Category: Auto Insurance

Insurance Essentials When Test-Driving Vehicles in Zionsville, IN

Buying a new or pre-owned vehicle in Zionsville, IN, can be exciting, but it’s also a process that requires due diligence—beginning with test-driving potential choices. A crucial part of this process is ensuring that the vehicle in question is adequately insured.

Who Needs to Insure It?

The current owner should provide the insurance coverage for a car being test-driven—that could be either a dealership or an individual. That’s why most sellers won’t ask for proof of insurance before a test drive. Insurance isn’t a worry for test drives at an established dealership. However, when dealing with an individual car owner, always check if the vehicle is insured to prevent risks.

What if You Purchase the Car?

Even if you already have auto insurance, contacting your insurance agency before finalizing the car purchase is advisable. Your current insurer might not cover certain cars, so it is better to be aware of this before the purchase than afterward. If you replace your vehicle with a new one and already have car insurance, your policy might cover the new car automatically for a limited period. However, inform your insurer about the car purchase without delay. The grace period for coverage varies between insurers, generally ranging from one to four weeks.

Completely Independent Insurance Agency is dedicated to helping motorists find suitable auto coverage by comparing policies from various insurers. Our helpful and friendly staff in Zionsville, IN, can answer all your queries. You can also count on us for insurance for motorcycles and RVs. Get started today by calling Completely Independent Insurance Agency at 800-632-3102.

For complete auto insurance coverage in Zionsville, IN, you should purchase a policy with comprehensive coverage. At Completely Independent Insurance Agency, we can answer all of your questions about comprehensive coverage and other types of auto insurance coverage.

Here are four reasons to include comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy:

Comprehensive coverage includes flood damage.

Comprehensive coverage is especially important if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. A flood can completely destroy a vehicle. With comprehensive coverage, you’ll be reimbursed for auto damage that results from floods. 

Comprehensive coverage will pay for repairs after vandalism.

Collision coverage alone doesn’t usually cover damage costs after incidents of vandalism. With comprehensive coverage, you’ll be covered for both vandalism and theft. This makes comprehensive coverage especially important for those who periodically need to drive in high-crime areas.  

Comprehensive coverage covers damage resulting from a collision with an animal.

Getting in a collision with a large animal such as a deer can do a lot of damage to your vehicle. If you have comprehensive coverage, you can get damage caused by animal collisions covered by your auto insurance policy. 

Comprehensive coverage gives you more peace of mind as a motorist.

There are plenty of expenses that you could end up facing as a motorist, but including comprehensive coverage on your policy can protect you from most of them. This means that you’ll enjoy the most peace of mind as a vehicle owner if you have comprehensive coverage. 

Reach Out To Us

You can get a quote on an auto insurance policy with comprehensive coverage by getting in touch with Completely Independent Insurance Agency. Let us provide you with the auto insurance coverage you need in Zionsville, IN. 

Indiana is among the states supporting diminished value. This means that if you’re in an accident, the repair of your vehicle means retaining its resale value. Most cars in accidents don’t. 

Completely Independent Insurance Agency will help you file a diminished value claim against the at-fault party.

You’ll have to meet some requirements first such as:

*Repair documentation and pictures

*If you were at fault, you’re not eligible for diminished value

*The statute of limitations in Zionsville, IN is two years

Here’s what else you should know:

Isn’t Diminished Value The Same As Depreciation?

No. Diminished value is the difference between a vehicle’s value after repair from an accident and a vehicle’s value after normal wear and tear over time. When selling a diminished-value vehicle, it’s like he’s selling an ordinary car.

Diminished Value Claims

The statute of limitations for diminished value claims is two years. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is available for diminished value, but not in the case of hit-and-run. There is law backing all this up, so if the at-fault party takes you to court, your Zionsville, IN attorney could win the case.

How It Works

It’s best if you hire a professional to prepare the pictures and documentation, such as a diminished value appraisal, for the insurance companies. Make sure this expert is of good reputation with plenty of experience and good reviews.

The claim with its corroborating evidence will be submitted to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. When you hire the diminished value expert (and having an attorney handy is a good idea), they’ll negotiate with the insurance company for an acceptable settlement.

Completely Independent Insurance Agency understands Indiana auto insurance. We’re standing by to help when you call or come by the office to learn more about it.

Driving is a necessity for most people. Public transportation is not an option in many small cities and towns. At  Completely Independent Insurance Agency in Zionsville, IN, we know how important driving is to our customers, and we make sure that they know the necessary documents they need to carry with them in their vehicles at all times. 

Documents you should always keep in your vehicle

Your auto insurance card

In the state of Indiana, you are required to carry auto insurance. The requirements are 25/50/25. This is $25,000 for injuries sustained by the first person in an auto accident where you are named as the responsible party. The total for all inured persons is $50,000. $25,000 is required for damage to property. Drivers are also required to have $50,000 in uninsured and underinsured drivers unless they opt out of this coverage in writing. Your auto insurance card is proof that you need to carry that you have auto insurance coverage. 

Your vehicle registration 

Vehicles in Indiana need to be registered with the state. The registration document identifies your vehicle by the VIN number so that you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle you are in possession of.  You must always have an active registration to be on the road in your vehicle. If you are pulled over by law enforcement, you will be asked to show your registration, so make sure you keep it in your glove box. In some counties, you will need to get an emissions test. Be sure to check if it applies to you. 

Your driver’s license

Most people keep their driver’s license in their wallet as a form of ID. Make sure to carry your wallet with you anytime you are driving your vehicle. 

Keep Your Insurance Policy Updated

Contact Completely Independent Insurance Agency in Zionsville, IN for all your auto insurance needs.