Auto Insurance in Bellingham, MA
Basic liability coverage
The standard MA auto insurance policy includes twelve parts. At the least, everyone must carry this most basic coverage, which is often referred to as basic or compulsory coverage. This coverage pays others in the event you cause injury or property damage to them. This basic and least expensive car insurance option does not include coverage to fix or repair your car under any circumstances.
This basic coverage might be a reasonable choice for someone of limited, financial means who is driving an older car of little value.
Higher liability limits coverage
Everyone has the option to raise their liability limits, uninsured and underinsured coverage above the state set minimum which is included in basic liability coverage. Selecting higher limits make good sense for anyone who owns property, has savings or has a desire to protect themselves financially in the event of a serious accident. Some of our clients raise their liability limits to $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident, then go on to purchase a separate Personal Liability Umbrella policy for $1M or more. The decision to choose higher liability limits is a personal one with no one correct answer.
Towing and substitute transportation coverage
Towing and substitute transportation coverage are parts 10 and 11 on your MA auto policy. No one is required to carry either one of these coverages and there is a real debate, even in our own office as to whether these coverages are worth the added cost.
On one hand, these coverage options are probably not a good value if you’re a better driver and you own and dependable vehicles because the added cost for the extra coverage will not be worth it over the span of many years. This is especially true if you have roadside assistance such as AAA. On the other hand, if you find yourself in need of a car rental after filing your claim, you’ll be glad you had the coverage at that particular moment. Be mindful that substitute transportation (rental) can not be used in cases where your car had a mechanical breakdown. It can only be used when your insured vehicle was damaged as a result of a peril covered by your collision or comprehensive coverage.
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Full coverage
Once you have established your liability limits, you then need to decide if you want physical damage coverage, which insures the car itself in the event it is somehow damaged. If you have a car loan, your lender will require the full coverage. If you own your vehicle free and clear but it is still worth a fair amount, then you should probably continue to carry the full coverage.
Full coverage is an expression generally meaning you have added collision and comprehensive coverage to your auto policy.
Collision and comprehensive coverage are what you need on your auto policy in order to collect from your own insurer to fix the damage caused to your vehicle. Collision coverage is very much what it sounds like, while comprehensive coverage includes coverage for perils such as fire, theft, glass, vandalism, storm damage, striking an animal or damaged caused by falling debris.
When you purchase collision and comprehensive coverage, you need to choose a deductible ranging anywhere from $300 to $2,000. The higher deductible you choose, the greater your savings.