Tiger Kenedy : Why should one compare auto insurance quotes with differnet dedutibles?

Compare auto insurance quotes with different deductibles is a good idea.

Response : It is a very good idea to compare auto insurance quotes using different deductibles and this can be done really easily. Let me give you examples to make it absolutely clear as to what is the effect of different deductibles on the auto insurance quotes. First let us understand what a deductible is.

What is an Auto Insurance Deductible?
A deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying in the event of a physical damage claim on your vehicle. The insurance company pays for the cost greater than the deductible to repair your car. If the total cost to repair the damage to your car is less than the deductible, you are responsible for paying for all the repair costs.

Secondly, deductibles are only paid for physical damage claims for your vehicle, not liability claims. So if you are found liable (at fault) for damage to another person’s car or injury to another person in an accident, you DO NOT have to pay a deductible.

Likewise let me also clarify that comparing different deductibles is a good idea only if you are going to take the own damage coverage of the auto. Incase you are not opting for own damage or comprhensive coverage which is another name given to this, than there is no use comparing deductibles and this option would not be given online.

There are several deductible amounts you can choose when selecting an insurance policy. The amount generally ranges between $250 and $1,000. Generally, a higher deductible will lower your insurance rate. You should choose the highest deductible you can afford. Keep in mind that the deductible is paid each time a separate claim is filed. The deductible amount is the amonut that you will have to bear each time you report an auto insurance claim. If you report three damages or place three claims in a year, you will have to pay three deductibles.

Example 1: Frank has a $1000 deductible for the physical damage coverage for his car. Frank crashes his car with a neighbours fence causing $3,000 in damage to his car. Frank would be responsible for paying the first $1000 to repair his car. Frank’s insurance company would pay the additional $2,000. It’s important to note that the cost to repair the neighbor’s fence would be covered by Frank’s liability coverage.

Example 2: Allison has a $250 deductible for the physical damage coverage for her car. Allison accidentally backs into her neighbor’s mailbox at a slow rate of speed, causing only $100 damage to fer car and no damage to the neighbor’s mailbox. Since Allison’s deductible is $250, she is responsible for all the repair costs associated with the accident. Her insurance company would only pay for damage in excess of $250.

Remember, the number of claims you file is held against you in the form of additional cost for insurance in the future. Also, insurers may sometimes choose to non-renew your policy after the initial policy term is up based on your previous filing claims. Circumstances can vary greatly, but it is a good idea to pay for all small damages to your vehicle with your own money.

It would be smart to opt for a higher deductible if you are a good driver and so you can save on your auto insurance premium and would get a low auto insurance rate or premium.

Happy Motoring.
thanks.
Kamlesh

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Tiger Woods : New Jersey: Please tell me about comparative negligence which is applicable under auto insurance? Please explain to me when this condition comes into force in auto insurance.

Response : The Comparative Negligence Act is not prevalent in all parts of USA. New Jersey has a “comparative negligence” law under auto insurance or car insurance but it comes into play only at the time of claim. When an auto accident takes place more than one person can be at fault in an accident. Under this law, you can collect damages only if your degree of fault does not exceed that of other driver(s) in the accident. The settlement, however, can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
In auto insurance, comparative negligence is a term used to indicate the degree of fault each individual involved in an accident contributes to the cause of the accident. In New Jersey the insurance company investigates the accident and determines how much each individual or vehicle involved contributed to the accident occurring. If you are seeking reimbursement from your own insurance company under your collision coverage, comparative negligence does not apply. However, if you are pursuing a claim against the other driver, his or her insurance company will determine whether and to what extent that driver is at fault for the accident.
The Comparative Negligence Act permits insurance companies to determine responsibility for an accident in proportion to fault of the involved parties. The insurer will review the facts and investigate then assign a percentage of liability to the parties involved in the accident based on contributing factors. Examples of these factors include such things as, failing to observe and avoid the other vehicle, failing to sound the horn, apply brakes or swerve and/or driver inattention.
Some terms you may come across when discussing negligence issues with the insurance company are:
1) proximate cause of the collision: this means the primary reason the accident occurred such as a driver not stopping at a stop sign -this is the main reason for the accident to have happened.
2) greater duty of care: such as a person pulling out of a stop sign having the responsibility to be certain no cars are coming before pulling out;
3) last clear chance to avoid the collision: meaning the person who could have done something to avoid the accident occurring and evasive action, meaning the actions a driver can take to avoid the accident.
Here is an illustration for a comparative negligence under auto insurance:
For example, if the other driver is 80% at fault and you are 20% at fault, you can collect for your damages because you were not more than 50% at fault. However, the other driver’s insurer will only offer to pay for 80% of your damages.
Other points to remember:
o While traffic citations and convictions under New Jersey’s motor vehicle laws are factors often used to assess liability, neither necessarily means that a driver is 100% responsible for an accident. The fact that another driver may have been issued a citation or was even convicted of a moving traffic violation, and you were not, does not necessarily mean that some degree of liability still can’t be assessed to you for contributing to the accident.
o When you file a “third party” claim with another insurer, you do not have a contract with that insurer and their primary obligation is to their own policyholder.