At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, we know auto insurance can be expensive. The 80/20 rule is a type of insurance in Laurel, MD that only pays for damages to the other driver’s vehicle and property if you are found at fault in an accident, but it doesn’t pay for the damages to your car.

The 80/20 rule is so named because it requires drivers to carry insurance that covers only 80 percent of the value of their car. The remaining 20 percent would be paid out-of-pocket by the driver in the event of an accident. For example, let’s say you have a vehicle that is worth $10,000. Under the 80/20 rule, your insurance would cover $8,000 of damage to the other driver’s car. You will have to pay the remaining $2,000.

There are a few things to remember if considering the 80/20 rule for your car insurance. First, this type of coverage is not required in all states. It is only available in a handful of states, including Maryland. 

And finally, it’s important to remember that 80/20 comes with some risks. Because you only carry liability coverage, you will be responsible for 100 percent of the costs to repair or replace your car if it is damaged in an accident. You could end up paying a lot later to save money now.

While the 80/20 rule can save you money on your monthly premium, weighing the risks and rewards before deciding if this type of coverage is right for you is important. If you are in Laural, MD, contact Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial to discuss whether this is a good option.

Cars are considered the most common mode of transport in Laurel, MD. Nevertheless, this mode of transportation propagates injuries and property damage and sometimes results in a fatality. Therefore, if you own an automobile, it’s prudent to have good auto liability insurance from Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial against calamities like fire and vandalism. If you have a car in Maryland, buying prolific auto insurance is necessary to safeguard yourself and your vehicle. Please contact us at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial today and get a competitive quote meeting your needs and budget.

Is auto insurance liability mandatory in Maryland? 

Similarly, in many states, auto liability insurance is mandatory in Maryland. Maryland legal law stipulates that every driver must have the minimum requirements, including property damage and bodily injury liabilities. Failure to abide by the directive risks a criminal charge or license suspension. Apart from the state-mandated minimum requirements, it’s wise to weigh other auto insurance options, including:

• Collision coverage: This type of policy caters to repairing or replacing your automobile when you get into an accident with other vehicles or stationary objects such as a fence or guardrail.
• Comprehensive coverage: It’s a policy designed to settle for repairs or replacement of your car when it gets ravaged by non-collision scenarios like fire, vandalism, and theft.
• Underinsured-uninsured motorist policy: Have you ever imagined what could transpire if you have an accident with a driver who is insufficiently covered or not insured? Substantial medical bills, in many cases, are an outcome of accidents. Therefore, this policy pays for impending bills if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or under-insured driver.
• Medical payments coverage: Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial policy pays for reasonable and necessary medical costs after an accident. These medical expenses include drugs and x-rays.

Are you a car owner in Laurel, MD, searching for picturesque auto liability insurance to ensure safety for you and your car? Please call or visit us today at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial and get more detailed information about auto liability insurance.

Accidents happen, and no one predicts them. That is why we have insurance to ensure our finances are not compromised. Whether the accident is another person’s fault or yours, insurance comes in handy. When you are buying insurance, you need to think of how you want it to help you. Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial of Laurel, MD informs you of what you need to know to make this easy for you.

Coverages

The first thing you need to know is that you can buy different auto insurance coverage to protect yourself and your car. Some of these coverage options are as listed below:

• Liability coverage: This coverage comes in handy in an accident where you are at fault and cause injuries or damage to someone else’s property. It will help pay those expenses according to the terms of your policy.
• Collision coverage: When your car has been damaged after you hit another vehicle or object, this policy helps pay for the repair costs.
• Comprehensive coverage: This coverage pays for the damage to your vehicle from risks like vandalism, theft, and natural disaster.
• Uninsured/ Underinsured: This is also another policy that comes in handy when you get into an accident, and the responsible party does not have enough auto insurance or they are uninsured. The policy helps pay for medical bills and repairs to your vehicle.

Buying Insurance

When buying insurance, here are some tips to consider.

• Talk to an insurance agent or broker and get advice on what coverage is right for you depending on your location, car type, age, etc.
• Shop around before settling on an insurance company.
• Know that it is not about the price. Cheaper rates are not always appropriate, especially if the insurance does not offer quality services.

At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, we prioritize the needs of our clients. Therefore, if you are around Laurel, MD, and want to buy auto insurance, give us a call today. Our skilled agents are ready to educate you on everything you need to know about auto insurance.

In the state of Maryland, there is minimum liability insurance that every driver must purchase in order to drive a vehicle on any public road. Getting caught or pulled over without proper insurance will likely end in a citation or fine. Liability coverage is a great place to start when it comes to auto insurance, but it’s merely that — a start. 

In order to properly protect all Maryland drivers, there are many other insurance and coverage options that any Laurel, MD resident can purchase. Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial recommends working with an agency that has experience and knowledge of the best coverage plans for your lifestyle. 

Full coverage of your vehicle and liability insurance is the best way to ensure you are safe in the event of an accident. You’ll have the peace of mind that your financial situation will not be impacted should you get in an accident, damage your vehicle, or require medical attention. 

Liability insurance typically covers the medical expenses and vehicle damage of the other people involved, if the accident was your fault. 

Driving around Laurel, MD, it’s easy to understand why so many people love to drive here. The weather, for one, makes driving essential. 

Our public roads and scenic routes are something to remember; you can enjoy them all on a lovely road trip with peace of mind that you are safe and taken care of. If you’re in the market for a new insurance policy and need some assistance, contact the team at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial. We’re happy to work alongside you to find the most suitable coverage for your lifestyle. 

Every car owner in Laurel, MD understands that insurance is important. However, insurance jargon can be confusing, which leads to some people making mistakes when buying. To make sure you understand a policy before buying, Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial helps you understand important insurance terms in the list below.

• At-fault accident: This is an accident where you are either partially or fully liable.
• Auto insurance quotes: This is an estimate of what the insurance company will charge you for buying insurance.
• Claim: A request to your insurance company to cover the expenses resulting from an auto accident.
• Premium: This is either the monthly or yearly cost of your auto insurance.
• Underwriting: A process by the insurance company to evaluate how risky you are. It is based on factors like age, location, type of vehicle accident history, etc.
• Bodily injury liability coverage: A type of auto coverage that covers the medical expenses of a third party after they have been injured in an accident where you are at fault.
• Collision coverage: It helps cover repairs to your vehicle from a collision accident such as hitting a tree or another vehicle.
• Comprehensive coverage: Pays for any damage to your vehicle as long as damage is not collision-related. This includes losses like natural disasters, theft, and vandalism.
• Limit: It is the maximum amount that your insurance policy will pay after an accident.
• Deductible: The amount that the insurance company requires you to pay before they can start paying.
• Policy: This is a contract stating the insurance coverage, terms, premiums, and deductibles.
• Uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage: If you get hit by a driver who does not have insurance or their coverage is not enough to cover the resulting expenses, uninsured and underinsured coverage help cover those expenses.

These are some of the basic insurance terms that you need to know about. Now that you understand, buying insurance should not be so difficult. You can also contact us at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial of Laurel, MD, for assistance. We will break down the process for you, ensuring that you are aware of the policy you are buying.

While there are many times of the year that are deemed dangerous to drive, winter tends to be near the top of the list. The reason for this is due to the brutal weather conditions. The conditions can change at the flip of the coin throughout the season. When this happens, will you be ready? The team at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial wants to share a few simple tips with Laurel, MD residents to ensure that they and their vehicles are ready for the upcoming winter weather.

1. Service your vehicle. You want to ensure that your vehicle has had an oil change, had all fluids checked, etc.
2. Test your battery. You want to ensure that your battery is able to hold a solid charge. Winter can be hard on batteries, so you need a good one to start off the season. When your battery is tested, the technician can remove any corrosion that is present.
3. Check the antifreeze. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, the antifreeze needs to be checked and/or replaced. Without sufficient antifreeze, irreparable damage to your vehicle could occur.
4. Check the hoses, belts, and spark plugs. This should be part of a vehicle’s overall inspection, but it can be helpful in preventing a car breakdown.
5. Replace the wiper blades, and consider keeping a spare in your vehicle. Don’t forget to check the levels of your wiper fluid.
6. Check the tire pressure. Always keep a tire gauge in your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will have a recommended tire pressure for different driving conditions. Just keep in mind that colder weather will result in tire deflation.
7. Purchase snow tires. This is important, especially if you live in a rural area where roads aren’t as likely to be regularly cleared.
8. Test the 4WD. You probably haven’t used the four-wheel-drive since last winter, so you want to ensure it’s working before you need it.
9. Keep your tank full (or as close to it as possible). This helps to prevent frozen gas lines. Plus, if you find yourself stranded, you’ll be able to keep the vehicle running for heat until help arrives.
10. Pack an emergency kit with all the necessary essentials, such as protein bars, water, flashlight, batteries, blankets, etc. You never know what will happen or when.

The most important thing for you to remember is to ensure that you have proper auto insurance in the event of an unexpected accident. Serving the Laurel, MD area, Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial can ensure you’re properly covered. Contact our team today.

Benefits of Full Coverage vs. State Minimums

When you purchase auto insurance in the state of Maryland, the state provides minimum requirements. Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial wants you to understand why sticking with those though, does not provide you with the full coverage you need to protect your vehicle.

In Maryland, you must purchase liability insurance to legally operate your vehicle on public roads. The minimum insurance includes:

• bodily injury coverage per person in the amount of $30,000,
• bodily injury coverage per accident in the amount of $60,000,
• property damage coverage per accident in the amount of $15,000.

Any accident in Laurel MD probably damaged both vehicles, but the state-required insurance only protects the other person’s vehicles and only pays for their injuries. You would need to pay out of pocket for all the repairs to your own vehicle plus your medical bills if you caused the accident. If police find you at fault for the accident, your insurance pays for the other people involved.

You can purchase collision insurance to cover the damage to your own vehicle. Even if you become involved in a single-car accident, this coverage pays for vehicle repairs. Similarly, if you were minding your own business when a tree fell on your car, comprehensive coverage pays for the damage. The combination of collision and comprehensive protects you against virtually every incident that can damage your vehicle, including deer running out in front of it.

Purchasing personal injury protection provides you with medical coverage regardless of who caused the accident. It covers your passengers, too. This works with any health insurance you have to cover all of your medical bills.

Contact Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial serving Laurel, MD to talk about full coverage auto insurance for your vehicle. We can help protect your financial future and provide you the insurance to pay for medical bills and car repairs if you get into an accident.

While consumer needs change frequently, it’s always a prudent idea to assess your needs before buying anything in Laurel, MD, including insurance. Car insurance plays a critical role in keeping you financially responsible in case of an accident. At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, we recommend reviewing your car insurance policy annually to ensure it is up to date with your current lifestyle and budget. With that said, here are three questions to ask yourself when buying car insurance.

How often do you drive?

If you need to use your car every day–to drive to work, take the kids to school, buy groceries or tour the world, you will need to know how many miles you use every month to reflect on your policy. How often you use your vehicle also determines your risk of getting into an accident. If you’re always on the roads, you’re at a higher risk compared to a person who only uses their car during weekends. 

Who else will be driving your vehicle?

When buying car insurance for the first time, it’s always critical to think about other people who may use the car either as drivers or passengers. Both parties are covered in your policy, but your insurance company may need you to list the names of people allowed to drive your car. Remember, if you are listing teenagers who will be driving your car often, your insurance rates will likely go up.

What type of car are you driving?

The type of car you drive heavily affects your insurance costs in many ways. For instance, vehicles with fewer safety features are considered riskier than those with many safety features. Expensive cars are also at risk of getting stolen as they attract massive attention.

Buying auto insurance for the first time in Laurel, MD? Feel free to contact us at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial and get yourself a customized policy that matches your insurance needs and budget.

When you are in the Laurel, MD area, it will be important for you to have a vehicle so you can get around the community. Along with purchasing a vehicle, you also need to get into the right insurance plan. This means having an auto insurance plan that is right for your situation. There are a couple of situations when you will need to have auto insurance here. 

When Driving on a Public Road

A situation when you will want insurance protection for your vehicle here is when you are going to drive on a roadway. Those that want to operate a car on a road need to make sure they comply with the state law, which includes having liability insurance coverage. If you neglect to carry this coverage and are caught driving without it, you can face some serious penalties. 

When Taking Out a Loan

You also will need auto insurance coverage in place when you look to take out a loan. Financing a vehicle with a loan can provide you with the capital you need to purchase a car. However, it does come with some requirements. Most lenders will want you to carry collision and comprehensive protection until the loan is paid off as it will protect their collateral. 

Having an auto insurance plan is always necessary if you are in the Laurel, MD area. When you are looking for an auto insurance plan in this area, calling Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial can be a great option. There are a lot of choices to make when picking an insurance plan and Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial can help you determine the type of plan that is right for your situation. With this support, you can ensure you are properly covered at all times. 

The Laurel, MD area continues to be a great place to live in. When you are living in this area of the state, it would be a good idea to own a car as it will make it a lot easier to get around town. Those that do decide to buy a car need to make sure that they have it properly insured. There are many scenarios in which having an auto insurance plan will be a necessity. 

Those with Loan

A common situation when someone is going to need to get an auto insurance plan is when they are going to take out a loan. If you have taken out a loan to buy a car, it may make it more affordable but you will have insurance requirements. An auto lender will want you to have full auto insurance coverage at all times as it will help to protect your vehicle.

Those that Drive in State

You will also need to have an auto insurance plan when you want to drive a car on a public road. When you receive an auto insurance plan, it will include liability protection. This coverage means that you will have the ability to pay for damages that you cause during an accident. Due to the value of this protection, the state of Maryland requires all drivers to maintain auto insurance at all times.

If you would like to get an auto insurance plan and you are in the Laurel, MD area, it would be a good idea for you to call Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial. The team with Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial understands the value that comes with auto insurance. They can help by assessing your needs and giving you the support needed to choose a new plan.