You count on your car insurance to save the day when you are in an accident or need emergency assistance. Choose quality coverage from a reputable insurer, and you can rest easy knowing you are protected against a wide range of potential losses. Choose the wrong coverage, however, and you get stuck with accident repair costs, expensive medical bills, and even the financial liability of an accident-related lawsuit. At Binford Insurance, we know how important it is to choose the right Indiana auto insurance. As an independent agency, we help you find the protection you need at competitive rates, so you can minimize your financial risks behind the wheel without breaking the bank.
Indianapolis Car Insurance Coverage
All Indiana auto insurance policies must meet state guidelines. At a minimum, this means you will need coverage for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Uninsured motorist bodily injury, uninsured motorist property damage, and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverages are also required, although you can reject these coverage types in writing.
We almost never recommend the bare minimum coverage for our clients. Choosing a cut-rate policy exposes you to major financial risks, whether you total your vehicle or cause serious third-party injuries in an accident. Instead, we recommend working closely with your local Indianapolis agent here at Binford Insurance to build a coverage package that is personalized to fit your needs. As an independent agency, we represent multiple insurance companies – not just one. That means we can focus first on the coverage you need, and then determine which insurer can offer you the most competitive rate.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Indiana?
The Indiana 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. While we recommend higher coverages, the minimum amount for uninsured motorist coverage is $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, and the minimum amount for underinsured motorist coverage is $50,000 for bodily injury.
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, 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.
Auto Insurance Coverage Types
Each auto insurance policy includes multiple coverage types. Your policy may include:
Bodily Injury Liability
You assume responsibility for any injuries or property damages you cause when you are at-fault for an accident while operating a vehicle in The Hoosier State. Bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for victim medical bills, and property damage liability can help pay to compensate a third party for damage to a vehicle or other property. These coverages can also help pay for your legal defense costs if you are sued, as well as judgments or out-of-court settlements. Note that you may be responsible for paying any excess damages beyond the limits of your coverage. By choosing high limits, you can reduce the risk of out-of-pocket liability expenses.
Collision and Comprehensive Damages
Auto body shops often charge thousands of dollars in parts and labor to repair a vehicle after a ‘fender bender’. The bill quickly climbs higher for more extensive damages, and sometimes, the damages are so severe, it would cost more to repair the vehicle than to replace it. Could you afford to replace your vehicle if it were totaled? With collision insurance, you can protect the investment in your car by insuring it for its value. This assures your vehicle is repaired or you are reimbursed for its loss (minus your deductible) after a covered accident. Likewise, comprehensive insurance also covers damages to your vehicle. This insurance is important, as it takes care of non-collision damages, such as those caused by hail or a deer that runs out in the middle of the road.
Note that collision and comprehensive insurance are not required by state law, but they are often required by lenders. If you have an outstanding note against the title of your vehicle, physical damages insurance may be mandatory.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Hit-and-run accidents happen every day in Indiana, leaving victims with little recourse unless the perpetrators are caught. Even if an at-fault motorist sticks around after an accident, it is possible that he or she will have too little coverage — or no insurance at all — to compensate for the third-party losses. Uninsured motorist insurance and underinsured motorist insurance can help fill in gaps when you are injured by uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Medical Payments
If you or one of your passengers is injured while entering, existing, or riding in a vehicle, medical payments coverage can help pay for necessary medical expenses, regardless of fault. This coverage is usually limited to a few thousand dollars or less, but it may be enough to cover a health insurance deductible or emergency room visit. Note that filing a claim against your medical payments coverage does not absolve another at-fault driver of potential liability for your injuries.
Roadside Assistance and Towing
Some insurers offer additional policy benefits, such as 24-hour roadside assistance and towing. This can save you hundreds of dollars if you need fuel delivery, a tire change, lockout services, or a tow to the nearest mechanic shop.
Rental Car Coverage
What will you drive while your vehicle is repaired after an accident? With rental car coverage, you are covered for certain temporary transportation costs after an accident up to the limits of your policy.
Indianapolis Auto Insurance Quotes
Whether you are purchasing a new vehicle or exploring coverage options for your existing one, shopping with an independent agent at Binford Insurance can provide you with a vast selection of coverage solutions. As a local Indianapolis agency, we make it easy to shop and save for multiple coverage lines under one roof. We know how to maximize savings for our customers, and we search for money-saving discounts that can extract even more value from your policies. For example, you may qualify for additional car insurance savings if you:
- Choose a high collision and comprehensive deductible
- Have no recent history of auto insurance claims
- Have a clean driving record
- Complete an approved defensive driving or vehicle safety education course
- Insure multiple vehicles on the same policy
- Insurance your home and car with the same insurer
- Pay premiums in full
- And more
For more information about our office or to request your free Indiana auto insurance quotes, contact Andrew Bell at Binford Insurance today. We look forward to serving you soon.
