Safe driving tips for new drivers

Driving safely is essential for anyone who takes the wheel, but it can be especially important for new drivers to practice safe driving habits here in the Commerce, GA area.

Here are some tips from us at Commerce Insurance Agency to help make sure you’re driving as safely as possible: 

1. Always Wear Your Seatbelt

This is a must for everyone in the car. Wearing a seatbelt doesn’t just keep you safe; it also prevents you from being fined by law enforcement if you’re pulled over or involved in an accident. 

2. Obey Traffic Laws

It can be easy to forget about traffic laws when you’re just starting out, but following them is essential for keeping everyone on the road safe. Make sure to obey speed limits and pay attention to traffic signals and signs. 

3. Avoid Distractions

Take your eyes off your phone while driving and focus on the road ahead. Don’t try multitasking and don’t let passengers distract you either. By avoiding distractions, you reduce your risk of getting into an accident or causing one yourself. 

4. Drive Defensively

Be aware of other drivers around you and anticipate their moves so that if something unexpected happens, you have time to react appropriately and safely. 

5. Check Your Blind Spots

Making sure all lanes are clear when turning or changing lanes is important at any time, but especially when you’re just starting out with less experience behind the wheel than more experienced drivers have had time to develop over years of driving experience.  

Keep Your Auto Insurance Updated

For more tips and for your insurance coverage, give us at Commerce Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Commerce, GA area and would be happy to help you find the right policy for you.

What is basic auto insurance and why it may not be the right choice for you

Basic auto insurance is the minimum required by the state to operate your vehicle. If you have an old vehicle with little cash value, that may be fine. At S & S Insurance Services Inc., serving the greater Oklahoma City, OK region, we are independent insurance agents, and we take our responsibility to our customers seriously. We make sure they have as much auto insurance as they need to be protected. 

In the state of Oklahoma, the basic amount of auto insurance you must have is liability coverage in the amount of 25/50/25. That will protect other drivers from you, but it doesn’t do anything to help you protect your vehicle. If you are leasing your vehicle or have a car loan, you will need to have additional insurance to protect the car. 

Beyond The Basics

If you are like most people, you count on your vehicle every day to do your regular activities of daily life. Getting to work, going to the grocery store, running errands, etc. are vital, and being without a vehicle can be a serious problem and cause a lot of stress. Not everyone has the cash necessary to pay for repairs or to replace their vehicle out of pocket. 

Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage provide protection for accidents that happen to your vehicle when no one else is responsible for the damage. It can be weather-related, it can be an accident you caused, or a one-car accident. It also covers theft, vandalism, a cracked or damaged windshield, and a whole lot more. Furthermore, it provides the peace of mind that you need when it comes to your vehicle. 

Contact us today

To discuss your auto insurance needs, give S & S Insurance Services Inc. in Oklahoma City, OK a call or drop by our office. 

Why basic auto insurance may not be the right choice for you

At Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA, we are an independent insurance agency that is customer-centered. Our team is experienced in all facets of auto insurance and the requirements of the state of Georgia. We are here to help our customers to get the right insurance at the right price. 

Basic Auto Insurance & More

Basic auto insurance in Georgia is liability insurance in the amount of 25/50/25. The first person injured in a vehicle accident is covered by $25,000 in injury insurance, and the total for all injuries is $50,000. $25,000 is assigned for injury to property. This is a reasonable amount, but if it is a bad accident, involving hospital stays, this could be very much short of the actual expenses, and you could end up paying out of your pocket. 

When you lease a vehicle or have an auto loan, you are not going to be able to get away with having basic insurance. Your lender or the company leasing your vehicle to you is going to demand that you have insurance to protect the vehicle. This means having collision insurance and comprehensive insurance. 

Collision insurance covers your vehicle in an accident you are responsible for. It can help to pay for repairs or for the replacement of your vehicle if your vehicle is determined to be a total loss. 

Comprehensive insurance covers most other things that can damage your vehicle. Coverage includes theft and vandalism. It also covers a variety of weather events such as hail, ice, and high winds. If a deer runs into your vehicle, you are covered, and it includes glass coverage, which is very handy if a stone comes up and cracks your windshield. 

Give Us A Call

Contact Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA when you are in need of auto insurance information or coverage. 

What Steps Can You Take in Fall to Prevent Winter Car Accidents?

At Commerce Insurance Agency, serving the greater Commerce, GA region, auto insurance is one of the many insurance products that we offer our customers. However, in addition to selling insurance, we also want to help our customers avoid having to use those insurance products. This includes providing tips that can help you avoid an accident.

Here are a few of the different steps you can take in the fall to help prevent winter car accidents:

Check Your Tires

One of the best ways that you can prevent accidents on wet, slippery, or icy roads is to have tires that are in good condition. If the tread on your tires is wearing thin, your tires may not be able to grip the road. Replacing your tires before winter hits is important. 

Familiarize Yourself With Local Roads

Another tip to help keep you safe on the roads is to familiarize yourself with the local roads that you will frequently be traveling on. It gets dark earlier in the winter, so the roads you will travel on may be dark and can get icy. Being familiar with the roads can help prevent an accident. 

Consider a Defensive Driving Course

Lastly, consider taking a defensive driving course. This can help teach you how to safely drive on icy or wet roads, and what to do if your car starts to slide or fishtail. This can be vital to preventing an accident from happening. 

Get Auto Insurance Today

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent every car accident from happening. You can only minimize the chances of a car accident occurring. Having the right auto insurance coverage helps to cover you if an accident does happen. If you are in the market for a new auto insurance policy, or you are unsure if your existing policy offers you the coverage you need, reach out to Commerce Insurance Agency, serving the greater Commerce, GA area today. Let us help you find the right auto insurance policy. 

How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need?

When you invest in insurance, you always want it to come to your rescue in your hour of need. But how can this happen if you have underpaid? Underinsurance is common in America, and most policyholders learn the hard way when filing for a claim. But should this be the case? Absolutely not. Buy the right amount of insurance, and it will serve you optimally when you need it to.

Are you purchasing car insurance in Commerce, GA? Do you know the amount of insurance sufficient for your needs? If not, please hang on as Commerce Insurance Agency guides the amount of car insurance you need.

Meet the state requirements

Like most states, Georgia requires motorists to purchase car insurance to drive on the road legally. All motorists must invest in bodily injury and property damage liability coverage of a combined total of $100,000. You might think that this amount is huge, but it is likely to fall short when faced with significant liability claims. As such, you need to consider higher limits.

How much liability coverage do I need?

We usually advise motorists to carry liability coverage of 100/300/100. However, if your assets and earnings exceed these amounts, we typically recommend you to invest in umbrella insurance for extra liability coverage.

How much comprehensive or collision coverage do I need?

As a rule of thumb, purchase coverage adequate to replace your vehicle without significant out-of-pocket expenses. Only target to pay deductibles as the only out-of-pocket expense when your vehicle is totaled or stolen. Consider “zero depreciation coverage” if you don’t want to get compensation less the depreciation factor.

The above is just a guide to the amount of car insurance needed. If you need more information in Commerce, GA, be sure to get in touch with Commerce Insurance Agency for tailor-made advice.

Insurance must-haves for GA drivers

Commerce Insurance Agency is proud to be part of the Commerce, GA community and help our friends and neighbors with all of their insurance needs. If you are looking for an auto policy, be sure to check that it includes the coverage and features that you want and need!

Must-have insurance coverage for GA drivers

In addition to liability, collision, and medical coverage. Yes, these three types of coverage provide basic protection, but are they sufficient? There are additional types of coverage that may also be beneficial to have as part of your policy:

  • Protection from uninsured drivers – this type of coverage is very important as it protects you in the event that you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver
  • Personal injury protection – this can help if you are injured or another party is injured
  • Comprehensive coverage – this coverage goes beyond basic policies in order to give you a higher level of insurance protection

In addition to more robust coverage, there are also features available that can help make your life less stressful:

  • Rental car coverage – if your vehicle requires repair due to a covered event, this feature can help to defray the cost of alternative transportation
  • Roadside assistance – helpful if you ever have car issues or need to have your vehicle towed

Be sure to check with your agent to ensure that you have the coverage you need, not just the minimums required by our state!

Ready to find out more? Call us today!

If you are in the greater Commerce, GA area and need a new or upgraded auto policy, Commerce Insurance Agency is here to help! Call or stop by our office to find out more about the auto insurance options that are available to GA drivers.

Georgia Auto Insurance: How to Prevent Car Theft

It is estimated that almost one million vehicles will be stolen in the United States every year. While Georgia residents might not be thinking of their car getting stolen every day, their insurance companies are. When you take the steps to prevent your vehicle from being stolen, you reduce your risk of becoming a victim of car theft.

You also might reduce your premiums with your Georgia auto insurance company. 

At Commerce Insurance Agency, we want Commerce, GA drivers to be protected from car theft, and covered in the event it should happen to them. If your car gets stolen it is not your fault. Take these steps to minimize that possibility.

Lock Your Car

It makes common sense, but not everybody remembers to do this. Locking your car keeps the thieves one step further away from taking it from you. 

Car alarms today are effective deterrents, and these can be triggered when a thief tries to get in your car. Keep your car locked and windows closed to deter theft.

Keep Valuables in the House

One of the first things that thieves look for when they are stealing a car is the valuables inside. Don’t keep expensive things in your car.

It’s tempting to leave a GPS device in the car until you need it again, or forget an iPad overnight. In this day and age, it’s easy to forget anything in the car.

Get into the habit of remembering to clear out the car every time.

Park in Well-Lit Area

Park in a place where someone is more likely to get spotted if they are trying to steal your car. Put your car under a streetlight or motion sensor so that your car is lit should anybody come.

Parking in line with a security camera will also be effective.

Get a Quote

When you are purchasing Georgia auto insurance, Commerce Insurance Agency is there to help Commerce, GA drivers get the most thorough coverage that protects you in the event of a crime.  We can help you get the comprehensive insurance you need to be covered. Call us for a quote today.

4 Overlooked Auto Insurance Facts

Commerce Insurance Agency helps Commerce, GA residents find coverage. We help our clients evaluate their options so that they can find the coverage they need. We work with multiple carriers throughout the South. This allows us to offer flexible policies.

Overlooked Auto Insurance Facts

Auto insurance covers your vehicle and helps you stay protected while you’re out on the road in Commerce, GA. Liability coverage protects you if your vehicle causes damage to another vehicle or object. If you hit someone or your passenger is injured, bodily injury coverage takes care of their rehabilitation. Collision coverage protects your vehicle when your vehicle suffers damage. Comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle is stolen or damaged due to a fire or severe weather passing through the area. While these are common auto insurance facts, there is a lot of information that you may not be aware of. Here is a look at some overlooked auto insurance facts.

One Parking Ticket Won’t Hurt You

There is often a misconception that you have to maintain a perfect driving record in order to find the best auto insurance policy. This is incorrect, as your policy will not be in jeopardy if you suffer one minor parking ticket. While keeping a perfect driving record should be an attainable goal, one mistake will not cost you.

Total Loss

If your vehicle suffers significant damage, it may be classified as a total loss. In that case, your level of coverage may depend on the current value of your vehicle.

Commercial Coverage

If you use your vehicle while you’re working, you need a commercial auto insurance policy. Traditional auto insurance will not cover your vehicle if it’s damaged while you’re working.  

You Need Extra Coverage For Your Valuables

If you have special accessories for your vehicles, such as custom seats or wheels, you’ll need extra coverage to fully protect those items.

Commerce Insurance Agency Will Help You Stay Safe On The Road

Visit our website to learn more information about auto insurance.

Georgia Auto insurance Requirements to Consider

Every state has its own set of requirements when it comes to auto insurance. The state of Georgia is no different. As a Commerce, GA consumer, it is important to understand what the state requires you to carry for insurance coverage. The team at Commerce Insurance Agency can help you understand the requirements.

Minimum Insurance Coverage for Auto

Georgia has a law that requires all drivers of automobiles to carry the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. These minimums include everything from bodily injury liability to property damage liability and more.

For bodily injury liability, the state of Georgia requires you to have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident insurance level at a minimum. For property damage liability, you need to carry an auto insurance policy with at least $25,000 per accident in coverage.

Uninsured motorist bodily injury and uninsured motorist property damage requirements are also in place. Uninsured motorist bodily injury carries a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. As for uninsured motorist property damage, you need to have at least $25,000 in coverage with a deductible of either $1,000, $500, or $250.

Higher Limits May Be Worth Consideration

While it is acceptable to carry the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage, your insurance agent will likely recommend higher limits on top of the minimum liability levels. The goal with insurance is to protect your financial interests, and these limits will drive that action.

Our team in Commerce, GA wants to help you understand what Georgia requires for auto insurance and more. This will help you as you begin the process of shopping for the ideal auto insurance policy. Our team at the Commerce Insurance Agency can help you understand the requirements and make a better decision on your policy purchase.

What Kind of Auto Coverage Do You Really Need?

Auto insurance is designed to safeguard you against mishaps on the road. At Commerce Insurance Agency, we can help you determine what kind of auto insurance protection you need. Our auto policies offer several coverage options for Georgia drivers of all ages and lifestyles: liability coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured (UM) insurance. 

Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Georgia

Georgia requires that drivers have specific auto insurance coverage types in the form of liability and PIP. If you’re found at fault for an accident that results in injuries or property damage to others, liability insurance helps cover these costs. Georgia requires that you have minimum liability coverage, but you may want to purchase more to protect you against serious accidents you may cause.

PIP coverage helps cover your medical expenses if you’re hurt in an accident. Although it isn’t required, uninsured motorist insurance is recommended. It provides extra medical protection for you and your passengers if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover your damages.

Optional Auto Coverage

If you’re a new driver or own an expensive vehicle, collision and comprehensive coverage offer essential protection for your investment, even though this coverage isn’t mandatory by law. Collision covers damage to your vehicle from crashes. Comprehensive helps pay for your vehicle repairs if it’s damaged by a falling object, vandalism, or inclement weather. It also pays for your vehicle’s market value if it’s stolen, saving you thousands of dollars in getting your car replaced. If you’ve taken out a new car loan, your lender may require that you purchase collision and comprehensive coverage to protect their monetary investment.

To learn more about auto insurance in Georgia or for help in selecting the policy you need, contact Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA today.