Insurance Panda Blog | Costs, Coverage & Savings https://www.insurancepanda.com/blog/ Insurance Was Never So Black and White Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:28:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.insurancepanda.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cropped-insurancepanda-favicon-32x32.png Insurance Panda Blog | Costs, Coverage & Savings https://www.insurancepanda.com/blog/ 32 32 All About the New Customer Discount https://www.insurancepanda.com/1033837/new-customer-discount/ Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:47:41 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=1033837 A “new customer discount” (sometimes called a new business or welcome discount) is a pricing incentive some insurers use for first-time policyholders. In insurance, it’s rarely as simple as “switch carriers, save money.” Discounts are tied to underwriting, state-approved rating plans, and how the insurer prices risk. Below, we’ll break down how new customer discounts […]

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]]> Driver’s Ed Insurance Discounts for Teens: How to Qualify & Claim https://www.insurancepanda.com/33607/teen-drivers-ed-insurance-discounts/ Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:22:52 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=33607 Completing driver’s ed can help teen drivers qualify for an auto insurance discount—but it’s not automatic, and the rules vary by insurer and state. This guide explains what typically counts as “driver’s ed” for insurance, how to claim the discount, and which other savings often make the biggest difference for teen premiums. The Short Answer: […]

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]]> What Is a Rideshare Endorsement? https://www.insurancepanda.com/33396/rideshare-endorsement/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 01:00:41 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=33396 A rideshare endorsement (sometimes called a Transportation Network Company (TNC) endorsement) is an optional add-on you can attach to your personal auto insurance policy if you drive for rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. The goal is simple: it helps reduce coverage gaps that can happen when you’re driving for pay, but you don’t carry […]

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]]> How to Get Very Cheap Car Insurance with No Deposit https://www.insurancepanda.com/3417/how-to-get-cheap-car-insurance-with-no-deposit/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:11:09 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=3417 Budget-conscious drivers are always searching for the cheapest possible car insurance — ideally with nothing due upfront. While many insurers advertise “$0 down” or “no deposit” options, the reality is that you’ll almost always need to pay something to start coverage (usually your first installment, plus any policy fees). In other words: true no-deposit car […]

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]]> Will Insurance Pay for Medical Bills After an Accident? https://www.insurancepanda.com/6311/car-insurance-pays-for-medical-bills-after-accident/ Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:40:47 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=6311 If you’re injured in a car accident that is not your fault, the at-fault driver (through their insurance company) is ultimately responsible for many of your accident-related damages—including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But here’s the part that surprises people: the at-fault driver’s insurer usually doesn’t pay your medical bills “as you […]

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]]> What Are the Best Collector Car Insurance Companies? https://www.insurancepanda.com/30669/best-collector-car-insurance-companies/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:19:08 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=30669 Collector cars have different insurance needs than ordinary vehicles — especially if you only drive yours on nice weekends, store it for months at a time, or have it mid-restoration. The biggest difference is how your car is valued. Most specialty “classic/collector” policies use agreed value (you and the insurer agree on a value up […]

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]]> Can I Sue My Insurance Company? https://www.insurancepanda.com/30517/can-i-sue-my-insurance-company/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:10:54 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=30517 You can sue your car insurance company—but only in certain situations, and the “right” lawsuit depends on who caused the problem: the at-fault driver, their insurer, or your insurer. Most accident-related lawsuits are filed against the at-fault driver (and handled by the at-fault driver’s insurance). But if your own insurer wrongfully denies, delays, or undervalues […]

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]]> How Donald Trump’s Victory Will Impact Auto Insurance Rates https://www.insurancepanda.com/30912/how-donald-trumps-victory-will-impact-auto-insurance-rates/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:46:50 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=30912 President Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election—and his return to the White House in January 2025—has a lot of drivers asking the same question: will auto insurance get cheaper or more expensive? Here’s the reality: the president doesn’t set your car insurance rate. Auto insurance is regulated primarily at the state level, and insurers […]

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]]> What Is the Average Settlement Amount for a Rear-End Collision? https://www.insurancepanda.com/30114/average-settlement-amount-for-rear-end-collision/ Sun, 16 Jul 2023 03:14:31 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=30114 If you were rear-ended, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, vehicle damage, and related expenses. There’s no single “average” rear-end collision settlement that applies to everyone. Many claims resolve in the low thousands to low five figures, while serious injury cases can climb into six or seven figures (and sometimes more) depending on […]

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]]> Who Do I Call If I Lock My Keys In My Car? https://www.insurancepanda.com/29987/lock-keys-my-car/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:48:38 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29987 Everyone makes mistakes. If you lock your keys in your car, you usually have a few safe, fast ways to get back in—without damaging the door, window, or weather stripping. Start with the simplest fix (a spare key or remote unlock). If that doesn’t work, roadside assistance through your insurer or AAA can typically dispatch […]

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]]> Can I Raise My Deductible to Save on Car Insurance? https://www.insurancepanda.com/3644/can-i-raise-my-deductible-to-save-on-car-insurance/ Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:31:26 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=3644 Some insurance experts recommend raising your deductible to save on car insurance. But does raising your deductible actually lower your premium? In most cases, yes. A higher deductible usually means a lower premium—because you’re agreeing to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. Keep reading to learn how deductibles work, how much […]

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]]> How Changing Your Address Affects Auto Insurance https://www.insurancepanda.com/29416/changing-address-affects-auto-insurance/ Sun, 19 Mar 2023 10:45:30 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29416 If you move to a new address, your car insurance rate can change—sometimes dramatically. Insurers price policies based partly on where your vehicle is garaged (where it’s usually parked overnight), so even a move across town can shift your premium. A new ZIP code can raise or lower rates by double digits, and moving to […]

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]]> How to Cancel a Gap Insurance Policy and Get a Refund https://www.insurancepanda.com/29385/cancel-gap-insurance-for-refund/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:06:41 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29385 You may have gap insurance (also called “GAP” or “guaranteed asset protection”) on a financed or leased vehicle. If you no longer need it—or you’re paying for it through the wrong place—you may be able to cancel your coverage and get money back. In most cases, canceling is straightforward: contact the company that sold you […]

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]]> Do Insurance Companies Go After Uninsured Drivers? https://www.insurancepanda.com/29349/do-insurance-companies-go-after-uninsured-drivers/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 16:18:32 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29349 If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you can still get paid — but your own policy often pays first (UM/UIM, PIP/MedPay, and/or collision). After paying, your insurer may try to recover what it spent from the at-fault driver through subrogation (demand letters, repayment plans, or a lawsuit). Recovery depends on whether the driver has […]

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]]> How Can You Get Your Car Towed for Free? https://www.insurancepanda.com/29335/free-towing/ Mon, 27 Feb 2023 11:19:14 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29335 Need a tow but don’t want to get hit with a huge bill? The good news: a “free” tow is often already hiding in benefits you pay for—your car insurance, new-car warranty, roadside membership, credit card, or even certain phone-plan perks. The key is knowing where to look and what limits apply (miles, dollar caps, […]

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]]> How to See if a Car Has Been in an Accident https://www.insurancepanda.com/29325/how-to-see-if-a-car-has-been-in-an-accident/ Sun, 26 Feb 2023 11:30:27 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29325 Some vehicles have a clean history, while others do not. Fortunately, there are a few reliable ways to check whether a car has been in a serious accident — and you can do most of them in under 10 minutes. Today, you can look up a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to check for red […]

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]]> Do Car Dealerships Offer Temporary Insurance? https://www.insurancepanda.com/29298/do-car-dealerships-offer-temporary-insurance/ Sun, 19 Feb 2023 20:31:56 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29298 Some car dealerships can help you arrange temporary coverage so you can drive off the lot the same day. But in many cases, you don’t actually need the dealership’s temporary insurance. Your personal auto policy may already cover newly purchased vehicles for a short window (often called a “newly acquired vehicle” grace period), as long […]

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]]> How to Transfer Your Driver’s License After Moving to a New State https://www.insurancepanda.com/29234/update-your-drivers-license-after-moving-to-new-state/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 17:34:52 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29234 Most states require new residents to switch an out-of-state driver’s license within 30–90 days (sometimes sooner). Use the checklist below to prep your DMV visit, bring the right documents, and avoid a second trip. If you move to a new state, you’ll usually need to update your driver’s license (and often your vehicle registration) within […]

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]]> What Are the Best Auto Insurance Companies for Seniors? https://www.insurancepanda.com/29164/best-auto-insurance-companies-for-seniors/ Fri, 09 Dec 2022 19:22:18 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29164 Seniors have plenty of options for car insurance — from household-name brands to regional companies with excellent service. Some seniors want the cheapest possible auto insurance. Others want the best overall value, better claims service, or extra perks (like accident forgiveness or disappearing deductibles). The “best” company depends on where you live, how much you […]

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]]> What’s the Minimum Insurance Coverage for a Financed Car? https://www.insurancepanda.com/29143/minimum-coverage-financed-car/ Thu, 08 Dec 2022 13:32:21 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29143 If you are financing a car, your lender will require you to carry certain minimum insurance coverages. That’s because your car is the collateral for the loan. Until it’s paid off, the lienholder (the bank, credit union, or finance company) wants proof the vehicle is protected if it’s stolen, totaled, or seriously damaged. In most […]

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]]> What Are the Odds of Getting in a Car Accident? https://www.insurancepanda.com/29105/car-accident-odds/ Mon, 28 Nov 2022 20:14:18 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=29105 When shopping for car insurance, it helps to think about risk — including the risk of being involved in a crash. There’s no single “odds of a car accident” number that applies to everyone. Your risk changes based on how much you drive, where you drive, when you drive, your driving habits, and even the […]

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]]> How to Find Cheap Auto Insurance for Your Small Business https://www.insurancepanda.com/4686/cheap-small-business-auto-insurance/ Sat, 12 Nov 2022 13:16:10 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=4686 Cheap auto insurance for your small business isn’t always “easy” — but it is doable when you shop the right way. The key is getting the right type of policy (so claims don’t get denied), choosing coverage that matches your real risk, and comparing quotes from multiple commercial insurers and agents. Here’s what to know […]

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]]> Does AAA Change Flat Tires? https://www.insurancepanda.com/28758/aaa-flat-tire-changes/ Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:35:25 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=28758 AAA is the largest and best-known roadside assistance provider in the United States. If you have AAA, you can request a AAA technician to help with a flat tire. In most cases, AAA will put air in the tire first. If that doesn’t solve the problem, the technician can install your inflated spare tire. If […]

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]]> Allstate Motor Club Review https://www.insurancepanda.com/28691/allstate-motor-club-review/ Thu, 27 Oct 2022 22:53:23 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=28691 Allstate Motor Club (often marketed as Allstate Roadside) is a standalone roadside assistance service you can buy even if you don’t have an Allstate auto insurance policy. It’s a popular alternative to AAA for drivers who want on-demand help for towing, lockouts, jumpstarts, flat tires, and fuel delivery—plus extra perks depending on the plan. Is […]

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]]> What Are Some Luxury Cars That Are Cheap to Insure? https://www.insurancepanda.com/28635/luxury-cars-cheap-insurance/ Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:17:25 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=28635 Luxury cars are expensive to buy and expensive to repair — and that often makes them expensive to insure. But “luxury” doesn’t automatically mean “sky-high premiums.” Some luxury brands and models are surprisingly affordable to insure, especially entry-level sedans and small SUVs with strong safety tech and widely available replacement parts. Below you’ll find (1) […]

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]]> Allstate Rewards Review https://www.insurancepanda.com/28591/allstate-rewards-review/ Fri, 21 Oct 2022 13:22:14 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=28591 Allstate Rewards was a points-based program that rewarded some drivers for participating in Allstate’s telematics programs (like Drivewise) and redeeming points for things like gift cards, discounts, and sweepstakes. But here’s the important update: Allstate discontinued the separate “Allstate Rewards” points program in October 2023. That means you generally can’t earn new Allstate Rewards points […]

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]]> What Are the Cheapest SUVs to Insure? https://www.insurancepanda.com/28514/cheapest-suvs-to-insure/ Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:38:11 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=28514 Want to buy an SUV without paying sky-high insurance premiums? Some SUVs are consistently affordable to insure, while others can cost hundreds (or even thousands) more per year because they’re expensive to repair, expensive to replace, or more likely to generate large claims. Keep reading to discover some of the cheapest SUVs to insure in […]

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]]> Allstate Milewise Review: How Much Can You Save? https://www.insurancepanda.com/28476/allstate-milewise-review/ Sun, 16 Oct 2022 14:33:23 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=28476 Allstate offers a pay-per-mile car insurance plan called Milewise. Instead of paying a flat monthly premium no matter how much you drive, Milewise ties part of your bill to your mileage. Milewise can be a strong fit for low-mileage drivers (work-from-home, retirees, households with a “second car,” etc.). But it’s not a guaranteed win — […]

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]]> Safelite and Insurance: Is Safelite Covered by Insurance? https://www.insurancepanda.com/26950/safelite-insurance-coverage/ Sun, 28 Aug 2022 19:05:22 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=26950 Safelite is one of the biggest and best-known auto glass repair and replacement companies in the U.S. Whether insurance covers Safelite depends on (1) what caused the glass damage and (2) what coverage you carry. In many cases, Safelite can verify your coverage and help handle the claim paperwork. Below is what you need to […]

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]]> Best Insurance Companies for Cars with Salvage Titles https://www.insurancepanda.com/25948/best-insurance-companies-for-cars-with-salvage-titles/ Sat, 30 Jul 2022 10:02:29 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=25948 Finding insurance can be tricky when a vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title. Many carriers won’t insure a salvage-branded vehicle for on-road use, and some will limit coverage once it’s rebuilt. The good news: once your vehicle is properly repaired and retitled as rebuilt (sometimes called “reconstructed” or “prior salvage,” depending on the state), […]

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]]> How Can You Find Budget Auto Insurance? https://www.insurancepanda.com/24626/budget-auto-insurance/ Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:28:49 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=24626 Auto insurance prices vary wildly — and many drivers pay more than they need to for the same level of protection. In 2025, national “average” premiums are well into the thousands per year for many drivers, but your price depends on your state, vehicle, driving record, credit (where allowed), and the coverages you choose. The […]

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]]> How Can You Get Free Roadside Assistance? https://www.insurancepanda.com/24151/free-roadside-assistance/ Tue, 17 May 2022 20:52:46 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=24151 Roadside assistance pays for help when your car can’t (or shouldn’t) keep going—think towing, fuel delivery, jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockouts, and winching. Cost depends on where you buy it. As a rough guide, an add-on through your auto insurer is often the cheapest option, while auto club memberships (like AAA) and wireless add-ons typically […]

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]]> What Are the Cheapest Cars to Insure for a Teenager? https://www.insurancepanda.com/23897/cheapest-cars-to-insure-for-teens/ Thu, 05 May 2022 14:28:24 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=23897 Teenagers generally pay some of the highest auto insurance rates in the United States — mostly because they’re new drivers, not because they’re “bad” drivers. That said, the car you choose still matters. Vehicles that are cheaper to repair, less likely to be stolen, and packed with safety tech tend to cost less to insure. […]

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]]> Am I Covered If My Car Breaks Down? https://www.insurancepanda.com/3774/am-i-covered-if-my-car-breaks-down/ Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:38:58 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=3774 Auto insurance is designed for sudden, unexpected events — not the predictable costs of owning a car. So if your vehicle breaks down because of age, wear and tear, or skipped maintenance, a standard car insurance policy won’t pay for the repair. That said, there are situations where insurance can help with repairs (when damage […]

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]]> When Should You Pay for Vehicle Repairs Out of Pocket? https://www.insurancepanda.com/4984/when-should-you-pay-for-vehicle-repairs-out-of-pocket/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 14:03:44 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=4984 If your car needs repairs after an accident or other damage, you usually have two options: file an insurance claim or pay for repairs out of pocket. A simple rule of thumb: if the repair bill is less than your deductible, paying out of pocket is typically the cheaper move. If it’s only a little […]

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]]> Which Companies Sell Non-Standard Car Insurance? https://www.insurancepanda.com/23128/non-standard-car-insurance-companies/ Thu, 17 Mar 2022 13:49:27 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=23128 “Non-standard” car insurance usually means an auto policy written for drivers (or vehicles) that fall outside a carrier’s “standard” underwriting guidelines. That often includes high-risk drivers — but it can also include specialty situations like SR-22 filings, rebuilt/salvage titles, or certain collectible and high-value vehicles. The good news: needing non-standard coverage doesn’t mean you’re out […]

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]]> What Should You Do if Someone Hits Your Parked Car? https://www.insurancepanda.com/23005/somebody-hit-your-parked-car/ Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:02:43 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=23005 If someone hits your parked car, the next steps depend on one big thing: do you know who hit you? If the driver left their info, it’s a standard claim. If they took off, it’s usually treated as a hit-and-run. Either way, you’ll want to document the damage, report the incident, and figure out which […]

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]]> How Many Uninsured Motorists Are There? Which States Have the Most? https://www.insurancepanda.com/22619/uninsured-motorists-by-state/ Tue, 08 Feb 2022 11:36:05 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=22619 Driving without car insurance is more common than most people realize. The latest national estimate puts the uninsured motorist rate at 15.4% — which is more than 1 in 7 drivers. Even though nearly every state requires liability insurance, millions of motorists still drive uninsured. The exact risk depends heavily on where you live: some […]

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]]> How Can I Check How Many Points Are On My License? https://www.insurancepanda.com/22431/check-drivers-license-points/ Tue, 21 Dec 2021 16:09:41 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=22431 Most states track moving violations using a driver record system—often with “points” (sometimes called demerit points). Checking your points (or your driving record) helps you stay ahead of bigger penalties like license suspension, reinstatement fees, and mandatory driver improvement courses. In most states, the fastest way to check points is to request your driving record […]

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]]> How Much of an Insurance Discount Do You Get for Having a Car Alarm? https://www.insurancepanda.com/22388/car-alarm-insurance-discount/ Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:54:31 +0000 https://www.insurancepanda.com/?p=22388 If your car has an alarm (or other anti-theft tech), you might qualify for an auto insurance discount. Many insurers offer discounts for anti-theft devices—especially systems that make your vehicle harder to steal or easier to recover. But the savings are often smaller than people expect because the discount usually applies only to the comprehensive […]

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