Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Independent Auto Agent
Shopping around for auto insurance? If so, making contact with an independent auto agent can be a great resource in finding a comprehensive policy at an affordable price. Working with an independent agency means that they represent multiple companies and do not have a bias towards any particular carrier. They are a confidential informant and can aid in making one of the most difficult decisions a motorist is faced with.
To jump-start your search, here are five questions you should ask your independent auto agent:
- What does my auto insurance policy cover?
Your auto insurance will have the mandatory limits as set by the state of Massachusetts and any optional coverage you choose to purchase, such as collision, substitute transportation, or towing & labor.
The minimums set by the state of Massachusetts are as follows:
- Bodily Injury to Others: 20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident
- Personal Injury Protection: $8,000 per person, per accident
- Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto: $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident
- Damage to Someone Else’s Property: $5,000 per accident
- What happens if I cause an accident?
If you cause an accident, your auto insurance policy will cover damages up to your chosen limits to another vehicle or injuries to the driver or passengers of both your own and the other vehicle. The at-fault accident will be recorded on your record and you’ll be surcharged a pre-determined number of points based on the amount of damages paid out. The surcharge will stay on your record for 6 years, which means you’ll receive an insurance premium increase for that amount of time.
- Who will my policy cover to drive my car?
Often overlooked, many people with personal vehicles assume they will be the only ones driving it and neglect to think about circumstances where someone may be driving their vehicle other than themselves. Massachusetts law dictates that insurance follows the car and not the driver. All household members and customary operators are required to be listed on your policy. If a friend borrows your car for the day and has your permission to drive your vehicle, then that friend would have coverage provided under your policy. This means that someone could get into an accident with your vehicle; it will be YOUR insurance that will cover the accident and not the driver’s. Any surcharges assessed will be the driver’s responsibility.
- Are there any discounts?
As an independent insurance agency representing multiple carriers, we have lots of discounts you can take advantage of depending on your age, driving record, payment plan, or school status.
Good Student Discount – Rewarded to any student with a 3.0 or better grade point average (GPA).
Excellent Driver Discount Plus – Rewarded to any operator who has been accident and incident-free for 6 years or more.
Paid in Full Discount – Rewarded to any individual who pays their policy in full as opposed to installments.
- Will my chosen insurance company pay for original manufacturer parts?
This is an important question to ask your independent auto agent as some insurance companies will only pay for generic, aftermarket parts as opposed to original parts designed by the manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are a less expensive alternative and are preferred by many who need to repair their vehicle.
To find out the answer to this question and more, contact Karolin Gebeyan at 617-612-6518 to speak with her about your auto insurance needs.
