At HSM Insurance we represent insurance companies that will deliver both low premiums and great coverage. Simply fill in the Auto Quote request form and one of our agents will prepare a quote for you. Or, if you prefer, give us a call and one of our trained licensed insurance professionals will be happy to assist you in finding quality affordable auto insurance.
Did you know that state minimum coverage may be the most expensive insurance to buy?
State minimum coverage May Not cover all that you are responsible for; leaving you with a very large amount to pay after your insurance has paid the state minimum limits!. For just a few dollars more a year you may be able to significantly increase your coverage to a level that will protect your assets and income should you be involved in an automobile accident. Ask one of our insurance professionals to review the cost difference with you.
Understanding Your Auto Insurance
Your auto insurance has several componets to the policy. The following will give you the basics of your policy and the coverage it affords you.
*Liability: Protects you and your assets should you be involved in an at fault accident. This coverage will pay to repair property (including cars), medical expenses, and loss of income to a third party. The liability portion of the policy will also pay for defense costs should you be sued as a result of the accident. Your insurance professional at HSM Insurance can assist you in selecting a level of coverage to protect you and your family.
*Collision: This portion of the policy will pay to repair or replace the value of your car in the event of an accident. Collision coverage will have a deductible associated with the coverage. Remember that premiums will be less if you select a higher deductible.
*Comprehensive: Covers the physical damage that can result to your car for things other than a collision. It covers things like broken windshields, theft, vandalism, and fire. Comprehensive coverage will have a deductible associated with the coverage. Remember that premiums will be less if you select a higher deductible.
*Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: This line of coverage will protect you should you be involved in an accident with a driver that is not carrying insurance or is not carrying enough coverage to pay for your car, medical bills, and loss of income.
*Medical Payments: Pays for minor medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of who is at fault.
* The coverage descriptions listed above are general in nature and are not intended to replace the information in your policy. Please refer to your insurance policy for exact coverage information.
Coverage Options
* Gap Coverage: If your car is financed, gap coverage will pay the difference between what your car is worth and what you owe on your car loan.
*Towing and Road Service: Will pay to have your car towed to a repair shop or to have minor repairs (like a tire change) at the cars location.
*Car Rental: will pay for a rental car in the event of a covered loss. This coverage is normal written in a daily dollar amount like $30.
Getting the best rate!
There are several things you can look for/do to make sure you are getting the best rate on your insurance. The following are tips that can help you obtain the best rate on your insurance.
1. Use an agent that you feel comfortable with. You see and hear a lot of ads for discount car insurance out in toll free land but is the person answering the phone looking out for your best interest? Your insurance agent is your paid adviser assisting you in selecting the type and level of insurance that fits your unique position. You want to have a specific person to call in the event you need help with a claim, coverage, or billing question. You need an agent you can build a rapport with that has a stake in your financial health.
2. Look to see and ask if you are getting all the discounts available to you. Multi-car/multi-policy discounts, good student discounts, discounts for drivers over the age of 50, safe driver discounts, low annual mileage discounts, discounts if you drive a short distance to work or school, or if you don't drive the car to work or school at all.
3. Know what your options are. If you are not sure, ask! Service is the product of insurance agents so ask them what options are available to you. You can save money if you don't select some coverages like medical or uninsured/under-insured motorist. WE highly discourage this! It will save you a few pennies in premium, but could cost you thousands of dollars later.
4. Increase your deductible. Remember the higher the deductible you select the less premium you will pay.
5. If you are looking to buy a car, ask your agent which car would be less to insure. This may help you select one model over another. (look in our links tab for the Kelly Blue Book link for car values)
