It can be scary thinking about a potential car crash, especially if you don’t have enough to cover the damages. But it’s even worse when the other person causes the accident and can’t afford your vehicle and injuries.

How does your family recover from the crash, tend to its wounds, and fix a totaled car?

Most states require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to give your family peace of mind during at fault crashes. Instead of paying these expenses yourself, a portion of your car insurance covers the excess.

Read more about how auto insurance carriers cover your family with uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance.

What is Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage?

While states may require them as a part of minimum car insurance protection, both differ from each other.

They’ll pay for unexpected accident expenses the other driver caused, but the coverage types apply depending on how much insurance the at fault driver has.

Again, these protections exist outside of the general collision coverage and liability coverage where you could have caused the crash.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

You can protect your kids, vehicle, property, and more when the opposing party doesn’t have any car insurance. The carrier covers these bills up to the amount of coverage on your policy.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage is a similar protection that helps pay for car accident expenses you didn’t cause.

The other driver does have car insurance but not enough bodily injury or property liability protection to pay for your losses. This rings true in major car crashes where an ambulance sends you straight to the ER.

How Does Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage Work?

You’ll receive payment for economic and non-economic damages in a car crash from uninsured and underinsured coverage. However, each protection works in driving situations based on whether the other driver has insurance and how much they have.

Uninsured Scenario

For example, a reckless driver might shoot through a red light and slam into your vehicle. It’s only after ripping off the door that you come to find out they have no car policy.

As a result, you’ll receive $50,000 for injuries and repairs if the underinsured motorist coverage limits are high enough.

Underinsured Scenario

Breaking your neck in an accident with an 18-wheeler, they might only have Arizona’s minimum car insurance limits and not have enough for your surgery and ambulance ride.

How underinsured motorist coverage works in this case is paying the difference. If they only had $25,000 in bodily injury liability and the bill was $75,000, your policy would give $50,000 if that is your protection amount.

Does the State of Arizona Require Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage?

Many states force drivers to carry underinsured and uninsured motorist insurance as a part of minimum car coverage. They ensure you can afford to get hit by an uninsured driver and that the at fault party compensates you for pain and suffering.

In Arizona, this is not the case. You can get away without purchasing either coverage and have a cheaper payment each month.

The trade-off is not having protection when an uninsured or underinsured driver crashes into you. 1 in 8 drivers on the road are uninsured, so there’s a good shot you could deal with this challenging predicament.

How Stacking Works

You might have heard of some families stacking car insurance if they had multiple cars on the same policies, whether they were teenagers or collector cars.

They do it as a cheaper way to afford underinsured and uninsured coverage and double the protection amount.

We can tell you that it’s not possible to pull this off in Arizona, and carriers prevent you from doing this. The great news is you can still get plenty of protection for an affordable rate if you work with an experienced agent or broker.

How Much Does Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage Cost?

Many drivers we work with want to know how much uninsured motorist coverage costs and how much they’ll pay for underinsured protection.

On average, you’ll pay an extra $33 to $76 per year for $25,000 to $50,000 in protection amounts. And then most companies ask for $86 to $134 for $100,000 to $300,000 protection amounts.

The price is worth it each year since a single crash costs thousands, even for minor injuries and cosmetic damages. You’ll save more in the long run by paying a small portion of the car policy each month.

How to File for Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage

Car insurance carriers make it easier than ever to file an accident with uninsured and underinsured coverage.

Just like making a claim for motorist property damage coverage or personal injuries, you’ll give the insurance company a call. Let them know you got in a wreck that the other driver caused and provide a copy of the police report if it’s available.

Your injuries and vehicle damage may progress over the next several months, so the compensation process may take a while. But the insurance adjuster will send a proposed amount and cover what you deserve.

We recommend working with an auto accident attorney in major car crashes. The total settlement can be hundreds of thousands of dollars and it’s best for a trained lawyer to fight for your highest settlement.

Get Covered When It’s Not Your Fault

At-fault accidents caused by the other driver are not something you can control. It’s unfair to suffer life-threatening injuries and vehicle damage from someone else’s recklessness.

And it’s even more of an insult when they can’t pay for their wrongs.

Our team specializes in finding you the cheapest underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage in Arizona.

We compare over 40 car policies for other coverage types like property liability insurance, bodily injury insurance, and collision insurance. It’s our job to find you the cheapest policy all-around with the most protection.

To speak with an experienced broker and hear a few numbers, call our friendly team today. You can reach us at (520)-836-3244, and we’ll reach back as soon as possible.

Believe it or not, changing insurance companies can be a positive experience, especially when it can save money and provide better coverage. Why stay with your current carrier when there are better available policies out on the market? It’s important to do some research and shop wisely to make the right decision.

You can be confident with your new auto insurance and know you’re getting the best rate and protection when you understand how to switch insurers the right way. You need to remember the following information, so you can enter the process prepared.

Why switch car insurance companies?

Almost every state requires drivers to have insurance, and they will force you to get it. An officer can fine or arrest you otherwise, which often costs you more than the monthly premium. However, there are other reasons why you should purchase car insurance that will be beneficial to you and your vehicle.

For example, you can set up auto insurance for your brand new vehicle to ensure free repairs in case of an accident. You can also switch companies if your credit score has increased or decreased, securing you a better deal. There are various other rationales behind switching your car insurance:

• You moved your residence and find that you are now paying more than you were
• Your child got their license, or you are adding someone to your auto insurance policy
• You want to compare auto quotes with other carriers for a better deal
• You find that you now drive fewer miles, like working remotely from home
• Your driving record has changed

When to Switch Auto Insurance Companies

You can convert to another car insurance company at any time. This even includes when you have open claims. And if necessary, you can switch multiple times without being penalized.

However, just because you can change doesn’t mean you should change. You may be surprised that your existing plan is better than what you can purchase anywhere else.

For example, there are advantages to staying with the same auto insurers. Some companies give loyalty discounts for sticking with the business. Other companies offer accident forgiveness which prevents your rates from going up your vehicle is in an accident.

How to switch car insurance

Transferring your car insurance is relatively easy, and people do it all the time. However, you want to talk to your current insurer before switching car insurance companies. They may enhance your company’s offer on products and services by finding additional discounts for you. You may be able to negotiate a lower rate and save yourself a lot of research time.

It may be that your current carrier refuses to budge despite price matching other policies. In those cases, you should start with these steps to look for new coverage options.

1). Research the Auto Company

Researching the insurance company you’re interested in may be time-consuming, but it is a necessary part when you want to replace your current policy. We recommend looking at a minimum of three providers to review their customer reviews, customer service experience, reputation in the industry, etc.

It’s also a good idea to inquire about limits and deductibles and any additional or hidden fees. You don’t want to make a quick decision to switch and end up with less coverage. And it doesn’t make sense to start working with an auto insurance company that is dishonest with its customers.

2). Purchase the Best Insurance Coverage for Your Needs

The next step is to purchase the new plan with your needs in mind. Compare the rates and coverage options with as many carriers as you can. Then, you can learn about their monthly rates, premiums, available discounts, etc.

If your current auto insurance policy will expire soon, schedule the new policy to begin at least one day before your current coverage expires. Doing this will avoid any lapses in coverage.

You will be required to show proof of insurance in various circumstances, such as getting stopped by law enforcement or if you are in an accident. In as little a gap as 1 day, you can be considered an uninsured driver. It’s much better to have two car insurance policies for 24 hours than none at all.

3). Cancel Your Previous Car Insurance

Once you have your new insurance coverage in place, it’s time to start the cancellation process for your old policy. Remember to check for any cancellation fees.

Call your company and speak to your agent or customer service department to cancel your coverage. It’s a smart idea to write down who you speak to on the call and the date and time. However, you should not just stop paying for your old car insurance policy without officially canceling it.

If you paid for your policy in full at the start of a period, you should get a refund for the unused portion. A reminder that before you end your policy, be sure you receive documentation that your new plan is fully in effect.

4). Update Your Proof of Insurance

The final step is to print out your insurance ID card or download an app to access it. Most states allow you to show a digital ID card if you get pulled over. However, make sure you have a hard copy so you can get to it whether you have cellular service or not. If you get stopped by the police and can’t produce a valid form of car insurance, they will fine you.

And add one more item to add to your “to-do” list. If you have a car loan or lease, inform the lender of your new insurance coverage right away. Their name as a financier is on your old car insurance, which means your old insurance company automatically notifies your lender of the cancellation.

Getting the Best Deal for Your Car Insurance

In a perfect world, your auto insurance company would offer both outstanding customer service and reasonable policy rates. But unfortunately, that is not always the case.

When it’s time to look for new vehicle insurance, the necessary time and research can be a hassle. That’s when you want to turn to an independent company to do the intensive work on your behalf. Brokers are an excellent option to compare dozens of quotes at once, so you know you’re getting the best deal.

Purchasing Through an Independent Insurance Agency

We customize our car insurance switch recommendations to fit your needs and secure you the best auto insurance policy. When your car or motorcycle rates increase or life changes occur, we have a policy that will work for your driving needs.

We have proudly served the Casa Grande and now Maricopa communities since 2004. Our professional agents will shop the nation’s top carriers to find you the absolute best insurance rates with the best coverage to meet your needs.

Call or text us today at (520) 836-3244 to get more information on state requirements and insurance providers. We would love to get you started comparing policies so you know you have the optimum plan without paying too high of a price.

Price matching auto insurance is a great option for you to compare dozens of quotes at once to obtain the best monthly rate. Whether you do it by yourself or work with an insurance broker, you can look at quotes beyond the one a big-name company will send. You can be confident you’re getting a good deal and working with an insurer you trust rather than one that treats you as a corporate statistic.

The auto market is competitive, and you may not have ever price matched your car insurance before. We want to help you compare policies from A+ rated companies and find the policy that meets your family’s vehicle needs.

What is Auto Insurance Price Matching?

Have you ever been to Walmart and seen their Price Match Policy? They commit to matching the base price of a competitor for an item they have in store. The company’s goal is to give you the best price while shopping and honor your business for choosing them. This same concept is how auto insurance companies price match insurance rates.

Car insurance comparison works by you negotiating better rates or bringing a similar policy quote with a lower payment to your current insurance company. A company worth keeping will respect your choice of them over a competitor and discuss potential discounts. They will do whatever they can to retain you as a lifetime client.

However, consider that an insurance company may have already offered you the lowest rate possible, even after insurance discounts. Their policy team will personalize your quote depending upon your finances, vehicle type, etc. Or they could be an industry-dominating name trying to get away with ripping you off.

How To Get Your Best Auto Quote?

You can start price-matching against your current company by shopping around for other car insurance quotes. The best way to do this is to work with a local insurance broker, who can compare car insurance carriers at once rather than you calling each one individually. They also consider local insurers in their calculations that online quote comparisons could miss. You can take control of your car insurance policy in either case and know you’re getting the best deal on the market.

The auto insurance’s monthly payment should not be your only consideration: coverage should be too. Often, more expensive policies have greater coverage for additional protection you may want for your family. So you should ensure during price matching that you find a carrier that offers the price and coverage you need. That way, you’ll be ready to file a claim with a policy you can be confident about.

There are other things you should look for while comparing different car insurance companies. These include their customer service rating and whether the companies offer discounts or perks. While they aren’t directly related to your insurance plan, they are crucial to partnering with a business you trust.

How to Negotiate Car Insurance Price Matching

Searching online auto insurance price matching tools for cheaper rates may be simple, but you may be struggling with how to negotiate. There can be intimidation if you are approaching a big-name corporation at a different rate. However, we know these tips will help you crack open the door with your carrier and either kick it open or close it.

• First, scout for better rates from various providers that suit your individual vehicle needs. It is now very easy and quick to compare quotes online. Be sure the policies you get are for the same amount of coverage that you have with your current carrier.
• Contact your insurance company and tell them you want your insurance premium reviewed since you found lower rates from competitors. You should ask if they will match the price that other insurers offer. Or see if they can at least offer you a lower rate than what you’re paying.
• If your company is unwilling to decrease your car insurance rate, we advise switching to someone else. They will give you confidence that you are receiving a cheaper policy with the same protection.

Note that the best time to begin your price match negotiations is when your current policy is up for renewal.

Other Ways to Save Money on Your Auto Insurance

We hope you and your family obtain the coverage and price you need to protect those who matter most. While you can negotiate with your current insurer and check quotes on your own, we can take that burden off your shoulders. We compare policies from over 40 A+ rated carriers and personalize a car insurance package to your needs.

To learn how we can get you the cheapest quote or bundle multiple insurance types, call our office at (520).836.3244. We work with thousands of clients in Maricopa and Casa Grande and would love the chance to earn your trust.

Have you been involved in a car accident where you were at fault and caused damages to someone else? Most likely, you paid for the damages you caused the other motorist, as well as additional fees or expenses they incurred. If you didn’t have property damage liability coverage at the time, you would have paid out of pocket.

Did you know that you could have avoided those expenses and have your auto insurance carrier cover the costs, including medical expenses? Your property damage liability insurance covers the price, which is why it is a great solution to pay for accidental damages.

What is Property Damage Liability in Car Insurance?

Property damage liability car insurance or property damage car insurance is similar to your uninsured motorist insurance coverage. However, in this case, it pays for damages you cause to other people’s cars or property with your vehicle. It also covers medical expenses if the crash involved a bodily injury.

According to law, you will bear the cost of any damage to someone else if the officer deems you to be at fault. All states in the U.S. except New Hampshire and Virginia mandate that drivers carry property damage liability coverage.

This insurance covers damages ranging from slight bruises to major bodily injuries, car damages, and personal properties, such as a fence. Keep in mind that your insurance company will only pay certain coverage limits as specified in your policy. Anything beyond that will have to come out of your pocket. Also, note that this type of insurance does not pay for damages you caused to your vehicle.

For that, you need to purchase collision coverage insurance or uninsured/ underinsured motorist insurance.

Two Main Components of Property Damage Liability Car Insurance

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

Should you get into an accident and cause bodily injury to someone else, property damage insurance covers the financial liability you’ll likely face. As long as the judge rules you at fault for the hurt you caused the other person, property damage liability car insurance will fund taking care of that person’s injuries. Bodily injury liability coverage encompasses medical expenses, recovery treatments, and lost income from a business closure or inability to work while they were recovering. It could also cover funeral costs if the person died.

Property Damage Liability Coverage

Property damage liability coverage supplies cash for damage you brought upon someone else’s vehicle, property, etc. This includes all exterior property such as houses, fences, lamposts, and cars while also supplying cash for personal belongings inside the victim’s vehicle. In addition, if the person sues you after the accident, property damage car insurance can cover legal fees or court fees.

What is the Cost of Property Damage Liability Insurance?

The cost of property damage liability insurance mostly depends on your coverage limit. The higher your coverage limits, the more you will pay. Generally, the liability limits for property damage coverage could range from $5,000 to $100,000, depending on your location and the insurance options your carrier gives you. With higher coverage limits, you can expect to pay more but also receive greater protection.

What is the Lowest Amount in Property Damage Liability in Car Insurance?

Each state requires drivers to carry a minimum limit for property damage liability insurance, and it differs from state to state. In California, for instance, drivers are required to maintain a minimum amount of $5,000 for property damage liability coverage. Other states like Texas and South Carolina have a $25,000 minimum amount property damage liability coverage amount.

Keep in mind that the limit is the maximum amount the insurance company will be willing to pay out in the event of an accident where you are at fault.

How Much Property Damage Liability Insurance Should You Have?

In most cases, the smallest limits the law allows are simply the bare minimum. You may need to opt for higher limits if you want to get adequate coverage. For instance, if you accidentally hit another vehicle carrying 3 passengers and injure all 3 people, you will be looking at $300,000 to $400,000 in medical bills, aside from the fact that you will still pay to repair the car.

As a result, experts advise that you buy insurance that will give you the best coverage. You should consider purchasing additional coverage if you have more to lose. The reality is that the affected persons might sue for the excess if your insurance policy limit cannot pay for all the damages.

The more assets or liquidity you have, the more they’ll come after, which could quickly lead to bankruptcy. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want your property damage insurance liability to be enough to cover your net worth.

Our Experienced Agents Know Property Damage Liability Coverage

If you ever crash into someone else’s vehicle or property, your immediate option is not to pay expensive bills out of pocket. With Property Damage Liability Coverage for car insurance, the plan is to supply many of these fees and prevent you from paying the price. It is a customizable insurance program that allows you to increase or decrease your coverage to ensure you are financially protected.

For more guidance and professional advice regarding property damage liability insurance, we encourage you to contact us at Gebhardt Insurance Group today at (520) 836-3244. We will be happy to provide you all the help you need.

Clients often ask auto insurance companies, “Can I change my car insurance before the renewal date?” Understandably, folks could make a request to their insurance agent for the cancellation process to coverage limits, lapses in coverage, accident forgiveness, etc.

Although company customer services allow you to change your policy before the renewal date, there are some fine lines you need to cross-check before making the switch. You may even be surprised to realize that your current carrier offers you the best coverage options.

Weigh your options properly, shop around, and ensure it is the right move to switch before changing insurance carriers.

Is it a good idea to switch auto insurance companies?

While switching car insurance companies can help you save money, there may be some beneficial reasons to stick with your current insurer. The cancellation fees may not be worth the trouble if you cancel before the end of your current policy. Consider the benefits the new plan will give you compared to the company you intend to switch to.

Also, if you were recently involved in an accident or convicted of violating a traffic regulation, then it is not wise to switch. You could lose money in the process. Although your insurance company will likely recalculate your premium rate at the renewal time, you will have to pay the old rate before the accident if you stayed. If you switch right after the accident, your rate will likely go up.

Moving forward, we’ll look at when the excellent time to switch auto insurance companies is. But keep in mind that it would be best if you took some time to consider the pros and cons of changing your car insurance before renewal.

When is a good time to change my car insurance company?

This is the next most important question in the process since there is no best time to change your car insurance. However, what matters most is the reason for the switch, which, if compelling, determines whether it is wise.

People switch auto insurance companies right after they’ve filed a claim, got married, changed zip code, bought a new car, or found better coverage options. Here are some reasons why you may want to switch to a different company or stick with the same insurance agent (you may also consider them as points to consider before switching):

Relocation/Changing Zip Code

When you change to a different zip code, you may use the opportunity to search for cheaper, better insurance coverage. If the rates, along with the products and services, are better, then it makes even more sense to switch.

Cancellation fees

Your current insurance company may process your policy cancellation without charges. In some other cases, your present auto insurance provider will charge you a cancellation fee if you cancel before the renewal date or expiration of your current policy. It is a flat fee with the average ranging from $30-$50. You need to consider these fees, especially if saving money is one of your reasons for switching.

Paying $40 in cancellation fees and saving only $35 doesn’t make sense, so be sure to check out the costs before signing the papers. In that case, you need to wait it out with your current provider while you go back and research which policies offer the best option to save money.

After filing a claim

Switching car insurance companies might be difficult to achieve if you’ve just filed a claim. If the claim has not been settled and paid, the new insurance agent may not be able to calculate your new policy rate correctly. To cover for the uncertainty, your new policy rate may be higher than the old one.

In this instance, again, it is not a good time to switch to a new company, so wait until the claim clears.

Accident forgiveness

Accident forgiveness is another factor that might make you reconsider leaving your current insurer. How close are you to enjoying the benefit of accident forgiveness? Some companies have robust products and services, including a short time frame for accident forgiveness qualification that you could take advantage of.

Some companies offer accident forgiveness after 3 years of paying your premium. In some companies, you must maintain an average of 5.5-years worth of claim-free coverage before you can claim accident forgiveness. Other insurance agents might even ask that you stay for as long as 10 years before accident forgiveness is available to you.

Adding a driver/a new car

Different insurance companies offer different rates. When you get a new car or are about to add a new drive, say your teenager, you may seize the chance to sample other offers. It is even possible you get student discounts or a different rate elsewhere.

Getting married

Major life events like marriage, moving, buying a home, and bearing children will have a significant impact on your insurance policy. In these cases, you should look out for the best offer on an affordable insurance premium. And if you do find a better offer, you can proceed to change your car insurance right away before the renewal date.

Hidden fees

Before jumping on that perfect offer, inquire about the fees, limits, deductibles, terms, and conditions. There have been cases where people made hasty car insurance switch decisions and ended up with less coverage. If there are cancellation fees, make sure they’re spelled out clearly.

In other cases, the fees may be extremely high as with some life insurance plans. If you pay annually, will you be refunded unused premiums? Are there any coverage gaps? If you’ve checked all of these, and you’re sure the coast is clear, you may go ahead to make the switch.

Getting the best deal for your car insurance

Are you looking to change your auto insurance before the renewal date, and you’re unsure which option is best for you? Did you recently move into Arizona, and you’d like to switch to a new insurance agent? If you answered yes to any or both of these questions, we are happy to help you make the best decision.

At Gebhardt Insurance Group, we offer various car insurance coverage options, allowing you to choose what works best for you. Schedule an appointment today with any of our experienced insurance industry staff or call us today at 520-836-3244.