You may have a general idea about insurance, but do you know enough to separate fact these auto insurance myths?
Probably not. So let’s dispel some common myths circulating around what insurance is and isn’t.
Auto Insurance Myths
Let’s take a look at some bad information disguised as common wisdom in these auto insurance myths.
Color determines the price of auto insurance- not true.
It doesn’t matter whether your car is “Arrest Me Red” or “Hide In Plain Sight White”—the color doesn’t actually factor into your auto insurance costs. The price of your auto policy is based on many factors, such as car make, model, body type, engine size and the age of the vehicle, as well as the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Insurers also take into account the age, driving record and sometimes the credit history of the driver.
One of the most popular auto insurance myths we see:
“It costs more to insure your car when you get older” -not true.
Quite the opposite, in fact—older drivers may be eligible for special discounts. For example, those over 55 years of age can get a reduction in their auto insurance premium if they successfully complete an accident prevention course (available through local and state agencies as well as through the AAA and AARP). Retirees or those who aren’t employed full time—and therefore, who are driving less—may also be eligible for a car insurance discount. Older driver programs and discounts vary by state and insurance carrier and driver age, so if you think you may qualify, check with your insurance professional.
Another popular choice for auto insurance myths:
Your credit has no effect on your insurance rate-not true.
Your credit-based insurance score—which is derived from your credit history—may matter. A good credit score demonstrates how well you manage your financial affairs and is a good predictor of whether someone is more likely to file an insurance claim so many insurance companies take it into consideration when you want to purchase, change or renew your auto insurance coverage. People with good credit—and, therefore good insurance scores—often end up paying less for insurance.
One of the less frequently used auto insurance myths:
“Your insurance will cover you if your vehicle is stolen, vandalized or damaged by falling tree limbs, hail, flood or fire- not exactly true.“
This is only true if you opt for comprehensive and collision coverage along with your standard policy. If a car is worth less than $1,000, or less than 10 times the insurance premium, purchasing these coverages may not be cost-effective—but you do need to have collision and comprehensive insurance to fully protect your vehicle from all types of damage.
Another one of the popular auto insurance myths online:
“You only need the minimum amount of auto liability insurance required by law-definitely not true.“
Almost every state requires you to buy a minimum amount of auto liability coverage but buying only the minimum amount of liability means you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket for losses incurred after an accident—and those costs may be steep. The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident.
One of the most popular auto insurance myths that rental car companies love to use:
If another person drives your car, their insurance will cover the damages in an accident- not true!
In most states, the auto insurance policy covering the vehicle is considered the primary insurance. This means that the car owner’s insurance company must pay for damages caused by an accident, regardless of who is driving. Policies and laws differ by state, so make sure you understand the rules before allowing another person to drive your car.
One of the popular auto insurance myths that an un-trustworthy insurance salesperson may use:
Soldiers pay more for insurance than civilians-false!
If you are in the military—regardless of which branch—you actually qualify for a discount on auto insurance. You’ll need to supply documentation that lists your name, rank and the time that you will be enlisted in the service (in some situations, you might be able to have your commanding officer make a phone call on your behalf). Shop around—some auto insurance companies provide discounts for former members of the military, as well as their families.
Personal auto insurance also covers business use of your car- probably not.
If you are self-employed and use your vehicle for business purposes, personal auto insurance may not protect you so it’s important to purchase business vehicle insurance. If you have other people—such as employees—using your vehicle, regularly check their driving records.
Do you need help with your auto insurance coverage?
What You Need to About Homeowners Insurance
Understanding the complexity of home insurance can be difficult. These are just a few ways perceptions can be muddled with regard to your protection.
All of your home’s contents are covered under home insurance-maybe not.
If you only purchase standard home insurance coverage, you could leave your high-value possessions (jewelry, art, sports equipment, electronics) unprotected or at least under-protected. Carriers set strict limits for high-value items. Sometimes, these limits can be as low as $200.If you have high-value items in your home, you can fully protect them by purchasing an endorsement, fine arts floater, or collectibles policy.
The good news? Those items can receive protection even if they become damaged or stolen when stored outside of the home.
You are not responsible for illegal trespasser-false.
You may know that you can be held responsible for injuries sustained by guests on your property. However, you may not know you are responsible for injuries sustained by uninvited guests on your property as well.
If you have a pool, trampoline, or other “attractive nuisance” on your property and don’t protect it properly, you could be liable if something goes wrong. Inform your carrier of all such items on your property so that you can determine your responsibility and plan appropriate safety measure
The Takeaway
Familiarize yourself with the auto insurance myths and basics to make sure you’re covered both at home and on the road. Our insurance experts are here to help you understand coverages for both your personal and business policies. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Give us a call or stop by and let us prove it!