1.35 million. It is the number of deaths that occur annually as a result of road crashes. This figure narrows down to 3,700 deaths daily. Motorcycles, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians, and cars are often involved. Besides the loss of life, financial loss is also involved as a result of damage to property and medical expenses.
Insurance companies offer auto owners different policies to ease the financial burden. Investing in these ensures you do not incur losses alone. Some insurance companies are supportive and fast in processing claims, traits that have seen them become well-known brands. One of such companies is GEICO insurance. Like other customers, you can leave your GEICO auto insurance review online to let others know your experience with the company and help them in their purchase decisions.
So, what happens when drivers invest in auto insurance companies, and what are the service providers’ roles in protecting their customers?
Protection From Loss or Damage
If your car gets damaged by accidents, natural disasters, burglary, or theft, you can incur much loss. This loss is too much to cover from your pocket and can create a financial crisis. Investing in an adequate auto insurance company ensures such incidents do not leave you drained.
Assurance for Repairs and Replacements
When you get involved in a road crash or a natural disaster, your car can incur damages to various degrees. Some of these can be minor and do not require parts replacements. Others are major and require you to replace the damaged parts.
Instead of worrying about the type of repair or replacement for your car, these insurance companies do the work. If you have committed to buying their premiums, the provider assesses the extent of the damage and recommends the best solution.
Assured Medical Cover
Medical bills can drain your loved ones when paying the bills directly from their pockets. Some medical policies are not efficient in covering the expenses. When you get injured in a road crash and your auto insurance is adequate, it covers the bills. It can also be a good supplement for your medical insurance.
Provides Peace of Mind
Sometimes, your car can get damaged by other motorists. Some of them can be underinsured or lack any insurance. With underinsured motorist coverage, you can relax and enjoy your peace. Your insurance company can compensate you if you incur damages from a motorist whose insurance is inadequate or one that has none.
Provides Legal Assistance
A car crash can attract penalties from third parties. The paperwork and documentation can be time-consuming and financially draining. But when insured by a reputable company, you don’t have to go through the hustle.
Your service provider will give you legal representation and handle the fee involved. Although the insurer can assist, ensure you do not drive recklessly simply because you know experienced professionals will handle your case.
Provides Affordable Plans
Having automobile insurance is mandatory in most states. Legal requirements are not imposed on people to make owning a car intimidating. Rather, it is aimed at ensuring expenses and losses that can result from crashes, natural calamities, theft, and burglary do not overwhelm you.
Insurance providers ensure that you abide by the law by providing affordable plans. You are spoiled with payment options for the premiums that could be annual, monthly, or biannually.
Other than providing affordable plans, insurance companies also protect you from spending much by providing a no-claim bonus. Sometimes, you can complete a billing year without filing a claim. The bonus can increase if you go for consecutive years without filing a claim. Often, you can save between 20% and 50%. The more years you go without claiming, the higher the discount. This offer protects you from overstretching the money you spend on paying premiums.
Access to a Large Network of Garages
Taking your vehicle to any garage you find is risky as it can cause more damage to your ride. Some mechanics do not know how to handle specific car models and can use yours for practicing. They may also use the wrong parts while repairing, and a lack of compatibility can worsen the damage.
Insurance companies have a wide network of garages to which you gain access when you buy their policy. These garages are often approved by the insurance providers and use the right parts for vehicles taken for repairs.
Besides getting quality repairs, you also save time. You do not have to search for a garage that can repair your car.
How Insurance Companies Determine Their Premium Rates
To efficiently handle and settle claims, insurance companies set premium rates for their coverage. Some of the determining factors include:
- Age: Drivers get different rates for their policies depending on their ages. Senior and young male drivers are considered high-risk, and they feel it when paying their coverage.
- Location: Drivers in areas prone to natural disasters or where the crime rate is high also pay expensive rates for their policies.
- Car make and model: If you own a luxury car, your premiums will be higher than those of a mid-range car. The prices are associated with high repair costs, the car being targeted by thieves, and a high likelihood of a reckless driver.
- Deductibles: Insurance premiums are cheaper when your deductibles are higher. You can increase these to the highest amount you can afford to take from your pocket. When increasing your deductible, note that you pay any damages valued below your deductible.
- Safety features: Drivers who invest in anti-theft features for their cars enjoy paying low rates for their policies.
We cannot overlook the role of insurance companies in helping drivers overcome the financial burden that can result from a road crash. When you consider paying from your bank balance, car parts, repairs, and compensation against cases filed against you from a property or bodily damage can be expensive, and the amount may exceed your balance. When invested in an insurance company with a good reputation, you can ease the stress and enjoy your ride to your planned destinations.