What Is No Fault Auto Insurance?

When a car accident occurs, does it matter who is at-fault? In no-fault states, who is responsible is less of a factor than you may think.

It is important for drivers to understand how their car insurance works. At-fault and no-fault auto insurance differs in an important way. Depending on the type you have, you may pay more or less for an accident.

How Does No-fault Car Insurance Work?

The term no-fault auto insurance describes a specific type of insurance product. In this type of policy, the policyholder turns to his or her plan when an accident occurs. Who caused the accident does not matter in this situation. Very few states allow for this type of auto insurance. Most require at-fault insurance instead.

In at-fault coverage states, police determine who holds responsibility after an accident occurs. Then, the insurance company for the person at-fault pays for most or all of the losses of the other driver.

In no-fault cases, the individual can file a claim with his or her car insurance provider. The provider should cover the losses no matter who caused the accident. Here’s an example. You are in an accident in which another driver hits your vehicle. Instead of filing a claim with that driver’s liability insurance, you file it with your own. Your insurer covers your losses.

What Are the Benefits of No Fault Insurance?

When used, no-fault car insurance offers some benefits. First, it means the driver always has coverage for medical needs. You do not have to rely on the other driver’s liability policy to cover your losses. This offers a bit more peace of mind. Second, it may reduce the likelihood that you will pay more if you are in more accidents. Rather, a blanket policy is in place.

Should You Invest in This Insurance?

It is important to realize not all states allow for no-fault car insurance. Check with your Department of Motor Vehicles to determine if this is an option for you. Some states offer limited access to such plans. And, these plans have limitations. Most of the time, they limit how much they cover. If you have this type of insurance, take a closer look at your coverage. Illinois is a state that enforces at-fault auto insurance laws.

Most people will find that basic auto insurance that assigns blame is most economical. It is the most common option available. Choose a policy that properly represents your needs in all cases.

Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at (877) 999-2644 and we can help you get a Chicago auto insurance quote.

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What does a Business Owners Policy or BOP Not Cover?

How do small companies buy insurance? Many businesses buy a business owner’s policy. This kind of protection is often called a BOP. Insurers will offer lower rates for the coverage included in the BOP. This solution may offer a simple and cheaper way to buy insurance.

A BOP may make sense for a small company. Stores, dental offices, and cafes all may find that a BOP suits their basic needs. Still, it may not provide enough insurance.

What does a BOP cover? Common coverage in a BOP might include liability, property and business interruption insurance. Some agents will customize a BOP to suit their clients. They may be able to tailor protection for the business size, industry, or location.

What Won’t a BOP Cover?

Still, a BOP may not include all the coverage that your company needs.

These kinds of insurance are not likely to come with a BOP:

  • Professional liability: Some professionals need to protect themselves against claims that they did not perform their duties properly. Medical professionals may need malpractice insurance. Finance professionals might have to buy errors and omissions coverage. A BOP usually won’t come with this kind of protection.
  • Cyber insurance: Today’s companies value digital information. They also value the security of customers’ information. Cyber insurance protects businesses against data breaches or the loss of computer systems.
  • Business car: A company’s cars have to have insurance against liability or property loss. Personal insurance isn’t usually enough. A company may need business car insurance too.
  • Employee benefits: A BOP won’t usually contain workers’ compensation or health insurance either. Employee benefits must usually come separately.

How to Buy Business Insurance?

Most business owners understand that they need insurance to protect their company. They might also need to protect their employees. Most owners would rather focus their energy on running their company. The right insurance can help them focus by giving them peace of mind.

Find an agent with experience insuring covering similar companies. They should suggest policies and help compare rates. The final choice of a BOP and other business insurance depends upon the owner. A good agent can help the company save time and money.

Let Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc help you get the right coverage at an affordable price. Call us at (877) 999-2644 for a fast, free insurance Chicago business insurance quote.

What does a Business Owners Policy or BOP Not Cover?
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Have the Right Paperwork to Avoid SR-22 Risks

Driving safely is about more than being careful behind the wheel. It also means that you have to have the proper qualifications to operate a vehicle.

Every state has rigorous licensing, registration and insurance requirements. Failing to get the correct qualifications may cause your state to label you as a high-risk driver. A high-risk classification may require an SR-22 certificate for your auto insurance. Drivers don’t want to get SR-22 files, as these may negatively impact the driver’s insurance coverage.

Why States Require SR-22s for Lack of Qualifications

If you don’t have the right qualifications, it may signal that you cannot drive in a trustworthy manner. Less trustworthy drivers may pose higher operating risks. These risks may lead the state to require you to prove you have active auto insurance. A strong auto insurance policy might reduce risks that high-risk drivers pose on the road.

To prove that you have auto insurance, your state may require you to get an SR-22 certificate. These certificates come from your auto insurer, and verify that you have coverage. SR-22 certificates might remain on your driving record for a couple of years, depending on your state.

Avoiding SR-22s Is Always Best

If your state requires you to get an SR-22, this often signals to your auto insurer that you are a high-risk driver. As a result, it may discontinue your coverage or increase your policy prices.

States may impose SR-22 requirements for qualification violations like driving without insurance or failing to carry proper licensing. It is imperative that all drivers maintain their driving qualifications at all times.

  • Have an active, un-expired driver’s license with you at all times. Update or renew your license on time. Make adjustments to your license information or classifications any time you experience a change in driving circumstances. Do not drive with a suspended or expired license.
  • Carry up-to-date registration and plates on your vehicle. Each state requires registration renewal through different processes. Familiarize yourself with your states laws, and do not miss a renewal deadline.
  • Always carry effective auto insurance. Driving without the proper insurance can frequently lead to SR-22 requirements. Most states require auto insurance coverage for most drivers. Make sure your policy meets all state requirements.

Before you hit the road, have the right qualifications to drive. It may help the authorities determine you are a safe driver.

Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at 877-999-2644 today for help getting a fast, free Chicago auto insurance policy quote.

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Avoiding Costly Accidents When Driving in Mexico

Driving in Mexico means that Americans have a responsibility to follow Mexican law. If they don’t, they could experience an accident. This could cause problems between drivers and Mexican authorities. Not only will accidents likely result in hassles, they may lead to out-of-pocket costs that need specialized insurance.

American drivers should take steps to reduce vehicle accident risks if they drive in Mexico.

1. Familiarize Yourself With Mexican Driving Laws

In many ways, driving in Mexico is much the same as driving in the U.S. However, driving laws vary from place to place. Different signage, road structures and toll capacities may all confuse American drivers. Americans should also familiarize themselves with common Mexican driving practices before they drive. Print and online resources can help drivers prepare for their adventure south of the border.

Furthermore, Americans shouldn’t assume that all driving rules will have English translations. Mexico’s primary language is Spanish. The further you venture from the border, the more likely you are to encounter signage and other rules exclusively in Spanish.

2. Get the Right Driving Paperwork

Mexico recognizes U.S. drivers licenses as valid. However, Americans often have to get other paperwork to operate in the country.

Americans may need passports, visas, import permits and proof of Mexican insurance to enter the country. This paperwork can help clear up accident-related questions and support your right to drive.

3. Get Mexican Auto Insurance

If you have an accident in Mexico, it may lead to costs and liabilities like those you face in the states. You may want to use auto insurance to help you mitigate these damages.

Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto insurance policies. Therefore, American drivers need a specialized policy when driving in this country. Failing to carry Mexican insurance when driving may result in significant problems. American drivers may be unable to afford repairs to their vehicles. Furthermore, they may face arrest or charges because they don’t have auto insurance.

Many American insurers work with reputable Mexican insurance companies to issue policies to international drivers. Your local insurer may be able to issue you a policy in conjunction with that Mexican company. You can often adjust your policy to make sure it contains all the coverage you need to drive in Mexico. Furthermore, drivers can often only make these policies active during the duration of their trip to Mexico. This can help them only pay for the coverage when they need it.

If you need Mexican auto insurance, look no further. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at (877) 999-2644 and we can help you get a policy specific to international driving.

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