Car Insurance for Seniors

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When motorists get into their mid sixties and beyond the chance of being in an accident goes up.  This is because some studies have shown that statistically seniors’ perception on the road, reaction times, and hand to eye coordination diminish. Insurance companies know this and believe they are taking on more risk and therefore will increase car insurance rates for senior drivers.  Here are some ideas to help elderly drivers:

  • If you’ve retired make sure that your insurance company knows it as soon as possible.  Let them know the adjusted amount of miles driven which is surely or even significantly less and therefore should help lower your premiums.
  • As a senior looking to lower your auto insurance rates examine your deductible.  Perhaps you’re only driving locally and have a good amount of savings it may be worth it to look at raising your deductible which will in turn lower your rates.  *This is not a good option if you’re cash strapped.
  • Joining AARP is worth a look.  They are an advocate for folks 50+ and offer valuable services like a driver safety program and they can even provide auto insurance through The Hartford (which may or may not be the best choice).
  • When its time to purchase a new vehicle choose one that has excellent visibility, you’re most comfortable in driving, has a good crash record and is reasonable to insure.
  • Another possible factor in car insurance for seniors is health.  Maintaining your health is not only good for feeling great but your insurance company may ask for records like checkups and vision tests etc.
  • Insurance companies value customers with clean driving records no matter how old.  If you find your current company is not being fair then it shouldn’t be hard to find a new insurer when you have a spotless driver record.  Know matter how tempting it is to speed or be aggressive,  avoid being a bad driver and it will pay off.
  • Make sure to be aware of any state requirements to continue driving.  Some require just a vision test while others require further testing.
  • There will come a time when a senior will need to give up their keys and stop driving.  For further reference I’ve provided a link to this excellent article.
 

Your Job can be a Factor in Your Auto Insurance Rate

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Your car insurance rate can be figured with different variables like driving record, car value,credit, age etc.  Many are not aware that what one does for a living can have a bearing on this as well.  Now not all insurance companies engage in using jobs in figuring auto insurance rates and some states as well as consumer groups do not look kindly upon this practice.

The reasoning that goes into using job as a rate factor comes from a statistical viewpoint.  Its looked at that if you have a highly strenuous job, drive constantly or otherwise others that have your job have a high rate of claims than it should raise your auto insurance premiums.

Some examples of job positions that are looked at as low risk by insurance companies are scientists, librarians and most performers of the arts.  On the other side occupations looked at as higher risk are lawyers, stock brokers and executives.

In New Jersey there was a bill proposed to ban this practice though it never got debated.  Consumer groups have come out against using job to determine rates.  Even so it is at this point legal for insurance companies to use your job as a determinant in your auto insurance.  This doesn’t mean that you can’t shop around to find a companies not using it;  in fact I’ve heard commercials from companies explicitly saying that they don’t engage in this practice. 

Comprehensive Car Insurance: A Short Synopsis

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Comprehensive insurance is the component of your car insurance policy that pays you if your car is stolen or catches on file, hits a deer, is in a flood etc.  Its basically for covering an insured for reasons that could cause damage outside of collision like an “Act of God.”  Its important to examine your policy closely to see what the specifics of your coverage are.

Comprehensive insurance like collision has a deductible you’ll have to pay to repair the vehicle before the insurance company contributes the rest.  Its important to consider your deductible very closely.   For instance if you have a high deductible you’ll have to dish out more money if your car or truck is damaged.

If you are going to buy a new or used car that requires a loan you can be sure you’ll be required to get comprehensive insurance to pay the bank if the car is damaged in a fire, stolen etc.  Otherwise states generally don’t force you to buy this type of insurance.  If your vehicle isn’t worth much and you have the funds to replace it easily it may not be worth it to pay for the comprehensive premium. 

The Collision Component of Auto Insurance Coverage and Some Recomendations

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Collision car insurance protects the insured if they are in an accident with another motor vehicle (or another object) in that it covers the cost of repairing the insured’s vehicle.  It is paid to the insured regardless of whether the accident was their fault.  This insurance is almost always a requirement if there is a loan on the car because if the automobile lets say is totaled  it protects the creditor.  It does so because the insurance payment to the policy holder is ideally enough to pay off the loan.  Now if the car is worth less than the loan then the insured has to pay the difference unless they have a gap rider (which is recommended).  If there is no loan on the car collision insurance  is not a requirement though the insured may regret not having it if the car has a least some value and  is badly damaged in a accident especially if it was their fault.

An important aspect of collision insurance is the deductible which is how much the policy holder has to pay out of pocket when the insurance company goes to make payment to repair the vehicle.   It would be better for a driver that does not have a lot of spare cash  to choose a lower deductible.  This is another reason why its important to review one’s auto policy at least once a year.   Another variable in the cost of collision insurance coverage is how much the automobile is worth as a more expensive vehicle will cost more to cover.

On a final note when a claims adjuster makes an offer to make a payment to repair or replace the vehicle that was damaged it certainly does not have to be accepted (especially the first time).  Check out my auto insurance claims tips here.  Sometimes you have to play hard ball with an insurance company if they aren’t being fair. 

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Coverage

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Personal injury protection insurance or PIP protects the policy holder from medical bills if they are injured in an accident.  This part of auto coverage applies even if the insured is at fault.  Just bear in mind that each state has a major influence in the rules surrounding this auto insurance coverage.  For instance some states necessitate drivers to have PIP where others don’t.  Each state has a say in what kind of treatments are covered as well.

PIP insurance can go beyond just the driver’s medical bills.  It can also pay for income lost due to an accident if the driver is unable to work.  If this is available to you its worth the extra cost especially if you don’t have disability insurance.   Its also possible for PIP to pay for funeral expenses if the driver is killed.   PIP can also cover medical expenses of others in the car at the time of  accident or if  you are a pedestrian that is hit and injured.

A couple of final notes.  If you are in a state where PIP is not required, find out what your medical insurance covers in the event of an accident.  Call your health insurance provider and find out if their are any gaps in what they cover  (as far as car accidents are concerned).  Use PIP coverage to fill in any gaps.  If you drive with others often PIP can protect you from their medical expenses if in an accident while riding in your vehicle. 

5 Auto Insurance Claim Tips

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  1. If you’re in an accident contact your insurance company right after the police have been contacted.  Its even better if the insurance company comes out to the scene of the accident before the cars are moved.  If they have to be moved take  pictures from multiple angles before movement occurs.  Doing this should speed up the claims process and help your insurance coverage company too especially if the accident wasn’t your fault.  Helping your insurance company should in turn make things easier for you.
  2. Research what your car was worth before it was damaged in the accident.  Look around to see if you find what a comparable car is selling for in classifieds and at dealers.  Check with price guides as well like Kelley Blue Book.  Also utilize online tools like Edmund’s appraiser.  If you believe your car insurance company is providing less for your claim than what is fair provide your own research to them for review.  Ask them to adjust your claim upwards accordingly.
  3. If you are going to keep the car use a shop you trust.  Your insurance company may advise you to use a certain shop but keep in mind they may be doing this in their own best interest.  They may have some  deal set up with that shop to keep cost down.  Why would they pay more than they have to?  With that said choose an auto shop that is trustworthy that you know can properly fix the automobile with quality parts.
  4. Your state insurance department is on your side protecting you from being under compensated for a claim.  Log onto their website or call them to fully understand the protection they provide you.
  5. As a last resort if the insurance company refuses to cooperate with a fair claim legal arbitration is an option.  If they refuse to arbitrate you may need to call a lawyer for legal action.  Only use this if these is not other way to work with the company.
 

Car Insurance Ideas for Bad Drivers

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Getting a few black marks on your driving record can be shocking when your insurance company raises your rate substantially.  Even worse they may decide to drop you as customers altogether.  Below are some ideas/suggestions for those without a perfect driving record:

  • Its important to realize that it may take sometime to repair a blemished driving record.  Reflect on your driving record. What can you do to improve your driving habits?  Too many speeding tickets?  Perhaps you’re not giving yourself enough time for your commute or to drive to your other responsibilities.  Too many accidents?  It may be worth considering a defensive driving course which could save you some money and improve your standing with the car insurance company.
  • Risk is the key when an insurance company figures out what your premiums are or even whether or not to provide you with auto  insurance.  Some companies have a higher appetite for risk (for insuring imperfect drivers)  and this be discovered by shopping around.  This is especially true if you’ve lost your insurance as some companies may look at it like gaining your business is your former company’s loss.  In any case shop around, you never know if another company is able to take you  with an imperfect record for less money.
  • If your driving record has left you with no insurance and you can’t get coverage with another company turn to your state insurance commission.  Each state has a program to help uninsured motorists get coverage.  This should be a last resort because the rates are often off the chart.
  • Is your car worth having full coverage on it?  If you own it without any loan and its not worth much perhaps the collision or comprehensive coverage could be dropped.    This is especially true if your driving record is making your premiums insane.  Its pertinent to have proper liability insurance because its the law but also it protects you when you cause damage with your car.
 

Covington Kentucky Insurance

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The following are  insurance agents that offer multiple lines of coverage in Covington, KY:

  • Bilz  – (859)431-1235 –  412 Madison Avenue Covington, Kentucky 41011 – is an independent agency.  They work along with the following carriers in offering coverage: Travelers, KEMI, Safeco, Assurant, Chartis, Acuity, Anthem, Grange and many more.  This broker can help with quotes on health insurance, homeowners, auto, life, umbrella, condo, boat, flood, commercial liability, inland marine, employment practices and more.
  • Burkhart  Agency – (859) 292-8080 – 803 Scott Street Covington, KY 41011 –  is an independent agency.  They use companies like: American Modern, Foremost, Safeco, Anthem, Humana, Hallmark, Progressive etc.  The lines of coverage offered include: homeowners insurance, life, business, workers compensation, auto & more.
  • Christopher Whitehead –  (859) 344-8588 – 1671 Park Road Suite 10 Ft Wright, Kentuck 41011 – is an agent with Allstate.  He can lend a hand with quotes on auto insurance, homeowners, flood, condo, renters, umbrella, landlord, recreational vehicle etc.  He has been with Allstate for a number of years.
  • Hatfield – (859) 261-0761 – 17 West Southern Avenue PO Box 15339 Covington, Kentucky 41015 –  is an independent agency.  They have been around since the 1920s and utilize carriers like: EMC, Safeco, Grange, Farmers, Progressive, Ohio Casualty, KEMI, American Collectors etc.  Their lines of coverage are: Preferred as well as high risk auto insurance, life, homeowners, motorcycle, health, flood, livestock, boat, RV, aviation and others.
  • Thompson-Boerger – (859) 291 3914 – 1514 Dixie Highway, Park Hills, KY 41011 – is a family operation that started in the 1940s.  They are an independent agency that can help and offer assistance with quotes on  life insurance coverage as well as homeowners, business and auto.  They have a staff exceeding five people.
 

Franklin TN Insurance

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These are Franklin, Tennessee agents listed below.  Their contact information is there as well as other useful notes about them like what coverage they may be able to help with.  We are not related for affiliated with them.

 

  • A2Z – (615) 595-7632- 109 Holiday Court Suite D7, Franklin, Tennessee 37067 – is independent.  They may use carriers including: American Modern, Foremost, Safeco, Donegal, Progressive and others.  The lines of coverage they can assist with are: homeowners insurance, renters, auto, business/commercial lines, motorcycle, earthquake, flood, recreational vehicle etc.
  • Chappell Smith and Associates – (615) 435-8300 – 1006 Merylinger Court, Franklin, TN 37067 -is an independent broker and has been around for over 100 years.   They can be contacted for quotes on car insurance, homeowners, life, health, aviation, workers compensation, inland marine, umbrella, construction and any other lines.
  • Full Service  – (615) 790-0990 – 903 Murfreesboro Road  Franklin, Tennessee 37064 – is an independent agency and has been around for decades.  As far as the types of coverage they can offer: auto insurance, health, life, homeowners, group benefits, business owners, general liability, flood, workers compensation and many more.
  • Holt – (615) 221-7094- 1894 General George Patton Drive Suite 700, Franklin, TN 37067 – was started in 1946.  A few of their carriers are: Donegal, Met Life, Safeco, Travelers etc.  They are available to help with life insurance and more.  This is a family operation.
  • Irvin-Dyal and Brown – (615) 791-5555 – 3326 Aspen Grove Drive Suite 100, Franklin, Tennessee 37067- is an independent agency.  Some of the provider they may use are: Progressive, Hanover, Travelers, Alfa, Zurich etc.  They can be contacted for a hand with: life insurance, fine art, homeowners, health as well as other coverage types.
  • Keith Wainauski – (615) 595-9850- 428 Lewisburg Avenue, Franklin, Tennessee 37064 – is an agent with the company Farmers.  He is available for assistance with homeowners insurance, life, car,  business, motorcycle, land lord, flood, recreational vehicle, renters, general liability and more.
  • Universal – (615) 472-8252 – 504 Autumn Springs Court Suite 29, Franklin, Tennessee 37067 – has been around since 2005 and they are independent.  They use Metlife, Safeco, The Hartford, Chubb as well as other carriers not mentioned.  They will be able to be of use in getting quotes on lines including: auto insurance, health, life, boat, homeowners etc.
 

Standard Risk, Preferred and Sub-Standard Risk Life Insurance Definitions

PalmerNotes on Life Insurance

With life insurance policies the term standard risk pertains to when an insured doesn’t have any ailment, special condition or otherwise that the company providing coverage would deem riskier than the average (hence the word standard).  This of course is determined in the carrier’s underwriting rules or standards to whom would qualify as standard risk.  The average person without any major health problems but isn’t in athletic condition either would fit into this category.

An individual that is in very good health, considered above the average in their condition health wise and considered low risk as per the insurance company is known a preferred risk.  The factors used to calculated this vary but some things can help an individual get life insurance as preferred risk.  A couple examples would be not to smoke and too have the right blood pressure readings.  There are other factors though that a person cannot not do anything about that may matter to the company, for instance a history of cancer in the family.

Now to the sub-standard risk which is an individual that would be looked at as high risk to give a life insurance policy to.  This would pertain to a person that has a a poor medical history but it can go beyond just that.   A dangerous occupation can play a role as well as other things such as harsh living environment,  family history of disease and more.