Tag: auto

Auto insurance is not just about meeting state minimum requirements. Understanding your policy limits and potential liability exposure can make the difference between financial security and serious financial hardship after a major accident. Many drivers underestimate how quickly expenses can add up when they are at fault for injuries or property damage. Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, helps drivers evaluate their coverage to ensure they are properly protected against today’s increased liability risks.

How Auto Insurance Policy Limits Affect Your Financial Protection

Liability coverage is typically divided into three components: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage limits. These limits represent the maximum amount your insurance company will pay on your behalf for a covered claim. If you cause an accident that results in $100,000 in medical expenses but your policy only provides $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, you may be personally responsible for the remaining balance.

When damages exceed your policy limits, court judgments can put your wages, savings, and personal assets at risk. Carrying higher liability limits helps reduce the chance that an accident could lead to long-term financial consequences.

Why Liability Risks Are Higher Than Ever

Medical costs continue to rise, making even moderate injuries expensive to treat. Emergency care, diagnostic testing, surgery, rehabilitation, and lost income can quickly push claim costs well beyond minimum coverage levels. In addition, modern vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies such as sensors, cameras, and computerized systems, which are costly to repair or replace.

As a result, even a minor collision involving a newer or luxury vehicle can exceed basic property damage limits, leaving drivers exposed to out-of-pocket expenses if their coverage is insufficient.

How Umbrella Insurance Adds an Extra Layer of Protection

Personal umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your auto policy, often starting at $1 million. These policies are generally affordable and offer valuable protection for individuals with assets to protect or higher liability exposure. Umbrella coverage can also extend to other areas of risk, such as homeowner’s liability.

Do not leave your financial future to chance by carrying inadequate coverage limits. Reviewing your assets and potential liability exposure can help determine the right level of protection. Contact Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, to review your auto insurance limits and learn more about umbrella coverage options.

Buying auto insurance is a straightforward process for many Huntsville, AL, residents. Typically, you purchase a personal policy for your own vehicle, while business owners obtain commercial insurance for business-owned vehicles. However, there are certain situations where a personal vehicle needs commercial coverage. Understanding the difference between personal and commercial auto insurance is essential.

Personal vs. Commercial Auto Insurance

Personal and commercial auto insurance offer similar types of coverage, but commercial policies usually cost more and include higher coverage limits.

Commercial auto insurance covers all business-related use of a vehicle, even if the owner also drives it for personal errands. For example, if you operate a home-based business and transport goods to local markets, commercial auto insurance will cover you if an accident occurs during these work-related trips. A personal auto policy would not apply, as the vehicle was not being used for personal purposes at the time.

Personal auto insurance also does not cover drivers using their vehicles for rideshare or delivery services such as Uber or Lyft. In these cases, you may not need a full commercial policy if your insurer offers a rideshare endorsement that can be added to your personal policy.

Call Larry Burkman Agency for More Information

If you are unsure which type of auto insurance is right for your needs or if you are considering adding a rideshare endorsement, the Larry Burkman Agency can help. We offer a variety of personal and commercial auto insurance options for drivers in Huntsville, AL. Contact us today to get answers to your questions or to learn more about available policies.

Can your insurance agent cancel your policy? Here, we’ll explore some scenarios where this might apply.

Can Your Insurance Agent Cancel Your Policy?

Once you choose your auto insurance and pay your first premium, it’s your responsibility to keep the policy active. According to Justia, there are several reasons why your insurance agent can legally cancel your policy. For example, when you are applying for insurance, you will be asked if you have had any auto accidents or moving violations. Although you may not remember an accident, if you intentionally conceal an accident or moving violation, the company can cancel your insurance.

Honesty is always the best policy, especially when applying for insurance. If the agency discovers you have misrepresented any information, they can cancel your insurance. And if you don’t pay your policy premiums, the agency has the right to cancel your insurance policy. Regardless of the reason, your agency must notify you before your policy is canceled, according to the Alabama Department of Insurance.

Call Us for an Appointment

Your auto insurance is no good to you if the policy isn’t active. Let our experienced insurance agents at Larry Burkman Agency help you find a policy to fit your coverage needs and budget, so you can stay protected. Call us for an appointment. We’re currently serving Huntsville, AL.