Why Auto Insurance is Mandatory in Most States

Ever wondered what it would be like without auto insurance? While a few might celebrate the financial freedom and jump at the chance to save a few hundred dollars a year, most of us would live in constant fear. Auto insurance with Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. is meant to protect you (the driver), your passengers, and your car by covering the risk of financial liability. Drivers in San Francisco, CA and several other states must carry auto insurance. Failure to provide proof of insurance could lead to legal consequences, and you could lose big if you ever got into an accident. So, why do most states require drivers to carry auto insurance?

To Reduce Lawsuits

The use of automobiles has become more widespread, hence increasing the rate of accidents. Allocating time and space in courts to solve lawsuits over damages and injuries caused in accidents can become more difficult. Compulsory auto insurance laws help to handle such problems.

To Ensure Financial Responsibility

People are less motivated to buy auto insurance since it mostly protects other people who are involved in a car accident with you, together with their property. The state laws ensure victims of such accidents are well compensated.

Inadequate Financial Responsibility

All states have financial liability laws that require drivers to prove that they have enough assets to cover any damages they may cause in an accident. However, these laws are inadequate when it comes to remedying the risks of at-fault, non-paying drivers.

For Personal Protection

If auto insurance were optional, there would be a disparity on the road, making it difficult to handle claims. While a few drivers prepare to gamble, your auto insurance policy enables you to protect yourself, your car, and your passengers.

At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc, we offer affordable and reliable auto insurance to the residents of San Francisco, CA and its surrounding towns. For a worry-free driving experience, contact us today.

Auto Insurance: Where to Save, Where to Spend

Car insurance: it’s required, but it can get expensive.

When you’re getting ready to cruise the streets of San Francisco, CA, stop by Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. to get a great deal on car insurance. Before you decide on which policy to purchase, consider the following ways to save some money. 

  • Raise your deductible – While a high deductible may sound scary at first, if you’re a safe driver, it’s likely to pay off in the long run. A higher deductible will lower your monthly premium. It’s a great idea to stow away the money you save each month into an emergency fund, in case you would be required to pay your deductible because of an accident. 
  • Maintain good credit – Research shows that when people effectively manage their credit, they’re not as likely to make a car insurance claim. Insurance companies use this information to come to a decision on policy cost for new customers. Paying your bills on time and staying well below your credit limits on your credit cards will help ensure that your credit score helps you get a good deal on car insurance. 
  • Take a drivers’ education course – Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a drivers’ education course. Talk with your agent at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. in San Francisco, CA to learn more about how taking a drivers’ education course can save you money. 

When it comes to car insurance, remember that it’s important to look at all aspects of the policies you consider, not just cost. Don’t be afraid to ask your agent questions- remember; you’re the customer!

What Should I Do if I’m in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist?

Driving a car on a daily basis is a necessity for many people. While driving a car is generally a safe activity, there are situations in which you will get into an accident.  While all drivers are required by law in California to carry liability auto insurance, some drivers do not obey this law or requirement. San Francisco, CA residents that are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist should follow a few steps to ensure they are as protected as possible. 

Contact Police

If you are involved in an accident in which an uninsured motorist is at fault, the first thing that you should do is call the police. While many minor accidents can be handled without police presence, if the other driver in the accident does not have insurance you will want to have a detailed and official record of the accident. 

Contact Insurance Company

After you have contacted the police, the next step would be to contact your insurance company. Depending on whether or not you have collision and comprehensive insurance coverage in place, you may receive full coverage from your insurance company. Furthermore, your insurance company will attempt to collect the damage costs directly from the other party and will pursue legal remedies if it is necessary.

Since being involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist is always a risk, having the right coverage in place to protect yourself is very important. One insurance company in the San Francisco, CA area that could help to ensure you have the right insurance coverage for this risk is Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. will be able to help you better understand your insurance needs and make sure you have the right policy for your situation. 

 

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements for the State of California

California drivers are required to carry auto insurance so they can cover any financial losses that can come from an accident, and they must carry proof that they have an active policy inside their vehicle at all times. California drivers are also required to present the necessary documentation in the following circumstances:

  • When it’s being requested by a law enforcement officer
  • When renewing their vehicle’s registration
  • When they’re involved in an automobile accident

California insurance companies are required to file electronic reports on any covered vehicles that are for “private use,” and law enforcement officers and court officials have access to this information.

Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements

If you live in the state of California and drive a vehicle, you must have the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:

  • $15,000 that covers the injury or death of one person
  • $30,000 that covers the injury or death of more than one person
  • $5,000 in property damage coverage

Liability insurance is meant to compensate for any related financial losses for which you are responsible, and it will cover either bodily injury or property damage. However, comprehensive or collision coverage will not meet the state requirements for liability coverage.

Finding the Best Auto Policy in San Francisco, CA

If you live in San Francisco, CA and want to find a reliable automobile policy that will meet state requirements, Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. has a team of agents who will gladly help you. We have been serving the people of San Francisco, CA for a long time, and we can help you find a policy that will meet your needs and fit your budget.

Be sure to contact the office of Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. to find out how we can help you get the coverage you need!