What is Gap Insurance and Do You Need It?

When purchasing a new car, you’ll likely be offered gap insurance and asked if you want to add it to your payment. The answer to that question should be yes, and here’s why.

What is Gap Insurance?

Gap insurance is offered on any leased vehicle. In an accident where the car is deemed a total loss, the insurance provider will pay off the difference of the financial amount, excluding the deductible. For example, if you owe $5,000 on a car at the time of an accident, but it is totaled, and you have a $500 deductible, the gap insurance will cover the $4,500 difference.

Financial Security

Firstly, gap insurance provides financial security when you don’t have much extra money. The lender will want the balance due immediately if your car is totaled in an accident. This ensures they get paid and your credit doesn’t suffer.

Car Depreciation

One key thing to consider about cars is how quickly their value depreciates. Gap insurance will cover the difference immediately, so if you get into an accident shortly after buying the vehicle, it will cover it. The car’s value has likely dropped at least 10 percent, meaning you would be paying more for it than it’s worth.

Small Down Payment

Gap insurance is required for car buyers who put little to no down payment on a vehicle. Your down payment will not cover the difference in the car’s value at the time the car is totaled. This means you’ll have a significant out-of-pocket difference that will need to be paid.

Contact us today if you’re in the Manchester, CT, area or surrounding communities looking for auto insurance. Our Brent Young Agency LLC team is ready to assist you with your insurance needs.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Because Not Everyone Has Auto Insurance

If you’re a responsible driver, it’s hard to believe that some people drive without coverage. As shocking as it is, up to one in eight drivers doesn’t have auto insurance. If they hit you, you could be left footing the bill for repairs to your vehicle. At Brent Young Agency LLC in Manchester, CT, we offer uninsured motorist coverage to prevent this from happening.

Everyone Has Insurance, Right? Wrong!

You may wonder how drivers can operate a vehicle without insurance. The truth is they can’t do so legally. However, around 15% of drivers do it anyway. Often, these individuals can’t afford coverage or can’t find insurance due to poor driving records. Chances are, then, they aren’t going to worry about whether you can afford the damage they cause.

What’s the Point of Having Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage usually covers damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. If you or your car gets banged up, that’s the time you’ll appreciate adding this option to your auto insurance policy. Are you still paying off your vehicle? Your lender will probably require this coverage to protect their investment. Typically, it handles damages or medical bills up to your regular policy limits.

What’s the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

While some drivers have no insurance, others carry minimal auto insurance. Underinsured motorist insurance covers additional costs exceeding the responsible party’s coverage limits. Underinsured and uninsured motorist insurance is usually included in the policy option. Your insurance agent can help you determine your coverage limits.

Are You Ready to Add Uninsured Motorists to Your Policy?

Whether you want to review your existing coverage or add uninsured motorist insurance to your policy, we can help. Contact the Brent Young Agency LLC team in Manchester, CT, to schedule an appointment for a free quote or more information about uninsured motorist coverage.

Do You Know the Penalties for Driving Within Insurance?

Understanding the Importance of Auto Insurance

Driving without appropriate auto insurance coverage exposes you to risks, including damages and liability. If you reside in the Manchester, CT area, rely on Brent Young Agency LLC to meet your auto insurance needs. In Connecticut, all motorists must show proof of at least a minimum amount of auto insurance to acquire a driver’s license.

Consequences of Failing to Provide Proof of Insurance

Law enforcement officers can request proof of auto insurance during a stop. If you fail to produce proof, you risk suspension of your insurance and vehicle registration. Moreover, an uninsured driver can incur a fine ranging from $100 to $1000. Furthermore, knowingly operating a commercial vehicle without insurance constitutes a Class D felony, carrying a hefty fine of up to $5000 and a potential prison term of up to 5 years.

Additional Penalties for Lack of Insurance

A conviction for driving a commercial vehicle without insurance results in added penalties. These penalties may include suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration for up to one month for first convictions or up to six months for subsequent convictions. You can only retrieve your driver’s license once you confirm insurance coverage for all your registered vehicles and pay a $175 restoration fee. If you have insurance but fail to present proof, you may face a fine of up to $50.

Knowing the implications of not having insurance should encourage drivers to obtain adequate coverage. For residents in the Manchester, CT area, contact us at Brent Young Agency LLC to learn how to get the auto insurance you require. Give us a call today.

What do I need to evaluate when choosing a new auto insurance plan?

Owning a car is a good option for a lot of people in the Manchester, CT area. If you are going to buy a car when you are here, you also need to know that you are properly insured. When shopping for auto insurance, there are a lot of options to consider. There are various factors, in particular, which should be evaluated when you are in the market for your next auto plan. 

Coverage Needs

An important factor to think about as you are shopping for insurance is your coverage needs. When it comes to auto insurance, no two people have identical needs. All people in the state of Connecticut are required to carry liability insurance, which ensures you have coverage if you are at fault in an accident. Another factor to consider is if you need comprehensive coverage. Without it, you will not have any coverage for your vehicle. If your vehicle took a large investment or you have a loan outstanding, you should get this additional coverage. 

Deductible Level

An insurance deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket before a claim is paid. Deductibles can be as low as $0 and extend to above $1,000. Generally, the lower the deductible, the higher your monthly payment will be. Because of this, it is important that you find an appropriate balance based on your situation. You also need to make sure you keep money set aside in case you do need to file a claim. 

Consult With Us

When you are a car owner in the Manchester, CT area, you should call our team with Brent Young Agency LLC. Our professionals at Brent Young Agency LLC can help you assess your needs and build the right policy for your situation. 

Four things you might not know about auto insurance

If you are a motorist in Manchester, CT who is in need of insurance coverage, you need to do your research. Brent Young Agency LLC can help you to learn everything you need to know to find the right insurance coverage.

The following are four things you might not know about auto insurance:

You need to add collision and comprehensive coverage to your policy for damages to your own vehicle to be covered. 

Some people don’t realize that basic auto insurance doesn’t include coverage for the policyholder’s own car.

Basic auto insurance only includes liability coverage. If you want coverage for your own vehicle, you need to add collision and comprehensive coverage. 

There are numerous optional coverages offered on an auto insurance policy.

Liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage are not the only types of coverage available. You can also purchase uninsured motorist coverage, rental vehicle coverage, gap insurance, and roadside assistance. There are numerous other coverage types you need to consider when buying a policy. 

Policyholders can choose from a few deductible options when they buy a policy.

The deductible on your policy is the amount you’ll have to pay toward the expenses you face when you file a claim. Your insurance provider should give you some deductible options when you buy a policy. You’ll save on premium costs if you opt for a high deductible. 

Motorists could qualify for discounts on auto insurance.

There are plenty of opportunities out there to save money on auto insurance. You may be able to pay less on your premiums thanks to bundling your insurance policies with the same provider. You may also qualify for a good student discount or an auto-pay discount. 

Give Us A Call

Do you have any questions about auto insurance in Manchester, CT? We can answer all your insurance questions at Brent Young Agency LLC. Give us a call for a quote!

The Early History of Auto Insurance

Many things that we think of as common today were quite revolutionary just a hundred years ago. By now, many folks know some of the basics of automotive history, but have you ever considered the history of auto insurance and other types of insurance? We’re going to take a look. If you’re looking for (modern) auto insurance, feel free to reach out to Brent Young Agency LLC, serving greater Manchester, CT.

Now let’s take a look at the history of auto insurance in the United States.

A Quick Look at the History of Auto Insurance

The first auto insurance plan was taken out in 1897. While Michigan and Detroit specifically are perhaps the most famous place in America for cars, the first insurance plan was actually issued in Ohio. Gilbert J. Loomis of Dayton took out an insurance plan with the Travelers Insurance company.

Travelers Insurance Company had been around for several decades at that point. Up until Mr. Loomis took out auto insurance, however, the company was focused on fire insurance and maritime insurance. The oldest known insurance plans covered maritime trade. In the 14th century, traders in Genoa started to insure maritime shipments. The same principles of mitigating risks were eventually carried over to auto insurance plans.

These days, state governments typically require that you insure your car so that you can drive it on the road. Driving without insurance is often illegal. However, for a long time, insurance was treated as optional.

Things started to change in 1927 when Massachusetts became the first state to make auto insurance a must-have. Still, change was slow, and New York became the second state to institute a requirement, but that didn’t happen until 1956. By the 1970s, however, most states had made auto insurance mandatory.

Need auto insurance right now?

Get in touch with the Brent Young Agency LLC, serving greater Manchester, CT.    

What is Collision Automobile Coverage?

Connecticut is an at-fault state, meaning you must carry insurance to pay for the other driver’s medical expenses and property loss in the event of an accident determined to be your fault. A minimum of $25,000 is required per person and $50,000 per wreck for injuries, while $25,000 is needed for property damage coverage. 

Collision insurance is not mandated in Manchester, CT, though many lenders will require you to purchase it as part of full coverage indemnification while you maintain a balance. 

Collision Automobile Coverage Can Protect You

There are many scenarios where collision insurance can protect your interests, as it specifically extends to circumstances where you come into contact with another object. You may, for example, hit another person’s bumper and need to fix damage to your car as a result. Ask a Brent Young Agency LLC agent for more information specific to your situation. 

In a situation where you roll your vehicle, you may be eligible for benefits. In addition, you may hit a guardrail, a light pole, a mailbox, or other stationary items. Your liability insurance takes care of the other party’s expenses when you cause an accident, but collision insurance pays for yours. 

Collision insurance gives you peace of mind if you’re driving a newer car that would be costly to fix. You are responsible for paying the deductible before this indemnification kicks in, so give consideration to how much out-of-pocket expense you wish to incur.

Typically, a lower deductible results in a higher premium and a lower cap will lessen your monthly outlay for insurance. Collision insurance can usually be purchased with or without full coverage protection. 

We Are Here to Assist You 

Brent Young Agency LLC aims to serve Manchester, CT residents with their insurance needs, and we invite you to reach out to us to find out more today. 

Why should someone get auto insurance in Manchester?

Manchester, CT can be a great place to work and live. If you are in this part of the state and want to be able to get around efficiently, you will want to own your own car. Along with a new car, you also need to have auto insurance.

There are various great reasons to invest in your own auto insurance plan:

Meet State Laws

An important reason to have an auto insurance plan when you are living in this part of Connecticut is to ensure you can meet state laws. Those that would like to drive a car need to meet standards set by the state in terms of auto liability insurance. If you do not have the basic level of coverage, you will be in violation of the law and can be penalized as such. 

Protect Your Vehicle and Investment

Vehicles today can be quite expensive and ensuring that your investment in them is covered is important. A great way that this can be done is by obtaining a full collision and comprehensive insurance plan. If you get this coverage, it will provide the support needed to replace or repair your car if you do experience a loss due to theft or an accident. This coverage will also typically be required by auto lenders. 

Give Us A Call

In the Manchester, CT area, you can find that owning a car is a good idea. If you want to purchase a car, you will want to know that you have the support needed to assess your insurance options. The professionals with Brent Young Agency LLC can give any advice and guidance necessary to select an ideal auto insurance plan. Brent Young Agency LLC will answer your questions and carefully review your situation to provide a customized solution. 

How Does My Credit Score Affect My Auto Insurance Rates?

If you’re looking to buy a new car, the lender will likely check your credit score. If it’s below a specific threshold, they may not approve you. In case you’re driving a car with low or average mileage, the lender may check your credit score as well. For questions and advice, contact Brent Young Agency LLC, and talk to the experienced team in Manchester, CT. 

What to Know About Credit Score 

Credit score is often the deciding factor between getting affordable car insurance or not, making it important to understand how it works. You can maintain a good score by keeping track of your bills and making timely payments. If you have a low or bad credit score, you could end up with a rate that is three to four times higher than someone with excellent credit. 

Your premiums are low if you’ve low scores. When you shop for car insurance, you’ll probably see a few different factors that affect your rate. What can affect your car insurance rate? There are several things you can do to improve your score, like staying current on bills and keeping a low balance on your credit card. Some of the factors include: 

  • Your age
  • Your credit score
  • Your car make and model
  • Where you live

With practically every provider and in most jurisdictions, a higher credit score lowers your vehicle insurance premiums, typically substantially. Almost every insurer will do a credit check on you. Getting a quotation, on the other hand, doesn’t impact your credit score. 

Give Us A Call

While credit history doesn’t directly affect your car insurance rates, it does impact your insurance premium indirectly by impacting your rate profile. When deciding on the amount to charge, the insurer will consider your profile. Are you a resident of Manchester, CT and you need help? Call Brent Young Agency LLC.

Auto Insurance Do’s and Don’ts

Auto insurance is a monthly expense that can not be avoided. Most states require that you carry minimum auto insurance in order to operate your vehicle legally. At Brent Young Agency LLC, serving Manchester, CT, and the surrounding areas, we can help you understand how to save on this important monthly bill. Keep reading to learn about auto insurance do’s and don’ts. 

Do Shop Around 

Insurance rates can change a lot during the course of a year. This is why it is important that you shop around for new insurance coverage annually. Few people do this, and they might be missing out on important savings. It is also a good idea to shop around because different life events can affect how much you will pay for insurance. If you have recently gotten married, divorced, or purchased a home, it could influence your auto insurance costs. 

Do Add New Drivers Quickly

If you need to add a new driver to your policy, be sure to do this as soon as possible. If you fail to add a new driver to a policy, and that person will be driving the vehicle on a regular basis, it could put you at financial risk if something goes wrong. 

New drivers need to be added if you have teens who are starting to drive in your home and will be using your vehicles. New drivers also need to be added any time you have agreed to let anyone use your car on a regular basis. 

Don’t Let Insurance Lapse

Allowing your auto insurance to lapse can put you at financial risk and could have legal consequences as well, depending on where you live. 

If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us at Brent Young Agency LLC, serving Manchester, CT, and the surrounding areas.