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FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of coverage does Florida require to get on the road?

Florida requires basic coverage which covers personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and Property Damage (PD) coverage. Personal injury protection coverage will pay for personal medical expenses up to the limit stated in the policy. The minimum coverage requirement in the state is $10,000, but you can get higher limits if you think this is not enough. Property Damage Coverage will take care of the cost of repairing or replacing another person’s property. This typically means damage to someone else’s car, but it could apply to any other type of property you damage in an accident

What are the different additional coverages can I get?

Your car insurance coverage depends on the policy you purchase 
but a typical full or specialty coverage includes:

•Bodily injury (BI) liability coverage pays for the medical costs of the people who are injured (not including yourself). This coverage also helps cover payment for legal defense in the event you are sued for damages. This is especially coverage that needs to be requested.

•Medical payments (MedPay) coverage helps pay for medical and funeral expenses after a car accident. It’s an optional form of auto insurance that typically covers the policyholder, family members driving the car, and any passengers. Also known as medical payments coverage or MedPay, coverage applies no matter who’s at fault.

•Collision and comprehensive (Comp/Coll) coverage for damage done to your vehicle in collisions, and in non-collisions (i.e., fire, vandalism, or theft).

•Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects in the event of an accident where the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance.

There are other types of car insurance available that can help you in a number of situations, such as roadside assistance, so be sure to talk to our insurance representative to make sure you have all the coverage you need.

What can I do to lower my auto insurance costs?

Many of our carriers offer different discounts which could include homeowners, good students, teens with parents who have safe driving records, drivers who own cars with airbags, drivers who own two or more automobiles, and more. Talk to one of our insurance representatives to discuss your possible discount options.

Why do car insurance premiums change?

Auto insurance premiums change for many reasons, similar to how prices adjust for other goods and services. Insurance companies face various costs, which can influence your premium.

General Costs Impacting Premiums:

  • Medical Costs: Expenses to treat injuries.
  • Auto Repair Costs: Prices for vehicle repairs.
  • Claims Adjustment Costs: Expenses related to handling claims.
  • Inflation: General rise in prices affecting all sectors.
  • Uninsured Drivers: Costs covered by your policy if you have Uninsured Motorist coverage.

Although insurers do not directly control these costs, they monitor them to adjust premiums accordingly. These changes can affect your auto insurance rates, irrespective of your personal claim history.

Impact of Traffic Violations and Accidents: Most drivers understand that receiving tickets or being involved in accidents can increase premiums. However, other factors unrelated to your driving history can also impact rates.

Policy Changes:

  • Adding Drivers: Including a new driver, especially a teenager, can raise your premium.
  • Moving: Relocating to areas with different rates of traffic accidents, thefts, and vandalism can either increase or decrease your premium.

Vehicle-Related Changes:

  • Vehicle Value: More expensive vehicles generally cost more to insure.
  • Safety Features: Cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft systems may qualify for lower premiums.

By understanding these factors, you can better anticipate changes in your car insurance premiums and make informed decisions about your coverage.

Am I covered if I drive someone else's vehicle?
Generally speaking, the insurance goes with the car. For example, if you have an accident while driving someone else’s car, the owner’s insurance would apply toward damages first. Your auto insurance would generally apply in the event the owner of the vehicle had no auto insurance or did not have enough auto insurance to pay the damages. For specific information and guidance on your coverage in this situation contact one of our Surety Auto agents.
 
If I rent a car, am I covered?
Car rental companies charge daily fees coverage (which means their insurance will pay for all damages covered in your rental agreement). Rental car coverage under a private passenger policy does not apply. We offer rental reimbursement as part of our towing package. As our agent about the different options, we could provide
Does my car insurance cover other drivers?
It depends on the situation and the specifics of your policy. Your policy may have an “omnibus clause” that covers any driver who has permission to use your vehicle (known as permissive drivers). If an insured driver who isn’t listed on your policy drives your vehicle and gets into an accident there is a chance the claim will not be paid. Under Florida law, all household residents or possible drivers must be placed on the policy as rated or excluded. This is for both your protection as well as theirs.
 
Will my policy be cancelled if I have an accident?
Generally, being in an accident will not cause your policy to be canceled. However, after the facts of the situation are reviewed, you may be required to pay a higher premium for your policy upon renewal. Your Surety agent will help you understand the potential increases if an accident does occur
 
How do I report a claim?
Unfortunately Surety Auto does not handle any claims. All claims must be submitted through your respective insurance carrier for review. You can usually find your carrier’s claim number on your Insurance card. If you cannot locate your card find your carrier below:
•Alert Auto: 1-877- 868-0123
•Assurance America: 1-888-580-8134
•Bristol West: 1-800-274-7865
•Dairyland: 800-334-0090
•Embark General: 800-809-5747 (Glass Claim) https://www.embarkgeneral.com/fnolportal/#/general (Online Claim submissions)
•Infinity / Kemper: 1-800-353-6737
•National General: 1-800-468-3466
•The General: 1-800-280-1466
•United Automobile: 800 344 2150
Can I get car insurance if I don’t own a car?
Yes, people who don’t own a car but who frequently use other people’s vehicles can get a non-owner policy that provides basic liability coverage to make sure they are protected in an accident. A non-owner policy could also include other coverages like uninsured motorist coverage or MedPay.
 
What is an SR-22 / FR-44?
An SR-22 / FR-44 is a certificate your car insurance company sends to your local DMV to prove that you have car insurance. SR-22 / FR-44 forms are usually required when your driver’s license has been suspended and you are trying to get it reinstated, some examples are if you’ve had a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving Without Insurance (DWI) charge. An SR-22 / FR-44 is not a type of car insurance, it is simply a certificate of financial responsibility for drivers who are required to provide one to the state.
 
The company may be assessing you for what’s called a short rate cancellation. If you cancel your auto policy prior to the policy expiration date, your contract allows them to cancel on a short rate basis. The company will calculate how many days the policy was in force and using percentages in the personal auto manual, the calculation will be done to determine how much is owed or if a refund is due. This rate varies by carrier and the length of the policy before cancellation is taken into account.
 

 

 

Still have questions?

If you have any other questions or need further information, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!