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10 car insurance coverage gaps to fill in 2016

The reason? Your personal and umbrella policies exclude coverage when using your vehicle to haul people for a fee. A few car insurance companies are starting to develop endorsements for personal auto policies that, for an additional premium, will waive this exclusion. However, until these endorsements are also available on umbrella policies, I recommend you avoid the risk.

For example, there's no coverage if you had a single drink. There's no coverage if you drive carelessly. There's no coverage if you drive on an unpaved road. There's no coverage if an unlisted driver causes the accident.
If you want coverage for diminished value claims or if you don't have a car with collision coverage that would transfer to a rental, buy the CDW coverage from the rental company. Just be aware that there are some exclusions in that coverage.
Since the collision coverage on your car won't apply outside the U.S. and Canada, be sure to buy the collision damage waiver when renting cars abroad. And if you don't have an umbrella policy that covers car rentals abroad, buy the optional liability coverage as well.

2 coverage gaps with car sharing

This goes under the category "What will they think of next?"
Your car is not on the road 24 hours per day. You would like to rent it out for part of the time that it's sitting idle.
The problem is that you have no idea what kind of driver you're renting to, and neither does your insurance company. And if the insurance company finds out what you're doing, it will cancel the policy immediately.

Car sharing coverage gaps

If renter causes at-fault accident
If renter is injured

There are 2 problem areas. First, if the renter causes an at-fault accident, you will be named in the lawsuit as the car owner.
Second, if your renter is also injured, he or she can bring a claim against you for your liability as the owner of the car who didn't have perfect tires, perfect brakes, etc. If your liability coverage won't apply, neither will your collision coverage. Car-sharing is a bad idea; there's way too much risk. Avoid this.

1 coverage gap with non-owned autos available for regular use

Your use of these autos simply is not covered by your personal car insurance. The key word is "available." This exclusion applies even if the car isn't used that much.

Non-owned auto coverage gaps

If someone not covered on policy drives your car

Here's a classic example. You have a newly licensed 16-year-old son, Joe. Grandpa Bill, who's giving up his driving privileges, has a 1998 Buick sedan that he is willing to let Joe use for a while. He will keep the car insured at the same liability limits he's always had -- $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries.
Six months later, Joe causes a serious accident with injuries. Because the injuries have an economic value that far exceeds $50,000 per person, Joe's dad files a claim with his auto insurance company with which he has $500,000 of additional coverage per person.
Unfortunately, because Grandpa Bill's Buick was available for the family's regular use, Joe and his family can get no coverage from the family auto policy. If you're in a situation like this, rather than amending the family policy and Grandpa's policy, protect Grandpa and the family by transferring the title to the family as soon as the car becomes available for regular use.
That way, when Joe has his accident, Grandpa Bill is no longer the owner and no longer has any liability exposure. This injury claim will be covered in full up to $500,000 per person because the car is now listed as an owned automobile on the family policy.
There you have it. A plethora of potential insurance gaps arising from creative new Web-based automobile products, accessed through mobile technology, combined with some old standbys as well as suggestions for dealing with each.

2 coverage gaps with company cars

Suppose you're a sales representative for a major company, and one of the benefits is a company-provided car that you have for business and personal use. It's fully insured by the company's car insurance.
You've got it made in the shade, right? Not necessarily so.
Though your company is covered by the company's business auto insurance, there are 2 risks that aren't.

Company car coverage gaps

If co-workers are injured while riding in car
If you borrow or rent other vehicles for personal use

First, there's usually no coverage for injuries you cause to co-workers riding with you. It's a serious limitation!
Second, there's no drive-other-cars coverage when you borrow or rent other vehicles for personal use. Your employer can solve the drive-other-cars coverage problem by adding the broad form drive-other-cars coverage endorsement to the company auto insurance, naming you and any other licensed family members.
However, if you have at least 1 insured vehicle on a personal auto insurance policy, drive-other-cars coverage is automatically included. Problem solved. If you don't have a personal auto policy of your own and if your employer is unwilling to add a broad form, drive-other-cars coverage endorsement to the business auto policy, you must buy a "named, non-owner auto policy."
As for the exclusion of the company's car insurance for injured co-workers riding with you, if you have a personally owned automobile and a personal auto policy, you can add the extended, non-owned automobile coverage endorsement.
If you don't have a personal auto policy in your name, protect yourself by purchasing a named non-owner auto policy.

1 coverage gap for Zipcars

Most rental cars are rented for a day or more. This section refers to the type of car that is rented by the hour.

Zipcar coverage gaps

If you want more than $300,000 in liability coverage

Cars are stashed around the city. You go online, see what is available and where, and then you book it. Zipcar provides primary liability coverage of $300,000. Whatever you carry for personal auto coverage would be in excess of that.
Zipcar also carries primary collision and comprehensive coverage, subject to reasonable deductibles.
Zipcars are a great option for people who love the city and don't want the expense, hassle or pollution of a full-time vehicle. But, if you want more than $300,000 in liability coverage and don't own at least 1 vehicle, and therefore don't have a personal auto policy, you will need to buy a named non-owner personal auto policy.

Strong Position at Mediation Does Not Result in Increased Costs After Trial

Sections 258.6 and 258.6 of the Insurance Act impose an obligation on insurers to settle claims as expeditiously as possible and to participate in mediation. Failure to do so shall be taken into consideration when a court is awarding costs.

In Ross v. Bacchus, 2015 ONCA 347 (C.A.), the jury awarded the plaintiff $248,000. The trial judge awarded the plaintiff $217,000 plus HST in costs, including an award of $60,000 on the basis that the insurer failed to comply with ss. 258.5 and 258.6.

The action was commenced in 2010 and the defendant offered to settle the claim for $40,000 in 2011, although the offer was revoked in 2012. Three weeks before the trial was scheduled to commence, the plaintiff offered to settle the action for $94,065 plus interest and costs, and requested mediation for the first time. Defence counsel responded the next day with an offer of $30,001 plus interest and costs, and agreed to attend mediation, but advised that his clients were "not interested in settling this case". The mediation took place four days before trial. The trial judge described the insurer's participation in mediation as a "sham" based on counsel's statement.

The Court of Appeal allowed the costs appeal and held that the $60,000 award was not appropriate. Justice Doherty held that a clear statement of the insurer's intent does not mean it has failed to settle expeditiously or participate in a mediation:

[46] The costs sanctions in ss. 258.5 and 258.6 can only serve their intended purposes if the facts justify the imposition of those sanctions. An insurer’s statement on the eve of trial that it is not prepared to settle a claim cannot be equated with an insurer’s failure to “attempt to settle the claim as expeditiously as possible.” Nor can an insurer who actually participates in a mediation be declared to have failed to participate simply because the insurer indicated prior to the mediation that it was not prepared to settle the claim. A clear statement of the insurer’s position going into the mediation, even a strong statement, does not preclude meaningful participation in a mediation.

Although ss. 258.5 and 258.6 make mediation mandatory, it is important to remember that the insurer is still entitled to take strong positions without being subjected to an additional costs penalty.

Contracting out of the Insurance Act

Section 263 of the Insurance Act provides that in cases of property damages involving two insured automobiles, the insured is entitled to recover from his or her own insurer.

A recent appeal decision held that although s. 263 precludes tort claims, it permits claims based in contract.

In Hafeez v. Sunaric, 2015 ONSC 4065 (S.C.J.), after a collision in a parking lot, the defendant agreed to pay the plaintiff $15,000 "minus insurance payment". The vehicle was appraised at $13,500. The plaintiff was paid $6,500 by his insurer and sought to recover the rest from the defendant pursuant to their contract. The Small Claims Court judge held the agreement was unenforceable due to s. 263. The plaintiff appealed.

Justice Perrell allowed the appeal. The property loss compensation scheme introduced by s. 263 precludes tort claims but does not preclude claims based in contract.

Teenage Driver? Don't Sweat It!

Do you have a teenage driver? Or are you sweating about the thought of your tween driving in a year or so? Back to school time is a great opportunity to think about car insurance savings!

Having a teenage driver can be stressful enough without even adding in the cost. You worry, first and foremost, about their safety. And then of course there are a lot of costs! Things like purchasing an additional vehicle, getting licensed, and paying more for insurance.

Fortunately, when it comes to the insurance, it doesn’t have to be as detrimental as you think. You have options.

First you want to think about the vehicle your teen will be driving. Premiums are higher on vehicles with comprehensive and collision coverage, which pays to fix your vehicle after an accident. When you have a car that has only liability insurance (which pays only for damage your driver does to someone else’s car), you pay a lot less.

If you are purchasing a car for your teen and need to watch your budget, consider buying an older reliable model for cash that will not require comprehensive and collision coverage. Not a hoopdie, but a car that you can feel safe with your child behind the wheel while not breaking the bank. If you are thinking about one car or the other, call us. We can help you weigh the cost and the risk to see if it is a good option for you.

You also want to take advantage of all available discounts. These vary by policy but typically include a discount for driver's ed and one for having good grades. With school about to start, it's a great time to setup an incentive plan with your teenager to make sure they keep those grades up and your premiums low! Most policies will give you an additional 10% off for a B or above average and driver’s ed can be up to 20%. On top of these if your child also takes an accident prevention course, this can be an additional discount as well. They can take the course online now as well at www.HVDDonline.com

Still have questions? Call us to review your current policy and look for ways to help you manage the cost of having a teenage driver. 888-565-2212 or visit us online at www.bryanagency.com

At the Bryan Insurance Agency we are the leading local agent in New Windsor, Long Island, and New York for teenage drivers and car insurance.

9 Ways To Save On Your Car Insurance

Looking for ways to keep your auto insurance premiums manageable? Here are 9 ways you can save on your insurance (without sacrificing coverage.)

1. Driving Record

Your driving record plays a big role in how much you pay for insurance. By keeping a clean record for 3-5 years, you can save hundreds of dollars! Be a cautious driver, don’t speed, and you'll lower your premiums.

2. Driving Course

Defensive driving courses are an easy way to achieve an extra discount. They can also help keep a ticket from showing up and messing up your clean driving record. Make sure to call us before taking the class if you're using it for a discount so we can verify that your policy qualifies.

3. Anti-Theft Devices

Installing an alarm or other anti-theft device can lower premiums on your vehicle. Make sure to discuss all features with us, sometimes even power locks and a remote can count!

4. Your Credit Score

While insurance uses a different formula then the credit bureaus, your credit still affects the rate you pay. Good credit can save you hundreds (even thousands) on your premiums! Make sure to review your report on a regular basis and have any mistakes corrected.

5. Where You Live

Rural areas pay less for insurance than the big cities do. It's all about risk and with a large population, there is more chance for an accident. Therefore, where you choose to live can impact your rates. Consider visiting with us before purchasing a home if you’re concerned about the costs (it is based on the zip code).

6. Your Vehicle

The vehicle you choose to purchase also makes a difference! Some vehicles cost a lot more to repair than others, which drives up their rates. Easy way to avoid buying a money-sucker? Call us first and let us quote the vehicle before you sign on the dotted line.

7. How Often You Drive

If you take public transportation and only drive on the weekend, you'll pay less than someone with a long commute. Make sure to review your annual mileage and daily commutes with us (especially if they change) so that you can receive the extra savings.

8. Raise Your Deductible

A higher deductible (your out of pocket cost in a claim) means a lower monthly rate. If you have $1000 in savings and could afford to use it if you had an accident, then you’ll save on your insurance cost by having a $1000 deductible instead of a $250. We can help you review the costs and benefits in your specific situation.

9. Your Agent

And the best way to save? Work with a local agent! You'll get the coverage you need plus you'll have an advocate working on your behalf to find the best rate, all the discounts, and an easy explanation of any gaps in your coverage. It's the #1 way to control your risk, maximize your savings, and protect your family.

We want to be your agent! Call us to discuss your policy today and let us see how we can save you money on your car insurance! At Bryan Insurance we have over 10 different car insurance carriers that specialize in giving you the best coverage at the best price in New Windsor, Long Island and the surrounding New York area. Call us at 888.565.2212 or visit us online.

Discounts, Discounts, Everywhere... But Are You Getting All of Them?

Discounts are the best way to save on your insurance premium each and every month. But a lot of people are missing out on them! With a little bit of paperwork from you to your agent, you could see great savings.

1.) Security Discounts - Does your home have a security system or fire protection system? Some of these devices will help you save big on your home or renters insurance. If you have a certificate of installation (and even if you don’t), let us know and we’ll see if you qualify.

2.) Driver Training & Defensive Driving- Did your child take Driver’s Ed? Did you take a Defensive Driving course? These classes will typically qualify for discounts! Just bring in a copy of your completion certificate and we’ll get it added to your policy. Did you know you can now take the course online from the comfort of your couch? www.HVDDonline.com

3.) Good Grades - Good grades will help you save! Some of our policies offer a discount for full time students 25 years of age and under who maintain a high GPA. Give us a call to see the requirements for your policy.

4.) Payment Discounts - There are many different options when it comes to paying your premiums. Some policies offer discounts for paying in full or a reduced installment fee if you put the payment on auto-draft. We can advise you of all the payment options so you pay as little as possible.

5.) Multi-Policy Discounts - When you have all of your insurance in one place, you save more! If your auto and home insurance is spread out between multiple companies or agencies, let us help you consolidate. You’ll be better protected (with less gaps in coverage) and save money!

The key? Talk to your agent! When we schedule regular annual reviews, we can review your policy discounts and make sure you are receiving the best coverage at the best price. Call today (888) 565-2212 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

At the Bryan Insurance Agency we are your local car insurance agents for the Hudson Valley, New Windsor, and Long Island and other surrounding New York areas.

Auto Insurance Coverages for Long Island

Long Island NY is the largest island in the continental U.S. and many would claim it to be the most beautiful as well. Bryan Insurance Agency serves Long Island, as well as Queens, Manhattan, New Windsor, Newburgh, Middletown, Cornwall and the rest of New York with quality and affordable insurance. Since 2004, The Bryan Agency as stood as an independent insurance agency that not only provides insurance, but cares about their client. To Bryan, the client comes first. They stand on the their promise to do whatever it takes to protect you, your family, car, business, home and more today and into the future.

Long Island Auto Insurance

If you are involved in an auto accident, auto Insurance is there to protect you from financial loss. It is a contract, between you and the insurance company that secures your protection for as long as the contract is valid. Most contracts last 6 months. Every month that you pay the premium, they will cover your financial expenses in the case of an accident, minus your deductible. An insurance policy is set to your specific needs to cover you from all the risks you may encounter in your life. Property, liability and medical coverage for you and your passengers are all parts of auto insurance.

Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage.
Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car.
Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.

New York requires all drivers to obtain auto insurance. In order to ensure that you not only meet the lawful amount of insurance, but have enough to protect you fully in the case of an accident, t is best to talk to an independent insurance agent. They will discuss with you such things as your driving history, as well as the specifics behind what a policy actually covers to make sure you are aware of all details in your insurance policy.

The Bryan Agency is a full service independent insurance agency that represents over 15 different carriers. An independent insurance agency has the ability to search and find you the best insurance policy that fits your needs and budget.

Bryan Insurance Agency LLC is here to help you find the best insurance possible that fits your needs and budge. Give us a call at 888-565-2212. Let us help you find Long Island Auto Insurance and more.