If you’ve ever had to file a claim on your car insurance, you know how invaluable this critical coverage can be. If you have never had to use your coverage, it just might save you tens of thousands of dollars in repair and liability costs one day. Here at Insurance Broker Direct, we help Indiana drivers like you learn more about your car insurance options and the types of coverage you might need to minimize your risk exposure. Our team will be there to answer your questions, offer guidance and recommendations, and even help you with the claims process should you need us.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Indiana?
The Indiana minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Indiana, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $25,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage. The minimum amount for uninsured motorist coverage is $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, and the minimum amount for underinsured motorist coverage is $50,000 for bodily injury.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Types of Indiana Car Insurance
All drivers in Indiana need car insurance to meet the state’s financial responsibility requirements, but the types and amounts that are right for you depend on your individual needs. Some of the most common types of car insurance in the Badger State include:
Liability Insurance
What would happen if you were sued for causing an accident? You could defer to your liability insurance, but it can only protect you up to the limits listed within your policy. That is why we recommend purchasing enough liability insurance to cover a victim’s medical expenses and protect your income and assets against possible litigation.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection
If you are hit by a driver, who is carrying inadequate insurance or no insurance at all, uninsured motorist protection and underinsured motorist protection help ensure the burden does not fall on you to cover your own losses.
Medical Payments Coverage
If you and your passengers are injured in an accident, medical payments coverage can help cover the cost of necessary medical expenses and funeral costs regardless of who was at fault for the collision. Even if you have health insurance, this type of coverage could be beneficial for offsetting your patient responsibility, such as copayments and deductibles.
Collision Insurance
An accident can inflict significant damage on a vehicle. Even what seems like a minor fender bender could cost thousands to repair. Collision insurance helps pay for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged or declared a total loss in an accident.
Comprehensive Insurance
Collisions are not the only thing that can threaten your vehicle. Many risks and perils can cause damages or loss, from severe weather events to theft and vandalism. Comprehensive insurance is vehicle coverage for damages caused by events other than a collision.
Rental Car Reimbursement
It can take many days to repair a vehicle or shop for a new one after an accident. It helps to know your car insurance can help cover the cost of temporary transportation until you have a vehicle that is up and running again.
Roadside Assistance
No one wants to get stuck on the side of the road, but when it happens, you can count on this coverage to help you pay for towing charges, lockout services, or even assistance changing a flat tire.
