SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (LEX18) — As costs continue going up and people are feeling the weight of inflation – in their pockets. One thing many people may not have considered is the rising cost of home and auto insurance.
Kris Castle, owner of Castle Insurance in Georgetown, has been an insurance provider for six years. She says she’s served hundreds of clients. As prices continue to rise insurance rates have been no exception.
Castle says, “What I think a lot of people don’t understand is that there are other factors at work as well. And inflation really does impact your insurance rates.”
One Castle Insurance client, Aaron Rajchel, says he and his family have felt the weight of inflation. He’s noticed an increase in property taxes.
“So if insurance goes up too that’s going to continue to push up our insurance price, continues to push up home prices, and then obviously affect things like our auto insurance as well,” says Rajchel.
Castle says the market has been soft over the past few years. Now, this insurance agent admits this is the biggest over-arching increase she’s seen.
“In a lot of homeowners insurance policies I’ve seen double-digit increases on premiums from last year, of course, the horrible weather that we’ve had, the last 12-18 months here in Kentucky. With the tornadoes, all the ice storms, the flooding — that has definitely affected insurance rates as well,” explains Castle.
Castle Insurance agency suggests looking over your policies as soon as possible. They say that many people don’t realize that you don’t have to be up for renewal before you make changes.
“Look at your auto insurance policy and your homeowner’s policy. Make sure you know what you have,” says Castle.
Castle explains some of the best ways to save money are, again, not waiting for your policy to renew, before you review it. Consider increasing your deductible — to save on your homeowners’ policy. Keeping your home and vehicle maintained — to avoid opening yourself up to unnecessary claims and checking your policy for added benefits.
Castle suggests, “Have a conversation with your local insurance agent, ask them questions and make sure that you’re protected properly. Make sure that you’re getting all the discounts that you deserve in your policy as well and have that consultation and make sure you have the education to make wise decisions about your insurance.”
Windshield Repair Insurance: What You Need to Know before Buying
Windshield repair insurance is a great way to protect your car, but how do you know if or when to file a claim?
There are many types of windshield repair insurance endorsements. The most common type is called “claims-made” coverage, which means that it covers repairs only if they happen while the policy is in effect. Another type of coverage is called “continuous” coverage, which means that you can get repairs at any time, even if the policy has expired. Claims-made is by far the most written type of policy in most insurance agencies in our area.
Windshield Replacement – Important Things You Should Know
Windshield replacement on your policy is a good way to cover these costs in the event that your windshield is damaged or broken.
The cost of a windshield replacement varies depending on the type of glass, the size and shape of the windshield and the damage. Since there is so much technology in our vehicles these days, many times you’ll have to calibrate or replace sensors in the glass too.
Windshield Replacement – The MOST Important Thing You Should Know
In Kentucky, there is no deductible (out-of-pocket expense) for a glass or windshield claim. However, keep in mind that a claim filed on your insurance policy is still viewed by your insurance company as a claim. It can affect your claims history, which of course can affect your rates. It can also make you ineligible for a new policy with a new insurance company.
For example, here is a real claims history for a quote that I was working on a few weeks ago.
Glass 05/23/2021
Glass 12/08/2020
Glass 06/08/2020
Glass 09/30/2019
Glass 12/03/2018
Because they had 5 glass claims in less than 4 years, I couldn’t help them with a good policy with great rates. They had too many claims, even though there weren’t any collisions or accidents.
I would recommend you find out how much a new piece of glass will cost before you file a claim for replacement and be sure that it’s a claim that is worth filing with your insurance company. Sometimes a chip repair will work and that is a pretty inexpensive repair.
Your insurance agent can walk you through setting up a claim and making sure your vehicle is road-ready again.
If you’re looking for ways to tighten your monthly budget, there’s an unexpected place you can look: Your garage.
No, we’re not telling you to sell your car (although that’s certainly an option). Rather, it’s time to take a closer look at the way you drive and take care of your vehicle. As gas prices climb, both of these habits can make a bigger impact on your wallet than you think.
And if you’re looking for car insurance that is affordable, we can help with that, too.
WHAT IS GAS MILEAGE?
Gas mileage (also known as miles per gallon or MPG) is measured by calculating the number of miles that a vehicle can travel using a single gallon of fuel. Fuel economy is another term that’s commonly used. It’s often referred to in relation to improving fuel efficiency — which means using less gas when you drive.
HOW CAN I FIGURE OUT MY VEHICLE’S MPG?
Since 1977, auto manufacturers have been required to publish some form of miles per gallon metric on new car labels. For modern vehicles, this includes ratings for city, highway and combined MPG values.
In general, vehicles tout better gas mileage during highway driving rather than city (i.e. stop and start) driving. But the combined MPG rating, which represents 55% city driving and 45% highway driving, provides a quick and easy way to compare the fuel efficiency of gasoline vehicles — which is especially helpful if you’re shopping for a new car. You can find these values for your current vehicle through a quick internet search.
If you want to measure the real-world gas mileage of your car, it’s easier than you might think. Follow the steps below from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy:
Step 1: Top off your tank. Fill your tank all the way up, then record the current mileage from your odometer (or set your odometer’s trip meter).
Step 2 : Run it out, then record your numbers again. Once it’s time to fill up again, record the new odometer reading as well as the number of gallons it took to refuel.
Step 3: Subtract your readings. If you used the trip meter, you can skip this step. If not, put those elementary math skills to use and subtract your first odometer reading from your second to see how many miles you traveled on one tank.
Step 4: Do a little division to determine your MPG. Take your figure from step three and divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons it took to fill your tank. Your final number is your MPG for that driving period.
WHAT’S CONSIDERED “GOOD” GAS MILEAGE?
Getting good gas mileage means that you can travel further using less gas.
As a general guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designed a fuel economy rating that evaluates vehicles on a scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best). These numbers can also be found on new car labels. For the 2020 model year, vehicles earning a 1 rating return an MPG of 14 or less, while a score of 10 requires 44 or more MPG.
But there are a lot of other variables that factor into this ‒ from the type of vehicle you drive to the way you drive it. And all of these can add up when it comes to how much you end up spending on gas.
WHAT CAUSES POOR GAS MILEAGE?
Regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive, all of these factors can negatively impact gas mileage:
Speed: The faster you drive, the more fuel your vehicle burns up. This includes how fast you accelerate, too.
Idling: Keeping your car on for it to warm up or cool down, queuing up at a drive-thru or waiting to pick your kid up from soccer practice can all decrease your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Aerodynamic drag and excess weight: Driving too fast or traveling with a rooftop cargo carrier? These can increase wind resistance, which causes your vehicle to use more gas. And towing any kind of trailer or hauling too much in your trunk, bed or back seat also requires more fuel.
Poor maintenance: From underinflated tires to an unattended engine issue, failure to consistently “tune up” your vehicle can cost you a lot more at the pump. It also can create potential safety risks.
Quick trips: A quick run to the supermarket on Monday. Stopping by the bank on Wednesday. While it may be convenient to run these errands one at a time, it can wreak havoc on your fuel economy. Quick, short trips like this from a “cold start” eat up fuel, because your engine needs to warm up before it can run efficiently.
HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY GAS MILEAGE?
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy and Consumer Reports offer several ways that you can improve your MPG:
Drive more efficiently.
Follow the speed limit, and drive sensibly ‒ not aggressively (e.g. quick accelerations, hard stops, etc.).
On the highway, don’t speed up and slow down (unless you need to for safety). Once you get up to speed, stay there. Use cruise control when possible.
Remove unnecessary extra weight, avoid idling and take the cargo box off the roof of your vehicle (unless you really need to use it) to help even more.
Keep your car in shape.
Make sure your engine is tuned, keep tires properly inflated and use the right grade of motor oil. Check out 9 Things You Should Never Do to Your Car for basic car-care tips.
Plan and combine trips.
Spend less time sitting in traffic by avoiding rush hour on daily commutes.
Run all your errands on one day rather than taking multiple short trips during the week.
If you have an especially long commute, ask your employer if you can work from home a day or two per week.
Opt for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
If your budget allows it, consider purchasing a vehicle that touts better MPG than your current one. With fuel prices rising, you could save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs per year switching from a vehicle with 20 MPG to 30 MPG. Check out the fuel savings calculator on fueleconomy.gov.
Kids driving golf carts are a common sight on golf courses. Many parents and kids are not aware of the legal implications that come with this type of driving, not to mention the fact that it’s illegal for non-licensed drivers to operate a golf cart.
Some excuses I’ve heard for allowing kids to drive a golf cart:
It’s good practice for driving a car.
It’s just fun!
Golf carts don’t weigh much.
Golf carts don’t travel very fast.
They are driving on a cart path, not a street.
What would happen if your child was driving with a few friends as passengers and someone really gets hurt? Who would pay for the doctor and hospital bills? If there is a liability lawsuit, who is going to pay for those damages? Most families don’t have thousands and thousands of dollars sitting around to pay a judgement. I know I sure don’t!
What are some insurance coverages that you can purchase to help protect yourself?
Liability Protection
Golf cart liability insurance provides coverage for any injury or accident that may occur while using a golf cart. Liability insurance is often required by the club or course and it is important to purchase this insurance before using a golf cart.
Injuries and accidents happen all the time, so it is important to be prepared when they do happen. Liability insurance can help cover costs like medical bills, lost wages, punitive damages, and pain and suffering if someone gets hurt while driving your golf cart. Ask your agent about adding an endorsement for the cart, and transfer that risk from your personal pocketbook to your insurance company.
2. Theft Protection
What will happen if your golf cart is stolen? Would you have the funds available to replace it? If you have comprehensive coverage on your golf cart, you would able to file a claim to receive compensation if it is stolen.
3. Property Protection
If you include collision coverage, the insurance company helps pay for repairs to your own golf cart if you are in an accident. This coverage is very helpful for the more expensive golf carts out on the course.
The best way to prevent an accident with your non-driving age kids and your golf cart is to make sure they don’t drive the golf cart. Remove the keys and put them in a safe place that is inaccessible.
Golf carts can be fun, but the damage and injury that can be caused by inexperienced drivers is no laughing matter.
Just imagine that you have gotten some of the worst news you could possibly receive.
Your spouse/partner has been killed in a car accident. While dealing with all of the emotions and heartbreak of this news, you have to slog through this devastating circumstance and take care of yourself and your family in practical ways.
You will need to find the life insurance policy that was hopefully purchased to help continue to pay your bills. You will need make changes to bank accounts and other financial accounts. You will need to be able to access your auto insurance and home owner’s insurance policies and various legal documents.
Human beings prefer to deal with things they know about and have an affinity for, or have the education and learning to be successful. If you are like many couples, it seems one of you deals with the finances of your household and one of you wants nothing to do with all that! One of you loves it, or at least doesn’t mind dealing with these types of things, and one of you really hates it.
I would propose that you may want to rethink this in your relationship. Both people should be aware of all account passwords, login information, insurance policies (especially life insurance), your last will and other legal documents. Maybe you store this in a safe in your home or a safety deposit box at the bank. Many families utilize an password application that stores everything in one place electronically. Even if one of you makes most of the banking, investment, insurance, medical and other type of life decisions, both of you should know what is happening. Even if you have separate bank accounts, be sure you can access all accounts in the case of the death of the account holder.
I have dealt with insurance customers that have lost their spouse, and are completely clueless how to move forward with everything. They have no idea what is going on with their insurance, how to pay the bills, and even how to access sorely needed funds. It can be months and months of struggle, on top of dealing with the loss of their loved one.
A very stressful situation can be made SO MUCH EASIER if you will take a couple of minutes to have a discussion about your accounts and the access needed, just in case.
Imagine you’re driving down I-75, and all of a sudden, your tire blows!
What if you came out of the grocery store and your battery is dead?
Maybe you think it’s too cold to fill up your gas tank right now and choose to play a game to see if you can make it to your destination before you run out of gas? And….you lose and run out of gas.
If you have car trouble on the side of the road, you want fast and reliable service. Does it matter if you use your road service coverage on your insurance policy or is it worth your money to go ahead and AAA service?
Keep in mind, ANY TIME YOU USE YOUR INSURANCE POLICY, IT IS VIEWED BY THE INSURANCE CARRIER AS A CLAIM. Even if it’s only a $70 road service claim or a battery jump, it will show up on your auto insurance claim history. Now of course, it doesn’t affect your rates or insurance score in the same way that an at-fault accident will, but it will still be included in your claim history. An insurance carrier can use excessive road service claims as part of the reason to non-renew your policy.
If you have several vehicles, especially ones that aren’t in perfect shape, you may want to consider purchasing a road service/towing plan through AAA or another auto club service. Depending on the age and condition of your vehicle, you may not be able to purchase the coverage through your policy and will need AAA for this service anyway.
Many new vehicles have road service through the manufacturer/dealer as well, so that would be another way to get assistance if needed, without using your insurance policy.
Think of your insurance policy as a way to pay for expensive accidents, injuries, etc. and think about the smaller claims being handled a different way.
We are so happy to be hosting the 3rd Annual Castle Insurance Cars and Caffeine for 2021!
OCTOBER 17, 12 PM -2 PM
210 BEVINS LN (LANDMARK CENTRE) GEORGETOWN
Please bring your favorite car and enter for a chance to win!
The judging categories will be:
Modern (1990+)
Classic (pre-1990)
Fan Favorite
If you want to enter your vehicle, you’ll receive an entry form to fill out and put under your wiper when you arrive. Staging for cars in the show starts at 10am. Show starts at 12pm. Awards at 2pm.
Those attending the car show can just scan the QR code on the form to vote. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
ALL MAKES AND MODELS ARE WELCOME. Share this link with all your automotive enthusiasts.
If you are more of a “this is just my transportation and I don’t really think I’ll win an award for anything” type of car person, that’s ok! Bring your family and hang out with us – vote for your favorite car and FEED A HORSE!
Our friends next door at Ashton Grove Senior Living have a cute horse named Winston that will be hanging out at Castle Insurance from 12-2. And you thought horsepower meant the cars!
Plus, there will be a live DJ, a coffee truck, yummy food, bingo, a cake walk, a huge inflatable bounce house/obstacle course, hayrides, kid’s crafts, and tours of Ashton Grove. FREE FAMILY FUN FROM 12-4.
Plan to spend a Fall afternoon in Georgetown with Castle Insurance and Ashton Grove. We look forward to meeting you!
Feel free to call the office if you have any questions! 502-603-0397
Do you feel like you are inundated with ads from lots of big national insurance carriers?
The gecko, Flo, Mayhem and Jake are now common household names and have spawned lots of memes!
Millions of dollars are spent each year on these ad campaigns. Are you sucked in and purchase insurance online or with a phone call to a representative at a toll-free number?
This is an option of course, and millions of people buy their insurance policies this way.
Is there a better way?
Do you personally know who you will talk to when you are in an auto accident and need to get medical attention or a rental car?
Can you ask a real live person in your town and state a question or get help with your billing from someone that actually cares?
Shaking hands
In most cases, a good local insurance agent is more than just an insurance agent. Local agents are heavily involved in their communities. They support kid’s sports teams, sponsor all kinds of events, and give of their time and other resources to local non-profit organizations as well. You could say they have a vested interest in the health of those communities and families that reside in them.
Find an agent that will educate you about protecting your assets, your family and your business. Find someone that will work for you to find good rates and will spend time making sure they have written you insurance policies that you understand. Find an agent that you see out in the community making a difference.
If you don’t have that type of agent, give us a try!
Sometimes it feels like no matter what, your auto rates increase year over year. Or you feel like what you are paying is just too much. You may think the premiums you pay for your auto insurance are totally out of your control but there are a few things to keep in mind and try to keep more dollars in your bank account!
Credit – Believe it or not, a good credit score affects your insurance rates, just like it affects your interest rates. Insurance companies feel that if you pay your other bills on time you will pay your insurance bill on time too. Statistically speaking, people with higher credit scores tend to be more risk-adverse in life in general and in driving as well. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but there is enough data out there to support this theory.
Multi-Policy Discounts – Many of the big national carriers have utilized advertising campaigns in the past few years that speak to the fact you get a discount with an insurance company when you have more than one policy with them. It’s kind of a “buy more save more” situation. You probably know you want to bundle your home and auto policies, but having a personal liability umbrella, and life insurance can also save you more. If you own a business, many carriers will give you discounts on your commercial and personal policies when they are all with that carrier.
Deductibles – When you carry very low deductibles on your insurance, you are paying higher premiums for sure. The insurance companies assume that you are going to frequently file claims and charge you more, for this reason. We all know that more claims=more premiums, so think about increasing your deductible a bit and using your insurance policies for larger damage. So think about a higher deductible and pay for the smaller dings out of pocket.
Driving History – This is a no-brainer, right? If you get tickets, have accidents (even small ones), or don’t keep your driver’s license current, insurance carriers will DEFINITELY make sure you pay for those infractions. Most also want to see 3-5 years of driving history to be sure the driver has a history of safety. So slow down, be extra cautious, and keep your license up-to-date. Be sure you don’t drink and drive!
Your insurance agent should be able to advise you on ways to keep your premiums low, so make sure you work with someone who will act as an advisor and help you out.
Confident female
Erie Insurance offers a program for your auto insurance that allows you to lock in your rate. With ErieRatelock, as long as you keep the same drivers, vehicles and address on the policy, your rate is locked in. It’s a pretty helpful and unique feature, so let me know if you want more information and pricing! kris@castleinsuranceky.com
There are so many really cool rides in the Central Kentucky area. You would be surprised at the variety! Exotics, classics, muscle cars, rare cars, trucks and other types of vehicles from all kinds of manufacturers. No matter what your favorite year, make, or model is, I bet you can find a car aficionado close by with that vehicle!
A little history – our first car event was in the springtime of 2019. We had coffee and donuts, and a prize drawing too! We held another one in the Fall of that year as well. The attendance has been growing with each new event. We started with about 40 vehicles and 60 humans.
Of course, we couldn’t host one the spring of 2020, but we decided to go ahead in the Fall of 2020 to host another one. It was Halloween to be exact. It was freezing, but we had hot coffee and delicious donuts to distract us from the temperatures, not to mention all the cool folks and cool cars that were there. We had custom and classic euros from Germany and England as well as high horsepower modern and old school muscle. Throw in some one off customs, motorcycles and slingshots, and you have a great diverse group of regional enthusiasts and aficionados.
It is so interesting to see such a plethora of people and machines in one place, just enjoying the company of those that share a common interest in vehicles, no matter what kind. Unlike many of the car shows that are going on in the Central Kentucky area, this is a laid back and chill event. You can really visit with the owners and find out more details about their unique builds.
Our next Cars and Caffeine gathering will be held at our office on April 24 at 9 a.m.
The office is located at 210 Bevins Lane in Georgetown. Bring your favorite vehicle and a friend hang out in the parking lot. There is plenty of room for social distancing! Maybe you’ll see one of your all time favorites or perhaps a new model to enjoy! Invite your car buddies and join us.
If you have questions, please send me an email or call the office at 502-603-0397.
by Alex Witkowski (Erie Insurance) on November 14, 2019
If you believe insuring an old car costs less than insuring a new car, you’re not alone. However, that’s not always the case when it comes to auto insurance.
Newer vehicles with safety features like back-up cameras and automatic braking do a better job of preventing accidents. However, it typically costs more to repair and replace a car with the latest technology. (See also: Can You Guess The Real Cost of a Fender Bender?)
If your car was made overseas and parts will have to be shipped to you if they need replaced, that can also drive up the cost of your insurance.
We spoke with Dave Freeman, vice president and regional underwriting officer at Erie Insurance, to find out how insuring old cars and new cars works.
Q: DOES INSURING A NEWER, SAFER VEHICLE COST LESS THAN INSURING OLD CARS THAT LACK EXTENSIVE SAFETY FEATURES?
A: There are a lot of variables that determine a driver’s insurance rates, and it’s impossible to pinpoint one specific factor. Essentially, a person’s driving history has a major impact on their insurance rates. The vehicle they drive may not impact their rate as much as you might think.
Q: SO, WHAT OTHER FACTORS REALLY IMPACT A DRIVER’S CAR INSURANCE RATES?
A: Auto insurance underwriters factor in vehicle usage, driving history and claim history. They may also consider an individual’s age, marital status and gender (although some states don’t allow insurance companies to use these factors.) Younger drivers typically have more expensive insurance rates because statistically they’re more likely to file a claim. (See also: What Determines the Price of My Auto Insurance?)
Q: JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY, WHO TYPICALLY HAS THE LOWEST RATES?
A: It’s typically middle-aged married people without children of driving age who have the lowest auto insurance rates.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS DRIVERS CAN DO TO KEEP THEIR RATES LOWER?
When shopping for new car insurance, don’t settle for the cheapest coverage. It probably excludes key coverages you might need down the line. Talking to an insurance professional like your local ERIE agent can help you get the right coverage.
THE VERDICT: SAFE DRIVING MATTERS MORE THAN THE CAR YOU DRIVE.
While the car you drive can influence your insurance rates, your driving habits affect it even more. By practicing safe driving habits, you will keep yourself and other drivers safe while also saving money.
Kevin’s Car
This story was originally published in 2014. It was updated with new information in 2019.
On a recent trip up I-75, I passed about a dozen deer on the side of the road. If you have struck a deer with your car, you know it can cause thousands of dollars of damages to your vehicle, not to mention injuries to you and passengers in your car.
Check out some tips from one of our best insurance carriers, Erie Insurance. Some great ideas here!
If you would like more information about Erie Insurance, or any of the other carriers we represent, just give Castle Insurance a call 502-603-0397 or email me at kris@castleinsuranceky.com.
The short answer is “YES”! We have several clients that have the more expensive vehicles insured with Castle Insurance. No matter if you prefer German imports or a car made right here in the Bluegrass, Castle Insurance can write a policy for you.
2014 BMW M6 Photo used by permission (one of our client’s vehicles)
I’d like to invite you to read an article from one of our clients. He is a member of the Bluegrass Region Porsche Club of America and the editor of their monthly magazine.
Bluegrass Region Porsche Club of America – The Editor’s Desk
by Kevin Vrbanac – published in August 2020
BASED ON THIS month’s content, it looks like the Bluegrass Region decided it was time to get out and drive in the month of July. And I don’t know about you, but that makes me extremely happy. If there’s one thing I love to see, it’s our members and their Porsche’s in their natural habitat. Whether its on the back roads or the race track, these cars are made to be driven. Actually, they deserve to be driven. So don’t deprive your car of it’s purpose! Instead, follow the lead of the Bluegrass Region Members who contributed to this month’s Rumble and get out there and drive!
As you already know, our Monthly Cars & Coffee and Socials are back in full swing, albeit with masks and social distancing. If you weren’t able to make it last month, our events chair, Larry Dukes, takes us through what you may have missed at our recent event at Hall’s on the River and our July C&C. As crazy as it sounds, fall is right around the corner, so make sure you’re enjoying these events while the weather is still favorable for us. The Board is staying close to local regulations and we’re doing everything we can to keep our members safe. Check out the calendar for upcoming events, but we’ll be hosting our monthly Social and C&C for the foreseeable future.
Next up is a story that I’m particularly excited about, because it’s all about my recent journey to Road Atlanta for SCCA’s Track Night in America. Region Member Gregg Morton Jr, Region Sponsor Steve Castle (of Castle Insurance) and I headed down to Georgia last month to check out this event, and more importantly, check this track off of our bucket lists. Read on to hear all about my personal experience, and to learn more about Track Night, which is a great event for anyone who is looking to get into track days, but isn’t quite sure where to start.
You may have noticed that I referenced a new sponsor, and you’ll see a new ad in the Rumble, so I’d like to formally welcome my good friends at Castle Insurance to the PCA family! Without getting in too deep, they’ve taken excellent care of me and my cars for the past few years and I’d happily recommend them to anyone out there. And that’s not just because they used my car in their advertisement!
Switching gears, Region Member Rich Barsalona takes us through a recent impromptu Saturday drive with a few other members. Rich outlines a fantastic route that includes one of my all time favorite roads in the area, and walks through how to host a small, unofficial event while still complying with all the recent Covid regulations. My recommendation—read the article, call up some friends and go replicate his adventure. It’s a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday.
Finally, Region Member Bill Meckley returns to his home track of Watkins Glen as an instructor at a recent high performance driving event. And luckily for us, his friend Lee Turner was there with his camera to provide some great photos of the experience as well.
So if you like 987.2 Base Cayman’s on racetracks, have I got an issue for you! But in all seriousness, if you take anything away from this one, it’s to get out and enjoy your Porsche in whatever way you see fit!
Thanks to Kevin for the use of his photo of his mint-condition 2009 Porsche Cayman.
For more information about the local Porsche club, check out the link below.
A recent ad used by a popular insurance company tells you, “Only pay for what you need.”
Some of you might find yourself asking some good questions:
“What DO I need? How much insurance is enough? How much insurance is too much?”
In today’s economy, price is king. There will always be several insurance companies to choose from. There will always be a cheaper policy available, but you should know first what you are paying for.
When shopping insurance, especially online, it’s pretty common to ask for an “apples – to – apple quote”, which means you want the same coverages you currently carry, only cheaper. But what is the significance of the coverages you currently carry? Do you have the same coverages since you were 18 and purchased your first policy? Your insurance coverage should reflect your current needs, and it’s very possible that your needs have outgrown your current coverage.
Do you really want an apples – to – apples quote?
When dealing with an experienced insurance agent or risk manager, you should be asked some tough questions like, “Do you have the assets to protect yourself from a million dollar lawsuit over a car accident?Does your policy coverage uninsured drivers?”
Protecting your family from the unknown is exactly what insurance is for, and if you are choosing not to consistently reassess your insurance needs, you may be missing the big picture.
Insurance is a two-way street, and you should be asking your agent tough questions as well. You should ask your agent, “Why did you select these coverages for me? How would you handle a claim? “Why should I choose your agency?”
Build a relationship with your insurance agent.
In the long run, developing a relationship with your agent will pay off far better than saving a few dollars every month. But if you do not feel that your current insurance needs are being met, or if your agent is unable to explain why your coverages are sufficient, please contact Castle Insurance for a comprehensive risk assessment.
It’s common knowledge that insurance rates fluctuate from year to year. If you plan on looking for a new insurance policy, here are a few things to consider:
Agent Vs. Direct For many years, the only way to get an insurance policy was through a licensed agent, often face to face. With the advent of the internet, consumers can now easily get an insurance policy without even talking to an agent. Many companies offer streamlined online applications and cell phone apps. While these may be convenient, dealing directly with a local agent can have advantages.
The convenience of no face to face interaction may be appealing, but during billing disputes, claims, or vehicle changes, having direct access to a licensed insurance advisor often has its own benefits. At Castle insurance, your phone call will always be answered by a caring insurance professional.
Rate comparison tools If you have ever searched for insurance on Google, chances are your Facebook feed was soon filled with services that let you shop several companies rates, all at once.
While this sounds like a novel concept, be wary of what you are actually signing up for. You may decide to buy a policy from one of those ads you were served, only to see your rates drastically change when you are directed to the company’s website. This is known as a “bait and switch” and can often lead to you overpaying for insurance or having your coverage drastically reduced.
Working with a local independent agent will provide a wide variety of quotes, and Recommendations from your agent will help you pick the right policy for your needs.
Buying a new house? Buying a new house can be a long, exciting and often stressful process. Dealing with a local real estate agent will likely make the process easier for you. But should you trust your realtor’s advice when it comes to insurance? While they can certainly put you in contact with a licensed insurance agent, be sure you do your own research and be aware of what type of policy you are buying.
Realtors are trusted advisors and their advice should be considered, but when it comes to insurance, make sure you have a policy that addresses your concerns and offers the right protection long after your purchase.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Have you ever heard your grandparents say that?
People often see ads for insurance that are hundreds, if not thousands of dollars cheaper a year than their current premiums. As a savvy consumer, you have to question this!
Ask yourself a few questions.
Are there any companies out there that can offer a policy for thousands less than everyone else?
What am I actually paying for?
Is there an option that isn’t being included that leaves me vulnerable in the case of a claim?
Is this pricing for high liability limits that give me more legal and financial protection or just what is required by the state? State minimum coverage will allow you to legally drive here in Kentucky, but you won’t see me get behind the wheel with that type of coverage! The small difference in cost between minimum requirements and a more robust limit might surprise you. Be sure you are protecting yourself and your family with the highest limits you can afford.
Bundling is Smart Be a smart consumer and check multiple companies. Having your Home and Auto insurance managed by the same agent is convenient and can lead to significant discounts on all your insurance policies.
Are you a number or family member? There are plenty of insurance companies that tell you their products are far superior to anything else, and far cheaper too. The best way to ensure your assets are properly protected and you pay a competitive rate is to deal directly with an independent insurance agent or broker. For a large company, you may just be another policy number, but for a local agency like Castle Insurance, you are part of the family.
Please contact us today if you are concerned about your coverage, unhappy with the way a claim was handled, or just want a more competitive quote.
It seems that the more I try to avoid hitting a pothole, the more likely I am to actually hit it. I immediately cringe and hope I didn’t just destroy my rim, wheel, or tire! Sometimes, especially at night, it is really difficult to see one, but the unmistakable huge bump and scrape lets you know what just happened.
How does your insurance carrier handle claims regarding potholes? Insurance companies will consider this a collision-type of claim and it will show as an at-fault claim on your claims history.
What should you do if you hit a pothole?
Be sure the car is safe to drive. Your steering may be impacted or you may get a flat tire.
Get an estimate on the repairs to fix the damage done to your wheel.
Depending on your deductible, you may want to fix the damage without filing an insurance claim.
Always discuss claim situations with your agent. They are there to assist you as needed!
When it comes time to rent a car, here are two common questions that customers often ask us:
Do I need to buy the insurance offered by rental car companies?
If I am in a car accident and need to rent a car, am I covered?
Let’s find out the answers.
INSURANCE OFFERED BY RENTAL CAR COMPANIES
You’re standing at the rental car counter and the person helping you asks if you want to buy insurance through them. Do you need it? Ultimately, it’s up to you but in most cases, you probably don’t, as your personal auto insurance should have you covered for liability claims, but your ERIE Agent can tell you for sure. Additionally, If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, you may also be covered for damage to the rental car.
Auto insurance from Erie Insurance is designed to suitably protect you and your family for incidental use of a car that’s not your own, such as a short-term rental of less than 45 days. The coverage extends to cars in the U.S. or Canada. That said, it’s a good idea to check with an insurance adviser like an ERIE agent beforehand since auto policies vary from person to person.
Here are a few questions to ask your agent about insurance and rental car coverage:
Q:When I rent a car for a combined business trip and a personal vacation, am I covered? A: Your personal auto policy may not cover you, but your employer’s insurance might.
Q:If more than one person is driving the rental car, am I covered? A: Your auto insurance likely only covers individuals that are on your policy, such as spouse or kids. So, in this scenario, coverage from the rental company could be a good idea.
Q: If my luggage, purse or personal possessions are stolen out of my rental car, am I covered? A: Maybe. This depends on the details of your individual auto policy. In many cases, personal property may be covered by a homeowners or rental insurance policy, but not by your auto insurance. It may be worth asking an associate from the rental company what their policy is regarding personal property stolen from their vehicles.
Another option to consider: Many credit card companies offer rental car insurance if you pay the rental fee using their card. Just know that this coverage typically only covers physical damage to the rental car, so you’ll still need separate liability coverage. Get in touch with your credit card company to ask for details.
With liability coverage, there are a few things you should consider. Most states have a required minimum amount of liability coverage, which rental car companies are required by law to offer, but that still may not give you enough protection. If you have personal auto insurance and have opted for higher liability limits, you’ll be better protected.
INSURANCE FOR RENTING A CAR AFTER AN ACCIDENT
If your car needs to be in the shop for a while after an accident, you may need to rent a car. Most auto insurance policies offer rental reimbursement coverage for a nominal extra charge, but sometimes auto insurance shoppers skip adding it to their policies.
With ERIE, basic rental car coverage is automatically included in most states if you’ve purchased comprehensive coverage. That means if your car is disabled because of a fire, theft, glass damage or another comprehensive type claim that may be covered under your policy, you’re covered for a compact sedan rental car. If you need a bigger rental vehicle, you could buy additional coverage (details below).
To have rental car coverage while your vehicle is being repaired from collision losses, such as hitting another car or a fence, building or pole, you would need to purchase collision coverage and add the rental car coverage to your policy.
At ERIE, this add-on coverage is called Transportation Expenses. It allows you to select a class of vehicle you want. It’s a nice benefit, because if you are a family of six… a compact sedan is probably not going to work. There are six classes* from which to choose:
Class 1: Compact sedan
Class 2: Traditional sedan
Class 3: Small SUV or pickup truck
Class 4: Minivan or midsize SUV
Class 5: Luxury sedan or large SUV
Class 6: Specially equipped vehicle that can be operated and accessed by an individual with a disability.
Back up collision damage is the largest percentage of accident claims. Nearly everyone has backed up into an object in their driving career. Younger drivers are more prone to making this mistake.
A few helpful tips:
Whenever possible, drive forward into a parking spot where you can drive out forward to avoid backing out of spaces.
Use your mirrors, but also turn around and check all blind spots before moving.
Be aware of what is behind you when you get in your car. Poles, curbs etc often are not visible from inside the car.
If your car has built-in sonar sensors, pay attention to them. Get familiar with your car by walking around back to test the sensitivity is of the vehicle sensors
Install (or use) a backup camera system. Using these systems greatly decrease the instance of a backup accident and claim
