Understanding the Different Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

Making an Informed Decision on Auto Insurance

Selecting appropriate auto insurance can seem daunting, but it’s crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and your finances. At Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., serving the broader Pinecrest, FL area, we’re committed to helping you comprehend the various types of coverage, enabling you to make well-informed decisions.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage forms the core of any auto insurance policy. It covers expenses linked to injuries and property damage you might inflict in an accident. While it won’t cover your personal injuries or vehicle repairs, it protects you against potential lawsuits and financial losses.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is fundamental if you seek protection for your vehicle post-accident, irrespective of who is at fault. It covers repair or replacement costs, helping you evade significant out-of-pocket expenditures. This is particularly useful for new cars, which may be expensive to repair.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage comes into play when your car incurs damage from non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, or natural calamities. This insurance grants peace of mind, ensuring unforeseen incidents don’t burden you with hefty repair costs.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, covers medical expenses for you and your passengers following an accident, regardless of who’s to blame. It can also cover lost wages and other related costs, offering crucial support in states with no-fault insurance laws.

Comprehending these coverage types will empower you to build a policy that aligns with your specific requirements. At Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., serving the community in and around Pinecrest, FL, we’re devoted to helping you identify the optimum protection. Contact us today to investigate your options and secure the best coverage for your vehicle.

Four Ways to Get Quality Auto Insurance

The right auto insurance policy can help you protect yourself and your vehicle, along with other drivers on the road and their vehicles. If you’re in the Pinecrest, FL area and looking for auto coverage, Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can help. Our agents know the importance of the right auto policy and understand that everyone’s situation is different regarding the type and level of coverage they’re looking for. Here are four ways to get good vehicle coverage.

1. Work With an Agent

Working with an agent helps you get questions answered and gives you insight from a professional who can guide you through the process. That helps with peace of mind and makes it easier to choose a good policy.

2. Compare Coverage Options

You want to take time to compare some coverage options because you need a policy that fits your situation. By looking at coverage from several insurers, you can compare options more easily.

3. Keep Your Policy Updated

Anytime your situation changes (new car, new driver, etc.), you want to review your policy with your agent and ensure you have the best coverage for the future. Changing your vehicle or adding drivers can mean your old policy is not the best fit anymore.

4. Review Your Insurance Every Year

Even if anything doesn’t change every year, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your agent. There may be new options to consider that will better fit your driving habits and vehicle.

Contact us today at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. if you’re in the Pinecrest, FL area and looking for auto insurance. We’re here to help you choose the right policy for your needs to have good coverage and more security on the road.

Three things to do if your auto is damaged in a hurricane

If you live in the greater Pinecrest, FL area, Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. is here to help you with all of your insurance needs. Hurricane damage is a real threat in our area, and we want to help you be prepared! Give us a call today and find out more.

Three things to do if your auto is damaged in a hurricane

When people think about hurricane damage, they usually focus on damage to their homes. Unfortunately, a hurricane can also damage your vehicle. If you find your car damaged by a hurricane, do these three things immediately!

  1. Get to safety. This is the first and most important thing to do if you are in a damaged car during a hurricane. If you need to leave your vehicle, get to a safe spot as quickly as possible.
  2. Arrange for towing when necessary. Call a tow truck if your vehicle is damaged to the point where it can’t be driven. Be sure to take your damaged vehicle to a repair shop your insurance provider approves.
  3. Call your local insurance agent. Working with a local agent can help you get your auto repaired or replaced with less stress and headaches. They can also help you throughout the claims filing process.

Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage to your home, auto, and property. Be sure to prioritize your safety first!

Call or stop by today!

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. is here for the Pinecrest, FL community. Consider us a resource for all your insurance questions and call us today and schedule an appointment, or stop by our office to find out more.

What To Know About Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is a contract between you and the insurer, who agrees to pay for certain losses in exchange for your promise to pay premiums. The purpose is to protect other people who might be harmed by your automobile. It also protects you if someone else sues you because of an accident that was your fault.

It also covers the costs of defending you in a lawsuit. When you are involved in an accident and it’s your fault, the other driver can sue you. If they win, the court awards damages to make them "whole" (that is, to put them in as good a financial position as they were before the accident). Your auto insurance policy covers your liability for these damages up to the policy’s limits.

Liability Coverage

When you’re talking about car insurance, liability coverage describes the amount that an insurer will payout in the event of an accident. This coverage is typically divided into two categories: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage pays for the medical expenses resulting from an accident, while property damage covers the cost of damage to other people’s property.

Local laws require drivers to carry at least some liability coverage, and the state minimums will usually only be enough to meet this requirement. If you need more protection, it’s usually a smart idea to look for higher limits.

Additional coverage options include:

  • Underinsured motorist coverage: This optional policy will help you cover any damages if the other driver’s insurance doesn’t pay up.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage: This type of policy can protect you if the accident was caused by a driver who has no insurance.
  • Collision coverage: Claims covered under collision insurance are for physical damage to your car caused by an accident.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This type of insurance will pay for damages that cannot be attributed to a specific event, like if someone steals your car.

A good auto insurance policy will help cover the costs of getting you back on the road if your car is damaged or stolen. It also offers financial protection in case you’re ever liable for an accident that causes injury to another party.

If you are looking for auto insurance in Pinecrest, FL, Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. offers a variety of policies. Contact us today to learn more about them and what auto insurance can do for you.

Why should I get auto insurance in Florida?

In the Pinecrest, FL area, people will have plenty of access to a lot of local amenities. In order to get around quickly and efficiently, you will need to own a car. When you are looking for a car, you should also spend time thinking about your insurance needs. There are several reasons why someone here should get an auto insurance policy. 

Provides Coverage for Vehicle

One reason that you should get auto insurance in Florida is that it can protect your vehicle. Any vehicle will require you to spend money on the purchase, maintenance, and service. To protect this investment, you need to protect your car with insurance. A full collision and comprehensive insurance policy can provide you with the coverage you need to mitigate the risk of theft or accident damage.

Coverage for Liability Risk

Another risk that you should mitigate is the risk of liability. Those that drive a car are going to frequently take on the risk that they could cause damage in an accident. If this occurs, you will need to pay for the associated damages. Fortunately, you can offset this risk if you are able to get an insurance policy. Auto insurance will include a certain level of auto liability protection that can provide you with ample coverage. 

Having auto insurance in the Pinecrest, FL area is clearly a very important responsibility. If you are looking for a new insurance policy here, you need to make sure you choose the right policy that meets your needs. As you are looking for a new policy, you should call Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. When you speak with Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. you can learn a lot more about what your options are and how you can best mitigate your personal risks. 

Additional Coverage Options for Florida Auto Insurance Policies

Every Florida driver is required to have an active auto insurance policy. This policy must meet certain state-required minimums. Failing to meet these standards could result in certain penalties. Florida is a no-fault state, so you need to have a policy that will pay for injuries or damages regardless of who is at fault.

Florida’s Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Florida residents are required to have minimum amounts for the following types of coverage:

•    No-fault or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
•    Property damage liability (PDL) coverage

Personal injury protection will pay for any medical expenses or other liabilities that resulted in a loss of income because of an accident. It can cover your child or any other members of your household. It can also cover any passengers who have been injured because of an accident.

Property damage liability will cover any damage to someone else’s property if it has been caused by an accident in which you have been involved, and it can include any homes or buildings. Be sure to speak to an agent at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. if you’re in the Pincecrest, FL area. We can help you find a policy that will meet these standards and we’ll make sure it fits within your budget.

Optional Coverage for Auto Insurance Policies in Florida

While there are certain state-required minimums, it may be advisable to purchase additional coverage, which can include extra dollar amounts for the required types of coverage according to Florida State Law. You can also purchase the following types of coverage:

•    Comprehensive – Will pay for any damage that isn’t the result of an accident
•    Collision – Will pay for any accident-related damages to your car
•    Towing and labor – Could come in handy if you’re in an emergency situation
•    Uninsured/underinsured motorist – Will pay for any damage that’s caused by a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance according to Florida State Law
•    Rental car coverage – Will cover the cost of renting a car for a specified amount or period of time

If you’re thinking about adding these additional coverage options, you should get in touch with Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. We have been serving the people of Pincecrest, FL for a long time and we can help you get the coverage you need. Be sure to get in touch with someone at our office. We would be happy to sit down and discuss your insurance needs!