Having proper auto insurance is a must in the state of Florida, and driving without it is considered a crime. Moreover, there is a number of risks associated with driving without car insurance. All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School serving clients from Palm Coast, FL and other nearby towns decided to create a list with the most common threats that you can face and deal with if decided to drive without insurance: 

Threats of Driving Without Auto Insurance

If you decided to drive without proper car insurance, you should understand what risks you may face. Here is a list of a few of them:

• Drivers license suspension or its removal. If you are caught driving without auto insurance, your drivers license can be suspended. It is one of the most unwanted risks of driving uninsured. 
• You will be responsible for all the repairs and replacements in case of an accident. If you get involved in a car accident causing damages, you will have to pay for these damages out of pocket. 
• High-risk insurance rates if you decide to buy insurance in the future. If you were driving without auto insurance and then decided to get a car insurance policy, it may be much more expensive for you. 

If you live in Palm Coast, FL or any other nearby town, and you are looking for a trustworthy insurance agency to buy auto insurance,  All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School is ready to help you. Our insurance agents will help you find a perfect policy based on your individual requirements and needs. Feel free to give us a call or check our website for more information. 

Those living in Palm Coast, FL understand the importance of being protected in the event of a hurricane. Waking up after a hurricane has rolled through the area can be very devastating, especially when seeing the damage the storm caused. Because Florida experiences hurricanes, everything from our homes to our vehicles need insurance coverage in the event of damage or loss. 

All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School experts know this and can help ensure your vehicle is covered under your existing insurance policy. 

Hurricane Damage

It is imperative to ensure your vehicle has coverage under your insurance policy before hurricanes and tropical storms make landfall. These storms can leave your car damaged by high winds, flying objects, floods, or being washed onto someone else’s property. Comprehensive coverage may also include corrosion from saltwater exposure and damage from fallen objects. 

Comprehensive Coverage

Those with comprehensive coverage included in their auto insurance policy are financially protected if their vehicle becomes damaged in a hurricane. Damage caused to the car must be hurricane-related, such as flash floods, falling objects, or high winds. Not all basic auto insurance policies include comprehensive coverage. Check with your insurance agent to discuss coverage and make necessary changes before a storm develops in the Atlantic Ocean of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Changing Policies

It is vital to make changes to your insurance policy as soon as possible. Unfortunately, most insurance agencies do not allow for changes to coverage when a hurricane is about to hit. Items to include in your policy include comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect you in the event of a storm. 

Be prepared for hurricane seasons in Palm Coast, FL, and ensure you have enough auto insurance coverage to protect you against storm-related damage. The experts at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School are ready to help you with your insurance coverage. 

Congratulations! After weeks, and perhaps months of in-depth research comparing models, visiting dealerships, and making numerous test drives, you have finally bought your dream car. However, before taking your ride on the road, you need to consider one more thing — auto insurance. But because auto insurance can be a challenging topic, especially for new car owners, All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School of Palm Coast, FL has prepared a FAQs section to help you understand this insurance better. 

Is car insurance mandatory?

Like most states, car insurance is mandatory in Florida. Failure to show proof of car insurance may result in hefty fines and penalties, including license suspension. 

What are the state-required minimums?

While most drivers purchase more than the state-required minimums, it’s vital to understand what the law requires. The Florida state expects drivers to buy the below minimum car insurance coverages.

• Property damage liability with a minimum of $10,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with a minimum of $10,000

While bodily injury liability isn’t legally required, it’s wise to buy this insurance because it covers medical expenses for other people for accidents you are at fault. Although Florida is a no-fault state, the injured parties could still sue you for damages, leaving you to pay the damages from your pocket if you don’t have adequate liability coverage.

What are the other types of commercial insurance coverages to consider?

Some motorists might stick to the state minimums in a bid to save on premiums. But insurance experts will tell you that this catastrophic. 

State minimums are inadequate and won’t cover damages to your vehicle. To that end, consider the below optional car insurance coverages.

• Collision coverage 
• Comprehensive coverage
• Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage

Do you need more information on auto insurance? Please get in touch with All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School for more insights. Besides, you can visit our Palm Coast, FL offices to chat with one of our agents in person.

When you live in the Palm Coast, FL area you will find that owning a car is a good option. Those that are vehicle owners in this part of the state will have an easier way to get around town and can complete their daily tasks efficiently. Along with getting a car, you need proper insurance. There are a few reasons why you need to have this coverage here. 

Insurance Protects Car

A reason that you should get an auto insurance plan when you are in Palm Coast is that it can protect your car. If you do get an auto insurance plan when you are here, it can help to ensure that you get the coverage that will allow you to repair or replace your vehicle in a variety of situations. This can include mitigating the risk of your vehicle being stolen or damaged in an accident.

Insurance is Required

You also should get an auto insurance plan because it is likely a requirement for you. Those that want to drive a car on the road in Florida need to at least have a liability insurance plan to comply with state law. Further, those that have taken out a loan to buy the car need to comply with their lender’s requirements. 

When you are in the Palm Coast, FL area and are in need of auto insurance, you should speak with someone at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered as you are looking for an auto insurance plan. The team at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School can help you assess all of your needs so you have an easier time picking a policy that works for you. 

Residents who live in Palm Coast, FL can rely on the agents of All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to provide them with sound advice when it comes to choosing the right type of car insurance policy for your needs. There are multiple policies that provide varying degrees of coverage depending on what your exact needs are.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage protects you from all types of loss including collision, theft, personal injury, and property damage. Individuals who have leases or loans attached to their vehicles are often required by their lenders to carry this type of insurance to ensure they are paid off if the car is involved in an accident. Some people may choose to carry comprehensive insurance on their vehicle after it’s paid off to ensure they are compensated for its loss if it is totaled.

Collision and PL/PD

Collision and PL/PD insurance offer minimal coverage that is limited to damage that is incurred during a collision. While PL/PD also covers personal injury expenses for other individuals who were involved in the accident. Collision will cover the cost of your vehicles’ damage as well as that of the other driver. PL/PD, on the other hand, will only pay for the damages and injuries to the other driver and their property.

The agents of All Counties Insurance Agency &Traffic School can explain the benefits and limitations of all types of car insurance. Residents who live in the Palm Coast, FL area should call and talk to a licensed agent at their earliest convenience. This way they can enjoy the latest information possible when it comes to available coverage and eligibility requirements. Call today and get the information you need!

There is so much to think about when going on a holiday, especially with regards to your insured assets. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and wonder whether it is a good idea to notify your insurance company of your trips or not. Fortunately, you don’t need to. At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School, we understand that people travel a lot in Palm Coast, FL, and across the world. However, it is always prudent to let your auto insurance know that you will be away for more than 30 days.

Can I suspend my auto insurance?

Of course. If you are going to be away for a more extended period let’s say more than three months or are not sure how long you will be away, you can always agree with your insurance provider to suspend or lower your rates depending on whether you will use the car or not. It is essential to inform your provider early before your bills are late. If you are leaving with your vehicle, you will also need to inform your provider.

When should you cancel your policy?

Since all the 50 states require you to carry minimum liability coverage, you may face a few challenges when trying to cancel your policy. Instead of withdrawing it, your insurance provider may request that you suspend or slash your costs. You also have the option of removing yourself from the policy and letting another member take over while you are away. This is the best option if you have other people being left behind.

Auto insurance concept is complex. Making assumptions can mislead you into making the wrong decisions. If you live in or around Palm Coast, FL, feel free to visit us at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School, and we will be happy to share more information with you.

Auto insurance is not one size fits all. Every customer has different needs and finding the perfect fit is what good auto insurance agents will do. Auto insurance is basically three types of different coverage, liability, collision and comprehensive. While liability and collision are pretty much exactly what they sound like, comprehensive is a type of insurance that is confusing and often misunderstood. At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL, we understand all facets of auto insurance and we are ready to help you to understand comprehensive coverage and whether it is something that you need. 

Comprehensive auto insurance is not all-encompassing even though that is what the name implies. It is also known as non-collision insurance. It covers damage that happens to your vehicle that is beyond your control. When storms rage across your area, they may drop hail that can cause major damage to your vehicle. Strong winds cause branches to fall from trees and land on your vehicle. You have no control over the weather. If your vehicle is vandalized or stolen, it is comprehensive auto insurance that will help you to repair or replace it. 

Another danger in many places is large animals running into the road and causing massive damage to vehicles. A deer can result in the total loss of a vehicle depending on the size of the vehicle. Glass coverage is also usually part of comprehensive auto insurance. 

When you are ready to discuss your auto insurance needs, we are here for you. You can use our online rating tool or give us a call at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL to make an appointment to sit down with a knowledgeable member of our team. We will listen to your concerns and give you the answers that you need and want. 

Many of us drive old cars that may no longer have much monetary value. This may lead many of us to question whether or not we need to carry insurance on an old car. Of course, the answer is "yes." However, more importantly, the question is how much and what type. Car insurance is a necessity for most cars regardless of where you live. However, the right conversation with an insurance agent is probably all you need to determine the best type of coverage for your car. 

The Law and Car Insurance

The law requires all car owners to carry liability insurance. This insurance is the minimal insurance required because it takes care of any liability you may have if you cause damage to another person’s car or injury to others as a result of a car accident. This is why most states require liability insurance which covers both bodily injury and property damage insurance. However, you can also invest in comprehensive and collision insurance to protect your car as well. However, there are guidelines to consider before you invest in more insurance.

How Much Insurance is Enough?

Most car owners wonder just how much insurance they truly need to protect themselves, their vehicle, and other people and their vehicles. The answer is fairly simple. If you’re financing a car, most lenders will require that you carry full insurance on your car. This ensures that they will be reimbursed should anything happen to your car while you’re still paying on it. However, even people who aren’t financing their car invest in liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Full comprehensive and collision insurance will pay for any car repairs that result from a collision or an accident. However, collision and comprehensive is only a wise investment if the full value of your car is more than ten percent of your deductible. If it’s not, you are probably paying too much for car insurance primarily because the repairs could exceed the value of the car which means that the insurance company wouldn’t pay for the repairs.

All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School of Palm Coast FL understands that car insurance can be confusing when it comes to deciding how much you need and what type will be best for you. However, these agents are committed to helping you select the best coverage for your car and your unique situation. Give All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School so that we can find the best policy for you. 

 

Long summer road trips are fun for the whole family, but they often can be very tiring. If you’re setting out from Palm Coast, FL this summer, use these tips from All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to avoid drowsy driving.

Some studies have indicated that 1 of every 25 adult drivers have dozed off while behind the wheel within the last 30 days. This statistic is frightening because even if one doesn’t fall asleep while driving, drowsy driving can make drivers less able to pay attention to road hazards, slow reaction time, and impair one’s ability to make good decisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes that in 2013, over 72,000 accidents and 800 deaths were due to someone driving while sleepy.  

Who Is at Risk for Drowsy Driving?

Certain categories of people are more likely to fall asleep while driving or drive while overly tired. These include people with sleep disorders, those who take medications with drowsiness as a side effect, those who work odd shifts, commercial drivers, and those who regularly do not get adequate sleep. Even if one believes that one can cope on five or six hours of sleep, the monotonous nature of driving can lead to drivers dozing while trying to operate a vehicle.

How to Tell if You’re Getting Too Tired to Drive

If you begin to experience the following, you may be getting too tired to drive:

• Yawning frequently
• Feeling like you can’t keep your eyes open
• Being unable to recall anything that happened in the last few miles driven
• Missing an exit or a turn
• Struggling to stay in your lane

If these things start happening to you, you must take action. You can pull over in a safe area to rest for a few hours or you can take turns with another driver in the car. At the very least, stop for a break, get something to eat and drink, and walk around to awaken yourself. Even if it costs you some time on your trip, you owe it to yourself and other people on the road to stop driving while drowsy.

Preventing Drowsy Driving

To prevent drowsy driving, be sure that you get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. Sleeping in one or two days a week can’t make up for a whole workweek of sleep deprivation.  You also should try to keep to a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up close to the same time every night and day, even if you’re on vacation. If you have medications that make you sleepy, take a bus or train until you and your doctor find a better solution to your medical issues. 

If you have questions about driving safety or car insurance in the Palm Coast, FL area, contact All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School today.

 

 

Every driver is required by law to carry automobile insurance. However, some people get behind the wheel without it, and that may become your problem if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage. Getting into an accident is traumatic enough without worrying whether anyone who hits you has insurance. The great news is, with the right coverage, this doesn’t have to be a problem for you. All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School can help you obtain the coverage you need in West Palm, FL. In the meantime, here’s some important information on uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured Motorists

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you against other drivers with no insurance. In the event of an accident, it pays for your property damage and injury caused by an uninsured driver. These drivers lack liability coverage, so you have to pay the costs you incur on your own either out-of-pocket or through your insurance. This type of insurance typically also protects you against underinsured motorists as well.

What’s Covered?

When you purchase uninsured motorist coverage, you receive protection against this risk. The coverage pays for expenses incurred in you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have liability coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in if the other driver has liability coverage, but has less coverage than you. For insured drivers, when an accident is the other driver’s fault, their insurance covers your damages. Of course, if the other driver has no insurance, then you are left holding the bag.

Talk to your agent at Insurance Agency & Traffic School. Set up an appointment to discuss all your insurance need and to get a quote that includes uninsured motorist coverage in West Palm, FL.