One frequent question at the Smith Insurance Agency of Kingwood, WV, is how often drivers should check on auto insurance rates. How frequently is too often, and when is it not enough?

Many will seek out auto insurance quotes if they have recently had a bad experience with a provider or experienced a rate increase. Each of these situations is understandable. However, even if you are relatively satisfied, getting a car insurance quote every year or so can be beneficial. Here is why.

Rates Change

Insurance companies routinely alter rates. You may be able to find a more attractive rate this year.

Driving Records Change

You may have violations, citations, or even points expiring from your driving record. Comparing your rates can positively impact your rate.

Companies May Temporarily Lower Rates

Some car insurance rates may be temporarily lowered to attract new policyholders. You may fall into a desired group for a provider and be eligible for a lower rate.

You May Qualify For Discounts

You could now be eligible for discounts that weren’t previously available. You might qualify for a safe-driving discount, a good student discount, a discount for bundling, or more. Checking occasionally may end up benefiting you through lower premiums.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

Simply put, you won’t know if lower rates are available unless you check each year.

Checking Rates is Easy

Comparing car insurance rates is easier than you might think. Not only is it simple to check rates, but changing providers is also straightforward. We can help you get a quote from Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia.

Stay on Top of Car Insurance Rates with Smith Insurance Agency

If you live in the Kingwood, WV area, we invite you to contact us at the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia for your no-cost, no-obligation auto insurance quote today. We may even be able to assist you in upgrading your coverage. Reach out to us, answer a few questions, and get started today.

Residents of Kingwood, WV, and the surrounding area can benefit from the knowledge our team of independent agents at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia provides. If you have questions about auto insurance, we are here to help. 

What auto insurance is required in West Virginia?

In the state of West Virginia, all drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage to protect other drivers from an accident they may be responsible for. You must carry your insurance card in your vehicle at all times. You are required to have 

• $25,000 for one accident, one injury
• $50,000 for one accident, two or more injuries
• $25,000 for property damage

If you cancel your auto insurance, you are required to turn your license plate back into the DMV, and if you drive without the proper insurance coverage, you are subject to having your driver’s license suspended. 

Why should I have collision and comprehensive coverage?

If you have an auto loan or are leasing a vehicle, you are required to have collision and comprehensive coverage. But beyond that, can you survive without your car? Do you have the money to repair or replace it without insurance? If you answer yes, then you don’t need this coverage, but for the average person, it is a necessity unless your vehicle has little value. 

What documents should I carry with me in my vehicle?

Your vehicle registration and insurance card must always be in your vehicle. You must also carry your driver’s license in the car, either on your person or in the glove box. You could potentially be fined for not having them with you. 

Contact Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV, when you are ready to review your current auto coverage or have questions to ask our experienced agents. 

Is the scenic beauty of West Virginia calling to you this summer? There’s nothing like a road trip to spice up your summer holidays! As you plan to hit the road, don’t forget to review your auto insurance coverage to ensure you’ve got adequate protection for your travels. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV, we can help adjust your coverage to meet your summer driving needs.

Types of Auto Coverage

Various factors come into play when deciding on an auto policy, such as your driving habits, the type of vehicle you drive, the value of your car, your age and driving experience, etc. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, we can help personalize your auto policy to ensure you’re protected from any eventuality.  

Bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is mandatory in West Virginia to protect other drivers from accidents you cause. For summer travels, you should also consider the following additional coverage:

• Collision – to help cover your vehicle repair costs if it’s damaged in a collision
• Comprehensive – to protect your vehicle from weather damage, vandalism, non-collision incidents, and theft during your travels
• Uninsured Motorist – to help pay for your damages if you’re hit by a driver with poor or no insurance coverage
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – to help cover your medical expenses if you’re injured in an accident
• Roadside Assist – to provide assistance if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. This assistance may include towing your vehicle to a mechanic, jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, and more.   

Update Your Auto Coverage 

To learn more about auto coverage options or to update your auto policy, contact Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV.

New drivers often lack the necessary experience to be safe on the road. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in young people, so new drivers need to take safety seriously.

Here are some simple tips from us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia to help you stay safe behind the wheel:

1. Always wear your seatbelt. Wearing your seatbelt is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe while driving. Ensure you and any passengers in your vehicle are buckled up before hitting the road.
2. Don’t text and drive. Distracted driving kills thousands of people each year, so it’s essential that you keep your eyes on the road at all times when behind the wheel. Put your phone away or turn off notifications while driving so you won’t be tempted to look at it on the road. 
3. Be aware of speed limits and obey traffic laws. Speeding is a significant contributor to car crashes, so stay within posted speed limits when out on the road. Obey all traffic signals, such as stop signs and yield signs, too – these rules are there for a reason!
4. Drive defensively, not aggressively. Defensive driving means watching out for other cars on the road and anticipating their actions to stay safe – don’t drive aggressively, putting yourself or other drivers at risk of an accident or injury. 

Following these safety tips can help ensure that every time you hit the road, you confidently know that you are taking steps to protect yourself and others around you from harm. For more tips, call us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia today! We proudly serve the Kingwood, WV area.

Whether you’re a new driver or someone who has been behind the wheel for years, it’s always important to have adequate auto insurance. However, with so many different policies available, knowing which one is right for you can be challenging. Here are five questions to ask before buying auto insurance.

1. What Am I Required to Have?

Every state has different requirements for auto insurance, so you’ll need to find out what yours are. Typically, you’ll need liability insurance at a minimum, but that does not cover everything. You may also want to consider collision and comprehensive coverage, especially if you have a newer car.

2. What Is My Budget?

Once you know what coverages you need, you’ll need to set a budget. How much can you afford to pay each month? How much can you afford to pay out of pocket if you have an accident? Remember that the cheapest policy may not always be the best.

3. What Are Add-ons, and Do I Need Them?

Auto insurance policies typically come with various add-ons, or options, that you can purchase. Some of these may be required in your state, while others are additional coverage that can provide extra protection. You’ll need to decide which ones you need and which you can live without.

4. What’s the Claims Process Like?

If you have an accident, you’ll want to know what the claims process is like. How easy is it to file a claim? How long does it usually take to get reimbursed? Make sure you understand the process before you purchase a policy.

5. Am I Getting the Best Rate?

Finally, you’ll want to ensure you get the best rate possible. Get quotes from several different companies and compare them. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples, though. Some policies may have different coverages than others, so read the fine print before deciding.

Get Auto Insurance in Kingwood, WV

Now that you know what to look for in an auto insurance policy, it’s time to start shopping around. Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia offers a variety of different options to choose from. Call us today for a free quote.

Were you aware that the bulk majority of human error-caused auto accidents can be completely avoided? While it is true that all accidents don’t occur as a result of human error, there are numerous precautions that can be taken to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident in Kingwood, WV. Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia shares a few of the most common reasons car accidents occur.

Speeding

Speeding can result in a very dangerous auto collision that causes damage to vehicles and injuries to drivers and passengers. Speeding is the cause for more than one-quarter of traffic fatalities.

While you may think it is cool or fun to drive above the speed limit, those speed limits are posted to keep you and everyone else on the road safe.

Texting

Each year, there are over one million auto accidents that involve a driver texting, talking, or otherwise using their cell phone. It only takes three seconds to become fully distracted by a text or phone call. When you take your eyes off the road for only a moment, anything can happen, such as the driver in front of you slamming on their breaks. It is best to put your phone to the side while driving and check it when you stop. One text or call isn’t worth your life or someone else’s.

Weather

Weather-related factors play a role in many car collisions each year. Slippery road surfaces due to rain, ice, and snow can reduce your visibility and increase your stopping distance.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself while on the road is to invest in proper auto insurance. Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia can help Kingwood, WV drivers ensure they have the proper coverage.

Once an insurance policy is purchased, some continue making premium payments and never look back at their policy. However, things change in life, and it is essential to conduct an annual review of any auto insurance policy in Kingwood, WV. Those with questions or need to update their auto insurance policy should reach out to Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia for assistance. 

The annual review of an insurance policy is something every car owner should put on their calendar. The review should include updates to any life changes which may affect your auto insurance coverage and rate. 

Children

Having new teen drivers in the home makes a huge difference in the bottom line of an insurance policy. During the review, speak with the insurance agency to add new drivers to the policy and ensure proper coverage. Other items to discuss are your teen driver leaving for college in another state or purchasing their vehicle. 

Work

A change in jobs often means a change in income and commute times, affecting how much your insurance premiums cost. Let your insurance agent know about your new job and anything else, such as a shorter commute and where you are parking your vehicle. If you have recently retired, let your agent know because this can also affect how much you drive. 

Residence

Your insurance policy must be updated when you move to a new location. Where you live affects your policy because where you park your car at night affects premium rates. Additionally, where you moved could impact your commute time, which also affects premium rates. 

Every year take a moment to review your auto insurance policy and speak with your insurance agent about any changes. Those in Kingwood, WV may experience premium increases or decreases based on the changes. Speak with an agent at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia to conduct an annual review of your auto insurance policy. 

If you are a driver in West Virginia, you will want to obtain the correct auto insurance policy to protect you, your vehicle, and even your freedom. The state requires you to have at least a liability insurance policy that will cover any injuries or property damage that you can cause if you are involved in an accident. If you are pulled over, you must show proof of your auto insurance policy or you can be fined at least $200, can lose your driver’s license for a period of time, and could even end up serving time in jail. To avoid all of this, you can obtain a liability auto insurance policy through a trusted auto insurance agent. The agents at the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, located in Kingwood, WV, are ready to assist you. You can further protect yourself and your vehicle through other auto coverage options also.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

A comprehensive auto insurance policy will cover your vehicle if it becomes damaged due to a natural disaster, such as a tornado or hail storm, or even a fire or vandalism.

Collision Insurance

This type of insurance will cover your vehicle and the vehicles of others that you may become involved in an accident with, along with objects. For example, if you back into someone’s lawnmower and destroy it, your collision auto insurance policy will cover the other person’s lawnmower.

Underinsured and Uninsured Auto Insurance

Even though West Virginia law requires every driver to have auto insurance, sometimes people cannot afford a policy or simply do not bother to obtain one. If they cause an accident that you are involved with, law enforcement will take care of the legal side of things but who will pay for the damages to your vehicle or injuries to you or your passengers? That is what underinsured and uninsured insurance is for, to protect you and your vehicle.

Contact the auto insurance agents at the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV to obtain a quote and start your policy today!