Category Auto Insurance

By: Ryan Stueber Wait…there’s no such thing as Full Coverage on my Auto Insurance? Picture this scenario – You are driving along when suddenly another vehicle runs a red light and hits you causing damage to your car and sending you to the emergency room. A week later you find out that although the damage to your vehicle will be covered by your insurance, your medical bills won’t. “But I thought I had full coverage?” You say. “Shouldn’t my injuries be covered as well?” Therein lies the problem with the term “Full Coverage”, assumptions and misunderstandings.  When a term like “Full Coverage” is used, it leads to a lot of assumptions from both parties.  Traditionally, “Full Coverage” equates to having Comprehensive and Collision coverage on your vehicle, in addition to the liability coverage requirements and that is all. Really, it is usually referencing the coverage for your car, not for your medical coverage. So where did the term Full Coverage come from anyway? It’s hard to say for sure, but it likely finds its roots with Auto Finance Companies seeking an easy way to tell their clients what is required when they are financing or leasing a vehicle. The Finance company only requires Comprehensive and Collision coverage because the vehicle is all they care about. What’s not covered by “Full Coverage” Auto Insurance? A lot! Uninsured Motorist Personal Injury Protection Rental Reimbursement Roadside Assistance New car Replacement or GAP coverage Full Glass coverage These and many more coverages are not necessarily being included when you ask for “Full Coverage” but are extremely important coverages to have and understand.  At PNW Insurance Group we pride ourselves in education and explanation of what we are suggesting and how it benefits you. How do I make sure I’m fully covered? Well, the bad news is […]

We know the feeling, after all, we get those same envelopes, with that same increase in our auto insurance bill as well.  We wanted to share some information with you that may help.  While we can’t change how rates are determined – we can; help educate you on the “why”, let you know the advantages of the policy you have and the company you have it with; review your needs and see if another one of our carriers may be a better fit and let you know the downsides of switching carriers – do you lose discounts when you switch? Are there discounts now you may be eligible for and not getting? Please give us a call, we’d love to talk it about it with you. 253-447-8006 or feel free to contact us to set up a convenient time to discuss your situation. What affects my rates? Let’s just boil this down, for the most part it will help explain some of the factors and considerations into rates. The area in which you live – more people means a higher likelihood of accidents. Age of driver – Experience driving or lack of it Type of Vehicle – Costs to repair or replace have grown tremendously Your driving record – Need I say more? Your credit score – While it may seem like the issues aren’t related, statistics have indicated they are and insurance is largely driven by (no pun intended) statistics. Some more insurance rate factors: In a study done on minor front end damage for an entry level sedan of the same make and model for the model year 2014 and 2016, the 2014 costs came in at $1,846 while the 2016 was $3,551 – almost double!  Now throw in all the technology cars have – yikes! Although, I do love a car […]