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6 Steps to Buy Auto Insurance

Big words and lofty sentences always confuse people. Usually people find out about flaws in their auto insurance coverage after it’s too late. That's why we're here to help you purchase the right auto insurance. All you have to do is ask six simple questions:

1. First, discover who is covered? A policy always starts with a "name insured." This is the person who applies for the policy – it's also the person they send the bills to. You can also designate others to be included in this policy (i.e. sons, daughters, spouses, etc.) OR exclude someone you don’t want on the policy.
2. How much liability coverage? This means the amount of money that covers you if YOU were negligent and/or caused an auto accident. Pennsylvania law states there must be a minimum of 15/30 ($15,000 per person(s) injured/ $30,000 total per accident.) When buying a policy, buy in accordance with the amount of assets you own and especially what you want shielded from a lawsuit. Simple rule – buy an amount that covers the property you want protected.
3. How much medical coverage? Pennsylvania still requires you to use a $5,000 minimum on your own auto policy for medical expenses, even if you weren't at fault for the accident. After the minimum, you can use private coverage—such as the Blue Cross—or even the responsible driver's policy. You are most likely to be injured in an auto accident so buy good coverage – we recommend $100,000 at a minimum.
4. Have you looked at wage loss coverage? It is not required, but we highly recommend? it. Usually, wage loss coverage is bought in split amounts ($1,000 maximum per month and $15,000 total accident.) Also check up on any other disability policies available to you.
5. What is your underinsured and uninsured coverage? This coverage acts as a safety net in case the driver who causes an accident has no coverage or has limited coverage, and he/she cannot afford to compensate. This coverage comes off your own policy and goes to the driver at fault's policy, giving them the resources to pay for your injuries. Agents usually “soft sell” this coverage. You NEED it.
6. Is your policy full tort or limited tort? This is BIG. The few dollars you save by buying limited tort isn't worth loosing your right to sue if you receive injuries such as a fractured skull, broken ribs or knee surgery. With limited tort, you have to be SEVERLEY injured in order to sue. We recommend $100,000 at a minimum.