 | John Eck
is the owner of the ECK Agency, Inc., which is an independent insurance agency representing over 80 companies offering life, health, property & casualty insurance. Beginning his career in 1968, he is a Certified Insurance Counselor, a licensed Kansas insurance broker, and has held numerous positions with other related business ventures. Currently an active member of his local School Board, he has also held elected positions on the City Council and Hospital Board in past years. John can be reached at his office by phone at (800) 444-4911, or you may e-mail him at: eck@eckagency.com |
Insurance
2005-09-01 07:39:00
The insurance man - series
ANSWER: If this is your first car, yes, you'll have to buy auto insurance before you drive your shiny new car off the dealer's lot. If you are financing the purchase, the lender will require that you buy a policy with comprehensive and collision coverages. Not all states require the purchase of liability coverage, however, and you can find out which ones do by reading “Which states require drivers to buy liability insurance?”If you have owned a vehicle and already have an auto insurance policy, that will generally cover your new automobile for a period of up to 30 days after you buy it. Once that 30-day period is up, you'll have to talk with your agent or company representative to insure that new vehicle. QUESTION: I've just been in an accident. How will the insurer issue the check to repair my car? ANSWER: It depends on whether or not you're in a first-party or third-party claim situation. In a first-party situation, when the claim is being paid by your insurer, the check will likely be made out to you and the body shop. In a third-party situation, when the claim is being paid by the other driver's insurer, it's likely that the check will be made payable to you alone.QUESTION: What can I do to protect myself against uninsured drivers? ANSWER: Purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can protect you against uninsured drivers. In many states, UM coverage is required by law.UM coverage will pay for medical bills and pain and suffering if you are hit by an uninsured driver. In some states, UM property-damage coverage is available. If your car is crunched by an uninsured driver and you have UM property-damage coverage, you'll be able to get your car fixed under this coverage, rather than using your collision coverage.Generally speaking, UM property-damage coverage carries a lower deductible than collision coverage.
