Indiana is the 28th most populous state in the United States, so it’s no surprise that you will be able to find an Auto Insurance company based here. It has plenty of big cities and metropolitan areas for insurance companies to base themselves on including, but not limited to: Indianapolis (home of Indycar), Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, Evansville, South Bend, and Elkhart. There are more than 6 million registered vehicles in Indiana which means that there are many drivers on the road at any given time making accidents more likely to happen. Although statistically unlikely to happen here are some tips on what you should do if you get into an accident.
Don’t Leave the Scene of an Accident
It is never a good idea to leave the scene, or drive away from an accident as this could make you charged with hit and run. This means that you’ll be charged for damaging another person’s property, no matter how small it may be. Fleeing the scene can also mean that any other driver involved won’t be able to make a claim. This is why it’s important to call the police immediately and share details regarding the accident, such as: who was involved, where exactly it happened and how serious it is. If your car insurance company asks for a legal report from the police you’ll want one on hand.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
Even if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault it’s always better to refrain from giving a recorded statement. This could be given as evidence should anything go to court, and by saying anything you could incriminate yourself further. In some states, such as Florida, this can also be used against the plaintiff in a personal injury case. Don’t sign anything until you’ve talked to your insurer and gotten their opinion on the matter first. Also, make sure you know what you’re signing, as some courts consider this an admission of guilt.
Always Keep Accident Documents Handy
When involved in an accident it’s important to write down all the details you can remember as soon as possible, be it on your phone or any other device that is capable of writing. This includes the people involved in the accident, their insurance details and any information on property damage. When filing a claim with your insurer, ensure you are organized with supporting documents such as photos of the accident, any notes you took at the time, estimates of damages and names of witnesses.
Never Wait to Make a Claim
It’s always better to file an insurance claim as soon as possible after getting in an accident, even if your car is driveable. Filing your claim while the events are fresh in your mind it will ensure that you have all the information available when completing your forms. You should always file a claim for any accident involving an injury no matter how minor it may seem, as this can worsen later on. This is one of the reasons why it’s important not to give a recorded statement, as you could be convinced otherwise by someone involved in the accident.
Always Report to Your Insurance Company
If you are involved in an accident it’s always best to notify your insurance company straight away, even if it’s not your fault. This will ensure that you are covered should anything go wrong, such as other drivers involved causing damage or injuries. It is important to remember that filing for insurance claims too often will cause your premiums to go up, no matter how cheap they are. This is because insurance companies see frequent claims as a risk factor.
Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance
The state of Indiana requires that drivers have car insurance. Although this might not mean you’ll be covered in case of any damage to your car, full coverage isn’t legally required. This means you’ll have to pay for any damages or injuries out of pocket.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Indiana
It is important to remember that the cheapest car insurance doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad deal. Insurers offer cheap rates because of their low expectations of risk, which means that you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if something happens.
Best Car Insurance Companies
There are many insurers in the state of Indiana and although some may offer better rates than others it doesn’t mean that they offer good service. It is best to follow recommendations from friends and family or online reviews.
Compare Indiana Quotes Online
Many websites allow you to compare quotes for car insurance in Indiana. This is important because not all insurers offer cheap rates, meaning finding the most affordable deal is useful.
Average Cost of Car Insurance
The average cost of car insurance in Indiana is $793 per year, although prices can vary significantly depending on the company and the individual circumstances of each insurer.
Drivers With a DUI in Indiana
A drunk driving charge will not only raise your rates but may also cause you to lose your license. This means that you will have to pay for taxis or other forms of transportation if you need to go places.
Drivers With Tickets in Indiana
Any traffic offence, whether speeding or running a red light, may cause your rates to increase, even if it’s your first offence. This is because these offences are considered risky.
Drivers With Bad Credit in Indiana
A poor credit score can cause your rates to increase significantly which is why it’s important to check your credit before buying insurance. This will allow you to raise your score or find a better deal than your insurer offers.
Seniors in Indiana
Senior citizens are often thought to be more likely to be involved in car accidents, which is why they pay more for insurance. This may be true, but many other factors also determine your rates.
Student Drivers in Indiana
New drivers often face high rates as they present a higher risk than experienced drivers. This will raise your rates and cause you to lose your license if you break any traffic rules.
Car Insurance in Indiana
As of 2013, it is required by law to carry car insurance in the state of Indiana, although full coverage isn’t necessary and insurers offer policies with very low limits. This means you will have to pay for any damage or injuries caused by yourself out of pocket.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand the difference between cheap insurance and a good deal. Remember, although it may be tempting to go with the cheapest insurer available, if they have lower expectations of risk, you’ll end up paying more out-of-pocket after an accident. To find the best rates for car insurance in Indiana contact us today!
