FAQ'S

1. "How can we reduce the cost to insure my teenage driver?"

Great Question! Here are few ways to help make auto insurance more affordable for a new driver:

Discounts - Good Student Discounts, Driver Education, Group Discounts, Multi-car Discount, Multi-policy Discounts are just a few ways to reduce the rates for your younger driver. Ask your agent for additional information.

Stress Responsibility - young drivers can help control their own insurance rates by following the rules of the road. By knowing the DMV Handbook, avoiding tickets and accidents, practicing good driving habits, and taking responsibility of driving seriously, they can minimize surcharges that remain on their driving record for no less than 3 years. If a traffic violation occurs they should take The Safety Training Option Program (S.T.O.P.) Class when available.

Be Practical - the more valuable the vehicle, the more likely the rates will be increased. Contact your agency for a tentative quote BEFORE you commit to a vehicle purchase, so you know what the expenses will be.

Choose the right insurance carrier - seek out a company that will assign your teenage driver to the vehicle they actually drive the most. Many companies will assign teenage drivers to the most expensive vehicle to insure.

2. "Do I have automatic coverage for a car I just bought over the holiday weekend?"

Not necessarily. If all of your owned vehicles are already listed on your auto insurance policy, most carriers (BUT NOT ALL) will extend those coverage's to your newly acquired vehicle until the next business day. However, if you don't have Collision Coverage on your current policy on any vehicle, that coverage cannot be listed on your new vehicle. We suggest a call to your local agent in advance for details BEFORE you commit to a vehicle purchase. Be certain how your carrier handles that issue before you buy the vehicle.

3. "What is FULL COVERAGE?"

The term "FULL COVERAGE" means something different for everyone. There really is no such thing as "FULL COVERAGE?. Each insurance carrier offers options to allow maximum benefits, and the more options you request the more likely you will be covered in the event of any loss. You will need to discuss with your local agent the options offered by your carrier.

4. "Should I attend Safety Training Option Program (S.T.O.P) class if I receive a ticket, and is it worth my time and money?"

Absolutely! If you are eligible to attend traffic school to have a violation removed from your DMV driving record, do so. Traffic School will delete your ticket and will not increase your insurance. If you do not attend the class your insurance will increase and it can take up to three years for the premium to return to the previous amount. The S.T.O.P Program maybe taken once every three (3) years.

5. "Will I be covered if I drive a vehicle registered to someone else?"

Many auto insurance carriers have limitations, exclusions or restrictions for these occasions. For instance, if you own a vehicle with a maximum value of $5000.00, many carriers will not pay any more than that for any vehicle you damage while driving. If you happen to be driving a $20,000.00 vehicle, this could create a problem. We suggest you check with the owner of the vehicle you will be driving to be certain you are covered under his/her auto insurance coverages. In addition, you should check with your local agent to ensure how your coverage will extend.