Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of our frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to give us a call at 208-265-9690 or contact us via the web.
| What do I do if I have been in an auto accident?
Depending on what carrier you have they may have different reporting procedures. Best thing to do is contact your agent and get their advice on how to move forward.
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| Are there discounts or benefits by keeping all of my policies with one agency?
Without a doubt it is important that our agency write all of your insurance needs. We have a full spectrum of products to offer you and many of our carriers provide multi-policy discounts which will save you money along with many other money saving discounts we offer. Most importantly it isn't just about the up front discounts and cost savings you will receive, it's about the money you will save by not having critical losses due to gaps in coverage because of inappropriate coverage. Our insurance specialists take the time to analyze all your insurance needs and make sure that through clear communication with you that your are fully insured.
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| What is the different between an independent agency and a direct writer like State Farm or Geico?
Summit Insurance is an independent insurance agency. That means we shop the market place in order to find the most competitive program that will serve your needs. This allows us to work with many companies in order to secure the most appropriate coverage at the best price. A direct writing company uses only one carrier - effectively eliminating choice and fixing costs.
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| My teenagers are becoming of driving age, when do I need to add them to my auto policy?
Your young driver should be listed on your policy as a non-driver. You will need to notify your agent once they are enrolled in drivers training and will get learners permit. Once your young driver has completed the learning phase and has officially received their driver's license you will need to add them to your policy as a driver.
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| I have had several changes to my home; do I need to contact my company?
It is imperative that you do an annual review with your agent and notify them any time you make changes to your home or property that may change the risk or value. For your convenience please contact your agent directly at 208-265-9690 and they will review your account and make the proper coverage recommendations.
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| What is the difference between Collision and Comprehensive Coverages?
Collision coverage will only cover damage to your vehicle in an accident in which your car hits another car, building or other permanently fixed object (i.e. a tree/fence) and you are to blame. Comprehensive Coverages covers all damage to your vehicle in which an accident doesn't take place, such as theft or fire.
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| Will having a higher deductible lower my premium?
Yes, but depending on the policy the difference in premium can be minimal or quite significant.
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| What is the difference between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value?
Replacement Cost replaces the item or structure with that of like kind and quality, without a deduction for depreciation. Actual cash value is the cost to replace the item as is, this includes taking depreciation into consideration.
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| How long do I have to get insurance on my auto?
According to Idaho state law, all new vehicles or their drivers must be insured by the first time you drive the vehicle. If this is not the driver’s first car, than the same coverages and limits from their previous car will extend to the new car for 14 days.
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| Should I buy the auto insurance coverage that comes with a rental car?
If you carry liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage on your policy and you plan on driving the rental car in the U.S. or Canada, your existing coverage should transfer to your rental car with the same limits and deductibles.
Nevertheless, in some cases rental agreements may require additional auto insurance coverages that you don’t have on your own auto insurance policy. In that case, you’ll need to buy additional auto insurance coverage from the rental company. For instance, you may want to consider buying additional auto insurance from the rental company if you want to increase your limits or if you’re missing a particular coverage like comprehensive or collision.
If you’re involved in an accident in a rental car, most auto insurance companies pay comprehensive and collision claims at the car’s actual cash value, which factors in age, mileage, and wear and tear. However, this probably won’t cover the replacement cost some rental companies charge customers if they wreck a rental car. Some rental companies may also charge customers for the diminished resale value of a wrecked rental car or for lost rental income while a damaged rental car is being repaired.
Most U.S. auto insurance policies apply only in the U.S. and Canada. If you’re traveling elsewhere, you’ll need to call your rental car company to find out the auto insurance requirements for that particular country.
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