A car costs a lot of money, and so do the accidents they are often involved in. When you are part of a collision, the last thing you need is a major financial headache to worsen the situation. Having the right car insurance means keeping a bad day from getting worse. At Dennis Gutman Insurance, we can help you sort through various insurance carriers and coverage options to find a policy that is just right for you.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Wisconsin, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Liability Insurance
In Wisconsin, you are legally required to carry bodily injury and property damage liability protection. We can help you understand the minimum limits, as well as how much coverage might be right for you. For example, while the law requires $25,000 in bodily injury liability for injuries to another driver, you might prefer limits closer to $100,000 to cover a victim’s injuries if you are at-fault for an accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection
Wisconsin law also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist protection. This is insurance that helps pay for your medical bills if you are injured by an uninsured, at-fault driver. Underinsured motorist protection is also available if you are injured by a driver who does not have enough liability coverage to pay your expenses.
Additional Car Insurance Coverage
In addition to mandatory car insurance coverage, drivers may be wise to include additional types of protection in their policies. We offer a wide range of car insurance coverage that protects you and your vehicle from accidents and other covered events. Examples of common Wisconsin car insurance coverage include:
Collision Insurance
If your vehicle is damaged or destroyed in a crash, your collision insurance helps pay for your losses when you are at-fault for the accident. You choose the amount of your deductible, and your insurer helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle.
Rental Car Reimbursement
You may need alternate transportation after an accident. Your insurance policy can include coverage that reimburses you for a rental car while your car is being repaired.
Comprehensive Insurance
Some losses do not happen on the highway. If your car gets pelted with hail or your vehicle is crushed by a fallen sign, your comprehensive insurance can help cover the cost. Comprehensive typically covers non-collision claims, including those caused by theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, and more.
Medical Payments Coverage
If you are injured in a car accident, you need assurance that your medical bills will be paid no matter who was at-fault.
Emergency Assistance and Towing
Emergencies happen. What happens if your battery dies on a road trip or your vehicle needs to be towed after an accident? These additional coverages are available to reimburse you for assistance 24 hours a day.
Affordable Car Insurance in Manitowoc
Insurers in Wisconsin use a lot of different factors to determine how much you will pay for car insurance. Examples include:
- Where you live
- Where you park your car at night
- Your credit score
- Your past history of claims
- Your driving record
- Your driving experience
Our job is to pair you with the insurer who offers the most affordable premiums on the coverage you need. We can help make car insurance more affordable with package discounts and other ways of lowering your premiums.
When you are in the market for car insurance in Manitowoc, contact the Dennis Gutman Insurance agency to request your free quote. We look forward to serving you soon.
