Auto Insurance

The Impact of Technology on Vehicles and Drivers

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The safety of our roads today primarily hinges on two factors: vehicles and their drivers. Technology also significantly impacts these two areas. Essentially, the question isn’t so much about the influence of technology on driving safety as how technology affects vehicles and their drivers. Ensuring safety and protection on the roads is why many drivers in Commerce, GA, rely on the professional and experienced team at Commerce Insurance Agency for their auto insurance needs.

Technology’s Influence on Vehicles and Drivers

While the debate over driving safety and the impact of technology continues, one thing is clear: there are two sides to this discussion. Advocates for technology in vehicles and driver safety will quickly highlight the improvements technology has brought in making vehicles safer. Conversely, those who express concerns about the impact of technology on driving safety will point out issues like distracted driving or accidents related to texting.

Regardless of the final outcome of this controversy, driving safety will always be a concern for anyone who drives. That’s why it’s beneficial to work with knowledgeable and professional agents who can provide the right auto insurance solutions for your needs, irrespective of your stance on the technology and driving safety debate.

Auto Insurance Solutions for Drivers in Commerce, GA

If you reside in the Commerce, GA area and have questions or need auto insurance for your vehicle, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment with our Commerce Insurance Agency team today for the auto insurance solutions you need and deserve.

Basic auto insurance add-ons to consider

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In Georgia, basic insurance is mandatory for driving on the roads. The state requires a minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 to protect other drivers. This coverage includes $25,000 for the first person injured, $50,000 for all injuries, and an additional $25,000 for property damage. At Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA, we ensure all our customers have the right amount of insurance.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for repairing or replacing your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident where you’re at fault. This coverage comes with a deductible that you’ll need to pay.

Comprehensive Coverage

Also known as non-collision coverage, comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from various types of damage caused by wind and water. It also covers theft, vandalism, and damage caused by large animals like deer. This coverage also includes a deductible.

Gap Coverage

If you have a newer vehicle with an auto loan, considering the rapid depreciation of vehicles once driven off the lot, you might owe more on your vehicle than your insurance will pay to replace it. Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe and what you receive from the insurance company.

Full Glass Coverage

While comprehensive coverage includes glass coverage, it comes with a deductible. Opting for full glass coverage means you won’t have to pay any deductible to replace your windshield.

Rental Car Coverage

If your vehicle is damaged in an accident or totaled, you might be without a vehicle for a few weeks. Rental coverage ensures you can get a rental vehicle during this period.

Contact Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA, to discuss your auto insurance needs with one of our independent agents.

How to Navigate Auto Insurance Coverage for a Leased Vehicle

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Navigating Auto Insurance for a Leased Vehicle

Navigating auto insurance for a leased vehicle can be more complicated than insuring a vehicle you own outright. Most leasing companies have strict insurance requirements, meaning you may need more coverage than you originally anticipated. Our reputable agents at Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA can help you build a personalized auto insurance policy that fits your unique needs.

Understanding Lease Requirements

Leasing requirements can vary depending on the individual leasing company. However, insurance requirements for leased vehicles may include additional coverages, such as comprehensive and collision coverage. Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance is also a common requirement for leased vehicles. It covers the difference between your vehicle’s worth and what you still owe.

Determine Coverage Needs

When comparing auto policies, consider different coverage levels, such as:

  • Liability coverage
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

One of our experienced agents can help you determine what levels of coverage are right for you.

Compare Auto Insurance Policies

Not every auto policy is right for every driver. Review key features, such as coverage limits, deductibles, and similar components, to determine which is best suited for your needs. Ask your agent about potential approaches to help reduce insurance costs, such as bundling policies or safe driver discounts.

Review and Adjust Your Policy Regularly

Over time, your auto coverage needs may change. Periodically review your insurance policy to ensure that it continues to meet your personal needs and lease requirements. Changes in your lease or certain personal circumstances may require you to adjust your coverage.

Please speak With One Of Our Trusted Agents

Securing the right auto insurance for a leased vehicle can help you meet your lease requirements and ensure you have the necessary protection. For help navigating auto insurance, contact Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA.

Tips for Communicating Effectively with Your Auto Insurance Provider After Filing a Claim

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Communicating effectively with your auto insurance provider after filing a claim is crucial for a smooth and efficient resolution. Clear and timely communication can expedite the process, especially around Commerce, GA.

Be Prepared with Documentation

Before contacting your insurance provider, gather all necessary documentation for the accident. This includes the police report, photos of the damage, witness statements, and any medical records if injuries occurred. This readily available information will help you provide accurate details and answer any questions your insurer may have.

Contact Your Insurer Promptly

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident. Prompt communication can prevent delays and ensure that your claim is processed quickly. Be ready to provide a clear and concise account of what happened.

Keep Records of All Communications

Maintain detailed records of all interactions, including times, dates, and phone calls. Also, save all emails and letters. This will help you track the progress of your claim and can be helpful if any disputes arise.

Be Honest and Accurate

Misrepresenting facts or omitting details can lead to complications and may result in your claim being denied. Transparency is vital to a smooth claims process.

Ask Questions and Seek Clarification

Understanding each step can help alleviate any confusion and ensure you know what to expect. Inquire about timelines, required documents, and any other relevant details.

Follow Up Regularly

Consistent communication demonstrates your commitment to resolving the issue and keeps your claim moving forward. It also allows you to address any additional requests for information.

Commerce Insurance Agency Helps Guide You

Commerce Insurance Agency will help guide you and show you how auto insurance can save you in the long haul. Our team covers the Commerce, GA region. Get in touch with us today.

What is Gap Auto Insurance from Commerce Insurance Agency

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Making Auto Insurance Affordable and High-Quality with Commerce Insurance Agency

We at Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA, appreciate the complexities of sourcing quality and affordable auto insurance. Many of our clients elect to append gap insurance to their policy, reinforcing their vehicle’s protection against unpredicted occurrences. Allow us to help you integrate gap insurance into your next auto policy.

Under the Hood of Gap Auto Insurance

Gap auto insurance covers the discrepancy between your car’s worth and the amount remaining on your loan or lease. Crucial for people who have leased or financed vehicles with high depreciation rates, gap insurance comes into play when your car is stolen or totaled, and the payout from your regular insurance does not cover your remaining balance.

Dissecting Gap Insurance

Notably, gap auto insurance is generally applicable to total loss instances, not extending to scenarios where your car is damaged but not deemed a total loss. While this additional coverage might slightly bump up your regular car insurance premiums, it can reduce the risk of considerable financial liabilities due to unforeseen accidents. Essentially, gap auto insurance functions to protect you from personally covering outstanding costs if your vehicle is incapacitated. Our seasoned insurance agents are always available to outline your options and assess what works best for your situation.

Commerce Insurance Agency has your Auto Insurance Needs Covered.

At Commerce Insurance Agency, our aim is to provide our clients with comprehensive auto insurance. To learn more about auto insurance and how gap coverage works, contact us today. Our friendly agents are ready and waiting to help!

Does auto insurance cover theft from my vehicle?

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If you drive in Commerce, GA, you are required to be able to prove financial responsibility by showing insurance if you are in an accident.  With minimum coverage, you only have liability insurance.

Liability insurance is only for the other drivers’ and passengers’ injuries and damages and will not provide any coverage for you. You will need to add additional coverage if you want protection for yourself. Commerce Insurance Agency can help you explore different kinds of coverage, so you can decide what is right for you.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is the only kind of auto insurance that covers theft from your vehicle. This coverage is optional and protects your car parts and your car itself. Personal items like cell phones and laptops are probably covered under your homeowners or renters insurance. 

Comprehensive coverage also protects you from other kinds of non-collision damage, such as vandalism, fire, encounters with animals, and acts of nature. If a tree falls on your car, it’s your comprehensive coverage that will cover the damages.

Collision Insurance

If you are worried about the fact that liability insurance doesn’t protect you, you may want to look into carrying collision insurance. Collision coverage will pay for the damages to your vehicle, no matter who was at fault. 

If you drive an expensive vehicle, you may benefit from collision coverage even if the other driver caused the accident. If the other driver only had the minimum coverage, your collision coverage can help to pay the difference.

Call Today To Discuss Your Coverage

If you still owe money on your vehicle, your lender probably requires full coverage, which will include comprehensive and collision coverage. If you would like to discuss your Commerce, GA auto insurance, feel free to call Commerce Insurance Agency today.

Auto Insurance for Ride-Sharing Drivers: What You Need to Know

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As the gig economy grows, ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft have become ubiquitous. While this offers a flexible way to earn, it also introduces complexities in auto insurance coverage. If you’re a ride-sharing driver or considering becoming one, understanding the ins and outs of your insurance is vital. At Commerce Insurance Agency, serving the greater Commerce, GA community, we want to ensure you understand your auto insurance policy and how it pertains to you if you’re a ride-share driver.

The Gap in Personal Auto Policies

Most personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage for "commercial use" of your vehicle. This means that if you’re involved in an accident while on a ride-sharing job, your personal insurance might not cover it.

Ride-Sharing Companies’ Insurance

Major ride-sharing platforms do offer insurance coverage, but it’s layered. When the app is on but no ride is accepted, there’s limited liability coverage. When a ride is accepted, or a passenger is in the vehicle, higher liability coverage kicks in. However, there can be gaps, especially concerning collision coverage.

Consider Ride-Share Specific Coverage

Recognizing the unique needs of ride-sharing drivers, many insurance companies now offer rideshare-specific policies. These plans fill in the gaps left by personal policies and the insurance provided by ride-sharing platforms.

Consult With Us

The world of auto insurance for ride-sharing drivers can be a complex landscape to navigate. By understanding where potential coverage gaps lie and taking steps to bridge them, you can drive with confidence, knowing you’re adequately protected. If you’re looking to find the right auto insurance policy for your needs in Commerce, GA, regardless of whether you’re a ride-share driver or not, reach out to the insurance agents at Commerce Insurance Agency to get started.

Safe driving tips for new drivers

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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

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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

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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.