Category: Auto Insurance

Am I Covered For Damage if I Got a DUI From the Accident?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Getting into a car accident is already stressful, but adding a DUI to the situation can make it significantly more complicated. One common question drivers in Idaho ask after such incidents is whether their insurance will cover the damages. The answer isn’t always straightforward, but understanding your policy’s coverage is crucial. Selkirk Insurance Services, serving Sandpoint, ID, can provide valuable guidance on this matter.

Your Liability Coverage May Still Apply

If you were at fault in the accident and caused injury to someone else or damaged their property, your liability insurance might still cover their losses. Idaho law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, and most policies do not exclude DUI-related accidents from basic liability coverage. This means the individuals you harmed may still be compensated through your insurance policy.

Your Own Damages Might Not Be Covered

Things become more complicated when it comes to your own vehicle. If you have collision coverage, it typically pays for repairs to your car—unless your policy specifically excludes DUI-related claims. Some insurers may deny payment if the accident occurred while you were under the influence, especially if the DUI resulted in criminal charges or a license suspension.

You Could Face Additional Consequences

A DUI can lead to more than just a denial of coverage. You may experience higher premiums, reduced coverage options, or even policy cancellation when it’s time for renewal. Additionally, future insurers may classify you as high-risk, making it harder to find affordable coverage.

Understand Your Policy Before Trouble Arises

Every insurance policy is unique, and the fine print matters. If you’re unsure about what your policy covers, your local Idaho insurance agent at Selkirk Insurance Services, serving Sandpoint, ID, can help clarify your options. Being informed can help you stay protected, even in unexpected situations.

Three Times You Might Need to File an Auto Insurance Claim

Posted on by AgentInsure

While collisions with other vehicles are perhaps the most common car insurance claims, they’re not the only ones. Here are three other situations where you might need to file an auto insurance claim.

1. Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Striking a pedestrian on Main Street is undoubtedly a reason for an insurance claim. There’s a high likelihood that the pedestrian might suffer injuries, which would typically be covered under your auto insurance’s injury liability protections. These claims can become quite costly if the injuries are severe.

Accidents involving pedestrians occur more frequently than drivers might think. A momentary distraction by the shops in Sandpoint, ID, and you could hit someone crossing the street.

2. Damage from Falling Trees

While many homeowners are aware of potential tree hazards that could damage their house, drivers often overlook the risk of trees falling on their cars. High winds and damaged trees can cause a branch or an entire tree to fall onto your vehicle, causing significant damage to the windshield, other windows, roof, and hood.

Damage from falling trees is a non-collision claim that falls under comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive auto insurance coverage generally protects against non-accident damage.

3. Mechanical Failures

A failed alternator will leave you stranded on the roadside. The alternator recharges your vehicle’s battery as you drive, and if it fails, you’ll lose power. (Note: Electric vehicles don’t have alternators).

Roadside assistance coverage is designed for situations where you’re stranded due to mechanical failure. While it’s not a standard protection, many auto policies offer it as an add-on. We at Selkirk Insurance Services can help you add this to your policy.

Review Your Auto Insurance

Of course, these claims are only valid when you have the appropriate auto insurance coverages in place. If you’re in Sandpoint, ID, we at Selkirk Insurance Services can help you review your coverages.

Is Vandalism Covered By Your Car Insurance Policy?

Posted on by AgentInsure

The most common type of damage that auto insurance companies pay out is damage caused by auto accidents. However, this isn’t the only type of damage that is covered. Here at Selkirk Insurance Services, serving the greater Sandpoint, ID region, we want to help you understand what is and is not covered. Here’s more information about whether your car insurance policy covers vandalism.

What Is Vandalism?

There are many ways that an automobile can be vandalized. Some of the most common include windows being broken out or shattered, the body being keyed or scratched, spray paint being used on the car, or tires being slashed. Your vehicle is also considered to have been vandalized if someone attempted to break in to steal it but failed, potentially damaging elements in your car, like the steering wheel column.

Does Your Car Insurance Policy cover Vandalism?

If you carry comprehensive coverage, sometimes called full coverage, your vehicle is protected against vandalism. If you have state minimum insurance, also known as liability-only policies, your vehicle will not be protected against vandalism. If you have a loan out on your car, your lender requires you to carry full coverage, and you will be covered. If you’re unsure if your policy covers vandalism, your insurance agent can read through your policy and help you better understand what is and is not covered.

Ready to Get the Auto Insurance Coverage You Need? Call Selkirk Insurance Services Today

Here at Selkirk Insurance Services, serving the greater Sandpoint, ID area, we want to help you find the insurance products you need. Call us today to discuss your auto insurance needs.

How Do Auto and Umbrella Insurance Work Together?

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Umbrella insurance is well-known for protecting against unforeseen legal and court costs, and its primary role is covering liabilities that surpass the limits enforced by your standard policies. If you encounter unforeseeable events causing liabilities beyond your home or auto policy’s constraints, umbrella insurance steps in. We invite you to contact our team at Selkirk Insurance Services, proudly serving Sandpoint, ID, to explore how umbrella insurance can offer protection for you and your loved ones.

Addressing Your Potential Liabilities

Let’s delve into the interactions between umbrella insurance and the liability limits of your auto insurance policy. Typically, when an auto policyholder is accountable for damages following an incident, the aggregate liabilities are beneath the limits of their auto policy. However, in rare circumstances, accidents result in debilitating injuries or other damages, driving up liabilities beyond the coverage that the insurance company has agreed to pay. In these situations, you are personally liable for the remaining amount, potentially compromising your savings, home, and other assets.

Significantly, umbrella insurance covers the liabilities that exceed your auto policy’s limits in situations like these. Admittedly, umbrella insurance may not always be necessary as it primarily covers "worst-case" scenarios. Despite this, the majority of policyholders seldom need to file a claim against their umbrella insurance, thereby keeping it relatively inexpensive. While umbrella insurance principally covers rare incidents, it endows you with peace of mind through the protection it provides to you and your family.

Cooperating with Selkirk Insurance Services

Umbrella insurance provides protection against unexpected events with potential financial impacts. Whether you live in or around Sandpoint, ID, and are considering umbrella insurance or any other kind of insurance protection, our team at Selkirk Insurance Services is eager to assist. Call us today at 208-263-0888 to acquire the insurance protection that best suits your needs.

The Importance of Keeping Your Auto Insurance Up-to-Date

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Like most drivers, if you find yourself driving frequently, it’s essential to be prepared for potential incidents. According to statistics from the Federal Highway Administration and the US Department of Transportation, the average person drives more than 13,000 miles annually. This equates to numerous trips and significant travel, increasing the chances of accidents occurring. Fortunately, we don’t need to travel less to stay safe; we can feel secure with each mile we drive by ensuring we have the right insurance solutions. This is why individuals from all over the Sandpoint, ID region choose Selkirk Insurance Services for their auto insurance requirements, relying on our professional and friendly agents.

Maintaining Current Auto Insurance is Crucial

Having the appropriate auto insurance protection is necessary for various reasons. However, keeping your policy current and accurate is equally important. Have you relocated recently? Are you driving fewer miles now than at the start of your policy a few years ago? Is someone else now occasionally operating your vehicle? All of these circumstances would warrant adjustments to your policy, and alterations, like reductions in mileage, could result in financial savings. Therefore, ensure your policy is up-to-date and make routine visits to your insurance agent to guarantee you have the necessary protection should you ever require it.

Serving All Your Auto Insurance Needs in Sandpoint, ID

If you are a resident of Sandpoint, ID in need of auto insurance, have inquiries regarding auto insurance, or are simply browsing for rates, our trusted and professional team at Selkirk Insurance Services is here to assist you. Driving is a daily reality, and unfortunately, so are accidents. The answer lies in preparedness and protection provided by comprehensive auto insurance solutions. Contact us to discover more, and arrange an appointment today to ensure you’re protected every single mile of your journey.

Add an Auto Insurance Review to Your Spring Cleaning List

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Spring Cleaning: A Great Time to Revise Your Auto Insurance

With the arrival of spring comes the tradition of spring cleaning. It often signifies a time of renewal – a time to declutter, clean, organize, and prepare for the coming year. This same spirit of renewal should be applied to your auto insurance policy. Are you situated in the Sandpoint, ID area and considering upgrading your existing auto insurance policy? The Insurance Shop USA has got your back.

Why Regularly Review Insurance Policies?

By allowing trusted insurance agents like The Insurance Shop USA to review your auto insurance policy annually, you’re ensuring comprehensive protection for your vehicle. Auto insurance claims can be painstakingly complex; hence, having the correct coverage for your vehicle is vital. Our team offers a thorough review of your existing auto insurance policy, ensuring that it delivers the quality coverage you need now and in the future.

Stay Updated with The Insurance Shop USA

Intrinsically tying your annual auto insurance review with your spring cleaning ritual can prevent future complications and ensure that your policy stays up-to-date. We recommend at least an annual review, but more frequent reviews may be required in case of changes in the household. Contact us at The Insurance Shop USA in Sandpoint, ID, for suggestions and detailed information about auto insurance reviews.

With our team of dedicated agents at your service, whether it is making required updates to your policy or offering need-based assistance, our goal is to ensure you’re fully protected while on the road.

Why You Need Liability Protection for Your Vehicle

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If you drive a vehicle in Idaho, you’re required to have an active auto insurance policy to cover it. You need to have an auto insurance policy in place from the moment you buy your car and keep it for as long as you own it. Several types of auto insurance coverage are required to be in your auto policy. Some of these include different types of liability coverage. Call us at The Insurance Shop USA in Sandpoint, ID to learn more. 

Accidents and Liability

Many don’t think much about car accidents or what could happen afterward. However, it’s important to be prepared. This is especially true for accidents in which you were the cause. You may not think you would cause an accident, but mistakes do happen, and you could be found at fault. That’s why you need liability coverage for your vehicle. If you cause an accident, this insurance will pay for the damages. 

Bodily Injury and Property Damage

Your liability coverage is divided into two types. One of these is bodily injury liability, and the other is property damage liability. Both coverage types pay the other party when you cause an accident. Bodily injury pays for the medical bills and other associated costs that the injured party has. For some, this could include lost wages. Property damage liability is for damage you cause to another vehicle or any other type of property. Both of these liability coverage types come with very small minimums in Idaho. That makes it a good idea to get more coverage than the minimum. 

Get Auto Insurance

If you don’t have an auto policy yet, don’t wait to get it. Call us at The Insurance Shop USA in Sandpoint, ID. We can tell you exactly what’s required in the state and help you choose the right policy for you. 

Auto Insurance and Distracted Driving

Posted on by AgentInsure

Distracted driving has emerged as a significant threat to road safety, with profound implications for accident rates and auto insurance premiums in and around the Sandpoint, ID area. As technology advances and our lives become more connected, the issue of distracted driving has gained increased attention. 

Impact on Accident Rates and Insurance Premiums

When drivers divert their attention from the road, the risk of accidents dramatically increases, even for a few seconds. Distracted driving encompasses a range of behaviors, from texting and talking on the phone to eating, grooming, and using in-car entertainment systems. Such activities reduce reaction times and impair judgment, resulting in a higher likelihood of collisions.

As accident rates rise due to distracted driving incidents, insurance companies often respond by increasing premiums to compensate for the elevated risk. This affects individual drivers and impacts the collective cost of auto insurance nationwide.

Insurers’ Efforts to Promote Safer Driving

Insurance companies are taking proactive steps to encourage safer driving habits among policyholders:

  1. Telematics and Usage-Based Insurance (UBI): Many insurers offer telematics programs that use technology to monitor driving behavior like speed, braking patterns, and phone usage. It leaves the option open for safe incentives. 
  2. Education and Awareness: Insurance providers are investing in educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. These initiatives aim to inform drivers about the risks and consequences, encouraging them to make responsible choices behind the wheel.
  3. Driver Assistance Technology: Some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control, which can contribute to reducing accidents caused by distractions.

The Insurance Shop USA Can Help You

At The Insurance Shop USA, we can answer all your questions concerning auto insurance. We assist the Sandpoint, ID region. Contact us today.

Should You Combine Your Auto Insurance Policies When You Get Married?

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Conventional wisdom says that you should combine your automotive insurance with your spouse when you get married in Sandpoint, ID. This idea can work to your advantage by lowering the auto policy premiums from The Insurance Shop USA. When does and doesn’t it work?

Both Spouses Have Good Driving Records

If both drivers maintain good driving records, you can typically reduce your premiums by insuring both drivers and all vehicles on one policy. Neither individual should have DUIs, points lost on their license, or a poor credit rating.

One Spouse Has an Iffy or Bad Driving Record

Your premiums could increase if one driver has a poor driving record or DUIs. Avoid your partner finding out about DUIs or reckless driving through an insurance quote by talking about such things in advance. An impending marriage offers an opportunity to talk about many important topics, such as your life’s high and low points.

Both Spouses Have Poor Driving Records

If both spouses have poor driving records and lost points on their licenses, combining policies won’t help matters. Because neither person has a good driving record, your premiums either won’t change or will go up.

Contact The Insurance Shop USA

The conventional wisdom of combining policies comes from assumed reduced risk. Married people typically behave more responsibly behind the wheel and otherwise, whether they reside in Sandpoint, ID, or the furthest reaches of the poles. Contact The Insurance Shop USA to learn about combining your auto insurance with your spouse. Let us help you save money.

Who needs to have an auto insurance plan in Idaho?

Posted on by AgentInsure

For most people living in the Sandpoint, ID area, owning a car is practically a necessity. With a car, you will have an easier time getting around the area and enjoying all it offers. You must also get auto insurance if you are looking for a car. There are many reasons why the typical car owner here needs to carry auto coverage. 

Those with an Auto Loan

One situation when someone needs this coverage is when they have taken out an auto loan. As vehicles can be costly, many people will finance the purchase of their car with a loan. If you have taken out a loan when buying a car, there is a good chance the lender will require you to have coverage. This typically includes having a fully comprehensive plan, which ensures your lender’s collateral is covered. 

Those Looking to Drive

Getting an auto insurance plan if you want to drive your car would also be a good idea. When you drive a vehicle in this state, you are required to carry liability insurance. This coverage ensures you can cover damage if you cause an accident. You can face various types of penalization if you do not have the minimum coverage. 

There are a lot of situations when you need to have an auto insurance plan. If you are in the Sandpoint, ID area and looking for coverage, you should contact our team at The Insurance Shop USA. At The Insurance Shop USA, we ensure our clients fully understand their insurance needs and options. This support can ensure you pick the right plan for your situation. 

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