What Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

Nobody wants to think about the possibility of an accident. However, crashes don’t always involve other drivers. In that case, you may want to consider purchasing comprehensive insurance for your vehicle in Miami, FL. Need help? B & G Insurance has knowledgeable agents to help determine if this makes sense for your vehicle.

What Is Comprehensive Insurance?

Comprehensive insurance typically covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle when you’re the only driver involved. It’s essential to understand the extent of coverage of your specific policy. However, here are common examples of covered perils:

  • Theft-related damage
  • Damage due to fire, hail, or flooding
  • Damage from an animal
  • Damage from fallen objects
  • Damage due to vandalism

If you have gaps in your current policy, comprehensive insurance may help further protect you and your vehicle. For example, liability insurance doesn’t typically cover the cost of your vehicle in a single-car accident.

Is Comprehensive Coverage Worth It?

You may not have a choice in whether or not you have to purchase comprehensive coverage. Many leasing companies and lenders will require it in your rental or loan agreement. However, it might still make sense if you pay off your car or pay cash for one. For example, comprehensive insurance will cover losses in the event of theft or vandalism. This could save you a lot of money when repairing your vehicle.

Some accidents are unavoidable. A deer can jump in front of your car, leaving you no opportunity to miss it. At least with comprehensive coverage, you won’t have to worry about paying for the damages.

Contact B & G Insurance if you need more information about how to purchase comprehensive auto insurance coverage in Miami, FL. We are happy to discuss the pros and cons of adding comprehensive coverage to your policy.

Actions safe drivers take every time they get behind the wheel

It’s estimated that 1.2 million people are injured in car accidents yearly. While many of these accidents are unavoidable, there are some steps that all drivers can take to minimize their risk and stay safe on the road. Here are three actions safe drivers take every time they get behind the wheel.

  1. Wear your seatbelt at all times. This is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe in a car, as it protects you in the event of an accident. Not only that but buckling up also helps keep you and any passengers in your vehicle from being ejected in the event of a collision.
  2. Don’t drink and drive. Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of car accidents, so it’s essential to avoid alcohol or other substances before getting behind the wheel. Even if you don’t feel impaired, it’s still safer to have a designated driver who abstains completely from alcohol or other substances that can impair your judgment.
  3. Follow the speed limit and always stay within the legal limits of your state. Driving too fast is one of the most common causes of car accidents, so it’s important to pay attention to posted speed limits and stick to them at all times.

Following these tips can help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Safe driving is essential for everyone on the road; please be sure to practice these safety tips every time you drive. And, if you have any questions about your insurance coverage, give us at B & G Insurance a call today. We proudly serve the Miami, FL area.

How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need?

At B & G Insurance in Miami, FL, we usually receive this question from our clients: How much auto insurance do I need? You see, most motorists renew their auto insurance every year but never pause for a moment to think whether they have sufficient coverage. Unfortunately, if you have insufficient auto insurance, you will likely incur out-of-pocket expenses when the unthinkable strikes. So, how much car insurance do you need? To help you decide, let’s first look at the state-required auto insurance.

Minimum auto insurance in Florida

To understand the amount of auto insurance you need, you have to meet the state-required minimums first. For instance, in Florida, motorists must include the below coverages in their auto insurance policy:

  • Property damage liability of at least $10,000
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of a minimum of $10,000

If you look at the state-required minimums, they are pretty low and won’t cover you if faced with a severe accident.

How much liability coverage do you need?

Although Florida doesn’t require bodily liability insurance, we strongly advise you consider this investment. Generally, we advise our clients to have a combined bodily injury and property damage liability of about $500,000. If you need more liability coverage, you can consider investing in umbrella insurance.

How much collision and comprehensive insurance do you need?

Here are some questions to help you decide how much physical damage coverage you need. What amount of deductibles are you comfortable with? How much of your car repairs can you handle comfortably? Can you afford to replace your car if it were totaled? Answering these questions guides you on how much auto insurance you require. Ultimately, collision and comprehensive coverage should be enough to replace your car in the worst-case scenario.

Learn more about auto insurance

Still not sure about how much auto insurance you should carry? Please get in touch with B & G Insurance of Miami, FL, for more information.

Common Mistakes Car Owners Make When Buying Auto Insurance

It’s crucial and mandatory to have auto insurance. Whether it’s your first time buying auto insurance or not, there are mistakes you could easily make if you aren’t careful. B & G insurance serving Miami, FL ensures you don’t make these costly mistakes by helping you buy suitable auto insurance that suits your individual needs. Below are some of the most common mistakes car owners make when buying auto insurance.

Not Comparing Different Policies

Some car owners purchase policies just because they offer low premiums or because someone recommended the policy, which should not be the case. It’s good to compare different policies and choose the most suitable one in terms of coverage and price.

B & G insurance offers different policies to cater to the needs of every car owner. If you live in Miami FL, we can help you get the right cover for your vehicle after considering various factors.

Purchasing Plans That Have Minimal Coverage

Although the law specifies minimal coverage for vehicles at times, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get additional coverage for your vehicle. If you can, get more coverage on top of what is required by the law so that in case of an accident, you will receive compensation.

Giving False Information

Some car owners give false or non-factual information when purchasing insurance policies. This is unethical and can lead to claim rejection and, at times, legal problems. Always give facts when filing insurance forms.

You should do due diligence when buying auto insurance to avoid making mistakes that can cost you a lot in the future or land you into legal problems. Sometimes, you can make these mistakes unintentionally due to a lack of knowledge. That’s why you need an insurance company like B&G insurance that will help you make the right choices. If you reside in Miami, FL, contact us to learn more about auto insurance and also check out the auto insurance policies we have.

Driving in the Rain: 3 Things to Know

Driving in the rain, whether it is lightly misting or flooding, is anxiety-provoking. As a result, it is important to focus on ways to make driving in the rain less of a white knuckler, and here a few tips to put you on a safe path.

Watch Out for Hydroplaning

The more it rains, the more water that begins to pool on the road. Unfortunately, knowing how deep a puddle is before driving through it is next to impossible. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires no longer have traction with the road because of the excess water below them. When hydroplaning happens, your vehicle will lose control and begin to slide. It takes very little rain for hydroplaning to occur and vehicles with tires that are more worn are more likely to skid. If you start to hydroplane, immediately take your foot off the gas and keep the steering wheel straight. Although counterintuitive, if you begin to spin turn the wheel in the direction of the spin but whatever you do – avoid making quick knee-jerk reactions with the steering wheel. 

Check Your Headlights

While it may sound obvious, you’d be surprised at the number of people that forget to turn on their lights during the rain. Not only is it required to have your headlights on in the vast majority of states when visibility is low, but also it forces you to pay more attention to your surroundings. 

Slow Your Roll

Remember that speed limit signs are set for optimal conditions and rain makes for subpar experiences. Consequently, slow down and consider using your four-way flashers to alert other drivers coming from behind that you are driving slow to avoid potential rear-end collisions.

For all your auto insurance needs, give B & G Insurance in Miami, FL a call for unparalleled service and a commitment to excellence.  

First Time Buying Auto Insurance? Here are 3 Tips to Help Save Money

Before you register your new car, you’ll need to purchase auto insurance in Miami, FL. The first time buying auto insurance can seem daunting, but the process is simple and straightforward. You may think it’s expensive, but agents work with you to find a policy for a price you can afford. Just consider these three know-how tips to save money on auto insurance brought to you by B & G Insurance that will ease your mind about the cost.

1. Bundle All Your Policies

To make your new auto insurance policy more affordable, bundle it with your other policies. Perhaps you have a home, renter’s, recreational, or other types of insurance. Take these and bundle them under one carrier for savings on your premiums. Be sure to ask your agent about other ways to save money on auto insurance.

2. Shop Around

You don’t want to overpay for insurance. For this reason, it’s wise to compare several quotes before choosing a policy. You don’t want to rush into the first policy of your review because there may be another policy out there with equal or better coverage for a lower price. We recommend comparing three to five quotes at the minimum to find the right policy.

3. Use a Reputable Agent

To make the most out of the tasks outlined above, use a reputable agent from B & G Insurance who is available by phone to answer all your questions and concerns, help you compare quotes, and help you bundle your policies under one carrier. 

To learn more about purchasing auto insurance in Miami, FL, contact us today. 

Home Insurance: Getting Your Home Ready For Winter

You need to make sure that you do everything that you can to prepare your home for winter in Miami, FL. This includes not only prepping your home physically but also protecting it with home insurance. Insurance agents at B & G Insurance are here to assist you every step of the way.

Winterize Your Home

When you’re in Florida, there’s no need to worry about pipes freezing or ice building on your roof. However, you should still prep for some colder weather. Be sure that your AC has been inspected recently so that it can be switched over to heat without cause for concern. Further, it can be beneficial to have tarps or large blankets around to cover landscaping when there’s a frost warning in place.

Protect Your Home

You should also have a look at your home insurance policy. Is it as sufficient as you need it to be? Particularly when you’re planning on having a holiday party, you want to look to see if you have enough liability coverage. This way, if someone gets injured at your home over the holidays, you have the coverage when you file a claim.

There are all sorts of ways for you to protect your home with a reliable home insurance policy. This includes looking at what is covered in your home in case you have made recent home additions. The good news is that there’s no reason for you to go through the process alone. You can get the help of a professional agent to answer questions and ensure you have sufficient protection.

Learn more about ways to keep your home protected by calling us at B & G Insurance. One of our agents can help you build a custom home insurance policy for you in Miami, FL.

Is it Time to Upgrade Your Auto Coverage?

Humans are creatures of habit, and once they do their research and make their initial decision about insurance coverage, they usually tend to just stick with what they know. Rolling over your policy year after year without review can lead to unwanted surprises down the road when your policy doesn’t keep pace with your current needs. Upgrading an auto policy may be necessary for you and your family if any significant changes have occurred in recent months or years. Residents in the greater Miami, FL area can rely on B & G Insurance to help them review their auto insurance options and determine which is right for their needs.

Is it Time to Upgrade Your Auto Policy?

If you have added new drivers or vehicles onto your policy, or it’s just been a while since you’ve taken a look at your auto insurance policy, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Increased coverage limits can help make the recovery from an accident less stressful. There are also many optional features that can help your life go more smoothly, such as rental car coverage and roadside assistance. We also recommend enhanced medical coverage as well as additional protection from under and uninsured drivers. If you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Florida auto insurance guidelines are the minimum requirement, and there are a lot of benefits that come with an upgraded, comprehensive policy.

Auto insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all and it may be time for you to upgrade your current policy. If you’ve had the same insurance for a while, contact B & G Insurance today to find out the auto insurance options available in the greater Miami, FL area.

3 Ways to Keep Auto Insurance Costs Low with a New Teen Driver

You and your teen have waited for years for this milestone, and the day has arrived that they can obtain their official driver’s license. As exciting as this milestone may be, it can also bring about one big concern: a spike in your auto insurance because teen drivers can be risky to cover. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep the costs of your auto insurance from B & G Insurance in Miami, FL as low as possible in spite of having a teen driver listed on your policy.

Take Advantage of Multi-Car Discounts

If you will be buying your new driver a vehicle of their own, make sure you look at multi-car discounts that may be available for doing so. Likewise, you may be able to bundle other forms of insurance to save money on your overall policy. For example, if you have renter’s insurance through a different carrier, it can be worth changing companies to reap a discount and help with savings. 

Look for Good Student Discounts 

Good students may be eligible for auto insurance discounts through some insurance companies if they have the good grades to prove they are a responsible student. When you work with a B & G insurance agent to obtain a quote for auto insurance in Miami, FL, they will be able to tell you if these discounts could be a possibility. 

Pay Your Policy Term In Advance 

It is always cheaper if you can pay for your full term of auto insurance in advance. Even though it is more money all at once, you can usually get a substantial amount of savings by paying for a full six-month policy in advance. 

For more information about auto insurance in Miami, FL, reach out to B & G Insurance for professional guidance.