Auto

How long do tickets stay on my record?
Minor traffic violations and accidents will remain on your driving record for three years.   Major violations will remain on your driving record for seven years.   Points for traffic violations and chargeable accidents are added and removed at the renewal of your insurance policy.

Why should I buy insurance through Patrion Insurance?
Patrion is a broker that represents more than 30-top rated insurance companies. So we can "shop" for you, finding the best coverage at the best price. Switch to Patrion. You might be surprised by how much money you can save.

What can I do to protect myself against uninsured drivers?
Even though liability coverage is often required by law, many people still do not buy insurance. If an uninsured motorist causes an accident there is a chance that you may not be able to recover any damages that you sustain. Purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can protect you against uninsured drivers. UM coverage will pay for medical bills and pain and suffering if you are hit by an uninsured driver.
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How much Liability Coverage do I need?
Most state laws require that you carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, which pays for the injuries or damages you cause to someone else. While some people need only the minimum level of protection, others have assets that they need to protect. If you are unsure about how much liability insurance you need, consult a Patrion representative.
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Do I need to purchase insurance before I buy a new car?
If this is your first car, you'll have to buy auto insurance before you drive off the dealer's lot. If you are financing the purchase, the lender will require that you buy a policy with comprehensive and collision coverages.
If you have owned a vehicle and already have an auto insurance policy, that will generally cover your new automobile for a period of up to 30 days after you buy it. Every company is different so it is best to call your insurance agent before you by the vehicle to make sure that your company works the same way.
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Which coverages pay for damages to my vehicle?
Depending on what kind of damage your car suffers, one of your physical damage coverages - comprehensive or collision insurance - will pay for the damages.
If your car is hit by an animal, stolen, catches on fire, or is vandalized, your comprehensive coverage will take care of it. If you crash into something and damage your car, your collision coverage will pay for the damage.
Both of these coverages are optional.
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What is the best way to cover a teenage driver? Do I have to add them to my policy or are there other options

It usually makes good financial sense to add your teen as a driver to your existing policy, but only after he or she gets a permanent license. In addition, if you drive an expensive car, it might make more financial sense to buy your teen a safe, older vehicle and get them a policy of their own.
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Home

Will filing one claim on my homeowners insurance cause my rates to go up?
It depends on the company that you are with at the time of the claim and on the type of claim that is filed. Some companies' prices do not change, while others may go as far as canceling a policy due to the type of claim that is filed.

What is the process that my insurance company follows when I file a claim?
Here is a general idea of the claims process:

1. Insured calls agent or claim service center to report initial claim.
2. Claim received in local claim office from service center.
3. The insured receives a call from the claim department to review loss facts and claim-handling procedures.
4. If an inspection is not needed, the adjuster requests information needed to process the claim and issue a settlement check.
5. If an inspection is needed, the claim is assigned to a field adjuster who contacts the insured and sets an appointment.
6. If a contractor is involved, the adjuster attempts to meet with the customer and the contractor to reach an agreed scope and dollar amount of loss. An estimate is prepared and a check is written for the damages.
7. If a contractor is not involved, the adjuster prepares an estimate and issues a check for the damages.
8. If the insured obtains a contractor after the loss is settled, the insured is instructed to have the contractor review the estimate and contact the adjuster with any discrepancies.
9. Every attempt is made to reach an agreed price with the contractor and resolve any discrepancies. If additional money is owed, a supplemental estimate is prepared and a check issued.
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Do I need to buy flood insurance?
Basic homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding. Because flood damage happens so infrequently, many insurance companies do not write flood coverage. As a precaution you may want to get this coverage.
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Why would I need renter's insurance?
If you rent an apartment or own a condominium, you need insurance to protect your belongings. While your landlord or condo association might have insurance, it only protects the building. Your belongings are not covered under those policies.
Renter's insurance covers, among others, personal damage from fire, windstorm or hail, smoke, vandalism or malicious mischief, water-related damage from home utilities, and electrical surge damage. It also covers theft and burglary of personal items in the home.
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Where can I get earthquake insurance in California?
Some insurance companies offer this coverage to add on to your homeowner's policy. Others offer the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). The CEA is a state funded program offered to insurance companies that have signed up with them to offer the earthquake coverage to their clients.
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