Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance Can Protect You from Uninsured Drivers

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When looking for auto insurance in the Woodstock, GA area, Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. is ready to help you get the coverage that best protects you and your busy lifestyle. However, you might be thinking that a simple auto insurance policy can’t protect you against every scenario, like an uninsured driver. But with the right options, you can make sure that you can afford to get your car repaired and cover and of your medical bills if an uninsured driver causes an accident.

Comprehensive and Collision Fixes Your Car

When your front bumper is on the ground, the first thing you want to do is fix, regardless of who caused the accident. If you only purchase minimum coverage, it will be up to you to chase down the uninsured driver and demand payment.  Meanwhile, you’ll be out the pocket money needed to pay for the fix. If you opt for collision and comprehensive type coverage on your insurance policy, you pay your company a deductible, they will get your car fixed right away, and they will have to chase down the other guy to get reimbursed.  How convenient is that?

Uninsured Motorist

That only got the car fixed.  If you were injured, and are out of work for a while, even your own health insurance isn’t going to take care of all the bills. When you add a premium option like uninsured motorist to your policy, you can recoup lost wages and living expenses that are incurred while you get back on your feet. Once again, you’re paying for the convenience of receiving the money up front while your company deals with the headache of holding the responsible party accountable for the damage they created.

If you’d like more information, talk to your Woodstock, GA insurance agent at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today.

 

How Does Your Driving Record Affect Your Policy?

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There are certain things that do affect the overall cost of your auto insurance policy, and one of them is your driving record. For those in the Woodstock, GA area, the agents with Peter Lackzo Insurance Inc. may be able to help explain.

The main concern that most people have in regards to their driving record is how it is going to affect their monthly insurance premiums. In most cases, one accident is not going to drive up the price of your monthly policy to the point that you cannot pay for it. If however, you have a driving record with multiple accidents, some of which are bad accidents, your premiums will be negatively affected. You may get discounts for being a safe driver as well.

Similarly, if you have moving infractions, your policy is also going to cost more than if you have a clean and safe driving record. In most cases, your insurance agent only requires that you report accidents and infractions within a specific period. This means that if you had an accident ten years ago, it is very unlikely to affect the overall cost of your premiums. Likewise, if you have an infraction that caused you to get dropped from another company, your premiums are going to be much higher.

It is important that you be truthful and thorough when reporting any accidents that you may have had as most insurance agencies are going to do a check to see what infractions are on your record when you sign up for a policy. If you live in the Woodstock, GA area, the agents with Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. can help you to find the policy that is going to work for you. They can also help you to find any discounts that might help you to counter your driving record.  

4 Reasons You Should Protect Your New Car with Gap Insurance

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Typically, gap insurance tacks an extra 5 to 6-percent onto your comprehensive/collision premium if you purchase it through your insurance company. You may also be able to purchase gap insurance for a one-time payment due at the signing of your car loan. In this case, the cost is typically rolled into your loan. But do you really need it? Following are four reasons why you need gap insurance in Woodstock, GA. 

Upside Down Loan

Many people owe more than their car is worth. This is especially true if it’s a new car. Once you drive off the lot, the value of your car drops drastically. Gap insurance protects you if you were to total your car before you get it paid down enough so your car is worth more than what you owe. 

Depreciation Protection

All cars depreciate, some faster than others. A gap policy protects you against depreciation by making sure you get more money for your car if you total it. You see, most insurance companies will only pay the book price of a car, which can be substantially less than it’s worth or what you owe. 

Better Coverage

If you own an expensive car, you will get better coverage with gap insurance than you would a standard policy alone. Gap insurance will cover things that your standard policy won’t. With a more expensive car, you have more to lose. 

Lender Requirement

Many lenders require that you purchase gap insurance so you can pay off your loan in entirety if your car gets totaled. If you don’t have gap insurance, you could still owe thousands on your car long after it’s sitting in a salvage yard. 

There are several reasons why gap insurance is a good idea. If you have any questions regarding your coverage, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today. 

 

Do You Have an Emergency Kit in the Trunk?

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When was the last time you were stranded on a road outside of Woodstock GA? Never? Maybe since you’ve enjoyed such a long string of good luck, you haven’t bothered to keep your car properly supplied with an emergency kit? At Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. we want to help you stay safe with this handy list of items that can help you out of roadside mishaps:

  1. All the right contact information in your phone: Make sure that you have added your roadside assistance company, insurance company and multiple close contacts into your stored phone list. It only takes a minute, but can save you hours of frustration when help is really only one button away.
  2. Fix-a-Flat or spare tire: If your new lease didn’t come with a spare tire in the trunk, then you need to have the next best thing. A can of fix-a-flat can help you get your car with a simple flat tire to the next populated area without having to abandon your vehicle. If you do have a spare, make sure it is inflated and the wrench and jack are where they belong.
  3. Jumper cables: Even in this modern era, your car still has a battery that can fail in the middle of the night in a near empty parking lot. Whether it’s the old pair of cables or a new battery conditioner, you can turn an expensive tow into a fifteen-minute inconvenience with the right tools on board.
  4. A Small Shovel: Okay, you are not going to get stuck in a snow bank around here. But what about a muddy embankment? Sudden urban flooding can do unexpected things to the terrain. That collapsible shovel can dig you out of many situations with just a little effort.

For more tips on road safety and auto insurance in the Woodstock GA area, give the folks at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. a call. They’ll be happy to help.

5 Steps to Take to Make Sure Your Home Is Insured

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How do you know if your home has adequate insurance for replacement value? The cost of construction and materials is always increasing in most cases. The best way to know if your home has enough coverage is to consult with your agent at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA at least once per year to review and update coverage for your home.

There are five steps to take to make sure your home and its contents are adequately insured, which are:

  1. Use the square footage of the home including the garage and multiply this times the average current construction costs for a new home of the same type in the Woodstock GA area.
  2. Make adjustments to the basic calculation from step one to include the costs of any special features, such as marble countertops, elaborate fireplaces, and custom built-in cabinetry.
  3. Always save receipts for any renovation or remodeling work because those amounts can be used to make an updated current calculation.
  4. Make a written list of all the items contained in the home especially if there are things that are very valuable like artwork or special collections. Save all the original receipts for these items or use research on the Internet to find similar items. Take photos of everything and/or create a video that is a walk-through of the entire house.
  5. Total everything up and this gives a replacement value that needs to be insured.

Each year there should be an annual review with your agent at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. to make adjustments for any changes that occurred during the past year and to use current construction prices. Be sure to inform your agent if you did any remodeling or additions to the home and bring in copies of all receipts that you collected over the past year. By following these best practices you will always have adequate coverage in case of a disaster and that gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are covered.

Choosing the Best Auto Insurance in Woodstock, GA

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If you drive in Woodstock, GA, it is illegal to do so without the proper insurance coverage. However, with all the options out there, this can create a rather confusing situation. The best way to purchase auto coverage is to find the right auto agency and then find a policy that meets your unique needs.

Finding the Right Auto Insurance Company

When searching for auto insurance in Woodstock, GA one of the first things to consider is the company you are going to work with. For example, if you choose a local provider with a small office, you are going to receive more personalized attention. However, a larger, national insurer is usually going to offer more insurance coverage options.

In most cases, it is important to consider what is more important – the options in coverage or great customer service. This can help you decide if you want to stay local or choose a larger provider.

Consider the Policy Options

Another important consideration is the types of policies available. Each state has a required minimum coverage amount, but it is typically best to purchase more coverage than that. This will ensure you can receive help even if an accident or some other issue is your fault.

Keep in mind that for many people, budget plays a huge role in the coverage they ultimately purchase. It is a good idea to figure out what you can realistically afford before you start comparing options. This is the absolute best way to ensure you get the coverage you need for a price you can afford.

The Bottom Line

Purchasing auto insurance does not have to be impossible. However, it does take time and effort. If you need help with this important decision contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Insurance and Being in a Car Accident Out of State

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Imagine this: You are driving out of state and suddenly you find yourself involved in a car accident. Your mind will likely suddenly swirl with questions. Are there different steps you should take when filing a claim out of state? What if the state’s required minimum is more than your state’s? And will your insurance company travel to another state to look at your vehicle? If you are in this situation, getting answers to some of the questions you have may help to ease some of your worry and stress.

Are There Different Steps to Take When Filing a Claim Out of State?

For the most part, no. When possible, you will want to get a report from law enforcement. You will want to exchange insurance information with the other driver. You will want to get contact information from any witnesses. And you will want to take pictures of the accident scene to document everything. From there, you will want to notify your insurance company and if required, the DMV in your state.

What if Your Minimum Auto Insurance is Less Than the State You Are Traveling In?

If you only carry the minimum amount of auto insurance, your auto insurance automatically adjusts to the minimum amount when you travel in another state. As such, if you are required to carry $15,000 in insurance in your state, but travel to a state that requires you to carry $20,000, your auto insurance will automatically increase the amount if you are in an accident in that state.

How Do You Get Your Car Inspected and Repaired?

If you are out of state, your insurance company may handle the inspection process a bit differently. Depending on how close you are to your state, they may have one of their adjusters drive out to the repair shop to inspect your car. If they are a nationwide company, or have offices in the area, they may have a company representative inspect the car. Some will accept pictures or phone snap shots if the damage is minor. And other companies may just ask for pictures along with a write up from the repair company. Ask your insurance company how they handle this situation, as it does vary.

If you have questions about your auto insurance policy and driving out of state, or you plan on driving out of state frequently for work and want a new policy that offers better protection, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. We serve the greater Woodstock, GA are and would love to help you with all of your insurance needs.

Considering Home Insurance: Tips, Benefits and Tricks

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To get to the heart of insurance in Niles, IL, it means thinking about events that you’d rather not think about. This is entirely understandable but can lead to disaster for you and your family. Bob Korvas Agency Inc. wants you to know more about the tips, benefits, and tricks of home insurance in your area for a better general understanding.

Tips 

The best tip we can give you is to plan for your home. This means that just because your sister pays a certain premium, you’re not basing your own costs off of hers. You may have more to protect or different priorities. You should also be willing to consider how you would pay for a variety of events that may happen. If you don’t have the savings to cover an incident, then you may want to make provisions for it in your policy.

Benefits

Home insurance saves people thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs every day. Bills add up quickly, and the only way to keep a roof over your head may end up being your insurance. It gives people a sense of control when they can make their own decisions about what to do, rather than having to call upon friends or family to help.

Tricks 

Finding a person who can answer questions about insurance is one of the best tricks Bob Korvas Agency Inc. can give the people of Niles, IL. You’re not going to be able to memorize every detail, so having helpful advice gives you a means to make informed decisions. If you’re shopping around for a new policy or you’ve just put the first payment down on your home, give us a call to see how we can help you figure it all out today.

Boosting Policy Limits Minimizes Risk

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Georgia’s mandatory minimum liability insurance policy limits are $25,000 for injuries for one person, $50,000 maximum for more than one person and $25,000 for property damage.  The only thing that a driver with minimum liability insurance might be safe on is property damage coverage.  For purposes of an accident being your fault and somebody suffering serious personal injury, minimum liability coverage is woefully insufficient.  That’s why you want to boost your policy limits and limit the risk to you and your family.

Costs of medical care are astronomical.  A serious leg fracture, a night at the emergency room, closed reduction surgery on the fracture, hospitalization, and physical therapy are sure to cost more than $25,000.  Then there’s the issue of the hardware that was implanted in the victim’s leg for life, permanent pain and discomfort and a limp.  The value of a lawsuit against you can easily reach $100,000, and you’re on the hook for that $75,000 excess.  That’s exactly what you want to protect yourself and your family against, especially if you own a home.  Also consider the fact that the more drivers that you have in your family, the more the risk of a serious accident increases.

You can afford to increase your automobile liability policy limits to at least $100,000 a year.  The difference in premiums is rather insignificant, and by increasing your deductible, your auto insurer will probably absorb most of that premium increase anyway.  Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. services Woodstock, GA and all of Georgia.  He’s an independent insurance agent who can line you up with any number of reputable and established auto insurers.  Peter will do the shopping for you, and you can decide on what coverage fits your interests best.

Dealing with Teen Auto Insurance in Woodstock, GA

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If you live in the city of Woodstock, GA, you should familiarize yourself with auto insurance policies in the state of Georgia. If you have a teen who is about to start driving in this state, you will want to know exactly what you need to do and what auto insurance policies you should know about that can help you in this situation.

Dealing with the knowledge that your teenager is soon going to be behind the wheel of a car can be stressful enough without having to think about the insurance aspect. This is why it is important to be as well versed as possible when it comes to auto insurance for teens. Georgia teenagers who are driving with their instructional permits and being supervised by a licensed adult do not need to have their own auto insurance policies. However, they will need auto insurance when they start driving on their own. Most of the time, families will add teens to their existing policies. The risk of an accident is significantly higher for a teen driver when compared to that for an adult driver, and this is particularly true during the first year that the teen is driving. However, there are few things that you can do to help minimize auto insurance costs. You can raise your deductibles so that the premiums are lower, walking the discounts that are offered by the company, share vehicles within your household, and avoid SUVs and sports cars. Additionally, be as involved as you can with the learning process, and make sure that your teen gets as much practice behind the wheel as possible. 

If you are interested in learning more about how auto insurance applies to a new teenage driver and other aspects of auto insurance in the state of Georgia, you should contact the professionals at Peter Laczko Insurance, Inc. The insurance agents at Peter Laczko Insurance, Inc. will be able to tell you everything you wanted to know about auto insurance and answer any questions that you may have about how this coverage applies to you as a resident of Woodstock, GA.