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How does auto insurance handle single-vehicle accidents?
Single-vehicle accidents are more common than people realize, causing nearly half of traffic deaths nationwide. Therefore, you should understand how insurance handles single-vehicle accidents and what to do if you are involved in one. If you have questions about single-vehicle accidents or auto insurance, contact the Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. team, serving Evansville, IN. We will answer your insurance questions and ensure you receive the necessary coverage.
Determining Fault in Single-Vehicle Accidents
Indiana uses the at-fault method to determine who bears the legal and financial responsibility for damages and injuries caused by auto accidents. We determine fault for both single and multi-vehicle accidents because drivers are not always at fault for single-vehicle accidents.
One or more parties can be at fault for single-vehicle accidents, while the driver may be wholly, partly, or not at fault. Besides the driver, factors that may contribute to single-vehicle accidents include:
- Snow, ice, fog, rain, or other weather conditions
- Potholes or other road problems
- Hidden street and stop signs
- Objects or animals on the road
- Another vehicle negligently entered the road
- Vehicle manufacturer or service technician errors
Indiana uses the comparative negligence standard, so each at-fault party receives a percentage of responsibility for the accident. The percentages assigned determine the liability and payment responsibility. However, a driver assigned 51% or more responsibility cannot collect any damages.
If you have a single-vehicle accident, try to obtain a police report. Also, safely taking pictures or videos can help document the situation and factors that led to the accident.
Working with Trestle Insurance Agency Inc.
If you live in or near Evansville, IN, the Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. team will help you obtain the best auto insurance for your needs. Call our office at (812) 214-4825 to make an appointment.
Term Life Insurance Guidelines for A New Policyholder
Are you planning to acquire a term life insurance policy? If so, review some guidelines that will help you learn how your coverage works. The guidelines will also assist with keeping your policy updated.
Term Life Insurance Coverage
Term life insurance differs from whole life insurance. Term life insurance provides a death benefit for a specific amount of time. Unlike whole life insurance, term life insurance does not build a cash value. This means that you will not be able to borrow against the value of a term life insurance policy.
A term life insurance policy can be taken out for a specified amount of time. When your policy expires, you can purchase an additional term life insurance policy.
Life Insurance Considerations
Consider reasons why you may want to invest in a term life insurance policy. Perhaps you aren’t ready to commit to obtaining a permanent life insurance policy. You may be experiencing a distinct time in your life where you are going to need more insurance coverage.
If you have young children at home or older teens who are enrolled in college, it may make sense to have term life insurance coverage. If you unexpectedly die, insurance coverage will pay for your final costs.
It would also benefit those who survive. Your family’s surviving members will receive the financial relief they need and deserve.
Get Answers To Insurance Questions
If you have any questions about term life coverage, contact one of our agents at Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. An insurance agent who serves Evansville, IN will advise you about various types of life insurance. You can then pick out the amount of term life insurance coverage you need.
Ask an Agent: When Should You Update Your Home Insurance?
Regularly updating your home insurance policy is crucial to ensuring you’re always adequately protected. If you live in the Evansville, IN, area and need to update your home’s coverage, Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. is here to help. Our dedicated agents will thoroughly review your current policy and ask the right questions to ensure it’s properly updated.
Annual Policy Review
We recommend reviewing your home policy at least once a year and making any necessary updates. Many renew their policy without making changes, potentially missing out on important updates that could increase protection. By working with an agent to get the updates you need, you can feel confident that you have the right coverage for the future.
Inform Your Agent of Significant Changes
If you make significant changes to your home, it’s important to notify your agent, even if it’s not time to review and renew your policy. For example, if you add a pool or make substantial updates to your home, you may need to update your home’s coverage. It’s essential to ensure you have the proper protection for your home as you work to make it even more comfortable and suitable for your needs.
Trust a Reliable Agent
Contact us at Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. today if you’re in the Evansville, IN area and need a home insurance update. We’ll help you secure the right policy and coverage for your needs, providing you with peace of mind. Our agents understand the importance of a comprehensive policy, and we’re committed to providing the support and guidance you deserve.
I’m Getting An Apartment. Do I Have to Get Renters Insurance?
There’s a lot to consider when you’re moving into an apartment. One of the things you should think about is whether to get renters insurance. At Trestle Insurance Agency Inc., servicing Evansville, IN, we can help you choose a renters insurance policy. Are you wondering whether renters insurance is right for you? Here’s what to consider.
Understanding Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is a type of insurance that pays to repair or replace your belongings if a covered event occurs. It is similar to home insurance but only protects your belongings—not the apartment where you live.
Renters insurance can also pay for your living expenses in the event that you have to move out while your apartment is being repaired after a covered event. Having renters insurance makes recovering from covered events more affordable and realistic for many people.
Is Renters Insurance Required?
Renters insurance is not required for most people. If your landlord requires you to have renters insurance, this information will be in your lease. Even if you don’t need renters insurance, there are still many benefits.
- Renters insurance can give you peace of mind when a covered event occurs.
- Renters insurance can make recovery after a covered event possible if you don’t have enough money to replace all of your belongings.
Need Renters Insurance? Contact Us Today Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. professionals., servicing Evansville, IN, can help you find the right renter’s insurance policy. We work with many carriers, which can help you find a policy that fits your budget and meets your needs. If you’d like to have renters insurance, call today to get started with a quote.
Legal Ramifications If You Don’t Have Motorcycle Insurance
Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. is here to help Evansville, IN residents understand their insurance duties. For example, motorcycle riders are often confused about whether they need policies at all. As a result, it’s essential to know what can happen if you don’t have a policy in place.
Indiana Does Require Policies
According to Indiana state law, a motorized vehicle that has up to three wheels (including any side cars) must be registered, titled, and insured like regular vehicles. They’re essentially the same as passenger vehicles, such as cars and trucks, and must be protected in various ways.
Typical requirements include coverage for property damage, underinsured and uninsured protection, and other liability protection. All riders under 18 must wear helmets on motorcycles, which can impact your policy if you ride with children but don’t protect them.
What Happens If You Don’t Have One
Cyclists who try to get away with driving without a license will face serious legal issues. For example, they might get their registration or even their license suspended. These include 90-day suspensions for the first offense and up to a year for future lapses or insurance fails.
If this happens to you, expect to pay $150 for your first offense, $225 for your second, and $300 for all subsequent offenses. You must also show proof that you have the minimum coverage. In other words, it’s simply smarter to pay for your policy. It’s not worth the risk.
Talk to Us to Learn More
At Trestle Insurance Agency Inc., we help Evansville, IN bike owners get the policy protection they need to avoid long-term legal issues. Call us if you’re interested in owning a motorcycle or don’t have coverage. The risk is not worth the little money you save.
Adequate Insurance Protection While Your Boat Is Docked
Consider the storage plan that you will use to protect your boat while it is docked. Seek boat insurance that will cover your boat if it is damaged, vandalized, or stolen.
Storage Plan
Following a sufficient storage plan will minimize the risk of damage to your boat. It will also deter theft and other criminal activities. Your storage plan should include keeping your boat protected from the elements.
A dry-docked boat should not be at risk of getting wet while unoccupied. A secure storage strategy would involve providing a covered area for the watercraft.
If storing a boat inside an enclosed structure is currently not possible, a waterproof boat cover will protect the watercraft from the elements.
Watercraft Inspection
Dry-docked boats should be inspected regularly. Even though a boat may be sufficiently stored, it may still be damaged by a factor that wasn’t considered when it was first placed in storage.
Security Aids
The use of security aids will further protect a boat and may minimize the need to file an insurance claim due to damage or theft.
The installation of surveillance equipment allows a boat owner to monitor their boat’s storage area closely.
If anything suspicious is discovered during an impromptu surveillance session, the boat owner can explore it further and contact their insurance company if necessary.
Boat Insurance Information in Indiana
Speak with one of our Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. representatives. An agent who serves Evansville, IN can assist with your questions about boat insurance. They will suggest boat insurance coverage types that will protect your watercraft while it is docked.
Motorcycles Vs. Motor – Driven Cycles: What’s the Difference?
Drivers of motorcycles and motor-driven cycles in Indiana may often question the differences between these two types of vehicles. A motorcycle is primarily designed with a seat or saddle for its rider and typically moves on two to three wheels. To legally operate a motorcycle, an individual must have a motorcycle endorsement added to their driver’s license.
We’re Here to Guide You
Motorcycle riders are mandated to hold insurance. At Trestle Insurance Agency Inc., we can alleviate your queries about motorcycle laws and insurance. Our knowledgeable agents are well-versed in Indiana’s motorcycle regulations and can guide you through your insurance options. While motorcycle riders are bound to carry bodily injury and property damage coverage, gaining liability insurance coverage is also recommended.
A motor-driven cycle, similar to a motorcycle, is designed with a seat or saddle and operates on two to three wheels. The primary distinction between the two lies in their cylinder capacities. A motor-driven cycle is characterized by a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters. Moreover, they can be operated by drivers aged 15 and above.
Noteworthy constraints exist regarding motor-driven cycles. They have a preset top operating speed of 35 mph and cannot accommodate passengers. Operating them on highways or sidewalks is also prohibited. Helmets are mandatory for drivers under 18, whether riding motorcycles or motor-driven cycles.
Trestle Insurance Agency is a family-owned insurance firm that has been serving drivers in Evansville, IN, for over 50 years. Our agents are prepared to discuss the specifics of your insurance options with you. Our mission is to offer you the adequate protection required at an affordable price. Feel free to call us and have your motorcycle insurance queries answered.
How Do Collision and Comprehensive Insurance Differ?
Complete auto insurance protection encompasses liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Indiana law mandates that auto insurance must include liability insurance to cover damages and potential injuries to others following an accident where you’re at fault. However, the law in Indiana does not require collision or comprehensive insurance, both of which pay for damage to your vehicle under different circumstances as explained below. Due to the complex nature of auto insurance, it may be beneficial to reach out to experts like the Trestle Insurance Agency Inc.’s team serving Evansville, IN, for guidance.
Collision versus Comprehensive Insurance
Both collision and comprehensive coverage cater to damages that occur to your vehicle. Collision coverage comes into effect when your car is involved in an accident where you’re at fault. Comprehensive coverage covers damages that aren’t related to collisions. This type of insurance covers damage from theft, vandalism, hail, colliding with an animal, or even a tree falling on your car.
While these two types of insurance aren’t legally binding, your lender will likely require you to have both if you’ve financed your car. If you own your car outright, the decision to buy collision and comprehensive coverage rests on you. Some people choose not to pay for these insurances, taking the chance of paying out of pocket for any repairs or a new vehicle. It’s common to drop these coverages once a car is about ten years old, given the diminishing value of the cavehicleWorking With Trestle Insurance Agency Inc.
For residents of or near Evansville, IN, the Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. team can assist you with all your auto and other insurance requirements. Connect with us today or call (812) 214-4825 to ensure you have an insurance plan that ideally meets your needs.
The Benefits of Getting Term Life Insurance
Life Insurance Essentials: The Rundown by Trestle Insurance Agency Inc.
A life insurance policy is crucial for those with dependents and those without. There are two primary forms of life insurance: term life and whole life. Despite offering lifetime coverage, whole life insurance might not suit everyone due to its associated drawbacks. This is why many opt for term life insurance. Let’s delve into this topic further with insights from Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. in Evansville, IN.
The Advantages of Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance’s standout benefit is its affordability. Its premiums are typically much lower compared to whole life policies. This affordability broadens the demographic able to secure life insurance, who might otherwise be discouraged due to financial constraints. Term life insurance is, therefore, a boon to budget-conscious families seeking crucial financial protection.
The Death Benefit
Term life insurance allows policyholders to decide the death benefit amount their beneficiaries receive. Whole life policies allow borrowing against the policy’s cash value, potentially leading to accrued debts and lowered death benefits. In contrast, as a term life policy does not offer this facility, the full death benefit remains intact for payment upon the policyholder’s death, a fact that many find attractive due to its simplicity.
Choose Term Life Insurance
If the distinctive benefits of term life insurance appeal to you, we can assist in setting up a policy. Contact Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. in Evansville, IN, to start crafting a policy that best suits your requirements. Safeguard your loved ones financially through term life insurance.
Summer Storms And Homeowner’s Insurance
Those of us in the Evansville, IN, area and the Midwest have become accustomed to summer storms. Heavy rain, high winds, lightning, and loud thunder have been part of our lives for several months of the year. We can take comfort in knowing that homeowner’s insurance is available, helping to protect against significant financial losses during these storms.
However, Trestle Insurance Agency wants to remind you that a homeowners insurance review can reveal some weaknesses in your coverage. Here’s what you need to be aware of:
Flood Insurance
Unless your policy includes special coverage under the Federal Flood Insurance Program, you are likely not covered for damages resulting from rising waters due to storms. Contact us for a specific flood insurance quote and to see if you qualify.
High wind damage
Most standard home insurance policies will cover damage to your roof, siding, and windows caused by high winds, including tornadoes. Damages to outbuildings, fencing, and downed trees are typically included in your basic homeowners’ insurance policy.
Lightning
Protection against fires from lightning and damage to electrical equipment may be covered. Check your policy for specifics on the coverage for electronics.
Associated damage
In the event of a fire caused by lightning, most basic homeowners insurance policies will provide coverage for damage due to smoke, water, and foam fire retardants used in fighting the fire. Immediate water damage resulting from roof damage is also commonly covered, depending on your policy and deductible.
Review your policy
It is easy to forget the specifics of a homeowner’s insurance policy, which is why carrying out an insurance review can be so useful. Contact us at Trestle Insurance Agency Inc. of Evansville, IN, for your free review and pricing quote. Are you prepared for Indianapolis summer storms? Find out by calling Trestle Insurance Agency Inc.
