidents — more than 700,000 a year — are due to rain.1 As we experience more soggy weather, it’s imperative that all drivers are schooled on how they can safely maneuver their vehicle and avoid weather-related auto accidents, which often cause car insurance rates to rise.
Here are some tips for driving in the rain:
  1. Exercise caution when rain follows hot, dry spells. Engine oil and grease build-up on roads and highways over time, and when combined with precipitation, you’ve got the equivalent of an automotive Slip ‘N Slide. Road conditions may improve after the season’s first rain washes away most of the grime, but you’ll need to still exercise caution when driving in the rain.
  2. Slow down. Wet pavement causes tires to lose traction and vehicles become more difficult to handle.
  3. Avoid standing water on roadways. Not only can you hydroplane and lose control, but you can impair your vision and other drivers’ visibility by splashing through puddles. Moreover, standing water often shields potholes and debris from view and it can reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle’s brakes.
  4. Drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. This allows the vehicle ahead to displace any standing water that’s on the road.
  5. Increase your following distance. Slick roads, wet brakes and reduced visibility can lead to collisions. Give other vehicles plenty of room and brake early with reduced force.
  6. If your car begins to hydroplane, do not brake or turn the wheel abruptly as this may cause your vehicle to go into a skid or spin. Take your foot off the gas and keep the wheel straight until your car reclaims traction. Brake gently if needed.
  7. Don’t use cruise control. It can cause your car to accelerate when hydroplaning and reduces driver attentiveness.
  8. Grip the steering wheel with both hands to maximize vehicle control. This means putting down your cell phone (remember, texting while driving is still illegal in 35 states) coffee, makeup, shaver, sandwich or anything else that takes your hands off the wheel and eyes away from the road.
  9. Keep your windshield wipers in tip-top shape. Winter cold can wreak havoc on your blades, so get them checked before rainy seasons arrive.
  10. Defog your windows. Precipitation can cause your windshield to quickly fog up, so use the front and rear defrosters to maximize visibility.
/by

Choosing an Insurance Deductible

, ,
In order to determine exactly how much car insurance you can afford, you need to understand what a deductible is and how it works. When buying car insurance, you must consider both the premium and your deductible when determining your budget for coverage.

What Is a Car Insurance Deductible?

Definition

A deductible is the amount of money that you are required to pay out of pocket before your expenses are paid on a claim.
When you have an accident, your car insurance company will pay for damages up to the limit of your policy. Regardless of how serious how the accident is, you will only need to pay your auto deductible.
NOTE: Keep in mind deductibles do not apply to liability auto insurance coverage, as that pays for damages incurred by another driver when you cause an accident. Rather, it would apply to coverage types that pay your damages, such as collision or comprehensive coverage.

Subrogation and Your Car Insurance Deductible

If you are involved in an accident with another driver and fault is not immediately clear, you may be advised to file a claim with your own auto insurance company in order to get your expenses paid sooner.
If, after the accident investigation, it’s determined that the other driver caused the accident, your insurer will generally try to get back the money they paid on your claim. This is called subrogation.
If your car insurance company successfully recovers the money paid for your claim, they may reimburse you for your deductible.

Choosing Your Deductible: Low vs. High

If you’re on a tight budget, you may consider lowering your auto insurance payment by increasing your deductible. However, this is one cost-cutting measure that may not always be in your best interests.
It’s true that a higher deductible will result in slightly lower monthly car insurance premiums; however, you need to realistically assess how much you’ll be able to pay if you do get into an accident. Remember, car accidents can happen at any time, so you must determine whether your current budget would allow for payment of a very high deductible.
If you don’t have easy access to these funds in your emergency savings, you may have to resort to measures such as a high interest personal loan or a cash advance on your credit card. In all likelihood, both options would cost you more than you’d save on your premium.
/by

RV Insurance: The Basics

, ,

RV insurance protects your motorhome, travel trailer, camper, fifth wheel, etc. You can choose from a variety of coverages meant to protect your vehicle and provide peace of mind on trips and vacations or if you use your RV as a permanent residence. If you’re driving a motorhome, you’ll also need liability coverage to stay legal on the road.
How does RV insurance work?
When you buy RV insurance, your agent will ask simple questions about you, your RV, and how often you use it. You’ll then select coverages that will best protect you and your vehicle. If you damage your vehicle or you’re responsible for someone else’s damages or injuries, you’ll file a claim with your insurer. If your claim is covered, they’ll pay for the losses or injuries up to your coverage limits.
Do I need motorhome insurance?
Yes. You must have at least the state minimum for liability, since motorhomes are driven and not towed. When quoting motorhome insurance, all insurers will let you know the minimum requirements in your state. Failure to carry liability insurance could result in a revoked license, fines, or even jail time.
Do I need travel trailer insurance?
Because you’re not actually driving your travel trailer, you aren’t required by law to have insurance on a vehicle that you tow with a car or truck. However, your travel trailer is often a valuable asset, and should be protected the same way you insure your home, car, etc.
Most travel trailer policies include comprehensive coverage. It’s up to you if you want to add collision, but most financers will require you to carry both.

/by

Tips for a Safer Commute

, ,
Morning roadways can get busy: The U.S. Census Bureau says 86 percent of American workers drive themselves to their job. If this includes you, stay cautious with these tips for commuting to work safely.
  • Leave early. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, speeding plays a role in approximately one-third of traffic deaths. If you have a long commute, build a few extra minutes into your schedule so you can stick to the speed limit and accommodate for heavy traffic. And stay alert throughout the drive — even if it’s a familiar commute. Be prepared for your exits, make lane changes early so you’re in the correct turning lane and listen to traffic reports to be prepared for situations that could cause delays.

  • Wear appropriate footwear. Your shoes could affect your ability to control your car in some situations. Open-heel shoes can slip off and wedge under pedals, while high heels can catch on floor mats, delaying acceleration or braking. Wear sneakers or low-heel shoes while driving — and slip on your work shoes once you’ve arrived.

  • Drive distraction-free. Avoid anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road and your mind off driving. This includes using your cell phone (even hands-free devices), grooming, changing radio stations and other common distractions.

  • Avoid aggressive driving. Mornings can sometimes be stressful. Add a busy roadway, and that can compound. Be cautious to curb your road rage and avoid becoming the target of an aggressive driver.
  • Shield against harsh sunlight. Morning and evening commutes sometimes coincide with sunrise or sunset. In addition to using the car’s sun visor, wear a pair of polarized sunglasses and keep your windshield clean to maximize visibility. Also reduce your speed, leave extra space between you and the car ahead of you and turn your headlights on so other drivers can see you better.
/by

7 Factors Affecting Your Auto Insurance

, ,

1. Your Coverage And Deductibles

Car insurance providers allow you to choose your deductible and decide whether to add additional coverage that isn’t necessarily required by the laws in your state. The specifics of your coverage and deductibles play a major role in your monthly payment.
Additional coverage gives you added financial protection, depending on the claim, but will also add to your monthly costs. Remember that while adjusting your deductible will affect your premiums, the differences in premiums are usually very small.

2. What You Drive

Some insurers increase premiums for cars more susceptible to damage, occupant injury, or theft, and lower rates for those that fare better than the norm.
Some SUVs, for example, rate highly in terms of driver protection and passenger protection, which means discounts on insurance. While some small cars will cost more because of their lower-than-average safety ratings and desirability to car thieves make them more expensive to insure.

3. How Often, And How Far, You Drive

People who use their car for business and long-distance commuting normally pay more than those who drive less. The more miles you drive in a year, the higher the chances of an accident – regardless of how safe a driver you are. If you reduce your total annual driving mileage enough, you may lower your premiums.

4. Where You Live

Generally, due to higher rates of vandalism, theft, and accidents, urban drivers pay more for car insurance than do those in small towns or rural areas.

5. Your Driving Record

Drivers who cause accidents generally must pay more than those who are accident-free for several years.
And even though you can’t rewrite your driving history, having an accident on your record can be an important reminder always to drive with caution and care. As time goes on, the effect of past accidents on your premiums will decrease.

6. Your Credit History

It has been shown certain credit information helps predict future insurance claims. Where applicable, many insurance companies use credit history to help determine the cost of car insurance. Maintaining good credit can have a positive impact on the cost of your car insurance.

7. Your Age, Sex, And Marital Status

Accident rates are higher for all drivers under age 25, especially young males and single males. Insurance prices in most states reflect these differences.
If you’re a student, you might also be in line for a discount. Most car insurers provide discounts to student-drivers who maintain good grades. In some states, younger drivers are also able to take driver safety courses that will lower premiums.
/by

Infographic: Top 5 Travel Nightmares

, ,

As the summer comes to a close, many families use August for planned vacations.  However, lost luggage, a stolen cell phone, or a misplaced wallet or purse can quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.
For example, did you know that over 3,000 luggage bags are lost every MINUTE or that cell phone thefts now account for 40% of all theft in every major U.S. city?
It is with these items in mind that we have compiled an infographic of the 5 most common vacation nightmares and tips on how you and your family can avoid them.
Have a great summer!
Click on the image below to view the full size version.

/by

Receive Personal Service From This Arvada Insurance Agency

,

Are you looking for someone who understands your  insurance needs? Someone who will provide the best service possible? The Holste Agency is dedicated to helping our customers with all of their insurance needs, and we guarantee no hassles. Our professional staff are expertly trained and treat each of our clients like family. Let us assess your needs in order to provide the best service possible. Let Arvada’s insurance experts take care of you today. Call for an appointment or free estimate.

/by

Arvada Auto Insurance Quotes

The Holste Agency can work with you to provide multiple money-saving Arvada Auto Insurance Quotes.  As a local, independent agency we have access to over fifty different top-rated insurance companies that will provide you with multiple coverage and premium options.  We will take the time to make sure we understand your potential risks and the best way to provide coverage for them.  Additionally, our staff will work closely with you to answer all of your questions and provide assistance on any claims.
To get your Arvada auto insurance quote, please contact our office to find out more.

/by

Arvada Insurance Quotes

The Holste Agency can provide you with Arvada insurance quotes.  As a full service agency, we can provide you with multiple home and auto insurance quotes from a variety of the top-rated insurance carriers from all across the country.  We will take the time to assess your risks to ensure you have the best coverage available without having to pay more in insurance premiums than necessary.
As a top-notch agency, we will do much more than just provide you with Arvada insurance quotes.  We will work with you to answer any of the questions and concerns you may have whether they are associated with your policy, billing, or even a claim.
To find out more, please contact our office.

/by