Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Uncovering Auto Insurance Myths

Fact vs. Fiction: Uncovering Auto Insurance Myths

Like a teenager eager to try a new video game, playing before reading the rules, many drivers buy insurance without really understanding what they’re buying. In the rush to feel “covered,” they can skip the details. That can lead to frustration. Following are five insurance myths heard by some of the more than 13,000 claims people at Progressive, one of the country’s largest auto insurance companies:


Myth: I bought “full coverage” so everything’s paid for.
Reality: There is no such thing as “full coverage.” In most states, only liability insurance is mandatory. There are a lot of other coverage options out there, so select what you need and can afford based on your personal situation.

Myth: I need three estimates before my wrecked vehicle can be repaired.
Reality: Not necessarily. Very few insurers actually require this, although some might. If you decide to use a shop that’s in an insurance company’s “network” of pre-approved shops you may just have to get an estimate from that shop.

Myth: My insurance premium always increases if I’m involved in an accident.
Reality: It depends. Your rate can increase, decrease or stay the same. The information about your accident is combined with other information about you, your car and your driving history to determine your rate.

Myth: If I lend my car to someone and he/she crashes it, I’m covered.
Reality: Not so fast. If you or your friend doesn’t have optional physical damage coverages, damage to your vehicle generally won’t be covered.

Myth: If I buy a new car, my auto insurance company automatically knows; and my new car is covered.
Reality: No. Most insurance companies require that you notify them or your agent within a specified number of days. Generally, you have 30 days to add the new vehicle to your policy. Insurance can be complicated. It’s not something people deal with every day. So the more informed you are, the better choices you’ll make.

Address

Pronto Insurance Agency
13400 NE 20th st, #21
Bellevue, WA 98005
View on Google Maps

Customer Service Department

Phone: 425-746-2346
Fax: 877-778-9178
Email: help@prontowa.com




Social Networks

Google Plus: Pronto Insurance Agency
Facebook: facebook.com/ProntoWA



Commercial Auto Insurance
Contractors Insurance
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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Three Tips To Help Your Vacation Get Off To A Worry-Free Start

With vacation season in full swing, you may be in the process of planning an annual getaway. While most people spend lots of time looking for ways to maximize their budget, one costly decision is often left to the last minute whether to buy the optional insurance offered by a rental car company.

Deciding whether to buy ‘damage waivers’ or insurance at the rental car counter can be a confusing experience especially if you don’t know if you’re already covered by your personal auto insurance policy. Optional rental car insurance can cost between $7 and $25 per day, depending on the rental car company, vehicle make and model and type of waiver. Those daily charges can significantly add to the cost of your rental.

Follow these three tips, courtesy of Pronto Insurance Agency, to help you decide whether or not you should buy the coverage:

1. Consult with an independent insurance agency – like Pronto Insurance Agency. As licensed insurance professionals, independent insurance agents and brokers can review and evaluate your policies to find out if the coverage you have on your personal vehicle provides protection for you in a rental car.

2. Check with your credit card company. Some credit card companies provide coverage at no charge if you use their card to charge the cost of the rental. However, some restrictions may apply so be sure to ask for a description of the exact coverages provided.

3. Take your personal auto insurance policy and details of your coverages with you to the rental car counter. You may be asked a question that these papers can help answer or, if you’re in doubt, you’ll have your agent’s name and phone number readily available. “We want people to have the information they need to make more informed decisions about car insurance,” said Crawley.

“Knowing whether you need to buy additional coverage can save you money and give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your vacation. Don’t start off your trip questioning your decisions take control by talking with your independent agent or broker and knowing the answers to those inevitable questions.”



Address

Pronto Insurance Agency
13400 NE 20th st, #21
Bellevue, WA 98005
View on Google Maps

Customer Service Department

Phone: 425-746-2346
Fax: 877-778-9178
Email: help@prontowa.com




Social Networks

Google Plus: Pronto Insurance Agency
Facebook: facebook.com/ProntoWA

Commercial Auto
Contractors
Personal Lines
Business Owners
Surety Bonds