Auto Insurance Add-Ons To Keep You Safe on Idaho’s Roads

At Idaho Select Insurance, serving Meridian, ID, we want to ensure you are fully protected on Idaho’s roads with adequate auto insurance coverage. While standard car insurance policies are mandatory, they may not be enough to cover you in all situations. Therefore, we recommend you consider additional "add-ons" or extra coverage to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

While Idaho law requires all drivers to have liability insurance, some drivers don’t comply, and others don’t have sufficient coverage. If you are in an accident with one of these drivers, you may have to pay for damages out of pocket. We suggest adding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to your policy. It protects you financially if you are in an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough or no coverage.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP pays for medical expenses and lost wages if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage can be valuable if you lack health insurance or high deductibles.

Roadside Assistance

Getting stranded on the road can be a hassle and can happen to anyone. Roadside assistance helps if your car breaks down, runs out of gas, or you get a flat tire. This coverage is often inexpensive and can save you time and frustration if you’re in a bind.

As your trusted insurance provider, Idaho Select Insurance, serving Meridian, ID, encourages you to consider these add-ons to your auto insurance policy for extra protection and peace of mind. Contact us today to discuss these options and how we can customize a policy for your unique needs.

Reasons you may need to increase your liability coverage

Homeownership comes with risks, but you can feel safe with the right home insurance. There are some things. However, that can increase the amount of risk you face. When you have increased risk, it is vital that you also raise the amount of liability coverage you have so that your assets are protected. At Idaho Select Insurance in Meridian, ID, we offer our customers the benefit of our experience in home insurance liability. As independent insurance agents, we also offer more options. 

Man’s best friend

So you’ve always dreamed of having a dog, and now that you have a home, the time seems right. It is hard to imagine that a dog could be why you need more liability insurance on your home. In reality, some dogs are considered so high a risk that your home insurance won’t even insure them. Hopefully, you need to check with your insurance agent before you get your dog. Choosing a breed that will at least be covered is a good idea, and realizing that you need more liability insurance is also vital for your financial security. 

A trampoline

Kids love them. There is no doubt about that. Even some adults can’t resist jumping on one if they see it. Unfortunately, injuries are too common as people bounce themselves off the trampoline and land on the ground, or land badly and injure themselves. It’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. 

Swimming pool

Even with fencing, making a swimming pool 100% safe is hard. Kids climb, and so do teens, and, in the warm weather, a pool is a great temptation. Injuries and drowning happen way too often. You need to protect yourself with enough liability coverage. 

Contact Idaho Select Insurance in Meridian, ID when you have questions about your home insurance coverage. 

4 Add-ons to Consider for Your Auto Insurance

While your auto insurance does an incredible job of protecting you and your vehicle, sometimes it can fall short. However, don’t worry because insurance has “add-ons” which can boost your auto insurance policy to make up for the shortcomings of your coverage. Considering auto insurance add-ons in Meridian, ID? Idaho Select Insurance gives a rundown of 4 “riders” you can consider to enhance your auto insurance policy.

Depreciation cover

Have you ever wondered about the value your insurer will compensate you if your car is totaled or stolen? The value will likely be less the depreciation factor, meaning you have to top up if you want a similar vehicle like yours. It’s never good news to know you will pay more out-of-pocket expenses beyond the deductible. Luckily, you can consider the deprecation cover “rider” to cushion you against depreciation when the insurer compensates you when your vehicle is stolen or totaled.

Roadside assistance

Suppose your vehicle acts up while miles away from your residence. The first instinct is to call your relatives and friends, but they may be too far to offer any help. But guess what? If you have a flat tire, dead battery, or run out of gas, you don’t have to spend hours stranded on the road. Invest in roadside assistance coverage, and car breakdowns don’t have to hold you hostage on the road.

Custom parts and equipment coverage

If you are into tuning or “modding” your car, you should invest in this coverage. Typical car insurance only covers built-in or “stock” parts. In light of this, if you have custom seats or a state-of-the-art sound system, consider custom parts coverage.

Gap insurance

If your car is totaled, your insurance will write you a check for the value of your vehicle at your time. If you have an outstanding loan that’s more than the insurance compensation, you will have to top up the difference from your pocket unless you have gap insurance.

Want to consider auto insurance add-ons in Meridian, ID? Please get in touch with Idaho Select Insurance.

Is comprehensive or collision insurance needed for your vehicle?

In the state of Idaho, all drivers must obtain at least liability insurance to be able to legally drive in the state. This includes $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person per accident, $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident, $15,000 property damage liability, and $25,000  uninsured motorist coverage and $50,000 of underinsured motorist coverage. Many motorists opt for more coverage than a basic liability insurance policy will provide for them so they can hit the highways with more peace of mind and confidence. These types of insurance policies include comprehensive and collision auto insurance coverage.

Your vehicle is extremely important to you and a sizable investment. If you borrowed the money to purchase your vehicle, your lender will more than likely require a more full coverage type of policy than liability insurance covers.

Collision insurance

Collision insurance will protect you and your vehicle if you are involved in a crash due to a traffic accident, no matter who is at fault in the incident. It will provide coverage for repairs to your vehicle that may need to be made due to the result of an accident. This type of coverage also covers property damage and any damage to the vehicle that is a result of the collision with non-moving things, such as in a situation in which you strike a tree, pole, or building with your vehicle. If your car is deemed to be a total loss, your auto insurance company, this type of coverage may provide a replacement vehicle of the same or similar market value or a decent-size down payment for another vehicle.

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance coverage comes in handy if your vehicle is stolen or the victim of vandalism or fire. This type of auto insurance coverage will also repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged by a natural disaster, such as a tornado, hurricane, or hail storm.

There are many other add-ons that you can include in your auto insurance policy to provide you with as much protection as you want or need. To create the very best policy for you and your situation, you will want to enlist the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable auto insurance agent in Idaho. She or he will have the skills and access to the information needed to offer you the best insurance options available.

The auto insurance agents at Idaho Select Insurance in Meridian, ID are ready to serve you and all of your auto insurance needs. Call to speak with an agent today!

3 Tips for Buying Auto Insurance in Meridian, ID

Ladies and Gentlemen – start your engines! Hold on one second! Do you have proper insurance coverage? If not, you are not only risking your vehicle, but you are breaking the law. Did you know it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle on the road of Meridian, ID without proper insurance coverage? It’s true, and something that Idaho Select Insurance is here to help with. Read on to learn how to find the best auto insurance policy at the best price.

1. Compare Several Auto Insurance Quotes

If you are eager to get behind the wheel and begin cruising, then you may not care who or where your auto insurance comes from – you have your eye on the prize – driving. However, this may result in you paying way too much for the coverage you need.

As a result, the best thing you can do is to compare quotes before making a decision and purchasing a policy. Be sure to be thorough and compare the prices and coverage line by line to find the insurer that provides the most value. (Pro tip: The company offering the most value won’t always be the one with the lowest price!).

2. Bundle Your Auto Insurance with Other Policies

Do you have homeowners or renters insurance? Have you purchased life insurance in the past? If so, then you are already working with an insurance company. Why not reach out to your existing insurance provider about bundling your new auto policy with your other coverage. This may help you save some cold, hard cash.

3. Find a Reputable Agent for Help

Perhaps the best thing you can do when it’s time to purchase auto insurance is to work with a quality agent. At Idaho Select Insurance we serve the entire Meridian, ID area and our agents can help you get the policy you want and need to get you on the road as quickly as possible.

 

What Are the Benefits Of Installing A Car Alarm?

Car alarms are a great way to protect your vehicle from theft and vandalism. The agents of Idaho Select Insurance serve residents who live in or near the Meridian, ID area. Agents often recommend installing car alarms in vehicles if one was not already installed by the manufacturer. Individuals who travel for work or who often carry valuables in their car will benefit from having an alarm professionally installed.

Prevents Theft and Possible Damage

A car alarm will go off anytime someone attempts to compromise the integrity of your car. The loud alarm is often enough to scare away any would-be thieves who are trying to find valuables inside the car or steal the car itself. Most car alarms are controlled by a key fob remote that allows you to lock, unlock, or even start your car from a distance. This allows you to secure your vehicle once you have made it safely into your home.

Discounted Premiums

Having a car alarm in place reduces your risk of theft dramatically. When a car is secured by a professionally installed alarm, insurance companies will sometimes offer a discounted premium. With the risk of loss reduced, insurance agents can sometimes make their policies more affordable through discounts as long as the vehicle owner qualifies.

If you have questions about how a car alarm can help protect your vehicle, call the agents of Idaho Select Insurance. They serve residents who live in Meridian, ID and many of the surrounding communities. They can offer a variety of tips and suggestions to help keep you and your car as safe as possible. 

 

When is it time to trade in your car for a newer model?

According to Idaho Select Insurance serving Meridian, ID, a good financial rule of thumb for determining when it’s time to trade in your old car for a newer model is when the repair bills for the older vehicle are greater than what you anticipate your car payments would be for a new vehicle. This factor may not apply if you like working on your car, though at a certain point your time is going to be too valuable to keep that old clunker running.

Typically a modern motor vehicle can be expected to last ten years before the repair bills start to mount if you keep it properly maintained. Of course, if you have a warranty that covers repairs, and you have an honest mechanic, you’ll be able to hold on to your vehicle longer than you otherwise might. You should have your old vehicle paid off before you think about replacing it, it goes almost without saying.

You also might want to consider that newer vehicles are likely to have better gas mileage, will be less likely to break down at inopportune moments, and will have some of the new safety features such as automatic breaking and lane changing that will help you avoid accidents. In those cases a lot depends on your finances and how much you value your peace of mind.

The best time of the year to buy a new car is toward the end of the model year when dealers are trying to get rid of inventory to make room for next year’s vehicles.

For all of your questions concerning auto insurance, once you’ve gotten that new car, feel free to contact Idaho Select Insurance serving Meridian, ID.

Ways to Keep Your Auto Insurance more Affordable in Meridian, ID

If you live in Meridian, ID, you are going to need a car to get around. Which means you will need auto insurance of some kind, preferably from a local broker who really knows the area like Idaho Select Insurance. However, the cost of auto insurance causes some people to take the risk of not having it at all or getting a policy that doesn’t fully cover their needs when out on the road. Below are some ways that drivers in Meridian ID can keep their auto insurance more affordable so that they can drive with safety and security on an everyday basis.

UP YOUR DEDUCTIBLE

Deductibles are the amount you will pay out of pocket in the event of a collision. So if you simply up this amount and drive incredibly safely, avoiding accidents, you will pay a lower monthly amount for auto insurance. Of course, if a minor accident does occur, you will probably have to pay for it yourself, but if you are a good driver, the chances of this happening are much lower and you can hold on to more of your own money every month.

DON’T GET TICKETS

Getting tickets, namely moving violations, will cause your insurance costs to go up significantly because you will be deemed to be a bigger risk on the road. So do whatever you can to not get a ticket and abide by the local Meridian ID driving laws. This will save you money in the long run!

SECURITY FIRST

If you get an alarm for your car or a tracking device in the event it is stolen, then it will make the insurance company feel better about your policy and your rates will probably be more affordable. So invest in security for your vehicle as it will save you money in the long run.

Keeping Auto Insurance Simple: Understanding Your Policy

Auto insurance has confused people practically from the time it was invented. This is because events get messy, and people interpret the language in the policies differently. It doesn’t help that those policies are often written in a vague and confusing language. It’s key to remember that in the end though it doesn’t have to be as complicated as you may think, and Idaho Select Insurance can help. 

Your Policy Is Specific 

Your policy is not like your friend’s policies, so don’t start comparing as if both of you are starting from the same place. Each person’s history, type of car (and how they financed it) and lifestyle will affect what they end up paying every month. Just like with most things in life, the less you pay for your policy, the less help you’ll get for different types of events. Liability only, for example, will only cover the other person’s car if you happen to cause an accident —it will not help pay for your car in any way. If you don’t have the funds to fix your car on your own, you can try a home repair to keep yourself legal on the road. Or you may have to buy another car altogether if yours happens to be totaled. 

Finding an Agency

The best way to keep auto insurance simple is to find the right provider serving Meridian, ID. If you’re looking for an agency who can both explain the original policy to you and keep you in the loop during any claims process, then you won’t have to read several pages of technical clauses in your policy. Call Idaho Select Insurance today to find out more about how we help the people of Meridian, ID stay up to date on it all. 

 

Is It Possible to Avoid Road Rage?

It is important to keep yourself, your family and others on the roads as safe as possible by doing what you can to avoid road rage while driving in Meridian, ID. The main goal is to be in the right frame of mind while driving. For example, if you are sleeping, not feeling or have recently received bad news, avoid driving. These simple tips will help you avoid the risk of road rage.

Leave Early
There is nothing that makes someone more upset while driving than being late. When you are running late, it is easy to think everyone else is driving to slow.

Be Aware
Pay close attention to those around you when you switching lanes. Cutting someone off can easily upset them, but if you accidentally cut someone off, make sure to signal to them that you made a mistake and make all attempts to avoid a confrontation.

Give Advance Notice
Do not attempt to zip across several lanes of traffic in order to not miss your exit. When others are entering the highway or into your lane, let them in.

Park Somewhere Else
Do not risk an altercation over a parking spot. If you see someone who is inching their way towards the spot you have been waiting for, let them have it and park somewhere else, it simply isn’t the risk of being confronted by an angry driver.

It is best to do everything you can to avoid road rage. However, accidents happen, so if another driver becomes angry at you, keep in mind that road rage can cause serious injuries and even death. So, it is important that you do everything possible to avoid a confrontation. If another driver does try to confront you, when safely possible, exit the road, pull over and call the local police or 911. Never get out of your vehicle when someone is trying to aggressively confront you about a situation that happened while driving.

One of the most important things you can do for your piece of mind while driving is to make sure you have sufficient insurance. Meridian, ID drivers should contact Idaho Select Insurance for a new insurance policy or to review your current policy.