Your Auto Insurance Renewal Is Just Around the Bend – Downeast Credit Union
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Your Auto Insurance Renewal Is Just Around the Bend

Posted on July 15, 2024 | Insurance

We don’t believe in a set-it-and-forget-it insurance model. Life changes: and so does your liability risk exposure. Use this checklist to understand risks that might apply to you. Then let’s connect about making changes to your protection.

General vehicle information:
-Have you transferred the title on any of the vehicles listed on your auto policy?
-Did you pay off your vehicle? (You might consider downgrading your coverage to match the vehicle’s value. It could save money, too.)
-Are you happy with your current deductible? (You can go higher on deductibles to save money on a monthly premium, but that means more out of pocket.)
-Where do you park your vehicle?

Discounts, anyone?
Inventory your vehicles and tell us about any security or safety systems. You might qualify for discounts.

-Do you have an alarm system or GPS? (This might help authorities retrieve your car faster if stolen.)
-Do you have any driver assistance technologies on board?
-Do you use an onboard driver camera? (This can help with sorting out claim disputes.)
-Do we cover all your vehicles? (Ask about a multiline discount.)
-Has your young driver completed a driver’s safety course and maintained a B average in school?(Ask about good student driver discounts.)
-Do you own or rent your home? (You could get discount bundling with auto.)

Liabilities and limits to review
Check out life changes that could affect your liability exposure. It’s easy to overlook a new toy or driver in your household.

People who can access your vehicle
-How many people in your home are of driving age?
-Are they licensed to drive and listed on your auto insurance as named insureds?
-Are there students who are getting their driver’s permit or license within the next year living in your home?
-Have any listed drivers changed jobs in the past 12 months? If yes, how far is their commute and which car do they drive? (This may mean more or fewer miles driven.)
-Are any listed drivers working or attending school remotely? (This means fewer miles driven.)
-Do you live with someone who is not listed on your auto policy? (If they have access to your car, they might use it. Let’s make sure you’re covered.)
-Do you have a roommate or any domestic workers you’d like to add to your policy as covered drivers?

Ways you use your vehicle
-Do you use your vehicle for ridesharing? (Insurance might not cover you, especially between fares.)
-Do you drive your car for business purposes or transport your business goods in your vehicle?(You might be exposed to exclusions and rejected claims.)
-Have you added customizations to your vehicle such as rims, spoilers, engine upgrades, campers or shells? (You might need to increase your limits.)
-Do you use a trailer, hitch or bike rack to transport belongings like an ATV, bike or boat? (You might need extra coverage.)
-Do you own a motor home or recreational vehicle?

Types of vehicles that might need special coverage
-Do you own an electric scooter, moped or motorcycle?
-Do you own an ATV or golf cart?

Auto policy add-ons
Now that you’ve done a quick self-assessment, let’s discuss a custom policy that fits your lifestyle.

Other protection solutions

Think of insurance as layers of coverage. The goal is to close gaps created between distinct types of insurance coverages. In addition to your auto insurance, examine your other insurance policies like:

Renters or homeowners insurance
— You’ll offset your financial liability if you’re sued and may extend protection for your belongings (some in your car, too). You might enjoy bundled discount policies for renters or home and auto insurance.
Personal umbrella policy
— An umbrella extends coverage across many existing insurance policies, like auto and home, and kicks in when you hit your policy limits.
Life insurance
— You can get great rates when you’re younger and healthier. Some life insurance builds equity over time, and you can use it to borrow against later in life.
Let’s get this renewal on the road

Take some notes, and we’ll discuss your insurance coverage recommendations when we connect. We’re here to protect what’s most important to you, wherever you may roam.