Hammond, IN Car Insurance
(Find the right car insurance policy for you.)
Car accidents almost always lead to stress and financial burdens, especially for at-fault drivers. And unfortunately, even the most careful drivers are not immune to car crashes. On the busy roads of Hammond, accidents from minor fender benders to multi-car pileups can and do happen. You can have peace of mind if you purchase a quality, reliable car insurance policy.
What’s more, Indiana law requires all vehicle owners in the state to have at least a minimum amount of liability coverage in case they cause an accident. Take the confusion out of shopping for car insurance. A local independent insurance agent can explain your options, obtain multiple quotes for comparison, and help you choose the best policy for your needs and budget.
Indiana Car Insurance Requirements
If you own a vehicle in Indiana, you are required to purchase auto insurance. But this isn’t the only reason to have car insurance. Without it, you are entirely unprotected from the financial consequences of causing a crash. The following are the minimum coverage requirements for Indiana drivers:
- Bodily injury liability: Required
- Property damage liability: Required
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Not required
- Uninsured motorist coverage: Not required
- Minimum liability limits: 25/50/25; coverage up to $50,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $25,000 for one individual; and $25,000 coverage for property damage
It’s important to know that if you only purchase the minimum liability coverage, you could be seriously underinsured. If you cause a major collision, the expenses can include medical bills for other drivers and passengers, vehicle repair costs, and even attorney fees and settlements or judgments levied against you if you are sued for negligence. If these exceeded your coverage limits, how would you pay?
Purchasing liability limits that are higher than the state minimum is a good idea. For even more coverage, you can purchase a personal umbrella policy, which offers protection beyond the limits of your auto insurance policy. A local independent insurance agent can help determine how much liability coverage is necessary to adequately protect your assets should the worst happen.
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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Hammond, IN?
Indiana is the 41st most expensive state for car insurance, but rates in Hammond tend to be quite a bit higher than the state average. Shopping around for the best rate and taking advantage of discounts can help you save.
- National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
- Indiana average annual car insurance cost: $1,033
- Hammond average annual car insurance cost: $1,507
Your Hammond car insurance rates are based on several of your unique characteristics. Most insurance companies look at factors like:
- Your age
- Your gender
- Where you live
- Your driving history
- Your car
- The number of drivers in your household
Insurance companies try to predict how big of a risk you are to insure. Young drivers are less experienced behind the wheel and are considered to be riskier than older, more experienced drivers. Teens and young adults should always expect to pay more for car insurance than older drivers. Fortunately, insurance companies typically offer a variety of discounts to help offset some of the costs for most drivers—even teens. Your independent insurance agent can help you maximize the discounts that you are eligible for.
Number of Uninsured Motorists in Indiana
Driving without insurance is against the law in Indiana, yet many drivers continue to drive without coverage.
- How many US drivers are uninsured? 12.6%
- How many Indiana drivers are uninsured? 16.7%
When people drive without insurance, other drivers are on the hook for their mistakes. That's where uninsured motorist coverage comes in. If an uninsured driver causes an accident, it pays for your own vehicle damage and medical bills in the absence of the at-fault driver’s insurance. Some states require all drivers to purchase a minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage. Indiana does not require you to have uninsured motorist coverage.
Number of Auto Thefts in Indiana
The auto theft rate across the state of Indiana is lower than the national average. But the auto theft rate in Hammond is higher than both the state and national averages. This probably plays a role in the higher-than-average car insurance rates for some Hammond drivers.
- National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.94
- Indiana auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.22
- Hammond auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 4.05
It’s important to add comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy if you want to be reimbursed for a stolen or vandalized car. Comprehensive coverage reimburses you for your lost or damaged car, and it also offers coverage for all kinds of “other than collision” vehicle damage, such as damage from falling objects, floods, structure fires, and more. Talk to a local independent agent about comprehensive coverage and how it can help you pay to repair your car in a variety of unforeseen circumstances.
Why Contact an Independent Insurance Agent?
Independent insurance agents are insurance professionals who can explain your coverage options, answer your questions, and provide you with customized car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies. With the help of an independent agent, you can make an informed choice.
Start your search by contacting an independent agent in or near Hammond.
http://www.naic.org/prod_serv/AUT-PB-14.pdf
http://www.city-data.com