Auto Insurance

Serving Santa Rosa & Sonoma County Residents

Do you understand the components of your Auto policy? There are four primary parts to your car insurance policy. There are, of course, other elements, but here are the four main components:

 

1. The first component of a car insurance policy is the Liability section. Liability coverage is in place in case you are negligent (regardless of your intentions) and you injure someone or cause property damage. Many people believe they are good drivers and therefore don’t really need much liability insurance. But have you ever pulled into your driveway and realized you aren’t exactly sure how you got there? Just one moment’s distraction and even the best driver can make a mistake that results in injury or property damage. I once adjusted a claim for an individual who was driving down a residential street when a little boy suddenly ran out in front of her car and suffered a brain injury in the resulting accident. The driver was determined to be partially liable because she had been driving just a few miles per hour over the speed limit when the accident occurred. When I review your coverage, I’ll make sure that you are carrying sufficient liability insurance.



2. The second component of car insurance is Collision and Comprehensive (Comp). This is the coverage that pays when your own car is damaged, regardless of who is at fault. A Collision loss results when the car actually collides with something, such as another car or a building. A Comprehensive loss includes events like fire, flood or theft. When you consider your deductible (the amount you will have to pay before your insurance “kicks in”), it is important to choose a deductible amount that your financial situation can handle.



3. The third component of car insurance is Medical Payments. Medical payment coverage pays for covered medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of fault.



4. Transportation is the fourth component of car insurance. If you will require the use of a loaner car while your car is in the shop due to a covered accident, you will need transportation coverage. There are several levels at which you can purchase this coverage. For example, your policy might provide $40 per day toward the cost of a rental/replacement vehicle, to a maximum of $1200 total.

 

Call me to discuss your needs and to receive a competitive quote from several insurance companies.

Read this Fact Sheet to help you understand the amount of coverage you need to carry.