Auto Insurance FAQ

The Pfister Insurance Agency

Auto Insurance FAQ's

What does " full coverage " mean?

The term, " full coverage ", generally means that your insurance policy has both liability coverage and coverage for damage to your vehicle. The term " full coverage " doesn't mean that " everything " is covered no matter what happens. Your Auto Insurance Policy Declaration Page lists the coverage you have selected. Tony, at The Pfister Insurance Agency, will discuss with you all the available coverages and help you select the insurance coverage that suits your individual needs.

Am I covered if I drive someone else's vehicle?

Generally speaking, the insurance follows the car. For example, if you have an accident while driving someone else's car, the vehicle owner's insurance would apply toward the damages first. Your auto insurance would generally apply in the event the owner of the vehicle had no insurance or did not have enough auto insurance to pay for all the damages.For specific information and guidance on your coverage in this situation, please contact Tony, at The Pfister Insurance Agency.

If I rent a car, do I have coverage?

Car rental companies charge daily fees for what they call
" CDW " coverage ( which means their insurance will pay for all damages covered in your rental agreement ). Rental car coverage under a private passenger policy varies by state. Generally the coverage you have on you personal auto policy is the coverage afforded you on your car rental. What your policy may not cover,
is " Loss of Income " or " Loss of Use ". If a rental car is off the road for repairs for an accident caused while you were driving it, the Car Rental Company may be able to charge you for loss of use fees while the car is unavailable for rental. You should discuss this with your Rental agency before signing any agreement. You can consult with Tony, at The Pfister Insurance Agency, for more information.

Will my policy be cancelled if I have an accident?

Generally, being in an accident will not cause your policy to be cancelled. However, after the facts of the situation are reviewed, you may be required to pay a higher premium for your policy upon renewal. Tony, at The Pfister Insurance Agency, can assist you in understanding the potential increases if an accident should occur - or any other consequences of the accident.

Premium Questions

Why do auto insurance premiums change?

Auto insurance premiums change for the same reasons that
the price of other goods and services you buy change. Insurance companies incur the same costs you do in buying goods and services and these costs can ultimately affect your insurance premium.

Costs affecting the ultimate price of Auto insurance includes:

Medical costs to treat others
Auto repair costs
Costs to adjust claims
Inflation
Fraudulent Insurance Claims
Uninsured drivers( your policy pays when the other driver doesn't have an auto insurance policy, if you purchase Uninsured Motorist coverage ).

Although insurance companies can't directly control these costs, they are regularly monitored to see how they are affecting the costs of the claims paid out. As they change, auto premiums must be adjusted. These costs can affect your auto insurance premium whether or not you individually have had an accident or a claim.

Changes you make to your auto insurance policy or coverage may also change the premiums. Adding or removing a driver, buying a new car, moving to a new location or changing how you use your car may influence the cost of your auto insurance.

Controlling Insurance Costs

What are The Pfister Insurance Agency insurance companies doing to control car insurance costs?

We have a network of reliable auto repair facilities for the highest quality repairs at competitive prices
We vigorously oppose frivolous lawsuits
We have an active anti-fraud unit
We offer a youth driving safety education discount to all parents of young drivers who complete the course
We offer annual policies to keep your rates stable
We offer accident free discounts
Some of our companies offer first accident forgiveness

What deductible should I choose?

The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your premium will be - but the more you will pay out of pocket in case of a claim. The lower the deductible, the higher the premium - but the less expenses you will have out of pocket, if you have a covered claim.

Does the kind of car I drive influence my auto insurance rates?

The car you drive can have a substantial impact on your auto insurance premium, especially the amount you pay for comprehensive and collision coverages. The insurance rates for comprehensive and collision coverages are determined by looking at the type of vehicle loss history - how often it is stolen, and how costly it is to repair or replace after an accident. Discuss this with Tony, at Pfister Insurance Agency, to see which vehicles have lower premiums than others.

Discounts

What kinds of auto insurance discounts are available from The Pfister Insurance Agency?

There are many types of discounts available thru The Pfister Insurance Agency to help keep your auto insurance premiums as low as possible. Discounts will vary by company, but most offer many of the same discounts. Some types of discounts available are:

Accident Free: Your driving record, if clear, can provide a discount for you
Good Student: Drivers under 25 years of age who are full-time students in high school or college may qualify for an additional discount if they are maintaining a 3.0 grade average
Auto/Home: You save money on both your home and your auto insurance by purchasing both from the same insurance company
Multi-car: If you own two or more vehicles, and insure all of them with the same company, you may qualify for the Multi-car discount
AAA Membership: Your AAA membership may entitle you to an addiitional discount on your auto insurance
Certified Teacher in Ohio: If you are a certified teacher in Ohio, you may qualify for an additional discount

Please contact Tony, at The Pfister Insurance Agency, to see exactly what discounts you may qualify for and how they can improve your premium costs for auto insurance.

Safe Cars

What are the safest cars to drive?

Even the safest cars are dangerous if not driven safely. However, some of the discounts available are for drivers of cars with:

Air bags
Anti-lock brakes
Electronic stability control
Security systems
Vehicle retrieval systems

Does my financing affect my insurance needs?

Some leasing and auto loan companies require a certain level of insurance coverage and deductible. If you speak with Tony, at The Pfister Insurance Agency, he can counsel you on what your specific needs may be.

Special Coverages

Are there special coverage options for new cars?

Loan/lease gap coverage is available for new cars. This insures that the difference between the value of your car and the amount of your loan will be reimbursed if you have a total loss.

I had a new CD player installed in my car - am I covered?

Under the Comprehensive and Collision portion of your policy, optional equipment ( a CD player for example ) is covered only if it is permanently installed in the opening of the dash area where the manufacturer would normally install such equipment. Some companies provide this coverage additionally -at no charge. Other companies offer an endorsement to provide coverage for optional equipment not permanently installed in the dash and for theft of items such as tapes, discs or other equipment designed for the reproduction of sound.

Collectible Auto Insurance

Are there insurance companies available to insure my collectible vehicles?

Yes, American Collectors Insurance Company specializes in protecting collectible vehicles. They have VERY competitive rates and provide substantial protection for all types of collectible vehicles. For example, a 1965 Ford Mustang, valued at $35,000 can be insured for as little as $215 per year.

Are there discounts available for my collector car insurance?

Yes, many of the discounts available for contemporary vehicles are also available for collector vehicles.

For more information, please contact Tony, at The Pfister Insurance Agency.

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