Category: Auto Insurance

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.

A no-fault insurance state is one where drivers in an accident do not need to prove who caused the accident. Georgia is not a no-fault state, so it is important to understand how that affects you as a driver. At Toney Insurance Services, we help Snellville, GA drivers understand their risks and responsibilities.

Being At Fault In An Accident Can Have Long-Term Consequences

Almost every state requires drivers to carry auto insurance. If you are found driving without auto insurance, you can face penalties ranging from fines to license suspension to incarceration. 

If you are found to be at fault in an accident that had injuries or damages of at least $500, that accident will go on your driving record. That can affect your insurance rate and even your employment opportunities.

How To Document Your Accident

The first thing you always need to do after an accident is move somewhere safe and check for injuries. However, as soon as you can, you should call for a police report.

When an accident gathers information for a report, it will include a wealth of information, such as the drivers’ data including insurance, the location and weather conditions, and the believed cause of the accident. This permanent report can preserve your claim that you did not cause the accident.

Protect Yourself

Go ahead and take your own pictures and gather the other drivers’ and witnesses’ information yourself. Document anything related to the cause of the accident, such as whether the other driver broke a traffic law or was on the phone during the accident.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Florida is across the border and is a no-fault state, so you need to have your own insurance to protect yourself if you visit from Snellville, GA. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options, please call Toney Insurance Services today.

Here at Toney Insurance Services, serving the greater Snellville, GA area, we understand that shopping for auto insurance can be challenging simply because people do not fully understand the terms being used.

Here are a few common auto insurance terms you should familiarize yourself with:

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is an auto insurance policy feature that provides coverage for damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is an insurance policy feature that protects against damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. This can include theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, or hitting an animal. It is optional coverage and often has a deductible.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is a type of auto insurance that covers the cost of damage or injury you may cause to others in an accident. It includes both bodily injury liability, or the covering of medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees, and property damage liability, or the covering of repairs or replacement of damaged property.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or whose insurance is insufficient to cover the damages. It can help pay for medical expenses and vehicle repairs.

Reach Out To Us

These are just a few common auto insurance terms that are important to understand when shopping for or reviewing your auto policy. Familiarizing yourself with these terms can help you make informed decisions about your coverage and ensure you have the appropriate protection on the road. If you are looking for a new policy, Toney Insurance Services, serving the greater Snellville, GA area, would love to help you. Contact us to get started. 

If you’re a first-time car owner or simply in need of a refresher on auto insurance, you’ve come to the right place. At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, our team of expert agents is dedicated to helping drivers like you understand the ins and outs of auto insurance.

Auto Insurance for Beginners

Auto insurance is a type of coverage that protects you in the event of an accident or other unexpected events. The coverage typically includes liability insurance, which covers the cost of damage or injury that you may cause to others, and can also include coverage for your own vehicle, such as collision coverage or comprehensive coverage.

When exploring auto insurance options, it’s important to consider a few key factors. First, it’s important to determine the level of coverage that you need based on your budget and specific driving habits. For example, if you’re an infrequent driver, you may not need as much coverage as someone who drives frequently or long distances.

In addition, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure that you’re getting the best possible rate. You may also want to consider factors such as customer service, claims to handle, and the overall reputation of the insurance company when making your decision.

At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, our knowledgeable agents are always here to help you navigate the world of auto insurance. We’ll work with you to understand your specific needs and help you find a policy that provides the right coverage at an affordable price.

Another important step in exploring auto insurance options is to regularly review your policy to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs. This is particularly important if you’ve recently made any changes to your vehicle, such as purchasing a new car or adding a new driver to your policy.

Give Us A Call

At Toney Insurance Services, we’re committed to helping our clients understand and make the most of their auto insurance coverage. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned driver, our team is here to answer your questions and provide you with the support you need. So if you’re looking for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to auto insurance, get in touch with us today!