Is Full Coverage Really Full?
Banks and finance companies require you to maintain full insurance coverage on your
vehicle if you finance the purchase of the vehicle. This requirement not only protects
the vehicle owner’s interests, but also those of the title holder – the party that
finances the purchase. However, the term "full coverage" is subject to interpretation
and insurance companies often have policies that differ widely when it comes to
the extent of coverage provided. It is essential you find out exactly what you are
paying for, and what is covered, when accepting a full coverage policy.
To begin with, full coverage does not mean that you do not pay your deductible.
Your total deductible is a sum of all the individual insurance coverage options
that you have selected. For instance, you may pay $500 for collision insurance and
double that amount for theft. However, you still need to pay your deductible if
either situation occurs. Remember, your policy does not kick in unless the amount
of loss under a particular cover exceeds its deductible.
Secondly, and without actually going into semantics, full coverage does NOT cover
everything. For instance, you cannot file a claim for a flat tire. Tires and similar
items are regarded as ‘consumables’, which basically means they are expected to
wear out over time and require periodic replacement.
While your car could mean a lot to you, when it comes to a claim, the insurance
company applies a strictly business formula. If it is cheaper to get your car repaired
than replaced, then a repair is exactly what you will get. It is always the insurance
company’s prerogative to decide the nature and extent of a payout.
Insurance liability coverage pays for property damage and injury to others in case
of an accident. However, this, like other types of coverage options, comes with
an upper limit that YOU decide when buying the policy. Typically, insurance companies
spell out the limits you place on each individual policy at the time of signing.
The company stops paying when that limit is reached and you could become personally
liable for further payouts.
On the whole, you need to look for a policy that balances out your limits and your
deductibles to a comfortable range. Because full coverage is not necessarily fool-proof!
How much insurance coverage do I need?
Consider your individual needs when chosing the right coverage. Answer these questions:
How much can you afford to pay out of pocket? Do you make payments on the car? Are
there any drivers in your house that can be excluded from the coverage? The answers
should guide your choice of car insurance coverage.
How do I know if I chose the right coverages?
While getting your online quote, you will select coverage options. If you're unsure
about what optional coverages to select, click on "Chat Live" or call 1-800-300-0227,
to speak directly with a representative who can answer your questions.
What if I have a question about coverages during my quote?
If you're getting an online quote and need assistance, click on "Chat Live" or call
1-800-300-0227, to speak directly with a representative who can answer your questions.
Can I add or remove coverages in the middle of my policy?
Yes — it's easy to change your policy, too! Call us at 1-800-300-0227 and a Cost-U-Less
insurance representative can help you. Remember some changes can affect the price
you pay for insurance, so your premium may change.
Changing Your Policy
How quickly do changes I make to my policy go into effect?
Changes to your insurance policy can be effective immediately, or in some situations,
upon a specified effective date. Restrictions may apply to some changes, so contact
a Cost-U-Less Customer Service representative or your insurance carrier for more
details.
If I want to add a driver or vehicle to my insurance, do I need to start a new policy?
There is no need to start a new policy to add drivers or vehicles. Adding drivers
or vehicles is as simple as updating your current policy to reflect your current
situation. Contact a Cost-U-Less Customer Service representative for information
on adding vehicles or updating your policy to reflect recent life changes or add
drivers.
Can I make changes to my policy online?
Some insurance carriers allow you to make changes to your policy online any time.
Please check with your insurance carrier or contact a Cost-U-Less Customer Service
Representative for information and availability of online services.
Can I make changes to my insurance policy over the phone?
Many insurance carriers allow you to make changes to your policy via telephone.
Please check with your insurance carrier or contact a Cost-U-Less Customer Service
Representative for information and availability of telephone customer services.
How can I make payments?
All payments must be made directly to your insurance company or at one of our locations.
We are happy to assist with your billing questions.
Click "Chat Live" to speak with an online customer service representative
about where to send your payment or to get payment information.
You may also call us toll free at 1-800-300-0227 and we can assist you with making
a payment or any billing question.
You can also send an email a Cost-U-Less
Customer Service Representative and we will assist you with payment information.
Will my payment be accepted immediately?
Payment processing policies vary from individual insurance carriers. Payments typically
need to be made before the end of business on the deadline date toe be considered
on time. Please note that many Cost-U-Less Insurance Centers are open to process
payments beyond the close of a particualar insurance carriers business day and that
payments after the close of the carriers business day may be considered delinquent
despite being made on the due date. It's always advisable to make your payments
at least a few days in advance of the due date.
If I mail a payment on the due date will it be considered on time?
Many insurance carriers consider the postmark date on your envelope as your payment
date, so even if you mail a payment on the due date, your payment will be considered
on time. Contact your individual insurance carrier or a Cost-U-Less Customer Service
Representative for your carriers payment policies.
Other Frequent Car Insurance Questions
How does the company determine my insurance rate?
They use insurance scores, and, depending on your state, also consider your driving
record, type of vehicle, where you live, your gender, your age and other factors.
How can I receive rates for other car insurance companies?
Cost-U-Less offers it's customers unique buying powerwith the ability to shop over
100 insurance options.
Why did my rate change after I received a quote?
There are several factors that can effect the quoted rate. If a significant amount
of time has pasted rates in your area may have gone up. Changes in your driving
record will also effect the rate. Please contact us at 1-800-300-0227, and we can
help answer your questions.
Does anyone regulate what you charge for insurance?
California requires auto insurance companies to file how they calculate customer
rates, and insurers cannot deviate from these filed rates. California also has regulators
who review the information and rates.
Do all auto insurance companies offer the same coverages and discounts?
Discounts and specialized coverages can vary greatly between insurance carriers.
Not all companies, for instance, offer Loan/Lease Payoff coverage, student discounts,
good driving discounts, or deductible reductions. Dozens of insurance discounts
are available for California drivers, however. Drivers can receive low-mileage discounts,
passive-restraint discounts, safety and anti-theft discounts, discounts for specific
coverage options and more.
Many carriers offer discounts for drivers who pay their entire car insurance policy
up-front. Multi-vehicle insurance discounts are also available. So, if you need
to insure more than one vehicle in your household, you can save money by insuring
these vehicles under the same car insurance policy.
Package discounts are available by pairing your house, condo or mobile home insurance
policy with your automobile insurance.
Simply complete your quote and Cost-U-Less will determine any available
and applicable discounts for you.
Are auto insurance companies regulated?
Each state requires auto insurance companies to file how they calculate customer
rates, and insurers cannot deviate from these filed rates. Each state also has regulators
who review that information and the rates companies charge.
Why should I choose Cost-U-Less Insurance Center?
Cost-U-Less has been providing inexpensive car insurance for California drivers
since 1989. Our more than 80 convenient office locations throughout California help
drivers get the best rates on auto insurance. See why more than 600,000 Californians
have purchased cheap car insurance from Cost-U-Less. With over 100 options for affordable
car insurance to choose from, drivers save money on auto insurance with Cost-U-Less.
Free online car insurance quotes are available any time, day or night and our friendly,
courteous customer service professionals are here to serve you. Call us for the
best rates on car insurance at 1-800-300-0227.
Remember, for the rate that's best call Cost-U-Less.