Insurance Basics

Protecting yourself and your passengers is priority one for any driver. Read these articles to learn how to keep the adults and children in your car safe. Then discover smart ways to protect the valuables inside your vehicle.

Let’s face it, reading an insurance policy is not like curling up with a good book. It’s a fairly complex document that tries to explain all the things you’re covered for, and all the things that are excluded when a loss occurs.Family-Car-TripLuckily, many companies now provide insurance policy information that is easier to understand, but you still need to review the document carefully. Here are some general guidelines that can help explain how to read an insurance policy.The common parts of an insurance policy include:

 

  • Policy declarations – The declarations page is basically the first page of the policy package. The page states who is insured and the time period the policy provides coverage. It also gives the primary general information, such as a description of what’s insured, the coverages and primary coverage limits.
  • Definitions – This section gives you the definitions of words and phrases you’ll see in the policy. For example: “Motor vehicle” and “Deductible” are two terms often found in an auto policy. Words with definitions may appear in bold print throughout the policy. That helps you know what to look up if you don’t know them already.
  • Policy coverages – This section describes the specific insurance provided by listing what property is covered and for what perils. For example, a boat owner's policy may cover direct physical loss or damage to the boat and motor, portable equipment and other specified property. It can also provide liability coverage.
  • Policy exclusions describe what coverage limits exist or how coverage may be eliminated depending on how a loss occurs. Insurers may allow policyholders to buy back coverage for some exclusions for additional premium. For example, earthquake coverage may be excluded for people who live in an area where earthquakes are unlikely to happen. However, if a customer would feel more comfortable with the coverage, they could buy it back.
  • Limits and special limits – This section explains how much the insurer pays for particular losses or types of property. So, while something is covered, it may be covered for a specific dollar amount or for a limited percentage of the entire loss.
  • Conditions – This section tells you what the insurer’s responsibilities are, and what your responsibilities are as the customer. This includes how to cancel a policy, subrogation and payments plans.
  • Duties after a loss – This area gives guidance on what to do when a loss occurs. It includes notifying your insurer as soon as practical, notifying the police, if appropriate, and protecting your property from further damage.
  • Endorsements – This area defines optional coverages available for additional premium. Endorsements change your policy to help better fit the policy to meet your needs. Amendatory endorsements may also be added by the insurance company to clarify policy terms and language.

AUTO

If your child moves more than 100 miles from home and doesn't take a car, your premiums could drop as much as 40%, and she'll still be covered when driving your car at home. Good Student Discounts should also apply.

RENTERS

If your child lives in a dorm, your homeowners insurance will likely provide some coverage. If off-campus, you may want a basic renter's policy. If you have questions on whether or not you need additional coverage, please contact us today