Three Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

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When you drive in Alabama, you have to have auto insurance. It’s important never to be without this type of policy. If you’re driving in the state, you have to have valid insurance, and you have to be able to provide proof that you have it. If you don’t, you could face a lot of fines and fees.

Don’t take chances that you might get in trouble for not having it, and don’t be financially at risk. Keep auto insurance at all times. To get started, you can contact us at Robinson Insurance Group LLC in Alabama.

3 Auto Insurance Types

Bodily Injury Liability

There are several types of auto coverage that should be in your policy One of these is called bodily injury liability. If you’ve been in a wreck where another party was injured, you would be responsible for the medical bills afterward. When you have this type of coverage, it pays for those medical bills. It can also pay for other expenses like ongoing therapy needed for the injury. 

Property Damage Liability 

This type of liability coverage pays for the damage that was done to the other party’s property. This may be repairs that their vehicle needs, repairs to a home or other structure, etc. If you cause damage to property with your vehicle, the cost of repairs can be extremely expensive. With this type of liability coverage, you won’t have to sweat coming up with the money for the repairs by yourself. 

Collision Coverage

With this type of coverage, the damage that the accident did to your own vehicle is covered. If you were to cause an accident and your vehicle was badly damaged, it could be hard to come up with the repair bills alone. 

Get Auto Insurance 

If you’re in Alabama and you need auto insurance, call us at Robinson Insurance Group LLC.

Flood Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance in Alabama

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It is very important for residents of Alabama to understand the difference between flood insurance and regular home insurance. After all, the state is sadly quite susceptible to the flash flooding associated with the severe weather that occurs often in the Deep South. There are critical distinctions, however, and at Robinson Insurance Group LLC, we believe they should be made clear.

Flood Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance 

Homeowners’ insurance is a policy that usually covers damages caused by fire and some natural disasters, though this usually does not include flooding. Theft is also typically covered under such a policy.

That means vulnerable Alabama citizens will need to add flood coverage if they want to remain protected. Flood insurance policies specifically address the financial devastation left in the aftermath of a flooding event. These can be caused by tropical storms and hurricanes, or even the heavy rains that affect the area each summer. These policies are usually provided through the National Flood Insurance Program, and they cover both structural and property damage. That means your home itself is covered, as well as its contents. Some policies even cover the cost of temporary housing if relocation is necessary due to flooding.

Interestingly, if you have water damage that resulted from a roof leak or a burst pipe, your homeowners’ insurance should cover the cost of remediation. It won’t, however, take care of any damage incurred due to storm surges, rising rivers, or any other natural water event. That is why it is crucial for Alabama homeowners in low-lying areas to consider flood insurance in addition to their regular home insurance.

We Are Here To Help

Just remember, that unlike homeowners’ insurance, which is often required by banks as a prerequisite for mortgage approval, flood insurance is only mandated by the local and federal government if your home is located in a designated flood zone.

That being said, it is a wise idea to get coverage before an unexpected weather event affects you and your family. Give us a call at Robinson Insurance Group LLC, or stop by today, to discuss your options with an experienced agent.

Are earthquakes, floods and storms covered under Alabama home insurance?

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Alabama homeowners insurance is important to protect you from unforeseen disasters. If your home is struck by lightning or damaged by wind, your policy will pay for damages up to your policy limits. However, there are some disasters that are not normally included in a typical homeowners policy. At Robinson Insurance Group LLC, we want to help you make sure you have the protection you and your family need.

What Kinds of Disasters Are Typically Covered?

Here is a list of natural events that are generally covered:

  • Lightning, including the damage resulting from falling tree branches.
  • Damage from wind, including secondhand damage by debris.
  • House fires, including kitchen fires or fires caused by weather. There are exceptions for criminal acts like arson if you are found to be culpable.
  • Wildfires, which could damage the entire property.
  • Cold weather-related damage, such as that caused by ice or snow. You may be expected to take action to mitigate harm.

What Kinds Of Disasters Are Not Always Covered?

  • Depending on where you live, you may not have protection if there is a hurricane. Some areas are more likely to experience hurricanes, and you need to find out if you are protected. 
  • Your home may be partially or completely destroyed by an earthquake, even if you do not live near a fault line. Homeowners insurance does not cover earthquakes but may cover some of the resulting damage and temporary living assistance.
  • If caused by flooding, water damage is not covered under your standard homeowners’ policy. 

We Are Here To Help

If you want to protect your Alabama home from these additional perils, you may be able to purchase additional coverage. Call Robinson Insurance Group today so we can help you assess your risks and help you get the protection you need.

How much can I expect to recover under my auto insurance if my car is totaled in Alabama?

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It never feels as though you can be justly compensated when your car is totaled. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will be able to recover the purchase price of your vehicle if it is totaled. As soon as you drive off the lot, your car starts to depreciate. There are rules for how it works if your vehicle is totaled in Alabama. We at Robinson Insurance Group LLC can help you navigate the process and help get you back on the road as soon as possible.

What Does It Mean When a Car Is Totaled In Alabama?

A car is totaled when it is simply too impractical to repair it. Under Alabama law, a car is considered a total loss when the cost of the needed repairs added to the salvage value is equal to at least 75% of the car’s actual cash value. When a car has that much damage, it is reasonable to think that there are even more damages that you can find on first inspection. It is simply too expensive to fix it.

Actual Cash Value

The actual cash value of the car is how much your vehicle was worth before it was damaged. If you bought a car for $10,000 and someone totaled it on your way home, the actual cash value is probably about $9,000. Your car depreciates about 10% as soon as you drive it off the Alabama sales lot.

Schedule A Consultation Today

You may be able to recover the replacement value of your vehicle if you add new car replacement or gap insurance. If you would like to see how much protection you already have and discuss your options, please call Robinson Insurance Group today.

Does everyone in Alabama need food insurance?

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Do you know if you live in a floodplain? There is an easy way to check in Alabama. The government provides information about special flood areas and what kinds of hazards you might face if you live there. 

If you live in a floodplain, you may already know about it if you have a government mortgage. With certain kinds of loans, you need to purchase flood protection for as long as you owe. However, your location in a flood plain doesn’t tell the whole story. At Robinson Insurance Group LLC, we can help you make sure your Alabama and business are protected.

Why Would Someone Need Flood Insurance If Not Living In a Floodplain?

Water damage is expensive, often costing at least tens of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, standard property insurance usually excludes flood damage. Flood zones can change, and your area may even be affected by new developments around you. Even within flood zones, there are different levels of risk. 

The worst part is that your new flood protection may not protect you right away. Many policies do not go into effect for the first 30 days. That means that you can’t wait until you see disaster coming before getting a flood insurance policy.

We Can Answer Your Questions

This area of insurance can be confusing because most people have never had to deal with it before. If you think that you can’t afford to pay out of pocket for the damages caused by flooding, it costs nothing to speak with us at Robinson Insurance Group LLC about what your actual risks are. We can help you assess your needs based on where you are located and what the area is like. Protect your Alabama home today so you have one less thing to worry about tomorrow.

Four things that some people don’t realize about home insurance

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Homeowners in Alabama can meet their home insurance needs with our assistance at Robinson Insurance Group LLC. It’s important for homeowners to have enough information about their insurance needs and coverage options.

The following are four things that some people don’t realize about home insurance:

Mortgage lenders require borrowers to have home insurance. 

Homeowners are sometimes under the misconception that they can choose whether to buy insurance. However, any homeowner who is still paying off a mortgage needs to have home insurance. 

Mortgage lenders typically handle payments on borrowers’ home insurance through an escrow account. 

You can choose between replacement value and actual cash value coverage.

Replacement value coverage covers the total costs of rebuilding your home if it is destroyed. On the other hand, actual cash value coverage compensates the homeowner for the market value of their home. 

Ideally, you should choose replacement value coverage so that you’re not compensated for less than the full value of your home due to depreciation. 

Home insurance policies include liability protection.

Some homeowners don’t realize that home insurance doesn’t only cover your home’s value when your home becomes damaged. Home insurance also protects you from liability expenses if you face a lawsuit because of an accident or injury in your home.  

Flood insurance is not included in a standard home insurance policy.

Home insurance won’t include coverage for flood damage to your home. You’ll have to purchase flood insurance separately if you want to be covered by flood damage. 

Reach Out To Us

At Robinson Insurance Group LLC, we’re here to answer questions you have about covering your home with the right insurance policy. Call us for a quote on a home insurance policy for your home in Alabama. 

How Much Auto Insurance Do You Really Need?

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Your auto insurance is an important protection for your financial stability. Basic coverage is required by law, but you may need additional insurance, depending on your circumstances. Robinson Insurance Group LLC can help you to find the right coverage for your unique needs. 

Each State Sets Its Minimum Requirements For Insurance

Every state determines its own financial requirements for auto insurance. The state of Alabama sets its bodily injury liability limit at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. The property damage limit is set at $25,000. No other requirements are set in the state, but you may wish to add additional coverage for your needs.

Different Types of Additional Coverage Are Available

Liability insurance limits are set at a low level by law which may not necessarily be enough to cover you if you are sued. You may wish to purchase higher levels of liability insurance.

Although uninsured motorist coverage is not required in Alabama, it’s a good idea to have this coverage to pay your medical costs if an accident is caused by an uninsured motorist or someone who has insufficient insurance. Collision insurance defrays the costs of repairing your vehicle after an accident. This type of insurance is often required for leased vehicles. Personal injury coverage pays for medical costs if you or your passenger is hurt in an accident. Gap insurance helps to cover the difference between the value of your car and how much you still owe on the vehicle.

Looking for Auto Insurance?

The experienced insurance professionals at Robinson Insurance Group LLC can answer your questions about coverage to ensure you have the right policy for your unique situation. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote on auto insurance to protect you while you are on the road.

How do I find out what flood zone I live in?

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Living in a flood-prone area in Alabama can be challenging, especially if you are not aware of the flood zones in your locality. Flood zones categorize areas based on their flood risk level. Robinson Insurance Group LLC explains how to find your flood zone and what it means.

How do I find out what flood zone I live in?

When it comes to finding out what flood zone you live in, the first thing you need to do is to check with your insurance agent. They can provide detailed flood maps showing the flood zones in your locality. Alternatively, you can head to the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website and use their Flood Map Service Center to find out which flood zone you live in. All you need to do is enter your address, and the tool will show you the flood zones in your area.

Once you know what flood zone you live in, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the risks. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, you may want to consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood insurance covers damage caused by floodwater and can provide peace of mind knowing you are protected in a flood. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have an evacuation plan, so you know what to do in a flood emergency.

We Can Help!

Understanding flood zones is essential for anyone who wants to protect themselves and their property from the devastating effects of a flood. Once you know your flood zone, you can take the necessary steps to mitigate the risks, such as purchasing flood insurance, having an evacuation plan, and elevating your Alabama property. Contact Robinson Insurance Group LLC for more details on flood insurance today.

Preparing your home for an emergency

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No matter where you live, emergencies happen, and it is vital that your family and your home be prepared. At Robinson Insurance Group LLC in Alabama, we make sure that your home is prepared for an emergency with the correct home insurance. As an independent insurance agency, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the finest service and making sure they have the insurance they need. 

Preparing your home for an emergency

Have an emergency getaway route

In the event that a storm, tornado, hurricane, or other disaster is bearing down on you, it is important to have a route mapped out before the emergency is imminent. You should have a first choice and then a second choice depending on which direction you need to go. 

Have important papers together

Put all your important papers, birth certificates, insurance policies, mortgage documents, passports, etc. together in a water and fire-proof container and have it where you can easily grab it quickly if you must make a speedy escape. You might want to put a few important photos into the container as well. 

Stock necessities

Make sure you have plenty of bottled water, batteries, light sources that don’t require electricity and a way to cook or warm things up that doesn’t require electricity.

Have a generator

A generator is a lifesaver if you lose power for an extended period. You can choose to have a portable generator, or you can have a whole-house generator. This allows you to maintain as normal a life as possible in the event your area is hit by a disaster. Make sure you have a fuel supply that can last more than a day or two. 

Reach Out To Us

To find out more about home insurance coverage, give us a call at Robinson Insurance Group LLC in Alabama, and let us help you get the coverage that is right for you. 

Get Your Car Ready for Summer Driving

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As warm weather approaches, it’s time to get your vehicle ready for summer driving. Summers in Alabama can get very hot. At Robinson Insurance Group LLC, we want you to be aware of several items you’ll want to make sure are in order before you take off on a road trip across the country or just across town.

Get Your Car Ready for Summer Driving

Check the Tires

When the roads get warm, this can cause tires to lose rubber on the highway. Making sure there’s enough tread on your tires is important for driving as safely as possible during the summer. It’s also important to make sure your tires have enough air pressure.

Get a Tune-Up

A tune-up would normally include a detailed engine inspection. This should also include changing fuel and air filters, changing damaged or old spark plugs, and adjusting the clutch in vehicles with manual transmission. 

Make Sure the AC is Working

Freon can leak out through the winter months. This can be hard on your compressor. Some repair shops may check this out for you at little or no cost when you’re getting a tune-up. The last thing you want is your air conditioner to conk out when those warm days finally arrive!

Update Your Insurance

You’ll want to make sure you have enough auto coverage. In Alabama, there is a minimum amount of liability insurance every driver is required to have. All drivers must also have proof of auto insurance with them at all times when driving and be ready to show the information to law enforcement when it is requested. Call us at Robinson Insurance Group LLC for more information about updating your auto insurance.