In Cincinnati, OH, car insurance is required by law. Failure to purchase car insurance will result in loss of license, hefty fines, and even possible jail time. However, avoiding penalties of law isn’t the only reason why car insurance is essential. Car insurance protects you and your vehicle from costs and damages from accidents to natural disasters. Here are the top reasons to keep your vehicle insured.

Car Insurance Protects You Financially

There are many costs associated with owning a vehicle, especially when you are involved in an accident.  Car insurance protects you against any fees that might occur relating to an accident. It will protect you from coming out of pocket for medical bills, legal expenses, and vehicle repairs.

Protects You Against A Lawsuit

Even if you are at fault for an accident and caused significant damage to another driver or property, having auto insurance will help protect you against claims made against you, including legal defense.

Car Insurance Helps You Protect Yourself

While liability is a requirement when operating a vehicle, many drivers drive without it. Having your own auto insurance will help you cover repairs and medical bills if you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have insurance or the means to cover your claims.

Helps Protect Your Passengers

If you are involved in an accident, car insurance will protect your passengers if they are injured. In addition, some policies will cover hospital visits, surgeries, and other medical expenses.

Peace of Mind

 Having car insurance will give you peace of mind knowing your expenses will be covered in case of an accident.

For more information on the importance of car insurance, reach out to the Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH.

Many families in the Cincinnati, OH area count on Advantage Insurance Network for all of their insurance needs. We are here to help you find the coverage that makes sense for your family. If you are looking for options for auto insurance, we can help. Fleet insurance is often a good choice for families with multiple drivers and vehicles, and we can tell you everything you need to know. 

Benefits of a fleet policy

Rather than carry individual policies for all members of your family, fleet coverage will cover everyone under the same policy. There are a number of different situations where fleet insurance is a more suitable choice than individual policy coverage. Our team of knowledgeable agents can answer all of your questions and help you decide on the most appropriate policy type and coverage level for your family.

With a fleet policy, all of your vehicles are protected You can rest easy knowing that you have a policy in place that will give your family drivers the protection they need. This type of policy can provide the collision and liability coverage you need, but with a single policy. With fewer insurance policies to keep track of, you can spend your time and energy focusing on your family! Now is a good time to review your family’s auto insurance coverage and see if a fleet policy makes sense for you.

Contact us today and find out more!

If you are a resident of the greater Cincinnati, OH area and want to understand all of the options available for your auto insurance, call or stop by today. The team at Advantage Insurance Network is here to answer your questions and help you find the coverage that is appropriate for your family’s needs.

You have probably heard that when a couple gets married, you should combine their auto insurance policies. Ideally, this saves you money.

Sometimes though, you should not bundle because it would result in raising the insurance premiums. We want the happy couples of Cincinnati, OH to remain happy, so Advantage Insurance Network wants to explain the ins and outs of marriage and auto insurance.

When it works, the reduced rate on auto insurance comes from lowered risk and a multi-vehicle discount. You see, married couples drive safer. Getting married, statistics show, encourages you to drive more safely. The other part of the reduced rate is that you insure more than one vehicle on a single policy. Under normal circumstances, this results in up to a 25 percent reduction in premiums.

This assumes that both spouses have a pristine driving record. If one of you has incurred a number of speeding tickets or a DUI/DWI, the insurance of the good driver would go up if you bundle. High-risk drivers pay much higher premiums.

You may still be able to save a little money on premiums if you will move other insurance policies to the same carrier. This would require moving your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and your life insurance all to the same carrier.

You need to consider the policies provided by both insurance companies. Read each policy statement carefully, so you know that both options would provide the same coverage and protection. It is not savings if your new policy does not cover the same items or cover them to the same level.

Call Advantage Insurance Network to talk to one of our agents serving Cincinnati, OH. Let us help you see how you can best bundle your auto insurance after marriage.

If you live in the Cincinnati, OH area and need auto insurance, you want to make sure you get a trusted agent and the right policy for your vehicle and situation. At Advantage Insurance Network, we can help with that. We’re here to make sure you get the information you need, so you can make an informed decision about your vehicle policy needs. Then we can help you choose a policy that’s right for you. We work with several different insurance carriers, so you’ll have choices to pick from based on what you’re looking for. Here are five things you might not know about car insurance, that you’ll want to consider.

1. State minimums vary, but nearly all states have them.

2. You can raise your coverage beyond the minimum, but there are top-end limits, as well.

3. The type of vehicle you drive will affect specifics about your policy.

4. You should review and update your policy at least once every year.

5. Your agent is your very best resource for questions or concerns.

You don’t have to settle for less than a quality policy you feel good about. With the right car insurance, you can have plenty of peace of mind to help you feel better on the road. Contact us at Advantage Insurance Network today if you’re in the Cincinnati, OH area, and we’ll be happy to help you find a great auto insurance policy you can feel good about. That will help protect you and your passengers, along with others on the road. Call or stop in today, so we can work with you and make sure you’re properly protected. Your vehicle is important, and the right insurance policy is one of the best ways to help take good care of it.

Cincinnati, OH is a great place to drive and there is a  lot to do and see. You know you need insurance to drive legally, but you may not remember all the rules, especially if you’ve been driving for a while.

Once you purchased your auto insurance from  Advantage Insurance Network, you probably didn’t look at your policy again. When your friends ask to borrow your vehicle, you need to know if the damages will be covered if there is an accident. 

The general rule is that the insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. That means that usually damages are covered no matter who is driving. 

When You’re Not Covered 

There are several circumstances where you probably won’t be covered in the event of a crash:

• Your friend doesn’t have a legal right to drive. It may seem silly to check your friend’s license status, but you could end up paying if you don’t. 
• You didn’t give permission to the person driving your vehicle.  For instance, your son could allow a friend to drive your car without your knowledge or permission.  Or you could lend your vehicle to someone who lets someone else drive it.
• The car was driven recklessly, such as at a very high speed. 
• The car was used to commit a crime. Insurance companies will want to distance themselves from criminal activities. 

You want to follow the rules driving in Cincinnati, OH, and meeting insurance requirements is one of the most important rules of all. If you want to see if you can find a better policy to suit your needs, or if you have any other questions about your policy, please feel free to call Advantage Insurance Network today. 

When buying a new or previously-owned automobile from a car dealer, you will need to have auto insurance in place before the dealer will let you drive it off the lot. Most auto dealers will try their best to get you to buy auto insurance through their contacts. Everything that they add on to the purchase is more money in their pockets. They may get a commission, rebates, special incentives, or other things by placing new auto insurance through certain insurance underwriters and insurance agencies that they have an affiliation with. However, there are many reasons why it is not a good idea to get your auto insurance from the same place as you buy your car.

Talk with Your Agent For Best Results

One reason is that you add another middle-person in the transaction, which usually makes the same level of auto insurance coverage more expensive. Moreover, you may never get to talk with an insurance agent to get the personal, high-quality customer service that you deserve.

You can avoid these troubles by simply calling your agent at Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding area, when you are getting a new car. In fact, you can call your agent when you are thinking about which car might be best to buy so that you can also compare the insurance premiums for the different choices.

More information is always helpful when making a major buying decision such as get a new vehicle. Different vehicle makes and model years have different insurance requirements. Knowing upfront what your monthly costs will be, makes you a better- informed consumer. Also, if the vehicle has some problems with insurance claims for a specific vehicle or model, your agent can inform you about these things.

Get a Quote While You Shop

So, as you are shopping for a new vehicle or a previously-owned one, just call your insurance agent at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH to get a quote. Everything can be handled quickly and easily so you are ready with auto insurance coverage when you want to drive your new vehicle off the lot. 

Auto insurance protects you financially in the event of a car accident. If you have a relative who lives in the same address in Cincinnati, OH, you can add him or her to your auto insurance policy. If you intend to add someone else to your auto insurance or want to buy a car with your roommate, here are some scenarios you should consider.

Adding your roommate to your auto insurance policy

The car insurance should be under your name. However, it is important to discuss with your insurance agent about adding your roommate to your auto insurance policy as an operator because you live in the same address. In a situation where both of you have their own vehicles and you are likely to use each other’s vehicles, you should consult with your insurance agent to confirm whether the Advantage Insurance Network insurance policy coverage extends to other drivers. It is, however, crucial to understanding how it works before committing.

Can I add someone who doesn’t live in the same address?

Typically, people listed in a car insurance policy in Cincinnati, OH must be the registered owners of the car or related to the car owner. Therefore, you can keep your child who is in college in your car insurance policy. It may not be possible to add non-related drivers who don’t live in the same address in your car insurance policy. Your insurance agent will help you on the best way to handle a situation whereby you and a friend own a car together.

Other considerations

According to the Insurance Information Institute, regardless of who is driving a particular vehicle, the primary insurance is the auto insurance policy that covers that vehicle. In other words, the auto insurance policy is supposed to help cover for damages in case a covered vehicle is involved in an accident, even if it was being driven by your friend. Your friend’s auto insurance policy may also be used as a secondary coverage option.

It is important to understand the terms of your auto insurance before you buy a car with a friend or add someone else to your insurance policy. Talk to one of our Advantage Insurance Network agent to be sure that you, your friend, and the car are covered fully to avoid unnecessary expenses in the event of an accident.

 

All states have their own auto insurance laws, including Ohio. If you own a car in Cincinnati, OH, here are some basic things you can expect when purchasing your first auto insurance policy. Many of these topics can be further explained by a reputable insurance agent, however, here are some of the basics to help you gain a better grasp.  

1. Liability Insurance: There are two areas that fall under liability insurance. These are bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage. This only covers other drivers/passengers or vehicles if you are liable. If the other driver is liable, their insurance covers any property or bodily injury you may incur.  

2.  Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: These are considered optional coverage unless you have a loan on your vehicle. If you are financing your car through a bank, then this coverage becomes mandatory. Collision insurance covers damages to your vehicle if there is an accident. Comprehensive insurance covers those less common damages to your vehicle, such as theft or vandalism.  

3.  Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist, this coverage will take care of damages.  

4.  Personal Injury Protection: This insurance pays your medical bills regardless of fault.  

To learn more about these and other insurance coverage options for your first-time auto insurance policy, contact the Advantage Insurance Network. We serve drivers in the Cincinnati, OH area and can be contacted at 513-922-9460. Speak with one of our expert and friendly insurance agents to find the right auto insurance policy for your particular driving situation. At Advantage Insurance Network will answer all your questions, look at different options, and help you compare quotes. 

 

 

Before your teen gets a driver’s license in Cincinnati, OH, you should be aware of how this life change will affect your insurance rate. Advantage Insurance Network can help you get insurance if you are in need of it for yourself or for your teen.

Temporary Permit

Teens in Ohio are able to get a temporary permit, or a learner’s permit, at the age of 15 1/2. This allows teen drivers to learn to drive while under the direct supervision of a parent or other trusted adult. Teens will need to pass a written driver’s licensing test and a vision screening. Drivers can go to deputy registrar licensing agencies to complete the final steps of getting a drivers license. Teens must provide proof of legal name, birth date, Social Security number, citizenship, and Ohio residency. Additionally, parents have to be present with legal ID to co-sign for the temporary permit. When a teen gets a temporary permit, it is the responsibility of the parent, guardian, or owner of the vehicle that the teen is operating to have insurance coverage.  Teens do not have to have their own coverage until they have a regular driver’s license.

Probationary Driver’s License

Before teens can receive a probationary license, they must take a driver’s instruction course and log 50 hours of driving practice under the supervision of an adult. Ten of those hours must be night driving.  They must also hold a temporary permit for at least six months and be at least 16 years old. Teens must also take the road test, demonstrating their abilities behind the wheel of a car. After passing the test, teens will still have to follow certain restrictions until they are 18 years old. 

Once a teen is granted a probationary driver’s license, he must then be added to the parent’s insurance as a driver or get his own insurance policy. Generally, insurance rates will go up with a younger driver on the policy. 

If you have a teen driver in Cincinnati, OH, the helpful people at Advantage Insurance Network can help you figure out the best way to insure your teen driver.

So what happens when a young person is college-bound in Cincinnati, OH? Well, of course there is the excitement, the amazement of a new place and people, and a little bit of anxiety about going to a new school. But when the fuss settles down a bit, one of the pressures tends to be cost. So the natural reactions tends to be trying to save where possible and getting ready to live on a tight budget or limited means. And that can lead a family or young person to veer towards budget auto insurance as well. However, minimum coverage is not always a good idea when going to college, according to Advantage Insurance Network. Here’s a few reasons why.

First, colleges and universities are full of young people doing dumb things. It’s part of growing up. And that means there can be some knuckleheads who like to play pranks or do worse, like break in cars to steal things. So car intentional car damage happens. Second, students tend to be less-than-stellar drivers which means college areas tend to be more accident prone as well. Third, parking is most likely going to be outside versus a garage, whether living a dormitory or at an apartment. That means exposure raises the risk of things happening to a car parked on the street or in a big parking lot. And, finally, college students love to go on trips with each other for all sorts of reasons, and that means driving in unfamiliar places which also contributes to accidents or problems.

Given all the above, Cincinnati, OH college-bound students are going to be better served with a comprehensive auto policy where possible. To get more details on how to make it happen with different budgets, the folks at Advantage Insurance Network can help. Give them an email or call to find out more.