At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, we are experts in the field of insurance. We understand that insurance terminology can seem like a foreign language. Therefore, we aim to simplify coverage for our clients so that you can have confidence that you have great coverage to protect you and your family when traveling hazardous roadways.

Many people hear the terms comprehensive and collision and aren’t sure what they mean or if they need them on their insurance policies. Because some carriers do not adequately explain these terms, many consumers choose the cheapest coverage available. However, going without these coverages may not provide your family with the best financial security, leaving you vulnerable to potential risks on the road.

Understanding Collision Coverage

Collision coverage on your auto insurance policy allows you to have your vehicle repaired after being in a car accident where you collided with another car, tree, guardrail, or other stationary object and caused damage to your vehicle. Collision coverage often requires you to pay a deductible (your part of the repair costs). The deductible is an agreed-upon amount you selected when you purchased or last made changes to your auto policy before the accident. For example, suppose you have $2000 worth of damage to your car after a collision, and your deductible is $500. In that case, you will pay the repair shop your part, and the insurance company will pay the repair company $1500.

What is Comprehensive Coverage?

Comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy works the same way with deductibles. However, it covers incidents from falling objects, theft, vandalism, hail damage, wind damage, flooding, windshield breakage, etc. Comprehensive is often labeled as "Other Than Collision" on most auto policies because they cover many incidents unless otherwise listed on an auto policy in the conditions section of your policy documents.

Both coverages are good to have if you are still making payments on your vehicle so that you can get it repaired to keep it operable, if you have a newer car, or only have one vehicle to ensure that no matter the incident or accident, you are able to get your car fixed and back on the road.

More Information on Comprehensive and Collision Coverages

For more information on comprehensive and collision coverages and to discuss your unique situation with an industry expert, give us a call at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, at (770) 765-1945.

At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, we understand how time-consuming finding the right auto insurance policy can be. Instead of shopping around for something new, consider looking at your current auto insurance policy, particularly if some time has passed since your last review. Here’s why:

You Experienced Life Changes

Your personal circumstances may have changed since you last updated your insurance policy. In the incessant turbulence of life, updating your auto policy could easily fall to the bottom of your priorities. However, reviewing your policy gives you peace of mind by ensuring you’re adequately covered in case you need financial support. Life changes that may prompt a policy review include:

• A child beginning to drive.
• Your grown child moving out and getting their own policy
• An address change affecting the vehicle’s garaging address
• Experiencing a divorce

To Check If You Have Adequate Coverage

If you’ve bought a new vehicle but kept the same coverage you had for your older car, you might need more comprehensive coverage to protect your new purchase adequately. Reviewing your policy can also help identify whether you’re still paying for a vehicle you’ve sold or one no longer in use. This could be an opportunity to switch to a less expensive coverage, especially if you’ve paid off a vehicle and don’t need certain coverages to satisfy your lienholder anymore, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars each year.

You Could Save Money

Given the rising insurance costs, reviewing your policy with your current provider could provide insights into available savings. It doesn’t hurt to inquire. If the current policy is unsatisfactory, shopping around with other companies to see if you qualify for additional discounts not available on your current policy can be worthwhile.

We Are Here To Help

At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, reviewing your policy or shopping for auto insurance is easy. We respect your time and budget. Call us today at 770-765-1945.

Common Forms of Auto Insurance Fraud

Auto insurance fraud takes numerous forms, ranging from false claims to excessive charges by policyholders or repair service providers, all aiming for illicit financial gain. Although illegal across all states, we at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA provide an overview of the most prevalent auto fraud types.

Inflating Repair Costs After a Collision

Certain unscrupulous repair shops and collision repair companies may deliberately inflate the cost of necessary vehicular fixes. Overcharging for parts or exaggerating repair times to increase the repair costs they submit to your insurance company constitutes fraud.

Vehicle Dumping

Vehicle owners keen to avoid repair-related issues may resort to various deceptive practices such as disposing of their car, declaring it stolen, selling it off, or even damaging it intentionally to submit a fraudulent claim to their insurer.

False Registration

Some owners may use an alternate address to secure lower premiums in regions with exorbitantly high insurance rates. However, unless they actually live at the stated location, using an alternate address constitutes fraud, inviting serious penalties.

Faulty Airbag Replacement and Windshield Repairs

Unfortunately, some mechanics opt for dishonest practices by claiming payment for replacing deployed airbags that they never actually replaced, thereby defrauding insurance companies. Similarly, some companies claiming to offer on-the-spot windshield repairs often provide temporary fixes and require subsequent servicing.

Reliable Auto Insurance Solutions

If you have any queries regarding insurance fraud or suspect you might be its victim, don’t hesitate to contact us at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA.