I have towing and labor coverage on my auto insurance policy in West Hartford, Connecticut, Does it only come into effect after an accident?

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Your auto policy gives you a level of protection and a peace of mind as you operate your car on a daily basis. When you are involved in an accident you will end up having to get your car fixed at a repair shop. In order for you to have your current car taken to a repair shop and have another car you must have towing and rental car coverage. Here are some things that these benefits that can help you through a tough time.

The Benefits of Having Towing and Rental Car Coverage

  • The benefit of towing is a coverage that can be used anytime your car breaks down and you have to have assistance to get back on the road. The insurance company will send a tow truck to the car and if they cannot fix it on location, they will then take the vehicle to the nearest approved repair shop.
  • Rental car coverage is directly linked to your car being disabled. If you are without your car because of an accident, the insurance company will cover the cost to get you a car until your own vehicle is up and running. In some cases if you get a rental that is not related to an accident, the liability may extend to a rental for pleasure purposes.

If you live in the West Hartford, Connecticut area and have questions about your car insurance coverage, then please call your independent agent today. We can help you with your insurance needs that is why it’s important that you give us a call so that we can give you specific details for your circumstances. We can also answer all of your current questions and get you the policy that will cover your driving situation.

Will my auto insurance cover me if I am hit by an uninsured motorist in West Hartford, Connecticut?

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No one should drive on the road without car insurance as it is against the law in West Hartford, Connecticut and any other state. If you are insured and your auto is hit by an uninsured motorist, you need to call the police to make a report. Hopefully the driver does not leave the scene. If they do leave, get their license plate number off the auto, make and model, and color of the auto. Call your independent agent as soon as possible.

If the driver does stay until the police arrive, get their name and address off their drivers license. Take photos if possible and try to get a quick photo of the driver in case they leave the area, which is common. Take care of any injuries first and then call your independent agent.

You should carry uninsured motorist coverage on your policy. Your coverage will pay for all of your damages. If you are seriously injured and you have reached the limits of your coverage, you may have to seek an accident attorney on your behalf to file a lawsuit.

Keep in mind that a lack of money is one big reason why a lot of people do not have car coverage. If you file a lawsuit, you may not be able to get anything from the suit. Your company may also try to file a law suit against the other driver.

If the driver offers to pay for the damages, you still must call your insurance company. The driver just does not want to get caught without coverage on their car. It is likely that this person has no money anyway.

If you are hit by an uninsured motorist, it is important that you give your independent agent in West Hartford, Connecticut, a call right away as we can give you specific details of your circumstances.

Distracted driving, it’s effects & statistics

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When you are driving, it is important to give the road your full attention. Eating while steering, changing the channel on the radio, and or using your car GPS system are seemingly harmless activities that can have deadly consequences. Marlborough drivers can benefit from recognizing the behaviors that contribute to distracted driving and why these behaviors are so dangerous.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving can refer to any activity that causes a driver to lose their focus on the road. However, common distracting activities that drivers engage in include:

  • Texting or talking on a cell phone.
  • Talking to passengers in the car.
  • Eating or drinking foods and beverages while driving.
  • Reading maps or using a GPS system in the car.

To keep safe, it is recommended that drivers refrain from these activities while they are operating a vehicle. As a rule of thumb, an activity is a distraction if it reduces your ability to see or hear fully while you are driving.

Just How Serious in Distracted Driving?

The dangers of distracted driving are well documented. The U.S. government website for distracted driving highlights the severity of the problem through the following statistics:

  • In 2011, over 3,000 drivers were killed in crashes that involved distracted drivers.
  • In 2010, distracted driving contributed to 18 percent of all crashes that resulted in an injury.
  • Text messaging while driving makes it 23 times more likely that a driver will be involved in a crash.
  • A driver’s reaction time decreases by 18 percent when using a cell phone.

As these statistics show, habits that reduce a driver’s focus greatly increase a driver’s likelihood of getting in an accident.

What if I Receive a Citation for Distracted Driving?

Connecticut takes distracted driving very seriously and specifically restricts cell phone use by drivers. Connecticut prohibits all drivers from talking or sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle. However, Marlborough drivers should note that the police in Connecticut may pull you over for other behaviors that they interpret to be distracting.

An independent agent can assist you if you are cited for distracted driving. While insurance providers take distracted driving seriously, one citation typically will not lead to increased premiums. However, multiple tickets may place you in a higher risk category. An independent agent can help you determine how a citation for distracted driving may impact your rates and help you keep your rates low if you are shopping for a new policy.

What discounts can be applied on my homeowners insurance policy in Marlborough, CT?

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Homeowners insurance is a necessary part of owning a home, but the cost doesn’t have to make your bank account scream out in pain each time you send in your payment. Here are some discounts that you might find when you go to your local independent agent in Marlborough, Connecticut:

Take measures to improve your credit score. Believe it or not, having a good credit score will save you money on your insurance policy because insurance companies have found that people with higher scores tend to file fewer claims than those who have lower scores.

Check your home for insurance risks. If you are planning to get a dog, but aren’t sure about which breed you want to get, steer clear of Pit Bulls and Rottweilers as they tend to be responsible for more claims. Also, think twice before getting the kids a trampoline or installing a swimming pool. If you have one of these risks and get rid of it, be sure to let your insurance company know so they can adjust your rates.

Install security devices. Taking precautions to reduce the risk of burglary may get you a discount on your home insurance policy. Putting in deadbolt locks, installing an alarm system, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and strong locks on windows are all things you can do to help make your home safer, and less of a risk for your insurance company.

Bundle your policies. Just like your telecommunications company gives you a discount when you use them for phone, television and Internet services, insurance companies give discounts for clients who use them for their home, life and auto insurance policies.

Finally, make sure you are getting the lowest possible rates by comparing multiple policies online. Your independent agent in Marlborough, Connecticut will be glad to help you.

How Many Points are Issued for Every Violation & What’s the Maximum You Can Get?

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When drivers get a moving violation in Connecticut, the driver will receive a fine and points. The police issues the violation and the DMV sets the fine. A driver’s license will be suspended when a driver has received enough points. The DMV keeps track of driving records. When a driver has 10 points, he/she can expect a 30-day suspension of license. If he/she receives 10 points more, he/she can expect their license suspended for up to two years.

If you find yourself in this position call an independent agent in the Marlborough or West Hartford, Connecticut area, we are here to help you with your auto insurance.

One Point Violations: are issued for speeding, improver land use, and illegal use of limited access highway. Fines for driving the wrong way on one way streets, illegal passing of motorcycles using no signal, improper backing process, illegal turns, illegal multi-lane highway use and illegal use of a divided highway.

Two Point Violations: are issued for disregarding low enforcement, illegal entry or exit of highway, illegal turn from wrong lanes, illegal use of railroad crossing, no stopping at railroad crossings for commercial vehicles, no observation of restrictions on an expressway, no yield sign use, no stop sign use, no observation of traffic signals, illegally entering safety zone of pedestrians, and driving under minimum speed limits.

Three Point Violations: are issued for impaired driving, meeting traffic head-on, no yield to passing vehicles, no pedestrian right of way, no right of way to emergency personnel, no right of way when exiting onto road way, no right of way at highway junctions, or intersections, not keeping proper distance between the car in front, passing in no passing zone, and passing on right side of the vehicle.

Four Point Violations: are issued for wagering speed record, passing loading and unloading school bus and harassing other drivers.

Five Point Violations: are issued for speeding a school bus, and negligent homicide with a motor vehicle.

Remember to call an independent agent in the Marlborough or West Hartford, Connecticut area. As your independent agent for car insurance we can help you with your auto insurance policy.

What is Basic Reparation Benefits Coverage in Connecticut? What does it cover?

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Basic reparation benefits are another name for PIP or personal injury auto protection. Another name for this is No-Fault insurance. This benefit will cover the driver and all passengers, should they be in a serious accident. As your independent agent, we can help you get the insurance protection you need, depending upon your situation. If you live in the Marlborough, or West Hartford, Connecticut area, give us a call today and speak with an agent regarding a car policy.

Reparation benefits will add extra coverage to your basic auto protection. If a driver needs to use their basic auto policy to help pay for medical bills there is a set limit by the insured. When this limit has been reached than reparation benefits will take over medical bills as an extension of the person’s policy protection for injury (s) sustained in a serious automobile accident. An independent agent can help you decide if you need reparation benefits.

If basic car protection is not going to cover certain benefits, neither will reparation benefits cover those things. Both of these policies cover chiropractic care, hospital visits, doctor bills, nursing care, and rehabilitative treatment and care. If an insured cannot work due to injuries then the reparation benefit will pay benefits for lost wages. According to an independent agent, the highest that reparation benefits will pay for lost wages is about $200.00 per week.

Those people who do not have the benefit of individual health insurance or might be without work, thus without group insurance coverage may benefit from a reparation benefit. If in a serious accident your PIP coverage will pay first. When PIP limits have been reached, then the person’s medical benefits will start to pay.

Call us today in Marlborough, Connecticut and do not wait one more day to make sure your car is completely covered on the road. We also service the West Hartford area.

Preparing your boats for the hurricane season

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Having a boat can mean a lot of lazy days on the water, or a lot of jetting around, fishing, playing, and just having a fun time. Unfortunately, boating isn’t all fun and games. Sometimes it’s also a lot of maintenance. When hurricane season is approaching, you also need to consider boat insurance that will protect you in the face of danger. You might not be able to save your boat, but you could stop yourself from taking a hit financially if the boat is destroyed or badly damaged in a storm.

While most people who live in places like West Hartford and Marlborough probably don’t think much about hurricanes, Connecticut is not immune to these powerful storms. When hurricanes do hit the Connecticut area that tend to do a lot of damage simply because people aren’t used to them and don’t really know how they should prepare. Many homes are damaged, and many boats are lost, when storms come up the coast. You can save your boat, though, or at least make sure that you won’t be financially damaged. Make sure you bring your boat into dry dock if you can, instead of just tying it up at the dock. Simply securing the boat in its slip won’t be enough protection.

Of course, not everyone has dry docking options. They can be expensive, and they can be difficult to do with a very large boat. If you can’t bring your boat to a safe location, you can moor it strongly and make sure you don’t leave anything on the boat that can cause additional damage beyond the problems caused by the hurricane. You can also come in and talk to us before hurricane season arrives. As an independent agent, we can take a look at the policies from several different companies and find you the best choice to protect your boat.

What factors are considered while underwriting a life insurance policy?

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The underwriting of a life insurance policy is serious business. You want to make sure that you’re getting everything you need to protect your family if you pass away. At the same time, you don’t want to get a huge amount of life insurance if it’s not really needed. At that point, you’d just be wasting money paying high premiums. There are several different types of life insurance you can buy, and it’s best to ask your independent agent about the types of policies and the companies that offer them before you make a decision.

Whether you’re in Marlborough, West Hartford, or elsewhere in Connecticut, there will be specific factors that will play a role in underwriting when it comes to your life insurance policy. One of the primary considerations is your age. The older you are, the more likely you will be to pass away, statistically. Because of that, life insurance for people who are older is higher than the same amount and type of insurance for people who are younger. Usually, there are age brackets that are used, and when a person moves from one bracket to another the insurance premiums will rise.

Other factors for your life insurance are whether you have health conditions and whether you smoke. Both of these matter, and it’s very important that you’re up front and honest. If you pass away and it comes out that you lied on your life insurance, the company may not be obligated to pay the benefits to your survivors. You don’t want to risk that for a few dollars difference in the monthly premiums on your insurance policy. Where you live generally doesn’t affect your life insurance, but how you live can. Things like your weight and the results of a physical examination may be factors in your policy premium, as well.

What to Do In Case of An Accident Without Having Car Insurance?

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Not having car insurance in Connecticut is a serious matter. However, sometimes instances arise where you might be involved in an auto accident and not have proper coverage. Here are three things to keep in mind if you find yourself in this circumstance.

#1: If You Are Not "At Fault" for an Accident

Connecticut is one of many states that is considered "at fault" state. This means that the party responsible for an accident is the one that is generally financially responsible. If you get into an accident where it appears that the other driver is 100% at fault, then their insurance company will be handling the whole process. In this case, not having insurance will most likely not affect you at all. However, be warned that sometimes insurance companies place shared responsibility on both parties, which will change this a bit.

#2: If You Are "At Fault" for an Accident (But the Other Driver Had Insurance)

If the accident was your fault, then you might run into problems with not having insurance. If the other driver was insured, they have the option of going through their own insurance carrier to get damages and/or medical bills paid for. Their insurance carrier will then sue you for the damages that they paid for on your behalf. This can often lead to garnished wages and/or other financial difficulties on your behalf.

#3: If You Are "At Fault" for an Accident (And the Other Driver Had No Insurance)

If the other driver had no insurance, but you were still the responsible party for the accident, then paying out of pocket is the only option. This can happen where you pay directly for the damages. Or, this can also mean that they pay for the damages themselves and hire a lawyer to help reclaim their funds from you through the court system.

In any case, driving without insurance is a serious matter. Paying a small monthly premium is a lot less of a financial burden than possibly being sued or having to miss work to make court appointments. Speak with your Marlborough or West Hartford independent agent today about securing your policy.

How to find affordable kit car insurance in Marlborough, Connecticut?

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Kit car builders often wonder how to get the best policies to cover their classic kit cars, which often don’t seem to fit into traditional auto insurance policies. Here’s a few tips for Marlborough, Connecticut residents to find the best kit car insurance for them.

First, talk to an independent agent like us to compare quotes and get an idea of what to expect in a kit car policy. We can tell you about the types of policies available and get comparison quotes for you to help you make the right decision.

Here are a few other steps to find your kit car insurance policy:

1. Get your car appraised. This information will be vital when you go to apply for insurance for your kit car, because you want to make sure your vehicle is covered for everything it’s worth.

2. Consider insurance companies that specialize in kit car insurance, and talk to independent agents about your options. They’ll be familiar with working with these unique situations and have a solid idea of how to get you the best deal.

3. Compare policies. Look at more than just your monthly out of pocket insurance premium. By taking into account the various features of the policies you’re considering, you’ll be able to make a smart decision and choose between plans.

4. Get quotes. Those in the Marlborough and West Hartford areas of Connecticut have access to a variety of independent agents that can give them quotes on potential policies. Get all the information you can before making your decision!

As your local independent insurance agent, we’d love to help you find the best policy to cover your classic kit car. Give us a call and let us do some of the research for you!