In November we are answering the most common questions we hear about car insurance. Be sure to check out part 1 for more information. Contact Aversa & Linn with questions about car insurance or assistance in evaluating your claim.
What is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?
Collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident, while comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle from other causes, such as theft, weather, or animal strikes. Collision and comprehensive coverage are typically optional, but they may be required by your lender if you finance your vehicle.
What is the difference between property damage liability and collision coverage?
Property damage liability covers damages to another person’s property in the event that you are at fault in an accident. Collision coverage covers damage to your own vehicle in the event of an accident. In many states, including Pennsylvania, property damage liability is required and collision coverage is optional.
What is PIP?
PIP stands for personal injury protection. PIP will cover medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault, as long as the treatment is related to injuries suffered in the accident. PIP may also cover income loss depending on the coverage you select.
What does car insurance cover?
Car insurance typically covers damages to your vehicle and medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident. It may also cover other costs, such as legal fees, if you are sued as a result of an accident. Some policies also provide coverage for theft or other damage to your vehicle.
What type of coverage do I need?
The type of coverage you need depends on a variety of factors, including the value of your vehicle and your driving history. In Pennsylvania, you are required to have at least bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance, which covers damages to another person’s body and property up to the policy limits.
We strongly recommend that you purchase as much coverage as you can afford to avoid the situation where you are harmed and there is nothing to cover your losses. You may also be required to purchase additional coverage, such as collision or comprehensive insurance, if you finance your vehicle.
Do I need extra car insurance for a rental car?
If you have car insurance, you may not need to purchase additional insurance for a rental car. Check with your car insurance company to see if your policy extends to rental cars. You may also be able to purchase additional coverage from the rental car company.
How can I lower the cost of car insurance?
There are a few things you can do to lower the cost of car insurance, including shopping around for the best rates, increasing your deductible, and taking advantage of discounts. You can also try to reduce your mileage and avoid accidents and traffic violations.
Although lowering your amount of coverage and choosing Limited Tort will lower your rate, we do not recommend it because it could prevent you from being compensated for your injuries.
Does my personal car insurance cover using my vehicle for business?
Personal car insurance typically does not cover using your vehicle for business purposes. If you use your vehicle for business, you will need to purchase commercial auto insurance. This is especially important if you use your vehicle for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or any sort of rideshare app. Even if you have full coverage, it would not apply the moment you use one of these apps. The apps provide the minimum insurance necessary so if you are damaged while using it, your loss may not be covered unless you purchase adequate commercial coverage.
If I have an accident, what should I do?
If you have an accident, you should exchange information with the other driver and call the police. You should also notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
My rates just went up, why?
There are a few reasons why your car insurance rates may go up, including an increase in the cost of your policy, an accident or traffic violation on your driving record, or a change in your credit score. It also may not have anything to do with you and may just be a company-wide rate adjustment.
I just moved to Pennsylvania, do I need to get new car insurance?
Yes, if you move to Pennsylvania, you will need to get new car insurance. You will need to provide your new address and other information to your insurance company.
I’m a college student, do I need car insurance?
If you own a car, you will need to have car insurance. If you do not own a car but frequently drive someone else’s car, you may want to purchase non-owner car insurance. College students who live on campus and do not own a car may be covered by their parents’ car insurance policy.
My child is away at college, do I need to keep them on my car insurance policy?
If your child is away at college and does not have a car on campus, you may be able to remove them from your car insurance policy. If they are going to be driving the vehicles when they are home on break make sure they are on the policy at that time.
I just got my license, how do I get car insurance?
If you just got your license, you will need to purchase car insurance. You can shop around for the best rates and compare different policies.
Contact Aversa & Linn with questions about car insurance or assistance in evaluating your claim.
