Benefits of Full Coverage Auto Insurance

It is common to wonder if it is better to carry the minimum liability or to attain full coverage for your vehicle. If you are trying to weigh out your options and understand the difference, E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is here to help. Let’s start with understanding what exactly full coverage auto insurance is for a Bloomfield, NJ driver.

Full coverage auto insurance is typically a combination of the following:

Liability Coverage- Coverage for other parties’ repairs and injuries if you are found at fault for an accident. In Bloomfield, NJ, the minimum required liability insurance is $15,000 for bodily injury per person (up to $30,000 per accident) and $5,000 in property damage per accident.

Collision Coverage- Coverage for repairs to your own vehicle if you are responsible for an accident with another car or object, such as a tree or stop sign.

Comprehensive Coverage- Coverage for auto repairs or replacement for certain covered events, such as theft, vandalism, fire, weather, and more.

You have the option to add on other coverage, such as uninsured motorist insurance to cover damage caused by another person who does not have insurance.

Though liability is all that is required by law, it is not always enough to cover the costs incurred during an accident. And it does not help repair or replace your car in the event that you are at fault in an accident, so you will have to cover those costs out-of-pocket. Without enough in savings, that could be a problem.

It is important to understand that no matter how careful a driver you are, there is no guarantee that you will never be in an accident. Safe driving does limit the possibility, but it does not eradicate it altogether. There will always be things you cannot control, such as the way other people drive or certain road conditions.

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Let us help you with the protection you need. Give E.S.T.I.R. Inc. a call or stop by today for a free, no-obligation full coverage quote!

What does a comprehensive auto policy cover?

When you own a vehicle there are many things that can happen to it. Some things can happen that have nothing to do with driving. Bloomfield, NJ is no exception, it offers just as many challenges to drivers and vehicle owners like any other city in the United States. At E.S.T.I.R. Inc. we are here to help you to make sure that you have all the auto insurance coverage that you need at a price you can live with.

If you have a vehicle for which you have a loan or a lease, they will require that you carry insurance to protect their investment. Comprehensive insurance is one of these coverages. It is often referred to as non-collision insurance since it does not cover your vehicle from a collision with another vehicle or stationary object. That sort of event is covered by collision insurance.

So what does the comprehensive auto insurance cover? It covers certain weather events. It will pay to repair the damage done by hail which in New Jersey can sometimes be quite large and damaging. It covers damage caused by strong winds which can cause the limbs of trees to fall on vehicles. Comprehensive insurance will also cover your car from flood damage which can be caused by hurricanes or just excessive rain.

In the event that your car is involved in a hit and run and you no idea who caused the damage, if you have comprehensive insurance you will be covered. It will also replace your windshield if it is cracked or a chip. If you travel in the countryside of New Jersey and a deer jumps into the road and you make contact with it, the damage can be devastating, luckily it will be covered. But perhaps the most important coverage is theft if your car is stolen your insurance will replace it up to the value of your policy.

There are other coverages that you may get with a comprehensive policy, at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ we will find the right policy from the carrier that offers the coverage you need. Give us a call or stop by for a no-obligation quote.

Why People in New Jersey Need Auto Insurance

If you live in the Bloomfield, NJ area, owning a car is normally a very good idea as it will make it much more convenient for you to get to and from work, school, and any other daily chores that you have. Before you go out and buy your next car, you should also carefully consider your auto insurance needs. There are several reasons why someone in this area will need to have auto insurance coverage.

State Law

One important reason why people in Bloomfield need to have insurance is that it is mandatory under state law. New Jersey drivers need to meet the minimum level of liability insurance whenever they are driving on a public roadway. This will ensure that they are able to pay for damages if they are at fault in a driving accident. 

Lender Requirements

While you are only required by law to carry liability insurance, if you take out a loan to buy your car you are also going to need collision and comprehensive insurance. Since the lender will be taking the car as collateral, they will want you to be fully covered by these policies. This will ensure you receive coverage for virtually any type of situation that could cause a loss.

There is a clear benefit to having auto insurance in place at all times if you are in the Bloomfield, NJ area. When you are looking for your next auto insurance policy, you should call the team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. When you reach out to these professionals, you can get a lot of great information and advice that will help you get into a great policy. E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can answer any questions you have about any type of coverage that could be included in your policy. 

Do I need more than basic auto insurance coverage

In Bloomfield, NJ basic auto insurance mandated by state law is  $5,000 for each accident and personal injury protection of $15,000 for each person. You are not required to have anything else by the state. If you have a loan or a lease on your vehicle, you will likely have to carry additional insurance to protect the lender or lessors investment.  E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can help you to understand if additional coverage is something you need to consider. 

Additional liability 

If you are young, single, a renter and own nothing, basic insurance is fine. However, if you have moved beyond that and have assets that have some value, adding additional liability insurance is worth considering. If you are sued, in this day and age, it could go way beyond the very minimal amount of a basic policy. You work too hard to accumulate what wealth you have to place it at risk. 

Collision coverage

Collision coverage protects your vehicle in the event you are in an accident where you are deemed at fault or are the victim of a hit and run. If you crash into your garage or a pole, you are the only driver involved. If your vehicle is old and has little value or if you would be able to pay for the repairs that might be required then collision insurance is probably not necessary. If however, you can not afford to be without your vehicle and you don’t have the ready cash to replace or repair it, collision is an affordable option. 

Comprehensive coverage

Your vehicle can be stolen or damaged by hail, wind or vandalism. If this happens and you don’t carry comprehensive coverage you will need to repair or replace your vehicle yourself. 

If you live in or near Bloomfield, NJ, E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is there to help you to decide what the best coverage options are for you. Stop by the office or give us a call for a no-obligation quote. 

 

Does Auto Insurance Cover your Passenger’s Expenses?

Having an accident is the last thing that anyone wants to have to deal with. That being said, there are tons of expenses that come along with an accident for both you and your passengers. For those in the Bloomfield, NJ area, the agents with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can help you to find the best policy for your needs every time.

Auto insurance covers a great deal and the costs and expenses of your passengers are one of them. Though your auto insurance is not going to cover every single expense your passenger incurs, their own health insurance will cover a great deal, your auto policy is likely going to award them what is considered liability for your state. This means that if liability for your state is $10,000, that is how much your policy is going to pay for your passengers. This is only if you have a liability policy if you have a larger policy or a full coverage policy you may be able to get more money for your passengers.

You will also be able to claim injury costs on your auto policy as well as using your health insurance policies to help pay for costs associated with your wreck. You should take the time to also consider that your state may be what is considered an at-fault state which means that fault for the wreck will be determined and the person at fault will have to use their insurance to cover all the expenses. No matter what your state laws say, your passenger is going to be covered to a certain degree on your policy each time they get into the car and ride with you. For those in the Bloomfield, NJ area, the agents with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can help you find the policy that works best for you.  

Four Benefits of Proper Car Maintenance

At E.S.T.I.R. Inc. the agents understand how important your vehicle is your daily life. Without it, you would at a loss, unable to go to work or care for your family. The agents are always available to Bloomfield, NJ residents to answer questions about auto insurance or offer a few sound maintenance tips to keep your car in top shape.

Better Gas Mileage

Regular maintenance and service checks keep your car running efficiently and will help to improve your gas mileage. This saves you money in the long run and also reduces wear and tear.

Better Overall Performance

Regularly scheduled oil changes and service checks can bring your car’s engine back to factory standards in terms of how the engine runs. Changing your air and oil filters allows the engine to have what it needs for maximum efficiency and better overall performance.

Fewer Breakdowns/Repairs

Having your car thoroughly inspected and serviced according to the factory’s recommendations will prevent breakdowns and keep repairs to a minimum. By catching problems when they are small, you can eliminate larger repair bills.

Maintains Its Value

Cars that are properly maintained hold their value for a much longer period of time. This increases trade in value and ensures you get the most out of your investment.

The agents of E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serve residents throughout the Bloomfield, NJ area. When it comes to auto insurance and how to make sure you get as much out of your investment as possible, it’s important to understand how important maintaining your vehicle really is. Call and schedule an appointment with one of their agents at your earliest convenience. They have the answers you’ve been looking for. 

What You Should Know about Shopping for a Car and Auto Insurance

Buying a new car in Newark, NJ can bring some questions about what to do with your auto insurance.

If you are buying a car on the weekend and the insurance office doesn’t open until Monday morning, you will usually have automatic coverage for new purchases that is equal to the broadest coverage you have on either your current or other cars on the policy. This means your policy will cover you for up to four days. If you don’t have comprehensive or collision coverage on the car you are replacing, then you won’t have it on the new vehicle. You may be required to have this overage if you are leasing or financing the new car. If there are multiple cars on the policy, then the new vehicle will have the greatest level of coverage to match any car listed on the policy.

It’s important to read the fine print on the lease or loan. Some leasing contracts could have a forced place clause, which means that the leasing company will arrange for insurance and add it to the monthly bill. You may also want to add additional gap coverage when purchasing a new car since this will help pay the difference from what you owe and what the car is worth at the time of an accident.

The dealership will not be responsible for contacting your insurance company, so you should contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.

If you are purchasing your first car and don’t have any existing insurance, you will have to do that before you can drive off the lot. An agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can help you set up a first-time car insurance policy. While you typically have four days to contact your insurance after buying a vehicle, you should notify your agent in advance if you know you are close to getting a new car.

Contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serving Newark, NJ, to get a quote on auto insurance. 

 

Should you be concerned when lending your auto to others?

Lending your vehicle to another person is something that you may do without thinking through the ramifications. You may even feel pressured to do this “small” favor for a close friend, who you assume would do the same thing for you. Many feel guilty not accommodating a sincere request from a friend. It is not comfortable to be caught off guard when someone asks to borrow your automobile and having to scramble around to think up an excuse not to let them. It is worse just to lend it to them without knowing what the risks really are.

Here are the things you should do:

1. Check with Your Insurance Agent About Casual Drivers

First, you need to know if other drivers are covered under your auto policy. This is a good reason to pick up the telephone and talk with your agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Newark, NJ. Ask your agent if casual drivers are covered in your policy and what the rules about them are.

2. Understand the New Jersey No-Fault Rules

New Jersey is a no-fault state. Residents must carry auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle within the state. There are the minimums for coverage under a “basic” policy which are:

  • Property damage liability (PDL) $5,000 per accident.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP) $15,000 per person, per accident.
  • Up to $250,000 for very serious injuries.

New Jersey residents have the option to choose a “standard” policy, by paying a higher premium, which has higher limits, covers more, and has the option to choose not to have any restriction on the right to sue a person who caused the accident. Ask your insurance agent about the options.

3. Consider Your Feelings

If the friend that borrows your car gets into an accident, even if it was the fault of the other driver, your insurance is going to have to pay the claim for your vehicle and its occupants. This can cause your premiums to rise, which is uncomfortable when you did not have anything to do with what caused the problem. Talk with your agent about these issues. You may do better paying for a rental car for your friend instead and making sure it is insured properly.

Summary

You need to think carefully before loaning your car to another person. If you are considering this, contact your agent at the E.S.T.I.R. Inc. agency serving Newark, NJ and the surrounding areas. Ask for an auto insurance review and a quote to be sure you have adequate coverage.

5 Auto insurance myths

With so much information across the internet about auto insurance, it is hard to weed out misleading information from the facts. Myths aside, the process of buying a car insurance policy can be daunting especially for first-time buyers in Newark, NJ. We debunk the 5 most common auto insurance myths:-

Your credit rating has no effect on your premium amounts
Most insurance companies refer to your credit history when determining your premium rates. A suitable credit rating shows that you are able to manage your financial affairs well and less likely to file for an insurance claim.

Your gender does not count when it comes to your premium rates
More often than not, women tend to pay lower insurance rates than men. This is because they are considered safer drivers. That being said, your driving record also influences your insurance rates. 

Your comprehensive insurance policy covers anything stolen from your car
An auto insurance coverage pays for repairs to damages caused during the vehicle’s break-in rather than the cost of the stolen items. However, a renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy could compensate for such. 

Higher premium rates mean more coverage
Insurance plans differ from one company to another, thus the difference in pricing. As well, the structure of an insurance company has a huge effect on the premium rates. For instance, your insurer could be working with brokers whom they have to pay a commission resulting in higher premiums. 

One ticket automatically results in a higher premium 
While you need to avoid any traffic violations and incidents, a single ticket does not imply an increase in your premium amounts. Nevertheless, a higher number of traffic violations could skyrocket your rates.

Do you need to understand more about auto insurance in Newark, NJ? Get in touch with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for a free estimate on your auto insurance coverage. 

Do I Have to Have Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

If you have never gone out and purchased a new or used vehicle, then there are likely several questions that you are wanting answers to. For example, you’re probably wondering whether or not you have to have insurance before you can pull off the lot with the new car. You’re also likely wanting to know if you have to have full coverage. Here at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., we want your car-buying experience to be as pleasant as possible, which is why we make getting insurance very easy. Let’s take a quick look at a couple answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about buying a new or used car in Newark, NJ.  

Do You Need Insurance?

When driving in New Jersey, it is mandated by law that you at least maintain liability coverage. So, if you’re going to the car lot and purchasing a vehicle, you will need to provide proof that you have at least liability coverage before being allowed to drive off the lot. Fortunately, it’s quite simple these days to contact an insurance agency, choose an insurance policy, make a payment, and receive proof of insurance. You can do all of this in well under 30 minutes. If you don’t currently have coverage and you need it because you’re buying a new vehicle, there’s no need to fret because you can get the proof you need in a very timely manner. 

Do You Need Full Coverage?

If you’re buying a car that you can’t replace if it was to become involved in an accident, then you should probably invest in full coverage insurance. In doing this, you can rest easy knowing the car will be replaced from a monetary standpoint if it was to be damaged in an accident. Also, you will need full coverage insurance if you are taking out a loan to pay for the car. Almost all lenders will mandate you buy a full coverage policy to compensate them for a loss if the vehicle becomes involved in an accident and you no longer make payments on it. After all, you don’t want to make payments on a car if you aren’t driving it anymore. With full coverage insurance, it’s a win-win for you and the lender. 

To learn more about the type of insurance you need to purchase a new or used car, please contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. today serving the Newark, NJ area.