Car Insurance Chatham: Everything You Need to Know

Car insurance is a necessary expense for all car owners in Chatham. It is important to have a comprehensive insurance policy to protect your vehicle in case of damages, theft or accidents. But with so many insurance providers available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about car insurance in Chatham.

What is Car Insurance?

Car insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers the owner against financial losses due to damages or theft of their car. It also covers the owner against any damages or injuries caused to others in an accident involving the insured car. To legally drive a car in Chatham, you are required to have a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage.

Liability insurance covers damages or injuries caused to others in case you are found at fault in an accident. This includes medical expenses, property damage, and legal fees. However, liability insurance does not cover damages to your own car or personal injuries sustained in an accident.

Types of Car Insurance in Chatham

When choosing car insurance in Chatham, you have different options to choose from depending on your needs and budget. The most common types of car insurance are:

Type of Insurance
Description
Liability Insurance
Covers damages or injuries caused to others in case you are found at fault in an accident. This includes medical expenses, property damage, and legal fees.
Collision Insurance
Covers damages to your own car in case of an accident, whether you are at fault or not.
Comprehensive Insurance
Covers damages to your car caused by non-collision incidents such as theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters or falling objects.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Covers medical expenses and lost wages for the driver and passengers regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

You can also add additional coverage to your insurance policy such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and glass coverage.

How is Car Insurance Premium Calculated?

The cost of car insurance in Chatham varies depending on several factors such as:

  • Your driving history: If you have a history of accidents, tickets or violations, you are considered high-risk and your premium will be higher.
  • Your age and gender: Younger drivers and male drivers are considered high-risk and will have a higher premium.
  • The type of car you have: Cars with higher value or higher repair costs have higher insurance premiums.
  • Your location: The location where you live and park your car affects your premium. Urban areas with higher rates of theft and accidents have higher premiums.

Insurance companies use all these factors to calculate your premium. It is important to provide accurate information to your insurance provider to get an accurate premium quote.

Choosing the Right Car Insurance Provider in Chatham

When choosing an car insurance provider in Chatham, there are a few things to consider:

  • The reputation of the insurance provider: Check reviews and ratings online to see how the provider is rated by their customers.
  • The types of coverage offered: Make sure the provider offers the types of coverage you need for your car.
  • The cost of the premium: Get quotes from different providers and compare the cost and coverage offered to choose the best option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum car insurance required in Chatham?

You are required to have a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage in Chatham. The minimum requirements are:

  • $200,000 liability coverage per accident for damages or injuries caused to others
  • $50,000 coverage per person for medical expenses

Can I add additional coverage to my car insurance policy?

Yes, you can add additional coverage to your car insurance policy such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and glass coverage.

Can I get car insurance if I have a bad driving history?

Yes, you can still get car insurance if you have a bad driving history. However, your premium may be higher due to the increased risk.

What should I do after a car accident?

After a car accident, you should:

  • Check if everyone involved is safe and call for medical assistance if needed
  • Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s)
  • Contact your insurance provider to report the accident
  • Take pictures of the damages and the accident scene
  • Get a copy of the police report if available

Car insurance is an important investment for all car owners in Chatham. Choose the right provider and coverage to protect your car and yourself in case of accidents or damages. If you have any questions, contact your insurance provider for more information.