| Frequently
Asked Questions
We hope that this page can answer some quick and common questions
regarding your auto insurance coverage.
Coverages And Rates
How do they get those rates?
Switching To Reitano Insurance
Coverages
and Rates
"What You Need" -- Insurance is not like buying
a baseball cap, one size does not fit all! Each persons needs
and exposures are different. That's why we try to balance
the right coverage with the lowest premium. Here is a brief
definition of each coverage offered on your auto insurance
policy in the State of Florida.
BODILY INJURY LIABILITY---pays for liability claims that other
parties may make against you or a rated member of your household
if you hurt them in an accident. This coverage is NOT required
for tags and license in the State of Florida, but if not taken
and you do hurt someone in an accident can forced on you.
Can be bought in different increments and is STRONGLY suggested
by our office to carry. (A quick note: if you are leasing
you're liability limits are required to be 100/300).
PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY--Pays to repair damages to another
persons car or property that you are deemed responsible for.
$10,000 is required by the state of Florida. Works in tandem
with your Bodily Injury Coverages. If you lease you must carry
$50,000.
MEDICAL PAYMENTS---pays for excess medical expenses for you
or any one who is involved in an accident. Not required in
Florida but highly recommended by our office.
UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORISTS (UM)--the most complex and
misunderstood coverage available. In essence, one out of 4
people drive around with no insurance in the state of Florida
and another one out of 4 carry no liability. UM allows you
to collect damages from your own carrier if someone without
insurance causes injury to you or any one in your vehicle.
UM pays for lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement
or any life altering ailment. HIGHLY recommended by our office.
Call us to discuss in detail.
COLLISION---pays for physical damage to your vehicle in case
of an accident.
COMPREHENSIVE--pays for physical damage to your car in case
of anything other then an accident i.e. flood, theft, vandalism,
fire. Both collision and comprehensive usually carry deductibles
that must be paid out by the unsured before the insurance
coverage kicks in.
PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION (PIP)--state mandatory coverage.
Covers 80 percent of your medical bills and 60 percent loss
of income up to $10,000. Offered with different deductibles
and exclusions. Call our office to review some cost saving
options that may apply to you.
RENTAL REIMBURSEMENT---allows to be reimbursed for a rental
car in case of an accident or a theft. Limits are described
on policy. Usually $20-$30 a day for 30 days. Very inexpensive
and HIGHLY recommended to take.
TOWING--reimburses you for vehicle disablement. Usual limit
is $50-$75 a day.
Other type of coverages available are CUSTOM PARTS AND EQUIPMENT,
LOAN PAYOFF COVERAGE, AND EXCESS PIP. Please call our office
to discuss these other options.
How
do they get those rates?
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There are many different factors that insurance companies
use in determining your rates. The most obvious are driving
record, claim history, vehicle type and garaging address.
One by one insurance companies are using credit as a factor
in your rates. For the past few years they have shown a positive
correlation with good credit and better risk driver's.
The ONLY way to receive a competitive and accurate quote is
to go "apples to apples" with your present coverage.
Find your present "declarations" page and match
specific coverages with your new company. Also it is important
that you disclose as much information as possible about violations,
claims, or accidents that may have occurred in the last years.
Again, this is the ONLY way to get an accurate quote.
Switching your
policy to Reitano Insurance
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We will be happy to quote your policy at any time of your
policy period. Remember though our quote is only valid for
30 days. If you switch your policy in mid-term there may be
a surcharge applied from your old company. We can discuss
this with you when we give you a quote.
MAKING CHANGES TO MY AUTO POLICY.
We make it as simple as possible for you at Reitano Insurance.
You can either phone us at 1-800-449-1857, put your request
in writing and fax it to us at 561-488-1230. Or visit or website
and leave a message for one of our agents. We can then follow
up with you the next day to verify the change.
ADDING CARS AND DRIVERS TO MY POLICY
Any additional or substitute vehicle is automatically covered
on your policy for 30 days, BUT it is your responsibility
to contact us soon as possible with the information on the
new vehicle. Besides, your lienholder or bank will be calling
to verify coverage within a few days.
All licensed drivers in your household MUST be listed and/or
excluded on your auto policy. To add a driver we will need
Name, Date of Birth, and Driver's License #. Anybody who drives
your car on a regular basis should also be listed on your
policy.
As always, you can contact our office for any quotes or questions
regarding additional vehicles, driver's, or coverage's.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY SON OR DAUGHTER GETS HIS OR HER LICENSE?
Putting your teenage son or daughter as a licensed driver
on your auto policy can be one of the most traumatic and costly
additions to your policy. Insurance companies rate young drivers
higher due to inexperience and the high loss history of teenage
driver's in general.
Different companies offer discounts like good student and
driver's education that can soften the blow. You must report
to us when your son or daughter receives a permit because
each company varies in the length of time that they will begin
charging you for them.
The best thing to do is to call us first so that we can give
you an idea how much your premium will go up or even shop
you to one of our different companies.
The most important thing is to tell them that driving is a
privilege not a right.
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Still have a question? You can e-mail
the staff or telephone us toll free (800)
449-1857.
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