Insurance 101: Auto Coverages You Think You Have

Does your current auto insurance policy provide the protection you expect? Many times people aren’t sure what their insurance covers until it is too late. Here are some auto coverages that are generally available, but not typically included in an auto policy.

1. Lease/Loan Payoff Protection

If you owe more on your vehicle than what it is worth, and it is stolen or totally damaged in an accident, a standard auto insurance policy will pay you the amount your vehicle is worth but not make up the difference in what you owe. This “gap coverage” will cover the unpaid principal amount owed on your lease or loan.

2.Replacement Value Coverage               

If your vehicle is damaged, insurance companies typically pay the actual cash value of your vehicle, which takes depreciation into account. Some companies, like Acuity, offer additional coverage for newer vehicles to replace your totaled vehicle with a brand new vehicle of the same make or model.

3.Original Manufacturer New Parts

If your vehicle is damaged and parts need to be repaired, you may want the repairs done only with new parts from the vehicle’s manufacturer. Your auto insurance policy may only pay for salvage or aftermarket parts unless this coverage is specifically purchased.

4.Personal Property

If you are in a car accident and your computer, phone, or other personal items inside your vehicle are damaged or destroyed, your auto insurance policy may provide limited or no coverage to replace or repair these items. Additional coverage may be available to protect these expenses from becoming your sole responsibility.

5.Uninsured Motorists Property Damage

If your vehicle is damaged by a driver with no insurance, you could have to pay for repairs even though you were not at fault. Required in some states, and offered by some insurers in others, Uninsured Motorists Property Damage (UMPD) coverage pays for property damage to your vehicle. In most states, Acuity automatically provides UMPD when Collision coverage is purchased.

6.Full Safety Glass

Full Safety Glass coverage may be offered as an add-on coverage to replace your windshield without having to apply your Comprehensive deductible.

7.Lock Replacement

Does your auto insurance pay the cost to replace the locks on your vehicle if your keys are stolen or damaged? Insurance coverage for these situations may be available to you at an additional cost if you have Comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy.   

8.Roadside Assistance

You may need to look no further than your auto insurance for help changing a flat tire, jump starting the battery, or unlocking your car door. Some insurers offer this as an optional coverage. Acuity automatically provides roadside assistance when Towing and Labor coverage is purchased.

It is always good to know what your insurance policy covers before you need to use it. If you are curious or unsure about your current auto insurance coverage, ask your insurance agent. Also, if you don’t already have Acuity, ask your agent about us—we offer all of the auto insurance coverages outlined above, plus exceptional customer service driven by our 96% claims satisfaction rating. Having the right coverage and the right company will allow you to drive worry-free, knowing you’ll be taken care of.