Do You Need Comprehensive Coverage For Your Vehicle?

Your car or truck can be vulnerable to a number of risks. Not only driving accidents but also theft, fire, vandalism, and other events can cause severe damage. Comprehensive coverage is a type of insurance coverage that covers these hazards, so you can quickly repair your vehicle and be back on the road. At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, we can help you determine the right coverage for your unique needs.

Understanding Comprehensive Auto Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage that is caused by common non-collision events. Weather events such as hail, flooding, or tornado damage would be covered under this type of insurance. Fire or explosions would also be covered. If you hit a deer on the road or a tree limb falls on your vehicle, the event would be covered. If your vehicle is stolen or vandalized, you will be covered for the incident.

You May Be Required To Have Comprehensive Coverage

If you finance your vehicle, you will probably be required to have comprehensive insurance to protect the interests of the lending institution. Similarly, if you lease your vehicle, the company offering the leasing contract may require comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage Is An Additional Cost on Your Premium

You may not be required to carry comprehensive coverage, but it can still help to defray the costs when unexpected damage happens. In this way, you’re not responsible for the entire amount of repair to your vehicle.

 Make Us Your Agent For Auto Coverage

If you have questions regarding comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, our experienced agents can provide answers to help you make an informed decision. We offer a full range of insurance products for individuals and for businesses. Contact Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE today for a no-obligation quote on comprehensive coverage that can help save you money when an unexpected hazard occurs.

Different Types of Auto Insurance Coverage and What They Mean

If you want to buy auto insurance, you need to understand the different kinds of coverage available. Different types of auto insurance can protect you and your car. The agents at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency have put together crucial information on the types of coverage available in Omaha, NE.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is a legal requirement in most states to drive a car. It can help pay for injuries and property damage that you cause to others in a covered accident.

Collision and Comprehensive Insurance

Collision insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car if it is damaged in an accident with another vehicle. Comprehensive insurance can offer extra protection in case of an accident with another vehicle. It can also help pay for damage to your car from things like vandalism, weather events, or animal collisions.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Insurance

Uninsured motorist insurance pays for bodily injury and damage to you or your car, respectively. Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or leaves the accident scene (hit and run). This coverage is often combined with underinsured motorist insurance, which kicks in if the at-fault driver’s insurance won’t cover all your expenses.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical bills after an accident can be very high, so this coverage can help pay for medical expenses related to a covered accident. It covers you in all accidents, no matter who is at fault.

Towing and Rental Reimbursement

If you have comprehensive car insurance, you can add towing and rental reimbursement to your policy. These coverage types will pay for a tow within the limits set in the policy. Getting around after an accident can be costly. Rental reimbursement insurance can help pay for a rental car while your car is being repaired after an accident.

Reach Out To Us

Contact Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE to set up an appointment for a free quote!

Involved in a Hit and Run? Here’s What to Do Next

At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, we are happy to assist Omaha, NE drivers with all their auto insurance needs and related concerns, such as what to do next if you have been in an accident. 

Check out this step-by-step guide to what to do when you’re dealing with a hit and run:

First: Get Help

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, call 911 (if there are injuries or you’re in an unsafe area, such as on the side of a busy highway). If there are no accidents or immediate danger, call your local police station. 

Second: Gather Evidence

After you’ve received any immediately necessary medical treatment and are in a safe location, it’s time to gather some evidence. Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle. If you remember any details about the person who hit your car (such as the make and model of the car they were driving, a description of the driver, or the state on their license plate) be sure to write it down, so you’re able to convey information to your insurance company. If anyone witnessed the accident, be sure to ask them for anything they noticed. 

Third: Call Your Insurance Company.

You’ll want to let your insurance company know right away that you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident. Be sure to call even if you’re not sure whether you’ll file a claim. 

Searching for the right auto insurance? We’re here to help

At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, we’re proud to serve our Omaha, NE customers, and we’re excited to get to know you and chat about your auto insurance needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help keep you and your family protected.

3 Steps to Take When You Get Into a Car Accident

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know what to do after getting into a car accident. We’ve put together a simple guide on handling yourself after an accident to help you through the process.

By following these three steps, you can stay calm and handle the situation in the best way possible:

1. Check for Injuries

The first thing you should do after an accident is check for injuries. If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. If someone is injured, you should call 911. 

2. Exchange Information

Once you’ve made sure that everyone is okay, the next step is to exchange information with the other driver. You’ll need their name, contact information, and insurance information. You will also want to take note of their license plate number. If there are any witnesses to the accident, you should also get their information.

It’s also a good idea to take photos of the damage to both vehicles and report the crash to reduce the risk of disputes. In Omaha, NE, you can call the OPD Traffic Unit at 402-444-5626.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company

After you’ve collected all the necessary information, the next step is to notify your insurance company. You’ll want to give them all of the details of the accident, including any injuries, damage, and witness information. Ed Thompson Insurance Agency serves the Omaha, NE area and can help customers start the claims process.

Contact Us Today

By following these steps, you can ensure you are fully prepared in the event of a car accident. Knowing what to do ahead of time will help you stay calm if an accident occurs. If you have any questions, call Ed Thompson Insurance Agency today. 

Required Auto Insurance in Nebraska

Having auto insurance is required for all vehicles in Nebraska. This coverage protects you in a number of ways that are each important. When you get your insurance policy, there are certain types of coverage that are required, and there are other types that are helpful but optional. When you need auto insurance, call us at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE.

Required Auto Insurance

Liability Auto Coverage

Most of the types of coverage required in Nebraska are for liability. These pay for the damages to someone else rather than to you or your driver. When you have a vehicle in the state, it’s required to have an amount of coverage that is for bodily injury liability for one person who is injured in an accident that is your fault. There is then a larger amount of coverage required for all of the people in the accident who are injured. Then, there is property damage liability with pays for damages done to the property of others. 

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists

Separate coverage amounts are required for both uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. These types provide coverage when you are hit by a motorist who has no insurance or has too little. This coverage is also important in case you get hit by a hit-and-run driver. 

Other Coverage

While it isn’t required, it’s often recommended for drivers to have collision coverage as well. This type pays for the damage that is done to your own vehicle if you were at fault for an accident. Comprehensive coverage is a type that pays for risks to your vehicle when it isn’t being driven. 

Get Your Auto Coverage

When you need an auto policy in Nebraska, we can help. Give us a call today at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE to find out more and to get started. 

5 Mistakes People Make When Buying Auto Insurance

When it comes to auto insurance, most people think they know what they’re doing. But in reality, many people make mistakes that can cost them a lot of money. In this post, we’re going to look at five of the most common mistakes people make when buying auto insurance and how you can avoid making them yourself.

1. Lying on the Application

This is perhaps the most common mistake people make when buying auto insurance. They think that by lying on their application, they’ll save money on their premium. But in reality, all it takes is for one tiny detail to be different from what you put on your application, and your policy could be voided. And if you have an accident while your policy is voided, you could be in for a world of financial pain. So always tell the truth on your application. It might cost you a few dollars more in premiums, but it’s not worth the risk.

2. Not Shopping Around

Another mistake people make is not shopping around for the best rate. There are a lot of auto insurance companies out there, and they all offer different rates. So take the time to shop around and compare rates before deciding on a policy.

3. Not Understanding the Policy

Before you sign up for a policy, it’s important that you understand what it covers. Don’t just take the word of the insurance agent. Please read the policy yourself and make sure you understand it. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask questions until you do.

4. Going for a High deductible

Many people think that having a high deductible will save them money on their premiums. And while it’s true that it will lower your premium, it’s also true that you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you have an accident. So you need to weigh the pros and cons of having a high deductible before deciding on a policy.

5. Not Getting Enough Coverage

This is a mistake that can cost you dearly if you have an accident. Make sure you have enough coverage to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident.

These are just a few of the most common mistakes people make when buying auto insurance. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be able to get the best coverage for your needs. Are you looking for auto insurance in Omaha, NE? Ed Thompson Insurance Agency can help you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Contact us today for a free quote.

 

3 Auto Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Buying an auto insurance policy is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make, so it’s worth taking the time to research. However, too often people don’t do their research, and they make mistakes as a result. Below are some of the most common auto insurance mistakes. At the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, we want to help you avoid these mistakes. Take a look at the list below, and let us know if you have any questions. 

Not Understanding State Auto Insurance Laws

Before purchasing, it’s important to understand the auto insurance laws for your state. Because each state has different laws, some drivers may break insurance laws without realizing it. This is especially true for drivers who move from one state to another. If you’ve recently moved to Nebraska, make sure that you have the right auto insurance coverage. 

Not Updating the Policy

When was the last time you updated your auto insurance policy? Some drivers buy car insurance and then forget about it. However, you’ll want to make sure that your policy stays up to date. For example, your rates may change if you get a new car or go a certain amount of time without having an accident. If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your policy, it’s time to take a second look. 

Only Buying the Bare Minimum

Many drivers only get bare minimum coverage. They look at what their state requires, purchase exactly that much coverage, and then move on. However, this approach can become costly over time. In case of a car accident, for instance, someone with minimum coverage may end up paying a lot of money out of pocket. 

Have Questions? 

Want to make sure you’re not making these crucial mistakes? Get in touch with the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE. We’d love to answer your auto insurance questions and help you get the right coverage for your needs. 

Is Basic Auto Insurance Adequate?

With increasing economic challenges, most motorists are keen to cut their car insurance bill. As such, they may only stick to the state-required car insurance. But is it adequate? Is it wise to stick to basic car insurance? If you are anxious to find out the answers, please hang on as Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, discusses whether basic car insurance is a good idea.

Required car insurance in Nevada

Before getting far, the best place to start is looking at Nevada’s required auto insurance. If you drive or park in public places, Nevada requires you to include the below coverages in your car insurance.

  • Bodily injury liability of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 for an accident involving more than one person
  • Property damage liability with a minimum of $20,000

So the million-dollar question is: Is the ("25/50/20") car insurance adequate? It’s a resounding no. If you are faced with a severe accident, the coverage limits are likely to be depleted, exposing your finances to uncovered auto accident expenses.

Besides, the above coverages don’t cover you and your vehicle. The state-required coverages are liability insurance policies that cover third parties only.

What we advise our clients

While meeting the minimum auto insurance coverages is superb, we usually advise our clients to:

  • Increase limits: Given that the mandatory liability limits are insufficient, we advise our clients to increase limits to about $300,000 for bodily liability coverage and $100,000 for property liability damage. And if these limits are still insufficient, we advise you to invest in umbrella insurance.
  • Consider other insurance coverages: For well-rounded protection, motorists should consider comprehensive, collision, and medical payments coverages. This way, you, your vehicle, and passengers are covered if the unthinkable strikes.

Are you looking for auto insurance in Omaha, NE? Please consider Ed Thompson Insurance Agency for all your auto insurance needs.

What Are Nebraska’s Uninsured Motorist Requirements?

Omaha, NE motorists must carry certain types of minimum amounts of insurance coverage. Additionally, all drivers must have proof of insurance with them when driving a vehicle. One of those requirements is purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This policy compensates you for injuries you have from an accident when the other driver is uninsured or does not have sufficient insurance. For additional information about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, call the agents at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency. 

Nebraska Auto Insurance Minimums

State law dictates how much insurance Nebraska motorists must purchase. These insurance options are the bare minimum motorists must have; however, there are many other options available providing greater insurance protection. The current minimum requirements include: 

  • Bodily Injury Liability Coverage — $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
  • Property Damage Liability Coverage — $25,000 per accident
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage — $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

Why Carry Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Accidents can happen without warning, and every claim is unique. That is why state minimums are set to ensure all drivers on the road carry some form of auto insurance. However, not everyone follows the rules. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you against those who do not have the proper insurance coverage. This policy covers you from financial disaster having to pay medical expenses related to an accident someone else who does not have insurance caused.

According to the Insurance Research Council, there are more than 95,000 drivers in Nebraska without auto insurance. If you live in Omaha, NE, and would like additional information about uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage, call to speak with an agent at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency. 

Limited Liability Versus Full Coverage

If you’ve been shopping for auto insurance, you may have come across the terms “limited liability” and “full coverage,” which is sometimes called comprehensive coverage. When selecting an auto insurance plan, you need to know the difference between these types of insurance and what they cover. Need help selecting an auto insurance plan? Contact the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, which serves Omaha, NE.

Now let’s take a look at the differences between limited liability and full coverage auto insurance.

Breaking Down The Key Differences Between Limited Liability and Full Coverage

Liability refers to what the insurance company must pay for in the event of an accident, vehicle theft, or another situation. Limited liability means that the insurance company is liable only for a limited number of things.

Often, limited liability will not provide coverage for the owner’s vehicle but may provide coverage for the other driver’s vehicle. This means that if you get in an accident, you may have to cover the damage costs for your vehicle.

Limited liability often won’t cover the costs associated with theft either. If your car is stolen, you may not get any money to help with buying a new car or to cover damages that occurred during the theft.

With comprehensive auto insurance, damages to your car are typically covered. Theft may also be covered under a comprehensive plan, and the insurance provider may provide funds that you can use to buy a new car. Theft of objects within a car, such as a laptop, may not be covered under your comprehensive vehicle insurance plan, but you may be able to purchase additional theft coverage.

Generally speaking, comprehensive car insurance plans are more expensive than limited liability auto plans. Yet the additional monthly costs could help ensure that more is covered in the event of an accident or other incident.

If you have more questions about comprehensive versus limited liability auto plans or want guidance when selecting a plan, contact the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, which serves Omaha, NE.