Car insurance is a vital safeguard for drivers that is often legally required by states. Specifically, auto liability insurance (a standard component of a car insurance policy) can help pay for damages you cause to others in an accident, saving you from costly out-of-pocket expenses. For example, if you rear-end another car, your liability coverage may help pay for damages to the other party, including their vehicle repairs and medical costs, up to your policy’s limits. If you didn’t have liability coverage in this scenario, you would be personally responsible for paying those expenses.

Yet, despite its importance and potential legal requirements, some drivers still don’t have auto liability insurance. Or their liability limits are too low to pay for the damages they cause. These individuals can put you in financial jeopardy if they cause an accident. This is why uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance is essential.

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage may help pay for car repairs and medical costs for you and your passenger if the driver at fault doesn’t have enough insurance or no auto liability insurance at all. Depending on location and insurer, this type of coverage may be offered jointly or separately. If you or your passengers are injured due to the negligence of an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may seek compensation for injuries and damages through the UM and UIM portions of your policy.

How Does Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work?

If you are in an accident with another person found to be at fault, but they do not have enough insurance to cover the damage, your UIM coverage can kick in. For example, if the medical and property damage totals $200,000, but the other driver’s insurance only covers up to $100,00, you can claim the balance against your insurance provider up to the policy’s limits.

In the case of a hit-and-run accident, you may also be able to leverage your UM coverage; however, depending on location and insurer, there may be additional requirements regarding property damage. For instance, some insurers may require hit-and-run claims for vehicle damage to go through your collision coverage rather than UM/UIM.

Critically, UM/UIM coverage won’t provide a payout until the other driver’s fault is established. This stipulation can affect when money is received for damages.

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

There are a few considerations to keep in mind when reviewing UM/UIM insurance options. Perhaps the most important aspect to understand is the liability limit amount. When choosing your coverage, you can set the limit of your UM/UIM coverage; this establishes the maximum amount the insurance company may pay for an applicable UM/UIM claim. Generally, this limit should be the same as your auto liability limit (i.e., the maximum amount your insurance would pay if you caused damage to others).

It’s important to note that the UM/UIM limit cannot exceed your auto liability limit. Thus, if you want higher limits on your UM/UIM coverage, you must first increase your auto liability limits. Alternatively, you may consider “excess UM/UIM” coverage (which would kick in after your initial UM/UIM limit is reached) as part of a personal umbrella policy, which could offer greater liability protection.

If your insurer offers personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage, you may be able to leverage that insurance after an accident, regardless of fault. However, these coverages—which may not be available in all locations—have their own rules and may not offer sufficient protection involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Speak with your Rinehart, Walters & Danner Insurance agent to discuss your circumstances. They can help recommend coverages and walk you through key policy details.

Final Considerations

Driving comes with many inherent risks, and accidents happen every day. As inflation and other factors cause prices to rise, more people may be skimping on their insurance. Without UM/UIM insurance, you could be left on the hook for damages you didn’t cause if an uninsured driver hits you.

Don’t let irresponsible drivers risk your financial security. Contact us today to learn more about UM/UIM coverage and other insurance solutions that can help protect you after an accident.

Auto insurance is one of the most frequently purchased types of coverage in the United States. However, while these policies may be common, they can still be complex and nuanced. Policyholders must be diligent and meticulous to ensure they fully understand their auto coverage and have ample financial protection.

One of the most common and crucial components of an auto insurance policy is adequate auto liability coverage. Any time a driver gets behind the wheel, they risk being involved in accidents that could harm others and incur devastating financial consequences. This article provides an overview of auto liability coverage and its importance.

What Is Auto Liability Coverage?

The liability portion of auto insurance is strongly advisable and is usually required by law. Although minimum requirements may vary among states, all drivers are generally mandated to carry certain liability coverage to ensure they can pay for losses for which they are at fault.

Liability coverage can insulate drivers from significant losses affecting third parties, including the following:

• Bodily injury—If a policyholder is responsible for an accident that injures another party, such as a pedestrian or occupants of another vehicle, this coverage can help pay resulting expenses, such as:
  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Legal expenses
• Property damage—If a policyholder is at fault for damaging someone else’s property, such as by colliding with another vehicle or crashing into a building, this coverage can provide financial assistance to compensate affected parties and pay for costs arising from resulting lawsuits.

Most auto insurance includes three separate liability limits within a policy. These clauses establish the maximum amount of financial aid capable of being covered and generally are listed as the following:

• Bodily injury liability limit per person
• Bodily injury liability limit per accident
• Property damage liability limit

Another type of coverage that could help you financially protect yourself in an accident is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage, which is sometimes sold separately as uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage, can often be added to your personal auto insurance policy to help you avoid high out-of-pocket costs if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any liability coverage (uninsured motorist coverage) or doesn’t have enough liability coverage (underinsured motorist coverage).

Ensuring Adequate Coverage

Motorists should consult with a qualified insurance professional to understand applicable auto insurance requirements. Failing to comply with relevant laws could lead to significant fines and legal penalties. Their lender may also require those who purchased their vehicles with the help of an auto loan to adhere to additional requirements.

Even if not mandated to do so, carrying sufficient auto liability coverage is strongly advisable. Without suitable insurance, an accident could lead to devastating out-of-pocket costs that jeopardize a driver’s financial situation.

It’s also essential to understand the limitations of auto liability coverage, which should not be relied upon to cover a policyholder’s own losses. Such financial assistance generally must be acquired through including additional coverages in an auto insurance policy, such as the following:

• Collision coverage—This may help pay for damage sustained by a policyholder’s vehicle resulting from striking another car or stationary object (e.g., building, fence, tree)
• Comprehensive coverage—This may provide coverage for incidents not included in collision coverage, such as fires, crime and severe weather.
• Medical payments coverage—This may provide financial assistance for a policyholder and their passengers if they are injured in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Making Sure You’re Covered

Auto liability coverage is an essential form of financial protection for any person who owns or operates a motor vehicle. For more information or guidance regarding optimal auto insurance solutions, contact Rinehart, Walters & Danner today.

Driving in the rain or during a thunderstorm can be pretty nerve-wracking for most people. Worrying about having an accident or being stuck on the side of the road can be very overwhelming. It can also be very dangerous. However, a few tips and adjustments can take away some of the anxiety and help you stay calm during your commute.

Driving in the rain and thunderstorms

If you happen to get caught driving in the rain or thunderstorm, don’t panic . There a extra precautions you can take to make your trip a safe one.

A few tips to keep in mind:

1. Turn on your headlights, wipers and defroster to increase visibility.
2. Drive in the tracks of vehicles ahead of you and reduce your speed.
3. Allow for increased space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
4. If you hydroplane, hold the steering wheel straight and remove your foot from the gas.
5. Do not use cruse control during inclimate weather.
6. Pull off the road in an open area away from trees to avoid a lightning strike.

Helping you to avoid claims is just one of the many value-added services we provide. In the unfortunate event you do have an accident, we will help you through the process. Give us a call during business hours or click here to view our after hours claim contacts. 

Being a defensive driver entails utilizing various road skills to defend yourself against potential accident hazards. Using proper defensive driving techniques will help keep both you and other drivers safe on the road. With this in mind, be sure to implement the following defensive driving guidance the next time you get behind the wheel.

Eliminate distractions

The first step in being a defensive driver is to reduce distractions while you drive. As such, it’s important to make sure the road is your sole focus—avoid using your cellphone, adjusting the radio, programming your GPS, eating, drinking or applying makeup behind the wheel.

Remain alert

In addition to eliminating distractions, it’s vital to be fully aware of your surroundings on the road. This practice will help you better detect upcoming hazards, allowing you to respond as quickly and safely as possible. Check your mirrors often, and try to scan road conditions approximately 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you. Specifically, keep an eye out for other drivers, nearby pedestrians and road obstructions (e.g., traffic cones or construction work).

Follow the rules of the road

This includes wearing your seat belt, obeying speed limits, using your turn signals and avoiding driving with excess passengers in your vehicle. Also, make sure you approach intersections with caution—never run a red light or stop sign. Even if you have the right of way, look around to confirm it’s safe to cross the intersection before doing so.

Avoid aggressive driving (and drivers)

Aggressive habits—such as switching lanes frequently, braking or accelerating suddenly, and tailgating other drivers—can increase your likelihood of being involved in an accident. Try to be as predictable and forgiving as possible by always leaving at least a four-second distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, avoiding abrupt lane changes and keeping a steady pace. If another driver is displaying aggressive habits, try to distance yourself from them or pull over when it is safe to do so.

Be extra careful in adverse conditions

In severe weather (e.g., heavy rain, snow and fog), road conditions can be significantly more dangerous. Take additional precautions by reducing your speed, increasing your following distance, braking earlier and using your headlights.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Vehicle

Even the most defensive drivers could contribute to an accident on the road if operating an unsafe vehicle. Make sure you keep your vehicle in good shape by taking it for routine oil changes and fluid checks, ensuring the tires are properly inflated and performing other maintenance as needed. For additional driving safety tips and auto insurance solutions, contact us today.

Extreme weather events, such as hail, wildfires, high winds and flooding can cause severe damage to your vehicle. Understanding how to file a weather-related damage claim can make it easier for you to be reimbursed for vehicular damage. Read on for further guidance.

Does My Insurance Cover Weather-related Damage?

Specific forms of auto insurance are required in most states. Depending on your location, required coverage may include liability insurance, personal injury protection insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, these coverages generally won’t help pay for damage caused by noncollision incidents, such as weather-related damages. Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential to ensure adequate financial protection from these events. Although this coverage isn’t typically required, it can help prevent costly out-of-pocket expenses if your vehicle is damaged from a storm or natural disaster.

How Do I File a Weather-related Damage Claim?

The following are general guidelines for filing a claim following weather-related damage to your vehicle:

• Contact your insurance company. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Some insurers will set up emergency disaster relief programs to expedite claims following widespread disasters, such as major hurricanes and violent tornados.
• Prioritize safety. Don’t risk driving a vehicle that could have serious problems. Although damage can be easy to spot (e.g., dents from hail), some damage may be difficult to notice without a proper inspection. Leave your car where it is and don’t attempt to drive it before an insurance adjuster arrives if there’s a chance it could have sustained damage.
• Assess the condition of your vehicle. Make a quick assessment of vehicular damage if it’s safe to do so. Look for signs of extensive damage and indications that the car may not be drivable.
• Document the damage. Gather visuals of the damage, such as photos and videos. You should also note anything that seems wrong (e.g., a strong smoke smell when driving). Provide this information to your insurance company to help them evaluate the loss.
• Be patient. Auto insurance companies often receive a deluge of insurance claims following an extreme weather-related event, such as a wildfire or hurricane. Be prepared to wait and try to remain patient during the claims process.

Finding and maintaining the right auto insurance policy is crucial to ensuring you’re financially protected from weather-related events. Work with Rinehart, Walters & Danner to ensure you have sufficient protection.

Contact Us

The agents at Rinehart, Walters & Danner are here to answer your insurance questions. Contact us today to learn more.

As of April 4, 2023, it is illegal for drivers in Ohio to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device. This is due to a new distracted driving law. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, at least 60,421 crashes and 209 deaths related to distracted driving have occurred in the past five years.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement will only issue warnings to violators for six months, but beginning Oct. 5, 2023, they will start issuing citations. Members of law enforcement can automatically pull any driver over if they see a phone or other electric device in their hand.

Violations of the Law

Anything that involves using, holding or supporting a device while driving violates the new law. This includes the following actions:

• Dialing a phone
• Sending a text message
• Looking at any social media
• Video calls
• Browsing the internet
• Watching videos
• Playing games
• Recording video

The law does not apply to the following:

• Wearing headphones/earphones
• Using a device integrated into the vehicle
• Using the speakerphone feature, as long as the device is not being supported by the driver’s body
• Streaming audio and navigational apps; they must be set up before embarking, or use a single touch or swipe to activate.

Exceptions to the Law

According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, there are a few exceptions to the law, which include:

• Drivers reporting an emergency to law enforcement, fire department, a hospital, a health care provider, or a similar emergency service
• Drivers holding a phone to their ear only during phone conversations initiated with a single swipe or touch
• Drivers using a cell phone or other electronic device when stopped at a traffic light or parked on a road or highway during an emergency or road closure
• First responders (e.g., law enforcement, fire, and EMS) using electronic devices as part of their official duties
• Utility workers operating a utility vehicle in certain emergency or outage situations
• Licensed operators using an amateur radio
• Commercial truck drivers using a mobile data terminal

Penalties

• First-time offense—A fine of up to $150 and two points assessed to the driver’s license
• Second offense in a two-year period—A fine up to $250 and three points assessed to the driver’s license
• Third or more offenses in a two-year period—A fine of up to $500 and four points to the driver’s license, plus a possible 90-day suspension of the driver’s license

However, if the driver completes a distracted driving course, they may be able to reduce their penalties.

For More Information

Drivers can familiarize themselves with the new distracted driving law by reading it in full here. Contact Rinehart, Walters & Danner Insurance Agency to learn how this law may affect you.

The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This event is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists like you to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel. Review the following article for more information on distracted driving and ways you can help prevent it.

Distracted Driving Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving refers to any activity that may divert a motorist’s attention from the road. There are three main types of distractions that can interfere with drivers’ attentiveness behind the wheel, including:

1. Visual distractions—These distractions involve motorists taking their eyes off the road. Some examples of visual distractions include reading emails or text messages, focusing on vehicle passengers, looking at maps or navigation systems, and observing nearby activities (e.g., accidents, traffic stops or roadside attractions) while driving.
2. Manual distractions—Such distractions entail motorists removing their hands from the steering wheel. Key examples of manual distractions include texting, adjusting the radio, programming navigation systems, eating, drinking or performing personal grooming tasks (e.g., applying makeup) while driving.
3. Cognitive distractions—These distractions stem from motorists taking their minds off driving. Primary examples of cognitive distractions include talking on the phone, conversing with vehicle passengers or daydreaming while driving.

Regardless of distraction type, distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that contributes to a significant number of accidents on the road. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 2,800 people are killed and 400,000 are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver each year—equating to approximately eight deaths and 1,095 injuries per day. Considering these findings, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Prevention Tips

Whenever you get behind the wheel, keep these distracted driving prevention measures in mind:

• Put away your phone. Silence your phone and store it in a location that is out of reach while driving to lower the temptation to check it.
• Plan your trip before you leave. Program your navigation system prior to hitting the road to get familiar with your journey and feel confident in your route.
• Don’t fumble with your playlist. Select a radio station or plug in a predetermined playlist before driving to limit the need for music adjustments.
• Secure passengers. Ensure kids are properly situated in car seats (if needed) with seat belts fastened. Keep pets stationary in the back seat.
• Avoid multitasking. Never complete additional tasks—such as eating or personal grooming—behind the wheel.
• Stay focused. Concentrate your mind on the road by keeping distracting conversations to a minimum and looking straight ahead.

For additional driver safety tips, contact us today.

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Auto rates increased an average of 9% for drivers in 2022, with 1 in 5 US drivers reporting multiple auto rate increases over the 12-month period, according to Insurify. Unfortunately for drivers and auto insurance consumers, these rate increases are expected to continue in 2023. More accidents, rising medical and litigation costs, more frequent and severe natural disasters and inflation-driven auto repair costs are all expected to contribute to continued auto rate increases in 2023. In fact, US drivers are expected to spend on average $1,895 more in 2023 for the same coverage they had at the end of 2021, said Insurify.

As drivers struggle to find affordable coverage, having an experienced insurance agent on their side will be crucial to help navigate the rapidly changing marketplace. Continue reading for guidance on using an agent to navigate the auto insurance marketplace.

Tips for Auto Insurance Buyers in 2023

Although many of the factors contributing to rising auto rates are out of your control, there are several things you can try to help reduce the cost of your premium increases. Consider the following tips to help keep your auto rates down:

• Bundle your home and auto insurance. By purchasing multiple insurance policies from the same insurer, you could save up to 25% on your auto premiums. Ask your insurance agent to help you find eligible bundling discounts.
• Find the right vehicle for your budget. Higher-value vehicles are typically more expensive to repair or replace, leading to higher insurance costs. While several factors may affect your auto premiums, purchasing a vehicle with a lower MSRP could help you find less expensive coverage. Before buying a new-to-you vehicle, ask your insurance agent how much you can expect to pay for auto coverage.
• Increase your deductible. Raising your insurance deductible is one way to offset rising premium costs, but keep in mind a higher deductible will increase the amount you have to pay out of pocket after an accident. Consult your insurance agent to find out if a higher deductible plan is right for you.
• Consider a low-mileage plan. Driving fewer than 5,000 miles a year might make you eligible for a low-mileage auto insurance policy. These policies can lower your auto rates. Report your actual mileage to your insurance agent to see if this type of plan could be right for you.
• Ask your agent to help you find the right policy. Your insurance agent can help you shop around and compare multiple auto insurance quotes to find the right policy for your needs and budget. If you have a good driving record, less expensive insurance options could be available with a new insurance carrier.

We’re Here to Help

As you navigate the auto insurance market in 2023, it’s important to remember you’re not alone. Your insurance agent can help you search for eligible discounts and bring your auto policy into alignment with your coverage needs. Contact Rinehart, Walters & Danner Insurance Agency today to learn how we can help you navigate the challenging auto insurance marketplace.

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