Auto Insurance
When it comes to auto insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all plan.
Why You Need Auto Insurance
As New Englanders, there’s nothing we love more than a weekend road trip. Whether you and your family escape to the Maine coast, the Cape or the mountains of VT & NH, it’s important to have a comprehensive auto insurance policy to protect you.
In this day and age, distracted driving has become a huge cause of loss — for both teen and adult drivers. Not only are cars now equipped with all sorts of new gadgets, but we have our cell phones constantly sending us notifications, beckoning us to take our eyes off the road. Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,166 lives in 2017 alone.
In addition, we face the unpredictable New England weather on a daily basis. From nasty storms that down trees to dangerous winter conditions that create potholes everywhere — it’s important to have auto insurance to cover you from the daily impediments we all face. Auto insurance can even protect you when you’re not on the road, in the event of theft, damage by fire, or vandalism.
The Doherty Difference
Here at Doherty Insurance, the safety of you and your family is paramount to us. We all know that accidents can and will happen. Having the right auto insurance coverage will protect you, your passengers, other drivers, and even pedestrians who may be impacted as a result. And remember: in Massachusetts, auto insurance isn’t a choice, it’s a requirement.
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Do you qualify for a special Group Discount?
Aside from these basic coverages that come with any auto insurance policy, there are add-ons you may want to consider based on your current needs. For example, if you have a new driver in the family, if you spend a significant portion of your day commuting, if you require the use of a rental car on a regular basis, or if you’ve recently purchased a new car. Contact a Doherty Insurance agent today and we’ll help you figure out the best add-ons for your particular situation.
When you contact us, don’t forget to ask about our bundling options and Group Discount Program to save money on your car insurance.
We always want you to get to and from your destination safely and without incident — but unfortunately, the unexpected can and will happen. When you work with Doherty Insurance to discuss auto insurance options, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your needs are carefully considered and you’re receiving the best plan to protect you, your family, and other drivers on the road.
The Doherty Glossary
Liability Coverage
The minimum level of coverage required by most states. It covers legal costs to others when you’re at fault. Bodily Injury Liability covers medical bills and lost wages if you are at fault in an accident. Property Damage Liability covers repairs or replacement of property that you destroy — including cars and other things like fences, walls, or mailboxes — as a result of an accident you’re found responsible for.
Scenario
On a rainy day, your brakes give out and you rear-end another car. You damage the vehicle and injure the driver. We’ll pay for the other driver’s car repairs and injuries, including legal fees from any potential lawsuit, up to your policy limits. There is no deductible for liability insurance.
Collision Coverage
This covers for damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident and any repairs needed. If your car is totaled or damages exceed the value of your car, collision insurance will cover the cost of towing your car to a salvage yard and you will receive the current cash value for your car.
Scenario
Your car slips on ice backing out of your driveway and you hit your mailbox, causing $1,000 worth of damage to your vehicle. If you have collision coverage, we’ll pay to repair your car, minus your deductible.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged from an incident out of your control, such as fire, vandalism, theft, natural disasters, or collisions with animals like deer.
Scenario
During a severe thunderstorm, a tree falls on your car that’s parked outside your home. We’ll cover the damage to your car, up to your deductible.
Medical Payments Coverage
This covers the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation, and, if applicable, lost wages and funeral expenses for you, your family members, or your passengers as a result of an accident, no matter who is at fault. It even covers medical bills if you are driving someone else’s car or are injured when a car his you.
Scenario
Your neighbor drives your child and a bunch of other kids to their soccer game, and they’re in an accident. Your child is injured and has a $2,000 medical bill. Medical Payments will cover that bill, up to the limits of your policy. No deductible applies.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage (UI/UIM)
This is coverage for the costs if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run or involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or if the other driver doesn’t have sufficient coverage to pay your medical bills. Nearly 14% of all drivers in the US are uninsured, so you’re taking your chances if you refuse UM/UIM coverage.
Scenario
A 16-year-old runs a stop sign and hits your car, causing severe whiplash to your neck and damaging your vehicle. Before heading to the hospital, you stop to get their insurance information, and find out they are not on their parent’s insurance. Uninsured motorists coverage would cover your medical bills and damage to your car, up to your policy’s limits.
Rental Reimbursment
If your own car is damaged or stolen, we’ll cover the costs of a rental car while your car is being repaired or replaced.
Scenario
You hit a deer one night and have severely damaged the side of your vehicle. During the 2-3 weeks it takes to fix your car, we’ll pay for rental car fees, up to your policy’s limits.
Towing and Labor
In the event of a flat tire, empty fuel tank, or dead battery, this coverage will help with the costs of roadside assistance.
Scenario
Your car breaks down on the highway midway through a road trip to Maine. Towing and Labor coverage will cover the costs of having it towed to the nearest auto body shop.
Gap Insurance
For newer vehicles, you should consider this type of coverage. Gap coverage will pay the difference between the cash value of your car and the amount left on your loan in the event your vehicle is totaled.
Scenario
You just leased a brand new car for $40,000. A soon as you drive it away from the dealership, your car may be worth $35,000. If you totaled your car, you’d still be responsible for paying back the full $40,000 loan. Gap Insurance would make up the difference.
