Page 6 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – March/April 2020
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Insurance Getting just enough coverage to meet your
state’s auto insurance requirements might mean a few more dollars in your pocket in the short term — but if you’re involved in a crash, minimal protection can result in a major financial drain.
Almost every state requires you to buy auto liability insurance, which covers damage you do to another car and medical costs for those injured in an accident you caused. But it’s important to make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your own assets and recover financially after a crash. Work with your insurance agent to determine the right amount of liability protection to fit your needs.
Here are some steps to help you ensure you have the auto insurance coverage you need:
1. Determine how much liability coverage you need
Crashes generally cost more than the minimum limits, according to the Insurance Information Institute, so it’s a good idea
to get more liability insurance than required. Talk to your insurance agent
about how much property damage and body injury liability coverage you should purchase.
2. Elect your coverages
Once you’ve determined your liability insurance needs, consider:
Comprehensive coverage provides reimbursement for damage caused by something other than a collision, like hail, a fallen tree or vandalism. In deciding whether or not to purchase comprehensive coverage, consider the market value of your car, as the coverage cost may outweigh the benefits. Deductibles may apply.
Collision coverage covers physical damage to your insured vehicle caused by a collision, regardless of fault. Like comprehensive coverage, ask your agent about the market value of your car before making a decision. Deductibles may apply.
A personal umbrella policy pays out when your underlying coverages are exhausted. While every situation is different, you may want to consider an umbrella policy if you have substantial assets to protect or a young driver on your policy.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may compensate the policyholder, or a covered family member, if they are the victim of a hit-and-run or an accident caused by an uninsured/underinsured driver.
Medical payments coverage pays for the treatment of injuries from the incident.
3. Choose your deductible
Once you elect your coverages, it’s time to choose a deductible — the amount of money you pay on a claim before the insurance company reimburses you. Typically, deductibles are $500 or $1,000; the higher your deductible, the lower your premium.
4. Review your auto insurance policy regularly
Review your auto insurance policy whenever something changes in your life that might affect your coverage, such as buying a new vehicle, adding a new driver or making changes to your commute.
For more information, contact your AAA Insurance agent at 1-800-222-1469, visit AAA.com/Insurance, or stop by your local AAA office.
Other auto insurers see you as a customer.
To us, you’re a Member.
AAA Auto Insurance is different from other auto insurance. Here, you’re not just a number. You’re part of the family. Our insurance agents are conveniently located in your neighborhood, so when you’re ready, we’re here to help you switch.
1-800-222-1469 AAA.com/Insurance Visit your AAA office
AAA Insurance is provided by AAA Southern Pennsylvania Insurance Agency, which offers products through AAA-affiliated and non-affiliated companies.
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MARCH/APRIL 2020