Can I Get Auto Insurance Coverage with My Horrible Driving Record?

Whether you have a horrible driving record because you’ve been involved in multiple car accidents, you’ve had several citations, or even a DWI, you likely still need to drive to get to and from work and school. Having a bad driving record in Easton, MD can leave many people without options, and you might be wondering if you can get auto insurance with a horrible driving record. 

Is Your Driver’s License Still Valid?

Many people have embarrassing driving records but who can still obtain auto insurance coverage. As long as your driver’s license is still valid, an insurance agency will provide you with coverage. Coverage for people with several points can be expensive, especially if you’ve had a DWI. 

The Driver Improvement Program

The state of Maryland offers a driver improvement program for eligible individuals. This program allows you to take a course, and upon completion, points will be removed from your driving record. If your driver’s license is invalid due to too many points, you might want to contact your local DMV to inquire about this program if it hasn’t been offered. If you’re eligible for the program and you’re able to have some points removed, you’ll be required to pay certain fines and fees to have your driver’s license reinstated. 

As you can see, in some situations, it is possible to still obtain auto insurance coverage despite having a horrible driving record. You may have to pay substantially higher rates until your driving record has had time to improve. If you’re seeking a new insurance provider and an Easton, MD resident, call us at Ashley Insurance. At Ashley Insurance, we might be the insurance agency you’ve been looking for that can provide coverage regardless of your driving record. 

What To Do After An Accident: A Guide

No one plans for an accident, but being prepared for the unexpected can be absolutely crucial. At Ashley Insurance, we understand the stress that follows a car accident. Here’s your comprehensive guide on what to do after a car accident to ensure your safety and protect your interests.

1. Prioritize Safety First:

In the event of a motor vehicle accident, the situation can be overwhelming. Begin by prioritizing the safety of everyone involved, attempting to move your vehicle to a secure location if possible. Activate your hazard lights and deploy warning triangles, if accessible. In cases of severe injuries, promptly dial emergency services for immediate assistance.

2. Report the Accident:

Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. Having an official record is crucial for insurance claims. Provide accurate details to the police, and obtain a copy of the accident report for your records.

3. Document the Scene:

If possible, capture photos and videos of the accident scene. Document vehicle damage, license plates, street signs, and any contributing factors. This visual evidence can be invaluable during the claims process.

4. Exchange Insurance Information:

All involved should exchange contact and insurance information. Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers. Share your details as well, ensuring transparency for all parties.

5. Be Mindful of What You Say:

In the event of an accident, avoid admitting guilt or fault. Stick to factual information when interacting with other parties, witnesses, or law enforcement. Anything said at the scene may impact the claims process.

6. Seek Medical Attention:

Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not manifest immediately. Keep records of medical visits, prescriptions, and any recommended follow-up care.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company:

Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Make sure you provide them with accurate details and cooperate fully with their investigation. Prompt reporting helps expedite the claims process.

8. Consult with Ashley Insurance:

Your next call should be to Ashley Insurance. Our experienced insurance agents will attentively guide you through the claims process. We’ll answer any questions you may have, and ensure you receive the support you need.

9. Follow-Up on Your Claim:

Stay up-to-date on the progress of your claim. Provide any requested documentation promptly and follow up with your insurance adjuster. Open communication ensures a smoother resolution.

10. Know Your Rights If Injured:

If you’ve sustained injuries, consult with legal professionals to understand your rights. Personal injury claims may be necessary to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Navigating the Aftermath with Confidence

No one anticipates a car accident, but knowing what to do after a car accident empowers you to navigate the aftermath with confidence. Ashley Insurance is here to provide support, ensuring you receive the care and coverage you deserve. Remember, in times of uncertainty, Ashley Insurance is your trusted partner. Get a quote today!

Teen Drivers and Auto Insurance: Tips for Parents

Adding A Teenager To Your Car Insurance

A New Road Of Opportunities

Teenagers reaching driving age is a major milestone, but insuring a teenage driver can also bring about significant changes to your auto insurance policy. Adding a teenager to your car insurance can be expensive due to their limited experience and higher risk factors. However, there are ways to make this transition smoother and more affordable. Let’s explore valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate the world of auto insurance for teen drivers and don’t forget to reach out to an agent at Ashley Insurance when you’re ready to make a move.

1. Understand the Factors Affecting Teen Auto Insurance

  • Discuss the risk factors associated with insuring a teenage driver, including their limited experience and higher accident rates.
  • Explain how these factors influence insurance premiums.

2. Consider Your Policy Options

  • Explore policy options like adding your teen to your existing policy or purchasing a separate one.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of each approach.

3. Take Advantage of Discounts

  • Seek out common discounts available for insuring a teenage driver, such as good student discounts and driver’s education discounts.
  • Explain how these discounts can help reduce insurance costs.

4. Encourage Safe Driving Habits

  • Offer tips on promoting safe driving habits among your teen, including the importance of obeying traffic laws and avoiding distractions.

5. Choose the Right Vehicle

  • Explain how the type of vehicle your teen drives can impact insurance rates.
  • Offer guidance on selecting a safe and budget-friendly car.

6. Comparison Shopping

  • Emphasize the importance of shopping around for the best insurance rates.
  • Provide advice on how to effectively compare insurance quotes.

7. Set Clear Expectations:

  • Discuss the importance of setting clear rules and expectations for your teen driver.
  • Explain how adherence to these rules can positively affect insurance rates.

8. Monitor and Adjust

  • Stress the need to regularly monitor your teen’s driving habits and adjust your policy as needed.
  • Share insights on how your teen’s driving record can impact future insurance rates.
Insuring A Teenage Driver

Be Ahead of the Curve

As the parent of a teen driver, managing auto insurance costs from insuring a teenage driver can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By understanding the factors influencing insurance premiums, exploring your policy options, and encouraging safe driving habits, you can navigate the road to affordable auto insurance for your teen. Additionally, taking advantage of discounts, choosing the right vehicle, and practicing vigilant monitoring will help you keep both your young driver and your budget on the right track. Contact our trusted team at Ashley Insurance to learn more!

Ready to add your teen to your auto insurance? Get a no-obligation quote today!

My car is ten years old. Is full coverage auto insurance a wise investment?

Maryland’s drivers are legally required to carry auto liability insurance. However, some circumstances may require a driver to carry more than liability insurance. It can be challenging to determine how much auto insurance you truly need. Our Ashley Insurance team understands that navigating auto insurance can be confusing for many Easton, MD drivers. As a result, we’re here to help. 

What are the benefits of Auto Insurance?

In a nutshell, auto insurance can protect you financially and legally if you cause damage to someone else’s vehicle or property. It also covers the other driver’s medical expenses in case of an accident where you are at fault. Additionally, you can buy insurance that will pay for the repair or replacement of your own vehicle and your personal injuries. However, liability insurance is the only type of insurance that most states require drivers to have, but if you have an auto loan, you may need more coverage.

My car is ten years old. Is full coverage auto insurance a wise investment?

No. The value of your car continuously depreciates as time passes, and you increase your car’s mileage. As a result, a vehicle that’s a decade or more old is usually not a wise investment for full coverage insurance because the insurance cost usually exceeds the car’s appraised value after an accident. If you have questions regarding how much auto insurance you need, call us. We’d be happy to help.

How To Choose the Right Car Insurance Plan

How to Choose the Right Car Insurance Plan

At Ashley Insurance, we understand that choosing the right car insurance plan can be a daunting task. With so many policies and plans available, it can be overwhelming to decide which plan is best for you and your vehicle. That’s why we’ve put together a reliable guide on how to select the right car insurance plan. By following this guide, you’ll be able to compare your options, research insurance companies in your state, look for discounts and incentives, and much more. With the right car insurance plan, you can enjoy driving with peace of mind knowing that you’re protected from unexpected financial loss.

Find the Perfect Car Insurance Plan

1. Compare your options:

Before you make any decisions on which car insurance plan to choose, it is important to compare your options. Don’t just settle for the first or cheapest car insurance plan you come across. Instead, take a bit of extra time to research and compare different plans to determine which one best meets your needs.

2. Research the insurance companies that offer car insurance in your state:

When searching for car insurance, it is essential to research the insurance companies that offer car insurance in your state. We work with reputable insurance providers that offer comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price, ensuring that you get the best deal possible. By partnering with multiple insurance companies, we can provide you with a variety of coverage options, allowing you to choose the policy that meets your needs and budget.

3. Look for discounts and incentives:

Most car insurance companies offer discounts and incentives to their customers, which can help you save money on premiums. Look out for discounts for good students and good drivers who maintain a safe driving record. You can also receive discounts by driving a safe car equipped with features such as anti-theft devices, backup cameras, and lane departure warnings. Additionally, bundling your car insurance with home insurance can provide you with significant discounts. You can save even more on your auto insurance by paying your premium in full. Read our guide to buying car insurance for the first time for more tips.

Get the Car Insurance Coverage You Need

4. Get the coverage you need:

When deciding on the right car insurance plan, it’s important to get the coverage you need. This means understanding the different types of coverage available and determining which ones you need. Some common types of coverage include liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Our agents can help you figure out which types of coverage best suit your driving style.

5. Read the fine print before you buy:

Before you purchase a car insurance plan, it’s important to read the fine print. Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not covered. Don’t just focus on the premium. Pay attention to exclusions or limitations that may impact your coverage. Keep an eye out for restrictions on coverage, claims, and deductibles. Ask your Ashley Insurance agent if you have any questions about the fine print in your policy.

Get A Quote

At Ashley Insurance, we are committed to helping our customers find the right car insurance plan for their needs. We offer a wide range of auto insurance coverage options and discounts to help you save money on your premiums. Get a free quote on our website or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the right car insurance plan for you.

What could happen if I do not have auto insurance in Maryland?

If you are in the Easton, MD area, owning a car would likely make a lot of sense. When you are a vehicle owner here, you will have an easier time getting around the community and completing all of your tasks. Along with a car, you must ensure you are adequately insured. If you do not have an auto insurance plan, you could experience several consequences. 

Penalization

One of the issues that could arise if you are not insured is that you could face penalties. Carrying auto insurance is necessary for anyone who drives a car in Maryland. If you do not have at least the minimum level of liability coverage, you can face various consequences. This can include being hit with monetary penalties or even losing your license to drive a car. 

No Financial Protection

Another consequence of not having auto insurance is that you will not have financial protection. One of the main benefits of having this coverage is that you will receive financial support if you are liable in an accident or if you incur a covered loss, such as accident damage, vandalism, or theft. If you do not have this insurance, you will not have any of this support. This could mean you will have to face significant costs to pay restitution or repair your car. 

You will always want to ensure that you have the right insurance when buying a car in the Easton, MD area. If you would like to get a car here, calling our team with Ashley Insurance would be helpful. Our dedicated professionals with Ashley Insurance will offer the guidance you need to get properly insured. 

Buying Car Insurance For The First Time

You just bought your first car. The open road is calling your name. All you need now is the right car insurance plan. At Ashley Insurance, we happily serve guests of all ages and stages of life. If this is your first time buying car insurance, this is your go-to guide.

Buying Car Insurance for the First Time,

What You Need:

There are just a few things you will need to provide when you purchase your vehicle’s insurance. For starters, you will need to know about the different types of auto insurance you’d like to include in your policy. You will also need to provide some important details about your car, including the year, make, and model. Additional personal information and documentation will also be required:

  • Your valid drivers’ license
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Occupation
  • Marital status
  • Education level
  • Driving history
  • Insurance history

For future reference, your driving history affects your insurance rates. So does your location. While you may not have much control over the location factor, driving safely is the best way to ensure you receive the lowest possible rates after buying car insurance for the first time.

How to Buy Car Insurance for the First Time

Insurance Tips For First Time Car-Buyers

Anyone wondering how to buy car insurance for the first time could benefit from a tip or two. Here are just a few of the basics that will help you during the process:

  1. You can and should get insurance before you buy your car – All you need is the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). If you already picked out the car you plan on buying, contact the dealership to find out the VIN and our experts will get you started.
  2. Cost varies – For first time buyers, car insurance typically costs slightly more than for experienced drivers. This is normal. Experienced drivers are considered at a lower risk level. As long as you drive safely, your rates will go down eventually!
  3. Compare quotes – All insurance companies are different. At Ashley Insurance, we offer great rates no matter your driving experience. Use our Get A Quote tool to compare rates across various insurance companies so you can ensure you are getting the right plan.
  4. Find out what is required – In some states, higher levels of insurance are required by law. Speak with our experts to create a plan with everything you will need. Skipping this step could leave you paying for unnecessary expenses.
  5. Purchase as much insurance as you can afford – While it’s not necessary for you to purchase every little bit of coverage, you should still try to make sure that your vehicle is as protected as possible. Our experts can help you figure out which types of coverage you may need. At the very least, those buying car insurance for the first time should purchase minimum liability coverage.
  6. Think carefully before changing your policy – Here’s a few ways you can intuitively time future auto insurance policy changes.

If you are a parent looking for tips on insuring your teen driver, click here!

Do I Need Insurance To Own A Car?

The short answer is, yes. In fact, car dealerships should not even allow you to leave the lot without car insurance. Dealerships aren’t as concerned if you are buying the vehicle outright, but those who are financing or leasing will often need to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Car Insurance for First Time Buyers

Find the Right Auto Insurance Plan

Don’t let your car insurance cause you too much stress. This basic requirement is simple and affordable to acquire, as long as you have the right insurance company that is working for you. Contact the team at Ashley Insurance to hear about our low rates and receive more guidance about buying car insurance for the first time!

Why does someone need to have auto insurance?

The Easton, MD area can be a great place to live, and owning a car will make it much easier to get around and enjoy all that it has to offer. If you are moving to this area of Maryland and need a car, it is also important that you have insurance for it.

There are multiple reasons why car owners need to have an auto insurance plan for their vehicles:

Insurance is an Obligation by Law

A reason why someone here will likely need to have auto coverage is that it is an obligation under the law. Anyone that lives in Maryland will need to have auto insurance if they want to drive their vehicle. At a minimum, you need to carry a certain level of liability insurance coverage. Further, you will need a full comprehensive plan if you have a loan that is secured by your car. 

Insurance Needed to Protect Car

If you are going to buy a car, you undoubtedly will want to protect it as well. One of the best ways that someone can protect their car is by getting auto insurance. If you have a full plan, including collision and comprehensive insurance, you will have support if you incur a variety of situations that could result in a loss. 

Contact Us Today

People throughout the Easton, MD area will need to have auto insurance if they are going to buy a car. When you are in the market for a vehicle and need insurance, Ashley Insurance is a great company to start your search with. There are a lot of important choices to make when evaluating your coverage needs and Ashley Insurance can help you further assess your insurance obligations and needs to help you build a new plan. 

Insuring Your Family’s Teen Driver

As your teenager approaches the age of 15, you need to contact Ashley Insurance serving Easton, MD about adding your teen to your auto insurance.

Adding Your Teen to Your Policy

This process requires phoning our office to inform us that they’ve acquired their learners’ permit. While adding them takes just a phone call, you might experience a little "sticker shock" at the cost of adding them.

That cost comes from their lack of driving records and the risk levels of teens. Teenaged drivers comprise one of the largest groups who incur accidents. They lack experience in driving, and they take too many risks. That increases the insurance underwriter’s risk, and your premiums increase.

How can you reduce the premiums?

You can make your teen take a defensive driving course along with their school’s driver’s education course. Another option includes sending them to a driving school course.

You can also place a monitor in their vehicle from the insurance company that records their driving record. The insurance company regularly reviews this data to determine how the driver manages risk. You need to wait until they obtain their own vehicle, though, because you must guarantee that each monitor applies to just one driver.

Purchasing Their Own Policy

At 16, your teen can purchase their own policy. This process typically occurs when they buy their first car. The insurance cost belongs to them solely when they buy their own policy. If they purchase a used car of more than a decade in age, it makes the most sense to obtain liability and bodily injury coverages. If your teen bought the car for about $1,000, there’s probably no reason for comprehensive or collision coverage. That’s the opposite of your own vehicle insurance because you probably purchased a new vehicle.

Contact Us for More Information

When you need to decide how to handle insuring your teen for driving, contact Ashley Insurance serving Easton, MD. We’ll help you determine the most affordable way to insure them.

What Auto Insurance Do I Need in Maryland?

If you drive a vehicle in Maryland, then you likely know the importance of auto insurance as a form of protection on your daily route to work, school, errands, or wherever else you may be going. This great state is filled with vehicles and drivers, all on their way somewhere. 

Legally, every driver and vehicle must carry a minimum of liability insurance to drive a car in Maryland. Liability insurance serves to offer the driver protection they need if they are responsible for a collision. If you’re a resident of Easton, MD and are looking for auto insurance, Ashley Insurance is a great option for many reasons. 

While you may not think about the risks involved in driving when you’re rushing out the door in the morning, that doesn’t mean there aren’t risks. You may drive defensively and believe yourself to be a safe driver, but you can’t control who you may come into contact with on the road at any given time. 

That’s why a full coverage auto insurance plan in Easton, MD is highly recommended by Ashley Insurance. Plans that include coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists, liability coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage are ideal because they can fully cover the driver in an accident, whether it’s your fault or not. 

There are so many reasons to protect yourself when driving a vehicle in Maryland. Don’t put it on the back burner for another day. Particularly during the winter season when the roads are slick and more dangerous, you’ll be grateful you invested in auto insurance when the moment comes when you need it the most. 

Contact Ashley Insurance for all your auto insurance coverage needs. We’re here to help!