Auto Insurance
If you own your own car, you probably already know a little about car insurance. You may have heard the words deductible or premium. But, do you truly understand the different parts of an auto insurance policy and do you know how to choose the best coverage?
Below are some simplified descriptions of common auto insurance coverages. All coverages are subject to the limits, terms and conditions of the actual policy you purchase.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage generally pays damages for bodily injuries to the driver and passengers of the other vehicle when you are responsible for an accident. It also provides coverage to defend you if you are sued because of an auto accident.
Property Damage Liability Coverage generally pays for damages to another person’s property (e.g. their car) when you are responsible for an accident. It also provides coverage to defend you if you are sued because of an auto accident.
Medical Payments Coverage generally covers you, household relatives and your passengers for medical expenses that result from injuries sustained in an auto accident. It also covers you as a pedestrian if you are hit by a vehicle.
Some states have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in place of, or in addition to, medical payments coverage. This is also known as no-fault coverage. PIP can generally pay for medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of income and other expenses for injuries or death due to bodily injury sustained as the result of a car accident.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage generally pays for damages for bodily injury to you and your passengers when caused by another in an auto accident and the person legally responsible either has inadequate or no insurance. This coverage varies greatly by state. In some states it may be a combined coverage, while other states may offer it as two separate coverages (e.g. one for uninsured motorists and one for underinsured motorists).
Collision Coverage generally pays for damage to your car if it hits another car, object, or overturns. A deductible applies to this coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage generally pays for damage to your car if it is stolen or damaged by certain causes other than collision, such as fire, theft, hail or vandalism. A deductible applies to this coverage.
Homeowners Insurance
Here at Frank Smith Insurance we offer several options for your homeowner insurance allowing for you to get the best pricing and coverage with the company that best suits your needs, while still benefiting from our A+ customer service.
What is Homeowner insurance? It provides financial protection in the case that your home or its contents are damaged. It can also provide coverage if you or a resident family member are legally responsible for the injuries of another or their properties. Mostly, it is peace of mind for you, the homeowner.
There are many levels of homeowner insurance. They may range from a basic policy, to those that will provide a much broader range of protection. Not all policies are created equal, so it is important you find the policy that best fits your situation and budget.
A Standard Policy:
Property Coverage: The house-including electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, a/c if damaged by covered loss.
Other Structures: These are the structures not attached to the home; sheds, fences, garages, etc.
Personal property Insurance: Your personal items in the home including furniture, clothes, electronics, clothes, etc. Not all personal property is covered or is limited like jewelry, money (there are ways to insure these)
Loss of Use Coverage: Pays for additional living expenses if you have to move out due to a covered loss while property being restored
Liability Insurance: Protects your assets and cover defense costs in event of lawsuit because you or your resident family members are responsible for causing injury or damage to other people or their property.
Medical Payments: payments for medical services of other people from accident at your home.
Boat Insurance
Here at Frank Smith Insurance we have several companies to write your antique boat to that brand new yacht. We can protect the boat, the passengers and offer some extras as well.
Boat Insurance can insure you against most risks of owning and operating your boat, its motor and its trailer.
These risks can include:
- Sinking
- Fires
- Storms
- Theft
- Capsizing
- Stranding
- Collision
- Explosion
The property covered under boat insurance can include equipment permanently attached to the boat as well as:
- Anchors
- Oars
- Electric Trolling Motors
- Extra Fuel Tanks
- Tools
- Detachable Canopies
- Seat Cushions
- Life Preservers
- Skis and Tow Ropes
- Dinghies
Flood Insurance
Here at Frank Smith Insurance we pride ourselves in offering the broadest insurance coverage possible. However, there are some situations where coverage is limited or excluded. One such situation is Flood Insurance.
A standard homeowner policy does not insure against such water damage as storm surge, flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, overflow of a body of water, water which backs up through sewers or drains (unless your policy is endorsed to provide such coverage) and water below the surface of the ground. Please visit The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) site to gain further information on the government based insurance.