Auto Insurance 101: Review Your Auto Coverage in 2016

As we head into a new year, Denver West Insurance Brokers would like to remind readers that the right auto insurance policy can help get you back on the road quickly if your car is damaged or destroyed by accident, fire, theft, or other covered event. Your policy may also provide protection against medical and legal expenses resulting from injury, loss of life, or property damage caused by an accident involving your vehicle.

An auto policy is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a premium, and in exchange, the insurance company promises to pay for specific car-related financial losses during the term of the policy. Work with us to determine the best coverage for you. Keep in mind that Denver West Insurance Brokers can insure your motorcycle, classic car, motor home & RV, boat & Jet Ski, and ATV too!

But exactly how much auto insurance is right for you?

At Denver West Insurance Brokers, our team understands the auto insurance needs of our customers.  Auto insurance requirements vary by state. In some states, to drive you must carry:

• Liability coverage – to pay for losses you cause others, or
• No-fault coverage – to pay you and your passengers for medical and related expenses caused by injuries from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault, or
• Both liability and no-fault coverage.

Even in states where coverage isn’t required, drivers must, by law, be able to pay for losses they cause others. Having insurance is the simplest way for most people to comply. To finance a car, it is usually necessary to have insurance which covers damage to your vehicle. This includes:

Collision Insurance: Collision insurance coverage pays for damage caused to your vehicle in an automobile accident. Standard collision coverage will pay for any repairs up to the fair market value of your car. Collision coverage usually also comes with an insurance deductible. It’s the amount of money you pay toward repairs before your collision insurance kicks in. The higher the deductible you’re willing to pay, the less the collision coverage will cost.

Comprehensive Insurance (otherwise known as Other-Than–Collision): Comprehensive insurance covers damage done to your car in some way other than a collision, such as if it were stolen or vandalized. Flood, hurricane, theft, windshield damage and fire are also events usually covered by comprehensive car insurance. Like collision, comprehensive will pay up to the fair market value of your car (less your insurance deductible). And although it’s not legally required by any state, you will probably need it if your car is financed.

These are just a few of the basics when it comes to ensuring that you and your vehicles are properly insured. Understanding the specifics can be tricky and sometimes confusing.  Denver West Insurance Brokers are experts in the specifics on insurance in Colorado and would be happy to help you ensure you have the right coverage for where you live. Feel free to call us – we’re here to help!