5 Mistakes People Make When Buying Auto Insurance

When it comes to auto insurance, most people think they know what they’re doing. But in reality, many people make mistakes that can cost them a lot of money. In this post, we’re going to look at five of the most common mistakes people make when buying auto insurance and how you can avoid making them yourself.

1. Lying on the Application

This is perhaps the most common mistake people make when buying auto insurance. They think that by lying on their application, they’ll save money on their premium. But in reality, all it takes is for one tiny detail to be different from what you put on your application, and your policy could be voided. And if you have an accident while your policy is voided, you could be in for a world of financial pain. So always tell the truth on your application. It might cost you a few dollars more in premiums, but it’s not worth the risk.

2. Not Shopping Around

Another mistake people make is not shopping around for the best rate. There are a lot of auto insurance companies out there, and they all offer different rates. So take the time to shop around and compare rates before deciding on a policy.

3. Not Understanding the Policy

Before you sign up for a policy, it’s important that you understand what it covers. Don’t just take the word of the insurance agent. Please read the policy yourself and make sure you understand it. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask questions until you do.

4. Going for a High deductible

Many people think that having a high deductible will save them money on their premiums. And while it’s true that it will lower your premium, it’s also true that you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you have an accident. So you need to weigh the pros and cons of having a high deductible before deciding on a policy.

5. Not Getting Enough Coverage

This is a mistake that can cost you dearly if you have an accident. Make sure you have enough coverage to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident.

These are just a few of the most common mistakes people make when buying auto insurance. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be able to get the best coverage for your needs. Are you looking for auto insurance in Omaha, NE? Ed Thompson Insurance Agency can help you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Contact us today for a free quote.

 

3 Auto Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Buying an auto insurance policy is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make, so it’s worth taking the time to research. However, too often people don’t do their research, and they make mistakes as a result. Below are some of the most common auto insurance mistakes. At the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, we want to help you avoid these mistakes. Take a look at the list below, and let us know if you have any questions. 

Not Understanding State Auto Insurance Laws

Before purchasing, it’s important to understand the auto insurance laws for your state. Because each state has different laws, some drivers may break insurance laws without realizing it. This is especially true for drivers who move from one state to another. If you’ve recently moved to Nebraska, make sure that you have the right auto insurance coverage. 

Not Updating the Policy

When was the last time you updated your auto insurance policy? Some drivers buy car insurance and then forget about it. However, you’ll want to make sure that your policy stays up to date. For example, your rates may change if you get a new car or go a certain amount of time without having an accident. If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your policy, it’s time to take a second look. 

Only Buying the Bare Minimum

Many drivers only get bare minimum coverage. They look at what their state requires, purchase exactly that much coverage, and then move on. However, this approach can become costly over time. In case of a car accident, for instance, someone with minimum coverage may end up paying a lot of money out of pocket. 

Have Questions? 

Want to make sure you’re not making these crucial mistakes? Get in touch with the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE. We’d love to answer your auto insurance questions and help you get the right coverage for your needs. 

Is Basic Auto Insurance Adequate?

With increasing economic challenges, most motorists are keen to cut their car insurance bill. As such, they may only stick to the state-required car insurance. But is it adequate? Is it wise to stick to basic car insurance? If you are anxious to find out the answers, please hang on as Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, discusses whether basic car insurance is a good idea.

Required car insurance in Nevada

Before getting far, the best place to start is looking at Nevada’s required auto insurance. If you drive or park in public places, Nevada requires you to include the below coverages in your car insurance.

  • Bodily injury liability of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 for an accident involving more than one person
  • Property damage liability with a minimum of $20,000

So the million-dollar question is: Is the ("25/50/20") car insurance adequate? It’s a resounding no. If you are faced with a severe accident, the coverage limits are likely to be depleted, exposing your finances to uncovered auto accident expenses.

Besides, the above coverages don’t cover you and your vehicle. The state-required coverages are liability insurance policies that cover third parties only.

What we advise our clients

While meeting the minimum auto insurance coverages is superb, we usually advise our clients to:

  • Increase limits: Given that the mandatory liability limits are insufficient, we advise our clients to increase limits to about $300,000 for bodily liability coverage and $100,000 for property liability damage. And if these limits are still insufficient, we advise you to invest in umbrella insurance.
  • Consider other insurance coverages: For well-rounded protection, motorists should consider comprehensive, collision, and medical payments coverages. This way, you, your vehicle, and passengers are covered if the unthinkable strikes.

Are you looking for auto insurance in Omaha, NE? Please consider Ed Thompson Insurance Agency for all your auto insurance needs.

What Are Nebraska’s Uninsured Motorist Requirements?

Omaha, NE motorists must carry certain types of minimum amounts of insurance coverage. Additionally, all drivers must have proof of insurance with them when driving a vehicle. One of those requirements is purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This policy compensates you for injuries you have from an accident when the other driver is uninsured or does not have sufficient insurance. For additional information about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, call the agents at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency. 

Nebraska Auto Insurance Minimums

State law dictates how much insurance Nebraska motorists must purchase. These insurance options are the bare minimum motorists must have; however, there are many other options available providing greater insurance protection. The current minimum requirements include: 

  • Bodily Injury Liability Coverage — $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
  • Property Damage Liability Coverage — $25,000 per accident
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage — $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

Why Carry Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Accidents can happen without warning, and every claim is unique. That is why state minimums are set to ensure all drivers on the road carry some form of auto insurance. However, not everyone follows the rules. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you against those who do not have the proper insurance coverage. This policy covers you from financial disaster having to pay medical expenses related to an accident someone else who does not have insurance caused.

According to the Insurance Research Council, there are more than 95,000 drivers in Nebraska without auto insurance. If you live in Omaha, NE, and would like additional information about uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage, call to speak with an agent at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency. 

Limited Liability Versus Full Coverage

If you’ve been shopping for auto insurance, you may have come across the terms “limited liability” and “full coverage,” which is sometimes called comprehensive coverage. When selecting an auto insurance plan, you need to know the difference between these types of insurance and what they cover. Need help selecting an auto insurance plan? Contact the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, which serves Omaha, NE.

Now let’s take a look at the differences between limited liability and full coverage auto insurance.

Breaking Down The Key Differences Between Limited Liability and Full Coverage

Liability refers to what the insurance company must pay for in the event of an accident, vehicle theft, or another situation. Limited liability means that the insurance company is liable only for a limited number of things.

Often, limited liability will not provide coverage for the owner’s vehicle but may provide coverage for the other driver’s vehicle. This means that if you get in an accident, you may have to cover the damage costs for your vehicle.

Limited liability often won’t cover the costs associated with theft either. If your car is stolen, you may not get any money to help with buying a new car or to cover damages that occurred during the theft.

With comprehensive auto insurance, damages to your car are typically covered. Theft may also be covered under a comprehensive plan, and the insurance provider may provide funds that you can use to buy a new car. Theft of objects within a car, such as a laptop, may not be covered under your comprehensive vehicle insurance plan, but you may be able to purchase additional theft coverage.

Generally speaking, comprehensive car insurance plans are more expensive than limited liability auto plans. Yet the additional monthly costs could help ensure that more is covered in the event of an accident or other incident.

If you have more questions about comprehensive versus limited liability auto plans or want guidance when selecting a plan, contact the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, which serves Omaha, NE.

Do I need auto insurance in Omaha?

When you are looking for a new city to move to, Omaha, NE can be a great option. This is a large city with a strong economy and offers plenty of recreational options. For those who want to enjoy this state as much as possible, owning a car is practically necessary. Those who choose to buy a car here need to make sure that they get proper insurance. There are a few reasons why you should always stay properly covered with an auto insurance plan when driving here. 

The Law Requires Insurance

One of the reasons you will need to get this insurance when you are in Omaha is that state laws have various liability insurance requirements. All drivers through the state of Nebraska need to make sure that they follow the state laws around maintaining proper liability coverage. If you do not have this insurance, you could face a variety of penalties. 

Insurance is Needed to Protect Car

You will also need to get auto insurance coverage because it is needed to protect your vehicle. Buying any type of car will come with a big investment that you should protect. If you get a full collision and comprehensive insurance plan, you can get great coverage to ensure you are covered if you’re are a victim of theft or other types of losses. 

If you need help evaluating your insurance options and are in the Omaha, NE area, Ed Thompson Insurance Agency is a great company to contact. Many important factors need to be considered when looking for a new policy. The Ed Thompson Insurance Agency team can answer your questions and make sure you pick the best policy possible to meet your needs. 

Who needs to get auto insurance in Omaha?

Those that live in the Omaha, NE area will likely need to own a car if they want to get around the city. If you are a car owner here, it is vital that you follow the rules while also taking good care of your car. One great way that you can do this is by getting an auto insurance policy. There are several reasons why someone may need to get auto insurance for their vehicle in Omaha.

Required by State Law

One of the reasons you may need to get an auto insurance policy is that it could be required by state law. If you are in Nebraska and want to drive a car on a public road, you will continue to be obligated to carry auto liability insurance. This coverage can ensure that you can pay for damages if you cause an accident that results in property damage or bodily injury.

Auto Loan Requirement

Another reason that you may need to get an auto insurance policy is that your auto lender could require it. If you lived in Omaha and took out a loan to buy the car, you need to spend time reviewing your loan agreement. It will likely have certain auto insurance requirements that you will need to meet. 

When you are going to get an auto insurance policy in Omaha, NE, you should speak with the team at the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency. When you reach out to the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, you can get excellent guidance and support. Choosing an insurance policy is a big decision, and it can be challenging to pick the one that is right for you. When you contact this agency, we will give personalized support that you need.