Driving is a privilege that comes with great risk. Car insurance not only keeps you legally compliant with state regulations for drivers, but it can also help protect you against the financial dangers of operating a motor vehicle. Whether you spend only a few hours behind the wheel each week or several hours per day, accidents can happen at any time. Would you be prepared?
At Feldbruegge Insurance, we know the devastation an accident can cause. We also know that even the safest drivers can succumb to slick roads, unpredictable wildlife, and simple mistakes with major consequences. Time and time again, drivers discover far too late that their auto insurance does not protect them the way they expected. Our goal as your independent insurance agency is to help you understand your coverage and point you toward a policy with well-rounded protection at an affordable price.
Understand Your Auto Coverage
No one should be caught off guard after an accident, but many are. Could you afford to purchase a new car to replace yours if it were totaled in an accident? That is exactly what could happen if you choose a liability-only policy. Could you afford to pay $150,000 for victim medical bills, property damages, and lost wages if you injure someone in an accident? This could become your reality if you choose low-limit auto insurance protection that leaves you vulnerable to expensive litigation.
It is important to educate yourself about your coverage. Working closely with your agent, you can assess your individual coverage needs by determining the value of your vehicle, the cost of getting medical care after an accident, your overall risk of accidents, and how much you could lose in a lawsuit. We can walk you through the various coverage types on your policy, answering any questions you may have about policy components so you can make educated decisions about your auto insurance.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Wisconsin, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Auto Insurance Coverage Types
Many auto insurance companies are competing to insure your vehicle. Coverage types can vary depending on the insurer, and there may also be custom auto coverages available that are unique to the insurer, such as new car replacement. However, there are certain types of coverage that are offered by nearly all auto insurers. A bare-bones policy may offer only a few required coverages with low coverage limits. This could leave you vulnerable to loss. At Feldbruegge Insurance, we typically recommend a more extensive policy with multiple coverages to help mitigate your risks.
Examples include:
Collision Insurance
If your vehicle is damaged in a collision, auto insurance can help pay for repairs, whether you were at fault or another driver damaged your vehicle. In most cases, collision insurance requires a deductible. This is the amount you agree to contribute toward the cost of repairs when you need to file a claim.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle against damages caused by non-collision events. For example, if you hit an object in the road or your windshield is shattered by a rock, comprehensive can help cover the damages. From hail dents to vandalism, this coverage can spare you the cost of repairs or compensate you for your vehicle’s value if it is deemed a total loss. Like collision insurance, comprehensive coverage is generally subject to a deductible.
Rental Car Coverage
When an accident lands your vehicle in the body shop, you may need alternative transportation for your commute. Rental car coverage can help take the sting out of renting a car until your vehicle is returned to you or you find a replacement.
Passenger and Driver Injuries
If you and/or your passengers are injured while operating or riding in your vehicle, auto insurance can help cover the cost of necessary medical expenses. Talk to your agent to learn more about medical payments and personal injury protection.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
When another driver is responsible for an accident that caused you injury, their liability insurance should cover your losses. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or has too little coverage to pay for your medical expenses, uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for outstanding damages.
Roadside Assistance
No one wants to break down on the side of the road. After all, calling for a tow truck, fuel delivery, flat tire assistance or some other support can be costly. If you are not familiar with your surroundings, it can make things even worse. Many insurers offer roadside assistance to help cover the cost of calling for help.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is mandatory for drivers. It covers third-party bodily injuries and property damages when you cause an accident. It can also help cover your legal fees if you are sued for compensation for damages. Note that the low liability limits required by law are often no match for an auto accident-related lawsuit. If your liability coverage is insufficient to cover your financial responsibility, you may have to pay excess damages out of pocket, whether that means dipping into savings or liquidating assets. For this reason, we recommend talking with your agent when selecting your coverage limits.
Request a Custom Auto Insurance Quote
At Feldbruegge Insurance, we can help you compare auto insurance options, answer your questions, and provide assistance choosing a policy that fits your needs. We can also spotlight discounts that may help you save, including safe driving discounts and savings for staying claims-free, completing a defensive driving course, or purchasing additional lines of coverage from the same insurer.
To learn more about how an independent agent can help you save on auto insurance, contact our office today.
