• How can we reduce the cost to insure my teenage driver?
• Do I have automatic coverage for a car I just bought over the holiday weekend?
• What is "FULL COVERAGE”?
• Should I go to Traffic School for the ticket I just received?
• Will I be covered if I drive a vehicle registered to someone else?
• What do the numbers mean on the Coverage Page of my policy?
• Are there alternatives to the Extended Warranty the dealer offered us on our newly acquired vehicle?

How can we reduce the cost to insure my teenage driver?

Great Question! Here are few ways to help make auto insurance more affordable for a new driver: Look for Discounts - Good Student Discounts, Group Discounts, Multi-car Discount, Multi-policy Discounts are just a few ways to reduce the rates for your younger driver. Ask your agent for additional information. Stress Responsibility - young drivers can help control their own insurance rates by following the rules of the road. By knowing the DMV Handbook, avoiding tickets and accidents, practicing good driving habits, and taking responsibility of driving seriously, they can minimize surcharges that remain on their driving record for no less than 3 years. Avoiding distractions while driving is highly recommended. Be Practical - the more valuable the vehicle, the more likely the rates will be increased. Contact your agency for a tentative quote BEFORE you commit to a vehicle purchase, so you know what the expenses will be. Have the teenager participate in the cost of their insurance - we have found most teenage drivers respect the cost of their insurance more when they at least share in the expense to be included on the family auto insurance policy. This allows them to understand how their driving habits do reflect on the expense. Choose the right insurance carrier - seek out a company that will assign your teenage driver to the vehicle they actually drive the most. Many companies will assign teenage drivers to the most expensive vehicle to insure.

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Do I have automatic coverage for a car I just bought over the holiday weekend?

Not necessarily. If all of your owned vehicles are already listed on your auto insurance policy, most carriers (BUT NOT ALL) will extend those coverages to your newly acquired vehicle until the next business day. However, if you don't have Collision Coverage on your current policy on any vehicle, that coverage cannot be listed on your new vehicle. We suggest a call to your local agent in advance for details BEFORE you commit to a vehicle purchase. Be certain how your carrier handles that issue before you buy the vehicle.

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What is "FULL COVERAGE”?

The term "FULL COVERAGE" means something different for everyone. There really is no such thing as "FULL COVERAGE”. Each insurance carrier offers options to allow maximum benefits, and the more options you request the more likely you will be covered in the event of any loss. You will need to discuss with your local agent the options offered by your carrier.

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Should I go to Traffic School for the ticket I just received?

Absolutely! If you are eligible to attend traffic school to have a violation removed from your DMV driving record, do so. If you choose not to attend traffic school, and you get involved in a minor fender bender within the next three years, you will likely lose eligibility for your 20% Good Driver Discount. In addition, your policy probably will be surcharged for that violation. Online schools are available www.shastadrivingschool.com , and are usually less costly than the additional premium you pay over 3 years.

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Will I be covered if I drive a vehicle registered to someone else?

Many auto insurance carriers have limitations, exclusions or restrictions for these occasions. For instance, if you own a vehicle with a maximum value of $5000.00, many carriers will not pay any more than that for any vehicle you damage while driving. If you happen to be driving a $20,000.00 vehicle, this could create a problem. We suggest you check with the owner of the vehicle you will be driving to be certain you are covered under his/her auto insurance coverages. In addition, you should check with your local agent to ensure how your coverage will extend. While you may be covered if you drive a vehicle not registered to you, it will not prevent you from getting a ticket for No Proof of Insurance if pulled over and the vehicle is not insured by the registered owner. The law stipulates that the vehicle needs to be insured, regardless of the operator.

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What do the numbers mean on the Coverage Page of my policy?

If your agent has not explained these to you, it’s time for a new local agent! The coverages on your policy are for your protection, and you need to know how much protection you have. We strongly suggest you call your local agent right away to review your policy. It's suggested to review your policy frequently; your coverage needs can change with a change in your household, job, or maybe purchase of a new home. Don't wait until a loss occurs to find out what coverages you are missing from your policy.

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Are there alternatives to the Extended Warranty the dealer offered us on our newly acquired vehicle?

Yes! Williamson Insurance Agency offers Mechanical Breakdown Insurance as an alternative to most Extended Warranty options offered by the dealer. Rates are commonly at least 50% LOWER than what your dealer charges, and you don't have to pay interest on it as part of your loan. Call our office right away for details.

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