Comprehensive Vs. Liability Auto Insurance and How to Choose

There are some significant differences between liability only and comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Our insurance agents at Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL have the expertise to help you decide which type of coverage is best for your situation.

Liability Coverage 

  • Covers damage to other vehicles involved in an accident with you when you are at fault. This type of coverage does not cover your vehicle. This is referred to as property damage liability coverage, which is included in all liability policies.
  • It covers injuries to other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, etc., due to an accident in which you are at fault. This type of coverage does not cover your own injuries. This is referred to as bodily injury liability coverage, which is also included in all liability policies.
  • Liability insurance coverage is mandatory in virtually all states.

Comprehensive Coverage

  • It covers damage to other vehicles in an accident in which you are at fault and covers damage to your vehicle.
  • It covers injuries to other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, etc. in the case of an accident in which you are at fault and covers your injuries.
  • Covers damage to your vehicle outside of an accident, such as hail damage, theft, fire, vandalism, etc.
  • Comprehensive coverage is legally optional in all states. However, many lenders will require it if you have financed or leased your vehicle.

Factors influencing your insurance choice include whether you own, lease, or finance your vehicle, how often and far you drive your auto, and even where it’s parked at home and work. Call us today to speak to one of our agents at Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL to determine which auto coverage is best for you.

Safe driving tips for Alabama

Driving is an integral part of everyday life, so it’s important to practice safe driving habits here in the Cullman, AL area, and everywhere. Here are a few tips from us at Insurance Solutions Inc. to help you stay safe while on the road: 

  1. Obey traffic laws – Ensure you know all local driving rules and laws. This includes following speed limits, stopping at stop signs and properly yielding when necessary. 
  2. Avoid distractions – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, so it’s important to put away your phone, adjust your radio before driving, and keep your eyes on the road at all times. 
  3. Be prepared for sudden stops – Always leave enough space between yourself and other cars so that you have plenty of time to slow down if someone stops suddenly in front of you. 
  4. Take regular breaks – Sometimes, even the most experienced drivers can become fatigued after long hours on the road, so take frequent breaks if needed and get plenty of rest before getting back behind the wheel. 
  5. Check the vehicle before starting – Before hitting the road each day, check your vehicle’s oil levels, tire pressure, brakes, and lights to ensure that everything is working correctly and that you can drive to your destination safely. 

By following these simple safe driving tips, you can help reduce the risk of being involved in an accident or receiving a ticket. For more information, give us at Insurance Solutions Inc. a call today. We are proud to serve the Cullman, AL area. Drive safe!

Tips to Help Prevent Rust From Developing on Your Car

Rust can be highly damaging to your vehicle. It can weaken the metal, which can leave your vehicle more vulnerable in the event of a car accident. Here at Insurance Solutions Inc., providing auto insurance to the greater Cullman, AL area, we want to help drivers minimize the chances of rust from developing on your car. Here are some tips that can help you to do just that. 

Apply a Clear Coat To Your Car

One of the best ways to decrease the chances of rust developing on your car is to coat your vehicle with a clear coat. A clear coat helps to prevent water from coming in contact with metal, which helps ensure rust does not form. 

Repair Any Scratches or Scuffs

Another way to minimize the chances of rust developing on your car is to immediately repair any scratches or scuffs on your vehicle. Scratches and scuffs may seem minor, but they are one of the top reasons rust starts forming on a car. 

Remove Rust As Soon As You Spot It

Lastly, if you notice any rust on your car, you want to remove it with rust-removing products immediately. Rust will continue to spread and weaken metal if it is left to sit for prolonged periods. 

Following the steps above can help greatly diminish the chances of rust developing on your automobile. This can be important, as rust can weaken your car, which can be devastating in an accident. Having the right auto insurance is essential if you are in an accident. The team at Insurance Solutions Inc., serving the greater Cullman, AL area, would love to help you find the right auto insurance for your needs. Reach out to us today to get started. 

Is Basic Auto Insurance Sufficient?

If you purchase car insurance in Cullman, AL, you may easily be swayed to look at the cost aspect only. This one-sided approach will only land you at basic insurance that may fall short when hit with a significant threat. So, is basic insurance an option? Insurance Solutions Inc. tells you why you shouldn’t only settle for basic car insurance.

It’s never sufficient.

The law in Alabama requires you to purchase “25/50/25” liability coverage to protect you against liability claims. When you look at these amounts, you might think they are enough, but they barely protect you when faced with a significant claim. Basic car insurance protects you from non-compliance penalties and fines and offers little protection against considerable liability claims.

If you want optimal coverage, always buy a sufficient amount of car insurance. This way, you know your assets and savings are safe when facing threats.

It doesn’t cover you and your vehicle.

If you stick to the state-required car insurance, it only covers other road users, not you and your vehicle. For instance, if you are at fault for a car accident and you only have liability coverage, this policy will pay for the medical costs and damage to other people. Otherwise, your injuries and damage to your car aren’t covered.

If you want optimal protection with your car insurance, always look beyond the basic coverage. Consider coverage options, like:

  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Collision coverage
  • Medical payments coverage
  • Uninsured/underinsured coverage
  • Roadside assistance

At Insurance Solutions Inc., we recommend the above policies and advise you to get a sufficient amount to cover you optimally when in need.

Car insurance in Cullman, AL

Want to know whether you have the right amount of insurance? If you are in Cullman, AL, or a nearby area, please contact Insurance Solutions Inc. for personalized advice.

3 Important Considerations Before Buying Car Insurance

Did you get your first car? Are you potentially interested in switching to a new car insurance provider? Whatever the case may be, it is important to understand a few things that could have a direct impact on your coverage and premiums before sitting down with an agent at Insurance Solutions Inc., serving Cullman, AL.

Required Amount of Coverage

When it comes to coverage, everyone is not going to require the same amount. For instance, if you live in a large city where you park your vehicle on the road, you will want to ensure you have comprehensive coverage to cover vandalism and theft. However, if you live in the country, that type of coverage may not be necessary. If you are financing your vehicle, you will want to invest in a full coverage and possibly even gap coverage. If you have an older vehicle that is not financed, liability-only coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements may suffice.

Number of Drivers

Anyone who lives under your roof, such as a spouse or teenager, or drives your vehicle regularly should be listed on your policy as a covered driver. In doing so, you are ensuring that the insurance company will pay for associated expenses in the event of an accident when that person is driving. It is possible that the claim will be denied if the person driving is not listed on your policy.

Purpose for Driving

If your vehicle is used for primarily work-related purposes, you may need a commercial policy that is designed to protect against events that occur while driving a car for work. If you have a standard auto insurance policy for simple consumer use and get into an accident while making deliveries or doing other business-related tasks, it is unlikely your personal auto insurance policy will cover the costs.

Insurance Solutions Inc., serving Cullman, AL, can help ensure you get the most appropriate auto insurance policy based on your coverage needs and budget. Contact us today.

Car in Storage? Can You Drop Your Auto Insurance?

The thought may cross your mind of putting your vehicle in storage while you go on an extended vacation, head out on a long-term business trip, etc. Since you will not be using your vehicle for a period of time, you may wonder whether you can drop your auto insurance. Whatever the reason and for however long, canceling your insurance is never a good idea. Insurance Solutions Inc., serving Cullman, AL, shares a few drawbacks to dropping your auto insurance coverage. 

Canceling Will Cause a Gap in Coverage

If you choose to cancel your insurance, a gap in coverage will be created. Unfortunately, this could deem you as a higher risk person to insure when you try to get insurance again. 

Your Vehicle Will Not Be Protected Against Various Accidents

If you do not continue to carry auto insurance on your vehicle, you will be 100 percent financially responsible for any damage that occurs to your automobile while it is in storage. So, let’s say you are storing your vehicle in the garage and a large tree falls on top of it during a storm, damaging the vehicle. Since you don’t have insurance coverage, you would need to pay out of your pocket for the auto repairs.

Canceling May Be a Violation of Your Insurance Policy Requirements

Depending on the stipulations outlined in your auto insurance policy or elsewhere, you may not have the option to cancel your coverage. For instance, if you are paying your vehicle off through a lender, it is likely a condition of your auto loan to have full coverage on the vehicle at all times, regardless of the circumstances. 

If you plan to store your vehicle for an extended period of time, canceling your policy may not be the best choice. However, you do have options in most situations, such as reducing your coverage. For more information, contact our insurance agents at Insurance Solutions Inc., serving Cullman, AL.

Important Facts Alabama Drivers Should Learn If They Are Traveling Abroad

Insurance Solutions Inc. provides coverage to Cullman, AL residents. We help our clients find policies that align with their individual needs. We are an independent insurance agency. We work closely with multiple carriers throughout the South. We hope to establish long-lasting relationships with our clients so that we can help them as their needs change over time.

Important Facts Alabama Drivers Should Learn Before Traveling Abroad

Auto insurance helps keep you safe on the road in Cullman, AL. Operating a vehicle is a high-risk endeavor, which is why you need the necessary protection. Auto insurance policies are generally divided between collision and comprehensive. Collision coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with another driver. Comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle is damaged in unique ways. You are protected if your vehicle is stolen or vandalized. Perhaps you accidentally hit an animal or collide with an object. Maybe your vehicle is damaged by a fire or natural disaster. There are common cases where comprehensive coverage protects you.

If you plan to travel abroad, you’ll likely have to inquire about another type of coverage before your trip. It’s a good idea to visit the US Embassy to learn about the requirements to operate a vehicle in a specific country. Liability insurance is a basic requirement. Liability insurance covers your vehicle if you accidentally injure someone or cause property damage. Consider adding umbrella insurance as well. Umbrella insurance protects you if you are responsible for serious damages. If you plan to get a rental car in the country that you’re visiting, remember that each country has unique requirements.

Insurance Solutions Inc. Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about auto insurance.

How Car Accidents Impact Alabama Car Insurance

When you have been involved in a car accident in Alabama, a key concern will be how this will impact your Alabama car insurance. There is a chance that your premiums will go up. However, there are ways your insurance company can help.

At Insurance Solutions Inc. we want Cullman, AL to feel safe in their vehicles, and with their premiums, no matter what their driving record shows. 

Alabama is an At-Fault State With Contributory Negligence

Alabama is an at-fault state for car accidents. That means that if you are involved in an Alabama car accident and are found to be liable or partially liable, you will be responsible for your share of the damages. Under Alabama’s contributory negligence laws, even if you are a little responsible, you won’t be able to recover damages from the other driver.

That means that your car insurance will go up if you don’t have additional protections on your Alabama car insurance.

Alabama Accident Forgiveness 

Accident forgiveness is an add-on to your auto insurance policy that will help you to keep your rates the same when you have an accident. This is the case regardless of who is at fault in an Alabama car accident.

When you apply for Alabama car insurance, you may be eligible for accident forgiveness if you do not have a history of car accidents on your record, and do not have a claims history. Accident forgiveness from your insurance company means that for your first car accident for which you make a claim, your insurance company will forgive you by not increasing your premiums.

Without Alabama Accident Forgiveness

Not everyone is going to be eligible for accident forgiveness or will have used it when they are in a car accident in Alabama. Without it, an at-fault accident can impact your car insurance for up to ten years.

How it impacts your car insurance now will depend on your insurance company, and what percentage of an accident you will be at fault for. Your premiums will go up, but a good insurance company will help you to keep them as low as possible.

Get an Alabama Car Insurance Quote

If you are worried about your insurance premiums after an accident, or what could happen if you had one, Insurance Solutions Inc. serving Cullman, AL can help. Call us for a quote today.

What Cullman, AL Drivers Need to Know About Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

The process of buying auto insurance in Cullman, AL, is almost similar and critical to purchasing the car itself.  Driving safely in Alabama means having to buy the minimum state requirements for car insurance.  The requirements aren’t so much different from other states, but it’s essential to understand what to expect. Here is all you need to know.

What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Alabama?

If you own a car in Alabama, you will need to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements. However, satisfying these requirements doesn’t mean you are fully covered. If you need help determining which coverages work best for you, Insurance Solutions Inc. can help you select the coverages to add to your policy. The state of Alabama requires that drivers carry a minimum requirement of; Bodily injury liability per person and per accident as well as property damage liability per accident.

Alabama is NOT a no-fault state

While the no-fault law seeks to simplify the legal process after a car accident, Alabama is not a no-fault state. This means that if you are hit by another driver who is at fault, you will need to seek justice and compensation by following up with their insurance company.

Other critical coverages

 Protecting yourself and your family means purchasing all the essential coverages in Cullman, AL. Depending on your driving needs, style, comfort, preference, and budget, you may need to add other essential coverages such as comprehensive, collision, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured driver. You also need to practice safe driving and follow traffic rules.

Let Insurance Solutions Inc. help you

Auto insurance is mandatory in Alabama, but it doesn’t mean you stop there. Find coverages that will enhance your safety on the roads. Our trusted insurance team at Insurance Solutions Inc. can expertly customize a policy to meet all your auto insurance needs. Contact us today.

Three steps to finding the right auto insurance policy

The auto insurance policy you choose in Cullman, AL could affect you financially down the road if you eventually need to file a claim. We sell auto insurance to Alabama motorists at Insurace Solutions Inc.

The following are three steps you should go through when finding the right auto insurance policy. 

Determine what kind of coverages you want

There are numerous types of auto insurance to consider. One type you’ll have to buy to meet your legal responsibilities is liability coverage. You should also buy collision coverage if you want damages to your own vehicle to be covered. A few other types of auto coverage you should invest in are comprehensive and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. 

Shop around and get a few quotes

The next step is to get quotes on policies offering the coverage you’re interested in. Find providers offering auto insurance in your area.

Get quotes from insurance companies with a good reputation. It’s important to get multiple quotes so that you can compare them to choose the option that will give you the most value. 

Analyze quotes and purchase a policy

Look at the quotes you have and evaluate them. Don’t only consider the premium costs. Also, consider the coverage that goes along with each policy.

It’s a good idea to call an insurance company representative and ask a few questions to not only learn more but also evaluate the customer service of the company before you purchase a policy. 

We’re here to help you when you’re on the market for auto insurance in Cullman, AL. Do you need assistance with finding a policy? Call us at Insurance Solutions Inc. and we’ll answer any questions you have about meeting your auto insurance needs.