Auto Insurance is a contract between an individual (the policyholder) and an insurance company. It provides financial protection and coverage in case of accidents, damage, theft, or other events related to the insured vehicle. The primary purpose of auto insurance is to help the policyholder mitigate the financial consequences that can arise from unexpected situations involving their vehicle.
Earning from services like driving for Uber or renting out your home on Airbnb can be appealing, but standard personal auto and home insurance policies do not provide coverage for these activities, potentially leaving you exposed to significant gaps in coverage in the event of an accident. It’s essential to explore specialized insurance options tailored to these ventures to ensure adequate protection for your assets and liabilities.
Effectively managing insurance costs extends beyond coverage limits, options, and premiums; it includes evaluating the deductibles you’re comfortable paying out of pocket.
Borrowing or driving a friend’s car is common, yet we often overlook coverage considerations. It’s important to be aware of exclusions and conditions in auto policies, particularly regarding “regular use” and “business use” coverage issues.
Insurance consumers often seek ways to cut costs on personal lines insurance, but not all approaches are prudent. Requests for reductions in dwelling or liability limits on homeowners or auto insurance policies may seem tempting, but they often carry significant risks, particularly in liability situations such as auto accidents or injuries on your property, where substantial losses could occur if a judgment goes against you.
Automobile accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States, especially among children and young adults, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these fatalities occur on freeways and highways, due to the high speeds involved.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 700,000 drivers in the United States use cell phones or manipulate electronic devices while driving during daylight hours. In 2012, there was a 9 percent increase from the previous year, resulting in an estimated 421,000 injuries in auto accidents involving distracted drivers.
Automobile crashes causing injuries and property damage are most prevalent in urban areas, with one study finding that 81 percent of crashes happen in cities. Additionally, approximately 43 percent of auto accidents are linked to intersections, as highlighted by another study.
Governor Baker’s signing of the Massachusetts 2016 State Budget on July 17, 2015, led to increased minor and major thresholds for surchargeable accidents, offering potential savings for drivers in the state who may be involved in at-fault accidents.
A new law eliminates the surchargeable offense for not using headlights with windshield wipers. Though using headlights and taillights with wipers remains mandatory and enforceable, receiving a ticket won’t affect your driving record or insurance premium.
Effective July 1, 2015, New Hampshire implemented a law prohibiting the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving, joining other states in similar measures. This law aims to enhance road safety by reducing distractions caused by electronic devices.