AUTO INSURANCE -
PERSONAL AUTO

If you own a car, auto insurance is not just an option—it is a legal necessity. And you wouldn't want it any other way. If you are involved in an accident or have your car stolen, owning the right kind of auto insurance can help to ease a difficult situation. The information below will provide some answers and help you ask the right questions in order to find the most appropriate solutions.

Why do you need auto insurance

It’s really all about protecting yourself financially.
If you’re in an accident or your car is stolen, it costs money, often a lot of money, to fix or replace it.

If you or any passengers are injured in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
If you or your car is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you’re worth.
Not only is having insurance a prudent financial decision, many states require you to have at least some coverage.

Questions to ask your agent

BIS Insurance Agent is an advocate for finding auto insurance that meets your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the discussion:

How much can you afford to pay if you get in an accident? (To keep premiums low you may want to have a higher deductible and be willing to pay more for repairs.)
What is the insurance company’s level of service and ability to pay claims?
What discounts are available? (Ask about good driver, multiple and student discounts.)

What’s the process for filing and settling a claim/link? (Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.)

LOWERING THE COST

How much you pay for car insurance depends on many factors. Following the suggestions listed below may help you lower the cost of your auto insurance and keep your premiums low.

Before you buy a car, check with your agent to see what it will cost to insure it. More expensive cars cost more to repair and insure. Performance cars cost more to insure than family sedans. The safety equipment you select may also lead to a variety of discounts.

Insure all your cars with one company. The more policies you have with a company, whether for your cars or home, the more substantial savings you may get. Also consider increasing your deductible. By raising the amount you pay out-of-pocket for losses, you can save more on your auto policy.

Try to weed out overlapping insurance. If you have a medical and disability plan at work, you might wish to reduce medical or personal injury coverage on your auto policy, and save the difference. Ask your agent to explain the trade-offs.

Drive safely. A clean driving record can potentially lower your insurance rates.

How you pay can also influence the price you pay

SUMMARY

Most of your premium will typically be lower in the following situations:

Companion Auto & Homeowners Policies – SAVES UP TO 20%
Insuring More Than One Vehicle with the same company – SAVES UP TO 15%
Choosing Higher Deductible Amounts
Low Annual Mileage
Pleasure or Farm Use
Good Student Status
Mature driver test
Protective Devices
Prior Standard Carrier
Certain Occupation groups: Scientist and Engineers, Members of California Medical Association, Teachers and others ( call your insurance agent for specifications) – SAVES UP TO 10%