Does Your Car Insurance Cover a Rental Car?

If you are getting a rental car in Cullman, AL, you may be wondering if your car insurance will translate to the rental car and if it is worth paying for the extra insurance the rental car company offers you.

There isn’t an easy answer because it will depend on what your personal auto insurance covers, what protection your credit card offers, and where you are renting the car. Before you rent a car, you can talk to your agent at Insurance Solutions Inc. to determine if your current coverage can extend to your rental vehicle.

Generally, coverage from a primary auto insurance policy does extend to a rental car. If you cause an accident when you are driving a rental, then liability insurance will pay for damages to other cars and injuries. Your collision and comprehensive coverage will also extend to the rental car. Collision coverage will pay for damages related to an accident and comprehensive will cover damage not related to an accident. There could still be some charge the rental company imposes, even with collision and comprehensive coverage, but it still helps to have that coverage in place.

Different credit cards also come with rental car insurance as an added benefit. This can take the place of your current auto policy. For this coverage to work, you will need to pay for the rental vehicle using that card. Not all coverage through credit cards is the same. Some offer primary coverage so you don’t have to make a claim on your auto insurance, while others only offer secondary coverage.

Your home or condo insurance can still cover your personal belongings if they are stolen from a rental car, but you should check those individual policies for any exclusions.

Contact Insurance Solutions Inc. serving Cullman, AL, to get a quote on auto insurance. 

How to Protect Your Car From the Southern Climate

Insurance Solutions Inc. has been serving Cullman, AL, for long enough to see a few things. They know what tends to harm cars the most, and some of those problems are unique to the southern climate. If you know the woes of a hundred degrees and 90-percent humidity, then these tips are for you.

Maintain the AC

Air conditioning is the most important feature of a car for many southerners. In the ultra-humid climate, it doubles as a dehumidifier. This is a good thing for your car’s interior. It prevents mold damage and similar humidity-caused ailments. It’s also hard on the AC. Add AC health checks to your regular maintenance. It can prevent expensive problems that will ruin your summer and make your interior vulnerable.

Clean the Undercarriage

You see this advice a lot in the colder climates. The salt from the winter roads is corrosive and dangerous. In Alabama, the problem is mud. Some of your cars never leave the city and have less of a problem with this, but for those of you who have a little fun driving, remember the bottom when you give your baby a bath.

Block the Sun

Every southerner respects the sun. It can be as brutal to your car as it is to you. Make sure your windows are properly tinted and use a windshield cover whenever you can. If you can’t park under cover, consider getting a cover for the whole vehicle.

When you give your car the attention it deserves, it can last a lot longer. That doesn’t just save you money in car payments. It can help with insurance rates too. If you want to see how residents in Cullman, AL, are saving money, talk to your Insurance Solutions Inc. representative.

 

Do I really need auto insurance?

Are you in Cullman, AL and wondering if you need insurance for your car? The answer is yes – every state in the United States, including Alabama, has minimum insurance requirements for driving a car.

The Mandatory Liability Insurance Law of Alabama was passed in 2013 by state lawmakers, and it requires all Alabama car owners to have liability insurance for each car registered in their name. 

The law requires these liability insurance coverage minimums:

– No less than $50,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident.
– At least $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person.
– And at least $25,000 for property damage.

In addition to these minimum requirements, Insurance Solutions Inc. offers several optional types of coverage, like collision, comprehensive, medical and funeral, and uninsured motorist coverage. Often, collision and comprehensive insurance are required if you are leasing or financing a car.

If you are pulled over or get in an accident while driving without the minimum coverage, there are severe consequences in the form of fines and suspensions. With your first violation, you’ll get $500 fine. With your second violation, you’ll get a $1,000 fine. You can also get your license and car registration suspended. Each time you get caught, your registration will be suspended for a mandatory four additional months. You’ll also have to pay to have your registration reinstated at the end of the suspension period. To get your license reinstated at the end of the suspension period, you have to file an SR22 with the state, which means that they will keep a closer eye on your insurance status moving forward.

If you want to avoid problems caused by driving uninsured, contact Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL today, and see how much you can save on full coverage auto insurance!

What Influences Car Insurance Rates?

Car insurance rates in Cullman, AL, are affected by a number of different things. There are demographic factors, as well as car-related factors, and insurers will look at your driving habits. Insurance Solutions Inc. can help you find the best rate based on your history.

Demographic factors include age, gender, marital status, location, and credit score. Men, especially younger ones, tend to have high rates of accidents statistically and older men have better accident rates. Married people usually have fewer accidents, so getting married can reduce your rate, especially if you have a clean driving record. Those who live in densely populated neighborhoods mean that more cars are on the road, so there is a greater chance of an accident.

The car you drive also affects your rate because some cars lack safety features, are more expensive to repair, or are more likely to be stolen. Insurers will look at the safety rating for the vehicle as well. The safety rating includes how likely a passenger is to get injured and how likely the owner is going to get into an accident. It also looks at different safety features, such as seat belts and traction control. Larger cars usually have good safety ratings because they are generally safer, but engine size also plays a role. The age of the car can play a role because older cars are more likely to be totaled in an accident.

While some of these items you can’t control, your personal driving habits are something you can improve that affects rates. Your driving history and activity is important. If you haven’t been in any accidents or received any tickets, then you may get a better rate. Sometimes your rate will be dependent on what you use your car for and the distance your drive. If you are on the road more, you may be more likely to get into an accident.

Contact Insurance Solutions Inc. serving Cullman, AL, to get a quote on auto insurance.

Insure Your Classic Car With Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL

Do you own a classic car? If you do, then you need to insure your dream car against the dangers of the road, as well as the winter weather to come. Many car owners opt to put their car in storage during the cold months. This isn’t a bad idea, but did you know that your car may not be insured through your base level automobile insurance or homeowners insurance while it’s in storage. 

You need to act now to protect your classic car, and the best way to do that is to call Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman AL. The experienced staff at Insurance Solutions are well-trained and prepared to answer your insurance questions. In Alabama, your homeowner’s policy may cover your car if it’s parked in your garage, or if it doesn’t, your automobile coverage may help cover the costs. However, if your car is damaged or stolen while at a separate facility, you may be out of luck. That’s why you need to consider purchasing an extra layer of property insurance for your classic car. This added coverage will protect your car when it’s not on your property. You should also speak with the garage owner to make sure they have the proper levels of insurance. Many garages’ insurance policies will cover your losses, but only to a certain point. To make sure your car is fully insured, give a call to Insurance Solutions and find the policy that’s right for you. 

Stop by the Insurance Solutions location at 1331 3rd Street SE Cullman, AL. Or give them a call. You can reach them toll-free at 800-844-8726 or at 256-739-2329. Call today and see what they can do for you and your car. 

How is the Value of a Classic Car Determined in Cullman, AL

The agents of Insurance Solutions Inc. understand how important it is to properly insure your classic car in Cullman AL. There are several things that must be looked at simply because many of classic cars are extremely unique when it comes to parts and maintenance.  

Establishing A Fair Market Value

A fair market value means what the car is actually worth in terms of materials, time, effort, and antique value. It’s often based on what someone would be expected to pay if the car was sold at auction or on a car lot. 

Original Or Standard Parts

Many older models have parts that are no longer manufactured. To replace these parts, you may have to find someone who specially crafts them. A classic car rarely has a reportable "book" value because car and its parts are no longer sold on a regular basis.

Under Construction

You may be able to cover your car under a "classic vehicle" policy while you’re still in the process of it. This will depend on the underwriter of the policy.

Weekend Warrior or Daily Use

One of the major factors is how often you drive your classic car. If you use the car daily, you run a greater risk of damage. If you only drive the car on special occasions or haul it to show, the risk of damage is much lower.

If you live in the Cullman AL area and are looking for an insurance agent who offers policies on classic cars in various stages of restoration, call Insurance Solutions Inc. The agents at the office can take a close look at your vehicle and determine exactly what type of coverage best suits your individual needs. 

When to Contact Insurance Agency After Accident

In the event of an auto accident, timing is everything. From making sure everyone is alright to informing the police what happened, you need to follow through with several steps to make sure everything is properly taken care of. Eventually, you will want to contact your insurance agency to let them know of the accident. At Insurance Solutions Inc. we want to make sure everyone is safe in addition to receiving the proper insurance coverage. 

Make Sure Everyone is Alright

After the accident, make sure everyone is alright. Check your passengers and then go to the other vehicles involved in the crash. If anyone is seriously hurt call 911. If not, contact the police. They will ask if you need an ambulance for smaller injuries. 

Document the Scene

While you wait for the police, always document the scene. There is no such thing as too many pictures so snap away. This includes everything from skid marks on the road to the damage on your vehicle. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the insurance and driver information of the other driver. 

Contact the Insurance Agency

After talking with the police you’ll want to contact the insurance agency. The police will file a report with a case number. You’ll want to give this case number to your insurance agent as it provides additional information to your insurance provider. 

Whether you live in Cullman, AL or your accident takes place in the general area, you need to know how to contact an insurance agency after an accident. By following through with these specific steps, you’ll make sure everyone is safe while also informing your insurance company. If you have any additional questions regarding auto insurance claims, Insurance Solutions Inc. is here to help. 

What is a Multi Car Discount?

In the world of auto insurance there are tons of different discounts and benefits that you can get with your policy if you simply know what they are. For those that live in the Cullman, AL area, the agents with Insurance Solutions Inc. can help you determine what discounts you are eligible for and which you are not.

So what is a multi car discount? Put quite simply, you get a discount on coverage for the second, third, fourth, car on your policy. This means you pay a specific price for the first vehicle that you insure then you get to insure more vehicles for a discounted rate. It is sort of like when you purchase items from the grocery store and get a discount for buying multiple items. Essentially, the insurance company is giving you a discounted rate for having more than one car on your policy.

Having more than one car on your policy is going to save you money as opposed to insuring each car on an individual policy. This is a great way to have your entire home of drivers insured without having to have separate policies for each and every driver. Not all cars qualify for the multi car discount however.

First off, you have to be able to legally insure the car that you are trying to add to your policy. In many cases your name has to be on the title of the car that you are insuring. No matter the circumstance, a multi car discount is a great way to get cheaper premiums without sacrificing coverage. For those in the Cullman, AL area, the agents with Insurance Solutions Inc. can help you to find the multi car discount and the policy that work best for you and your drivers.

Myths About Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is something that many people think they understand but they may not have a full grasp on it. This is because there are many myths that people hear about it that they think are true. According to Insurance Solutions Inc. serving Cullman, AL, these are some of the top ones you may hear and the truths behind them:

  • Your Rates Increase As You Get Older. In fact, the opposite is true. As you get older, your rates should decrease. This is because many insurance companies see this as a sign of driving maturity and you may even be able to get an additional discount if you are 55 years or older.
  • If You Total Your Car, Insurance Will Pay It Off. This is a common misconception that can really get you into trouble at a later date. Auto insurance will pay for the fair market value of your vehicle which means that the original cost and any depreciation is taken into account when payouts are being determined. In a lot of cases, this amount is less than what you may owe on a vehicle and you will have to pay the difference.
  • Red Cars Cost More To Insure. This is a very common myth and generally the color of the car has no direct impact on the insurance rates. Rates are created based on the make, model, age, body type, engine size, age of the driver, the driving record of the driver, and their credit history.

In Cullman, AL, you need to have auto insurance if you are going to be driving your vehicle. To get a quote for auto insurance, be sure to reach out to Insurance Solutions Inc. They will work with you to help find the right policy and at the right price for your budget.

What Does Basic Auto Insurance Cover?

Insurance is something that many people have but have no idea what it covers. There is a wide range of auto coverage, and though you might think you have the right policy, it might not be all that you need. For those in the Cullman, AL area, the agents with Insurance Solutions Inc. can help you find the policy that is right for you each and every time.

Basic auto insurance, or liability insurance, covers a couple of different things. First, it covers a monetary pay out to the other driver for a specified amount of money. This is generally a set amount of around $10,000 per person involved in the accident. This helps pay for medical bills, deductibles for the other auto policy, and other pain and suffering that might be undertaken.

Liability insurance is the very least amount of insurance that you can have on your car and still be able to drive legally. You cannot have a liability policy if you still owe money on your car, you then need to have a full coverage policy. Your insurance policy not only protects the other driver but also any passengers that you might have in the car with you. It also helps pay for your medical bills, and you can get more from your insurance company if need be.

The basic policy is going to act as a safety net should anything happen and should you need to file a claim following an accident. Not every insurance policy is going to pay out $10,000, some policies pay more but most pay at least that amount. For those in the Cullman, AL area, the agents with Insurance Solutions Inc. can help discuss just what basic insurance coverage means and what you can do to get the perfect policy.