Best Local Car Insurance Agencies in Waterford, MI

FAQs

• Introduction

  A way to stay protected while on the road, car insurance offers a financial safety net should accidents occur, regardless of who's at fault. The right car insurance agency can be very valuable, providing a way to purchase an ideal level of auto insurance coverage for personal circumstances. Agencies can help customers select the most beneficial coverage options while saving money on their insurance plan. With help from a qualified agency, it's possible to feel safe and secure behind the wheel.
  

• How does your Waterford auto insurance policy’s collision coverage differ from its comprehensive coverage?

  Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional protections that you can add to your Waterford car insurance policy. Your collision coverage pays for vehicle loss or physical damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or a lamp post. Comprehensive coverage compensates for car losses and damage that are not the result of collisions, such as those caused by falling objects, flood, hail, vandalism, fire, and hitting an animal.

• Do you have to buy PIP coverage for your car insurance if you already have Medicare coverage in Waterford?

  If you have Medicare Parts A, B, and C (Medicare Advantage), you can opt out of PIP coverage in Waterford. Prior to July 1, 2020, Medicare did not cover auto accident injuries, but after Michigan's Public Acts 21 and 22 went into effect, Medicare can now pay for injuries if you do not have PIP coverage. You can also combine PIP and Medicare coverage. PIP will pay first, and Medicare will cover any costs that exceed your PIP coverage limit.

• Do you have to buy the state’s no-fault car insurance if you don’t live in Michigan but drive regularly to attend a university/college in Waterford?

  If you are an out-of-state student who regularly drives to a university/college in Waterford, you will most likely require no-fault car insurance. Michigan has a 30-day owner rule, which states that if you drive a vehicle within the state for more than 30 days in a calendar year, you are the legal owner. The 30 days can be consecutive or cumulative. Because you are the legal owner, you must follow local laws and carry the necessary insurance.

• Is it worth it to include collision coverage in your car insurance policy in Waterford if your car is already old and has low market value?

  Many Waterford residents with older cars often skip collision coverage if repair costs surpass their car's market value or expected insurance payout. To make an informed decision, follow these steps: Example:

  • Determine your car's market value (e.g., $2,500).
  • Choose a deductible amount (e.g., $1,000).
  • Calculate insurance payout: Subtract the deductible from the market value ($2,500 - $1,000 = $1,500).
  • Consider the collision coverage cost (e.g., $300).
  • Calculate the final amount received after deducting collision coverage cost ($1,500 - $300 = $1,200). This analysis guides decisions about retaining collision coverage for older vehicles.

• What can you do if you do not qualify for Waterford auto insurance?

  In Waterford, ask any car insurance agent to assist you in applying for the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility. The Facility was established to assist people who were having difficulty obtaining car insurance policies. Premiums with the Facility are based on the average of Michigan's five largest insurers, so they may be higher than open market rates. If you are unable to pay the full premium, you may request a payment plan.

• What is car insurance?

  Car insurance is a form of insurance that can cover damages to cars, drivers, passengers, and other property when an accident occurs. If another car crashes into a driver, or if a driver causes an accident, car insurance will pay most or all of the cost of repairs.

• How does car insurance work?

  Car insurance functions in a way similar to other insurance policies. In exchange for a monthly premium payment, an insurance company assumes liability should an accident occur up to the coverage levels specified in a prearranged policy. This means if an accident occurs, the driver won't have to pay the full cost of repairs out of pocket.
  

• What does car insurance cover?

  Car insurance coverage can vary from one plan to another. It typically includes coverage for damages to a vehicle from accidents, medical expenses for people injured in accidents, and related costs after accidents with uninsured drivers. Some policies may cover additional perks, such as roadside assistance or a rental car during post-accident repairs.
  

• Does car insurance cover theft?

  Comprehensive car insurance generally includes theft protection. This means if a car is stolen and isn't recovered, the insurance agency will pay for the value of the car. However, comprehensive insurance that covers theft is optional coverage.
  

• How does a car insurance deductible work?

  A deductible is an amount that must be paid out of pocket before insurance coverage is applied. If a driver with a $1,000 deductible gets in an accident that causes $10,000 in damage, the driver must pay $1,000 and the insurance company pays the remaining $9,000. Deductibles amounts vary between coverage types.
  

• Do you need insurance to register a car?

  Yes, drivers need a valid car insurance policy to register a vehicle in most U.S. states. Car insurance is a legal obligation, and the DMV may suspend registration if insurance isn't maintained. Some banks and other lenders may also require a certain level of insurance before funding an auto loan.
  

• Can you get car insurance without a license?

  In most states in the United States, a license isn't required to purchase car insurance. This means that an unlicensed driver can purchase a policy for a licensed driver. However, most insurance companies won't allow an unlicensed driver to be listed on a policy, either as a primary or a secondary driver.
  

• Do you need car insurance?

  Yes. Car insurance isn't optional, and neglecting to purchase and maintain a minimum level of coverage can result in penalties, such as the suspension of your vehicle registration or driver's license. In addition, the cost of a car accident can add up to tens of thousands of dollars, which can be an unsustainable burden without insurance.

• How much is car insurance a month?

  Car insurance costs depend on factors such as where a person lives and their driving history. Drivers living in states with high insurance rates who've had accidents will pay more than drivers with clean records living in lower-cost states. In general, monthly car insurance costs can range from $50 to $500 or more.
  

• Why is my car insurance so high?

  Car insurance can be expensive for many reasons. Unsafe or expensive cars, a history of accidents, DUIs, and having multiple cars and drivers on a policy can all lead to higher monthly costs. Driver age may also play a role. For example, teens are more expensive to insure than adults.

• How can I get lower car insurance?

  Getting lower-cost car insurance may be possible depending on your personal circumstances. To find a cheaper policy, drivers are encouraged to get prices from multiple companies, bundle car insurance with home insurance, or use monitoring devices to demonstrate safe driving.
  

• Do you need insurance to rent a car?

  In most areas, car insurance isn't required to rent a car. However, most personal car insurance policies extend to rental vehicles. For those who don't have insurance coverage and want to stay protected, most car rental agencies offer supplemental insurance coverage for an added fee.
  

• Does my car insurance cover rental cars?

  Most car insurance policies do cover rental cars. However, this coverage isn't universal. Before renting a car, it's recommended that you check your policy details or speak to your insurance agent to be sure rental car coverage is included at an appropriate level.
  

• Can I insure a car not in my name?

  In most states, it's possible to insure a car that isn't registered in the name of the policyholder. This commonly occurs when a parent purchases and insures a car for an adult child. However, many states and insurance agencies require the policyholder to have a financial stake in the vehicle they're insuring.

• Can you cancel car insurance at any time?

  In general, it's possible to cancel car insurance at any time, provided proper notice is given. Notice requirements are outlined in policy documents. Unlike health insurance that can require personal circumstance changes or a specialized enrollment period, auto insurance policies can be canceled or adjusted at any time.

• How can I change car insurance?

  Changing car insurance is as easy as notifying your current car insurance company and purchasing a new policy from a different agency. Even policies that have been paid up front can be canceled, and companies will issue a refund for any time remaining on the policy term.
  

• How do you become a car insurance agent?

  In most states, working as a car insurance agent requires having a state license for selling insurance products. Generally, this process involves taking classes and earning a passing score on a licensing exam. Some agencies may allow individuals to shadow or assist current agents while working on their licensing requirements.
  

• How do car insurance agents get paid?

  Most car insurance agents are paid on a commission basis. This means they receive a percentage of the amount their clients pay for their insurance coverage. Some agents may also earn a flat salary. Commissions range from 5% to 20%, on average, but this can vary based on the company or policy type.
  

• How much do car insurance agents make?

  Car insurance agent earnings depend on commission percentages, any base salary in addition to commission, sales proficiency, and sales experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average insurance sales agent makes around $52,000 per year. This may vary from state to state and company to company.