How Auto Insurance Can Protect You If Your Car Is Stolen

Mitigating Risks With Auto Insurance: A Closer Look

Car theft might seem like an ill-timed stroke of luck, but it’s an alarming reality today, especially for owners with critical fobs and push-button starts. Leaving your keys in the car upon reaching your destination might be convenient, but it also offers easy access to car thieves. The right auto insurance policy can provide you with peace of mind whether the theft occurs from a public place or straight out of your driveway. At Blevins Insurance Agency, we provide our clients in Lafayette, IN, with personalized assistance and recommendations to protect their vehicles.

How Does Auto Insurance Provide a Safety Net?

In case of car theft, your auto insurance policy could potentially save the day. A comprehensive coverage plan could not only cover a car rental in the interim but also offer compensation for your lost vehicle, depending on the specific terms of your policy. If your car cannot be retrieved, your policy might cover its actual cash value or replacement cost. After your deductible has been paid, your auto insurance policy will cover the remainder. It’s important to stay updated with your policy specifics and understand how well it aligns with your individual risk profile. With the right insurance coverage, you can be safeguarded from the financial implications of car theft.

Let’s Refresh Your Auto Insurance Policy

If your auto insurance hasn’t been revised in a while, now might be a good time for a check-in. Allow our experienced agents at Blevins Insurance Agency to review your current policy and provide insights on the adequacy of cover and possible adjustments. Our clients throughout Lafayette, IN, trust us for comprehensive auto insurance advice and coverage that safeguards their vehicles from unforeseen circumstances.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage: Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive

Our agents at the Blevins Insurance Agency serving the Lafayette, IN area know and understand how important an auto insurance policy is to you and your vehicle.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage: Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive

Auto Liability Insurance

In the state of Indiana, all drivers must have at least a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover any accidents they may cause while driving on public roads. This type of insurance will help cover any injuries or property damage that occurs from an accident.

Collision Auto Insurance

You can be out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for a leisurely ride in the country when out of nowhere, you collide with another vehicle or even a tree or some other inanimate object. If that or a similar incident happens, auto collision insurance will help repair your vehicle.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

You may not be worried about a hurricane happening in Indiana and damaging your vehicle, but you never know when a hailstorm, windstorm, or tornado can come along and wreak havoc on your car, truck, or SUV. This is why it is important to have comprehensive insurance in place since it will help you repair or replace your vehicle if a natural disaster occurs or some other incident, such as a fire, vandalism, or your vehicle is stolen.

Contact Us Today!

Don’t be caught driving without auto insurance in Indiana or wait until one of these tragic incidents occurs to realize how much you need to have an adequate auto insurance policy. Contact our agents today at the Blevins Insurance Agency serving the Lafayette, IN area to get your auto insurance policy started!

Tips to improve your gas mileage

We all want to save money on gas and improve our gas mileage here in the Lafayette, IN area.

Here are some tips from us at Blevins Insurance Agency for doing just that: 

1. Make sure your car is properly maintained.

This includes changing the oil, checking tire pressure, and making sure your air filter is clean. Taking care of these small maintenance tasks will help to ensure maximum fuel efficiency. 

2. Slow down!

Driving at a slower speed will help you get more miles per gallon, as well as reduce the risk of having an accident. 

3. Use cruise control when possible.

This helps you keep a consistent speed, which in turn helps with fuel efficiency because it means your car doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain that speed level. 

 

4. Limit weight in the car where possible.

The more weight in a vehicle, the harder it has to work and the less efficient it becomes with regard to fuel usage. 

5. Drive during off-peak hours.

When traffic is lighter, and roads are less congested, this can also help with fuel efficiency (as opposed to driving during rush hour when everyone seems to be on the road at once). 

Keep Your Auto Insurance Updated

By following these tips, you should be able to see improvements in your gas mileage and hopefully save yourself some money! For more money-saving tips or to explore an auto policy that meets both your needs and your budget, give us at Blevins Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Lafayette, IN area and would be happy to help you find the right policy that gives you the coverage you need at a price you can afford. 

Required Auto Insurance in Indiana

When you are a driver in Indiana, your vehicle must be covered by the right types and amounts of auto insurance that are required by law. There are many different types of coverage that are mandated by state law, and you have to have all of those types of coverage. Your insurance agent from Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN will know all of the amounts you need currently and all of the aspects that must be included in your policy. 

Liability Coverage in Indiana

There are several different amounts of coverage that are required in Indiana as well as different coverage types. These are types of liability coverage that pay for someone else’s damages after there is an accident that you are at fault for. There are two amounts of coverage required for bodily injury liability for auto policies in the state.

One of these amounts is for one person who gets injured in an accident, and the other amount is for everyone who sustains injuries in the accident. There is also a single amount required for property damage liability that pays for the damages to someone else’s property that are caused by the accident. 

Coverage for Underinsured and Uninsured Motorists

The state requires that all of the auto policies written in the state must have coverage for uninsured motorist bodily injury, uninsured motorist property damage, and underinsured motorist bodily injury. However, these types of coverage can be refused by doing so in writing. Talk to your insurance agent about how to reject these coverage types if you don’t want them on your policy. However, it’s a good idea to keep this coverage just in case it is ever needed. 

Get Required Auto Coverage

To make sure that you’re driving legally, you can get auto insurance from Blevins Insurance Agency in Lafayette, IN.

Does automobile insurance cover driving for Uber or Lyft?

If you’re thinking about becoming a rideshare driver for Uber or Lyft in the greater Lafayette, IN community, you might be wondering if your automobile insurance will cover you. The answer is that personal policies usually won’t. You will need a commercial auto insurance policy.

We at Blevins Insurance Agency can help you explain how to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase rideshare insurance.

Personal Auto Insurance vs. Rideshare Insurance

Personal automobile insurance typically does not cover commercial activities, like driving for Uber or Lyft. If you get into an accident while driving for a rideshare company and you don’t have rideshare insurance, your personal auto insurer may refuse to pay out any claims. That’s why it’s so important to understand the difference between personal auto insurance and rideshare insurance.

Rideshare insurance is a commercial auto policy that provides coverage when you’re actively logged into the app and available to accept fares. Once you accepted a fare and are en route to pick up your passenger, you’re covered by the rideshare company’s liability policy up until the point that the passenger exits the vehicle.

But there’s no need to worry! Whether you have personal auto insurance or not, there are plenty of options for securing rideshare insurance. In fact, most major auto insurers now offer rideshare-specific coverage options. And because most companies consider rideshare drivers to be high-risk (due to the amount of time they spend on the road), rates are typically very affordable—usually just a few dollars more per month than your regular car insurance premium.

Contact Us Today

So, if you’re thinking about becoming a Lafayette, IN rideshare driver, make sure to do your research. Contact Blevins Insurance Agency so that we can help you get the coverage you need.

Keep these items in your car in case of emergency

In Lafayette, IN you never know when you’ll be faced with an emergency in your car. At Blevins Insurance Agency, we want to make sure you’re safe on the road regardless of what situation you might find yourself in. That’s why we created a list of things to keep in your car in case of an emergency. 

Emergency items include things to sustain you, such as food; things to keep you safe, such as a blanket; things to use in case of a medical emergency, such as bandages; and things to help your car in an emergency, such as jumper cables.

Include the following in your car emergency kit: 

Items for you and your family:

  • Nonperishable food
  • Water 
  • Blankets
  • A change of clothes for each member of your family
  • Diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food (if you have young children) 
  • A pocket knife 
  • A car phone charger
  • Spare cash
  • A map of the area you typically travel 
  • A flashlight
  • Batteries
  • A whistle 
  • Garbage bags
  • Food for any pets that regularly travel with you 
  • A fire extinguisher
  • Personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes and menstrual pads 
  • A paper and pencil 
  • Toys, books, and other items to keep kids occupied 

Medical items

  • Band-aids
  • Gauze
  • Medical tape
  • First aid kit
  • Any prescription medications for members of your family 
  • Pain relievers

Items for your car 

  • Jumper cables
  • Flares
  • Reflective triangles
  • A spare tire
  • Your car’s manual 
  • Ice scraper 
  • Cat litter or sand for traction in slippery conditions 

It might seem like a hassle to prepare an emergency kit for your car, but you’ll be thanking yourself in the event you or your family face an emergency on the road near Lafayette, IN. If you have questions about how to prepare your car for an emergency or how to make sure your auto insurance is up-to-date, contact Blevins Insurance Agency today.

Who should invest in auto insurance in Indiana?

Those that move to the Lafayette, IN area can find that owning a car is a practical necessity. With a reliable car, you will have an easier time getting around and enjoying all that the community has to offer. If you are going to buy a car, you also need to get the right insurance for it. There are various situations in which someone will need to have this insurance support.

When Driving on a Public Road

A situation in which you will want to have an auto insurance plan is when you want to drive on a public road. People that are going to drive a car here need to meet the standards and laws set by the state. This includes a requirement that all drivers carry liability auto insurance when on a public road. If you do not meet the minimum standards, you can face various penalties. 

When Trying to Protect Car

Your vehicle is likely one of the most valuable assets that you will ever own. Due to the importance and value of a car, you should always make sure that you get the proper insurance for it. When you get an auto insurance plan that includes comprehensive coverage, it will protect you against many scenarios that could otherwise result in a loss for you. 

Anyone that is a vehicle owner in the Lafayette, IN area will want to ensure they have the right insurance. As there are a lot of choices to make when you are looking for an auto insurance plan, the Blevins Insurance Agency is always a great company to start with when looking for support. The team with the Blevins Insurance Agency will give you any support that you need to build your next plan and ensure that you remain appropriately covered with insurance. 

Auto Insurance and Your Teen Driver: What You Should Know

So, it’s finally time for your teen to start driving. It is a relief that you won’t have to drive them around everywhere they want to go any longer, but at the same time, it is stressful because you know you have to add them to your auto insurance policy—not to mention the fact that they’ll be out on their own for you to worry about constantly.

While our team at Blevins Insurance Agency can’t help you with the worry, we are dedicated to helping families in Lafayette, IN navigate difficult auto insurance issues like adding a teenager to an existing insurance policy. Here are a few things you should know before your teen gets behind the wheel.

Make Sure to Choose the Right Vehicle

The vehicle that you choose for your teenager will have a significant impact on the premiums that you pay. While your teen may want a sports car, it is going to cost a lot more to insure than a four-door sedan. This is because a sedan is seen as safer in the eyes of the insurance company. Appearance is not everything, despite what your teen may believe.

Get Your Teen Insured ASAP

It is important that you add your teen to your auto insurance policy as soon as possible. Failing to do so could result in even higher premiums, especially if your teen gets into an accident before they’re properly insured. While your teen could get their own policy, it is generally more affordable and easier to simply add your teen to your existing policy.

Look into Discounts

Since insuring a teen driver can be costly at times, you will want to check into any discounts that your insurance company may offer. You may be able to get a discount based on your teenager’s grades. You may be able to get a discount for having your teen sign up and take a defensive driving course. In the end, your teen may start studying more and driving better while also helping you get better rates!

When you need to ensure that you and your teen driver have the proper auto insurance, contact us at Blevins Insurance Agency. We have been keeping Lafayette, IN families properly insured since 1998.

Is Auto Insurance Mandatory in Indiana?

Auto insurance comes in handy to protect you and your car when the unthinkable happens. So, purchasing auto insurance should be a no-brainer as its benefits outweigh the risk of not having one. Whether you are in a brand-new car or an old one, an accident can happen at any time, and if you are liable, you are deemed to pay for all the expenses. For this reason, most states require that you carry a minimum car insurance coverage.

In Indiana, for example, all car owners are required by law to have an auto insurance policy. Blevins Insurance Agency of Lafayette, IN has prepared what you need to know about Indiana auto insurance.

State-required auto insurance in Indiana

The following coverages should be part of your Indiana auto insurance policy. They include:

  • Bodily injury liability: Pays cost-related injuries to another person if you are at fault for an accident.
  • Property damage liability: Pays damages that you cause to another person’s property.
  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury: If you are hit by an uninsured, this policy can pay for medical bills.
  • Uninsured property damage: If an uninsured motorist hits your car or property, the coverage can pay for the costs involved.

While adhering to the state minimums is superb, you need to consider other auto insurance options for better protection. Optional car insurance coverages include:

  • Comprehensive coverage: It covers your car from non-collision perils like theft, vandalism, and hail.
  • Collision coverage: If your vehicle hits an object or collides with another car, this policy pays for damages or replacement of the car.
  • Medical coverage: The coverage pays for medical costs of injuries sustained during an accident for you or your passengers.
  • Roadside assistance: Provides services like towing, gas delivery, puncture repair, and other roadside repairs when your car stalls away from home.

Ready for your auto insurance? Get in touch with Blevins Insurance Agency for an affordable quote. Better yet, you can visit our Lafayette, IN offices to speak to one of our agents. 

Three resources to help you find the right auto insurance policy

The auto insurance policy you choose can greatly impact your finances when you need to file a claim. We can help you learn more about finding the right auto coverage in Lafayette, IN at Blevins Insurance Agency.

The following are three resources to help you find the right auto insurance policy.

Internet searches

The Internet is a vital resource when you’re shopping for auto insurance. You can use the Internet to get quotes on various policies and to compare them. Doing your research on the Internet is important for finding quality coverage at a competitive price in your area. 

Insurance company representatives

You can also contact insurance providers directly and ask their representatives any questions you have about insurance options. This helps you to understand the details of particular policies from certain insurance providers doing business in Indiana. 

Make a list of any questions you have before getting in touch with a representative from an insurance provider you’re interested in buying a policy from. This will help you find answers to any pressing questions and give you a feel for the customer service offerings of particular insurance providers. 

Your auto dealer

If you buy your vehicle from a car dealer, you may be able to get a good recommendation on an auto insurance policy to meet your needs from your dealer. Dealerships may have advice on which auto insurance providers offer the most competitive rates for particular vehicle models.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about insurance providers when you purchase a vehicle from a dealer. 

Do you have more questions about finding auto insurance in Lafayette, IN? Get in touch with us at Blevins Insurance Agency to find the answers you’re looking for.