Category: Auto Insurance

Comprehending Comprehensive and Collision Insurance in Washington

Abiding by auto insurance requirements in Washington is not just a legal mandate but an intelligent decision. Basic liability insurance, however, does not shield your vehicle from collisions or non-collision-related happenings. Delving into the distinctions between comprehensive and collision insurance is essential for Bellevue, WA drivers aiming to safeguard their auto investments. Friendly insurance agents at VIP Insured are eager to assist you in this process.

Fundamentals of Comprehensive and Collision Coverage for Washington Drivers

Comprehensive and collision insurance is an enhanced form of auto insurance that extends protection to drivers from accidents and non-accident incidents. Also known as full-coverage insurance, this affords financial protection and security from a broad range of driving-related perils. Here’s a glimpse into the sphere of protection provided by this coverage:

• Damage from Natural Disasters: Natural disasters can wreak havoc at any moment, leaving a trail of destruction. This can include flooding, power outages, and fires. Comprehensive auto insurance provides a safety net against out-of-pocket expenses related to auto damage caused by such natural forces.
• Property Damage from Theft or Break-Ins: Comprehensive insurance provides additional coverage for damages caused by attempted auto theft or break-ins, further enhancing your vehicle’s protection.
• Animal Encounters: An unexpected collision with a large animal, such as a deer, can cause serious damage to your car. Here’s where collision insurance comes in to defray the cost of damage, repair, or vehicle replacement, ensuring peace of mind.
• Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits: Available as optional add-ons to most policies, Emergency Roadside Services (ERS) offer roadside support for breakdowns, lockouts, tire changes, and towing within policy limits.

Speak with a licensed insurance agent at VIP Insured in Bellevue, WA, today to get your quote! We’re here to provide the guidance and information you need to make informed decisions.

Did you know that over six million car accidents occur in the U.S. each year? Yet at the same time, there are more than 250 million cars in the United States and Americans collectively drive more than 3 trillion miles per year. For most drivers, the vast majority of those miles will be uneventful. Yet dangers on the road abound. By being vigilant and carrying the right auto insurance plans, however, drivers can reduce risks.

If you want to explore auto insurance options in Bellevue, WA or surrounding communities, contact VIP Insured.

Never Underestimate the Weather

Most cars and trucks can protect you from rain, cold winds, and other general weather hazards. Yet snow, ice, and even humble puddles can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Further, floods can quickly overpower vehicles, and winds might knock branches and other things into cars.

Many auto insurance policies provide coverage for damage caused by storms and other weather events. Of course, it’s crucial to always examine what is and is not covered with each plan.

Don’t Overlook Other Drivers

Even if you’re the safest, most cautious, and most skilled driver around, you could end up in an accident with another vehicle. Someone might rear-end or sideswipe you, for example. Collisions with vehicles can be especially dangerous because two fast-moving objects can result in a lot of damage. Defensive driving is always wise, and auto insurance policies with collision insurance may help cover damages.

Failing Infrastructure Can Strike from Left Field

Occasionally, bridges and other pieces of vital infrastructure collapse. Sinkholes can open practically anywhere and sometimes swallow cars whole. If you know a nearby bridge is in bad shape, you may want to take another route.

If you’d like to discuss auto insurance policy options in Bellevue, WA or surrounding communities, get in touch with VIP Insured.

At VIP Insured, serving the greater Bellevue, WA area, we know that our clients want to do everything they can to reduce their chances of being involved in an accident. There are many things drivers can do to decrease their accident risk, including taking defensive driving courses, driving the speed limit, and properly maintaining their car.

Here are a few of the ways that proper car maintenance can decrease the chances of you being in an accident:

Proper Car Maintenance Ensures Your Tires Are Safe

One of the most common reasons why accidents occur is because tires are bald or not inflated to the correct setting. This prevents the tire from gripping the road and can lead to a blow out. Ensuring your tires are properly inflated and safe helps to prevent accidents. 

Proper Car Maintenance Keeps Your Car Going Straight

Proper car maintenance also helps to ensure your tires are aligned, which helps your car continue on a straight path. This helps to keep you safe when you are driving, while also minimizing the chances of you being involved in an accident. 

Routine Maintenance Minimizes Unexpected Stalling 

Lastly, if your car suddenly dies or stalls in traffic, someone may rear-end you, because they are not expecting you to stop. Routine car maintenance helps prevent this from happening, helping you to stay safer on the roadways. 

Give Us A Call

There are a number of reasons why you want to ensure your car is properly maintained and cared for, including increasing the longevity of your car and helping to maintain the value of your car. However, proper maintenance can also decrease your chances of being involved in an automobile accident. If an accident happens, you want to ensure your car insurance fully covers and protects you.

Reach out to VIP Insured, serving the greater Bellevue, WA area today, to help you get the right car insurance for your needs. 

Auto insurance offers a variety of protection for drivers. Not all types of coverage are mandated, but all of them have benefits that should be considered when choosing the kind of coverage you have. If you have a car loan, you will be required to have more coverage than if you don’t have a loan. At VIP Insured in Bellevue, WA, we are independent insurance agents who represent a variety of carriers and are able to work with you to find coverage that protects you at a price you can afford. 

Basic coverage includes only one type of coverage, liability. This is the insurance that protects other people from you. It covers them for bodily injury and also for the damage to their vehicle. It can also be what protects you if they decide to sue you for pain and suffering. In Washington, that is 25/50/10. If you happen to have an accident where you are at fault and the vehicle is worth more than $10,000, you will be paying the difference out of your pocket. Never a good idea. 

If you are like most people, you use your vehicle every day. You drive to work, run errands, take the kids to activities. Being without a vehicle is not an option. But what if you are responsible for an accident or are a victim of a hit and run? You will have to pay to repair or replace your vehicle yourself. Most people will find that difficult. 

What if your vehicle was stolen? Without comprehensive coverage, you will just not have your vehicle. When you count on your vehicle, it is important to have more than basic insurance coverage. Consider adding collision and comprehensive coverage. 

Contact VIP Insured in Bellevue, WA  by phone or drop into our office for a no-obligation quote.

There are a number of different safeguards that are in place when you have full coverage auto insurance. Aside from simply having peace of mind that your expenses will be covered if you’re involved in a collision, you will also have more freedom as you customize your coverage. You can also ensure that you are meeting your state’s minimum requirements for auto insurance. VIP Insured wants to ensure Bellevue, WA drivers are familiar with the different kinds of coverage available.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance coverage will cover damages that don’t occur as a result of an accident. For instance, this type of coverage will cover events like fire, vandalism, and theft. It will pay some or all of the repair or replacement costs for your vehicle.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance coverage will cover damages that occur if you cause an accident. It may also kick in for other situations when your vehicle suffers damage and another vehicle is not involved. These situations may include when you hit a tree, fence, mailbox, or telephone pole.

Liability Coverage

There are two main forms of liability coverage: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury will cover the medical costs for someone who is injured if you are deemed at fault for a collision. Property damage covers damages to the other individual’s vehicle if you’re responsible for an accident.

As you can see, the difference between collision and liability is that collision will cover your personal vehicle, whereas liability will cover the vehicle of the other party involved.

Most states will have a minimum requirement for you to carry in terms of liability insurance, and you can check with one of our insurance agents at VIP Insured to ensure you are meeting these requirements. We can answer any questions you have about insurance in Bellevue, WA and get you set up with an auto insurance policy that meets your needs and budget. Contact us today.