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Automobile Insurance
AUTOMOBILE
COVERAGES
Dulles
Insurance Services recommends coverages that have been published
in a national consumer reporting magazine. These coverages have
been determined to give policyholders the best protection for their
money. We are always available to review your specific needs.
How
to understand the coverages you need in your policy:
I.
Bodily Injury Liability
Covers:
In an accident where you are at fault, it pays for medical treatments
and rehab, funeral costs, or legal costs incurred by passengers
in your car, pedestrians, the other driver and their passengers.
Recommended:
For the average homeowner with assets and a well-paying job, $100,000
per person and $300,000 per accident. If a court determines you
owe more, then money could be taken from your wages or assets, so
we recommend a liability umbrella policy. A $1 million umbrella
policy costs about $120 a year.
II.
Property Damage
Covers: Repairs and/or replacement of another person's property
or autos damaged by anyone insured on your policy.
Recommended:
At least $100,000 however; depending on what type of property is
damaged, you may need much more than this. An umbrella policy would
provide the extra protection you need.
III.
Medical
Covers:
Pays for medical bills including physicians, hospitals and rehab
for you and your passengers.
Recommended:
Check with your health insurance plan-it more than likely will cover
this. If not, you may want to get anywhere from $2000 up to $25,000.
IV.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Covers:
Another form of med pay, covering medical and funeral costs for
you and members of your household. It also pays part of lost wages,
etc. Mandatory in Maryland.
Recommended:
If you have good health, disability and life insurance, go with
the minimum $2500. Not available in Virginia.
V.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Covers:
Medical and legal costs for you and your passengers resulting from
a hit-and-run driver, or underinsured driver.
Recommended:
Same as bodily injury liability. Remember, this coverage is essential
in highly populated areas where lots of underinsured people drive,
i.e. the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area!
VI.
Comprehensive
Covers:
Repair/replacement due to theft, fire, windstorms, hail and floods.
Recommended:
The higher the deductible, the lower the cost for coverage. We recommend
at least $100, preferably $250 or higher. Don't bother if your car
is worth less than $4000.
VII.
Collision
Covers:
Repair/replacement of your car's market value, no matter who is
at fault.
Recommended:
The higher the deductible, the lower the cost for coverage. We recommend
at least $500 but you can go higher.
VIII.
Towing and Rental Reimbursement
Covers:
Towing of you wrecked auto and payment of a rental car while yours
is being repaired.
Recommended:
Don't buy this if you belong to AAA; however, it usually costs less
than membership to AAA. Rental usually costs about $10-15/year per
car and allows $20/day for a rental car for 30 days. Towing averages
about $5/year per car and pays up to $50 per tow. Buy rental if
you only have one auto or cannot get by without it.
SMART
AND SAVVY WAYS TO SAVE:
Combine
auto and home insurance policies with one company.
Buy
an auto that cost less to insure (we can give you estimates before
you purchase that new vehicle!)
Keep
your driving record clean.
Equip
your car with safety features such as an alarm system (either passive
or active), a steering wheel locking device, the Lojack system,
airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Ask
if you qualify for a discount based on your age (at least getting
older has some benefits!)
Take
an approved driver education course.
Make
sure your student drivers qualify for a "good student"
discount by getting good grades.
Keep
your miles down - try carpooling, transit or metro.
Don't
file petty claims that your can easily pay for yourself (repetitive,
small claims can boost your rates.)
Don't
withhold information from your agent. This is called misrepresentation
and if you file a claim and the insurance company finds out, they
can legally refuse to pay and/or cancel your policy.
If you have any questions or would like to contact us directy
please e-mail: Webmaster
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