Archive for the ‘Car Insurance’ Category

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3 Ways to Save You Money and Receive Lower Insurance Rates on Auto Insurance

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012


 

Everyone wants to save money anyway they can. Driving alone has nearly gotten to the point that we choose to stay home so we don't use gas. If you're hurting to make the payments on your car, drive only distances you could probably bike to, and/or are generally wise. Otherwise, here are some ways to help you save on auto insurance!

 

3 Ways to Save You Money on Auto Insurance Rates Now

  1. Check for Discount with Your Insurance Agency

    • Life changes quickly. A discount you didn't qualify for a year ago, may be another 15% off your premiums you pay now!

      - Do you carpool to work? 

      - Does your car have a low amount of mileage? 

      - Have you been accident free for three years? 

      - Are you a longtime customer? 

      - Are you retired? 

      - Have you enrolled in a defensive driving course?

      Talk to your insurer about receiving the appropriate discounts. Your teenage driver can possibly receive discounts on their policy based on grades and GPA, or by enrolling in a pre-approved driving school.

  2. Raise Your Deductible

    • Your deductible is what you pay before the insurance company pay's the rest on an insurance claim. By prompting your insurance agent to increase your deductible and agreeing to being willing to pay more when an accident does occur, your monthly premium should inversely decrease. Depending on how drastic you decide to increase your deductible your premiums will continue to be lowered.
      Be cautious not to get too ambitious, you have insurance to help you pay for your car when things do go wrong. Increasing your deductible too much means you're paying out of pocket.

  3. Shop Around For the Best Coverage

    • You can shop for quotes on various websites that compare insurance carriers' prices. If you choose to work with an independent insurance agency, they work with numerous carriers and shop your policy to provide you with the best insurance coverage, but you have the advantage of having a personal agent. Independent insurance agencies can provide the same coverage because they work through the major carriers, but on a much higher level of service so they understand you and your needs.

      Make an educated decision, and realize it is your insurance agent's job to provide you with the best service. If you aren't satisfied let us help you find the best insurance coverage at the best rate.

       

2 Tips to Save You Money on Auto Insurance Rates in the Future

 

We aren't talking about hovercrafts here. When you buy a car in the next few months or years, these tips need to be considered prior to making your purchase to save you money on your insurance premiums.

 

  1. Purchase a Vehicle With Specific Safety Features

    Safety features to be sure your prospective car includes are:

     - Airbags

    - Antilock Braking System

    - Security Alarm

    Many of these features come standard on newer models but if you are buying an older car consider these features when thinking about you and your family's safety and budget as it may hurt your insurance cost.

  2. Buy a Low-Profile Car

     

    You may be surprised to see which vehicles rank as some of the most dangerous cars. You wouldn't assume the Kia Spectra would out-rank a Dodge Charger on the dangerous scale, but the Kia has poor front and side impact crash ratings! Do your homework, or seek the advice of your insurance agent on your car options.

Conclusion:

There are ways to save money on your automobile insurance. You can save money today and take steps to save money in the future. Dealing with your insurance agent and discussing ways to save may be the best start to reducing your premiums. Independent insurance companies work with major carriers and offer personal coverage which can save you a headache and a handful. Our Georgia Insurance Company would be delighted to help you.

Make an educated decision on what is best for you, but don't think you are stuck in the situation you are in. Our insurance company can offer you full coverage car insurance and compliment our coverage with personal customer care. We hope you will get to know us more. Please, stay safe on the roads.

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The Best Approach To Winter Roads For Non-Emergency Transportation Companies

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Well, old man winter is upon us. While our non-emergency transportation companies in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama and other southern states are experiencing less severe road conditions. Our friends in the northern and central states have already experienced the weather's icy grip and the dangerous conditions that continue to accumulate.

Since non-emergency transportation companies can't shut down services because it's unpleasant outside, it becomes imperative for the owners to emphasize the importance of defensive driving to all of their drivers.

How to Safely Drive in Winter Conditions as a Non-Emergency Transportation Company

  • Maintain a minimum of three full car lengths from the vehicle in front of you.
  • Maintain a safe rate of speed.
  • Watch for ice on overpasses and bridges.
  • Take extra time to make sure that all wheelchair straps and tiedowns are tight and secure.
  • Use good journey management. Let your dispatcher now where you are and where you are headed.
  • Keep your lights on at all times for safety.
  • Avoid roads off the beaten path, take major roads as much as possible
  • Make sure that your vehicles are equipped with emergency roadside equipment (flares, triangle reflectors, can of tire sealant, etc.).
  • Exercise common sense. Driving on ice and snow is not to be taken lightly.
  • Perform trip inspections, prior to and after travel, to check for damage or dangerous ice accumulation.

Ultimately the safety of the passenger and the drivers is most important. Be careful on the roads, and be extra cautious of other drivers who show signs of inexperienced winter weather driving. Remember that preparedness and good risk management will ultimately relate to less insurance claim activity, and ultimately lower premiums, on your car insurance and non-emergency transportation insurance.

Unfortunately, many of us have to continue driving in such treacherous conditions, but we hope by considering these points you will be safer on the roads. If you are seeking further advice, our Independent Insurance Agency in Atlanta is available to help you protect your assets and stay safe during every condition that may arise.

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5 Things To Know About Auto Insurance Claims

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012


Filing an insurance claim, after a car accident can be made easier by following some simple steps.  It is unfortunate and inconvenient to be involved in any accident, and we understand that.

We hope to minimize your difficulties by sharing some points to consider on automobile insurance claims. We would love to help you through the insurance claims process, after you consider these points.

 

Things You Need to Know:

  1. Know your coverage prior to any accident

     
    • Understand the details of your policy, so there are no surprises. Even if you think you know your policy, double check. You want to be aware of what is covered and excluded in your auto insurance policy, so you are informed when something happens. Questions may arise, but by talking to your agent, you should receive quality insurance claims advice to make an informed decision on the best policy to meet your needs.

  2. File your insurance claim immediately

    • This ultimately helps you!  It can be difficult to remember all the details of an accident, especially dependent on the severity. Include all of the details when discussing the incident with your insurance agent or insurance claims adjustor.

  3. Don't admit fault

    • Admitting fault and talking to the parties involved, can sometimes result in determining negligence. It is possible that what you say can be held against you in determining responsibility. If possible be sure the parties involved are okay, contact the local authorities and primarily talk to the police.

  4. Don't avoid filing your insurance claim for fear of increased premium

    • Initially the insurance claims process is going to feel overwhelming. The insurance company exists to handle these circumstances. Don't avoid filing your claim in effort to avoid increased premiums or potentially losing an existing discount. This ultimately puts you at risk. Let the insurance agency help restore you back to normal.

  5. Shop for the best insurance service

    • Talk to a professional who is educated in insurance claims and can help you better understand your policy. Automobile insurance claims can be confusing. An insurance agent will help you feel most protected and valued. Don't settle for a coverage because of convenience because when you file your car insurance claims you want an insurance agent who is knowledgeable and cares about your ultimate success.

Conclusion

 

Filing an insurance claim following a car accident can be frustrating if these tips aren't followed. Being educated about your automobile insurance policy and talking to your insurance company are the best first steps you can make.

 

Our independent insurance agency, would be glad to answer any of your questions on the insurance claims process and aid you in evaluating if you are prepared for a car accident. We would love to get to know you and offer you coverage. We, Souther States Insurance, work with many commercial insurance companies and can offer you the best deal and personal service on your automobile insurance claims.

 

You can reach us by phone (888) 800-4824, e-mail, Facebook or Twitter (@SSICompany).

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3 Steps To Getting The Best Deal On Your Car Insurance Renewal

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Cutting Car Insurance Premiums At RenewalIt’s that time again. You are busy with the hustle and bustle of the work week, getting the kids to their team sports practices and games and working full time. Then it’s time to run out for a quick meal, trying to make “healthy” a choice. It can sometimes be a Catch-22 these days. Do you take the easy road and order Chinese take-out, or do you run to the grocery store and buy organic salad ingredients, with a store bought rotisserie chicken? I vote for the latter, but in this day and time, because of time constraints, it just may be Chinese take out!

Don't Get Confused

This brings me to the next phase of the evening, going through the mail. Yep, the usual, some advertisements, bills and your car insurance renewal. And guess what, your premium went up, wow! You think to yourself, “Tomorrow, I am going to make a few calls and see if another insurance company can help me lower these premiums.” So you do, and you are more confused now about the options you have. What is the difference in deductible and liability? What is medical payments coverage? What did that man say again about collision coverage? You know you need to make a decision, but which options are really better for you? You’re just not sure.

3 Steps To Getting The Best Car Insurance Renewal Deal

When speaking to an insurance agent and shopping car insurance rates and coverages, here are 3 steps to getting the best deal.

  1. Make an apples-to-apples comparison of how you are currently insured. Compare the estimate to your current car insurance coverages and make sure they match up.
  2. If you don’t understand the insurance “lingo” your agent is speaking, ask them to clarify it. You want to ensure you are making the right choice and that they are truly helping you save money.
  3. Don’t carry just the minimum liability limits your state requires! It could be financially devastating if you're at fault and don’t have enough coverage to pay your claim.

Making the best car insurance choice for your household may not be what some of these companies out there are advertising. My name is Tami Johnston and I can help you make the right choice. Contact me today at TJohnston@SouthernStatesInsurance.com or call me at (678) 715-0312.

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De-Commoditizing Auto Insurance: Shopping For Coverage And Service

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Car Key With Money

The Problem

Who insures you doesn’t matter, until it does. I know a lot of consumers out there who pay their auto insurance premiums every month and don’t give a second thought about who their insurance company is or if they even have the right coverages for their lifestyle. And who can blame them, I guess? After all, who wakes up in the morning and says, “I’m going to be involved in an accident today!” or asks “Has my insurance agent helped me make the right choice of coverages for my needs?” Nobody does that! We just go about our days, get into our cars and turn the key, or push the button and drive. But hear me out. This is more important than what you learned in Kindergarten (okay, except for that whole sharing thing). The next time you’re shopping for auto insurance, whether it’s at your renewal or it’s the first time you’re buying it, you need to understand what perils you’re covered for and if your limits and deductibles are actually going to protect you and your assets from a loss.

The Test

Here’s a breath-on-the-mirror test: Does your auto insurance agent check with you annually to be sure there are no changes in your household that would require making some important adjustments to your limits or deductibles? If you answered “No,” why are they still your agent? Yeah, I know, life is too busy for most of us to search for a better alternative. Plus, most of us have been conditioned to expect less than ideal customer service, anyway. But remember, we’re talking about your car, an expensive piece of machinery. Not to mention, your own personal finances that would certainly come into play if your insurance policy won’t provide appropriate coverage after an accident.

What You Should Be Doing

So, while it’s important for your wallet to shop for the most competitive rates, remember to shop for the right coverages and customer service, too. Everyone has their own unique needs for their household and you need to be sure you’re speaking to an insurance agent who’s going to listen to your needs and recommend the right combination of coverages. Knowing who insures you, your family and your car should be your the first step. Knowing your limits and deductible amounts is the second. Having the peace of mind you deserve is priceless. My name is Tami Johnston, and I’m ready to serve you. Contact me at TJohnston@SouthernStatesInsurance.com or call me at (678) 715-0312.

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Temporary Car Insurance

Friday, July 1st, 2011


 

Temporary car insurance is bought for those time when you are driving a car you don’t own. Whether you are renting or borrowing a vehicle form a rental agency or a friend, you shouldn’t assume their car insurance will cover you in every situation. Some things like hit and run accidents or flooding of the vehicle may not already be covered under their car insurance policy. This article explains the difference between temporary and regular car insurance and when and where to purchase temporary car insurance.

Temporary vs. Regular Car Insurance

The coverages available on a temporary car insurance policy are virtually the same as those found in a regular annual policy. The main difference is that temporary car insurance is for times when you will be driving a car you don’t own. The second difference is how you are billed for the policy. Temporary car insurance is usually billed as a flat rate up front, but sometimes can be paid monthly depending on the duration you’ll need it. The other main difference is that you have the option of buying temporary car insurance at a rental car counter, which would not be possible for regular annual car policies.

When To Buy It

Temporary car insurance is needed for times when you’ll be driving a non owned vehicle for either a short or extended period of time, but not all year long. This includes renting a car for a long road trip, borrowing a friend’s car while yours is having lengthy body work performed, or during a job transfer when you move to a new city a month or two before your car and other belongings do. It’s also useful for those who live near good public transportation and only need to rent a car for a week or so at a time.

Where To Purchase

As mentioned earlier, you can buy temporary car insurance at a rental car agency before you rent. But the smart thing to do is sit down with your local independent insurance agent ahead of time and let them guide you through setting up the most appropriate coverages for your situation.

Conclusion

The next time you plan to drive a car that’s not yours for any length of time, consider purchasing temporary car insurance. Now that you know what it is and which situations call for it, it’s never too early to contact an insurance agent to plan ahead for the next time you’ll need it. Southern States insurance is also available to answer your questions and invites you to join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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Gap Auto Insurance: How Does It Work And Where To Get A Quote

Monday, June 27th, 2011

How does Gap insurance work?

Who needs it?

Real Life Example

Where can I get a Gap insurance quote?

Can I get Gap insurance on any type of car?

Get a FREE Gap insurance quote.

BMWWhen buying or leasing a new car, you may have asked yourself, “How does gap insurance work?” and "What does gap insurance cover?". Most leasing companies require it when you lease a new vehicle. Insurance companies and lenders offer it to customers as a way to protect yourself from unnecessary out of pocket costs if your vehicle is totaled or stolen. Here we’ll explain exactly what gap auto insurance coverage is, who needs it, and how it is used, and how to find the best gap insurance coverage.

How Does Gap Insurance Work?

Gap auto insurance covers the difference between what you owe on your car and what it is worth at the time of a total loss or theft. If you just bought a brand new car and the manufacturer or the leasing company still technically owns your vehicle, you could owe a sizable chunk of money if your car is totaled in an accident and the insurance company gives you less money than you still owe on the car. This happens more often than you might think, and the unlucky people who didn't purchase gap auto insurance coverage end up kicking themselves for not paying a little extra for this very important coverage.

Who Needs It?

Anyone who buys or leases a brand new car should consider buying gap auto insurance. Especially those who lease a car or those who used a smaller down payment to buy a new vehicle. This is why it's often referred to as "new car gap insurance." Cars are known for depreciating faster than other assets. It’s estimated that most brand new cars lose 20% of their value as soon as they are driven off the dealership’s lot. If your car gets totaled shortly after you buy it, the actual cash value you receive from your insurance company might not be enough to pay your leasing or finance company the difference in what you still owe on the vehicle. That kind of out-of-pocket cost can hurt, so it’s a good idea to ask about gap auto insurance.

Real Life Example

Let’s say you buy a new car for $30,000. When you drive it off the lot, it depreciates by 20% or $6,000. Even before you have a chance to make your first month’s payment, you get into an accident that totals your car. After you pay your $500 collision deductible, your insurance company cuts you a check for $23,500, which is the actual cash value of your car at the time of the accident minus your deductible. The problem is that you still owe the full amount of the car, $30,000. So, there’s a $6,500 difference that you are responsible for making up. If you have gap insurance however, you don’t need to worry because your insurance company will cover that cost difference.

Getting A Gap Insurance Quote

MercedesNow that you know what it does, you're probably wondering who sells gap insurance. The easy answer is, lot's of people. Purchasing gap insurance is as simple as getting any other kind of car insurance. Many people start out shopping online with direct insurance carriers. But the best use of your time and money is to get a gap insurance quote through an independent insurance agent or insurance broker. You'll only have to give them your vehicle and drivers information one time, and they'll be able to find the best gap insurance quotes by shopping with multiple carriers. This makes purchasing gap insurance far quicker and easier for you by not having to give company after company your personal information.

Can I Get A Gap Insurance Quote On Any Type Of Car?

Yes. Remember, gap auto insurance is usually purchased for brand new vehicles, so any auto insurance agent who offers gap insurance should be able to give you a quote. You'll just need to give them pertinent information about the vehicle you are about to purchase or just bought like:
  • Make and model of your new car
  • Purchase price
  • Date of purchase
  • VIN number
While any brand new vehicle is a good candidate for gap auto insurance, some of the more frequent inquiries insurance agents receive are for:
  • BMW gap insurance
  • VW gap insurance
  • Mercedes gap insurance
  • Mini gap insurance
  • Kia gap insurance

Conclusion

If you were wondering, “What does gap insurance cover?”, now you know. Buying or leasing a new car can be exciting, but owing the difference between what an insurance company pays you and what you still owe on the car is anything but fun. If you want to learn more about gap auto insurance or get a gap insurance quote, give us a call at 888-800-4824 or fill out the form below. We're ready to help you!

Get a FREE Gap Insurance Quote Below

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Rating The Top Car Insurance Companies

Monday, June 27th, 2011

The top car insurance companies today are all very competitive when it comes to price. Because of this, they are spending loads of cash advertising that they are the least expensive option, and shoppers are now trained to view car insurance as a commodity. So what really distinguishes them from each other? It’s the three C’s: coverage, customer service and claims handling.

Coverage

Without good coverage options, an insurance company really has no product to sell. While many of the top car insurance companies in today’s marketplace appear to have the same coverages at the same price, it’s a good idea to take a closer look under the hood. You might find that something like Uninsured Motorist coverage costs significantly more with one company than another. Even though is is an optional coverage, adding it to your insurance quote may quickly help you distinguish one company’s pricing from another. It’s a good idea to research which optional coverages are right for you before you speak with a salesperson. The quickest way to do this is by contacting a local independent insurance agent who knows all the nuances of car insurance where you live.

Customer Service

As insurance is a service industry, consumers should put a lot of weight on customer service when choosing a car insurance company. It all starts with the sales process. Is the sales representative courteous? Do they listen to your needs? Are they trying to sell you coverages you don’t actually need? Then, you should take a look at what level of customer service you’ll encounter after the sale. Does the company have a helpful website that lets you make payment inquiries and learn more about available coverages? Do you get someone on the phone quickly when you call them or are you prompted for your 16-digit policy number over and over again?

Claims Handling

When it all comes down to it, the way a car insurance company handles claims will make the difference as to whether you will become a short term or a long term customer. If you have to jump through unnecessary hoops just to have your car repaired after an accident, you’re not going to be happy. So make sure you read online reviews or talk to friends who use the company you’re considering to find out how their customers rate their claims experiences.

Conclusion

When evaluating the top car insurance carriers, make sure you pay close attention to coverage, customer service and claims handling. It can save you a lot of heartache down the road. And, if you’d like to learn more about car insurance, call us at 888-800-4824.

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Car Insurance For Teenagers

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

Buying car insurance for teenagers is a task most parents dread. Because teens are statistically more accident prone than the rest of the driving population, their premiums are proportionately higher. Finding cheap car insurance for teenagers is not impossible, though. Let’s take a look at the challenges teen drivers face, review some money saving tips on their car insurance, and find the best place to buy their policy.

Challenges

Teens face many challenges when it comes to driving. The following factors contribute to higher crash rates and more expensive insurance premium for teens:
  • Inexperience behind the wheel
  • Distractions caused by fellow teen passengers
  • Texting while driving
  • Drinking and driving
  • Feeling invincible

Tips For Saving Money

Despite greater challenges faced by teenage drivers, there are still some things teens and their parents can do to lower the cost of their car insurance. Taking advantage of driver discounts and using some common sense can go a long way in reducing insurance premium. Here’s some good tips for teen drivers:
  • Take a formal driver safety course.
  • Maintain a B average in school to get as much as 25% off.
  • Stay away from newer, more expensive, high performance vehicles.
  • Drive a used car with good safety features.
  • Add your teen to your policy.
  • Have your teen contribute some of the premium. They’ll have a healthier respect for what it costs and will be more likely to drive responsibly.

Where To Buy

First, check with your current insurance carrier to find out how much it will cost to add your teenage driver to your policy. This will give you a starting point to compare when you shop around for more competitive quotes. Next, find a local independent insurance agent who can provide quotes from multiple insurance carriers. You’ll be able to give them all of your information just one time. They’ll then shop your coverages with all of the insurance companies they represent to get a good price comparison.

Conclusion

Purchasing car insurance for teenagers doesn’t have to be as scary as riding in the car with them. Knowing the challenges they face as new drivers can help you and them develop rules that will keep your teen safer behind the wheel. Taking advantage of driver discount opportunities and using common sense risk reduction methods can take some of the sting out of your increased insurance premium. And using an independent insurance agent to shop for the best pricing on your car insurance will mean less work for you and more savings for everyone in your family.

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Average Car Insurance Cost

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

The average car insurance cost you can expect to pay depends on a variety of factors. Some things are in your control while others are not. The easiest way to find out what the average cost for you will be is to ask an independent insurance agent to give you several car insurance quotes to compare. This can be done in a matter of minutes over the phone. What you’ll quickly find is that your garaging location, age and driving record will have a big impact on your average car insurance cost.

Garaging Location

You might be wondering why it matters where you garage your car when it comes to your insurance premium. The fact is, insurance companies spend a lot of time and money researching where accidents occur the most frequently. If you live in a high traffic area, there is greater risk that you will be involved in an accident. If you live in a more rural area, the chances are less likely. We’ve all heard it said that there is a high percentage of people who get into accidents within a few miles of their home. That is why your garaging location matters when it comes to your insurance premium.

Age

Most people are not surprised to find that age is a factor in determining your average car insurance cost. We’ve all heard that teenagers pose the greatest risk on the road due to their inexperience behind the wheel. But older people are also more likely to become involved in auto accidents as their reaction time decreases.

Driving Record

Finally, your driving record certainly plays a part in your car insurance premium. If you have anything from minor traffic tickets to speeding violations to DUI charges, your insurance cost will most certainly be negatively affected. If you have a clean or mostly clean driving record, consider taking a driver safety course. Completion of such a course may give you a credit on your insurance cost. Check with your current insurance carrier to find out what credits are available for drivers, and take advantage of them.

Conclusion

The average car insurance premium you’ll pay annually will be determined by many factors. Three of the most common include where your car is principally garaged, your age, and your driving record. To get a better idea of how much you can anticipate paying, call us at 888-800-4824.

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