Frequently Asked Questions

It's the one-page summary of your policy — who's covered, what vehicles, how much coverage, and what you're paying. Think of it as the receipt for your insurance.

Collision covers damage when your car hits something; comprehensive covers everything else — theft, hail, flooding, a deer. You usually need both for full physical damage protection.

Liability only pays for damage you cause to other people — it does not pay to fix your own car. If the accident is your fault, your repairs come out of your pocket.

You have one for collision and one for comprehensive — you only pay whichever applies to the type of claim you're filing. They're separate coverages with separate cost-sharing amounts.

It protects you if someone hits you and they have no insurance — and about 1 in 8 drivers on the road doesn't. It's usually affordable and can be a serious financial lifesaver.

Rates vary a lot based on where you live, your driving history, and even your credit score — so "normal" is relative. What matters most is whether you've shopped recently and your coverage matches your needs.

Carriers adjust rates based on things outside your control — rising repair costs, more claims in your area, or changes to their overall pricing model. It's worth reviewing your policy every single renewal.

Possibly — insurers pull your driving and claims history, and old incidents or even errors can quietly affect your rate. You can request your CLUE report for free once a year.

The most commonly missed are multi-policy bundling, low mileage, paying in full, and good driver discounts. Most carriers won't volunteer these — you have to ask.

Going from $500 to $1,000 can save 10–20% on that portion of your premium, but you're taking on more out-of-pocket risk. Only raise it to an amount you could comfortably pay tomorrow.

Only if you have uninsured motorist coverage — without it, you may be left paying your own bills. This is one of the most important and overlooked gaps in a standard policy.

You're personally responsible for anything beyond your policy limits — meaning your savings, wages, or assets could be at risk. Higher liability limits are usually cheaper than most people expect.

Generally yes — insurance follows the car, not the driver. But if that person lives in your household and isn't listed on your policy, your carrier may deny the claim.

Only if you have rental reimbursement coverage added — it doesn't come standard. It typically costs just a few dollars a month and is worth having.

Your carrier will pay actual cash value — market value minus depreciation, not what you paid or owe. If you have a loan, gap coverage protects you if the payout is less than your balance.

Make sure everyone is safe, call the police, and document everything — photos, the other driver's info, and witness contacts. Don't admit fault at the scene, even casually.

It can, depending on your carrier and state — not-at-fault claims don't always stay off your record. It's worth calling your agent to understand the impact before you file.

Your deductible is the amount you pay first before your insurance covers the rest. If you have a $1,000 deductible and $4,000 in damage, your carrier pays $3,000.

You can file through your own insurance and let them fight the other carrier — that's part of what you're paying for. Uninsured motorist coverage gives you an important backup here.

Yes — you can dispute the valuation with comparable listings from your market and request a review. Carriers adjust offers more often than people realize when you push back with data.

If you can get the same coverage for meaningfully less — or better coverage for the same price — it's worth it. Make sure you're comparing identical limits and deductibles, not just the premium.

Match your liability limits, deductibles, and add-ons exactly across every quote you pull. A cheaper quote with lower limits isn't a better deal — it's just less coverage.

Bundling usually saves 10–25% and simplifies your life, but not always — some carriers offer better standalone rates. It's worth getting separate quotes to be sure.

At every renewal, and definitely after any major life change — new car, new home, marriage, or adding a driver. The insurance market shifts constantly and loyalty rarely pays off.

Check your liability limits — most people are underinsured there and it's the coverage that protects everything you own. Bumping from state minimum to 100/300 often costs less than a coffee a week.