Category Auto Insurance

Getting into a car accident is every driver’s nightmare. The majority of individuals utilize cars as their main form of transportation to and from work, school, the grocery store, long road trips, and other daily activities. However, the more time spent on the road, the more likely you are to eventually find yourself in a car accident.

Whether serious or minor, car accidents are incredibly stressful and often difficult to navigate in the moment. Your adrenaline may be running, you may need to make a few phone calls to family members, and you will need to determine whether or not your car is drivable. It may be difficult to determine the proper steps to take with your insurance company, so we have provided a few items to accomplish if you are in a car accident.

What to Do If You Get into a Car Accident

These steps should be completed after checking yourself and your passenger(s) for injuries, moving your car to a safe space on the side of the road if possible, and calling 911 for assistance.

#1 Exchange Information

If other drivers are involved in the accident, it is important to exchange contact information with the other individual(s). Be sure to gather the full name and contact information, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license number, license plate number, the make/model of their vehicle, and the location where the accident occurred.

During this exchange, ensure that you do not admit fault for the incident. Fault will be determined by the insurance provider, based on the information provided by the drivers, damage caused to the vehicles and the surrounding area, and any documentation provided by the police officers on the scene.

#2 Document the Accident

While at the scene of the accident, it is important for you to gather documentation. It may be tempting to just provide the details requested by police, but you will need a record of details to report to your insurance provider as well.

First, gather the names and badge numbers of all police officers on the scene. Next, ask the officers how you can obtain a copy of the accident report to give to your insurance provider. Third, take photos of both vehicles from all sides and the scene and surroundings of the accident, ensuring that you capture all resulting damage. Fourth, write down the names and addresses of all parties involved, including passengers in the other vehicle and witnesses who saw the accident occur.

#3 Begin the Claims Process

While at the scene of the accident, you may begin submitting a claim with your insurance provider, either through their mobile app or by calling the provider directly. This is more efficient than calling the provider after leaving the accident, since the provider will likely ask for detailed information that you may not remember after the fact.

They will also provide you with general expectations for the claims process. If your vehicle cannot be driven after the accident, your insurance company will assist you in having the vehicle towed to an auto-mechanic shop.

#4 Keep Records

Finally, it is important to keep all accident-related documents in a single location. This will be helpful in case you need to refer back to the documents in the future. This file should include:

• Claim number
• Adjuster who is handling the claim
• Contact information for all involved parties
• Rental car receipts and all other related expense receipts

Do You Need Auto Insurance Assistance?

Have you been in a vehicle incident recently, or are you looking for auto coverage? At GWK Insurance, our licensed agents are prepared to help you. We understand the stressful nature of car accidents and are ready to guide you through the claims process. Contact us for more information, whether online, in person, or over the phone.

Purchasing your first car is a big milestone and one that comes with important responsibilities. Choosing auto insurance includes deciding what coverage and deductibles you need.

It is important to first realize that a number of variables such as age, marital status, and home ownership can affect coverage and cost when it comes to auto insurance.  The type of coverage and size of deductible you want in the event of an accident may also influence the policy and restrictions you select.

Here are four of the most important elements to understand when considering your first your first auto insurance policy.

#1 Coverage Pays for Damages You May Cause

Liability insurance comes in two different varieties. In most states, both are types are mandated by law.

Bodily Injury Liability

This coverage could assist in covering your legal costs as well as the injured party’s medical expenses and lost wages in the event that they sustain injuries as a result of an auto accident you caused. This insurance frequently has two distinct limits: one for each injured person and another for each accident.

Property Damage Liability

This insurance can shield you if your car damages someone else’s property. You may not have to compensate the other party’s damages out of your own pocket if property damage coverage helps reimburse them for their losses.

#2 Coverage That Helps Protect You if You’re Injured

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

If you are hurt in a car accident, this coverage might assist in covering your health insurance deductible (if you have one) as well as any additional medical expenses that go beyond the limitations of your health insurance. While you are recovering, this insurance may also cover your lost income. In the worst circumstance, PIP may assist in paying for your funeral costs. Keep in mind that not all states offer PIP.

Medical Payments

Similar to personal injury protection, this coverage may assist in covering your medical expenses related to an auto accident. However, this coverage extends to your passengers and any family members who were in the car at the time of the collision. This coverage can also assist in covering medical costs if you or a member of your family is hurt in a pedestrian accident or while riding in another vehicle.

#3 Coverage That Helps Protect You from Drivers Without Insurance

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

If you are hit by a driver who does not have auto insurance or whose policy limits are insufficient to fully cover the costs of the accident, this coverage may be able to help safeguard you. Depending on the insurance requirements in your area, it can also help cover the cost of any vehicle damage in addition to your medical expenses.

#4 Coverage That Helps Protect Your Vehicle

Collision

This coverage accommodates repairs or even the replacement costs of your car as a result of a collision with another car or item.

Comprehensive

This insurance might help with non-auto accident-related damage to your vehicle. Examples include theft, fire, and fallen objects.

Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP)

You will normally receive fair market value for your car from your insurance carrier if it is stolen or totaled in an accident. However, if you still owe a lender more than the automobile is worth, GAP insurance may be able to help you get paid the price difference.

Finding the Best Auto Insurance Policy

Reliable insurance coverage is an important component of auto ownership. The first step is choosing an insurance agency you can trust.

At GWK Insurance, we help individuals and families get the proper coverage for their specific needs. Contact us today to help you find the right auto insurance policy coverage for your needs.

Many individuals don’t fully understand  their auto insurance policy, which can leave them exposed to significant financial problems in the event of an accident. Searching for the ideal insurance company and policy for you and your unique financial situation can be an overwhelming task.

However, it is a very important undertaking, as auto insurance is mandatory in nearly all states. It can also be the difference between financial hardship and a minor inconvenience if you are ever in an accident.

The following four rules of thumb can help you simplify the process and gain a better understanding of auto insurance.

#1 Know the Standard Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

While many take it for granted, auto insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. In exchange for paying a premium, your insurance company is committing to pay for losses as defined in the policy you select.

Understanding your options for insurance coverage is important when you are purchasing a new car or shopping around for insurance. Auto insurance covers a variety of issues that can occur on or off the road, and coverages vary by state. However, these are the standard coverages on most policies:

Liability

Auto liability coverage is required in 49 states. Liability coverage can pay for damage to other vehicles, damage to objects, injuries to other drivers and their passengers, and lawsuits, if you’re sued due to an accident.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage is important for vehicle damage due to fire, vandalism, theft, and other events that are out of your control. If you have an auto loan or lease, your lender may require this coverage, though it is optional in all states.

Collision

Collision coverage is optional in every state and covers your vehicle if it overturns or collides with another vehicle or stationary object.

Medical Payments/Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection is a broader coverage that is available only in certain states that require it, while medical payment coverage is available in most states. These coverages help pay for medical bills if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident in which you are at fault.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist

As the name implies, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage pays for your loss if a driver with little or no insurance coverage hits you.

#2 Know What Auto Insurance Does Not Cover

A basic auto insurance policy won’t cover typical wear and tear, mechanical failures, or routine maintenance. For example, oil changes or replacement of sensors on your vehicle are not covered by auto insurance. You may choose to add a warranty to the purchase of your vehicle, which may cover such maintenance needs.

Auto insurance will likewise not cover any items or belongings stolen from your vehicle. Standard policies only cover injury to you, your passengers, or the vehicle itself.

#3 Know How Much Auto Insurance Costs

The price of auto insurance will vary between insurers depending on the types and amounts of coverage and deductibles you choose, along with several other factors. One such factor impacting rates is decided by where you happen to live. For example, it typically costs more to insure a vehicle in areas with higher rates of theft or accidents. The cost of auto insurance is also impacted by gender, driving record, and the value of your vehicle, among other factors that vary by state.

#4 Know Where to Get the Best Auto Insurance for Your Needs

There are a few different avenues for selecting the best auto insurance policy. The option that is best for you depends on your personal preferences, but there are helpful ways to approach your search.

Sure, you could begin by contacting individual insurance companies and comparing rates. Rates and policies can vary significantly by insurance company, so you’d want to get multiple quotes, which can be extremely daunting and time consuming.

Why spend all that time and energy yourself when the trusted and experienced agents at GWK Insurance can do the work for you and get you the best possible quotes?

Shop the Best Auto Insurance for You

Having reliable and proper insurance coverage is an important component of auto ownership. Finding the best auto insurance policy can save you money, frustration, time, and regret. The first step is choosing an agency you can trust.

At GWK Insurance, we know shopping for auto insurance can feel overwhelming, and we are here to help you select and purchase the best auto insurance policy for your protection. Contact us today to help you find the best auto insurance for your needs.

Not many people would elect to pay more for car insurance. Oftentimes, individuals may think that because they are paying more, they are getting more coverage. However, that is not necessarily the case.

You can likely find the same quality coverage with a more budget-friendly price tag. That is why it is often beneficial to compare a few car insurance quotes. To get a true comparison, you should set a few of the same parameters, such as coverage types, limits, and deductibles to easily compare them side by side.

It is important to also note that there is a difference between car insurance quotes and rates.

Quote V. Rate

A car insurance quote is an estimate that details how much you can anticipate paying for an insurance policy. On the other hand, a car insurance rate is an amount you pay for the policy over a specific amount of time. Your car insurance rate may be different from the quote, as it is affected by a variety of factors, like your driving record.

3 Helpful Tips to Compare Your Car Insurance Quotes

The following are three helpful tips for comparing car insurance quotes.

#1: Choose the appropriate liability limits

Under Florida law, you must have a minimum of $10,000 of property damage liability insurance and $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP). However, many individuals elect to have more than the state’s minimum requirements. These types of liability coverage can help pay for the other individual’s car repairs or medical bills if you were at fault for the accident.

When requesting auto insurance quotes, you should determine how much liability coverage you want and compare each provider’s rates for equivalent coverage.

#2: Set equivalent deductibles for the quotes you are comparing

Depending on your financial situation, you may prefer to pay a higher monthly premium to have a lower deductible or vice versa. Try to set equivalent deductibles for the quotes you are comparing so you can see which makes the most financial sense for your unique needs, and then you can make an accurate comparison.

#3: Compare quotes with the same coverage

There are many more coverage options (other than liability) available, such as collision and comprehensive, that you will want to account for when comparing quotes.

Before you begin asking for quotes, you may want to familiarize yourself with your coverage options and decide which ones you will want to include in your policy. Just be sure that the coverage is equivalent for each quote you are requesting to accurately compare them.

Need Help Comparing Car Insurance Quotes?

While some car insurance coverage is required by the state, there are many additional coverage options available at varying price points.

At GWK Insurance, we help you shop and compare the best car insurance quotes that meet your coverage and budget needs. Contact us today to get started.

Buying a car is one of the largest investments an individual will make in their lifetime, and ensuring that it is properly insured is important. However, choosing the best auto insurance policy can be complex, as there are many things to consider all while staying within your budget.

While there may not be a one size fits all answer to choosing the best auto insurance policy, there are a few big mistakes that everyone should avoid.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Your Auto Insurance Policy

#1: Not Knowing the Insurance Coverage You Need

Each state has different insurance coverage requirements. That being said, many drivers may only have the coverage required by law but need additional insurance coverage to be fully protected. The key is to find the balance between cost and coverage so you have adequate protection that fits your budget.

Consulting with an insurance agent can help you best determine what kind of coverage you should have based on a variety of factors.

#2: Choosing the Wrong Deductible Amount

Another common mistake that you should avoid when choosing your auto insurance policy is having the wrong deductible amount. It is no secret that a higher deductible generally results in a lower premium, and vice versa. But that may not be ideal for your financial situation.

Unless you have a substantial rainy-day fund that will cover the cost of your deductible, it may be better for you to have a lower deductible in your auto insurance policy.

#3: Not Comparing Policies

Just because one insurance provider’s policy is one amount doesn’t mean another provider offering the same policy will cost the same amount. Many drivers will choose the first policy they are quoted without shopping around for a better deal with the same coverage.

This mistake often results from the hassle it can be to shop around. However, by contacting an insurance agent, you get assistance with shopping quotes and easily choose the best auto insurance policy for your needs and budget.

Get Multiple Auto Insurance Policy Quotes

While car insurance often gets undervalued until a driver needs it, having the right policy can substantially protect you and your finances. It is important to shop for the right coverage that is also at the right price point for you.

At GWK Insurance, we help individuals find the best insurance policies that meet their unique needs and budget. Contact us today to get help shopping for the best auto insurance policy for you.

The bottom line up front is simple: adding a teenage driver to your plan will increase your insurance rates. The good news is that you can control how much those rates hike.

First, there is a necessity to understand just why drivers between the ages of 15 and 21 are more expensive to insure. For one, the likelihood of a teenage driver being involved in an accident or traffic violation is several times higher than that of more experienced drivers. Another consideration is the amount of financial responsibility this age group has.

When coupling these tropes together, it becomes evident as to why insurers identify a liability.

So how do you mitigate how much your rates go up? We’ve compiled the 3 most important tips for saving money when adding your teens to your policy.

1. Be selective of your car. Cheaper, non-sport vehicles tend to be more cost-effective to insure.

2. Pay attention to insurance discounts. Your teen getting good grades could save you money on car insurance.

3. Safe driving matters. Some insurance providers install safe driving devices that monitor the speed, distance, and time that teen conductors drive at.

The implementation of these 3 rate reducing methods for each of your teen drivers could mean the difference between a rate increase that breaks the bank and an insurance experience that leaves you both satisfied and at peace.

In the era of digital commerce, Black Friday has become more of an event. It is now an evolved experience, where consumers almost crave the crowds and speed that the informal holiday is now associated with. Even despite having access to flash deals online and in the comfort of our homes, we consumers still insist on venturing out to super-centers to shop among ravenous mobs.

Our innate craving to get lost among the throngs of deal seekers has hence inspired some dangerous habits. In the rush to take advantage of holiday sales, drivers now prefer to multitask their shopping while in commute. Adobe Analytics reported that on Thanksgiving, online sales increased to a total of $3.5 million for the day. In tandem, experts report that one-third of Americans who make mobile device purchases do so while operating a motor vehicle, according to Root Insurance.

Every second of distracted driving ultimately increases the risk of being involved in or causing an accident. This is especially true during the holiday season, in which more cars are on the road and and weather conditions tend to make circumstances more dangerous.

To curb the urge to shop while driving, we suggest the implementation of your smart phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature while driving, or simply downloading a mobile application that blocks incoming notifications while driving. If you’re looking to save, additional third party applications may background monitor deals on the web for you- regardless of whether you’re actively using the app or not.

Ultimately, the precautions you take on the road are what keep your and your family safe during the holiday season.