Category: Auto Insurance

Why Alabama Drivers Need Auto Insurance

There are many reasons Alabama drivers need auto insurance.

• The most important reason is that it helps protect you when you’re involved in an accident.
• In an accident, you having liability coverage will take care of the other driver’s damages up to your policy limit if you were the one responsible 
• If the other driver sues you, your personal injury protection (PIP) could cover your legal expenses up to your policy limit.
• Auto insurance also covers damage to your vehicle caused by collision or non-collision events (like weather or theft).

In addition, most lenders require borrowers to have comprehensive and collision coverage on financed vehicles before they can drive them off the lot. 

5 Auto Insurance Tips for Alabama Drivers 

Following are five tips that can help Jasper, AL drivers save money on their coverage. 

1. Get quotes from a reputable insurance company.

We are here to help. Talk to our experienced auto insurance professionals at Harris Insurance. 

2. Ask about multiple policies and group insurance.

Many reputable insurers offer discounts for things like safe driving history, good grades, and more. Be sure to ask about any potential discounts you may be eligible

3. Consider raising your deductible.

Your deductible is the amount you would have to pay out of pocket if you had to file a claim, and raising it can significantly lower your premiums.

4. Get insurance to meet state minimums. 

An experienced insurance agent can help you get the coverage required by law that meets your needs – no more, no less.

5. Review your policy regularly and make adjustments as needed.

As life changes, so do our insurance needs, so it’s essential to keep your policy up-to-date.

Reach Out To Us

Contact Harris Insurance in Jasper, AL for a free quote! 

Are you a licensed driver? Do you live in or near Jasper, AL? Harris Insurance can provide the coverage you need for your car.

Why Auto Insurance?

Liability car insurance provides financial protection if you cause a car accident. You can be held responsible for associated costs such as legal fees, the injured party’s medical expenses, or their lost wages if they are unable to work.

If you own an older vehicle, collision, and comprehensive coverage may not be worth it. Decide how much you can afford to spend out of pocket if your car is damaged, then decide whether it is worth buying these coverages to protect your car.

Collision insurance helps pay for any damage done to your vehicle in the event of an accident. This coverage applies regardless of who is at fault. For example, if you are stopped at a light and get rear-ended, collision coverage helps cover the costs of fixing your damaged rear bumper. On the other hand, if you are the one who runs into someone from behind, collision coverage will help pay for the cost of repairing your damaged front end.

Comprehensive coverage will pay for damage done to your car in non-collision scenarios, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. For example, heavy winds are responsible for broken tree branches in your yard, and they come down on your car, parked in the driveway.  You now have a dent in your roof. Comprehensive insurance will help pay for the cost of the repair of your roof.

Give Us A Call

It is against the law to drive without car insurance. You risk losing your license or facing a hefty fine. Contact the specialists at Harris Insurance in Jasper, AL to provide the coverage you need to protect your finances. Paying for car repairs out of pocket could be a daunting prospect. Don’t risk it.

When you have a vehicle in Alabama, it is required by the state that you have at least the minimum required insurance that is mandated. You also must have proof of your insurance policy in the vehicle and must show it when required. Not having auto insurance in the state can open you up to fines and fees, and you may have your vehicle’s registration suspended. When you need an auto insurance policy, contact us at Harris Insurance in Jasper, AL to get started with a policy of your own. 

Liability Insurance in Alabama

Getting your auto insurance in the state requires that you have two types of liability coverage in the policy and three different minimum amounts of coverage. There is one minimum amount required for bodily injury liability for one person who has injuries after an accident that you caused. There is another amount required for all of those who have injuries after an accident that you are at fault for. There is another amount required for property damage liability to pay for the damage done to another person’s property in an accident that you are liable for. 

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury

This type of insurance is required to be presented as a part of the insurance policy, but it is possible for you to refuse this coverage and still keep legal insurance. However, it’s a good idea to keep this coverage in place so that you are protected in case of a driver who has no insurance or has too little insurance. With this coverage, you will also have better peace of mind in knowing that you are protected in case of accidents with those drivers. 

Get Auto Insurance in Alabama

When you have a vehicle in the state, you have to be covered. For a policy of your own, call us at Harris Insurance in Jasper, AL.

When shopping for automobile insurance, you may find yourself really confused. There are many terms that you need to understand, so that you know exactly what your insurance covers (and what it doesn’t). Harris Insurance in Jasper, AL provides this guide in navigating auto insurance coverage. 

Here are some terms that you need to know:

Claim

If you are ever involved in a car accident, you are going to submit a claim to your insurance in order to get payment. 

Collision Insurance

This will cover expenses to fix your vehicle if you are involved in an accident. 

Comprehensive Insurance

This covers expenses that you may be facing for any reason, including storm damage and vandalism. 

Liability Insurance

The liability part of your insurance covers any medical bills that you may be facing if you hurt someone when you were in an accident. It can also help you pay legal fees. Some plans will even cover property damage. 

Deductible

The deductible is the amount of money that you will have to pay, before your insurance pays out. This could be as low as five hundred dollars, though you may have a pretty high deductible. Usually, the higher your deductible, the less you will pay monthly. You have to find a balance between monthly pay and what you could pay if something happens to your car. 

Contact Us Today

There are many terms that you need to know when shopping for insurance. You need to know the different types of insurance, such as liability, comprehensive, and collision. You also need to understand what a deductible is and what that means for your monthly costs. 

If you want to make sure that you are fully protected before you get behind the wheel, don’t hesitate to contact us today at Harris Insurance in Jasper, AL. 

Auto insurance is required. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have choices.

Minimum coverage is rarely sufficient. In Alabama, the state mandates only liability insurance. This law sets a baseline of $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and a total of $50,000 for any accident. This also includes another $25,000 in property damage protection per accident. This is commonly listed as "25/50/25" coverage. This means these thresholds are the maximum payout you would receive from your insurance provider. 

For this reason, Harris Insurance recommends upping your coverage. Serving Jasper, AL, the agency lists six options to add to expand your auto insurance to gain more protection.

Collision

This covers damage to your vehicle in the event you collide with an object or another vehicle.

Comprehensive

All other damage falls under comprehensive coverage. This includes theft, vandalism, falling objects, or weather-related damage.

Uninsured motorist

If you are involved in an accident with another driver who has inadequate or lapsed coverage, this kicks in. It may reimburse for damage, bodily injury, and any medical bills.

Medical payments

As the name implies, this coverage pays for medical expenses following an incident. This applies no matter who is at fault.

Roadside assistance

Avoid being stranded. Roadside assistance helps with towing costs, battery jumps, flat tires, and other costs incurred if your vehicle breaks down on the roadway.

Rental car reimbursement

Following an accident, your car may need repairs or replacement. These policies fill in that gap, reimbursing for rental car expenses while your primary vehicle is being fixed.

Contact an agent in Jasper, AL

Bare minimum coverage is never the best. In the event of an accident, too little protection can lead to crippling out-of-pocket costs. Harris Insurance can evaluate your needs and find the right auto insurance policy for you. Call today.

This is a common scenario. You are shopping for car insurance, and identify coverages that will protect you and your car optimally. But at the point of paying, you only settle for basic car insurance in the name of saving some bucks. But is this wise?

Purchasing basic auto insurance might seem like an excellent idea at first glance but may turn catastrophic when you are involved in a significant incidence. According to Harris Insurance of Jasper, AL, here is why basic car insurance isn’t always a good idea.

Required auto insurance in Alabama

Motorists in Alabama are required to include the below coverages in their auto insurance:

• Bodily injury liability: This insurance policy protects you when you cause an accident, inflicting bodily harm to third parties. The required minimum amount is $25,000 per accident and a minimum of $50,000 for accidents involving several victims.
• Property damage liability: It protects you when you are at fault for an accident that causes property damage to third parties. The minimum amount required is $25,000 per accident.

Now, should you settle with a car insurance policy that includes the above coverages, are you safe? Are the coverages sufficient to cover you in all facets of car ownership? The answer is no. At Harris Insurance, we usually advise our clients to increase coverage limits and consider other car insurance coverages.

Why basic car insurance is never enough

If you are settling for basic auto insurance, you need to upgrade because basic car insurance:

• Has insufficient coverage limits: The insurance limits of "50/25/25" won’t suffice when involved in a severe accident. Uncovered car accident expenses mean that your assets will be at stake.
• Covers third parties only: Basic car insurance doesn’t cover you and your car. That said, you need to consider comprehensive, collision, PIP, and other optional car insurance covers for optimal protection.

Are you looking to insure your vehicle beyond the minimum? If you are in Jasper, AL and its environs, please contact Harris Insurance for a well-rounded car insurance policy.

Auto insurance protects you in the event of an accident or theft, which causes financial loss. Your Jasper, AL insurance company agrees to pay for your losses as outlined in your auto insurance policy in exchange for your premium payments. The biggest question most car owners have is, “Who is covered by an auto insurance policy?” Continue reading to learn more. Then call the experts at Harris Insurance to learn more about who is covered under your policy. 

Who Is Covered By My Auto Insurance? 

An auto insurance policy covers you and your family members listed on the policy. The covered family members are covered regardless if they are driving your car or someone else’s car with their permission. Additionally, your auto insurance policy covers someone else who, with permission, is driving your vehicle. 

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Commercial Purposes? 

Your personal auto insurance policy will not cover you nor anyone else listed on your policy when using the car for commercial purposes. For example, if you use your vehicle to deliver pizzas and get into an accident, the policy will not pay for damages. However, if you only use the car to commute to work, run errands or drive around town for personal reasons, your policy will cover any accidents during these trips. 

What Does Auto Insurance Cover? 

Your auto insurance policy covers you and the family members listed on the policy. Basic auto insurance policies cover property damage, liability, and medical concerning covered events, such as an accident or theft. 

Your auto insurance essentially protects you and other family members you have chosen to list your policy. In most cases, the ones who get listed on your policy are the family members living with you in Jasper, AL. For additional information about auto insurance coverage, reach out to the agents at Harris Insurance. They can help you learn more about coverage and find you a policy to fit your needs.

Do you have a vehicle? Great! But do you have valid auto insurance coverage? Owning a car used to be considered a luxury, but nowadays, it’s associated with comfort and convenience. And as more cars fill our roads, we need to be sure that we don’t forget one thing: Auto insurance. While everything is competing for your dollar, car insurance shouldn’t be one of those expenses you shove down your priority list. Why? Failing to buy car insurance from an insurance agent like Harris Insurance of Jasper, AL, will lead to the following consequences.

Heavy fines and penalties

Alabama State requires every motorist to have car insurance as long as they are driving on public roads. Below are the likely consequences of driving without valid auto insurance.

• Fines of between $500 and $1,000
• License suspension 
• Jail time of between three and six months
• Vehicle impoundment

The severity of your fines and penalties depends on your driving record. Given the severe penalties you face, why would you risk driving without auto insurance, yet you can purchase coverage from us? 

Pay losses to other people

The beauty of car insurance is that it has liability coverage that covers property damage, bodily injuries, and even legal suits for accidents you cause. Unfortunately, without car insurance, you will have to pay third-party costs out-of-pocket for accidents you are deemed liable for. 

Uncovered losses for own damage

When involved in an accident, property damage and injuries don’t occur to other people only. Your vehicle can suffer damage, and you and your passengers can sustain injuries. Without car insurance, you will have to incur medical expenses and vehicle repair costs from your pocket. Worse yet, in case of a severe accident, your car may suffer a total loss. If you need another car, you will have to finance it out-of-pocket.

Buy car insurance today!

If you have been driving without car insurance, don’t let another day pass. Please contact Harris Insurance, serving Jasper, AL for an affordable quote.

Harris Insurance serves the Jasper, AL community, as well as the surrounding areas. For over 30 years, we have helped our clients find policies that suit their individual situations. We have positive relationships with multiple carriers in the area.

Auto Insurance Options

As a local Jasper, AL driver, you face multiple risks while you are on the road. Accidents can happen at any time. Auto insurance helps you prepare in the event of a disaster. Primarily, the coverage protects you if you are involved in a collision. Auto insurance helps alleviate some of the stress in the aftermath of a collision because your damages are covered. You are also covered if your vehicle is stolen or vandalized.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle is damaged due to a fire or inclement weather. This is especially important because the weather in Alabama can be severe at times. You are also covered if your vehicle suffers damage due to a flying object.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is one of the most important parts of the policy. You are covered if you are held responsible for the damages that occur as a result of being in an accident. The policy also protects you if a passenger in your vehicle suffers an injury.

Extra Coverage

You can amend your auto insurance policy to cover you in multiple ways. If you add any custom accessories to your vehicle, you will have to amend your policy to cover you if they are stolen or damaged. You can also add emergency coverage to protect you if you suffer a flat tire or a dead battery. You will receive urgent roadside assistance. If your vehicle suffers serious damages, you can add rental coverage so that you can receive a temporary ride while your vehicle is being repaired.

Harris Insurance Will Help You Protect What Matters Most

Visit our website today to learn more information about auto insurance.

Like almost every other state in the union, Alabama has mandated auto insurance requirements. Given the necessity of having available transportation to so many aspects of life, ensuring you have auto insurance that you can trust at a price you can afford is necessary. In Jasper, AL, Harris Insurance is a trusted independent insurance agency with 50 years of quality service experience. We treat every customer with respect, and we listen to your needs, both insurance and financial, and find the carrier that will meet those needs.

In the state of Alabama, all drivers must carry liability insurance. The amount required is 25/50/25. This is $25,000 for injury or death to the other party in the accident, with a total for each accident of $50,000. This insurance pays medical bills, lost wages, and in the event of a suit against you for suffering and pain up to the amount on the policy. The property coverage must be $25,000.

If you choose not to carry liability insurance, the consequences can be quite serious. The first offense may result in a $500 fine, and the second offense rises to $1000 and a six-month suspension of your license. Your auto registration will also be suspended, and a $200 reinstatement fee collect for the first offense and $400 for subsequent offenses. 

It is estimated 22% of Alabama drivers are uninsured, making it the 6th worst state in the country. Having uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance is not required, but it makes perfect sense to protect yourself against these drivers. 

If you need auto insurance today or are considering changing agencies or carriers, Harris Insurance in Jasper, AL is the place to go. We are here for you today and tomorrow. Give us a call or come to our office and let us give you a free quote.