Kansas Driving Laws for Senior Citizens

If you’re a Kansas resident and own a car, purchasing auto insurance is your legal responsibility. Auto insurance is essential and will provide coverage if you are involved in an auto accident. If you live in the Overland Park, KS, area, you can get answers to your car insurance questions at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC. Our team can offer you insurance options to meet your auto insurance needs.

Laws Concerning Senior Citizens

Drivers of all ages have a responsibility for driving safely. Kansas state driving laws now impose restrictions and requirements on drivers over 70. For example, Kansas requires drivers over 70 to renew their driver’s licenses in person. When older drivers come in to renew their licenses, they must take a vision test and a written test. The vision test conducted for Kansas drivers can be done at no charge at the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Restrictions May Be Added

If the applying driver has a history of arrests for alcohol impairment, they will be asked to take a road test. A license applicant’s doctor or the DMV examiner can add restrictions to a senior citizen’s driver’s license. For example, they could be restricted to daytime driving only or required to use corrective lenses. Some drivers are issued distance restrictions, such as driving within city limits or 30 miles or fewer outside the city.

Call HighPointe Insurance Services for Your Auto Insurance Needs

Auto owners of all ages sometimes wonder if they should change their auto insurance. Our HighPointe Insurance Services LLC team is ready to help you answer that question. Overland Park, KS, residents are invited to contact one of our agents to discuss all their insurance options. Call us for an appointment today to review your insurance options.

What You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Kansas

Have questions about insurance? Below, our insurance experts cover some of the key points to know about Kansas auto insurance. 

All Drivers in Kansas Must Legally Have Minimum Liability Insurance Coverage

Liability is a basic form of insurance designed to protect drivers from financial damages caused by an auto accident. Most liability insurance policies cover bodily injury or personal property damages in an auto accident. 

Talk to a knowledgeable agent at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC in Overland Park, KS to learn about the minimum level of liability coverage for driving legally in Kansas. 

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Kansas

While auto insurance is mandatory in Kansas, accidents happen where some drivers are uninsured or underinsured.

"Underinsured" means that the other driver doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves or others from damages caused by an auto accident. 

Optional Auto Insurance Coverage

Collision Coverage

Drivers who want to take their insurance coverage to the next level add collision coverage to repair or replace their vehicles in the event of an accident. 

Comprehensive Coverage 

Drivers who want to protect themselves from almost all perils related to driving on Kansas roads opt for comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to people, property, and vehicles and even coverage for damage caused by non-collision-related incidents. 

Non-collision-related incidents are those things that cause damage to an automobile that wasn’t involved in an accident. 

For example, a tree limb falling through a windshield can cause damage that wasn’t caused by a collision. Other non-collision-related incidents include vehicle theft, natural disasters, and vandalism. 

Get Kansas Auto Insurance 

Now that you know that auto insurance is mandatory in Kansas — don’t get caught driving without insurance!

Contact HighPointe Insurance Services LLC in Overland Park, KS for a quote today.

What to do if You Have a Car Accident

Getting into a car accident is always a stressful experience. Even if the damage is minor, it can be challenging to know what to do next. Should you call the police? Exchange insurance information? Take pictures? The decisions you make following an accident can significantly impact any potential legal or insurance claims, so it’s important to know what to do ahead of time. Here is a guide to help you with that. 

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step after a car accident is to stay calm and assess the situation. This cannot be easy if you’re feeling shaken up, but it’s essential to take a moment to collect your thoughts before taking any further action. If anyone has been injured, call 911 immediately and wait for help to arrive. Remember, injuries are not always immediately obvious, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention to be sure.

2. Call the Police

Whether or not anyone has been injured, you should always call the police after a car accident. The police will create a report of the accident, which can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury claim. The report will document important details about the accident, such as where it happened and who was involved.

3. Exchange Insurance Information

If the police are not called, you’ll need to exchange insurance information with the other driver. Get the other driver’s name, insurance company, and policy number. You should also give them your insurance information. You may also want to exchange contact information in case you need to contact the other driver later.

4. Take Pictures

If you have a camera or a smartphone, take pictures of the accident scene. Get pictures of both vehicles, any damage done, and skid marks on the road. These pictures can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or a personal injury claim.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you have all the necessary information, you should contact your insurance company to inform them about the accident. Be sure to have your policy number handy when you call. The insurance company will likely ask you for a recorded statement about the accident, so it’s important to be honest and accurate in your description of what happened.

Need Auto Insurance in Overland Park, KS

If you’re looking for auto insurance in Overland Park, KS, look no further than HighPointe Insurance Services LLC. Our team of experienced insurance professionals can help you find the right policy for your needs. We offer various auto insurance options, so we’re sure to have something right for you. Contact us today to get started.

Guide To Help Kansas Residents Find Auto Insurance For Their Custom Vehicles

HighPointe Insurance Services LLC provides coverage to the Overland Park, KS community. We strive to make sure that our clients are protected in every situation. We sit down with our clients and help evaluate their unique needs. We work with multiple carriers throughout the state. We are confident that we can help you protect your assets.

How Kansas Residents Can Insure Their Custom Vehicles

Auto insurance protects you while you drive around Overland Park, KS and beyond. You are protected if your vehicle is damaged in an accident. You are also covered if an object damages your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle if it is stolen or vandalized. Liability coverage gives you stability if you accidentally cause property damage or injure someone. You can also add emergency assistance coverage to receive urgent help if your vehicle suffers engine failure or a flat tire. If you have a vehicle with custom parts, take your time and research different policies before making a decision.

A standard auto insurance policy generally does not cover any vehicle modifications such as changes to the chassis. If you plan to add customize your vehicle by adding special wheels, auxiliary lights, or a stereo system, you’ll need to add extra coverage to protect those parts if they are damaged or stolen. If you rarely drive your custom vehicle, take that into account as well. You may be eligible for a collectible car insurance policy as long as you adhere to a specific mileage limit every year. Evaluate the risk factors carefully.

HighPointe Insurance Services LLC Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about auto insurance.

Common Auto Insurance Myths Kansas Residents Should Be Aware Of

HighPointe Insurance Services LLC assists the Overland Park KS community by providing insurance coverage to meet their needs. We work with each of our clients to help them find coverage that aligns with their personal situation. In order to offer our clients the best service possible, we have established successful partnerships with several top insurance companies.

Auto Insurance Myths

Auto insurance allows you to protect your asset. The policy covers your vehicle in the event that it is damaged, stolen, or vandalized. You’ll be protected in the event that you are involved in an accident. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation regarding auto insurance policies, so here are some common auto insurance myths to watch out for.

Tickets May Automatically Impact Your Policy

This is inaccurate. As long as you maintain an overall clean driving record, you will not be impacted. Mistakes happen and one ticket will not completely alter things. However, it is important that you avoid getting another ticket.

Vehicle Colors Are Important

The color of your vehicle is not a weighted factor when developing your policy. Things that are taken into consideration include your vehicle’s safety features, model, and body type.

The Policy Covers Any Vehicles That You Use For Business Purposes

If you are using your vehicle for business-related purposes on a regular basis, you may have to explore another type of coverage. Do not assume that your policy covers every aspect of your vehicle’s usage. Research the terms of your policy carefully.

The Possessions In My Vehicle Are Covered

This is incorrect. If you leave some valuable possessions in your vehicle, they are not covered through your auto insurance policy. You can try to amend your policy or seek additional coverage.

HighPointe Insurance Services LLC Will Guide You Through The Process

Stop by our office in Overland Park, KS today and we will help you find coverage for your vehicle.  

Tips to Help Keep You Safe When Driving in the Rain

More accidents occur when it is raining than when it is sunny outside. Rain decreases visibility and makes the roadways slicker. While you are not able to prevent every accident from occurring, there are steps that you can take to help keep yourself a bit safer, even when you are driving in the rain. HighPointe Insurance Services LLC, serving Overland Park, KS, wants to keep you safe on the roads. Here are a few tips that can help you do just that. 

Have Your Tires Inspected Prior to the Rainy Season

One of the best ways that you can stay safe when driving in the rain is to have your tires inspected prior to the rainy season. If the tread on your tires is worn, you may slide when you hit your brakes, which can lead to an accident. Having your tires inspected, and replaced if needed, can help you to stay safe. 

Use Your Headlights

Another tip is to turn on your headlights when driving in the rain. It may be hard for other drivers to see your car when it is downpouring. Having your lights on in the rain increases the ability of other cars to see you. 

Drive Slower Than Normal

Lastly, be sure to drive a bit slower than normal when it is raining. Roads are slick and what may normally be a safe driving speed may become unsafe in the rain. 

Taking these steps will help to keep you a bit safer when you are driving in the rain. Unfortunately, though, you cannot prevent every accident from happening, which is why it is important to have auto insurance that properly protects you. If you are looking for a new auto insurance policy in the greater Overland Park, KS area, turn to HighPointe Insurance Services LLC. Visit our website to get a free estimate today. 

Additional Protection Provided By a Comprehensive Auto Policy

All auto policies are not the same, and the team at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC here in Overland Park, KS can help you find the right policy to fit your needs. Liability and collision are just two facets of the protection that auto insurance can provide. While having the appropriate level of collision and liability coverage is very important, there are many other protection options that are available. If you are looking for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are prepared for almost any situation, comprehensive insurance can set your mind at ease.

Roadside Assistance and Rental Car Reimbursement

Having reliable roadside assistance is an option that many people overlook when deciding which insurance policy is right for their needs. Having roadside coverage protection through your auto insurance policy can simplify matters in the event that your car breaks down and requires repair, as the vendors who provide the service will already be approved by your company to provide towing services and conduct any necessary work or repairs. 

If you are involved in an accident and your car is totaled or inoperable, car rental reimbursement can make getting your car repaired or replaced a lot less stressful. And a comprehensive policy can help fill in any gaps. Navigating insurance claims and car repairs and replacements is a stressful experience under the best of circumstances, and working with a full-service agency can help you make the process as streamlined as possible.

Want to learn more about the protection that a comprehensive auto insurance policy can provide? Contact HighPointe Insurance Services LLC today to review your auto insurance policy options and determine which is right for you. We look forward to serving our friends and neighbors in the greater Overland Park, KS area!

How To Properly Insure a Truck

Did you just buy your first truck? If you did, there are some things to consider about your latest purchase that you probably didn’t have to think about with your vehicles of the past, namely insurance, namely insurance. Truck have a lot of uses that cars don’t have, the primary reason that insuring them is a little bit trickier. The follow are some aspects you should consider before purchasing insurance for your truck. 

It’s use – Is this a personal vehicle, or a bigger truck like a box truck you are using for business? Work vehicles should have commercial insurance because of their increased use and safety concerns. You should be fully covered in the event that there is an accident that causes harm to another person. You should consider increased coverage if you have a pickup truck. You probably bought it for a reason, and that’s to transport stuff. Otherwise, why get a truck? 

Cost – Many car shoppers make the mistake of purchasing a vehicle without first considering the cost of the car note plus the added insurance costs. Trucks can have higher premiums, making it vital that you check the total monthly cost of the vehicle before taking it off of the lot. If you don’t, you could severely hamper your budget in the future, making your truck a constant reminder of your financial difficulties. 

Those with questions about insuring their truck should contact an insurance representative at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC, an insurance provider in Overland Park, KS. They can help you make the right decision going forward about how to insure your truck. The key is to finding the right level of coverage at a price that fits your budget and this is something that should be factored before you make the purchase. 

Uninsured Motorists and RV Insurance

RV insurance for accidents works very much like regular vehicle insurance. There are different types of policies available, and the coverage an RV owner chooses to put in place will often dictate the amount of recovery and type of help that will be provided.

A strict liability coverage will only address the require minimum liability coverage an RV owner has for others harmed or whose property is damaged by the RV. It usually does nothing for the RV owner in terms of repair or replacement. While these polices tend to be cheaper, they pose a real problem when the accident involves an uninsured motorist. Generally, the uninsured motorist has no coverage or personal funds to claim against, which means the RV owner is up a creek for his own recovery.

A comprehensive policy, on the other hand, will include provisions that address injury to others as well as personal injury and property damage to the policy holder. While a comprehensive policy tends to be more expensive, it is a real blessing when the accident involves an uninsured motorist. Instead of having to worry about trying to get some semblance of coverage out of the other party, the RV owner can look to his own coverage for recovery up to the limits stated in the agreement. In most cases, that tends to be sufficient to repair and RV as well as take care of most injury costs the RV owner and his guest or family might receive in the accident. The insurance provider then determines whether to go after the uninsured motorist or not for its recovery.

To get a detailed look on how an Overland, KS area policy would work, connect with HighPointe Insurance Services LLC. They can walk a customer through all the options and point out the best coverage for one’s needs and budget with an RV.

Why Drivers Experience Road Rage and What to Do About It

Although most people won’t admit to it, they’ve experienced road rage at some point in their lives. While it may not be something that you feel every single day or that you see day in and day out, it’s a serious threat. In fact, the National Safety Council says that this is the single most threat to safety on the highway today. So, why do people experience road rage in the first place? Is there anything that can be done? Read on to learn more.

Reasons Why People Experience Road Rage

How do you feel when someone flips you off – you know, gives you the middle finger, or the bird? Probably not great, right? In fact, it could really anger you. How do you feel when you’ve been driving around the mall parking lot forever and finally set your sights on a parking space only to have someone else swoop in at the last minute and take it from you? You’re really angry because who knows how much longer you have to continue driving around with your screaming kids now. Things like this are what cause people to experience road rage.

How You Can Avoid Road Rage

One of the most unfortunate things about road rage is that it can result in aggressive driving, which can then lead to traffic injuries and deaths. Therefore, it is important to learn a few tactics that will help you avoid experiencing such aggression toward someone else. For example, with the above scenarios, try to wave instead of flipping someone off. In some cases, this can actually help to defuse a situation. When someone steals your parking spot, stay calm, don’t blare your horn at them and avoid eye contact with them. While you may still be angry on the inside, these steps will do wonders in helping you calm your emotions and bring your levels of anger down so that you can relax, avoid unnecessary confrontation and injury, and enjoy the rest of your day.

Because road rage is so common and can cause accidents, it is important that you make sure you are always covered with an adequate amount of insurance. Contact us at HighPointe Insurance Services LLC to get a quote for a new policy or to ensure your coverage is still current and meeting your needs.