Nothing makes you cringe quite like the sound of a crunching bumper. It happens to unexpecting drivers every day, and you never know when it could be you. Fortunately, the right insurance can help pay for the damages when you are involved in a collision. It can even step in when you fall victim to damages due to events outside your control. At BWO Insurance of Kenosha/Racine, we help area drivers like you manage your risk of loss with comprehensive auto insurance protection from leading Wisconsin insurers. We offer the total package – car insurance coverage, discounts, and the service you expect from a local, independent agency.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Wisconsin, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, personal injury protection or medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Complete Coverage Solutions
Auto insurance is about much more than just protecting your car. The right coverage is capable of covering you against extensive losses, from your injury-related medical expenses to your liability for a car accident. Depending on your insurer and the coverages you select, your policy may include protection against:
Collision Damages
The bill for post-collision damage repair can total thousands of dollars. If your car is deemed a total loss, you might be forced to find a replacement vehicle, which could cost you even more. Collision insurance compensates you for financial losses related to collision damages. Instead of absorbing the expense yourself, covered claim costs are limited to your deductible instead.
Comprehensive Damages
Like collision insurance, comprehensive covers damages to your vehicle, too. However, this coverage is limited to damages caused by events other than collision. Examples include fire, theft, vandalism, weather-related damages, or hitting a deer in the middle of the night.
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
When you are the one responsible for a car accident, the financial liability can add up quickly. In addition to the cost of victim property damages and medical bills, you could also face a lawsuit that incurs expensive legal fees and court costs. Bodily injury and property damage liability can help cover your financial responsibility for an accident you caused up to the limits of your coverage. This type of insurance is mandatory for motorists in Wisconsin, and all drivers are subject to minimum coverage requirements. However, we typically recommend higher limits of liability protection, as drivers are often responsible for paying excess liability and litigation damages out-of-pocket.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
Other drivers have the same responsibilities you have – to carry liability insurance that compensates victims for property and bodily injury damages. Unfortunately, not all drivers carry the coverage they really need. If you are hit by a driver with no insurance, uninsured motorist insurance can help cover your injuries. You can look to a similar coverage – underinsured motorist insurance – to fill in the gaps when an at-fault driver’s insurance limits are too low to compensate you for your losses.
Medical Payments
This coverage helps assure you and your passengers get access to the medical care you need, no matter who was responsible for causing an accident. Whether you hit a median and rolled your vehicle or suffered acute injuries after being hit by another motorist, medical payments can provide limited, no-fault coverage for necessary medical expenses so you can get the care you need right away.
Towing and Assistance
No one anticipates a break-down in the middle of the night or locking their keys in the car while on vacation. These types of incidents can happen at the most unexpected and inconvenient times, forcing you to call for professional roadside assistance. Fortunately, many insurance companies offer optional coverage for roadside emergencies, whether you need fuel delivery, a battery jump, help with a flat tire, or even towing to the nearest vehicle repair shop.
Rental Car Expenses
If the front left quarter panel of your vehicle is crushed in an accident, it could take a week or more for the body shop to get the parts necessary to complete the repair. In the meantime, you have places to be and responsibilities to take care of – all of which requires reliable transportation. With rental car coverage, your insurance company can help cover the cost of a temporary rental to drive while your personal vehicle is being repaired.
Discounts and Savings
Why choose between quality and affordability when you can have both? Shopping with an independent agent means you can easily compare your coverage options without the hassle of contacting multiple insurance companies directly. To further solidify your savings, we can look for discounts available from your insurer to help reduce the cost of your premiums. From safe driving discounts to extra savings for drivers who complete an approved driver safety education program, there are many different types of discounts available from auto insurers throughout Wisconsin.
Service
Think of your independent insurance agent as your advocate when shopping for coverage. We work for our clients – not insurance companies. When you come to us, we evaluate your risk exposures and match you with a policy designed to protect your interests. The service doesn’t stop there. We get to know our customers and continue to provide ongoing support long after the coverage is in place. You can return to us again and again with your questions and for ongoing support as your coverage needs change over time.
We invite you to experience the BWO Insurance of Kenosha/Racine difference for yourself. Contact our office to speak with an independent agent and find out how we can help you save on the coverage you need. We look forward to serving you soon.
