What Happens If Someone Else Drives Your Car and Crashes?

Life unfolds quickly, and sometimes that entails entrusting your car keys to a friend or family member. But what happens if they get into an accident while driving your vehicle? It’s a question we frequently address at The Isom Insurance Group, serving the Polk County, FL region, and it’s a crucial one to consider before you find yourself in a stressful predicament.

Who’s Covered—You or the Driver?

In most scenarios, auto insurance follows the car, not the person. That means if someone else is driving your vehicle with your permission and they get into an accident, your insurance typically comes into play first. This is known as permissive use, and it’s a standard part of many auto insurance policies. However, the specifics can vary depending on your particular coverage and the driver’s circumstances.

What If They Weren’t on Your Policy?

Even if the person isn’t listed on your policy, your insurer may still provide coverage, as long as they had your permission to drive. But if they live with you and regularly drive your car, they should be officially listed on your policy. If not, your claim could be denied, or you might face premium increases in the future.

Will It Impact Your Rates?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. If a claim is made under your policy, it could lead to a rate increase, even if you weren’t the one behind the wheel. That’s why it’s important to think carefully before allowing someone to borrow your vehicle.

Suppose you have questions about your policy or want to ensure you’re adequately covered. In that case, The Isom Insurance Group, providing auto insurance to residents throughout the greater Polk County, FL area, is here to assist. Reach out today for a free, friendly auto insurance review!

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Drivers are Unpredictable – Auto Insurance Is Not

Most people drive regularly, but they often overlook the risks they face each time they hit the road. From unpredictable road conditions and mechanical failures to unexpected obstacles, we can encounter numerous unpredictable scenarios. Arguably, the most unpredictable factor on the road is other drivers. This is one of the many reasons why drivers in and around Polk County, FL, trust the experienced team at The Isom Insurance Group for all their auto insurance needs.

Auto Insurance: A Dependable Solution for Unpredictable Roads

Distracted drivers, uninsured drivers, impaired drivers, and bad drivers are just a few examples of other drivers’ unpredictability. The good news is that auto insurance provides a reliable safety net. Drivers from the Polk County area rely on it to keep them and their vehicles safe, including protection from the unpredictability they encounter each time they get behind the wheel. The Isom Insurance Group understands and appreciates these concerns and the risks that auto insurance can help mitigate.

Auto Insurance Solutions for Polk County, FL Drivers

If you live in Polk County, FL, and have questions or would like to learn more about auto insurance for your vehicle, we’re here to help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment for the protection you and your vehicle need at The Isom Insurance Group today. The road and other drivers can be unpredictable – but your insurance doesn’t have to be.

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Building a Custom Emergency Kit for Your Auto

The relentless 2024 hurricane season seems unwilling to give Florida a break. After Helene came Milton, and The Isom Insurance Group wants to address hurricane and overall safety preparation that could help keep Polk County, FL, residents safer. Today, we’ll discuss emergency kits for your automobile.

Custom Emergency Kits

Home emergency kits get all the attention, especially during hurricane season, but your car, truck, minivan, SUV, boat, or RV needs an emergency kit, too. Your kit should address the many natural hazards that threaten the state of Florida, not just hurricanes.

This auto emergency kit includes items the home kit doesn’t, like emergency blankets, flares, bottled water for drinking, and jugs of water for the radiator. As strange as it might sound, carrying a life jacket in a Florida auto emergency kit can save lives because, during hurricane season, the state is prone to flash floods and rising water floods.

Essential Emergency Kit Items for Your Vehicle

Your auto emergency kit needs more items than the one you create at home. When you need your emergency kit on the go, it must provide the necessities for any situation. Let’s consider the essentials that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend:

  • Three gallons of water per person
  • Three days of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank NOAA Weather Radio
  • Sleeping bag or Mylar thermal blanket
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
  • Whistle for signaling for help
  • Dust mask
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape
  • Personal sanitation items, including moist disinfecting towelettes, garbage bags, and bag ties
  • Manual can opener
  • Local maps and a road atlas
  • Cloth face coverings/safety masks
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
  • Flares
  • Rope
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Waterproof matches
  • Paper and pencil
  • Soap or hand sanitizer
  • Prescription eyeglasses, contacts, and contact lens solution
  • Cash or traveler’s checks
  • Prescription medications
  • Common non-prescription medications, including pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, etc.

If you have or travel with children, include items relevant to their age, such as infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream for babies, and puzzle books, reading books, or portable games for older children. If you travel with your pet in the vehicle, include water and pet food. Make copies of important legal documents, such as your identification, insurance policies, and bank account numbers, and store them in a waterproof container.

Storing Your Auto Emergency Kit for Easy Access

Organize the essential items in airtight clear plastic bags and label the contents. Place all bags into one or two plastic bins with lids or a duffel bag. Store this kit within reach of the driver’s seat without exiting the vehicle. If your car features seats, you can adjust them to fold down from within, and you can store them in the trunk area. In older cars without this feature, store it on the floor of the backseat.

Contact Our Agency Today

Make your automotive emergency kit before Polk County, FL faces its next emergency. Contact The Isom Insurance Group for an auto insurance review. Let us help you customize your insurance policy to cover the perils faced by Floridians. Contact us today.

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Things you should always have in your glove box

Essential Items for Your Vehicle’s Glove Box in Polk County, FL

Your vehicle’s glove box is the ideal place to keep all of your car-related necessities. At The Isom Insurance Group in Polk County, FL, we are an independent insurance agency prioritizing our customers over insurance carriers. Let’s explore some things you should always have in your glove box.

Your Insurance Card

Upon purchasing auto insurance, the insurance company will mail or email you a copy of your insurance card and policy. Make sure you print it out and place it directly into your glove box. If you are ever pulled over, you’ll need to show proof of insurance.

Your Vehicle Registration

Vehicle registration is mandatory before they can be driven on the road. Once registered, make it a point to store a copy in your glove box, preferably with your insurance card. Consider having a folder for them to keep them neat and easy to find.

Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual can be very handy, especially when you can’t find information on your phone. Having it in your glove box can be a lifesaver.

Practical Items

Apart from the essential documents, you might want to stash other practical items such as a highway pass (in Florida, the Sunshine Pass), pad and pen, extra charger, flashlight, glass-breaking tool, seat belt cutter, and a water bottle. These can be helpful in various situations.

Contact The Isom Insurance Group in Polk County, FL to discuss your auto insurance needs with one of our informed agents. Feel free to call us today.

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Are Broken Windows Covered By Car Insurance from The Isom Insurance Group

Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway, grooving to your favorite tune, when abruptly – a rogue projectile wants to get acquainted with your car’s windshield. Suddenly, a shattered window takes your sunny day for an unruly spin. The inconvenience gives way to anxiety as you contemplate whether your insurance will cover it. At the Isom Insurance Group in Polk County, FL, we can assist you in navigating through your auto insurance policies.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Broken Windows?

Good news awaits if you’re insured under comprehensive coverage from The Isom Insurance Group. This coverage typically encapsulates non-collision damage to windows, such as vandalism, theft, and even natural disasters. Nonetheless, basic liability or collision-based insurance may leave you vulnerable when it comes to window damage coverage.

Not every chip or crack mandates a wholesale window replacement. Often, minor damage can be repaired, not replaced. Moreover, swift repairs under comprehensive plans can prevent seemingly insignificant damage from growing into a more significant, expensive issue. To effectively manage window damage, it is paramount to grasp the complexities of your policy with The Isom Insurance Group. Our adept agents dissect the policies with you to ensure that you comprehend your coverage and its applicability to broken windows.

Reach Out to The Isom Insurance Group for Auto Insurance in Polk County, FL

At the Isom Insurance Group, we empathize with the vexation caused by a broken car window. Fortunately, we offer extensive insurance coverage to secure against unexpected incidents like these. Get in touch with our office today and speak to one of our agents for more information about auto coverage and protection for broken windows.

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Key Considerations for Auto Coverage in the Digital Age

Embarking on the journey of insuring your vehicle in the digital age demands insights that resonate beyond the realm of artificial intelligence. Join The Isom Insurance Group in Polk County, FL, as we delve into the nuances of auto insurance, emphasizing a human touch in this ever-evolving digital landscape.

Adapting to Digital Dynamics

In a world dominated by technology, understanding auto insurance requires more than just algorithms. The Isom Insurance Group recognizes the shifting paradigms and embraces the need for human-centric solutions. Our pledge is to deliver insurance that adapts to the demands of the digital era without losing the personal touch.

At The Isom Insurance Group, we acknowledge the individuality of your insurance needs. Our commitment is not to offer one-size-fits-all policies but to craft solutions that mirror your specific vehicle and driving patterns. We bring a personal touch to auto insurance, ensuring your coverage aligns seamlessly with your lifestyle.

Digital Empowerment for Informed Choices

In an era flooded with information, making decisions demands clarity. The Isom Insurance Group provides a wealth of digital resources to empower our clients. From insightful blogs to user-friendly tools, we aim to demystify the complexities of auto insurance. Our dedication to transparency is evident in the resources we offer, equipping you to make well-informed choices.

Connect with The Isom Insurance Group

Ready to explore the realm of auto insurance in the digital age? The Isom Insurance Group stands ready to be your guide. Navigate our digital resources, and don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized assistance. At The Isom Insurance Group, we comprehend the intricacies of auto coverage in the digital era, and our committed team in Polk County, FL is here to traverse this landscape alongside you.

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