What Alabamans Need To Know About Insurance And Traffic Law

For the most part, buying car insurance and driving safely in Alabama isn’t so much different from buying car insurance in California, Georgia, New York state or anywhere else, but every state has its little quirks when it comes to insurance law and practices, so here’s what you need to know in Cullman, AL:

  • Alabama Minimums

The minimum required insurance in Alabama is $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 total per accident for bodily injury. Bodily injury is the really important part of car insurance. Insuring your car is one thing, you can buy pretty much any level of car insurance you’re comfortable with on that front. The real purpose of mandatory insurance is to protect people who are seriously injured in car accidents.

  • Alabama Is Not A No-Fault State

No-fault states follow some provisions that are intended to simplify the legal process. Mainly, drivers are required to insure themselves, and their insurance companies cover them in the event of an accident. This is not the case in Alabama, so if you are in an accident and it is found to be the other driver’s fault, for instance, then you may need to pursue the other driver’s insurance company for compensation.

  • The Rear-End Driver Might Not Be At Fault In A Collision

If you rear-end someone because they slammed their brakes on without warning, then the courts may find that person at fault. In Florida, for instance, the rear-ending driver is automatically found at fault, but this is not the case in Alabama.

With adequate coverage and safe driving practices, Alabama is one of the greatest places in the world to go for a cruise. Contact Insurance Solutions Inc. for some free quotes.

Understanding Liability Auto Insurance in Cullman

Liability is a very nice word for certain people when it comes to picking out their auto insurance because it typically means that the person paying the policy will be paying a very decreased rate. However, there are certain factors to consider before you decide that liability insurance is for you. Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL wants you to know more. 

The Straight Facts 

Liability will not cover your own car should it be damaged during an accident or stolen, meaning you’re on the hook for all of the repairs or replacement as well as the rental car while you work to get your damaged car back on the road. For those who drive very inexpensive cars, it can make sense to do liability only because the costs will still be low. However, that still means an added expense of trying to find a new car or paying out of pocket to the mechanic. It may be the best choice for some people, but for many those expenses in the event of an accident end up being more than it would have cost to get liability. 

What You Can Do 

You may want to consider getting additional coverage instead to ensure that your car stays functional regardless of what happens. There are a variety of policies that you can request, depending on what is most relevant to you. For example, if you live on a street where car theft happens to be common, then you can add on theft coverage. Or you may want to add coverage if an uninsured driver hits you. Fortunately, Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL can help you navigate the choices, so call us today if you’re looking for a quote for a new policy. 

Cullman, Alabama Families Can Use These Tips to Help Their Teen Drivers

A city built on heritage, Cullman, Alabama has the type of southern charm and hospitality that makes it a great place for families. But every family has to deal with one fact of life sooner or later- teen drivers. Letting your teens behind the wheel can be both an exciting and scary time, but here are some tips to help you during the whole experience.

Review and Ride

Even if they’ve passed their test with flying colors, ride with your teen driver the first few times. As an experienced driver make sure they remember all the things they learned for the test and that they practice those things often. If you’re in the car with your driver, they’re much more likely to focus than if they were alone with their friends.

Set Rules and Enforce

Not only do you need to set the rules, you need to make sure there are punishments for breaking them. There are special keys you can use to set a speed limit on the vehicle, and you can always take the keys until your teen shows they understand what they did wrong.

Check Your Insurance

Even with the best tips and practice, accidents still happen. Alabama follows the tort system, which means you need specific types of coverage to be safe. If you’re concerned about whether you have the right insurance to cover your teen, you can check your options with your local Insurance Solutions Inc. agent to compare quotes and find the protection you need so that you protect your teen and your family. Also, make your teen part of the process, so they understand the responsibility that comes with their driving privileges.

Family Cars: Finding the One that’s Right for Your Family

Investing in a vehicle for your family is a decision that deserves careful consideration. Safety features are definitely something you will want to look for as well as amenities. You may find that a newer SUV featuring some of today’s best in-car entertainment technology suits your family. No matter the used car that you purchase, though, you should buy it from a reputable seller. And you’ll also want to make sure you insure it. Here’s a quick look at five tips for finding the best car for your family.

1) Does it have enough seats

First and foremost, you can narrow down your search for a used vehicle by determining how many seats it needs. If you have more than two children, a van or SUV will likely be best, or perhaps even a large truck. With lots of seating and storage space, you can rest assured that your trips with your family will be enjoyable. 

2) Does it have a warranty

Another aspect to look at when buying a used car for your family is the type of warranty provided. Even though you are buying a used vehicle, this doesn’t mean it won’t come with a warranty. In fact, it may even come with the original warranty depending on how many miles it has on it when you buy it. If there isn’t a warranty, you can always purchase one through a third-party service provider. 

To learn more about buying the best car possible for your family, please call us today. We have agents standing by to assist you with all of your inquiries. Call us now at Insurance Solutions Inc.

Dealing with Bikes, Driver Safety and Sharing the Road

In a day and age where more and more people are concerned with the environment and saving on gas and carbon emissions, there are now more bicycles on the road than ever before. That being said, it is now more important than ever that drivers understand how to share the road and are aware of a few different safety tips that can keep them and bike riders safer.

The first thing that any driver should do is to be aware of bike lanes. If your city or town has designated bike lanes it is important that you know where they are, you know where they run, and that you pay attention to any bikers that may be in those lanes. Being aware of bike lanes is the first step to keeping you and other drivers safe.

Another tip is to be aware of times that bike riders are more likely to be on the road. Bike riders are often present during morning and afternoon commutes, on days when the sun is shining, and it is warm, and on the weekends during recreational times. This means that you should be aware of days when bike riders are more likely to be present so that you can watch for them.

The last tip you can use is always to be aware of your mirrors and blind spots. Bike riders can quickly become lost in your blind spot making it difficult to keep them safe. If you are checking blind spots frequently and keeping track of bike riders that you have already seen, you are far less likely to have an accident than those drivers that are not paying attention to bike riders on the road with them. Insurance Solutions Inc. want you and bike riders to be safe so make sure you are paying close attention and sharing the road.  

Staying Safe During A Blackout

A blackout could happen at any time in Cullman, Alabama. The important thing is that you stay safe. There are ways to achieve this, and much of it has to do with advanced planning.

Be sure that you have a way of providing light once the power goes out. You don’t know how long the power is going to remain out and therefore you may need several nights’ worth of lighting. This can come in the form of candles, gas lanterns, or flashlights. Regardless of what you choose to use (and it’s a good idea to use multiple types), you want to make sure you have backups. This can include additional gas for lanterns or additional batteries for flashlights.

The food in your freezer isn’t going to last more than a few hours. The temperature is going to start rising, which will spoil your food. Try and use up as much as you can immediately. By keeping frozen water bottles in the freezer at all times, you have a way of keeping the food colder for longer.

You should also plan on having various types of foods in your pantry that don’t require refrigeration or cooking. Some items that you can have on hand include:

  • MREs
  • Peanut butter
  • Granola bars
  • Cheese spread in jars
  • Crackers
  • Jerky

Be sure you have enough food for several days. If you have young children, be sure that you allow for the food that they are going to eat, as well.

Have a heating source so that you are able to boil water, purify water for drinking, and heating other types of foods, such as soups and pasta. This can range from a gas grill to an outdoor rocket stove.

At Insurance Solutions Inc. we look forward to helping you stay safe throughout the year and Alabama. Call and talk to one of our knowledgeable agents today to learn about homeowners insurance and much more.

 

 

Deer And Motorcycles: What You Need To Know

When you are on your motorcycle, you want to be as safe as possible. During deer season, the last thing you want to do is hit a deer on a motorcycle or eight deer collisions can pose a serious risk, and there are a few things you need to know.

Particularly in the early evening, dear move around the most. This is when you want to keep your eyes open, especially when the sun is low. If you are always on the lookout, it will be easier to avoid a collision if they are on the road.

If you see one deer, you are likely going to see more. Deer often travel in herds, so look for white tails as well as animal eyes in the road as well as around the shoulder.

You should have a helmet, even if it is not required in your city. This can protect you significantly in the event of a collision. There are many types of helmets, and you should find one that offers a retention system as well as comfort padding and a hard outer shell.

If you do encounter deer during your ride, the last thing you want to do is swerve to try and missed the deer. The best thing to do is brake hard – and if you have an antilock braking system, it can provide you with better control when you do need to stop quickly.

It is also a good idea to communicate with other bikers in the area. They may be able to tell you where some of the most recent deer spotting has been so that you can keep a closer eye out.

Call and talk to our agents at Insurance Solutions Inc. to learn more about auto insurance. We can keep you safe on your motorcycle in Cullman and throughout Alabama.

 

3 Car Care Items You Can Do Yourself

If you’ve neglected your car’s maintenance because you were too busy enjoying the summer, now is the time to give your car a little attention. Each vehicle has its own list of required and recommended maintenance items. Here are three things you can do yourself, along with a fourth suggestion to look into.

Car Care Items You Can Do

When it comes to car care, paying attention to little things can make a big difference. Three seemingly minor things that you should do include:

  • checking the tire pressure of your car’s spare tire
  • checking the levels of your car’s fluids
  • changing your car’s wipers if they’re smearing

Seeing to these small details will keep your car running well, not to mention improve visibility and help you should you get a flat tire.

Auto Insurance Agents You Can Contact

Our fourth suggestion is to look into your auto insurance policy. Insurers have likely adjusted their rates since you last purchased auto insurance. Shopping around with an independent insurance agent for a new policy could save you money.

If you live in Cullman, AL and want help comparing auto insurance rates, contact our independent insurance agents. We at Insurance Solutions Inc. have helped many drivers in Alabama find better rates on auto insurance, and we can probably help you, too. After you check your car’s fluids, send us a message online. We’ll get in touch with you shortly and see what we can do for your auto insurance premiums. Chances are, we can find you new rates as quickly as you can check and refill your car’s fluids.

 

Take A Road Trip With Less Money

Cullman can be a lot of fun. When you want to go somewhere else for a change, a road trip is one of the best ways to do it. Especially when you have some close friends or family members you want to take with you, it can be a true adventure – and considerably cheaper than airfare.

Wherever you decide to go, whether you remain in the southern part of the US or you decide to travel north, you will want to plan your route. Know where you are going and what cities you’re going to pass through. This will make it easier to figure out where you want to stop to have some fun.

Visit the state tourism sites in order to learn more about what each of the different cities have to offer. You may find all sorts of museums, national parks, and other points of interest to see – and many of them may be free or very affordable.

Download a few apps to your smart phone or tablet so that you have more information at your fingertips. A gas app can tell you which gas stations have the lowest prices and a travel app can tell you which hotels and motels have the lowest rates.

When you get hungry, it is much easier to reach into the back seat and grab a sandwich out of the cooler as opposed to going through a drive through. It is also going to be cheaper to bring your own food. You can always find grocery stores along your route in order to purchase more food along the way.

Learn more about how to stay safe on the road during a road trip or at any other time by calling us at Insurance Solutions Inc. today. We can help you find a quote for insurance Alabama and work on building you the best policy.

 

 

 

Park Crusing in Cullman, Alabama

Sunny day, fine Cullman Alabama 35055 county park, and your antique car makes for a delightful excursion. Cullman County’s best park says town residents is Sportsman Lake Park. Cruising in your collectible down he roadway catching glimpses of the lake gets your desire to go fishing on your mind. Around the bend there stands a small scale train which follows the lake shore. On the tracks waddling’ ducks and geese. Then the thought of golf floats across your mind and you head down to the 18 whole miniature golf course. A few swings of the golf club, and you have your aerobic exercise in. Back in the car and around the next bend you find the “Splash Pad” full of slipping and sliding fun.

Being in the grand outdoors is fun, but it can give a vehicle a scratch or two. As your local insurance agent you should know, an antique car has different requirements when buying classic car insurance. You have to get a market value. Then we look at what needs original parts and what needs standard parts. How easy or hard would it be to get those parts if some unforeseen accident happens? All that is a conversation and decision piece by piece. Did you know policies exist that cover your collectible vehicle while you work on it? Many of the policies go by how much you travel in the vehicle over a year. So a policy exists that can become customized for your specific uses of your lovely antique vehicle.

Spend some time comparing quotes from our website, then let’s chat about your needs, look at the quotes, and see what I can do for you!