BMW CCA – Kentucky Chapter Dinner

Bluegrass Bimmers 2020 New Year Kick Off Party

-Article by Fausto Sarmiento, President of the Bluegrass Bimmers (edited for space) Over 80 Bluegrass Bimmers members and their families met at BMW of Louisville to share our passion, enthusiasm, and friendship over what connects us all, the Ultimate Driving Machine. Anthony Magagnoli delivered a presentation that incorporated racing tales and business acuity to inspire all of us to “Drive in to 2020” with the same enthusiasm we feel when we prepare to go out on a spirited drive. The 2020 Bluegrass Bimmers Kick Off Party was funded in part by the generous sponsorship of Castle Insurance. Bluegrass Bimmers President Fausto Sarmiento had the chance to speak with Castle Insurance owner, Kris Castle, about the role insurance plays when we “Drive in to 2020”. Read on for additional information on how to manage risk while you “Drive in to 2020”! Fausto Sarmiento, President of the Bluegrass Bimmers: Many car owners opt for “minimum coverage” out of routine convenience. BMW drivers often make it a point to take the scenic route instead of the direct route when planning trips or even on their daily commutes. In other words, BMW drivers are hardly routine! What are some factors BMW owners need to consider when looking at their auto insurance coverage to make sure their insurance coverage meets their needs?   Kris Castle, Castle Insurance: The most important factor to consider in an insurance policy is the liability limits that you have. State minimum coverage is not enough! A good insurance agent will definitely advise you to increase those limits! This is the main protection a driver has in a lawsuit situation, so spend the few extra minutes to have that conversation. It’s worth the time and money. Secondly, if you have after-factory mods on your car, keep in mind that they may not be covered. Discuss this with your agent.    Fausto Sarmiento, BGB:  Castle Insurance supports the automobile and motorsports community by sponsoring events such as the Bluegrass Bimmers Kick Off Party and the Cars & Caffeine community event. What is it about car drivers and driving enthusiasts that makes us an attractive market for your insurance company – we’re not crazy, risky drivers, right?! Kris Castle, Castle Insurance:   My favorite character quality of BMW drivers is their love and care of their vehicles! I know if I write a policy for a BMW owner, the car is usually in excellent shape and while they enjoy driving more than the average driver, they are also very responsible and in tune with what their car can do. They appreciate quality, so I know they will appreciate a quality insurance policy, and not necessarily the cheapest option if that doesn’t serve their needs best. Plus, BMWs are just really pretty to look at so I enjoy attending events, even though I don’t really have the deep knowledge of the cars like most of the BMW drivers do. I’m married to a BMW owner and we have three BMW cars in our household – quality and quantity rarely go hand in hand, but few things are as appealing as a line of BMWs out on a spirited, technical drive!   Fausto Sarmiento, BGB: What are some tips you can recommend to BMW drivers to ensure they are properly protected from an insurance point of view?  Kris Castle, Castle Insurance: I can’t stress enough how important it is to have high liability limits. The state minimums are laughable. Be sure you use an agent that will explain and educate you on what your options are and why they are recommending what they are writing for you. BMW drivers appreciate quality, obviously, so spend the extra $150 per year and increase your liability limits. I personally have $250k/$500k/$250k and that’s what I think is a good mid-range coverage. You can never have too much insurance!