Car Insurance Premium Archives - Alexander Insurance Agency

22Aug

Velocity Vs. Viability: The Hidden Impact of Speeding Tickets on Missouri Insurance Premiums

As the trooper walks away and the dust settles, reality sinks in. You’ve just gotten a speeding ticket due to your haste, and are now wondering what the consequences are. In our state of Missouri, a 40-year-old driver who suddenly finds himself with a speeding ticket usually will see their full coverage car insurance rates rise by about 20%. Depending on who you pick for your carrier, your rate could vary. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of the laws that govern tickets, and how they affect what you’ll be spending each month.

How Much Will a Speeding Ticket Cost in Missouri?

What your speeding ticket will cost you depends on how many miles over the posted speed limit you were driving, though in most cases, a speeding ticket in Missouri will cost between $120- $240. If you’re caught speeding in a construction zone or school zone the fine will be raised by $25. Much like many other states, Missouri is based on a point system for licensing, where drivers obtain points depending on what offense they have been guilty of. If you’re unlucky enough to accumulate eight or more points within 18 months, your license will unfortunately be suspended.

How Much Does Each Ticket Increase Insurance in Missouri?

In most cases, an infraction resulting from a speeding ticket in Missouri will increase your rates by about 20%. Some of the factors that affect this are who your insurance provider is, how fast you’re going, whether this is your first offense, and what type of zone the road you were on is categorized as. Just as many commuters are choosing to push the envelope and drive just a little faster, law enforcement has become savvier, and if it becomes a habit, you WILL eventually get caught.

Are There ways to Keep my Insurance Rates Low After a Ticket in Missouri?

Drivers who get pulled over for speeding in Missouri will immediately notice their car insurance rates increase. Here are a couple of tips from us here at the Alexander Agency of Saint Charles that can help you save money on your insurance after you get a ticket.

Get as Many Different Quotes as Possible:

Every car insurance company out there will command a different rate, no matter how your record Has fared. If you see a drastic increase in your rates after getting a speeding ticket, you can consider quotes from other companies to see if they can finalize a lower rate. The insurance company you ultimately want to go with will offer different types of discounts, comprehensive coverage options, and glowing reviews from long-standing policy holders.

Working on Your Credit Score:

Credit scores are a factor when it comes to an insurance company being able to predict who may file a claim. If you have good credit your rate will be closer to the nation’s average, while having excellent credit may see you obtaining a lower rate. While many consumers and advocate groups have expressed disappointment and concern about this type of profiling, it is based on solid findings that those who’ve had difficulty with finances may ultimately not be driving as safely as others.

Insure and Secure: The Perks of Bunding Your Policies

Car insurance companies in Missouri are happy to offer a discount for drivers who purchase more than just their auto with the same carrier. If you are also seeking life insurance, renters, or home policies, bundling them will allow you to get a discount on your final premium amount. This also makes it more convenient for you as you approach your monthly billing cycle and can save you time as you have an auto-pay option or just one easy debit for all your coverage types.

How Much Car Insurance is Required by Law in Missouri?

Missouri’s current car insurance laws state that every driver on the road needs to carry a minimum of at least 25/50/25 personal liability insurance and 25/50 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. To be covered in the case of anything happening and offer Peace of Mind, we often recommend that drivers raise their coverage limits or obtain a full coverage policy that includes comprehensive and collision insurance.

Your Fast Lane to Resolution: Missouri Speeding Tickets and Our Support

We understand that life happens, and there are times when everything on your to-do list is jammed up into a very small allotment of space! Everyone here at the Alexander insurance agency of Saint Charles has been watching trending behavior and the rising rates, along with proactively seeking out solutions for ample coverage. Getting behind the wheel involves risk, but also provides the reward of productivity and quick-errands convenience. Speeding tickets shouldn’t slow down your budget. Reach out to Alexander Insurance Agency of St. Charles and let us steer you towards auto insurance solutions that keep your rates low without compromising on coverage!

24Jul

Graduating to the Wide-Open Road: A Parent’s Guide to Insurance for Teenage Drivers

The moment when you finally hand your car keys over to your teenage son or daughter and watch them drive away can evoke fear for even the most calm and controlled parent! Some parents are concerned with safety, while others wonder if they will be able to cover the cost. For those who are wondering when exactly their teenager should be added to their insurance and just how much they can expect to pay, we made this week’s blog post with your potentially-nerve-wracked self in mind.

What are Some Key Things to Know About Auto Insurance for My Teen?

First, one form of relief can come as a perk of a learner’s permit. If your teenager is still officially covered under a learner’s permit most insurers don’t charge extra, because they are confident that someone else is there watching them to prevent accidents or other mishaps. Once the teen takes the driver’s test, passes, and acquires their license, you then must formally obtain a policy. With less experience behind the wheel and statistically higher accident rates, teenagers always face the highest cost of insurance. Following are some of the reasons that teens struggle with higher insurance rates:

Overall inexperience
Reluctance to wear seatbelts
Higher rates of distracted driving
Higher rates of drinking while driving
A time-proven tendency to speed
Higher likelihood of nighttime or weekend incidents

How Much Can I Expect to Pay to Insure My Teenage Driver?

Just as it stands with other forms of insurance policies such as homeowners and motorcycle policies, the answer depends on the state you reside in. Age and gender are also a factor, as a 16-year-old will end up costing more than a 19-year-old, and a male will be more expensive than a female. After the various data acquired from last year’s Carinsurance.com study was compiled, the results claimed that the average cost of adding a teen to your auto insurance policy is $3,798 per year, or a quite pricey $316.50 per month. Some teens are holding part time jobs with longer hours than average just to fit the bill for these exorbitant costs.

What are Some Tips to Keep These Costs Down?

It IS possible to secure coverage without completely breaking the bank, as a bit of consideration and proactive measures will make a difference in premium costs. Even after the pandemic had eased up a bit, all of us here at the Alexander Agency of St Charles could tell that families were still hurting and compiled this shortlist to be of assistance.

Hold off Altogether: We know that your teen may not want to hear this right off the bat, but if you wait longer, the costs will not be as high. It’s a bit less fun to take this route, but some metropolitan areas have made strides 2 lower their fares and make public transportation more accessible.
Consider Inexpensive Used Cars: It could prove to be much less expensive to buy your teenager an older or slightly beat-up vehicle and shell out for liability only. Even adding your teen driver as an uninsured driver of your own vehicle could be expensive if you are enjoying the benefits of a newer crossover, truck, or sedan. This tends to vary by the insuring party but will at least allow your new driver to get some experience behind the wheel before they choose something fancier.
Consider Usage-Based Insurance: UBI programs use telematics to keep an eye on driving habits, such as distance, speed, and how aggressively you are braking. If your teens prove themselves with a solid 6-month or year-long streak of good driving behavior, UBI can lead to discounts that will allow the whole family to have more money left over each month.
Increase Your Deductible Limit: If you are willing to opt for a higher deductible, your premium costs will go down. Make sure to talk to one of our agents, who will discuss a feasible balance between deductible amounts and premium costs that are sensible enough for you to pay for, and will “meet all parties in the middle” regarding risk.
Proactively Encourage Good Grades: Many insurance companies will offer sizeable discounts to students who are actively maintaining excellent academic standing. Encourage your teen to do well in school, as nailing down a certain GPA can be another great way to reduce your rates. This one can be difficult for a teen who is already distracted by the potential for freedom on the road with their very own wheels, but it can prove to be well worth it!
Always Ask About Driver Discounts: There are all types of other discounts available when looking to cut costs for a new teen driver. For some companies, these savings come in the form of a distant student discount if the young driver moves away to attend school and the car stays behind. Low mileage, multi-vehicle family plans, and other tactics can all be considered as a great way for a company to extend its knowledge and experience to get your teen driver a better rate.

One of the best ways to keep teen driver costs at bay is to teach young drivers from the start just how important it is to drive safely, unfortunately, so many films and videos have encouraged otherwise, including footage shot by teens themselves! Since teens are the most inexperienced driving demographic, they, unfortunately, can suffer a high number of fatalities. One example of a company that does everything they can to help teen drivers offset costs is State Farm, who usually offers up to 25% discounts for students with good grades.

Everyone here at the Alexander Agency of St Charles can understand that seeing your team behind the wheel can be a trying and unnerving time. We will assist you with the ideal quotes, perhaps calming you down a bit, and providing consistency and service for your younger ones that will soon be driving away from the comfort of the nest!

28Feb

Best Home & Auto Insurance Bundles of 2023

Complete Coverage on the Road and Beyond: Tips for Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in 2023

When you need to insure both your home and your vehicle, a great way to save money is to bundle your coverage with the same company. Home and Auto insurance bundles can yield you a sizable multi-policy discount with many national coverage providers. All of us here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of Saint Charles have spent an abundance of time researching companies based on the discounts they offer, measured up against the number of consumer complaints they receive.

Here are some of the Pros and Cons of bundling them together:

Pros of bundling Home and Auto insurance:

The Attractive Savings: a multi-policy discount for buying home and auto insurance policies with the same insurance company can save you as much as 14%. This can really add up, as annually you could enjoy up to $466 of savings in your pocket.
Having Multiple Policies Under One Account: It’s pretty convenient that your home and auto policies are under one account or app. You won’t have numerous logins to remember.
Just One Deductible to Manage: Some well-known companies like Progressive will apply one deductible to bundled home and auto policies if damage occurs to both during a single event. If a storm knocks a tree down, having a single deductible will require payment for only one occurrence instead of two.

Cons of Bundling Home and Auto Insurance:

A Few Rungs Under the Best: occasionally, you may find it cheaper to buy home and auto coverage separately. We research multiple providers to help you make this decision.
Double-Check the Convenience Factor: if your car insurance company is partnered up with a different home insurance company to offer this bundle, you may not notice the benefits of having a single account.
Not Necessarily Being the Best Fit: if you are after certain coverage types that may not be available with a company that bundles home and auto insurance, it may be the most sensible idea to stick with a company that is offering you the specific things that cater to your needs. One example is that not all home insurance companies will offer extended replacement cost if your rebuilding note is higher than the original listed amount you recorded while obtaining the policy.

What to Look for When Choosing your Home and Auto Insurance Company:

Our team will help you explore coverage options and help tailor your insurance to suit your lifestyle. As part of our process, we look for ways to save you money on insurance, while still balancing your needs. You already know that you can sometimes get a pretty substantial discount for bundling your home and auto coverage. Did you know that your deductible choice also has a large effect on your home and auto insurance costs? For example, if you opt for a higher deductible, your policy price will be cheaper, but the insurer will ultimately pay out less for the claim. As we previously mentioned, many providers will also offer a single deductible when you bundle home and auto. Your specific driving style or property type may mean that bundling isn’t the best possible option, but it is always a great idea to explore your possibilities.

Additional Tips to Save Money on Bundled Home and Auto Insurance:

We want you to save your money for the good things in life. Check out some of our additional recommendations to save money on your bundled insurance below. Be sure to contact us today if you have any questions, our team is happy to help!

Advance Quote Discounts: if you buy your new policy before your current one expires, some companies will give you a discount.
Anti-Theft Devices Discounts: if your car has anti-theft features, you may save on your car insurance costs. And for your house, sophisticated deadbolts and a burglar alarm can merit discounts as well.
Claims-Free Discount: Both home and auto insurance will give substantial discounts if you can remain claim-free for an extended amount of time.
Multi-Home Discount: if you choose to insure more than one property with the same insurance company, you can receive substantial discounts.
New Car Discount: you may also qualify for substantial savings if your car is less than three years old.
Pay in Full Discount: paying your entire year in full upfront can qualify you for a discount for either type of policy. If this is something you are able to do, it can benefit you greatly.

Safety Features Discount: Safety features such as anti-lock brakes and airbags can save you money on your policy as well. For your home, add-ons such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms can save money on your premiums.

16Feb

Tips on Acquiring Affordable Car Insurance for 2023

Car insurance can be an expense that many Americans struggle with, but is legally required to be on the road. If you feel as though you can’t afford the top tiers of coverage and don’t know what to do, there are options out there for you that can be less expensive. It’s always a good idea to see if you qualify for available discounts, and find ways to potentially reduce your coverage limits. Take a look at some of the important factors that affect your rates, and see how you can help make your rates more affordable in the days to come!

Locating the Least Expensive Providers:

Insurance companies don’t always leave a lot of room for people to negotiate insurance rates, but it’s always wise to compare rates from several providers to secure the least expensive option. There are 3 ways we have found that are the most effective to compare rates.

Call independent insurance agents or companies
Check rates directly on company websites
Use a comparison website to investigate rates in your zip code

The Ever-Helpful Discount:

Many online car insurance quotes automatically apply discounts after obtaining your vital information. It is well worth your time to give the most accurate info possible, especially if it could lead to a decreased rate. There are many savvy ways to save money, including:

Bundling policies together
Including a student with good grades on your policy
Adding another vehicle to your policy
Maintain an acceptable driving record
Driving a vehicle with the latest safety features

Explore Defensive Driving Courses

Taking a defensive driving course can help give you a discount depending on your provider and your location. If you are a resident over 55, you can take an eligible course or class approved by your state’s DMV or Department of Public Safety. Some of them can even be completed at home online, and quickly get you up to speed on laws and defensive driving techniques that help with avoiding accidents and taking extra steps to protect yourself.

Cut Back a bit on Coverage:

The specific type of coverage you choose is a large factor in your insurance rates. If you opt for the minimum amount of coverage your state requires, it appears at first as your least expensive option. It still does not provide you with the best financial protection in case you encounter an accident, but there is a reasonable balance you can seek out. If you are in an accident, you will be thankful to have even minimal liability coverage to avoid extreme financial hardship as a penalty.

Improving Your Credit Score:

Credit history has long been a means of determining how much you will be charged for car insurance. Your credit data is compiled along with other attributes to create a credit-based insurance score. It is an indicator of how well you manage risk and your overall behavior. Once you improve your credit score, your rates will also be more feasible over time. Immediately after an event such as bankruptcy, you may notice a harsh increase.

Using the “Buddy System”:

If you can join someone else’s car insurance policy, it is another way to save on costs. If they have a clean driving record and are within an age range that isn’t deemed high-risk, they can find themselves suddenly in quite favorable graces. If an 18-year-old driver joins a policy of an acquaintance who is in their 30s with a clean record, their rates will improve. But, for the policyholder, their rates may rise since they are taking on the one who was the brunt of the new risk.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay Your Car Insurance?

You may, unfortunately, lose your coverage if you do not keep up with your car insurance bills. Most companies provide a grace period of around 10 to 20 days before they cancel your policy. This lapse in coverage does not look good on your record, and when other companies are looking at insuring you, it will weigh on whether or not you can successfully obtain a new policy. If your debt is sent to collections, it can show up on your credit report and affect your ability to get a new place of residence, or employment.

Auto insurance coverage can be expensive, but there are many options for you if the cost seems daunting. A policy to see you safely on the road is one of our specialties here at the Alexander Agency of St Charles, and we always take pleasure in knowing your life is easier, safer, and compliant. Whether you are a large family, a recent graduate, or anyone else embarking on a new phase of life, we can assist you with finding the coverage that will instill 100% confidence in every errand or long haul you plan!

11Jan

Options for High-Risk Drivers in 2023

As Americans are already coping with several various forms of rising prices across the board, the monthly expense of auto insurance is no exception. Many different factors can cause you to be classified as high-risk, which will unfortunately raise your monthly rates. Thankfully, we have coverage options to see you through tough times!

We put together a list of our best high-risk insurance companies for 2023. Each company has specific traits that appeal to different types of drivers, and allowing us to filter through them for you will assure that you find the perfect match!

Progressive always remains high on our list due to the discounts they offer for taking defensive driving courses, and their usage-based programs that result in lower rates. They also offer some of the best rates for drivers over 70 and are a time-tested and award-winning insurance company. AARP provides some of the most thorough defensive driving classes, and Progressive is an entity that is happy to provide incentives for completing them.

For drivers that have not had an accident in three years, Progressive has a track record of charging after 31% less than other types of coverage, freeing up more money for your other monthly expenses. Progressive’s Snapshot program keeps an eye on your driving habits through an installed device, and responsible driving will earn you discounts. If you have tickets, not the greatest credit, or DUIs on your record, Progressive will offer incentives for actions such as selecting a safer vehicle.

Travelers Insurance has an excellent focus and solid foundation that helps teen drivers, as they know full well the cost to insure someone under 25. Travelers proudly provide more student discounts than any other company out there and will offer sizable discounts for driving a car with outstanding safety ratings. Travelers offers great binding options for home or renter’s insurance with auto, and has very high-tech tools to help you track payments and keep multiple policy layers organized.

Directly on their website, Travelers proudly claims to insure those who are inexperienced and have a poor driving record. SR-22, gaps in insurance history, and driving sports cars are issues Travelers is known to handle well, with a sense of lenient demeanor and urgency. High-risk factors sometimes depend on how far back an insurance company looks in your record, and how much time accrued points stay on your license history. Even factors such as renting instead of owning a home affect your rates, and Travelers is known for a high level of understanding of the current economy.

Nationwide has long been the choice of many drivers in need of SR-22 and FR-44 forms. Even the most cautious of drivers can still end up with the occasional speeding ticket if they happen to be in a hurry, and Nationwide offers a range of discounts for those who have encountered this misfortune. If you have speeding tickets but do not have any accidents, Nationwide has taken it upon themselves to offer affordable rates in more instances than any other provider for those with tickets.

Nationwide is always worth a quick check to see if they meet your needs. Their Accident Forgiveness option can be purchased as an addition to your regular auto policy, and can constructively offset the price increase you see on your policy after an accident. Nailing down a “5 out of 5” for overall performance from Nerd Wallet, Nationwide was excellent regarding consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and financial strength ratings.

12Dec

Resilient Coping Skills Amongst an Ebbing Tide: Car Insurance Outlook for 2023

As we look ahead to 2023, many of us are very reasonably concerned about rising costs of day-to-day living. Inflation, supply chain issues, and an uptick in car accidents are sure to take their toll on our pocketbooks and will no doubt lead to higher car insurance costs next year.

The number of car accidents dropped drastically during the pandemic but now, with an increased number of drivers on the road, the number of accidents has increased as well. More money is also being spent on car insurance claims, due to expensive parts, medical bills and costs of labor.

Because we know that the cost of car insurance will continue to rise in 2023, we wanted to inform you of the factors governing this, and warn you “how the chips could fall”.

Inflation’s Rampant Effects on Rising Costs:

The Consumer Price Index saw an increase of 7.7% for the 12-month period that ended in October of 2022. Unfortunately, this much-used benchmark for fiscal health saw its largest annual jump in 40 years, with costs of housing, energy, food, and car insurance rising and creating general discontent. Year-over-year, car insurance prices are up by 12.9%, and in the last two years, costs have risen an astonishing 19.9%.

The American property casualty insurance association produced a new report over the year that took a close look at car insurance companies’ daily struggle with these rising costs. They found that the cost of claims is rising even faster than the CPI, which will force car insurance companies to impose rate increases in order to keep up. This is of grave concern to consumers, who already felt the strain of increased costs.

Medical Claims Reach the Red Zone After Dangerous Collisions:

Since people are back to enjoying their freedom and driving more than ever, serious car crashes have occurred with greater frequency. Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows 43.2 billion miles were traveled by vehicles in the first half of 2022, which was a 2.8% increase when compared to the same period just one year ago. Any driver with increased mileage will also see their opportunities for an accident increased. Just in the past year there has been a 7% increase in fatalities on America’s roads.

The frequency of injury claims themselves has decreased by nearly 25% in recent years, but the severity of each incident has risen by nearly 40%. Many drivers speed or are reckless on the road (and maybe enjoy their recovered freedom a little too much), making the insurance payouts higher. The average cost per collision has now reached over $5,000 in the first quarter of 2022, a quite astounding 36.5% higher than the first quarter was a mere two years ago.

Costs for Repair Hastily Heightening:

Once a serious accident occurs, repairs need to be made, and inflation has hit this area quite intensely as well. Parts and labor costs have been directly impacted by the events of the last two years. Not to mention, aftermarket parts can be a challenge to procure to complete the repair. Rental cars now must be used for longer periods, situated at 4.5 days higher than last year’s total of 18.2 days. Since repair times have gotten longer, the pressure is on for entities to raise rates.

Other factors, such as the rising costs of used vehicles, the increased instances of catalytic converter thefts, or even overinflated claim payouts due to litigation have impacted premiums as well. Unfortunately, high litigation court and verdict payouts are passed down to you, the consumer.

We know that change has already been taking place for quite some time, and it can feel like there isn’t an escape from the rising costs of living. At the Alexander Insurance Agency in St. Charles, our experts will help you assess the best policy to suit all of your needs AND your budget. We want to keep costs down for you and your loved ones during such challenging and turbulent times. Contact us to set up a meeting today!

16Nov

Car Insurance Tracking: How Does It Work

Motivation for the Monitored: How Car Insurance Tracking Devices Can Affect your Policy and Premium

Over the past year, it’s not just prices at the gas pump that are making a beeline for your wallet, as auto insurance rates continue to rise nationwide as well. Now more than ever, drivers are looking for ways to save money on their premiums. Thankfully, there are many options available that utilize modern technology. Currently, most insurance companies offer insurance tracking devices, which allow you to save under the company’s watchful eye.

What is a car insurance tracker?

Insurance trackers are connected to your car or work through an app on your phone in order to constantly collect data about your driving habits. There are discounts available for safe drivers or for those who aren’t on the road as often and are willing to forgo just a bit of privacy. These devices can offer you up to 30% off your insurance rates and offer the benefit of usage-based premiums. One type of tracker plugs into the OBD-II port under the steering wheel, the same place that highly populated states monitor smog.

The other type is an app you install on your phone, then use your phone’s GPS, accelerometer, data, and other sensors to track your movement and driving. The current trend is usually in favor of this variety, which is a bit more modern and relies on a more reliable signal. Some of these include Drive Safe & Save, DriveEasy, and Progressive Snapshot.

How do These Trackers Work?

This is a bit different from brand to brand, but the main objective is to track where you are, pertinent information about your vehicle, and what your driving habits are like from day to day. Providers offer the app as part of a program involving usage-based insurance. Once you get behind the wheel, it starts to gather valuable metrics such as mileage, speed, hard stops, and even time of day to come up with a reasonable insurance premium.

While this may feel somewhat invasive, these types of checks and balances can provide massive rewards for driving safely.

What are some of the factors to consider regarding tracking devices?

There are several different pros and cons that you encounter while using an insurance tracking program. One of the good things about doing this is that you could lower your insurance premium and save money, especially if you are safe or have cut down on the frequency of your driving. On the other hand, if you are someone who frequently speeds, ignores stop signs or drives erratically, you may see your rates rise.

All these insurance tracking devices use GPS technology which can be a huge advantage in other areas besides just lowering your rate. These trackers can also provide first responders with your precise accident location, or help retrieve your vehicle if it has been stolen. Many of these platforms allow parents to see where their kids are, how fast they are going, or if they are making any risky maneuvers.

Are there privacy concerns to think about when using a tracking device?

As insurance trackers have become more and more popular, some states have begun to regulate the data that is gathered more than others. In a time where other nations such as China have enacted a “social score”, many Americans worry about technology like this becoming too invasive, especially concerning issues like pending divorces, political beliefs, or even habits like drinking.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that at this stage of the game, the tracker only is concerned with tracking data that is related to your insurance rates. While some believe that the time will come when these types of services intersect with others, such as private detectives and prosecuting attorneys, this is not the case. Even if these claims were valid, some of this information can already be tracked with a simple GPS nudge.

Is a car insurance tracking device right for me?

Much like any other decision in life, the majority of this is up to you. If you are a safe driver that displays good driving habits the benefits could be a real advantage. If you are known to not break the speed limit and drive predominantly during the day, or even go under 11,000 miles a year, you could have significant reductions in cost. One of the best recommendations for you is to complete a test drive with this option, as you can use it for a few days to see if it makes a difference in habits or the final cost.

All of us here at the Alexander agency of Saint Charles can provide assistance and answer any questions you may have! We want to help keep you safe on the road throughout the holiday season and the new year, and we also want to help you cut costs and save money wherever possible!

21Sep

A Rapid Rebound from a Policy-Related Rejection: What to Do if a Car Insurance Claim is Denied

As some drivers hurry down the road to their next destination, the specifics of your car insurance policy may not always be on your mind. However, if an accident does take place, it quickly moves to the top of your priorities! No one wants to have a claim denied, but it does happen. These are just a few of the reasons why the claim may be denied, and what you can do to get things back on track.

The Premium Was Not Fully Paid:

Since your car insurance policy is a contract between you and the provider, you are bound by agreement to pay the premium in exchange for varieties of coverage. If your payment is not promptly received, the insurer may cancel your policy or deny claims. It is imperative to always pay your premium right on time, even though there are some grace periods in place to help you if you are falling behind.

Expiration of Statute of Limitations:

Once a car accident takes place, the time you have to officially report is limited. If you are not 100% sure what your statute of limitations entails, speak with a licensed attorney who specializes in car insurance claims, and they will be able to tell you if you are in any danger. In Missouri, that time is currently listed as five years, but you can refer to us back periodically as things change.

The Accident Type is Not Covered by Your Policy:

Every accident has different characteristics, and comprehensive, collision, and uninsured motorist insurance policies all have different properties that may or may not apply to each incident. It’s always a good idea to keep in touch with us periodically and remain updated on what your policy includes in the case of an accident. You may encounter surprises when you have the bare minimum for coverage, another area in which we can offer you full assistance.

The Damages You Suffered Were Not a Direct Result of the Accident:

After an accident occurs, it should not be automatically assumed that your insurer will kick in promptly and cover all damages. If it can be proven that these damages were not a result of the accident, they may not be covered at all.

Medical Attention Was Not Immediately Sought:

Even if your injury just feels like it is a minor scrape or scuff, it’s important to see a doctor right away. It’s not just for your health: this will greatly support your overall claim. The insurer can deny your claim without the proper records that detail any injury such as MRIs, X-rays, and other forms of documentation. Even if you feel like you don’t need to see a doctor, you could be in shock, and issues such as internal injuries are not always immediately evident. By undergoing a thorough check-up, you’ll have the proper elements you need if you start to encounter sudden pain or other trauma in the future.

Encountering Delays on the Wayside of Cooperation:

Immediately after an accident, the insurance company involved will begin collecting information about all the events. Even if you are traumatized, hospitalized, or otherwise pressed for time, it’s very important to make sure these are handled quickly. There is now a lot of information to be processed and other things to take care of in your busy life as well, but making sure this gets handled immediately is only going to make the entire process that much smoother in the long run.

A Lack of Evidence in the Long Run:

So many car accidents are not quite cut and dry and involve detailed paperwork, medical records, and other forms of detailed evidence. After you file a claim, your most important objective is to provide proof that these damages were a result of this accident, allowing claims to be processed faster and without question. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes difficult to stay on top of everything, as you may be dealing with other entities who are all requesting information from you. Phone calls and other requests may stack up, and these various forms of evidence are crucial to a hassle-free process.

If your car insurance claim is denied when you initially begin the process, it’s important to not panic! You can always make the motion to file an official appeal or speak with an informed and experienced attorney to guide you. We have been helping people who are just getting through the initial stress and inconvenience of an accident for years at Alexander Insurance. We are standing by to assist you with the right decisions in policy selection to provide you the ultimate protection!

25Mar

How a Clean Driving Record Helps you Save Money on Car Insurance

The All-Important Provisions of Your Record: States like Missouri use a point system to keep tabs on violations, and as the offense gets more serious, so do the number of points on your license. Inevitable suspension occurs if you have too many points on your license, and once the record sees points added, premiums can be more costly. If you can keep your driving record clean, it will help you with a substantial amount of savings on your insurance rate.

What Makes for a Clean Record? A clean driving record means that a driver has no violations or accidents on their record. Some insurance companies raise the premiums for drivers who are unlucky enough to commit one small infraction. Other insurance companies will consider a driving record to be completely clean even if a driver has just one or two minor moving violations over the past three years or more. If you are not paying your fines, filing multiple claims, and missing court appearances, your driving record will be affected. You can appeal to your local DMV to get a copy of your official motor vehicle summary from your current insurance company.

Is it Possible to Get a Questionable Driving Record Cleared? The best way to prevent yourself from accumulating enough points to yield a bad record is to obey traffic laws and drive responsibly. However, there are other ways you can get your clean driving record back! You can choose to appear in court to contest your citations if you feel you are in any way wrongly charged.

Even though this is a common practice, you should consider contesting even the most minor infraction to avoid paying more in premiums. Expungement is another method that can effectively clean your record by removing a traffic violation for good. You may have to meet specific criteria to qualify, which also can differ from state to state. Many drivers can take advantage of this process to help them with a completely fresh start when they need it most!

How Far Back Can Insurance Providers Go to Check Records? Moving violations and accidents are usually listed for around three to five years. Once something is on your driving record, it can be hard to ignore the consequences. Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles is a provider of home, health, life, and auto insurance quotes that always keep the client in mind as our first priority while finding you coverage.

Our best advice for any driver looking to keep a clean record is to drive the speed limit! These are the tickets that slowly add points on your license. A clean driving record will always help save a substantial amount on your rates and clear the path for lower premiums.

21Mar

Protecting Your Pocketbook: Understanding How Your Car Insurance Costs are Calculated

There is nothing more frustrating to a driver than car insurance prices going up for seemingly no reason. There are many factors that can make the price of car insurance suddenly increase. Some are directly related to your driving habits, while others are a bit beyond the policyholder’s control. Here are some of the most common factors that can lead to an increase in insurance rates that you may not be expecting.

Claims history and your longstanding driving record
Your past history of convictions and other driving violations
Change in residential ZIP code
New drivers added to the policy
A sudden cancellation of home policy, or other policy causing the loss of the multi-policy discount.
Any removal of a vehicle from the policy, causing the loss of the very effective multi-car policy discount.
A change in employment that results in the loss of a group or any professional discount.
Any pre-existing or reoccurring serious medical condition
Errors that insurance companies make
Any changes to the payment plan fees or overall structure on the insurance plan.

Every month as you and your family are going through the finances, it can be a surprise when extra bills and/or additional costs come up. These are some of the factors that can raise premiums that are sometimes beyond your control:

Liability Claims Paid by the Insurance Company: If the previous year saw an increase in the amount that insurers are paying out after a claim, then adjustments can be made.
Collisions in Your Area: Accidents may be due to the change that the traffic flow is experiencing, trouble from weather, or an increase in traffic congestion over time. Insurance providers will adjust their rates based upon these factors, which are unfortunately a common occurrence as urban areas experience growth.
Increased car thefts in your area impact both new and older cars each time the yearly stolen vehicle statistics are released. Any successful entity providing insurance is going to want to take note of what models are alluring targets, and the addition of anti-theft devices or vehicle engraving can sometimes get a discount to help ease the increases in premium price.
The Growing Epidemic of the Uninsured: From 2010 to 2015, the number of uninsured drivers on the road increased from 12.3 percent to 13 percent. Insurance providers will pay billions of dollars each year on claims that fall upon the backs of the uninsured, and to offset these costs, insurance companies must make the decision to raise premiums for everyone holding policies.
Casualties of Credit Score Changes: Intense calculations are involved when trying to find optimal insurance rates, and most companies use your credit score as a factor when determining insurance rates. As tough as a pill it can be to swallow, lower credit scores can prove to be a greater risk for drivers.
Rate Increases Under the Guise of General Underwriting Principles: When insurance companies such as our experience losses that exceed our beginning expectations, rates will need to increase to remain profitable. This revolves heavily around the principles that govern insurance even beyond supply and demand: the policy buyer must understand that you are buying into an ability to protect you if anything goes wrong, and if it does so, all of us here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St. Charles need to be waiting to back you up, settle claims, and be there for you during your time of need.

At Alexander Insurance, we make sure you are getting the best price and features with your policy. There are many creative and constructive ways to obtain better rates for you! Contact us now for a quote that provides you with the rate you deserve!

1 2