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If you have fully insured your own vehicle, including collision and comprehensive coverage, and rent a vehicle for pleasure only (while on vacation, for example), you do not need to buy extra insurance from the rental company. In fact, in most states your basic rental fee by law will include liability coverage for damage or injury to others. But different rules apply when you rent a car for business purposes, so check with your Budd Agent for details.

If you do not have your own insurance, be aware that many car rental liability policies cover you only at the states required minimum. Also, you should buy the collision and comprehensive coverage offered by the rental company for your own protection. Plus, do not buy a collision damage waiver (CDW) from the rental company assuming it is insurance. A CDW simply releases you from financial responsibility if you damage the vehicle you are renting, provided you comply with the terms of the rental contract. But those terms can vary considerably, and CDWs are not state-regulated, which means they are technically not insurance.

Its always a good idea to review your policy before renting a vehicle and, if necessary, contact your Budd Agent for clarification.

You should always talk to your Budd Agent about coverage of rare and valuable property. Since a classic car usually cannot be replaced, youll probably want ample compensation if it is lost. A classic car, because it is rare or unique, may indeed require a special insurance policy.

The more people you allow to drive your vehicle on a regular basis, the greater the chances of your vehicle being in an accident. Teenagers are especially expensive to insure because they are the least experienced drivers.

A drivers education course can help ease the burden of insurance costs since it teaches your teenager defensive driving techniques. If your childs high school does not offer drivers education, try to find one offered by another school or a private firm in the area. After all, the cost of drivers education could be cheaper than the extra cost of your insurance. (Many insurers offer “good student” discounts as well.)

An adults driving experience can also affect your rates significantly. Dont assume that every adult you know has been driving since age 16 or is a competent driver with a clean record. Again, taking a defensive driving course is a good way for adults to prove they are responsible drivers, thus lowering their risk and their insurance rates. (This is a great solution for new couples who are jointly insured but unmatched in their driving skills or experience.)

After an accident, you should call your Budd Agent as quickly as possible, to help you complete a claim form, determine what exactly happened and evaluate any damages or injuries. Your Budd Agent then will contact your insurers claims adjuster—usually within an hour of your report—whose job is to work with you to fix the problem. While compensating you for auto repairs or medical expenses is easy and immediate, determining liability is more complicated. The adjuster will begin the settlement process, the length of which will depend on the cooperation of the other party.

The amount of compensation for your loss can vary according to the adjusters analysis of the damage. You do not have to accept the first amount of money you are offered, if it is lower than the cost of your repair or recovery. While you may have to do some homework to prove your reported loss is valid, its worth it to be certain your insurer lives up to the provisions of your policy.

Remember, negotiating with an adjuster is just business. Insurers simply want to settle claims fairly in light of possible fraud. While it is your insurers responsibility to root out false claims, you pay the price in the end. In fact, you spend nearly a dime on every dollar of your premium to cover the false claims of others. So, try to keep an open mind when working with your adjuster to settle on a price thats fair to both you and your insurer.