3 Things You Can Do To Lower Your Insurance Rates In Laurel MD

The very best thing that you can do to keep your insurance rates low is to simply be a safe driver. However, there’s a lot more to it than that, isn’t there? Safe driving is a foundation for low insurance costs, but it’s only a starting point. Insurers, on average, are taking a bigger risk on, for instance, a teenager who lives in the city than a forty year old who lives in the country. Some of us are lucky enough to be part of just the right demographics so we’ll never be paying very much for coverage, but for the rest of us, we need to find ways to offset insurance risk factors. Here are a few ways you can lower your rates in Laurel, MD.

Consider Insurance Costs Before Buying A Car

The car you buy can have a huge impact on what you’re paying each month for insurance. A reliable compact for instance may cost a third or less than a model that has known safety issues. Of course this might not be an option but it is worth considering if you can.

Ask for Higher Deductibles

The higher your deductibles, the less you’re going to be paying each month.

Take Any Discounts You Can Get

Different insurers will offer different discounts, so make sure to ask about everything from anti theft device discounts to discounts for advanced driving courses. These discounts could wind up saving you hundreds throughout the year.

Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial can help to connect you to an insurer that’s right for you, but there is actually quite a bit that you can do on your own time to ensure a lower rate.

 

 

Do You Need Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

If you’ve paid off your car and don’t have lender requirements for insurance, you have the option to only maintain liability insurance as required by law to protect other cars when you drive. However, dropping comprehensive insurance in Laurel MD isn’t always the best idea. Comprehensive insurance has added benefits which protect the value of your car in the case of an accident which isn’t covered by another driver’s insurance or in the case of theft or vandalism.

Bank Loan Requirements

Bank loan requirements are relatively simple and straightforward. Even with the best of intentions, people will refuse to continue paying for their car loan if the automobile has been wrecked or is no longer driveable. Insurance against such an occurrence protects the bank as it pays of the money you were lent . Additionally, it protects you by paying off the money you owe rather than allowing your credit rating to be destroyed and prevent from not only being able to buy another car but take any other type of loan you may need to better your life.

Protecting Your Investment

If you can afford to buy your car outright without a loan, choose a less expensive used model which doesn’t need a loan, or if you’ve completely paid off the car over time, you don’t have a legal obligation to maintain comprehensive insurance although it’s a good idea to. It is still your car and will be difficult to replace if an unforeseen accident occurs. Beyond simply providing for your legal obligations insurance protects your interest in the investment of an automobile.

Be sure to discuss your needs with our insurance agents at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial serving Laurel MD to find an appropriate policy which best suits your personal situation.

Why Laurel, MD auto insurance is important

Located smack between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Laurel, Maryland is an ideal place for people who work in either city to own a home and raise a family. With everything close but far enough way that walking or biking is probably out of the question, it also means residents of this town will need a car of some kind to get from place to place. That’s why it’s incredibly important that those who live in Laurel, MD also have auto insurance of some kind. The reasons for this are listed below.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

While everyone is supposed to have auto insurance in the event of an accident there are many people out there who do not, or don’t want to stick around after an accident occurs. There is also a chance that you could be at fault for the accident and cause injuries to yourself or others in your vehicle. So you will need auto insurance to cover these medical bills just in case something like this happens, so it doesn’t leave you paying an exorbitant amount in the future for an accident that happened in the past.

PROTECT OTHER VEHICLES, AS WELL AS YOUR OWN

Auto insurance also protects your vehicle from any damage that may be inflicted upon it in the event of an accident. But it also protects other vehicles on the road that may be damaged in an accident that is deemed your fault. Without auto insurance or enough coverage on your policy, you could be forced to pay for the repairs to a number of vehicles that could cause a serious financial problem in the future.

HAVE PIECE OF MIND

Just knowing you are covered in the event something unpredictable like an accident occurs makes it easier for you to drive and live in a place like Laurel, MD. And there is no real price you can put on piece of mind.

Laurel, MD means auto insurance policy options

When it comes to choosing the right insurance policy for your Laurel, MD vehicles, there are plenty of options. Rather than spend all your time going around from company to company, trying to find a great deal, you can work with the independent agents at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial to find a policy. That way you can get information from a lot of different companies all in one place. That can give you peace of mind and the best insurance policy for your vehicle and your needs. Some people want only minimum coverage and others are interested in much more, but it’s still important to choose the right company.

With the number of companies that offer auto insurance today, it can also get confusing when it comes to what type of insurance you need, how much it costs, and which companies are rated the best. If you find a company that is inexpensive but have trouble when you make a claim, that might not be the right company for your auto insurance needs. There are a lot of companies that service the Laurel, MD area, so asking an independent agent to help you choose the right policy is often a much easier, better way of locating what you need and making sure your car is financially protected if you get into an accident.

With Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, you can get an independent agent who will work with you and give you all the advice you need in order to find the right policy. Getting your questions answered is important, and so is knowing you have someone on your side when you need it. As your life changes, so might your auto insurance needs. Keeping in touch with your agent can help you always have the right auto coverage.

What kinds of insurance will cover my damage after an auto accident?

If you own a car in Laurel, MD, then you know how important it is to have good insurance coverage.  At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, we pride ourselves on offering a lot of options in auto insurance to our customers.  Determining the best option for you and your budget, however, can be tricky.  

One of the most common concerns that our customers have is exactly what types of damage are covered by their insurance policy.  In Maryland, a basic insurance policy that only meets the state-required coverage will only provide funds to repair the vehicles of the victims of an accident that you are found to be at-fault in.  Essentially, this means that if you cause an accident, the other person’s car will be repaired by your insurance, but yours will not.  For this reason, these policies are generally not recommended unless the driver can afford to repair or replace his or her vehicle on their own.

Collision or comprehensive insurance policies will cover the damage to your personal vehicle in the event of an accident, however.  These policies will provide funds to both you and the victims of an accident to have your vehicles repaired or replaced.  Only comprehensive insurance, however, will provide funds to repair or replace your vehicle if it is vandalized, stolen, or damaged in a natural disaster.  Collision insurance only covers accident damage.

If you want to save money on your auto insurance, give the agents at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial a call.  They have years of experience helping Laurel, MD customers find the policy that’s right for them.

Advice for Avoiding Fender Bender Fraud in Laurel, Maryland

Even in a place like Laurel, Maryland, fender benders are bound to happen. And usually, when they do, each party checks on the other and their vehicles and insurance companies, like Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, handle the rest. However, sometimes these minor accidents become much bigger deals due to injuries one party suffers and in many of those cases, there are fraudulent claims being made by the injured party, as they are trying to squeeze some money out of a minor incident. These claims can be difficult to disprove in court, though there are some things that can be done immediately after the incident occurs to protect from this fender bender fraud. Below is some advice for avoiding fender bender fraud in Laurel, Maryland.

TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEO

The more evidence you can present later in the event of a fraud case of the actual fender bender itself, the better. So take as many pictures of the accident itself, the area where the accident occurred and the other party involved to see if they are injured right after the fact. These photos or footage will be very helpful in the event this ever goes to court.

CALL THE POLICE

The police will arrive on the scene and file their own report and take statements from all the parties involved. This is important in the event the case ever goes to court, as the police are trusted above all parties to give impartial third party statements, backing up the truth.

CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

The sooner your insurance company knows the fender bender happened, the better, so they can protect you and themselves from any fraudulent claims that may be coming their way from the other party involved in the accident.

 

 

Auto Insurance and Why You Need It

In the simplest explanation – auto insurance is all about being smart and planning.  This type of planning can keep you protected from surprises that can be expensive and sometimes even devastating.

When you think of auto insurance, think of it as being a factor in your overall financial plan.  It is a powerful tool that can be used to help:

  • Protect the investment that is your car
  • Pay for any sort of medical bills after a car accident
  • Protect you from the damages that can result from accident related lawsuits
  • Protect your assets that you have worked so hard to amass – this can include things like stocks and bonds, retirement funds, and even your home
  • Protect you from underinsured or even uninsured motorists
  • Take care of repairs that are made necessary by natural disasters, vandalism or theft
  • Give you peace of mind whenever you are on the road

With all of that, it is critical for you to know and keep in mind that not all insurance carriers – or policies – are alike.  You need to understand the unique details of your situation – this includes knowing what it is exactly that you need to protect and how each type of coverage will help you protect it – or not.

Aside from all of that, you need auto insurance because it is required by law, even though the specifics do vary from state to state.

If you are in the Laurel, MD area and need a new policy or just need to understand the one that you have, call or come into Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial and have one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents go over it with you.  They can let you know what you are covered for and if you need more coverage, they can help you with that as well. 

Does Mileage Matter? Tips for Buying a Used Car

Years ago, if a vehicle had 200,000 miles on it, consumers and automotive specialists would consider this extremely high. Over the past few decades, when the odometer would turn over 200k, most car owners would know it’s time to invest in a new one. Nowadays, though, everything is different thanks to advancements in technology. Not only has technology grown in ways to provide the utmost comfort and safety in vehicles, but it’s also helped improve gas mileage. Your average SUV 15 years ago would get between 12 to 16 mpg to the gallon. Now it’s not uncommon for newer SUVs to get as much as 27+ mpg on the highway. 

Technological improvements have turned today’s society into one that doesn’t view a vehicle with 200k+ miles on it as something not worth investing in. High mileage does play a negative role in the overall resale value of a family car, but if you buy one outfitted into newer technology, you will likely get anywhere from 100 to 200k more miles out of it. Cars these days are designed using unique concepts and materials, which enhances their ability to stay on the road longer. If you’re wanting to save money when buying a new family car, make sure you consider all of your used car options. Buying a used car can also help lower insurance premiums.

Contact Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial today to learn more. With connections to local car dealers and great financing options, Mid Atlantic can help you a great used car for your family. And we can even provide premium quotes while using all discounts that you qualify for. 

Used Family Cars: Finding the One Best for Your Family

Here are a couple of differences and similarities that you will notice when going to buy a new or used car for your family. 

New and used cars greatly differ in their prices

If you’re going to buy a new car for your family, that’s great, but you should be aware that you will have to pay a pretty penny to cover your monthly payments. Used cars on the other hand feature some of today’s best deals on personal transportation, so if you concerned with money, then buying used is the way to go. 

They have a lot of the same technology

Cars that were manufactured at the turn of the century featured lots of new technologies that enhance the safety of drivers and passengers. So while buying a new car might seem like you’re family will be safer, you should know that many of your used car options are just as safe. 

Both come with warranties

Depending on where you purchase the new or used car, you will likely be able to take advantage of a warranty. If a used car has a warranty that has expired, you can always invest in a third-party warranty provider. It’s important to understand your warranties as they can save thousands of dollars in the event that your car was to break down. When buying a new car, you shouldn’t have to ask for a warranty because it should automatically come with one.

To learn more about buying a used car for your family, contact Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial today. A reputable agent is happy to assist you with all inquiries.

Things every Teen Driver Needs to Know

Most of the time, teen drivers are ready to hit the road as soon as they get their license.  However, there is a growing body of evidence that shows the importance of limiting when and where they drive as well as how many people are in the vehicle with them.

These restrictions might dramatically reduce the occurrences of the teen being involved in an accident.  Adults need to keep in mind that they are the ones who hold the keys and have the power to set limitations.

Which restrictions are important though?  How should they be enforced?

Know the Law

Many of the states have a system for licenses that is graduated.  This limits when the teen can drive and even how many people can be in the vehicle when they are driving.  Parents need to not only know these rules, but also enforce them.

Restrict Night Driving

Around 40% of all teen crashes involving fatalities occur at night.  This makes it imperative to limit the driving a teen does once the sun goes down.  Many states set a curfew for teen drivers but some of the are not until after midnight.  Consider setting an earlier time for your teen.

Limit Passengers

There have been studies that show that the more people there are in a vehicle, the higher the chances are of there being a crash.  This is because rowdy passengers can be distracting.  Also, other teens might try to talk the driver into taking chances.

Once you have all of that down, it is imperative that your insurance coverage is adequate for the laws in Laurel, MD regarding teen drivers.  Review your current policy through Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial to make sure that you have the proper amount of coverage in the event that the unthinkable happens.