You’ve moved out of your parents’ home in Florida and have your own car. Now it’s time to secure auto insurance, but where do you begin? Purchasing auto insurance isn’t challenging if you’re familiar with basic terminology and coverage. Americas Insurance Associates can help you understand the components of an auto insurance policy and find the best coverage for your needs.
Understanding Policy Coverage
Getting to know the terminology in your policy will enable you to make informed decisions. Typical auto policies include the following coverage:
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Liability
- Medical payments
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Property damage
The declarations page, which is the first page of your policy, summarizes all of this information. You’ll also see numbers indicating the maximum amount of coverage in dollars that your policy will pay in the event of an accident. Your policy may also offer optional coverage such as roadside protection, which allows you to call for emergency assistance if you get stranded due to a flat tire or vehicle breakdown. Some policies also provide rental car reimbursement, offering you transportation if your car is undrivable after an accident. Lastly, you’ll see an amount listed as the deductible. This is the out-of-pocket cost you’ll pay for damages if you’re involved in an accident.
Consider More Coverage than the State-Mandated Minimum
The state of Florida requires a minimal amount of insurance, but these requirements are quite low. State minimums are $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 for property damage. These amounts are unlikely to cover what you may need if you are at fault in an accident, so consider securing additional coverage.
The agents at Americas Insurance Associates, serving drivers in Florida, will be more than happy to help determine how much auto insurance you need. Contact our office today to get started on your policy.
