Category: Auto Insurance

Maryland has its own laws regarding the auto insurance that its residents must-have. The state is considered an "at-fault" state, meaning that the person who is found to be at fault for an accident is the one who must pay for its associated costs. To ensure that you have enough coverage in Maryland, call us at Knippenberg Insurance Inc. in Cumberland, MD. 

Bodily Injury Coverage

In Maryland, there is a specific amount of coverage that residents must-have for the death or bodily injury of a person who was in an accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle. There is another mandatory minimum amount for all of the death or bodily injury caused by an accident that was the fault of the driver of the insured vehicle. The minimums in these coverages are fairly low, however, and many people get policies with more liability insurance to be safer in case of a major accident.

Property Damage

Maryland also requires drivers to have a specific minimum amount for the property damage to another person’s property that was the fault of the person driving the insured vehicle. This coverage does not, however, include any damage to your own vehicle. For coverage for your own vehicle, even if you are at fault for the accident, you need to have collision insurance. This type of policy is not required in the state, but your auto finance company may require it. 

Keep Your Vehicle Insured

If you don’t have enough auto insurance for your vehicle, call us at Knippenberg Insurance Inc. in Cumberland, MD, and make an appointment to talk to an agent about the coverage your vehicle needs. 

 

Teenage Driver About to Get Their License? Remember These Auto Insurance Tips

Is your teenager about to get their driver’s license for the first time? This can be a difficult time for some Cumberland, MD parents, but it doesn’t have to break the bank in terms of premiums. Here are a few auto insurance tips for parents of new drivers from our Knippenberg Insurance Inc. team.

1. Good Grades Are Important

You already want your teen to get good grades in school for all of the obvious reasons. Once they get their driver’s license, however, it is time to put all of that hard work to good use.

Most auto insurance companies offer a substantial discount for teen drivers who make good grades in school. All they have to do is bring in an official report card to their insurance agent’s office, and it will be applied. Pretty cool, huh?

2. Your Habits Matter

Parents of teenage drivers always need to be mindful of their driving habits. If you’re regularly putting on makeup or texting while behind the wheel, your teen sees this from the passenger seat and will likely take on the same dangerous activities.

Furthermore, your driving record has a lot to do with how much they will pay for the insurance once they start driving. If you already have numerous tickets or accidents, this could be a factor that affects premiums for the whole household.

3. Contact Your Auto Insurance Agent Immediately

You already know that you’re supposed to let your auto insurance agent know when your teen starts driving. But many people think they can get around a rate increase by simply not making that phone call, which often ends in disaster.

Why? If your teenager gets into an auto accident and they aren’t listed on the policy as a driver in the household, the claim might be denied. Instead, go ahead and have a conversation with your agent about the changes in your family. And, if necessary, exclude teen drivers from more expensive vehicles in the household to help save on costs.

Are you ready to discuss auto insurance? Give our Knippenberg Insurance Inc. team in Cumberland, MD a call today for a no-obligation price quote.