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Plainfield, IN 46168

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Gill Insurance Advisors Blog

How Do Auto and Umbrella Insurance Work Together?

Insurance aims to shield against the fiscal implications of unforeseen incidents. While home, auto, and other insurance policies specifically protect against distinct detrimental events, umbrella insurance offers protection against multiple threats to financial stability, namely unexpected legal and court expenses and liabilities surpassing the limits of standard home and auto policies. Our team at Gill Insurance Agency, servicing Plainfield, IN, is on hand to discuss the various ways umbrella insurance can bolster your and your family’s protection.

Safeguarding Your Potential Liabilities

In most accidents or other circumstances rendering an auto insurance policyholder liable for damages, the policy tends to cover the total liabilities. However, certain accidents could lead to debilitating injuries or substantial damage, resulting in liabilities exceeding the insurance company’s payout obligation. Under such conditions, the policyholder assumes the excess liability, risking their assets, savings, and home. This is where umbrella insurance steps in.

A prominent feature of umbrella insurance consists of covering your liabilities that go beyond the limits set by your basic auto or home policy. Given its targeting of "worst-case" scenarios, umbrella insurance is infrequently utilized. Consequently, due to fewer policyholders filing claims, umbrella insurance policies tend to be relatively affordable.

Umbrella insurance induces peace of mind by offering an additional protection layer to ensure that the assets you’ve worked hard to accumulate are safeguarded against unlikely but catastrophic events.

Partnering with Gill Insurance Agency

Umbrella insurance frequently provides ultimate financial security for families and businesses. If you reside in or around Plainfield, IN, and wish to explore umbrella, auto, or other insurance coverage, the Gill Insurance Agency team stands ready to assist. Visit us or call us at (888) 347-8134 today.

A tree fell on my car. Will my auto insurance cover it?

Explaining the Benefits of Auto Insurance

Auto insurance offers many benefits that can instill peace of mind in drivers. Essentially, auto insurance is bundled coverage designed to help manage unexpected situations that occur on and off the road. However, the degree of your coverage depends on your auto insurance type. Here at Gill Insurance Agency, we’re committed to helping Plainfield, IN drivers understand the numerous benefits linked to auto insurance.

Is Auto Insurance Mandatory?

As drivers, we have various auto insurance options. Still, every state in the US legally demands liability insurance to operate your vehicle. Please note if you’re seeking an auto loan, you might be required to carry more than just liability coverage.

Liability Insurance Coverage

Liability insurance offers protection and compensation if you cause an accident, damage someone else’s property while driving, or injure someone. However, it does not cover your damages, injuries, or property damage.

Understanding Comprehensive or Collision Coverage

Let’s consider a scenario where a tree falls on your parked vehicle—will your auto insurance cover it? If you only have liability insurance, it would not cover the repairs to your car. Comprehensive or collision coverage would be required to cover damages to your vehicle, personal injuries, or property.

Insurance Requirements and Legalities

While liability coverage is the only legally mandated auto insurance coverage, auto lenders typically require you to carry more comprehensive coverage until your car loan is paid. If you have questions about auto insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Gill Insurance Agency, our team is ready to answer your queries and walk you through the process.

Penalty Points Assessed by Indiana Police for Driving Violations

When drivers set out on the road, most will consistently do their best to drive safely and defensively. An essential part of driver safety is carrying appropriate auto insurance. Residents of Plainfield, IN can find the auto insurance solutions they need at Gill Insurance Agency. We will work with you to find the right auto policy. 

What You Need To Know

Despite the best intentions of drivers, accidents happen, and drivers are not perfect. When the police are involved, fines and points can be assigned to the driver. For example, for speeding, you can be penalized from 2 to 6 points, depending on how many points above the speed limit you drove. 

If you fail to use your headlights properly, you’ll be penalized 2 points. Four points would be placed on your license if you make an illegal U-turn or disregard a stop sign or yield sign. The highest number of points listed is 8 points. If you drive while you have a suspended license or engage in a speed contest on the road, you will be given 8 points. 

Points on your license can add up and will raise the amount of your auto insurance premiums. There is a way to defray these points by taking a defensive driver’s course. The BMV can require drivers with excess points to complete a course. In Indiana, you can attend a BMV-approved course and have up to four points deducted from your total per 3-year period. 

We Are Here To Help

Indiana’s law requires an automobile to be insured before it can be driven. Gill Insurance Agency uses the expertise of its professional team to recommend coverage for your needs. Feel free to bring us any auto insurance questions. Give us a call today for an appointment with one of our knowledgeable agents. 

If my friend drives my car and gets in an accident, will me auto insurance cover the damages?

When we talk with our Plainfield, IN and other Indiana area clients about auto insurance, we mostly talk about the protection and benefits it provides to the clients themselves in the event they are in an accident. However, something that does happen, but maybe we don’t talk enough about, is the protection a good auto insurance policy will provide beyond just you as a driver.

Accidents By Someone Driving Your Vehicle: Understanding Auto Insurance

Let’s say you let your friend borrow your vehicle while on vacation and they get into an accident. You might be wondering if your auto insurance will step in. The short answer is yes! So long as you have the right coverage policy in place, your auto insurance will pay out if someone other than yourself is driving a vehicle.

Here’s what you need to know about the type of auto insurance policies that will cover an accident caused by someone other than yourself driving your vehicle:

  • Permissive use coverage. An insurance policy will cover other allowed drivers under what is called "permissive use". Indiana is pretty flexible here and ensures that so long as the person driving had consent, including implied consent, to drive the vehicle, the vehicle’s owner’s policy will apply. The only exception here is for restrictions such as unlisted drivers, which is a driver who would want to regularly use the vehicle, such as a son living in the household. 
  • Coverage limits. How much your insurer will pay out in the event a driver you are allowed to use your vehicle is in an accident will still be limited by your coverage limits. You, not the driver, will be responsible for paying the rest.

Learn More With Our Team at Gill Insurance Agency

Not sure what your auto insurance policy entails? Give our team at Gill Insurance Agency a call! We’re proud to serve clients in the Plainfield, IN and surrounding Indiana communities. 

What Are Common Auto Insurance Myths

We all know that getting a proper auto insurance policy is one of the best and most effective ways to protect yourself on the road. However, because there are so many misconceptions regarding auto insurance, selecting the right insurance policy can be difficult. Gill Insurance Agency, serving clients in Plainfield, IN, has compiled a list of myths to dispel in order to assist you in selecting an insurance policy.

Auto Insurance Myths

Insurance for red cars is more expensive.

The truth is that there is no correlation between the color of a vehicle and the cost of auto insurance. Insurance companies are unconcerned about the color of your vehicle, and there are other criteria that influence the cost of auto insurance, such as the age of your vehicle, its condition, your credit score, location, and others.

The more expensive the vehicle, the higher the insurance premium.

The purchase price of your vehicle has no bearing on the cost of your insurance. Many mid-priced cars cost more to insure than expensive vehicles. 

Smaller cars are less expensive to insure.

There is also no correlation between car size and car insurance premiums. 

Getting a traffic ticket automatically raises your auto insurance rates.

If your traffic offense is small and has only occurred once, your insurance rate will stay the same.

Reach Out To Us Today

Are you looking for an auto insurance policy in Plainfield, IN or any other surrounding area, feel free to contact Gill Insurance Agency. We specialize in multiple types of insurance, including standard auto insurance. Give us a call if you want to know more about insurance options – we are here to help!

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially when you’re on the roads. It’s important to be prepared and know how to navigate the Plainfield, IN icy roads safely.

Here are some tips to help keep you safe while driving this winter season:

Prepare Your Vehicle

Before heading out, check your vehicle’s essential systems, including battery power, tires, brakes, wiper blades, and antifreeze levels. Be sure that all of your lights are functioning properly and ensure that your windshield washer fluid is topped off with a solution to resist freezing temperatures. Replace worn wipers or tires before winter begins.

Know Your Route

Planning can save you time and headaches when navigating icy roads during winter. Familiarize yourself with routes with fewer hills and sharp curves to avoid getting stuck or sliding on ice. Check traffic reports to make sure there are no accidents or hazardous conditions on your intended route. Take alternate routes with better traction, such as highways, instead of back roads when possible.

If you travel on many back roads, consider adding roadside assistance to your car insurance policy if you get stuck. Contact a Gill Insurance Agency representative to learn more about add-on options for your coverage.

Drive Safely

Be mindful of speed limits, particularly on bridges and overpasses that freeze quickly due to their elevated surfaces being exposed to cold air from above and below. Take extra caution near intersections as they have more black ice than other areas of the roadways. Put extra distance between you and other drivers if you unexpectedly lose control of your vehicle because of slippery conditions.

Get Auto Insurance Today

Navigating icy roads is never easy, but these tips will help you stay safe while driving in Plainfield, IN this winter season! If you’re looking for reliable auto insurance coverage this winter season, contact Gill Insurance Agency today! We offer customized policies tailored to fit your needs–both on the road and off!

4 Common Mistakes New Car Owners Make When Buying Insurance

When you buy a new car, one of the first things you need to do is purchase car insurance. This can be daunting, especially if you are new to it. There are many things to consider when buying car insurance, and sometimes, new car owners make mistakes that can be quite costly. Gill Insurance Agency in Plainfield, IN can help you navigate this important coverage.

Here are four common mistakes new car owners make when buying insurance and how to avoid them:

Lying on the Auto Insurance Application

This mistake is quite common, especially with new car owners. Many people think that by providing false information, they will be able to get lower rates. However, this is not the case. Insurance companies use sophisticated software to verify the information that applicants provide. If they find out that you have lied on your application, they will either cancel your policy or refuse to pay out claims.

Not Doing Your Research

Many people simply choose the first insurance company they come across without doing any research on them. This is a huge mistake as different companies offer different rates and coverage. It’s essential to compare different companies before settling on one.

Not Getting Enough Coverage

Another common mistake is not getting enough coverage. This can be a costly mistake, especially if you get into an accident and don’t have enough coverage to cover the damages. That’s because the insurance company will only pay up to the limits of your policy, and the rest of the money will come from your pocket.

Not Understanding Your Insurance Needs

Do you understand your insurance needs? If not, you’re not alone. A recent study showed that nearly half of new car owners don’t know what type of insurance they need. Do your research before buying a policy, so you don’t end up overpaying or underinsured.

Avoid the Above Mistakes and Purchase Your Car insurance Today!

Are you a new car owner? Ensure you avoid these common mistakes when buying insurance for your vehicle. If you need help, our team of experts at Gill Insurance Agency in Plainfield, IN is always here to help. Give us a call today or visit our website for more information.

What coverage comes with an auto insurance plan in Plainfield?

For most people in the Plainfield, IN area, owning a car is considered a necessity. When you are an owner of a vehicle, you will have a much easier time getting around town and going to work or school. Once you buy a car, it is crucial that you also get a quality insurance plan. Your auto insurance plan will offer various types of support that make coverage well worth the investment. 

Liability Support

One type of coverage that you will receive with your auto insurance plan is liability support. If you drive a car, you will run the risk that you can cause an accident. If this occurs, you will need to cover damages incurred by the other driver or other parties involved. Your auto insurance plan will offer you the support required to cover these damages if a situation like this arises. 

Protect Assets

You also will want to have auto insurance to protect your assets. If you purchase a car, you will be making a significant investment. A great way to protect this is with a comprehensive and collision insurance plan. This coverage will give you support if your car is stolen or damaged in an accident or you incur another type of covered loss. 

In the Plainfield, IN area, you will likely want to own a car. Due to the necessity and importance of a vehicle, you will also want to ensure that you get the right insurance for it. As you are looking for an insurance plan here, you can start your search by calling the Gill Insurance Agency. There are a lot of choices to make when looking for coverage, and Gill Insurance Agency can help you build an ideal plan. 

Auto insurance riders to consider

Drivers in Indiana are required to carry basic auto insurance. This is liability coverage and protects other people from you, the driver who causes an accident. At Gill Insurance Agency in Plainfield, IN, our team doesn’t believe in one size fits all. As independent insurance agents, we have more flexibility to customize the right insurance product for all of our customers. 

Beyond basic insurance, there is insurance to cover your vehicle which is collision and comprehensive. Besides that, there are some riders, also known as endorsements, that are options you can choose to add to your policy. 

Roadside assistance

When you are out on the road and have a breakdown or a flat tire, it is good to know you can just call and assistance will be on the way. This is basically the same coverage you would get from an auto club membership but for a lot less money. In the event that you have an accident, the insurance company will send roadside assistance to get your vehicle out of danger. 

Gap Coverage 

When you drive your new vehicle off the lot, it loses value in the insurance company’s eyes immediately. If you have an accident within a short time, you could be in the unenviable position of owing more money on your vehicle than the insurance company will pay you to replace it. Gap coverage will make sure you are not left in the lurch. 

Accident Forgiveness

Not every company offers accident forgiveness, but many do. This will guarantee that if you have an accident, it is not going to affect the premium that you pay for your insurance. But, not all coverage is the same. Be sure to take a good look at it to determine if it is worth the cost. 

Contact Gill Insurance Agency in Plainfield, IN with all your insurance questions and needs. 

What Does Auto Insurance Cover?

Choosing auto insurance can be very confusing yet vital. You need to ensure you are choosing adequate coverage that will protect you when something happens. As Gill Insurance Agency of Plainfield, IN explains, here is what auto insurance covers.

Bodily Injury Liability

This type of coverage offers you protection when you accidentally hurt someone in an accident. It helps cover their medical expenses, including things like doctor visits, prescriptions, and ambulance rides. In addition, if the injured party decides to sue you for damages, this coverage can help pay those legal fees.

Property Damage Liability

Property damage liability helps cover repairs to a third party’s property if you damage it in an accident. It can be a house, car, fence, mailbox, or store. However, note that repair to your vehicle is not covered in this scenario, and you will need a separate policy for that.

Collision Coverage

This type of coverage helps cover repairs to your vehicles due to a collision with another car or object. It also helps cover an accident involving your vehicle alone, such as a rollover accident. If your vehicle is too damaged to be repaired, this cover will help replace it.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle when exposed to various risks other than collisions. Such risks include fire, damage, vandalism, theft, and falling objects like trees or hail.

Insured/ Underinsured Insurance

You may find yourself in an accident where the negligent driver lacks sufficient insurance or is uninsured. In such cases, this coverage can help pay for medical expenses and repairs to your vehicle, preventing you from a financial loss.

If you own a car in Plainfield, IN, and you need to know of the available coverage at your disposal, feel free to contact Gill Insurance Agency. We have experienced agents ready to answer your questions and help you choose the right policy for your car.

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