Author: James Shaffer
What Is Personal Umbrella Insurance?
March 22, 2018
Personal umbrella insurance (often called a “personal umbrella policy” or PUP) is extra liability protection that sits on top of the liability limits on your existing insurance—usually your auto and homeowners (or renters) policies. If you’re sued after a serious accident and your underlying liability coverage runs out, an umbrella policy can help pay the […]
What Is Rental Reimbursement Coverage?
March 11, 2018
Rental reimbursement coverage (sometimes called transportation expense or replacement rental coverage) is an optional add-on that helps pay for a rental car or other temporary transportation while your vehicle is in the shop for a covered claim. Most auto insurance companies offer it, but it’s usually not included automatically—and no state requires it. If you […]
Why is Car Insurance So Expensive in Louisiana?
March 5, 2018
If you’ve ever looked at a list of the most expensive states for auto insurance, you may be surprised to see Louisiana consistently ranked near the top. For many years, Louisiana has been listed as the #1 or #2 most expensive state for car insurance in America. Why does Louisiana pay so much more than […]
Why Are Car Insurance Policies 6 Months Long?
February 24, 2018
Most car insurance policies renew every 6 or 12 months. But why are 6-month policies so common? Why have many major insurers moved away from 12-month terms? And which option is better for your wallet? Below, we break down why many insurers prefer 6-month auto insurance policies—and whether you should choose a 6-month or 12-month […]
Why Your Car Insurance Rate Changes
January 10, 2017
Quick answer: Your premium can change because insurers re-score risk at renewal (your profile + people like you), and because the cost of claims changes (repairs, medical bills, theft, weather losses). Even with a perfect record, broader trends can move your rate up or down. If you’ve been driving for several years, you’ve probably noticed […]
Should You Drop Collision and Comprehensive Coverage? A Cost-vs-Risk Guide
December 13, 2016
If your car insurance premiums are getting too expensive, you may be wondering whether it’s time to drop comprehensive and collision coverage. For many drivers, liability coverage alone is enough—but not always. Some situations make dropping these coverages risky or even impossible. Below, we break down what collision and comprehensive insurance really cover, when you […]
Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism?
November 26, 2016
Many drivers aren’t fully sure what their auto insurance actually covers—especially when it comes to vandalism. Policies can be written in dense, technical language, making it hard to remember what’s included and what’s not. Fortunately, figuring out whether vandalism is covered is easier than it seems. Once you understand the different types of auto insurance, […]
How Veterans Can Find Cheap Car Insurance
November 12, 2016
Veterans and military families often qualify for special auto insurance discounts, benefits, and protections that aren’t available to the general public. Whether you’re newly separated, long retired, or part of an active-duty household, there are several ways your military status can help you save money on car insurance. Some insurers specialize in serving military members […]
What Is Comprehensive Coverage?
February 10, 2016
Comprehensive coverage (also called other than collision (OTC) coverage) helps pay to repair or replace your car after damage from events that aren’t a crash—like theft, vandalism, hail, fire, falling objects, or hitting an animal. It’s optional by state law, but if you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender will usually require comprehensive (and […]
What Is Collision Coverage?
February 8, 2016
Collision coverage is the part of an auto insurance policy that helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after it’s damaged in a crash—whether you hit another car, a curb, a guardrail, a tree, or you roll over. You pay your share first (your deductible), and your insurer covers the rest up to your […]
How Does My Driving History Affect My Insurance Rates?
February 1, 2016
Your driving history says a lot about you—and insurance companies pay close attention. If you’re a safe, responsible driver with a clean record, your insurance rates will reflect that. But if you have a history of accidents, violations, or reckless behavior, insurers will consider you a high-risk driver, charge higher premiums, or even deny coverage […]
What Is Medical Payments Coverage?
January 28, 2016
Medical payments coverage (often called MedPay) is an optional auto insurance coverage that helps pay medical expenses for you and your passengers after a car accident—regardless of who caused the crash. Depending on the state and policy, MedPay may also help if you’re injured while riding in someone else’s vehicle or if you’re hit as […]
What Is Gap Insurance? Do I Need It?
January 26, 2016
Gap insurance (short for Guaranteed Asset Protection) helps cover the “gap” between what your car is worth and what you still owe on your loan or lease if the vehicle is stolen or declared a covered total loss. It’s optional in many situations, but it can be extremely valuable if your loan balance is higher […]
Is It Possible to Find Cheap SR22 Insurance?
January 22, 2016
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required by many states after certain driving violations. You may need one if you’re caught driving without liability insurance, if you cause an accident while uninsured, or if you’re working to reinstate driving privileges after a DUI or similar offense. The SR-22 itself is not insurance; it’s […]
How Low Mileage Discounts Can Save You Money on Car Insurance
January 12, 2016
If you own a car but don’t drive very often, you may be leaving money on the table. Many drivers don’t realize that insurance companies offer discounts specifically for people who put fewer miles on their vehicle each year. These “low mileage discounts” can significantly reduce your premiums—sometimes by hundreds of dollars annually. Surprisingly, most […]
New Technology That Can Lower Your Car Insurance Costs
January 11, 2016
Today’s vehicles are packed with more technology than ever—smart sensors, connectivity tools, advanced safety systems, and mobile apps that track everything from mileage to driving behavior. What many drivers don’t realize is that these same technologies can also help them save money on car insurance. Even if you aren’t driving a brand-new EV or high-tech […]
Why It’s Important to Review Your Car Insurance Policy
January 8, 2016
Most drivers buy car insurance and don’t think about it again until renewal—or until they need to file a claim. But insurers, prices, your household, and your vehicle can all change over time. A quick “policy check-up” helps you avoid paying for the wrong coverage, missing discounts, or learning the hard way that something you […]
Will My Insurance Rates Increase If I Move?
January 7, 2016
When you’re preparing for a move, you probably spend time researching neighborhoods, home prices, schools, amenities, and commute times. But there’s one important thing many people overlook: how moving will affect your car insurance rates. Your car insurance price can change dramatically when you relocate — sometimes increasing or decreasing by hundreds or even thousands […]
Will Driverless Cars End the Car Insurance Industry?
July 30, 2015
Driverless tech won’t eliminate insurance — it will shift risk from individual drivers to a mix of owners, fleets, automakers, and software providers. Expect fewer crashes over time, but also higher repair costs, more data-driven pricing, and more commercial/fleet policies. Bottom line: Even in a highly automated future, you’ll still see coverage for bodily injury/property […]
Does It Pay To Be a Loyal Car Insurance Customer?
June 25, 2015
Most companies reward loyalty—airlines offer miles, coffee shops give free drinks, and retailers send exclusive discounts. Car insurance, however, is often the opposite. Many insurers quietly raise rates on long-term customers through a practice called price optimization, betting you’ll stay put and keep paying more. Key Takeaways How Insurers Raise Rates on Loyal Customers In […]
Tips for Getting Cheap Car Insurance in Retirement
June 8, 2015
Retirement changes almost everything about your budget—including your car insurance. As drivers age, insurers often see them as higher risk, especially after 70, and premiums can creep up even with a clean record. The reality nowadays is different: many retirees are healthier, drive less, and maintain excellent driving histories well into their 70s and 80s. […]
Are Video Game Players Safer Drivers?
February 17, 2015
It’s long been assumed that becoming a safer driver primarily requires time behind the wheel and accumulated experience. Many argue that cautious, mature drivers — like women over age 30 — are among the safest on the road. But recent research suggests there may be another (surprising) way to boost your driving instincts: playing action […]
The Top 10 Ways To Save Money On Driving
January 28, 2015
Unless you live in an area with strong public transportation options, owning a car is often a necessity. A vehicle gives you the freedom to travel when and where you need—whether for work, errands, or family responsibilities. But convenience comes with a cost: between fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, driving can eat up a significant […]
Car Insurance Costs Are Not Getting Cheaper
January 15, 2015
Car insurance used to be relatively affordable and stable. In the last few years, though, premiums have surged across most of the United States. Inflation, higher repair and medical costs, more severe claims, and increasingly complex vehicles have all pushed auto insurance rates higher. Older research from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) — based on […]
How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance Rates for Students
September 10, 2014
Car insurance is usually expensive for students because insurers see younger, less-experienced drivers as more likely to file claims—especially teens and first-time drivers. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with sky-high premiums, though. With the right discounts, smart coverage choices, and a little comparison shopping, many students (and parents) can significantly reduce the cost. Below are […]