Auto insurance is one of those monthly expenses that is important and necessary. However, if your vehicle is paid off, you may be wondering whether you still need to pay for full coverage. Removing full coverage from your vehicle and opting for liability coverage only will not be the right choice for everyone.

To determine if this is the right choice for your and your individual situation, it is important to understand the difference between the two auto insurance coverage options and what considerations you should take into account. Here, at Amy Tounget Insurance Agency LLC, we want to ensure that Midlothian, TX residents are presented with the facts so that they can make informed decisions.

Full Coverage vs. Liability Auto Insurance

A full coverage auto insurance policy will consist of several different types of coverage that helps ensure you are protected in the event of an accident. Some examples of coverage that your policy would have include collision, comprehensive, liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorist. If found financially responsible for an accident, this coverage will protect you and cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle. It can also provide cover if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by a policy-covered event.

A liability-only auto insurance policy will consist of coverage that protects you against third-party insurance claims for property damage and bodily injuries when you are found at-fault for an accident. If you sustain any losses in the collision, you will not be covered.

Things to Consider

When determining whether to eliminate your full coverage and switch to liability only, there are a few important factors to consider. Since your vehicle is paid for in full, you won’t have an issue with your lender, since they normally require full coverage to be carried on a leased vehicle.

However, you will want to consider how much you drive. The more often you drive on the road, the higher the risk you will be involved in an accident. In addition, if your vehicle is still worth a considerable amount, or you do not have savings to replace your vehicle if it is wrecked, you may need to stay fully covered.

If you are unsure whether you should stay with your full coverage policy or switch to liability coverage only, contact us at Amy Tounget Insurance Agency LLC. Proudly serving the residents of Midlothian, TX, we will be happy to sit down with you and discuss your insurance needs.

Making mistakes is a part of human nature; however, some mistakes may lead to points on your driving record and some of these points can remain on your driving record for several years. Points on your driving record can result in an increase in your auto insurance premiums because your insurance provider will view you as a high-risk driver in Midlothian, TX. Amy Tounget Insurance Agency LLC has put together a list of the three most common things that can hurt your driving record.

Driving Without a License

Whether you haven’t gotten your driver’s license yet, or you have a restricted license, if you get pulled over and don’t have a legal driver’s license, it will lead to serious consequences. Not only will you be faced with fines, but there is a risk of other license restrictions, possibly even prevention of getting your license in the future.

Driving Under the Influence

A DUI (driving under the influence) is one of the most serious driving mistakes you can make. Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can impair your reaction times and your judgment, both of which significantly increase your risk of getting in an accident. Depending on your blood alcohol level and the circumstances of being pulled over, such as being involved in an accident, you may be faced with expensive fines, jail time, and a loss of your driver’s license. Each time you are caught driving under the influence, your sentencing increases, and insurance providers view your driving record as high risk.

Speeding

Each city and county has its own set fines and penalties for a speeding violation. However, regardless of where you get the speeding ticket, it will go on your driving record and insurance providers view this as you being a high-risk driver. Speeding tickets, regardless of how mild or major the difference in miles per hour you were traveling leads to points on your driving record and may lead to an increase in your insurance premiums. Speeding in certain areas such as a school zone can cause you to receive additional points.

Fortunately, there are ways to gradually remove points from your driving record. The first step is to appear at all court hearings relating to the tickets, especially if you feel as though you didn’t deserve the ticket/violations. In this situation, you will need to make sure you have the evidence to prove your case. Another way to reduce the points on your driving record is to take a defensive driving course, which will teach you how to be a safer driver. Eventually, the points on your driving record will fall off; however, it does take time.

Residents of Midlothian, TX interested in learning more information about high-risk insurance or reviewing your current insurance policy should contact Amy Tounget Insurance Agency LLC.