Insuring Your Classic Car

You’ve spent years restoring your classic car to a perfect finish. You’ve found parts hundreds of miles away and agonized over specific paint colors and trim. You love taking it out for a ride or displaying it at a car show.

Your classic car is obviously special to you, and it deserves special coverage. A standard Massachusetts auto insurance policy isn’t enough to cover your most prized possession. Take a look at what you can expect with classic car insurance coverage.

What is a Classic Car?

To keep a 20 year clunker from being miscategorized as a classic car for insurance purposes, it’s important to understand what many insurance companies consider “classic.”

• The vehicle must be between 20 and 25 years old. Some companies allow certain types of cars that are younger but this usually only applies to very rare vehicles.
• It must be restored to mint or near-mint condition.
• The make and model of the vehicle must be considered fairly rare meaning not a lot were manufactured originally.
• You must have limited use of the vehicle. If it’s used in your daily commute, it won’t be eligible for this type of coverage.

How Classic Car Insurance is Different

Every insurance company will have it’s own criteria to meet, but for the most part, you can expect specific coverage options.

Cost

The cost of your insurance coverage will likely be much lower than a standard auto insurance policy. Because it’s driven much less than a regular car, the chances of being in an accident are much lower. Most classic cars are kept well stored and better protected than your typical vehicle, which also decreases the potential for damage.

Agreed Value

Unlike a regular car, the value of your classic car is expected to go up, not down. The reason why you want classic coverage is because you’ll be paid for the agreed value of the car if you experience a total loss. You’ll have to show photos, receipts, repair information, and other documentation to support why you believe your car should be valued for a specific amount.

Mileage Cap

Part of your classic car coverage includes an annual mileage cap. Typically, it’s set between 2,500 or 5,000 miles each year. You can get extended mileage coverage if you need it, for an additional cost. Put too many miles on your car, though, and it may be labeled a commuter car and subject to standard auto insurance.

Off-Season Usage

In many locations with cold winters, classic cars are used when the weather is good and put away when it’s not. Classic car coverage accounts for a difference in rates when it’s being used and when it’s not. You’ll need to work with your insurance agent to transition your policy between usage and non-usage/storage rates.

Storage Stipulation

Many classic car insurance policies require that the vehicle be stored in a locked garage or other storage unit when not being used. Parking your car in the driveway puts it in danger of theft or damage.

You’ve lovingly restored your classic car down to the last detail. Now it’s time to protect it with the right insurance coverage. If you need a quote for classic car insurance, contact Click Insurance today.

Someone Else Was Driving My Car and Got Into an Accident – Now What?

You thought you’d be nice and let your friend use your vehicle to move furniture, buy groceries, or just pick up their grandma from the airport. Right when you expect them to return with your car, you get the call.

There’s been an accident. After you make sure everyone is okay, the next question you’ll ask is, “Now what?”

Who’s Insurance Covers the Accident?

Many people believe that if their friend got into the accident, their friend’s insurance is the one who’ll cover the claim. Unfortunately, it doesn’t usually work that way. Auto insurance typically follows the vehicle, not the driver. You’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company, pay the deductible, and, potentially, deal with higher premiums for your insurance.

When your friend gets into an accident in your vehicle, your insurance will be considered the primary coverage while your friend’s insurance, assuming they have any, will be secondary. In most cases this means that the driver will be responsible for personal liability and medical expenses. If your friend is uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover their part, you’ll be responsible for the cost.

What If You Didn’t Give Permission?

There are situations where your vehicle was used without your authorization and an accident occurs. Insurance handles this differently. Below are some common scenarios – but make sure that you talk to your insurance agent to discuss the specifics of your Massachusetts auto insurance policy.

If the person driving was someone known to you and simply didn’t have permission, their insurance will be the primary and yours will become the secondary. Typically this means you’ll only pay for what their insurance can’t or won’t cover.

If your vehicle was reported stolen and involved in an accident, you won’t be liable for any of the damages. You’ll probably need to file a claim with your insurance company for any damage to your vehicle, but you won’t have to worry about the rest.

If the person driving your car is a family member and lives at home with you, they are automatically covered under your insurance. The question of primary and secondary insurance isn’t a concern in these cases.

Ultimately, the thing to remember is to be very careful lending your vehicle to anyone else. If both of you have plenty of insurance, and they’re known for being a careful driver, you’ll probably be fine. If not, be prepared to pay a high price.

What To Do If You’re In a Car Accident

Screeching tires. Breaking glass. Bumps. Bruises. Damaged cars and long police reports. All of these are common in auto accidents. Add in the possibility of injuries and accidents are stressful for everyone involved.

If it’s been a long time since you were in an accident, your first question will probably be, “Now what?”

We hope you never need this information, but it’s important to know what you should and shouldn’t do after you’ve been involved in a car accident.

After a Car Accident, Do:

• Pull over, if you can. If possible, get off the road completely.
• Call 911 even if you don’t know yet if anyone is injured.
• Turn on your hazard/emergency lights. This lets other drivers know to be careful as they go around you, especially if you can’t move out of the road.
• Check to make sure no one is injured. This includes the other driver.
• Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
• Take your own photos and notes of what happened.
• Get a police report for the accident. It can take several days for it to be ready but it helps with your insurance claim.
• Get contact information from eyewitnesses willing to describe what they saw.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as you’re able to. It’s okay to call from the scene of the accident, especially while you’re waiting for police to arrive.

After a Car Accident, Do Not:

• Leave the scene of the accident, especially if you think you’re at fault. You’ll add other problems to the accident, like a possible ticket or even arrest.
• Lie to the police. You’ll be in more trouble if you do.
• Accept blame or offer too many opinions. It’s okay to express concern for the other driver, though.
• Move anyone who’s been injured. Wait for emergency responders to arrive.

Hopefully you’ll never have to put these tips into practice, but if you do, we’re here to help.

If you have questions about what your current Watertown, MA auto insurance policy covers, contact us today.

How to Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

How many times have you burned your hand trying to put on your seatbelt or shift into gear? Just an hour or two under the hot sun can make it hard to breathe when you get back to your car. Summer is officially here, and with summer comes higher temperatures – in and out of your car.

Here are a few tips to keep your car cool so you don’t feel like you’re sitting in an oven, no matter how long your car has been baking in the sun.

• Get sun shades and a dash cover. Anything you can do to cover your windows and keep the sun from beating down into your car will keep it cooler.
• Invest in tinted windows. Some cars are sold with a slight tint, but others aren’t. You’ll want to make sure you don’t choose too dark of a tint. Too dark and it’s not legal to drive. The right amount of tint is a great way to keep your vehicle cooler during the summer.
• Park in the shade or in a parking garage. Parking under something shady makes a big difference. Seek out a shady spot to park your car, even if it means a slightly longer walk for you.
• Crack your windows no more than an inch. Anything more than an inch, and theft can become an issue. A cracked window allows air to flow through your car, keeping it cooler.
• If you car doesn’t already have cloth seats, add cloth covers. It won’t actually cool your car but at least you won’t burn your legs when you get in. Alternatively, you can drape a beach towel over the seat before you sit down.
• When you start your car, turn on your air conditioner full blast while the windows are still cracked. The hot air will be pushed out of your car, and you’ll be cooler sooner.
• Consider a solar-powered fan to move the air around in your car. When combined with cracked windows, your car will feel much cooler after a long day in the sun.
• Leave your doors open for a minute or two before you get into your car. This will let some of the hot air out and your car will feel slightly cooler when you get in.

There’s nothing we can do about hot summer temperatures and having to park outside all day, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit in an oven on your drive home. With just a few changes, your car will be much more comfortable no matter how hot it is outside.

Car Maintenance Basics

After your house, your car may be one of the biggest financial investments you make. When you buy a new car, the last thing you want to think about is the cost of repairing or replacing it – now or in the future. Keep your car, whether it’s a sporty coupe or a beloved clunker, running for years to come by properly maintaining it.

Taking care of problems before they occur is the best way to keep your car on the road. Take a look at this list of car maintenance basics Do’s and Don’ts

Car Maintenance Basics: Do’s

• Do change your windshield wipers every six months to a year. Once you can’t see out of your windshield in even the lightest drizzle, you’ve waited too long.
• Do get your oil changed. Depending on the age of your car and the type of oil, you may need to have it changed every three, five, or ten thousand miles. Check your owner’s manual.
• Do check your tire pressure. Even a slight change in pressure can kill your gas mileage and cause your tires to wear unevenly. Check it periodically or whenever there’s an extreme change in temperature. One cold night can affect your tire pressure.
• Do have your brakes checked periodically. Replace worn pads and rotors as needed.
• Do change your spark plugs, usually every 30,000 miles.
• Do schedule a transmission flush after 75,000 miles. A lot of gunk builds up in your transmission over time. Flushing it can help it keep running for another 75,000 miles and longer.

Car Maintenance Basics: Don’ts

• Don’t ignore your “check engine” light. It’s on for a reason. It might not be an emergency but you never know.
• Don’t ignore strange noises. If your car starts making noises you’ve never heard before, have it checked out immediately.
• Don’t forget fluid checks. Checking and changing the oil is good, but you’ve also got brake, transmission, coolant, and power steering fluid that needs to be checked periodically.
• Don’t keep driving when the engine overheats. Pull over as soon as it’s safe and either let your vehicle cool down or call for a tow.
• Don’t work on your car unless you know how and you have the right tools. Changing your oil or brake pads yourself saves you money only if you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, you’ll be in the shop for the service and to repair any damage you’ve done.

Taking care of your vehicle and following these car maintenance basics can save you money and keep you and everyone else safe out on the road. Another way to save money as a driver is to have the right Massachusetts auto insurance coverage. If you’re ready to save money on your car insurance or if you have questions about your existing policy, contact us today.

5 Common Traffic Violations and How to Avoid Them

There are certain traffic violations that almost everyone is guilty of at some point. Eventually, we’re caught and pulled over for it. A ticket is a painful reminder to follow traffic laws. The pain doesn’t end once you pay the fine, either. Most of the time, your Massachusetts auto insurance will go up, too.

Avoid tickets, potential accidents, and higher insurance premiums by avoiding these traffic violations. Your fellow drivers (and your wallet) will thank you.

Speeding

Where almost all guilty of it at some point but, needless to say, speeding is hazardous to both your wallet and your safety. Crashes are much worse when speeding is involved. Avoid the violation by watching for speed limit changes. Slow down in residential areas. Make sure to slow down in school zones. When the weather is bad, back off the speed then, too.

Running a Red Light

Running stop signs counts too. Yellow doesn’t mean speed up. It actually means slow down and prepare to stop. Sometimes, you don’t have a choice because of the flow of traffic or because the light just changed. Continuing through the light after it’s changed to red is a definite violation. Watch for light changes and stop signs and slow down.

Tailgating

No one likes to be tailgated. It’s dangerous, especially if you need to come to a sudden stop. And yes, it’s also a violation. Driving too close increases your chances of rear-ending another driver. Slow down or change lanes but don’t tailgate.

Swerving In and Out of Lanes

We’ve all seen them, the person in such a rush that they swerve in and out of traffic, only to end up at the same red light as the rest of us. Swerving like that is a traffic violation and is a major cause of accidents. The person switching lanes tends to cut other drivers off, causing them to slam on their brakes. Slow down, be patient, and realize changing lanes won’t actually get you there any faster.

Not Stopping for School Buses

When you’re behind a school bus, you’re required to stop while children are boarding or getting off. If you’re on the opposite side of the road, you’re supposed to stop, as well. Children can be hurt or killed by a driver who doesn’t pay attention and plows right through. Stay alert and stop when you see a school bus.

Most traffic violations can be avoided by slowing down, paying attention, and having patience. When you do that, lives are saved and tickets are avoided. You’ll also avoid the costly expense of increased auto insurance premiums.

When you’re ready for a new auto insurance policy or if you want to make sure you’re getting the best rate, contact us at Click Insurance.

GAP Insurance – What It Is and Why You Need It

Picture it. You traded in your old rundown, beat-up jalopy for the car that you’ve had your eye on for months. It’s got leather seats. It’s got the navigation package. You jam out to your favorite satellite radio station every day on the way to work.

You had to finance it for 72 months and could only put $1000 down but the payments are just right, and six months later, you swear it still has the new car smell. You’re going to drive this thing until it dies with 200,000 miles on it. It’s the best car ever!

Until you’re t-boned in the middle of an intersection by someone who flew out of nowhere and ran a red light.

You’re okay, but your new baby is totaled. Not only do you need another vehicle, you’ve got a problem. Your auto insurance is only paying part of what you owe on your car, leaving you owing thousands on a car you can’t even drive.

What is GAP Insurance?

A standard Massachusetts auto insurance policy covers the actual value of your vehicle, regardless of what you paid for it and what you owe on your current auto loan. A brand new vehicle will likely lose at least 20 percent of its value in the first year. Unfortunately, your loan doesn’t come with that same feature.

If you currently owe $20,000 but the car is only worth worth $16,000, there’s a gap of $4000. In the event your car is totaled, you’ll only receive $16,000 but the bank will want the rest of their money – and you’ll have to pay it. GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance covers that difference between what you owe and what your vehicle is worth so you don’t have to pay out of pocket for the difference.

When Do You Need GAP Insurance?

Not every vehicle you finance needs GAP insurance, but many of them will. Use this list to decide if it’s in your best interest to add on the coverage:

• You financed for more than 60 months.
• You made a downpayment of less than 20 percent.
• You leased your vehicle.
• You rolled over the remaining balance on your old auto loan into this new one, giving you negative equity before you even drove off the lot.

Anytime the amount you have left on your auto loan is higher than the actual value of the vehicle you’re driving, GAP insurance is a good idea. Accidents can happen at any time, and it doesn’t have to be catastrophic in order to total your car. GAP insurance means you’re not feeling any additional pain when you have to cough up more money to give to the bank on a vehicle you can no longer drive.

GAP insurance is relatively inexpensive when you purchase it through your auto insurance company. If you’d like to add gap insurance to your current policy, contact us at Click Insurance today.

How to Get the Best Deal on a New Car

The new car smell is intoxicating. The chrome trim, flawless paint job, and leather seats are enough to make you want to drive off in a new car the moment you walk onto a dealer’s lot.

But wait. Before you sign on the dotted line and jump into the newest shiny car that caught your eye, make sure you’re not making any of these common car buying mistakes and that you get the best deal possible. Remember, you’ll likely be with this vehicle for several years. That’s a long time to spend with something you hate.

Do Your Research First

Spontaneous car shopping rarely ends well. You might buy a model you hate. Your payments could be too high. You may pick a lemon and not even know it. Do your research before you hit the car lots. Take a look at reviews. Check the estimated value, if you’re looking at used vehicles. Shop around. Make sure you know what you can afford before you sit down to talk about financing.

Take the Test Drive

Hate the bumpy ride? Think it’s too noisy when you get up to 65 miles per hour? Finding out after you drive away from the lot may be too late. Always test drive a vehicle. You may not like how it handles, how it feels, or just how the heater or air conditioner blow. When you’re on a lot with potentially hundreds of other vehicles, there’s always another one to drive.

Remember to Negotiate

Just because the salesperson offers you a price lower than the sticker doesn’t mean you don’t have room to negotiate. This is where research comes in handy. When you know what the typical price is for a vehicle, you have the information you need to help you get the best price. Don’t forget to include the monthly payment in your negotiations. Focusing on that amount could mean you’re paying higher interest rates over a longer period of time, too.

Choose the Car You Need

The car you want isn’t always the car you need. Sure, room for seven is great, but do you really need that much space? Is a bigger vehicle what you can actually afford? Likewise, if you plan to keep your car for several years, is the economy two door coupe going to be a good fit when your little ones are bigger? Think about your family, your budget, and your life as it is now and in the future when choosing a vehicle.

Get the Right Insurance

When you’re ready to buy a new car, and you’ve done your research, don’t forget about your Massachusetts auto insurance. You may also need gap insurance if you buy new and don’t pay a big down payment. Your first-choice vehicle may cause your premiums to jump more than you’re comfortable with. Knowing this before you buy will save you money and headaches later. Without this information, you may have to lower your insurance coverage in order to afford your premiums. That sounds good now but wait until you get into an accident and don’t have enough coverage. That’s when your problems really begin.

Buying a new (or new to you) vehicle is a big investment. Make the best choice for you and your family and avoid paying too much money and getting very little in return.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, contact us and let’s discuss how a new vehicle will affect your auto insurance premiums and coverage.

Please, Don’t Text and Drive

We’ve all heard it. We know we shouldn’t do it. But some drivers still text and drive while on the road. Cell phones, especially smartphones, keep us connected and informed at any point in our day. Unfortunately, they represent a big distraction and contribute to a lot of accidents every year.

Why You Shouldn’t Text and Drive

Texting and driving is a huge distraction and can lead to tragedy. You’ve heard you shouldn’t do it, but do you know why?

• It’s only safe to take your eyes from the road for one or two seconds. Reading a text message takes five seconds, the equivalent of driving the length of a football field – without looking.
• In 2011 alone, 1.3 million car crashes involved cell phones.
• A crash is 23 times more likely to occur while you’re texting.

Texting and driving may seem like something that only younger people do, but only 13 percent of drivers between the age of 18 and 20 admit that they text and drive. They’re not the only ones, though. Adults are texting and driving in big numbers. In a survey, 48 percent of kids 12 to 17 say they’ve seen their parents do it.

How to Stop Texting and Driving

Speaking as one adult to another, we’re begging you: Put down your phone. No message is so important that you need to read or answer it while you’re driving down the road. Wait until you arrive at your destination or pull off the road before picking up your phone.

For the parents out there, you need to have a talk with your children about the dangers of texting and driving. All the drivers in your home may want to consider the Text-Free-Driving Pledge or the It Can Wait pledge. You can also add apps to your child’s phone (and yours) to help keep you from breaking that pledge.

Just like we’ve all been taught to wear our seat belt, we all need to learn to put our cell phones down while we’re driving. If the idea of a ticket, points on your license, and higher insurance premiums doesn’t faze you, remember that lives are at stake here, too.

Remember, don’t text and drive. Whatever it is can wait.

How to Handle Road Rage and Aggressive Drivers

We’ve all been there. Someone drives like a maniac; scaring us and making us think we’re about to be in an accident at any point. It can make anyone really angry. Of course, we’ve all been on the opposite side, not thinking about our actions on the road, and making someone else so mad they seem to lose it a little.

Aggressive drivers and road rage cause accidents all the time. Accidents make insurance premiums rise. It’s a bad cycle. One of the easiest ways to lower your auto insurance rates, without sacrificing coverage, is to stay safe out on the road, especially when it comes to road rage and aggressive drivers.

We’ll cover how to curb your own road rage, how to avoid causing road rage, and how to handle aggressive drivers.

Calm Your Road Rage

Some people can make you so mad you want to scream or hit something. We get it. It happens to all of us. But giving into it could cause an accident and get someone hurt. When you’re feeling a bit of road rage come over you, do these things to remain calm and move on.

• Take several deep breaths.
• Pull over into a parking lot or on the side of the road until you’re calm again.
• Remind yourself that they may be having a really bad day. There’s no way to know what someone else is going through.

Avoid Causing Road Rage

No matter how great we think we are behind the wheel, sometimes we’re the reason for someone else’s road rage. Do what you can to avoid making another driver angry and be a better, safer driver in the process.

• Be courteous on the road. Don’t cut people off in traffic. Don’t flash your lights to “encourage” someone to drive faster. Pay attention to your surroundings. Move to the right lane if someone behind you is driving faster than you.
• Don’t tailgate. You’re at risk for an accident when someone comes to an abrupt stop, and you make other drivers angry at the same time.
• Rude gestures or looks are never a good idea. You’ve now escalated a situation that might have otherwise been forgotten.
• Don’t be mean. Avoid blocking parking spots or double-parking. Don’t take a spot that someone is obviously waiting for. Treat other drivers the way you’d want to be treated.
• Be apologetic for your own bad behavior. We all make mistakes. A quick “I’m sorry” wave and apologetic smile can go a long way. Also be thankful. If someone is nice to you by letting you out into traffic, give the “thank you” wave.

When Other Drivers Get Aggressive

No matter what you do or how nice you are to other drivers, someone is going to get aggressive or have road rage. When that happens, your safety is paramount. You don’t want to make it worse, but you also don’t want to be the victim.

• Ignore the other driver if they yell at you or make rude gestures.
• Avoid making eye contact. Look straight ahead at the road.
• Move on and don’t stop.
• If you do stop and you’re followed, park in a public place and stay in your vehicle or drive to the nearest police station.
• If you feel threatened for any reason, call 911.

You can’t control other people’s actions, but you can control your own. Do what you can to limit your feelings of road rage. Try not to cause it in other people. Most importantly, don’t engage with an aggressive driver who may be capable of violence. You’ll stay safer out on the road and avoid accidents.

Why Did My Auto Insurance Go Up?

The cost of everything is always going the wrong direction – up. Milk, smart phones, and yes, sometimes even auto insurance. There’s little you can do about the cost of your cell phone or your groceries, but understanding the different reasons why your auto insurance is going up can help you control costs.

Credit Score Changes

Your credit score is just one factor in determining your auto insurance premiums. As your credit score goes down, your insurance rates go up. The easiest fix is to pay your bills on time. If you’re already doing that, you may want to pull a copy of your credit report to check for mistakes and reporting errors.

Changes in Your Commute

Did you move or get a new job? If either change resulted in a longer drive for you, your rates will be affected. More miles on the road means you have a greater chance of being in an accident. The result is a higher rate for your Watertown, MA auto insurance.

Traffic Violations and Accidents

This may seem like an obvious reason, but people often forget it. Points on your license and claims on your insurance directly impacts the premiums you’ll pay.

Your Age

Some, but certainly not all, insurance companies charge “older” drivers higher premiums as statistically, they’re more likely to get into an accident. What constitutes older? Brace yourself – 50 and up. You can’t change your age, but you can always look for an insurer who doesn’t have that policy.

The Age of Your Car

Newer cars are more expensive to insure for one simple reason – they’re more expensive to replace. Ask your insurance agent if you qualify for any additional discounts with a newer car thanks to extra security and safety features.

Your Relationship Status

No, this isn’t a Facebook thing. Studies have shown that single people have more expensive and more frequent accidents than married people. Whether the single life is new (again) or you’ve been single for a while, chances are, it’s affecting your auto insurance rates.

New Drivers

Did your child finally hit the ripe old age of 16? Adding an inexperienced driver to your policy, while necessary, will increase your premiums. The good news is that if they manage to stay out of accidents and trouble with traffic violations, your rates could go down over time.

Reasons Outside of Your Control

If you’re a safe and honest driver, who’s neither too young nor too old, still married, and with zero changes to your driving or living situation, your rates may still increase. The rising costs that are part of insurance like medical expenses, vehicle replacement and repair, and more affect everyone. On the other side, insurance fraud is a big problem. Every time a fraudulent claim is paid, it’s that much more money your insurance company doesn’t have to pay legitimate claims. Even if nothing changes for your personal situation, your rates can still increase because of this.

Now that you know what causes your rates to go up, you may have a little more control over the increase in the future. If you want to make sure you’re paying the best price for the best coverage, call us at Click Insurance today. We can get a quote for a new policy and compare it to what you currently have.

Thinking About Driving for Uber or Lyft?

Your life is crazy and the one thing you never seem to have enough of is money. Working as a driver sounds like a simple solution to a big problem. You’ll drive around a little, pick up some people, and make some extra cash.

Sounds good, right? Before you jump into the Uber or Lyft life with both feet, stop for a moment. First things first, you have to make sure you’ve got the right insurance so you don’t lose everything in one fender bender.

How Insurance and Ride-hailing Work Together

Whether you drive for Uber or Lyft, the process is essentially the same. There are three stages to your working time:

• Stage 1: Turn on the app and become available to take on passengers.
• Stage 2: Get matched with a passenger and drive to them.
• Stage 3: The passenger is in your car, and you’re taking them to their destination.

If you’re in an accident during Stages 2 and 3, no problem. You’re probably covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy. What if you’re still in Stage 1, though? You’ll have a small amount of coverage, but not enough.

Your Auto Insurance as a Driver

You’re probably thinking the decreased coverage in Stage 1 is no big deal. You’ll just file a claim with your auto insurance. Think again. Your Massachusetts personal auto insurance policy does not cover commercial auto claims. Not only will your insurer deny your claim, they may drop your coverage for using your vehicle – and insurance – in a way that violates the terms of your insurance policy.

Your Insurance Options

If you’re going to become a driver for a company like Uber or Lyft, you’ve got two options:

1. Commercial Auto Insurance
2. Rideshare/Ridehailing “Gap” Insurance

In Massachusetts, commercial auto insurance will cover you in the event of an auto accident while you’re using your vehicle for work. You won’t have to worry about being dropped or paying more than your deductible out of pocket for covered claims. For part-time drivers, though, the cost can be prohibitive.

Rideshare “Gap” insurance, sometimes called “hybrid” insurance is a relatively new product, and it’s only available through a handful of insurance companies in a few states. This coverage combines personal and commercial auto insurance into one policy for a lower cost. It was designed with ridehailing and ridesharing in mind. However, if you can find a company that offers it, you’ll have to make sure your personal auto insurance policy is with them, as well.

You can drive, live the freelance life, earn extra money, or just do something different and work for companies like Uber and Lyft. But it’s in your best interest to make sure you have the right insurance first. One bad accident with the wrong kind of insurance could cost you much more than what you’ll earn as a driver.