Auto Insurance vs. Boat Insurance: What are Their Differences?

boat

Boat and car insurance are two different insurance policies designed to protect you financially should you become involved in an accident or experience other damage while operating a vehicle. While they may look similar on the surface, some important distinctions between the two are important to consider before purchasing an insurance policy.

At the most basic level, car insurance is designed to protect a driver and their car in case of an accident. This coverage includes medical expenses incurred due to an accident, as well as property damage and liability for any other person injured in the accident. 

On the other hand, boat insurance is designed to cover the boat itself in case of an accident, as well as any liability the owner may face if their boat causes injury or damage to someone or something else.

Boat Insurance Can Be Purchased for an Agreed Value

Another key difference between car insurance and boat insurance is that boat insurance can be purchased for an agreed value. This means you can purchase your boat’s coverage for a pre-determined amount, regardless of its actual market value. 

This is especially important if you have a newer boat that may be worth more than its book value. On the other hand, car insurance is typically based on the vehicle’s actual market value.

Boat Insurance Can Be Suspended

Another key difference between car insurance and boat insurance is that boat insurance can be suspended. This means that you may be able to suspend your coverage for some time if your boat is not in use. This can be a great way to save money if you don’t plan on using your boat for an extended period. Car insurance, on the other hand, typically must be in effect at all times.

Boat Insurance is Not Required

Unlike car insurance, boat insurance is not required by law in most states. This means you are not legally obligated to purchase coverage for your boat. However, it is still highly recommended that you do so to protect your investment. Additionally, some lenders may require you to purchase boat insurance if you are financing the purchase of your boat.

Why Boat Insurance Is Just As Important As Car Insurance

Boat insurance is just as important as car insurance for many of the same reasons. It provides financial protection if you are involved in an accident and can help to cover the costs of repairs if your boat is damaged or stolen. Additionally, it can help to protect you if another person sues you due to an accident involving your boat. Ultimately, boat insurance can provide peace of mind and help to ensure that you are financially protected in the event of an accident or other unforeseen circumstances.

The Bottomline

Boat insurance and car insurance have a lot of similarities but also a few key differences. Boat insurance is typically more expensive than car insurance due to the risk of property damage, theft, and liability from a boat. Boat insurance also covers personal property and navigation gear that are not included in a car policy. It is important for boat owners to consider the different coverages available and to consider the risks associated with operating a boat before purchasing an insurance policy.

Bassine Insurance is a boat insurance agency. We also offer a wide range of insurance products. Get in touch with us.

A Guide to the Types of Car Insurance Coverage (Part Two)

Car Insurance

Car Insurance is an important purchase for anyone who owns a car and drives it regularly. It provides protection from financial risks related to accidents, damage to the vehicle, and other incidents that may occur while driving. There are different types of car insurance coverage available, each of which provides specific benefits and protection. If you have landed on this blog post, make sure you read the first installment of this two-part blog post about essential car insurance.

If you have already read part one, without further ado, let’s take a look at the different types of add-ons you might find useful to include in your auto insurance package.

1 – Towing and Labor Insurance 

Towing and labor insurance covers the cost of towing your vehicle to the nearest repair shop if it becomes disabled due to an accident or mechanical failure. It also covers the cost of labor performed at the repair shop to get your car back on the road. This coverage is especially useful if you are traveling long distances and don’t want to be left stranded.

2 – Rental Car Reimbursement

Rental car reimbursement is an add-on that pays for the cost of renting a car while your vehicle is being repaired due to an accident. This coverage is helpful if you need to get to work, school, or other important places while your car is in the shop.

3 – Gap Insurance

Gap insurance is an add-on that covers the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan and the actual cash value of your car if it’s totaled in an accident. If you’ve recently purchased a new car, gap insurance can help you avoid taking a financial hit if it’s totaled.

4 – Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal injury protection (PIP) is an add-on that covers your medical bills and lost wages if you’re injured in an accident. It also covers the medical bills and lost wages of your passengers if they’re injured. PIP is important coverage to have if you don’t have health insurance or if you don’t have enough health insurance to cover your medical bills.

5 – Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is an add-on that covers your medical bills and lost wages if you’re injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This coverage is important if you don’t have health insurance or if you don’t have enough health insurance to cover your medical bills.

6 – Zero Depreciation Cover

Zero depreciation cover is an add-on that covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle without any deduction for depreciation. This is important if you want to get the full value of your car back in case of an accident. It is usually more expensive than other add-ons, but it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

7 – Personal Belongings Coverage

Personal belongings coverage is an add-on that covers the cost of replacing items inside your car that are lost or damaged in an accident. This can include items such as your laptop, phone, laptop, or other personal items. This coverage is important if you carry valuable items in your car and want to make sure they are covered in case of an accident.

Conclusion

Car insurance coverage is an important factor to consider when purchasing a car. It helps protect you financially if you are involved in an accident and can help you recover from any damages. There are a variety of types of car insurance coverage to choose from, including liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and medical payments coverage. Understanding the different types of coverage and how they can benefit you is essential when choosing the best car insurance policy for you.

If you need car insurance in Fort Myers, come to Bassine Insurance. We offer a wide range of insurance products to meet your needs. Give us a call and let us know how we can help today!

The Different Types of Car Insurance Coverage Part 1

Car keys

Car insurance is an important investment for anyone who owns a vehicle. It protects you financially in the event of an accident or other incident in which your car is damaged or stolen. There are many different types of car insurance coverage available, and understanding them can help you choose the right policy for your needs. This article will provide an overview of the most common types of car insurance coverage available and explain the benefits of each.

Types of Automobile Insurance Coverage 

1 – Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is the most basic type of car insurance coverage and is required by law in most states. It covers bodily injury and property damage caused by your car in an accident. It does not cover any damage to your own car.

2 – Collision Insurance

Collision insurance is a type of car insurance that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car if it’s damaged in an accident. Collision insurance is beneficial for drivers who own an expensive car or who drive in areas with a high risk of accidents.

3 – Comprehensive Insurance 

Having comprehensive car insurance is a great way to protect your vehicle from damage caused by events other than an accident. Comprehensive coverage can cover damage caused by theft, fire, vandalism, and other non-accident-related events.

Comprehensive coverage is particularly important for drivers who live in high-risk areas, such as urban areas with higher crime rates, or areas prone to severe weather. With comprehensive coverage, you can be assured that your car is protected against any unexpected damage.

4 – Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or has inadequate coverage.

5 – Medical Payments Coverage

This coverage pays for medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.

6 – Personal Injury Protection

This type of coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from the financial burden of an accident, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is an important form of auto insurance. PIP coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This type of coverage is often referred to as “no-fault” coverage because it pays out regardless of who caused the accident.

7 – Rental Reimbursement Coverage

This coverage pays for the cost of a rental car if your car is damaged or stolen.

8 – Gap Insurance

Gap insurance covers the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan and the actual cash value of your car if it is totaled in an accident.

9 – Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage

This coverage pays for custom parts and equipment added to your car after purchase, such as a stereo system or custom paint job.

Conclusion

Car insurance coverage is an important way to protect yourself and your vehicle. It is important to research and understand the different types of coverage available so you can make an informed decision on what type of coverage best fits your needs. It is important to understand each of these types of coverage and make sure you have the coverage you need.

If you are looking for an auto insurance agency in Fort Myers, come to Bassine Insurance. We are proud to offer a wide range of insurance products that meet your needs. Give us a call today.

5 Types of Car Insurance and Why You Need Them

people discussing

Car insurance is a type of insurance that can help protect you financially if your car is damaged or stolen or you are responsible for an accident causing property damage or bodily injury. Depending on your chosen policy, car insurance can cover part or all of the costs associated with such incidents. Additionally, car insurance is often required by law or by a lender to drive a car. 

There are various types of car insurance available, and it is important to decide how much coverage you need and find the most affordable option. Here are six different types of car insurance so you can choose and customize the coverage you want:

1. Liability Insurance

Car liability insurance provides financial protection for damages you may cause to someone else’s property or person when you are responsible for an accident. This coverage typically covers two types of expenses: bodily injury and property damage. 

Bodily injury coverage pays for medical costs related to injuries or death of another person in an accident for which you are responsible. Property damage coverage pays for repairing or replacing another person’s property damaged due to an incident in which you are at fault. In most places, it is required by law to have a minimum level of liability coverage before you can legally operate a vehicle.

2. Personal Injury Protection

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an optional type of insurance that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses you may incur if you’re injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. It is not available in all states, but some states require drivers to purchase this coverage. Check with your state’s DMV to find out if PIP is available and if it is required.

3. Medical Payments Coverage

MedPay is an insurance policy covering medical costs from a car accident. It can be purchased in states other than Maine and Wisconsin, where it is required. MedPay pays for the medical bills of you and your passengers but does not cover any other costs, such as lost wages, unlike Personal Injury Protection.

4. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If you are injured in an accident with another driver who does not have car insurance, uninsured motorist coverage can provide financial protection. This coverage may also apply to property damage in certain states. Furthermore, if you are the victim of a hit-and-run, this coverage will come in handy. 

Depending on where you live, uninsured motorist coverage may be mandatory, and you may want to consider underinsured motorist coverage for added protection. In some states, underinsured motorist coverage is unavailable unless your coverage limits exceed the other driver’s liability limits.

5. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is an insurance policy that pays to repair or replace your car in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It covers any damage caused by your car colliding with another object, such as a tree, building, or vehicle. It may also cover damages caused by potholes.

Conclusion

Having car insurance is essential when it comes to driving. It can protect you from damages caused by accidents, theft, vandalism, and other unforeseen events. Depending on your needs, you should choose the type of car insurance that best suits your specific needs. Make sure that you read through the policy carefully and understand the coverage you have chosen so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your car.

Bassine Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products. We have partnered with some of the industry’s largest, most respected auto insurance carriers to provide coverage for cars, motorcycles, motor homes, and recreational vehicles. Through these relationships, we can provide the best combination of price and coverage for all types of customers. We’re happy to meet with you and take the time to ensure you get the right coverage and protection from our auto insurance agency in Fort Myers. Get in touch with us today and let’s talk!

Tips to Save Money on Your Next Car Insurance Policy

insurance

In almost every state, it’s illegal to drive without car insurance. And if you cause an accident, having car insurance can help protect you from being sued by the other driver or their passengers.

As the cost of living increases, many people are looking for ways to save money. Your car insurance is one area where you can save significant money. 

Here are effective tips to help you save money on your car insurance:

1. Consider Raising Your Deductible

Your deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurer starts paying for damages resulting from a car accident. Your deductible is set at $500 for the first year, which increases by $100 yearly.

A few factors to consider if you raise your annual vehicle insurance policy deductible. The main consideration is whether the increase will save you money in the long run. 

Moreover, if you increase your deductible, you will have to pay a higher premium for your policy. However, if you have a lower collision score, the increased premium may be worth it. This is because it will also reduce the money you have to pay out in claims. 

2. Bundling Your Car Insurance With Other Insurance Policies

Car insurance rates have been rising recently, so bundling your policies is a great way to save money.  You usually have to get all your insurance from the same company. Bundling your car insurance with other insurance policies, such as your homeowner’s insurance, can save you money on your premium. 

In addition, insurance companies offer discounts for customers who “bundle” their policies because it reduces the company’s marketing and administrative costs.

You must bundle multiple policies to get the biggest discount, such as your car, homeowner’s, life, and health insurance. Also, you may get a discount if you have multiple vehicles by insuring them with the same company. And if you have a teenage driver in the family, you may get a discount by having them join your policy.

3. Review Your Coverage Periodically

Car insurance policies typically have a coverage period of six months, but this can vary depending on the insurance company. It is essential to check with your insurer to check if you are still covered and receive the benefits you expect. Also, check if there are any changes you need to make to continue receiving the policy’s benefits. 

Consider dropping collision or comprehensive coverage if your car is not worth much. Finally, ensure you are not paying for any extra coverage you no longer need, such as rental car reimbursement or towing coverage.

Conclusion

Car insurance is not a “set it and forget it” type of budget item. It is one of the most significant expenses you will face. However, knowing how to save money on car insurance can protect yourself and your family from unforeseen financial burdens. You can use the tips above to help you save money on car insurance.

If you’re looking for a car insurance agency in Fort Myers, Bassine Insurance is the best option for you! We offer car insurance that provides event coverage while the vehicle is being driven. Contact us now! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about our car insurance and other service options.