Collision and Comprehensive Auto Insurance Pennsylvania PA

Reader’s Question:

I have been involved in an accident here in Pennsylvania. My car has sustained major damages. Will I be able to file a claim to my insurer to have it repaired or replaced?

Michelle

Pittsburgh, PA

Getting involved in a car mishap is a very big headache. With damages ranging from bodily injuries to wrecked property, you are considered lucky if you get out of it unscathed, both physically and financially.

In Pennsylvania, as in any other state, the auto insurance company may cover for repairs to its policyholder’s car or even have it replaced provided that the said policyholder has collision and comprehensive auto insurance in his/her policy. The amount that the insurer will cover will only be within the limit set on your collision and comprehensive insurance. If your car was declared a total loss following an accident, then your insurer will normally write you a check with the cash value of your car. Having a totaled vehicle can be very frustrating even if you hate your car. This is because auto insurance companies will not pay you the actual value you paid when you bought your car. They will only pay the depreciated value of the vehicle. This is what they call the actual cash value of the vehicle and is typically called the blue book value. If it was declared a total loss and you do not agree with the price determination, you can get damage assessment from a third party. This, however, will cost you extra since you will shoulder any fees for the independent appraisal.

Tags: auto insurance claims, collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage

Hybrid Car Insurance Premiums Pennsylvania PA

Reader’s Question:

I’ve been asking around Pennsylvania about cars and insurance. Why is it not advantageous for me when I buy a hybrid car when it comes to auto insurance coverage?

Helen

Pittsburgh, PA

True, hybrid cars are much more expensive to insure than your usual not-so-environment-friendly sedans. Although things are starting shifting at the moment, right now the situation is still the same: Hybrid cars don’t mix well with auto insurance premiums.

Now, let’s not assume that auto insurance companies are not for the environment, I’m sure they are. But since the auto insurance industry is a business, they tend to look at things a little differently. Hybrids get higher auto insurance premium rate because it is more expensive to repair. This is a constant fact in auto insurance, even in Pennsylvania. If your car is expensive to repair or replace, it is going to fetch a high premium.

Hybrids are interesting cars. They have both the usual engines and electrical/electronic parts that work together, so you can save on energy. Hybrid cars have complex constitutions. It’s not the same as a regular sedan. Its parts are more expensive, too. If you need a part replaced, it’s going to cost a little higher. If you have a complex car, you will need a mechanic who understands how it works. That mechanic will have to undergo another set of training to be able to handle hybrids. That’s going to cost more, and these specialists cost more.

So there, hybrid cars are more expensive to insure because they are more expensive to repair.

Tags: auto insurance coverage, auto insurance premium, car insurance rate