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| 5. |
Optional
Bodily Injury to Others |
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this extends your liability protection beyond the basic $20,000/$40,000
limits under the required
Bodily Injury to Others coverage to the limit you specify.
- This option provides coverage outside Massachusetts to anywhere
in the U.S. and Canada.
- Damages suffered by guests in your auto are also covered. |
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Consider
this...
In an accident you could be sued for MUCH more than $20,000 per person
(to a maximum $40,000). If you have any assets you wish to protect,
buying higher limits under this section makes sense. |
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| 6. |
Medical
Payments |
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- this option
increases the amount of compensation to you, your household members
and passengers for medical expenses from the basic amounts under
the required
Personal Injury Protection.
- You
are covered regardless of who caused the accident.
- If you elect to purchase this coverage you must buy at least $5,000
coverage for an automobile and $500 for a motorcycle.
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| 7. |
Collision |
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pays for collision damage to your car (minus your deductible) no matter
who caused the accident
- Is your car financed? Your bank may require this and may stipulate
a deductible amount. |
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But
how do I select the right deductible?
First of all, the deductible is set at $500 unless you select a different
amount. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your premiums and
choosing a lower deductible provides better coverage. What it comes
down to is what you can afford to pay out of your pocket in the event
of an accident for which you are at fault or the other driver cannot
be identified (hit and run). |
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Consider
this...
Buying Collision coverage with a "waiver of deductible"
provides the following benefits: If you're in an accident caused by
an identifiable driver, you don't have to pay your deductible. This
is very useful when the other driver isn't insured. You also are not
required to pay your deductible when another driver who is insured
causes an accident. (His Damage
to Someone Else's Property coverage, up to his limit, will
pay for your damages.) |
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But
what if my car isn't worth very much?
The wise choice may be to NOT buy collision and comprehensive (unless
required to by a lender). For example, your deductible and premium
may be more than the value of the car. But if your car has exceptional
value due to its condition (classic and antique cars) you should have
it appraised and select the right coverage. |
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| 8. |
Limited
Collision |
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also pays for collision damage to your car as long as you are not
more than 50% at fault and the owner of the other car is identified. |
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| 9. |
Comprehensive
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| |
- Pays for
damage to or loss of your car (minus your deductible) due to perils
such as fire, theft and vandalism - but not collision.
- It also covers glass breakage regardless of the cause - with no
deductible.
-
If you car is stolen this coverage provides $15 daily to a total
maximum of $450, for substitute transportation like car rentals,
taxi and train fare until your stolen car is recovered.
- Your personal property is not covered unless it is permanently
part of the car. (Additional coverage is available for aftermarket
additions to your car such as a stereo, car phone, etc.)
- Lenders frequently require this coverage if your car is financed.
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What do I do if my car is stolen?
Report it to the Police and your insurance agent. Your transportation
costs will be reimbursed within 48 hours following the report. |
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Consider
this...
If you drive a high-theft vehicle without a qualifying anti-theft
or recovery device, you could be refused comprehensive coverage or
may be required to pay a higher extra-risk rate. |
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| 10. |
Substitute
Transportation |
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-
reimburses you for alternative transportation including rental car,
train, taxi, and bus while your auto is being repaired due to a covered
cause of loss.
- Standard compensation is $15 per day (up to $450 total).
- Increased coverage of $30 per day to a maximum of $900 is available
for an additional charge. |
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Consider
this...
Both Collision and Comprehensive coverage will apply to any other
car you rent or use with the consent of the owner except a vehicle
owned or regularly used by your spouse or a household member. |
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And
this...
If you can afford the cost of a cab while your car is in for collision
repairs you may not need this type of coverage. |
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| 11.
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Towing
and labor |
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pays up to $25 for towing and labor each time your car breaks down.
- Coverage applies whether or not you're in an accident.
- You are covered only for on-site labor at the break down site needed
to get your car running again.
- A $50 per disablement is available at an additional charge. |
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Consider
this...
If you're a member of a Motor Club - you probably don't need this
coverage.
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| 12. |
Bodily
Injury Caused by an Underinsured Auto |
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If someone else causes an accident but doesn't have enough coverage
to pay for bodily injury damages to you, household members or your
passengers, this coverage pays the difference between the total collected
from the liability insurance of the owner and other driver and the
limits purchased by you.
- If household members and passengers have their own policy they will
be covered by it.
- This coverage will not pay for damage to property. |
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Consider
this...
Many people buy only the minimum required amounts of Bodily Injury
to Others. By selecting higher limits you will protect yourself from
high personal injury expenses. BUT, you may only purchase coverage
up to, but no more than the limits of Bodily Injury to Others you
carry! |
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If you've
conquered the ins and outs of auto insurance and would like a no-obligation
quote, please submit our online form. If you have a question
or two contact
an agent at Ellis Insurance.
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