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. 

Why Companies Should Adequately Insure Their Vehicles

Glass breakage, theft, fire, damage to the vehicle in the event of a collision, bodily injury to the driver, legal protection, loan of a replacement vehicle, and other reasons should force companies to insure their vehicles. An insurance agent at Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL can help you to compose the most suitable policy, depending on the age, value, use, and a number of cars involved. It is an obligation for all company motor vehicles to be insured. There should be no exceptions. More specifically, company cars must be covered by a so-called “third party” liability insurance. This means insurance, which provides coverage in the event of damage (material or bodily) caused by the company vehicle, following, for example, an accident, an explosion, or a fire.

Why Insure A Company Vehicle in Alabama?

In addition to damages caused by the company vehicle to third parties, other consequences can arise. For example, the car itself may be involved in an accident, the driver injured and equipment damaged. This is why it may be necessary to choose an insurance policy offering the following guarantees, in addition to third party insurance:

  • In the event of an accident incurring damages, the coverage guarantees coverage
  • If the driver is injured, the company is responsible
  • In some cases, insurance takes care of towing and roadside assistance
  • the guarantee of services such as roadside assistance and towing;
  • Insured coverage of transported items

What About Alabama Company Cars?

Company cars used to transport items differ from company cars used by employees upon employer consent. These are driven to conduct the company’s business, whereas the latter can be used for personal purposes, which means it can be driven from the employee’s home and the workplace if the employer has explicitly given his consent to this. How do employees protect themselves when driving a company vehicle? If you own a vehicle and it is insured, it could provide you with coverage. While an employer could ask an employee to carry insurance on their own vehicle when driving a company vehicle, the company should acquire an insurance policy for full compensation in the event there is an accident.

Types of Alabama Company Insurance

To insure company vehicles in Alabama, there are two options to consider:

  • Insure each company or company vehicle by an individual policy
  • Take out a fleet contract for several vehicles

 The choice of having a fleet policy means that the policy will be easier to manage since everything is under the same policy.

Contact Us

It is important for companies to have adequate insurance coverage to handle work-related accidents in a company vehicle. The company is going to be responsible for any liability claim. This exposes the company’s bottom line and reputation. In addition, it could create conflict between both the employer and employee, which can become a messy situation to avoid. It is recommended that you contact Insurance Solutions Inc in Cullman, AL today to discuss your options.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options for Cullman, AL Residents

As a Cullman, AL driver, there is mandatory and optional insurance coverage. Mandatory auto insurance in Cullman, AL are liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance. Here are the facts you need to know about auto insurance coverage options for Alabama residents.

Mandatory Insurance Coverage in Alabama

Liability

As a driver in Alabama, you must have bodily injury and property damage coverage. These insurance coverages fall under the category of liability insurance. Liability insurance handles the damages of an accident in which you are legally held responsible.

Comprehensive

Under Alabama law, you are also required to carry comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage handles the repairs your car needs after it is involved in an accident that is non-collision related. Incidents comprehensive coverage can insure include:

  • Fire
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Contract with wildlife
  • Broken glass

Collision

Collision insurance is also required in the state of Alabama. This insurance coverage is used to repair your vehicle if you are in a wreck that involves another car or an object.

Optional Auto Insurance Coverage Available in Alabama

Optional auto insurance for Alabama drivers includes uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical benefits, and family compensation.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Regardless of who is held legally responsible car accident, this insurance covers the cost of most if not all damages, including bodily injury. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage also covers you if the other driver does not carry enough insurance.

Medical Benefits and Family Compensation

As a residential driver of Alabama, you can choose between medical benefits coverage and family compensation, but you can’t have both policies active at one time. Medical benefits can cover reasonable medical costs and funerals for yourself and individuals who are insured on your policy. Family compensation provides confinement, medical, and death benefits for you and other insured individuals on your policy. Medical benefits and family compensation both provide coverage and benefits regardless of who is at fault.

Here at Insurance Solutions Inc., we provide auto, home, commercial, and a variety of other insurances. There’s never been a better time to get insurance. Contact us today so we can provide you with the most suitable insurance policy for your current needs. Insurance Solutions Inc is waiting to hear from you.

What Does a Comprehensive Auto Policy Cover?

In the state of Alabama, drivers are required to have at least the state-required minimum amount of liability insurance. The minimum liability required is $25,000 per person with a total of $50,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage. Given the cost of medical services and the cost of cars, this really is a very basic amount of auto insurance. At Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL we know that this is not enough coverage for each and every person and we sit down with our customers to determine the best coverages for their particular vehicle and financial situation. 

Comprehensive coverage is additional coverage that protects your vehicle. It is often combined with collision coverage. It is non-collision insurance. It helps you to repair your car when things happen to it that are beyond your control. It can be a deer that darts into the road in front of your car or a hail storm that leaves your car covered in dents. If your car is stolen or vandalized, it is comprehensive insurance that can help you to replace it. Glass coverage is often part of this coverage and being able to get your windshield repaired or replaced quickly without a deductible is something that almost everyone will use at one time or other. 

Auto insurance can be tailored to each individual’s needs and getting to know our clients helps us to provide them with the insurance that is just right for them. At Insurance Solution Inc. we have a team of experienced agents who will take the time to get it just right for you. Give the office of Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL a call or stop by for a no-obligation quote. You can also use our online rating tool to get a quote before you stop by. 

Do Cullman Car Owners Need Insurance?

Living in the Cullman, AL area can be a great experience as there are plenty of local amenities, a lot of job opportunities, and other advantages. To get around Cullman efficiently, you will need to own your own car. If you do own your own car, you also need to consider your auto insurance needs. There are several reasons why a Cullman car owner could need an auto insurance policy. 

Liability Concerns

One reason why people in Cullman need to have auto insurance is because of liability concerns. Anyone that drives a car on a regular basis is consistently taking on the risk that they will be found at-fault in an accident. When this occurs, you are going to want to make sure that you have coverage to pay for any damage that you cause. Due to the importance of this form of insurance, the state of Alabama requires that all drivers have liability coverage. 

Coverage for Car

Additionally, many people will also want to have a full collision and comprehensive auto insurance policy. This full type of auto insurance will give you coverage for virtually any type of situation that results in a loss. This form of insurance is ideal for most car owners. 

Ultimately, anyone that owns and drives a car in the Cullman, AL area will be required to have auto insurance. Since it can be hard to determine what type of policy is right for your situation, it would help to speak to a professional about your needs. Insurance Solutions Inc. should be the first company you call when shopping for auto insurance. When you work with Insurance Solutions Inc. to get into a quality auto insurance policy, it will ensure that you are properly covered based on your needs and risks. 

Auto Insurance Basics: The Six Types of Auto Coverage

If you’re shopping for auto insurance in Cullman, AL, you may already know how it works in general, but do you know the six basic types of vehicle insurance? Knowing the different types of auto insurance policies, what they cover, and how they work is an important step in helping you determine the best policy for your unique situation. Here are the basic types of common auto coverage Insurance Solutions Inc. offers. 

Liability Coverage 

This type is coverage is legally required in most US states in order to drive a vehicle. Liability insurance may cover personal injuries and property damage to others you are determined to be legally responsible for as a result of a covered event. 

Collision Insurance 

This insurance may cover damage, repairs, or replacement in the event your vehicle is damaged or totaled during a covered accident involving another vehicle. 

Comprehensive Insurance 

A comprehensive auto insurance policy may pay for damage your car sustains due to a collision with another vehicle as well as expanded coverage for other damage caused by weather events, vandalism, collisions with animals, and more. 

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance 

Many drivers choose to carry the minimum required liability coverage, or fail to carry any insurance at all. Underinsured motorist coverage will protect you in the event that the other party’s insurance policy won’t cover the costs resulting from an accident, and uninsured motorist insurance covers both you and your vehicle in incidents involving uninsured drivers and hit-and-run events.  

Personal Injury Protection Insurance 

This insurance may provide coverage for certain medical expenses and income loss that results from a covered incident. Depending on your policy limits, it could cover up to 80% of your medical and other expenses that stem from a covered accident. 

Medical Payments Insurance 

A medical payments insurance policy can help you pay expensive medical costs resulting from a covered accident, no matter which party is at fault. 

If you don’t have auto insurance coverage currently, it’s crucial to get a policy in place as soon as possible. For more information about the types of insurance described above, and for guidance finding your perfect auto insurance plan, call the Cullman, AL automotive insurance experts at Insurance Solutions Inc. today.