Think You Know Auto Insurance? Take Our Pop Quiz

1.     I’ll pay higher car insurance for a red car.
2.     Liability insurance is required in every state.
3.     A hybrid or electric car will cost more to insure than a comparable conventional vehicle.
4.     If I don’t have enough money to pay car insurance premiums, there won’t be any problem if I let my coverage lapse – as long as I don’t have a wreck.
5.     My collision insurance covers me if I hit a deer.
6.     If I’m driving and cause a wreck that’s my fault, my insurance company will pay for repairs to my vehicle.
7.     My insurance agent asked about my credit report because he wanted to see if I could put my premiums on a credit card.
8.     Old cars are stolen more often than new cars.
9.     It’s OK to let my friend drive my car – his insurance will pay if he causes a wreck.

Answers

1.     False. Tennessee Insurers don’t care what color your car is. An agent will ask you a number of questions about the vehicle – the year, make, model, body type, engine size, and even whether it has daytime running lights. But the agent won’t ask – and genuinely doesn’t care – what color it is.  Unless it’s a red ’69 Mustang! Who doesn’t love them?!
2.     True. You are legally required to carry it in every state, including Tennessee.  
3.     False. Some providers consider “green” vehicles to be safer than conventional vehicles because they’re heavier and offer discounts for coverage. However, premiums are based on many factors, including your driving record, so buying a hybrid might not mean lower premiums if you’ve had a few tickets or accidents.  
4.     False. A lapse in coverage is one of the worst factors in determining how much you’ll pay for auto insurance. Companies consider continuous coverage as a sign of stability. A lapse, even a short one, can mean much higher rates for coverage.
5.     False. Collision insurance – which is optional, unless your lender requires it – covers you when you hit objects such as trees, buildings or other cars here in Nashville. It doesn’t cover hitting a deer – Comprehensive does.  
6.     Maybe. Your liability coverage will pay for damage to the “other” vehicle. However, you’ll need collision coverage to cover repairs to your own car. You’ll also have to pay a deductible. If you don’t have collision coverage then you pay for damages to your own car.
7.     False. Providers in many states use your credit score to predict your risk of filing a claim. It’s a standard practice because carriers believe poor credit habits translate into higher risk – and higher payouts for them.
8.     True. The current car most popular with car thieves, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, is the 1994 Honda Accord. The reason: Its parts are pretty generic and can be used in several models.
9.     False. In most states, including Tennessee, the car owner’s insurance is the primary insurance and must pay for damage or injuries, even if your friend is at fault. Remember:  the insurance follows the vehicle!

So how’d you score? One more question for you:  What’s the best way to get affordable premiums, excellent coverage, and the discounts you deserve?  Contact a reputable insurance broker who can compare the rates of multiple companies. Call Johnston & Associates and let us shop your insurance for you with our multiple carriers today!  You can reach us at 615-716-2123.