Ready to Ride? Not Without Insurance

If you need insurance for a Harley or any other bike in Kentucky, Call TruePoint at (502) 410-5089 or visit are website at www.insuringky.com
Need insurance for a Harley in Kentucky?

If you’re looking to buy motorcycle insurance, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you need guidance choosing your first plan, are looking to upgrade your existing one, or just have general questions, the agents at TruePoint Insurance in Fisherville, KY are happy to help! With decades of experience in the industry, the agents at TruePoint Insurance are extremely knowledgeable and prepared to answer your questions. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Know the Requirements: Motorcycle insurance is mandatory in Kentucky. Whether you just moved here or purchased a new bike, your motorcycle needs to be insured. Since rules and requirements vary by state, it’s important to know what is defined as a motorcycle in Kentucky. This includes the number of wheels on the vehicle, the size of the cylinder(s), etc. The agents at TruePoint Insurance have locations in Fisherville and Lawrenceburg, KY. If you’re a Biker in Kentucky, you will find them to be a valuable resource. Drop by either office and a TruePoint Insurance professional we help you pick the plan that is best for you and your bike while complying with state laws (1).

Kentucky's TruePoint Insurance has become one of the most trusted names ins motorcycle insurance.  Find out why other's  are placing their trust in TruePoint.
Call TruePoint for Kentucky Motorcycle Insurance

Meet the Minimum: In Kentucky, motorcyclists are required to carry (at a minimum) liability insurance (2). You will need additional coverage to protect the bike itself and for personal medical expenses (2). These options vary greatly and can include protection for damage not caused while on the road. The experienced agents at TruePoint Insurance will be able to explain these additional options to you.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Let’s face it – accidents happen. Purchasing insurance will give you peace of mind if you ever run into a bump in the road. Having served Kentucky motorcycle enthusiasts in the area for years, the agents at TruePoint Insurance know not only the basic requirements of motorcycle insurance but also the additional coverage that’s the most beneficial.

Don’t delay – call TruePoint Insurance for your perfect plan today!

Preparing to buy your first Child Car Seat

Buy the right seat for your kid

Do you know the four stages or steps for car seats?  Rear-facing seats for newborns.  At 20 pounds a forward-facing Toddler seat is appropriate.   Step three, booster seats for age four or forty pounds.  The stage ends at age 8 unless the child reaches 4'9" beforehand.
Forward facing seats at 20 lbs or more

Many of us avoid or delay decision making. Especially if we are dealing with a new set of issues. Decision making can be extremely stressful.

It’s not surprising that first-time parents report elevated levels of stress and anxiety. In a relatively brief time period they will be expected to make a large number of often critical decesions.

Before you can take your newborn home you will have to decide which Child Safety Seat is right for your situation. The car seat is vital for your child’s safety! The child’s car seat comes down to your judgment and perceived importance of seat safety options, the seat integration to your vehicle, budget, and other factors relating to what best fits your family. Safety is obviously paramount, but you also have to consider Georgia Car Seat Laws. These laws have been designed with your child’s safety in mind and should provide valuable insights. Make sure you’re up to date with the car seat laws in your state and review your vehicle manual for proper fitting.

According to Georgia Consumer Protection:
The 4 Steps for kids car seats are:
1. Rear-Facing Infant Seats in the back seat from birth to at least one year old and at least 20 pounds.
2. Forward-Facing Toddler Seats in the back seat from age one to about age four and 20 to 40 pounds.
3. Booster Seats in the back seat from about age four and 40 pounds to at least age eight, unless 4’9”.
4. Safety Belts at age eight or older, or taller than 4’9”. All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat.

2020’s Top Rated Car Seats:

According to www.safety.com: (Updated April 16, 2020)

Bringing Home Your Newborn? You should consider the Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat.

Want a Child Car Seat that adapts to the changing needs? Look into the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-1 Infant to Toddler Car Seat. This seat can be used in any of the four different positions.

Still, driving a small car? There’s a child safety seat for you.  The Graco SlimFit 3-1 Convertible Car Seat is for those parents still fight to keep the choice of vehicle. Wait there’s more the SlimFit 3-1 is another Child Car Seat designed to adapt with your child growth. This seat has been designed for children between 5 and 100 pounds.

A Child Passenger Safety Technician can show you how to install or inspected this critical addition to your auto.

Need help installing your Child Safety Seat? Maybe you need the comfort of a second opinion. Regradless, the organizations listed below have provided a helping hand for new parents in the past. You may want to make a quick call beforehand. Below is a list of places you can call and schedule an appointment to have a Child Passenger Safety Technician show you how to install your car seat or have it inspected.

If there not old enough to be a backseat driver, then your sure don't want to count on them to take care of the child car sear.
I hate this seat belt. I can never get it fastened.

1. Georgia Child Occupant Safety Project:

Peachtree Street, NW
15th Floor
ATLANTA, GA 30303 (404) 657-2700

2. Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:
Use the link below and then select your location from the provided map. This will provide information related to your local resources.

https://www.safekids.org/inspection-stations#KY

3. The National Child Passenger Safety Certification

Use this link for access to a national directory. In many cases, you will be provided multiple location options.

Non-Standard Auto Coverage

What is a non-standard driver.  They come in many forms and there are many reasons one might be classified as non-standard.  Risky, more accidents, tickets, and multiple accidents are just a few reasons.  The most common thread of non-standard drivers is that most pay significantly higher premiums.  Are you a non-standard driver?
Non-Standard Drivers come in many forms

Most properly licensed persons who drive cars (including vans, SUVs, hybrids, crossovers or pickup trucks) are eligible for policies designed for standard and preferred drivers. In the insurance world, standard and preferred refer to those who typically:

  • ·Drive vehicles that are relatively inexpensive to repair or replace
  • ·Do not use their cars for business
  • ·Have good driving habits
  • ·Do not suffer impairments that seriously affect their ability to drive
  • ·Do not rack up an inordinate amount of annual mileage
  • ·Have few accidents and/or traffic violation

Drivers who fall outside of the typical range of vehicle operators qualify as non-standard drivers.

Is you auto insurance breaking the bank?  If so you might have a non-standard auto insurance policy
Expensive Auto Insurance

Generally, non-standard drivers cause more losses so insurance companies may charge them substantially higher premiums or restrict the amount and type of coverage. Besides charging higher premiums, non-standard insurers often charge additional amounts for tickets and accidents. Limits are controlled by offering limits that match what is required by state laws or offering limits slightly higher than these minimums, but which are far less than what is provided by standard and preferred programs. Non-standard programs often are more restrictive, excluding coverage for situations such as special or custom vehicle features (stereo systems, custom wheels, special paint jobs, engine enhancements, etc.). These programs may also bar coverage for more situations, such as when a loss involves a car that the driver has either rented or borrowed.

Being classified as a non-standard driver is often a temporary situation that can change with the passage of time, such as newly licensed drivers, or drivers who had a period of several tickets or accidents. Other situations involve the opposite, where drivers may be re-classified because of having a medical impairment or who reach a very advanced age. Other reasons for re-classification may be due to the vehicle, such as operating a car that is too old to be written by standard insurers, as well as cars that are highly customized, are very expensive or are designed for higher performance.

There are a number of reasons why a driver’s only option is the non-standard market, including merely having a preference for a minimum amount of insurance protection. However, it is a market that provides full coverage (protecting against legal liability for causing loss to others and protecting against damage to one’s own vehicle), though the coverage is not as broad or economical as what is available from the standard market. Regardless, this market performs a critical role that permits a greater number of drivers and vehicles to get needed insurance protection.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2017

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Tornado Shelters

Tornado season is in full swing. Are you ready?

Homes may be built with solid craftsmanship and with the use of the best materials, but most residences offer little to no protection against a common hazard…..tornadoes. Recently, homeowners have begun to embrace the use of tornado shelters. Before discussing this protection method, here is some background information.

In the U.S., tornadoes most often occur in the Midwest, Plains and Southern states. Tornadoes are created by thunderstorm fronts where moist, warm air meets moving cool fronts. Winds first form a horizontal rotation that is lifted upwards by warm air. When the rotating column is tilted high enough, it becomes a tornado.

Tornadoes can occur anywhere and at any time, but the peak season is in late spring through the summer. Wind speeds range from less than 100 to +250 mph. The stronger the storm, the longer its lifespan (generally 10-15 minutes). The damage path of a hurricane is usually narrow and short, but they can be as large as a mile in width and travel tens of miles. Tornado damage can be substantial as the winds and wind-carried debris are powerful enough to demolish buildings.

When a tornado threatens a home, the safest response is to get to the lowest and innermost space; away from all doors and windows. Basements and cellars are ideal, but these features are not found in most homes. In the past, it was common to equip homes with storm cellars, located adjacent to home, to protect against severe storm winds. Today, in response to the need for more protection, there has been a revival in the use of tornado shelters.

Tornado shelters offer the best protection .  Buried, reinforced safe rooms that  can be designed to fit your needs.
Christie England stands in the storm shelter in front of the remains of her home May 27, 2013, in Moore, Okla. England’s home was destroyed in the May 20, 2013, EF-5 tornado that ripped through Moore. The storm killed 24, injured hundreds and damaged thousands of homes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Bradley C. Church)

Tornado shelter are, essentially, reinforced safe rooms, ranging from regular room size, down to small enclosures that are fitted within closets or garages. They may even, like storm cellars of old, be buried in the ground. They are constructed of reinforced metal walls that are, ideally, bolted to a cement floor. Such structures are capable of staying intact even when the surrounding structure is obliterated by tornado winds. Shelters are designed to accommodate a typical family and may cost several thousand dollars.

While shelters do little to protect a residence, they do respond to the most important issue, increasing the chance that residents can survive a tornado and rebuild.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2015

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Understanding Car Insurance; Auto Liability Limits

What are Auto Liability Limits?
Auto Liability Limits are the part of your insurance that protects you for damages to others.

What happens if you or an auto you own are involved in an accident and deemed to be at fault? You will be liable for losses to the other party’s vehicle and any injuries resulting from the accident.

You can find your Auto Liability Limits on your declarations page. Auto limits are the three numbers which look like those below:


100/300/100


The first two numbers, 100/300, represent the coverage available for BI, or Bodily Injury. Your BI protects you when you are at fault, and as a result, injury has occurred to others.


The first number (100) indicates that the policy provides up to $100,000 of coverage to any one person. The (300) states that the total amount available to cover all injured individuals. The number 300 indicates that BI has a $300,000 cap.


The final number represents Physical Damage. It is also referred to as PD. Physical Damage coverage protects against property damage caused by the insured. In our example, the number (100) indicates that you have $100,000 in PD coverage.

Several States have recently increased the required minimums For Auto Insurance


Liability Limits represent the amount that your insurance company is legally liable for. Those limits vary and are dependent on the amounts you requested. Each state sets minimum required limits.

Below are the required limits required by the states served by TruePoint Insurance:

Georgia 25/50/25

Indiana 25/50/25

Also, Indiana requires minimum limits for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist
25/50/25

Kentucky 25/50/25

South Carolina 25/50/25


In addition, South Carolina requires minimum limits for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist
25/50/25

What happens when the cost exceeds my coverage limits?
As insurance agents, we have thoughts and suggestions related to auto insurance. However, there isn’t a right answer to the question above. Will the injured party pursue the claim once it exceeds the limits? For those that do seek to be fully repaid, they will likely seek recourse in a courtroom. This takes us or any other insurance agent out of the picture. It also makes it impossible for an agent to answer this question.


Before purchasing car insurance:Take the time to speak with an agent; one that is willing to provide insurance decisions that are right for you.

Exchange Students – Automobile Coverage

This article briefly discusses how a personal auto policy responds to exchange students. Please be sure to read its companion article, “Exchange Students – Homeowners Coverage.”

First, make sure that the exchange student is permitted to drive under the rules of the exchange student program. If program rules allow driving, contact your motor vehicle department to make sure that your student has a valid driver’s license.

If your exchange student will be driving your vehicle you will many cases continue to be covered.  However a lot of items will impact this.  Be sure to speak with your insurance agent.
Will the exchange student drive your car?

The typical auto policy extends its coverage to any person having your permission to drive a covered vehicle. Your liability coverage will protect the exchange student against damage or injury that he or she causes to others. Coverage to the damage done to your vehicle is also available when you have the appropriate physical damage insurance. Of course, the coverage is subject to your policy’s insurance limits, deductibles, and other provisions.

Medical payments coverage will apply to the exchange student who is injured in an accident while occupying or driving your car with your permission. If you expressly forbid the exchange student to drive your vehicle and the student disregards your wishes, you may not have insurance coverage if an accident occurs. Any questions regarding an exchange student’s vehicle use need to be carefully considered; especially since you will want to avoid having to deal with uncovered auto losses.

Be very careful regarding any minor-aged exchange student who is considering buying a car, truck, motorcycle, RV, boat, moped, scooter or any other vehicle. An exchange student’s temporary residence status makes it very difficult to get proper coverage. Student vehicle owners who cause an accident could experience some complex legal problems. If faced with an exchange student who owns a vehicle, it is important to get any available assistance from the exchange student program, including their legal counsel. You should seek your own qualified legal help to make sure that your interests are protected. The safest course would be to avoid an exchange student situation that includes an owned vehicle.

Please check with a qualified insurance professional to thoroughly discuss your coverage needs.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2017

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Georgia Auto Liability Limits

Georgia Minimum Car Insurance Limits   

Understanding auto insurance and your insurance policy you must start with your state's auto insurance laws.
How much car insurance?

If you own a car in Georgia, the state requires that you meet certain financial standards. For most of us, that means that our vehicles be covered by an auto liability insurance policy.  Furthermore, the auto liability insurance limits must meet State mandated requirements.  

For most of us, the first thought when our car is involved in an accident is getting it back on the road.  How will we replace or repair our own vehicle?  For that, you need to have a collision and/or comprehensive insurance coverage. While this coverage is important, it is not the insurance coverage mandated by the State.

Georgia Auto Liability Insurance 

If you are involved in an accident and found to be at fault, you can legally be held financially responsible. This is why you buy personal auto insurance!   The Georgia minimum insurance requirements are aimed at protecting other drivers and passengers using the States roads and highways..Your auto liability policy protects other drivers. Specifically, it provides coverage for bodily injury and/or property damage that results from your actions.

As mentioned, you may be held responsible for the full cost of damages, With a personal auto liability insurance policy in place, your insurance company, subject to the specifics of the policy, will be on the hook.  However, their requirement ends once the policy limits have been paid.

What does that mean?

It means that the prudent thing is to develop a better understanding of what will happen if the cost of damages exceeds our auto liability policy limits.   As a mere insurance agent, I am not qualified to directly answer that.  But, commonsense would suggest that at a minimum, inadequately insured auto owners are leaving Pandora’s Box wide open. 

The Georgia minimum auto liability insurance requirements are:

• Georgia motor vehicle liability coverage minimum for bodily injury:

     o $25,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per person

     o $50,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per accident

•Georgia motor vehicle liability coverage minimum for property damages:

     o Georgia auto owners are at least $25,000 for claims made against       them as result of damaging the property of others

Georgia’s Car Insurance state-mandated minimums are most commonly stated as:

25/50/25

…or…

$25,000 (BI) per person / $50,000 BI per accident / $25,000 (PD)

Cheap can refer to a great deal or it could mean an inferer product.  Do you have a cheap car insurance policy?
Does cheap refer to a Good Deal or a Bad Deal?

Before asking an insurance agent for the “Cheapest Car Insurance, you got,” consider the following:

• Cheap car insurance more than likely means you are getting the state-mandated minimums.

• How far will those dollars go if you are the cause of a severe auto accident?

• Settlement cost seldom equal medical costs. Why? For one, pain and suffering. If you want an estimate for total settlement cost, a good rule of thumb is to multiple medical bills by 3. If your negligence was the cause of a car crash and the other party sustained $10,000 in medical expenses you are looking at $30,000 to settle the claim. $5,000 higher than the state minimum!

• How far will $10,000 go in an emergency room today?

• How far will the $50,000 per accident limit go if you hit a car with multiple passengers? What if you are the cause of a multiple car collision or if the other vehicle isn’t a car but rather a bus?

Cheap car insurance can cost you in more ways than you realize. Ever wonder how insurance companies come up with an auto insurance premium for you and your car?

Your premium is the result of a number of factors. Every car insurance companies have their own unique formula. Each aimed at helping them attract clients and make a buck too. What you may find surprising is that many companies will penalize you if your current insurance limits are the state minimums. Never buy the state-mandated minimum without first considering the cost of better coverage. It’s likely to be less than you think and it will save you in the long run.

In the end, cheap auto insurance may wind up costing you more than you bargained for. Even if you never have an accident! Consider your options, prepare for the worst and be sure that you find an insurance agent the is willing to spend the time to help you through the process.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an Auto Accident?

If you’re involved in an auto accident, there are several things you need to do before you leave the scene. Aside from calling the police and your insurance agent, the following steps are significant and will help you when you file your insurance claim. The agents from TruePoint Insurance can help residents of Lawrence and Fisherville, KY get the process started.

Pull Over to the Side of the Road

If you are involved in an accident on a busy street, the first thing you should do is move your vehicle (if possible) to the side of the road and out of the way of traffic. Move the cars a safe distance off of the road to prevent further injury or damage to your vehicles.

Exchange Information

The next step is to exchange your insurance information with the other driver. You will also have to share the information with the police officer for the accident report. Always make sure to get the other driver’s contact information, as well.

Take as many Photographs as You Can

If you want to document the accident properly, take pictures of both the scene of the accident as well as the vehicles involved. Photos that accurately show all of the damage to your car are beneficial, especially if you have to go to court.

In Fisherville, KY, the agents of TruePoint Insurance can walk you through the steps you need to follow if you are ever involved in an auto accident. Talk to the agents today so that you are fully prepared if and when an accident does occur.

 

How Having an Electric Vehicle Affects Insurance Rates

Slow down your about to run out of cord
Why do electric vehicles cost more to insure?
Should electric vehicles cost more to insure

Did you know that your auto insurance rates can be different if you own an electric vehicle? In fact, in most instances, your insurance will be higher for an electric vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why this is the case from TruePoint Insurance in Fisherville, KY.

Higher Costs of the Vehicle

On average, electric vehicles cost a great deal more than the more conventional automobiles. They can cost around 70 percent more on average, according to studies conducted by Nerd Wallet. The higher price tag means that the insurance company has to pay more if the vehicle is stolen or damaged.

High Repair Costs

It tends to cost more to conduct repairs on an electric automobile. This is because they have expensive battery systems and you have to bring the vehicle to a specially trained mechanic. Though these vehicles usually don’t need repairs as often, this definitely has an effect on how much its insurance is going to cost. 

Size of the Car

Electric vehicles typically are smaller than other automobiles. Since smaller cars often don’t offer as much protection in the event of a collision, they are sometimes deemed as higher risk vehicles. This can increase the amount you’ll be asked to pay for your car’s insurance coverage.

Even with the fact that you’ll almost certainly have to pay more for insurance, there are many benefits that come along with owning an electric vehicle. Your car may qualify for a federal tax credit of around $7,500, a big plus as it will offset what you pay for insurance. 

Be sure to ask plenty of questions to understand insurance for your electric vehicle. The team at TruePoint Insurance, serving the greater Lawrence and Fisherville, KY area, can answer your questions to make signing up for auto insurance less of a stressful experience.

 

Signal Your Intent


Accidents associated with failure to use a turn signal are over twice
Each year 2 million accidents are due to the failure to use turn signals

Auto risk mitigation organization “SafetyFirst,” noticed some important statistics from its database of calls into its hotline. They discovered that a significant percentage of its calls involved drivers who did not use their turn signals. That issue was significant, especially since nearly half of their complaints involved:

  • Improper Lane Change;
  • Failure to Use Signals
  • Failing to Yield Right of Way
  • Weaving in Traffic
  • Failure to Stay in Lane;
  • and Improper Passing

A common trait in all of these behaviors is that they significantly increase the likelihood of an accident.

There are several trends that are occurring simultaneously on U.S. Roads. One, we’re driving faster, two there are more vehicles, we’re driving more frequently and a significant portion of drivers (Baby Boomers) are becoming senior operators with age-related, diminished driving skills.

In light of these trends, does it make sense that many drivers either forget to or refuse to use turn signals?

Drivers do themselves and others a tremendous favor by signaling their intent. Much of our driving activity depends on being able to rely upon and anticipate what is being done by other drivers. Signaling consistently and appropriately allows others to adjust their actions in order to reduce the chance of accidents and to maintain traffic flow.

Help yourself, help others. Whenever you are about to do something that can be indicated by a turn signal……signal your intent!


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2015

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without the written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.