Who You Are Drives Your Rates
It’s all about you. An insurance company needs to know the basics to get your quote started: your age, sex, marital status, driving record, credit history and cars. Why so many questions? Auto insurance companies take these factors into account to offer discounts and coverage options that match your lifestyle. Before you buy a policy, your company will verify your personal information using public sources for your motor vehicle and claim history reports.
Protect Yourself and Your Passengers
Know what’s required and what you need. You might consider the minimum liability coverage required plenty for you. After all, $50,000 sounds like a lot, right. But, these days, that may not be enough. Rising medical costs often result in underinsured motorist claims, when a long-term hospital stay exceeds the minimum limits most drivers buy. Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage is not required in Georgia – but think twice before saying no to this potential financial life saver.
Your own policy covers passengers and generally anyone who drives your car with your permission. Comprehensive and Collision coverages protect your investment in your car. And, buy Gap Coverage for a brand-new car, unless you have guaranteed replacement cost from your insurer.
You Can Text – But Do You Want To?
Georgia doesn't ban texting while driving, unless you're a school bus driver. But, research proves the link between chatting and crashing. Drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to be in or cause an accident resulting in someone getting hurt, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. When you consider that a rate increase depends on the severity of the accident, degree of fault, and cost of the claim, updating facebook at 65 mph is a bad idea.