by Heidi Kussurelis
Heidi Kussurelis Insurance Agency
If your driving activity is down, then here are some short-term options for reducing your auto insurance costs.
Storage Only
If you have multiple cars and can do without one for the short-term, consider putting ‘storage only’ coverage on one of the vehicles. Storage only coverage provides comprehensive coverage for fire, theft, vandalism, but removes all other coverage. This brings a large cost savings, however, you will need to remember to call your agent and to add back coverage before you drive the vehicle.
Collision
You may have a vehicle that you are not driving often but legally you must carry liability coverage. If the vehicle is older, you may consider removing collision coverage. But this means no coverage for body damage to your auto from an accident, so be careful!
Rental Car Coverage
If you are working from home and have more than one car in your driveway, you probably can use another vehicle if you’re in an accident. For the short-term and for some quick savings, remove Rental Car Coverage.
Telematics
If you have not participated in your insurance company’s telematic program, now is the time to do so. Mileage is a key indicator that is monitored, so lower mileage means a larger discount.
The insurance company will either give you a plug-in device to install or a phone app that will monitor your driving for about 90 days. The tools will measure total miles driven, hard braking, fast accelerations and night driving between midnight and 5 a.m. Policy discounts associated with this program can be significant!
Policy Review
Call your agent for a complete review of your policy. Make sure you’re getting every eligible discount including bundling your home and umbrella policies. Verify the drivers on your policy and the coverages on each vehicle. Are garaging addresses correct? Since people have been online more, cyber theft is increasing. Talk to your agent about Identity theft, which can usually be added to your homeowner’s policy for a small premium.
Michigan Auto Reform will begin to roll out in July. I will be writing an article in a future magazine issue, but now would be a good time to start learning about options that will be available for Personal Injury Protection.
Heidi Kussurelis has owned and operated the Heidi Kussurelis Agency for nearly 25 years. Offices are located in Brighton, Ann Arbor and Pleasant Ridge, but the agency services customers throughout the State of Michigan. Insurance is complicated, so we are committed to help you obtain the best coverage for your needs and budget. Visit www.HeidiKInsurance.com