Summer Road Trips: Advice on Staying Safe

The school year is winding down and for many that means it is time for a summer road trip. Of course, you want to make sure your trip to and from your vacation destination is safe. Here are some tips to help you have an accident-free summer trip!

Planning

Plan as much detail as possible in advance so there’s no need to figure out where you are going while you are driving. Before you leave, map out your trip. Find out if you should expect any extensive construction on your drive. Look into options for places that you can stop and take a break. Consider restaurant options for meals. In addition, if your drive is very long, consider breaking it up into more than one day with a hotel stop in between. If you don't want to stop overnight, make sure you switch drivers so one person doesn't become too fatigued.

Check the Vehicle Condition

Check to make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid and that your last oil change was done recently. Measure the tire air pressure to verify it is adequate. Consider having an inspection done if you are concerned about the way the car is running before you leave. You really don't want to have a breakdown on a highway. If you wind up in that situation, make sure you pull off as far as possible. Getting completely off the highway is ideal since the shoulder is not very safe for car repairs.  

Always Buckle Up

Make sure everyone is properly buckled in the car every time you are driving, including short excursions such as a trip from the hotel to the beach. Children need to be properly restrained in the correct car seat. If necessary, pull off the road to handle a dicey situation!

Consider the drive as part of the adventure and don't try to rush it. Take it easy, enjoy the drive and have a wonderful, safe vacation!

Don’t forget about your coverage. Call Adcock-Adcock Property & Casualty Agency, Inc. at 813-933-6691 for more information on Tampa auto insurance.

A Total Headache: What to Do When a Car is Deemed a Full Loss

After the initial shock of being involved in a serious automobile accident has subsided, you must deal with your insurance provider regarding the repair of your vehicle.  No problem; that's what insurance is for, right? Another shock may be in store for you when the adjuster declares the vehicle a total loss, especially if the reimbursement payout offered to you is substantially less than what you feel entitled to receive.
The term "totaled" can mean different things, depending on a car's retail value.  A vehicle is considered a total loss if it will cost ¾ of its retail value to make the necessary repairs to restore it back to its condition before the accident. If the car is an older model, it may not take much damage at all for it to be totaled. A newer model must sustain severe damage—most likely from a front-end collision or rollover—in order to reach such a conclusion.
It doesn't happen often, but sometimes the payment offered is not enough to obtain a replacement that is suitable. You can take steps in order to make sure that your best interests are served.

• You should know the value of your vehicle, including any dealer-added options or aftermarket accessories. Any receipts for accessories will be helpful. Several online sites offer help in making this determination, including the industry standard, Kelly Blue Book. Be sure to take the vehicle's condition and mileage into account.

• Because vehicle ownership has additional costs, you need to add these to the replacement value calculation. Sales tax and motor vehicle registration and title fees are examples.

• You need to carefully review the paperwork regarding payout before agreeing to the amount. Does it meet the results of your personal research? If not, give your research and documentation to the adjuster for reconsideration.

• If you do not find the payout reimbursement satisfactory, it's time to involve your state insurance commission to see how totaled vehicle settlements are addressed. These agencies also have advocates who assist customers in reaching a satisfactory result. Your other option is to hire an independent appraiser and see how much money they say should be offered to you.

It may be possible for you to keep your totaled car. Your insurance agency could be convinced to deduct a salvage value from the payout, and you could use the remaining amount to repair your vehicle. This will require a salvage title, which will make your car illegal to be driven until it is repaired and passes inspection. If you need help in navigating the claims process for automobile accidents, consider calling us at 813-933-6691. Information is available to help in making the best financial decision. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance today for all of your Tampa auto insurance needs.

What you should know about Hit and Run Auto Accident Claims

No one wants to be on the receiving end of a hit and run accident. It's especially frustrating when the driver who hits your car flees the scene. In this case, defensive driving courses teach you to remain calm after an accident and to get out of the car with the intention of obtaining details from the other driver in order to expedite your claim. But, what do you do if the driver doesn't stick around?

Tip #1: Get as much information as possible.

Call the police as soon as possible after an accident.  While you are on the phone, write down as much information as you can about the other driver's vehicle. You should also note the street the accident happened on and any mile markers. If you have a portable camera or a camera phone, you can get even better evidence. Take a snapshot of the other driver's car and zoom in as much as possible to try to capture the driver's image. If the driver takes off while you're on the phone with the 911 operator, make sure to immediately let them know what direction the car is driving in and down what road. For your personal safety, don't try to pursue the driver yourself; let the police handle it so that you don't risk becoming the victim of violence.

Tip #2: Call your insurance company immediately.

You can still file a claim even if the other driver fled the scene. Share whatever information you managed to get in order to maximize your chances of a successful claim. Since leaving the scene of an accident is against the law, you may want to consult an attorney about filing a lawsuit. Provide your attorney with as much information as possible.

When a driver flees the scene of an accident, your insurance company presumes he or she does not have insurance. Thus, you have to depend on your insurance company to handle the claim. If you have to pay out of pocket for any damages, you can recover your payments via a personal injury lawsuit.

Tip #3: Make sure you have adequate insurance before you get behind the wheel.
If you don't carry full coverage and don't have any details about the other driver or his or her insurance, you may be out of luck as far as filing a claim. If no witnesses were present or you didn't get any statements from witnesses, there's really nothing you can do to recover any money.

Hit and run accidents are complicated situations that not all insurance companies are equipped to handle. If you'd like more information on hit and run Tampa Auto Insurance claims, please call an Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at 866-933-6691.

5 Common Auto Insurance Exclusions

One thing that must be purchased at the time of buying, leasing or renting a car is auto insurance.  Oftentimes, the excitement of driving takes over and you may not read your auto insurance policy handbook as closely as you should. This may not cause immediate problems, but it usually does when  there's an accident or you need to claim on your policy and discover that what you're claiming for is excluded from cover.

What is an Auto Insurance Exclusion?
An auto insurance exclusion is something that isn't covered on your policy either without an endorsement (being added on for an extra fee) or it isn't covered at all.  Auto insurance exclusions are not just items, they can also be other drivers or actions.

Auto insurance companies may have several exclusions, and although many companies will recite these exclusions to you at the time of purchase, there are just too many for some companies to make you aware of, so they almost always refer you to the manual for these exclusions.

Common Car Insurance Exclusions
Below is a list of five auto insurance exclusions, which most insurance companies can write into the policy:

• Overlapping insurance policies - Although it isn't a common practice for the average driver to have dual coverage, some drivers do choose to have their car ensured through more than one company. This is usually due one company offering better liability coverage, while the other offers more in the ways of endorsements. Either way, both auto insurance companies will write exclusions into your policy. This will cover how much they will insure you for and what type of insurance they will provide.
• Bodily injury - Although medical is almost always covered in an auto insurance policy, bodily injury caused to yourself while carrying passengers or hauling materials for compensation (such as a limo driver, deliveryman or cabdriver) is normally excluded. This usually falls under the term livery.
• Intentional damage - Part of this exclusion is rather new to most auto insurance policies. This involves acts of rage such as using your car as a weapon. This also includes setting your own car on fire or kicking your car to blow off steam.
• Acts of nature - Hail damage, damage caused by flying degrees or a tree falling on your car are all considered acts of nature.  You may think that all insurance policies cover these acts, but they don't. Unless you have comprehensive cover, your car will not be insured from damage caused by acts of nature.
• Drag racing - Injury caused to yourself or your vehicle while drag racing will be excluded from collision coverage.

Before getting behind the wheel of your car, read your insurance policy closely to look for any specific exclusions from cover. Some things may not written in your policy, so if you don't see it there, don't assume that it's covered.  For additional information on insuring your car and Tampa auto insurance exclusions, call an Adcock-Adcock Insurance agent at 866-933-6691 today.

5 Reasons to Change Your Auto Insurance Policy and How to Do It

The necessity of owning auto insurance is a fact of life. Perhaps because it’s such a constant in life, people often make the mistake of doing some initial research before they get their auto insurance but then not thinking about it again for years. However, there are plenty of reasons you should reassess your Tampa Auto Insurance policy on a regular basis. Here are just a few:

1. A couple years has passed since you last shopped around
If it’s been 2 or 3 years since you got your auto insurance policy, you should at least spend some time shopping around and comparing the price of your policy with others on the market. Over 2-3 years, the market can change drastically. However, if you’re locked into a current plan you may not even notice there are better offers out there. There are also constantly new insurance companies entering into the market, and they are frequently willing to offer tantalizing deals to lure you away from your current company. To not at least explore these options regularly is unsound financial logic.

2. You’re getting married
If you’re getting married and will have two cars with two individual insurance plans, you should strongly consider canceling one of the plans. You can get a joint insurance plan to cover both cars and save yourself some money.

3. You’re getting a new car
Frequently car dealers will offer some sort of insurance deal to entice you to buy a new car. This might be something like free insurance for a year (or longer). This alone could be a reason to change policies. But even if there isn't an appealing offer that comes along with your car, insurance companies differ in the rates they offer for different brands and types of cars. You should shop around to see if you can find a better deal than what you’re currently getting.

4. You are retired and over 55
There are many insurance companies that offer discounts to those who are over 55. This is especially true if you have a good driving record. Thus, if you’re over 55 and your current company doesn't offer a discount, seek out someone who does.

5. You are going on a new budget
Don’t feel forced to accept your current insurance rate if you’re trying to cut costs. Shopping around may very well find you a new plan that fits in your budget, instead of one that forces you to form your budget around it.

Changing your insurance policy these days is pretty easy, and you can do most of the work over the internet or phone. To get started, contact an Adcock-Adcock Insurance agent today at 866-933-6691 and get a free quote on your new car insurance policy. You’ll wonder why you waited so long to shop around!

Who Needs Temporary Auto Insurance

Everybody understands the value of vehicle insurance, but few people understand how temporary auto insurance works. If you are like most motorists, then you have a standard auto insurance policy that covers you for an extended period of (e.g., six months or a year). What about if you are not a frequent driver, and you only want to drive your cousin’s car for a day or two?

Temporary auto insurance covers those who just need to drive for short periods. In most cases, it is available for 1 to 28 days, though there may be variations. Applicants usually get the coverage in a few minutes, so it is not something you have to plan for long in advance.

If you are borrowing a friend’s car, for example, you should not assume that his policy offers you coverage too, as that is not always the case. You should also look for temporary auto insurance when test driving a car or in any other situation where you need temporary use of a vehicle. Do not assume that the rental car is covered because it might not be.

This form of insurance is necessary because an accident can occur at any time, even in the driveway, and the consequences for the uninsured can be devastating. The temporary cover protects the driver, the car and any third parties who may incur losses in an accident involving your car.

However, temporary insurance is not all about protection in case of accidents. You should insure any car under your custody, even when it is not being driven. A car packed in the driveway or garage can be damaged by vandalism, fire or even stolen. If such a vehicle is not insured, then the owner will be left to bear the liabilities. Therefore, when you are in temporary custody of a vehicle, you should cover it even if it is just going to sit in your garage for a few days.

Short-term auto insurance policies can be expensive when you view them in an annualized basis. Since they are only required for short periods, they are not really expensive. In addition, you can use choose between liability coverage and full coverage. In most cases, it will just cost you a few dollars per day.

Tampa auto insurance regulations may not always be clear to you, so you should always check with your regular insurer first. If you have valid coverage in place, it may extend to any vehicle you drive. You should confirm, however, especially if you plan to drive out of state or in a foreign country. We are happy to answer all your temporary auto insurance queries. Contact us at Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency for all temporary vehicle insurance coverage you may need. Since it is always best to err on the side of caution, you should contact us if you are in doubt.

Is Your Learner’s Permitted Teen Covered?

Teenagers can't be expected to get behind the wheel of a car on the day of their driver’s test and ace the exam without having had any practice beforehand. A learner's permit allows an unlicensed teen to practice driving in real-world conditions as long as they have an adult present. This gives them valuable, firsthand experience in driving, helping them pass their test and become better drivers in general.

Generally, notifying your Tampa auto insurance company that your teenage son or daughter has received his or her learner's permit is sufficient to ensure that they’re covered under your policy. Because the teen is not yet a licensed driver and cannot drive alone, many insurance companies will not officially add them to the policy while they have a learner's permit--but some may. Either way, contact your insurer or agent to find out how your insurance company handles this situation.

If your teen drives another adult’s car with their permission, he or she is likely covered under that individual’s insurance policy. Before any other adult allows your teen to drive their vehicle, have a discussion with them about how you and/ or your teen will handle expenses for any claims that occur while the teen is driving. Also, find out the deductible on their policy so that you know what to expect should there be an accident. If their deductible is too high, you may not want your teen to drive their vehicle after all.

Lastly, it's always a good idea to raise your limits and consider lowering your deductible before your learner’s permitted teen gets behind the wheel. As an inexperienced driver, your teen is a big risk and adjusting your policy so that you have minimal financial exposure is a good idea. If other family members plan to take your teen driving in their vehicles, you may want to discuss this with them as well.

If you have a teenager getting ready to venture out into the world of vehicle operation, stop by or give us a call at 813-933-6691. We can discuss with you the many changes you might consider making in your insurance policy and help limit your risk exposure so that you can focus on training your teen to be the best driver possible.

Auto Insurance on the Move

If you’re getting ready to move, whether for personal or professional reasons, you need to consider how this change of location will affect your auto insurance policy. Here are five questions to ask yourself and your agent in order to better understand the true effect your move will have on your policy.

1. Are you moving out of state? If your move is not taking you across state lines then it may not change much more than just the address on your policy. However, if you are moving to another state you may need to get an entirely new auto insurance policy. Insurance is not regulated on a federal level, but on a state level. That means that each individual state has its own requirements for auto insurance policy conditions, limits, deductibles and more. Give your agent a call before you move and share with them the details of your relocation in order to determine how it will affect your auto insurance policy.
2. What new risks are you facing? The area you move to may have completely different risks of accidents, theft and vandalism then the area you currently live in. For example, if you currently park in a monitored garage but will be moving to an area with unmonitored, outdoor parking only, then your insurance premiums may change. In addition, you may wish to increase your limits in order to ensure complete protection, decrease your deductible so that you reduce the amount of self-insuring you must do, and add additional coverage options such as comprehensive so the theft or vandalism of your car is covered. Talk to your insurance agent about the various changes in risk that your move will bring and the ways that you can compensate for them.
3. How much will the move change your driving habits? If you are moving closer to your place of employment then you will drive your car less. In addition, if you are moving to a location with a strong public transportation system, you may substantially reduce the amount of miles that you put on your car each year. Both of these situations can help you reduce your overall auto insurance premium as it can reduce your risk of accident. Let your insurance agent know how your move will affect your daily driving needs in order to determine how it may affect your auto insurance rates.
4. Will you be changing banks? If your auto insurance policy’s premium is automated and your move will require you to change financial institutions, then you’re at risk for the possible collapse of your policy should you forget to change automatic payment information after your move. If your automatic payments are set up through your auto insurance company, there is an ACH (Automated Clearing House) form that your insurance agent can give you to update information. If you scheduled automated payments through your bank, make sure to give your new bank the information to take over that transaction.
5. Can you keep your agent? When moving to another location within your same state, even if that location as far away from your current agent’s office, chances are good that you will be able to stay with the same agency. Insurance agents are licensed by individual states so as long as you don't leave the confines of your current state of residence, no change in insurance agent should be necessary unless you’re unhappy with the service you’re receiving. If you move to another state, however, you should find out if your agent is licensed to sell insurance within that state too. If he or she isn't and no one in the agency office is, then you may wish to ask that agent for a referral. Otherwise, you can look online for an agency in your new state. When looking online, try to find an agent whose website makes you feel both comfortable and confident with their knowledge level and their willingness to educate their customers.

If you have questions about how your move will affect your Tampa auto insurance policy, give us a call at 866-933-6691. We can help you determine whether a change in policies will be necessary or whether you can simply adjust the limits, deductibles and coverages in your current policy.

Adjustments That You Should Consider for Your Auto Insurance Policy

An auto insurance policy should not be a static line of coverage. After all, your life changes; medical and liability expenses that can accompany an accident change too.
Considering changes to your life happen in the blink of an eye, you should make an effort annually to adjust your auto policy to ensure that it is as effective and accurate as you need it to be.

Annual Adjustments to Your Auto Policy You Should Consider

Average annual miles driven: Your insurance carrier requires an average of how many miles you drive per year in order to assess the risk you pose to them. Every year, make sure you report any major changes to them.

Take advantage of applicable discounts: You may receive discounts when you add anti-theft measures to your car, such as security alarms and wheel locking devices. You may also receive additional discounts for taking defensive driving classes. Prior to your annual renewal, consider which of these discounts you may qualify for and discuss them with your agent.

Add uninsured motorist rider: Without uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you could be stuck with some major bills after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. If you don’t already have uninsured or underinsured motorist, then you need to consider adding it to your policy.

Adjust your limits: You know that you set limits for your risk exposure with your agent when you initially purchased your policy; but, when was the last time you reviewed your risk exposure with your agent? With the rising cost of medical care, as well as possible changes in your driving habits, you may need to increase your limits to help reduce your exposure. As you’re also aware, cars and other personal property are only getting more expensive; another important reason to keep a tight rein on your limits.

Change your deductibles: Your ability to support your deductible may change from year to year. In lean years, you may have fewer savings to commit to a deductible, and as you pay off debt you might find you have more disposable income to put toward that responsibility. Keeping your deductible at an accurate level for your budget will help to control your risk exposure and your premium.

The next time your auto policy is coming up for renewal, remember these tips and update your policy so that it works with your current life and not the one you had when you originally took out the policy. Call us today at 866-933-6691 for more information about which auto insurance policy is right for you or get a free Tampa auto insurance quote.

JG

What to Do If You Have Been in an Auto Accident

Auto accidents are unexpected and even the most careful drivers may be involved. The sad truth is that most of us will be involved in an auto accident at some point in our lives. Even if you are not injured, there are certain things that you should and should not do.

Stay At the Scene

If you are in an accident involving bodily injury or substantial damage to property, do not leave the accident scene until the police tell you to do so.  If you are unsure whether the damage or injury is “substantial”, stay there and let the police decide.  Leaving the scene of an accident can result in driver’s license sanctions and even criminal charges.

If you are on the roadway, turn your flashers on, or use flares to warn approaching traffic.

Do not Admit Fault

Even if you think you are at fault, do not admit liability.  There may be factors you are not aware of that played a role in the accident which could determine the other driver was more at fault than you. Therefore, avoid discussing who is at fault in the accident.

Obtain Relevant Information

In any accident, you should obtain the following information:

• The other driver: Name, address, driver’s license number, insurance information and license plate number.
• Witnesses: Names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
• Police officers:  Ask the police officer(s) who investigate the traffic scene to provide you with a business card and an “incident number”. 
• The accident:  If possible take notes about how the accident occurred, such as the direction of travel of the vehicles involved and what the cars were doing at the time of the collision.
• The location:  You may wish to take notes about and/or pictures where the accident happened; speed limits, the road conditions, the weather, traffic control devices and the lighting.

Continue reading "What to Do If You Have Been in an Auto Accident" or contact us at (813) 933-6691 to learn more about Tampa auto insurance.