Understanding Insurance - Progressive Insurance Blogs

Road Tripping With Your Pet

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:00:00 EST

Why not include your four-legged friends next time you take a jaunt somewhere? The following tips can not only help your pet become a better passenger, they can make a trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Stay Ahead of Hurricane Claims

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:00:00 EST

Since it's the heart of hurricane season, take precautions — if you haven't already — to protect your belongings, including boats and other vehicles, from damage caused by hurricanes or other heavy storms. Here are a few things you can do ahead of time to help you plan for an evacuation.

Whose Car Should Your Kids Drive?

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST

Before you let your child drive someone else's car, or before someone outside the family drives your car, consider these factors.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Every Bike You Ride?

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST

Before you jump on someone else's motorcycle to take it for a spin, do you know if you're covered by motorcycle insurance? What if you're riding your own bike — does your motorcycle coverage apply in all situations? Here are a few things to consider before you decide to hit the road on a Harley — or any other type of motorcycle.

Best of: When Should You Drop Collision Coverage?

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST

Many people with newer cars keep collision coverage on their policies, but they also may not know when or if they should drop this coverage. While there's no set rule for determining whether collision coverage becomes unnecessary for your particular situation, there are some simple considerations to make if you're debating whether or not you should keep it on your policy. We've outlined them here.

Considering Boat Insurance? What You Should Know.

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST

If you're in the market for your own watercraft — or if you're about to wheel your own boat to the water for some sun-soaked fun — remember that it's also a good time to consider your boat insurance options.

What Happens If You're Involved in an Out-of-Town Accident?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST

Though they may not happen often, out-of-town accidents do occur. If you're involved in one, here are a few things to know.

Complete Your Home Inventory Easily

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST

It's a good idea to maintain an ongoing inventory of your belongings even after you've purchased homeowners or renters insurance. Here are a few tips to help you complete a home inventory rather easily.

What to Do After Your Car Is Vandalized

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST

If you have Comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, your auto insurance will often cover this type of damage. Even if you have the proper coverage, there are some steps you should take to ensure the damage is covered by your auto policy. File a Claim. Whenever you need to make an auto insurance claim, your policy outlines what you should do.

Should you buy insurance from a rental car company?

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST

If you're renting a car, think about what you need before you purchase supplemental insurance or a damage waiver. To help you decide whether you should opt for the insurance offered by rental car companies, consider the following.

Will a BUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rate?

Fri, 30 May 2008 07:00:00 EST

If you're caught operating a boat under the influence and receive a BUI, will it affect what you pay for auto insurance?

Flood Insurance: What You Should Know

Sun, 18 May 2008 07:00:00 EST

Flood insurance is exactly what you'd expect: It provides protection from types of flooding your home may experience. Here are a few things to know about flood insurance to help you decide if it's right for you.

Is Your RV Covered if an Animal Damages It?

Mon, 12 May 2008 07:00:00 EST

Coexisting with wildlife is expected when you rough it — even if only for a day — so what happens if one of nature's creatures takes a liking to your RV or camper and causes a little damage to it? Does your insurance cover it?

Who Pays for Towing Damage?

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:00:00 EST

Having your vehicle towed can throw your day into confusion, but what happens if you discover damage to your car after it's been towed? Should you make a claim on your auto insurance policy? Here are some things to consider if you find yourself in this situation.

Can You Legally Drive Without Auto Insurance?

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST

While it may be tempting to drive without auto insurance, it's illegal. Most states require at least a minimum amount of insurance to operate a vehicle, though a very small number of states may require some other evidence of financial responsibility. Generally, you are required to show proof of insurance to purchase a vehicle from a dealership, to obtain a driver's license or to renew registration, so proof of financial responsibility is fairly difficult to work around.

Why Choose a Paperless Policy?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST

Typically, when you purchase an insurance policy, you could walk away with several pieces of paper. One way to help control the clutter is to enroll in an online or paperless program, such as Progressive's Paperless policy option. With a Paperless policy, you can receive your bills and most other policy documents electronically instead of paper copies that are delivered by U.S. mail.

How Does Home Insurance Cover Pets?

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST

Typically, the liability portion of your home insurance covers the actions of your pets if they damage items that you don't own or if they injure people who do not live in your house. However, did you know that certain types of pets can make it difficult to obtain home, renters or condo insurance through certain companies?

Does Insurance Cover Your Motorcycle Accessories?

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:00:00 EST

Though Uninsured Motorist coverage is optional, here are a few reasons why you should consider adding it to your motorcycle insurance policy.

Why Your Motorcycle Should Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:00:00 EST

Though Uninsured Motorist coverage is optional, here are a few reasons why you should consider adding it to your motorcycle insurance policy.

When Do You Need a Commercial Auto Policy?

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:00:00 EST

People often associate commercial auto insurance with businesses — rightfully so. However, commercial auto insurance isn't strictly for businesses. Individuals may also need a commercial auto policy to insure their vehicles depending on the types of vehicles they use and how they use them.

How Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance Rate?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:00:00 EST

If you're caught driving under the influence, it's likely that your insurance premium will be affected. Having a DUI on your driving record means you'll be paying for it long after your court or legal interactions have ended. In fact, a DUI often directly impacts what you pay for auto insurance. Here's why.

Motorcycle Endorsement vs. Motorcycle Policy

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:00:00 EST

Deciding to add a motorcycle to your vehicle collection is a somewhat simple choice, but actually insuring your bike might take a bit more research. Some companies offer motorcycle endorsements while others offer full-fledged motorcycle policies. What's the difference between a motorcycle endorsement and a motorcycle policy, and, more importantly, which one should you choose?

What happens if an accident occurs in your own driveway?

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST

If you're one of the many people who've been involved in an accident that happens at home, do you know how your auto insurance company will handle your claim? Here are a few common scenarios of accidents that happen at home and how they're often handled by insurance companies. Because your policy and coverages may differ from the examples below, refer to your policy for your particular situation.

Are You Covered if You Borrow Your Friend's Car?

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST

Occasionally, you may need to borrow your friend's car to run an errand, go to work or complete some other task. When you do this, do you know if you're covered by your neighbor's auto insurance policy?

Three Things You Didn't Know Could Increase Your Rates

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST

We know the obvious things can affect your rates: repeat accidents, adding a teenager to your policy, DUI/DWI convictions, etc. But here are three things you can do that you may not have known can increase your rates.

After an accident, should you move off the road?

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST

Should you move your car off the road after an accident? The answer to that question varies. Here are some scenarios to determine whether you should move your car or not. Keep in mind that states may have different guidelines around what to do, so call your local highway patrol or law enforcement office to find out what your area recommends.

Someone Hits You. Who Reports the Claim?

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:00:00 EST

Accidents wreak havoc on your day. Once everything settles down, who reports the claim? If someone hits you and it's pretty clear that person is at fault, is it his responsibility to report the claim, or should you report the claim?

Does Where You Live Affect Your Premium?

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 07:00:00 EST

Several factors affect the price you pay for auto insurance — your age, driving record, type of vehicle, etc. — but did you know where you live also affects your premium? It's true: Your location directly impacts your insurance rate. In fact, most insurance companies, including Progressive, consider where you live when they price policies.

Can You Have Comprehensive Without Collision?

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:00:00 EST

If you purchase comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, are you required to purchase collision coverage, too?

Do You Leave Town for College?

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:00:00 EST

If you attend school in another city or state, these factors can affect your auto insurance policy. Many students choose to leave town or even cross state lines to attend college. If you're one of them, or if you have a child who's an out-of-town or out-of-state student, there are a few steps you should take to update your auto insurance policy.

When Should You Drop Collision Coverage?

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 07:00:00 EST

What Is Gap Insurance, and Who Needs It?

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:00:00 EST

If you purchased or leased a new vehicle and weren't able to afford a large down payment, you may need gap insurance. Vehicles notoriously depreciate in value — and quickly — and depreciation starts the moment you leave the dealership. If you're not able to pay the difference between what you owe and what your vehicle is worth out of pocket, gap insurance may be worth your while. Both lenders and auto insurance companies offer gap insurance to customers as a way to protect you against unforeseen financial losses. Here's a quick refresher course about gap insurance and who needs it.

Are Pets Covered in Car Accidents?

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:00:00 EST

What happens if someone rear-ends you and injures your pet? Most insurance companies will cover your pet if the accident isn't your fault. Progressive takes it one step further and will cover your pet regardless of fault with our Pet Injury coverage

What Is Subrogation?

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:00:00 EST

What happens after your insurance company pays for a loss that's not your fault?

Your Auto Insurance Policy Simplified

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 07:00:00 EST

Follow these tips to read and understand your policy faster.

What's Covered If Someone Breaks Into Your Car?

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 07:00:00 EST

See what auto insurance covers — and what it doesn't.

Are Minimum Limits Enough Auto Insurance for You?

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 07:00:00 EST

When deciding how much insurance to buy, think about what assets you're protecting. Even though the minimums required by the state are legal, they may not be enough insurance for you.

Does Auto Insurance Transfer from an Old Car to a New Car?

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 07:00:00 EST

See how your current auto insurance policy extends to your new vehicle.

SR-22: What you Should Know

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 07:00:00 EST

What to Do When You Need an SR-22

"Full Coverage" Doesn't Exist

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 07:00:00 EST

If there's no such thing as "full coverage," how much insurance coverage do you actually need?

Five Auto Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 07:00:00 EST

Many people have negative feelings about auto insurance: They're required to pay for a service that they hope to never use.