FAQs Archive - Page 4 of 5 - Jeff Johnson Insurance Agency

Q: Does my auto policy cover a rental vehicle?

In most cases, yes. The coverages that you have on your policy will transfer to the auto you are renting.

Q: What is an insurance deductible?

An insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay after an accident before your insurance company pays for the remaining amount.

Q: Do I need Gap Insurance?

Gap insurance can help you cover the “gap” between the financed amount owed on your car and your car’s actual cash value (ACV), in the event of a covered incident where your car is declared a total loss. For example, if you are in an accident and your car is totaled and you owe $18,000 on the auto loan, but your car’s ACV is only $15,000, gap insurance would help cover the $3,000 difference (minus your deductible). So if you owe more on your car than it is worth, you may want to consider this optional coverage.

Q: Will my auto insurance cover me if I drive for Uber or Lyft?

The short answer is no, but it’s not that simple. There are different “Stages” when it comes to driving for a rideshare company. Stage 0: You are not logged into your rideshare app and are “off the clock”. You are covered by your personal auto policy. Stage 1: You are logged into your rideshare app and are waiting for a request. Once you are logged in, you are “on the clock” and using your vehicle for business purposes, meaning if you get into an accident and file a claim with your personal insurance company, you most likely will be denied. Refer to your rideshare company for coverages provided by them, but limits are minimal during this stage. Stage 2: You have received a request or “match” and you are on your way to pick up a rider. Your personal auto policy does not cover you, but your rideshare company provides coverages for you. Make sure you know exactly how you are covered. Stage 3: You have picked up your rider and are driving them to their destination. Your personal auto policy does not cover you, but your rideshare company provides coverages for you. Again, make sure you understand your coverages. There are endorsements with some companies to help make sure you don’t have any “gaps” in your coverage and we are here to assist you to ensure that you are properly covered at all times.

Q: What happens if I don’t get auto insurance?

If you get into an accident and you do not have insurance, you can face getting sued, losing your life’s savings, and getting a ticket, fine, and possibly jail time.