Car Insurance | Brownell Insurance

July 31, 2018 By Brownell Insurance Center

Five Money-Saving Tips to Reduce Auto Premiums

Five Money-Saving Tips to Reduce Auto Premiums If your agent shops insurance carriers on your behalf, then provides you with the BEST coverage at the LOWEST cost, then you are one step ahead in the money saving game. It is true that a variety of coverage types exist, and not all are the right fit for every person. That’s the job of a knowledgeable agent – to seek the best match for their clients and then ensure value.

That doesn’t mean that you are completely off the hook when it comes to saving money on your auto policy and lowering insurance premiums while still keeping the necessary coverage. Below are a few things you can do as a consumer to help reduce expenses.

Reducing Annual Mileage
Discount rate apply to those who drive less-than-average annual mileage. Of course, each company has a different threshold value at which rate reductions become available so rely on your agent for guidance.

Improve Car Safety
Improving safety rating with extra devices, such as adaptive headlights, blind-spot detection or land departure warning systems. Not only does these improve safety in the event of an accident, but also reduces risk thereby saving money on auto insurance. Any money spent on enhancements will be recovered in the long run.

Driver Instruction & Retraining
Some defensive driving courses may be the best bet for new drivers, aging drivers and those carrying points from accidents and other citations. Besides evaluating awareness of defensive maneuvers and improving driving skills, carrier approved courses may make drivers eligible for discounts and rewards from their insurance company.

Multi-Policy Discount
Have multiple cars, watercraft or outdoor vehicles? Consider combining coverage under a single carrier. Bringing more business to one provider actually provides significant benefits, including cost savings, to the client.

Customize Coverage
Dropping unnecessary coverage is sometimes appropriate and wise. Having full coverage is not always recommended for older cars. If the car you drive is 10 years old or more, its value has significantly lowered and typically not cost-effective to cover. Before canceling or reducing any policy premium, seek advice from your agent.

For the most up-to-date listings of rewards, discounts and premium reducing activities you should consult your local agent. We recommend a full-review of your policy once per year, but of you have changes to your vehicles, upgrades to existing vehicles or new drivers living in your home, you should report those things to your agent immediately. Having the wrong coverages can be just as devastating as having no coverage tat all. So, don’t take chances. Let your agent shop the marketplace and provide you with the best solutions for your unique lifestyle.

February 2, 2018 By Brownell Insurance Center

Spring Driving Tips – 6 Reminders for Safe Driving as Weather Heats Up

Vehicle checks & balances
Following a winter hiatus, you may be anxious to get your fun & sporty vehicles back on the road. Perhaps you are ready to put the top down and cruise. Before you hit the road it’s important to check the working condition of your vehicle as it has been garaged all winter.

Be sure to thoroughly check the fluid levels (oil, radiator fluid, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid), tire condition, tire pressure, lights (brake and parking, headlights and backup), suspension and brakes. In addition, inspection sticker and registration are up to date if the vehicle has been off the road for longer than a season.

Emerging wildlife
With warmer weather comes more animal activity. Some critters are emerging from hibernation or dormant winter activities. It’s also the time where many animals will begin to have offspring close behind. Be aware of animals in the road, either crossing or preparing to enter the roadways. Larger animals, such as deer, moose and bear, are often no match for your vehicle.

Motorcycles and bicyclists
Share the road. The first warm dry days always entice riders to bring their bikes out for a little pleasure. Understanding that motorcycles and bicycles are not as visible on roadways as cars and trucks, it is important to pay extra attention. When following behind motorcycles, allow for added stop time. When passing bicyclists using bike lanes, allow extra room between them and your vehicle incase either needs to shift lanes briefly.

Rain, wind and mud
Rain and fog from warming air and cooler grounds can cause reduced visibility. Potholes also begin to emerge as roads thaw and pavement shifts. Always be aware of road conditions and adjust speed and follow distance accordingly.

When possible, slow down and/or drive around large puddles. Deep puddles may cause water to get into your brake system and hinder effectiveness. Wet roads and high speeds can also cause loss of traction (hydroplaning) leading to accidents.

Increased Foot Traffic
Anticipate more pedestrians as weather improves. Be especially cautious in residential areas, and school zones as children may be at play and inadvertently dart out in front of your vehicle. Also use extra caution in parking lots and shopping areas. Pedestrians crossing parking lots with bags and packages or entering and exiting parking spots may not be cognizant of you and your vehicle.

Road Construction
Spring time often means renewed roadway construction projects. When approaching a construction zone or roadside worksite always reduce speed. Be sure to scan the scene for work crews, as often work can be happening in and on the roadways, themselves. Construction vehicles frequently exit and enter the area via primary roadways. Allow for extra time as traffic may be stopped or delayed.

August 9, 2017 By Brownell Insurance Center

Vacation with a Rental Car? I’m Covered – Right?

Vacation with a Rental Car? I’m Covered - Right? Summer is in full swing and your vacation time is on the horizon. One question you might have as you’re planning your trip – “Do I need rental car coverage?” When you stand at the rental car counter, it can be hard to know if you should or shouldn’t purchase rental car coverage.

Before you get to the counter you should consider a few things:

Is my rental car covered under my automobile insurance?

Your rental vehicle typically would be covered for the same limits of liability and deductibles as your regular car insurance. Please note: if your rental is for a business purpose, your personal auto policy will not cover it. You should always check with your insurance agent as to what coverages extend to the rental car from your regular auto policy.

What if I pay for the rental car with a credit card?

You should check with your credit card company to see if they provide additional coverage for a rental car. Not all credit cards are alike with this option, so it is very important to be sure your specific credit card provides this coverage.

What is typically offered to you at the rental car counter?

According to the Thrifty Rental Car website, the optional products offered by the rental company may duplicate coverages provided by your personal automobile insurance or insurance you have through another source. Purchase of the optional products is not required to rent a vehicle but is strongly encouraged. The coverages offered by the rental car company are:

a. Loss -Damage waiver

i. This option typically covers the financial responsibility of the rental car being damaged or stolen. It could also cover loss of use charges while the rental is in the shop, getting towed and other related fees.

b. Liability coverage

i. This coverage protects you from potential lawsuits and can vary from state to state depending on what the state requires for liability limits.

c. Personal accident insurance

i. Covers your medical costs after an accident.

d. Personal items coverage

i. Coverage for the personal items that you are keeping in the rental car.

The costs for these options vary by rental car company, location, vehicle category, and rates. You should be able to check out what is offered by each rental car companies’ website.

The most important rental car option is the Loss Damage waiver (LDW).

You are liable for any loss or damage to the vehicle, even if someone else caused it or the cause is unknown, whether due to theft, fire, hail, flood, collision, vandalism, or any other cause, subject to limitations imposed by the law where the vehicle is rented. Most of these incidents are covered by your personal auto insurance but there might be extra fees imposed by the rental insurance company that are not covered.

Typically when you rent a car in the United States and you purchase the optional LDW Plan, the rental company will waive your responsibility for loss or damage to the vehicle in full or in part (depending on the LDW plan you accept). You should note that LDW is not insurance but rather a policy that guides the rental car company as to how to settle a claim. Also if you rent a car in other parts of the world, your responsibilities could vary greatly depending on the laws in the country you rent the vehicle. You should also let the rental car company and your auto insurance company know if you were going out of the United States to either Canada or Mexico for your coverages might not extend to these countries.

LDW does not apply if: (1) you use the vehicle in violation of the rental agreement; (2) you fail to remove the keys, or close and lock all windows, doors and trunk, and the vehicle is stolen or vandalized; (3) you fail to notify us and the police immediately after the loss; and (4) you fail to pay the charges under the rental agreement; or (5) as allowed by state law according to Thrifty Rental Car guidelines. Be sure to check with your rental car company as to what their LDW option has for their guidelines.

If you do not purchase LDW and the vehicle is lost or damaged, with Thrifty Rental Car Company your liability will not exceed the full value of the vehicle ( as decided by the rental company, which could differ from what your insurance company will pay) plus:

Actual towing and storage charges
Loss of use
Diminution in value, regardless of whether the vehicle is repaired or not
All rental charges through the date you report the incident if not returnable or the return date, whichever is later
Any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by us because of the loss or damage to the vehicle
Any reasonable administrative fees
Pro-rata license plate fees as allowed by law

By signing the rental agreement, you agree to pay any additional charges that are not covered by any insurance, credit, or charge card or other coverage that you may have. Your responsibility cannot exceed what is allowed by law in the state that your rental car was rented. This could still add up to a substantial amount of money.

So before you rent that vehicle do your homework to understand your personal auto policy coverage and the additional options offered through rental car company. We at Brownell Insurance Center are glad to discuss your options with you before you rent a vehicle. Our experience has shown that it is very important to know your obligations prior to a rental car claim.