Understanding Auto Insurance Basic Terms

If you are a new car owner looking to get auto insurance within Boise, ID, you will likely face a few challenges understanding what your policy covers. Fuhriman Insurance Agency outlines some basic auto insurance terms to be on the lookout for, helping you get an easy time as you shop for your cover.

At-Fault Party

An at-fault party refers to an individual responsible for causing an accident. During an accident, the at-fault party pays for injuries caused to 3rd parties and repairs to 3rd party property damage.

Covered Risk

Covered risk represents incidents that your policy will help you pay for. These can include collisions with objects such as buildings and electric poles and vehicle damage from fire, hail, and vandalism.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is a policy that helps you pay for other parties’ injuries or their property damage. It comes in two forms, with the first being bodily injury liability and the second being property damage liability.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage is an auto policy that helps you pay your medical bills when injured during an accident. This policy also covers your passengers’ costs of medical treatment.

State Required Minimum

The state-required minimum is the limit or the stipulated insurance policy that every motorist is required to have. Failure to carry these required minimum policies could attract fines or lead to license revocation.

Uninsured Motorist

An uninsured motorist is any driver without insurance, with the same also applying to parties with insufficient coverage. When such a party hits you, your coverage pays for damages caused to your vehicle and injuries sustained by you or your passengers.

If in need of auto insurance that factors in your driving needs within Boise, ID, contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency today. Our agents will take you through our various coverage options to help you get a customized policy.

Auto insurance FAQs

If you are new to buying auto insurance, or you are just ready for a change of carrier or agency, there may be a lot of questions that come to mind. Having an insurance agent who has lots of answers makes the process much easier. If you are in or near Boise, ID, Fuhriman Insurance Agency can provide the answer you need. We realize that our customers are our most precious asset and our goal is to provide the best insurance products at the most reasonable price. 

How much auto insurance do I need to have?

In Idaho, liability insurance is required by law. The mandated coverage amount is 25/50/15. If you have an auto loan, you will be required to carry collision and comprehensive insurance. 

What deductible should I have?

The deductible is the amount you will need to pay out of pocket before your auto insurance covers repairs on your vehicle. You should choose an amount that won’t be difficult for you to pay. 

Do I need full glass coverage?

If you have ever taken a stone to your windshield you know the answer to this question. It is a very minimal premium, and it provides great service. 

What is comprehensive insurance cover?

Comprehensive insurance covers damages to your vehicle that are beyond your control. If your car is stolen or vandalized that will be covered. If hail damages your paint or a limb is blown onto your vehicle, that is covered. If a deer runs into your car, that is covered. 

Do I need to have collision insurance?

If you are in an accident where you are at fault collision insurance will pay to have your vehicle repaired after you pay the deductible. If you need your vehicle, you need collision coverage. 

In Boise, ID contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency for all your auto insurance needs. 

Do You Need Umbrella Insurance Coverage?

There are plenty of options for good insurance coverage, but sometimes you just want a little more than what your other policies provide. If that’s the case for you, or if you’re not sure whether more coverage would be the right choice, come talk to us at the Fuhriman Insurance Agency. We work with customers in the Boise, ID area who have questions about umbrella insurance and other types of policies. Our professional agents can help you get the type of policy that’s right for your needs, and add to the coverage you already have so you have a higher level of protection and more peace of mind.

There’s a myth that only the wealthy or those that have their own businesses need this kind of extra insurance protection. While it’s likely that people in those situations do have additional coverage, this kind of added insurance can be a good choice for nearly anyone. Even those who don’t have significant assets may be able to benefit from an umbrella policy that will add to what they already have in their current insurance portfolio. We can help you decide if this type of coverage is needed and right for you.

Reach out to us at the Fuhriman Insurance Agency today, and let’s see how we can help. If you’re in the Boise, ID area and have questions about umbrella insurance, you’re in the right place. We know there are different ways to get the protection you need and want, and we’re committed to helping you have strong peace of mind based on your insurance choices. There’s no reason to settle for less than full protection that can let you focus on other areas of life and get back to doing all the things you enjoy with your time.

How much auto insurance are Idaho drivers required to carry?

Idaho drivers have state minimums they are required to maintain when it comes to auto insurance. These state minimums protect drivers as they navigate Idaho’s highways, roads, and streets. Failure to carry the state minimum auto insurance could result in fines and the loss of driving privileges, amongst other things. 

Idaho Trafic Laws
Idaho drivers should familiarize themselves with the laws associated with driving in the state. Idaho isn’t a no-fault state which means the state rules that govern driving are fault-based insurance laws. All individuals involved in a traffic accident can be held liable for an accident if they are found to be at fault. Also, hit and runs are felonies that carry a hefty fine and jail time if convicted. This is one of the many reasons why we are committed to educating Idaho drivers on what’s required to legally drive within the state.

State Requirements
The Fuhriman Insurance Agency of Boise, ID requires all Idaho drivers to carry liability coverage. Liability insurance can cover injuries, lost wages, and property damage caused to others in situations where you’ve been deemed “at fault” in an accident. Liability insurance takes care of any injuries and damage that may have occurred as a result of an accident that you were responsible for. If another driver or passenger(s) was injured, liability insurance will cover their medical care. Liability insurance also covers property damage as well. Lost wages and a whole host of other areas are covered under liability insurance.

State Minimums
Idaho state minimums for auto coverage include bodily injury coverage in the amount of $25,000 per person in an accident and $50,000 for everyone involved in a single accident. Idaho drivers must carry liability insurance to legally drive within the state. If you have any questions or concerns about liability coverage give us a call. We are committed to educating Idaho drivers and providing the best auto insurance options possible. 

Three types of auto insurance that you should have

One important consideration for any vehicle owner to take into account is auto insurance coverage. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we provide auto insurance coverage to motorists in Boise, ID.

The following are three types of auto insurance coverage that you should have.

Liability coverage

You are required to carry liability coverage to drive legally in Idaho and just about every other state. This type of coverage will pay for the costs of damages you cause to other drivers out on the roads. The liability coverage you carry needs to meet certain requirements, like including at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per individual per accident. 

Collision coverage

If you want damages to your own vehicle that you’re at fault to be covered, you need to invest in collision coverage. Liability coverage won’t cover you at all for damage to your own vehicle.

Without collision coverage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for damage to your own vehicle unless another insured driver is deemed responsible. The costs of accident repairs can be enormous. In fact, your entire vehicle could be totaled in a severe accident. That’s why you need to have collision coverage on your auto insurance policy. 

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

The state of Idaho requires drivers to carry liability coverage. However, the unfortunate truth is that there are many drivers out there who don’t carry adequate coverage. If you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, you’ll enjoy coverage even if you’re involved in an accident for which an uninsured driver was at fault. 

If you’d like to learn more about meeting your auto insurance needs, we’re here to help at Fuhriman Insurance Agency. Get in touch with us by phone or online with any questions or inquiries you have regarding our auto insurance coverage options in Boise, ID. 

The Facts about Car Insurance in Idaho

The truth is everyone who intends on driving and has a driver’s license is required to have insurance in Idaho. Before you get it, you’ll want to know the fact about insurance. Research it with the insurance representatives at Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID before you commit to a policy.

Liability Insurance Coverage

You must have liability insurance. Depending on which state you’re in, you’ll want to understand the amount of coverage you need when purchasing a policy. In Idaho, you’ll need to be protected if you cause an accident. Liability means that you’ll be financially responsible for injuries or damages you cause because of a car accident. Liability insurance will keep you from having to pay for medical costs, lost wages, or vehicle repairs depending on the amount of coverage you have.

Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is to protect you if someone else does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the cost of damages to your vehicle if they caused an accident. This covered is not mandatory, but it could be worth it if you get involved in a traffic incident where the other party does not have insurance.

Comprehensive and Collision

You’re not required to have insurance that pays for your own automobile, but with the comprehensive coverage, you can do just that. Collision insurance pays if you collide with another object, such as a garage door, building, lamppost, or mailbox.

You’ll need to have insurance no matter what state you’re in, so if you’re in Idaho stop by Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID and speak with your insurance agents. They’ll be able to update your auto insurance coverage. They can also talk to you about purchasing a home, life, and commercial insurance policy if you need it.

How Does Auto Insurance Change As You Age?

Auto insurance is a unique type of expense. In most states, auto insurance is required by law if you operate a vehicle. This makes it one of the few expenses required by law. Another unique aspect of auto insurance is that the cost can change depending on many factors. One of the most significant factors affecting car insurance cost is age. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID, we look forward to educating our clients on topics such as this. Keep reading to learn how auto insurance changes as you age. 

Which Age is Most Expensive to Insure?

Car insurance companies rate risk factors based on many things. One of the most significant factors is the time a driver has spent behind the wheel. For this reason, younger drivers are often the most expensive to insure. With more experience, drivers drive more safely. Teenagers and individuals up to their mid-twenties will see the most expensive car insurance rates. 

When Do Rates Start Coming Down?

At about age 25 most drivers will see their rates come down considerably. This is also an age where many people are starting their families or buying homes. These life changes can also affect the cost of car insurance as many policies offer discounts for married people and homeowners. Depending on your driving history, you may see another drop in rates around your mid-thirties. It is important to note that these rate drops can be affected by your driving record. An individual in their mid-thirties with a risky driving record may not see the same savings as a younger driver with a spotless driving record. The best car insurance rates are often enjoyed by drivers in their mid-fifties with good driving records. 

As drivers begin to age into their 60s and 70s rates can begin to increase again. This is often due to the fact that people lose some of their reaction time as they age and therefore their risk factors increase. 

If you would like to learn more about auto insurance and how to get the best rate, please contact our friendly staff at Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID today. 

Auto Insurance for Carpooling

Carpooling has many advantages which include saving money, reducing stress (when it is not your turn to drive), and saving time if there is a special carpool lane. Carpooling is good for the environment, prolongs the life of your vehicle, and reduces traffic.

Talk with your agent at Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID and the surrounding area if you are planning to be carpooling to work because your auto insurance needs to be adjusted for this use. Let your agent know if you are going to receive any money from your employer for carpooling expenses.

If your work provides a vehicle for your use, then the insurance may already cover what you need for carpooling. Have your agent review any auto insurance policies that are already in place to make sure you have adequate protection.

Also, inform your agent if you plan to allow any other people to drive your vehicle or if you plan to drive a vehicle owned by another person. This can change the type of auto insurance coverage you need. For those you wish to allow to drive your vehicle regularly, your agent may advise you to add them as a designated driver on your auto insurance policy. This will help make sure there is adequate coverage for another person who is driving your auto.

Replacement Value Coverage and Extras

Talk with your agent about the advantages of having replacement value coverage for your vehicle, emergency road assistance, and rental car coverage if your vehicle is being repaired. This extra protection is wise to have when more than just you are relying on your vehicle to take everyone to work.

Contact your agent at Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID for a complete auto insurance review and a quote to make sure you have adequate protection for carpooling and all of your auto insurance needs.

HELPFUL AUTO INSURANCE TIPS TO KEEP YOU SAFE

What is Auto insurance?

It is a cover purchased by vehicle owners to mitigate against losses of auto accidents. It’s a contract between you and the insurance company to protect you against financial loss in the event theft or an accident.

What is covered by Auto insurance?

A policyholder is provided with the following coverage

  • Property-such as damage or theft of your car.
  • Liability responsibility- for bodily injury caused to others or property damage.
  • Medical-such as the cost of treating injuries or rehabilitation.

 Policyholders pay premiums to an auto insurance company. Premiums amounts are based on many factors such as age, gender, years of driving experience, among other factors.

Boise, ID, being a capital city, is one of the most populated towns. With very crowded streets, you need to have an Auto insurance cover that protects you and your vehicle. It is the state law to have an Auto Insurance. Our agents at Fuhriman Insurance Agency will guide you on the most vital details of your cover. Much consideration will be placed on factors affecting your cover while living in Boise, ID.

A critical factor to consider would be the liability coverage. Fuhriman Insurance Agency will advise you on the required limits required to adhere to the state requirements. The liability coverage will cater for any damages that you could cause on other people’s property or vehicles.

Collision coverage caters to dents and collision damages though this is not required by law. All residents of Boise, ID have required minimum liability coverage as required by the state. Comprehensive coverage covers theft, damage from weather-related situations, fire and much more.

Team up with our Fuhriman insurance agents to have a customized policy that meets your insurance needs.

How Long Do Car Accidents Stay on Your Record in Idaho?

Whether you’ve just gotten into a car accident or were involved in one a year ago, it’s only natural to be concerned with how long it will stay on your driving record. However, it’s not so much your driving record you should be focused on but the points that are on it. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID, we’re making it our mission to help all drivers understand the law better so they can get the insurance coverage they need. Keep reading to learn more:

Points and Your Driving Record

The truth is that your full Idaho driving record will always include the fact that you’ve been in an accident, as well as any other traffic violation you may have made. That said, the thing that most people will actually be looking at are the amount of points you have. That’s before you accumulate points for every traffic violation, whether it’s a full-scale accident or simple speeding violation. However, the amount of points you receive can vary greatly, especially when it comes to accidents. In the state of Idaho, you can lose your license once you accumulate 12 points.

The good news, however, is that in many cases points will gradually be removed from your driving record as time passes by. You may also be eligible to deduct up to three points from your record by taking a state-approved defensive driving course.

Why it’s So Important to Contact Your Insurance Agency Right After an Accident

The sooner you report the accident to your insurance carrier, the faster they can start working on assessing the claim and what you might be liable for. In many cases, the other driver(s) involved in an accident may say you’re at fault, but upon further review of the police report, your insurance carrier may find that you are actually not entirely the one to blame. Even if the accident is going on your permanent driving record, there’s no need for the cost of the incident to permanently wreck your finances.

Do you live in the Boise, ID area and have more questions about driving and license laws in Idaho and how your insurance may be affected? Contact the experts at Fuhriman Insurance Agency today.