Auto Insurance Basics

Exceptional Auto Insurance from MetLife Auto & Home®

We protect more than your car, we protect your lifestyle. Expand your personal safety net with Auto Advantage™ and receive:

* Full Replacement Cost1: If you total your new car, we'll pay the full cost to replace it, subject to your deductible
* $50 Deductible Credit: For every year you don't have a claim2
* Guaranteed Repairs3: For as long as you own your vehicle
* Enhanced Coverages: Protect you from out of pocket expenses after an accident
* Superior Claim Service: Speak to someone 24/7
* Discounts and Rewards for safe driving, multiple policies and more

With MetLife Auto & Home, you can rest assured you're protected for the road ahead.

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Safeguard Your Identity
As a MetLife Auto & Home insurance customer, you will also get Identity Protection Services at no additional charge.

You might also consider:

RV insurance if you own golf carts, ATVs, snowmobiles or similar recreational vehicles.

A GrandProtect® insurance policy package for your car, boat, home and more. One policy package, one deductible and expanded coverage.

Insurance for collectible cars through our agent Condon & Skelly

Personal Excess Liability Insurance: supplements your current coverage to help protect your assets from sky-high judgments.
Auto Insurance Details
We're with you when you’re behind the wheel

Coverage PlusTM features are part of the most comprehensive and affordable policies available. Our standard coverage options come with a range of benefits and additional features can be added to further enhance your policy.

When you buy an auto policy, you put together a “package” of standard and not-so-standard coverages, including:

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Liability Protection

Even the most careful drivers can cause an accident, and they don't even have to be 100 percent at fault to be financially liable for injuries and property damage.

* Bodily injury coverage pays** claims in the event you're responsible for an accident in which someone is injured
* Property damage coverage pays** claims for damage your vehicle causes to someone else's property, such as someone's car, mailbox, or a fence on someone's land

Concerned about how sky-high judgments could affect your assets? Learn about Personal Excess Liability Insurance


Collision and Comprehensive Coverage Advantages

Our collision coverage pays** for damage to your car if it hits another vehicle or object, or if your car rolls over, no matter who causes the accident. Our comprehensive coverage pays** for damage to your car caused by something other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, flood, and hail.

But, at MetLife Auto & Home you get more complete coverage and benefits, including:

* New car replacement: if you total your new car within one year of purchase or during the first 15,000 miles—whichever comes first—you get the full cost of the new car with no deduction for depreciation.2,4
* Major parts replacement: we'll pay to replace certain major parts—like tire, brakes and batteries--no matter what their wear-and-tear/depreciated value at the time of the accident.2
* Glass repairs without a deductible: if your windshield is chipped or cracked, we'll repair it and waive your deductible. Repairs are usually completed in fewer than 30 minutes.
* Guaranteed Repair Program: choose one of our carefully screened recommended repair facilities, and we'll guarantee the work for as long as you own that auto. But it's voluntary; use any repair shop you like. In MA, guarantee provided through Platinum Auto Service Program.



Medical Payments Coverage and Personal Injury Protection

This covers** costs of doctors, hospitals and funeral expenses, for you, your resident relatives, and/or your passengers, resulting from a covered accident, regardless of who was at fault. You'll also be protected when you drive another person's car (with permission) or if a vehicle strikes you or family members, as pedestrians.

In some states, Medical Payments Coverage is called Personal Injury Protection, and may pay for lost wages and replacement services for an injured party.


Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage

Uninsured motorists (UM) coverage pays** the cost of damages and injuries resulting from being hit by an uninsured driver or by a hit-and-run driver. It also provides coverage if an uninsured driver strikes you or family members as pedestrians. Coverage for both you and your passengers include medical expenses, lost wages, and other injury-related losses.

Underinsured motorists (UIM) coverage will pay for damages that exceed the amount of coverage carried by an underinsured driver.


Enhanced Rental Car Coverage

If you have an accident while driving a rental car, you'll be covered for** the following "hidden costs" charged by the rental agency, such as:

* Rental income lost during repairs
* Claim handling expenses
* Decrease in market value of the rental
* Related expenses, like towing and storage

Not available in NC.


Safe Driving and Other Discounts and Rewards

*

Deductible Savings BenefitSM for good drivers. Through Deductible Savings Benefit,1you'll automatically earn a $50 credit toward your deductible every year you do not have a loss. This credit can build year-by-year to a maximum of $250.
*

7% Defensive Driver Discount. Earn up to a 7% discount by completing a qualifying driver safety course. You can even purchase a home-study course for just $19.95 at the National Safety Council website. You must be a licensed driver for at least two years. Additional restrictions apply. Before purchasing, speak to a MetLife Auto & Home representative to be sure you're eligible for the discount. Discount and availability varies by state. Successful completion of other MetLife Auto & Home approved courses also qualifies for the discount. In some states, discount not available for completion of on-line courses.
*

12% Superior Driver Discount or 20% MetRewards®. Earn up to a 12% Superior Driver Discount if all of the drivers in your household have outstanding driving records, or up to 20% MetRewards, if you are claim and violation-free for 5 years. Discounts and availability vary by state.
*

Multi-policy discounts. Save up to 10%5 with our multi-product and multi-policy discounts for having home as well as auto insurance with us. For other multi-product and multi-policy discounts not listed here, contact your MetLife Auto & Home representative today.
* Sample multi-policy discounts:
o Auto/Home multi-policy Discount: 10%5
o Auto/Life multi-policy Discount: 5%6



Rewards for Young Drivers

*

Good Student Discount. Your star high school or college student could earn you 15% discount if he or she qualifies.
*

Free Brochure. Download our free 12-page Teaching Your Teen to Drive (Without Driving Each Other Crazy) brochure, created for all parents and guardians, especially those who must complete parent/guardian-supervised drives required by graduated licensing laws.



Flexible Payment Options

Depending on your policy and state of residence, you can

* Elect a six-month or annual policy
* Choose from several installment-payment options
* Pay by check, online, or via automatic transfers from your bank account



Claim Service When You Need It Most

Whenever you need us, we'll be there. You can report a claim to us at 1-800-854-6011, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (make that 366 days during a leap year). Our knowledgeable representatives will answer all your questions and speed along the resolution of your claim.


Additional Features

If not already included, consider these other benefits that can be added to your policy. See policy for details.

*

Towing and Roadside Assistance & Labor Cost Coverage. If you have a breakdown while traveling, this option can help reimburse you for towing and other roadside-assistance expenses.
*

Legal Defense Costs. If you're sued, we'll cover your legal fees. We'll also reimburse you for up to $200 per day for lost wages, if you attend a hearing or trial at our request.
*

Transportation Coverage. If you need to rent a car while yours is being repaired due to a covered loss, you can have the charges billed directly to MetLife Auto & Home, in accordance with the limits of your policy and expected repair time for your vehicle.
*

Lease/Loan Gap Coverage. Ensures that your vehicle's lease or loan is paid off if your vehicle is a total loss due to an accident, even if the amount exceeds the value of your vehicle.



Have a question or want a free, no-obligation quote?

Get an auto quote now or call 1-800-MET-AUTO7 (1-800-638-2886).
FAQ

Auto Insurance Basics

What is auto liability coverage?

Even the most careful drivers can cause an accident and they don't even have to be 100 percent at fault in the accident to be financially liable for injuries and property damage. Two common types of auto liability protection are:

* Bodily Injury (BI), which pays for claims to a person you may have injured.
* Property Damage, which pays to repair or replace another person's car or property that you've damaged.



How much auto liability coverage do I need?

Your liability limit should be high enough to protect all the assets you've worked so hard to get. That's because those assets may be targeted in a lawsuit, if you're involved in a serious auto accident. Your assets include the total values of your house, vehicles, personal possessions, savings accounts, and more.

For added security and peace of mind, consider purchasing more than the minimum liability limits required by law; the additional cost for higher limits is relatively small compared to the additional protection you receive. If you have substantial assets that exceed the highest liability limit we offer, consider a personal excess liability ("umbrella") policy.


What is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?

Comprehensive coverage pays for physical damage to your auto caused by things such as fire, theft, hail, vandalism, and animals. These events are called "perils" in your policy. Some examples of a comprehensive loss include:

* your auto is struck by debris that falls from an overpass
* your auto is damaged by a tree falling on it
* your auto is partly or totally submerged in water
* your auto is maliciously scratched
* your auto's tires are slashed
* your auto's windshield is cracked by a stone

Collision coverage pays for physical damage if your auto is hit by another vehicle or runs into an object. This coverage will pay for damage to your auto regardless of who causes the accident. Some examples of a collision loss include:

* your auto strikes or is struck by another auto
* you hit a pedestrian, damaging your auto (the pedestrian’s injuries are covered under liability coverage]
* your auto hits debris lying in the road
* your auto strikes a tree or fence
* your auto is struck by a shopping cart



Do I need comprehensive and/or collision on all my autos?

You can make comprehensive and/or collision coverage choices individually for each of your insured vehicles.


What is not covered under my auto policy?

Wear-and-tear, freezing, mechanical breakdown, or road damage to tires by potholes are not covered by your auto insurance policy. Check your policy for other restrictions.


Am I covered under my personal policy if I also use my auto for business?

If you own your car and simply drive to and from your principal place of business, this is considered personal use and will be covered under your personal policy.

If in addition to commuting to work, you also use your vehicle for other business-related driving, such as traveling on sales calls or carrying tools, supplies, and equipment to a job site, this is considered business use. It may or may not be covered under your personal policy.

To ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your needs, consult with a qualified insurance representative and check your policy for restrictions.


Who are covered drivers under my auto insurance policy?

You, members of your family who live in your house, and anyone who uses your car with your permission are covered under your auto policy. See policy for details.


If I loan my car, would I be covered if there’s an accident?

Yes. With a MetLife Auto & Home auto insurance policy, anyone who drives your car with your permission is covered under your policy. See policy for details and restrictions. Note, if someone pays you to use your car, you will not be covered.


If I borrow someone else's car, what insurance pays?

If you're driving someone else's car and you get into an accident, the insurance on the borrowed car would be tapped first to pay for damages. If that insurance weren't adequate, then your personal auto insurance would kick in too. See policy for details.


What is a deductible?

It's the amount deducted from the payment to you before your policy kicks in. For instance, if you have an auto insurance policy with a $200 collision deductible, the first $200 to repair the damage to your car will be deducted from the payment you receive from your policy. If repairs only cost $150, you will be responsible for the payment. But if your covered repairs cost $1,000, $200 will be deducted and your insurance will pay $800. You may select different deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages


Will higher deductibles lower my auto insurance premium?

Absolutely. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium. That's because you're willing to pay a bigger amount of a loss in the event of an accident. Always make sure that if a loss does happen that you will be financially prepared to handle a higher deductible. Consult MetLife Auto & Home for a free auto quote with several different deductibles to see how they affect your premium.


How can I save money on auto insurance?

There are many things you can do to make sure you’re getting the best premium possible.

* Research before buying. Learn what cars are the least expensive to insure. MetLife Auto & Home offers discounts for cars that have antitheft devices, air bags, and antilock brakes, for example. MetLife Auto & Home can give you free, no-obligation quotes on any cars you're considering purchasing; just call us with the VINs of the vehicles you're interested in buying
* Take advantage of MetLife Auto & Home's multi-policy discounts, which provide discounts on certain coverages when you purchase two or more policies, such as an auto and homeowners policy.
* Increase your deductible
* Maintain a good driving record
* Maintain a good credit rating
* Take a driver safety course



Does my auto insurance policy cover rental vehicles?

Yes! At MetLife Auto & Home, the same coverages you have on your present auto policy also apply to any cars you rent. So, for example, if you have collision and comprehensive coverages on your current auto policy, you’ll also have them when you're renting a car for vacation, a pick-up truck for moving, or a substitute vehicle while yours is in the shop. Be warned, though: Other insurance companies may not cover rental cars automatically


Should I buy extra insurance protection on a rental car?

The coverages you have on your present auto policy also apply to cars you rent. But if you don't carry collision or comprehensive on at least one insured vehicle, you may not have these coverages on a rental car, depending on state law. To be safe, check with your agent or call MetLife Auto & Home's customer service center to confirm your coverages.


Uninsured Motorists

Why do I need Uninsured Motorists (UM) coverage?

Some drivers don't have auto insurance, even when they're legally required to buy it. And, if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, that driver may not be able to pay for your damages. UM coverage protects you and your passengers from injury-related damages caused by either an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. In a few states, damages to your car may also be included.


What is Underinsured Motorists (UIM) coverage?

UIM protects you and your passengers when an accident is caused by someone who has auto insurance, but is underinsured.


What happens if I'm a passenger in a friend's car and I'm injured as a result of an uninsured motorist?

If your friend had Uninsured Motorists (UM) or Underinsured Motorists (UIM) protection, you would be covered under your friend's policy. If your friend didn't have UM or UIM, you would receive protection under your own UM or UIM coverage. Note: Some states specify the order in which policies can be pursued for UM/UIM coverage.


Claims

Will my insurance rates go up if I make a claim?

Adjusting insurance premiums is not an easy decision. We want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to keep your insurance costs at MetLife Auto & Home equitable, while providing you with quality service. If an accident or loss occurs, certain factors can result in an increase to your policy premium, including:

* Determination of fault
* Amount of damages paid
* State regulations
* Previous accident and violation (conviction) history
* Type of accident or violation
* Severity of accident or violation



After an accident, how do I file a claim against the other driver?

You can file a claim against the other driver by contacting that person's insurance company or agent. You will need to give the other company your insurance information and tell it what type of claim you wish to make. If you need assistance, contact a MetLife Auto & Home claim professional.


How long will it be before someone appraises my auto?

Our appraisal staff will contact you within one business day of receiving their assignment. Assignments are made in a timely manner when an inspection is required. In most cases, your vehicle will be seen within a few days.


How soon can I expect my claim to be processed?

If an estimate is written by a MetLife Auto & Home appraiser, a check is often processed that same day, so you can begin the repair process as soon as possible. If you utilize our Guaranteed Repair Program (where available), the shop will generally submit estimates to our Claim Department the same day. All appraisals are quickly transmitted and reviewed for accuracy before payment is issued. In Massachusetts, our guaranteed repair program is called the Platinum Auto Service Program.


What if my repair shop finds additional damage that wasn't included in the original estimate?

Initial appraisals often list visible damages only. In some cases, there is additional loss-related damage that is discovered after the repair process has begun. If additional loss-related damage to your vehicle is identified, your repair shop will advise the appraiser who wrote MetLife Auto & Home’s estimate. The appraiser will then write up a supplemental estimate that includes the additional damage, and a second check will be issued to you from MetLife Auto & Home.


Who is handling my claim, and how can I contact him or her?

Each claim may involve multiple insurance coverages. MetLife Auto & Home has specialized claim professionals dedicated to specific aspects of your claim in order to provide the most efficient customer service. The professionals who may be handling your claim may include a:

* Primary adjuster who conducts a thorough investigation of the facts of an accident
* Field adjuster who performs the vehicle appraisal
* Total loss specialist who finalizes the value of your vehicle
* Medical payments/personal injury protection adjuster who makes sure bills for such things as an ambulance and emergency room visits are handled properly

If you don't know who to contact, simply call the primary adjuster, who will either help you or refer you to the best person to address your question or concern.


Do I have to take my vehicle to a repair shop recommended by MetLife Auto & Home®?

No. MetLife Auto & Home® can provide you with a list of quality repair shops in your area, but you are never obligated to use one of these shops. However, they are professional facilities that have demonstrated histories of quality repairs. In states where the law allows, we guarantee your auto’s repair at these shops for as long as you own your vehicle.


What if MetLife Auto & Home’s estimate is lower than my repair shop’s estimate?

If the estimates are different, MetLife Auto & Home's appraiser will work with the repair shop to resolve the differences. This process is seamless and does not require any involvement by the policyholder.


If another driver hits my vehicle, do I have to wait for the other driver to pay for damages to my automobile?

Not if you purchased collision coverage. With collision coverage, we will pay for damage to your car minus your deductible, regardless of who is at fault. If the other driver was at fault, we will try to recover the cost of the damage from the driver and reimburse you for any deductible charges you may have paid.


I've paid off my auto loan, but the former lienholder still shows on the claim I just reported. What should I do?

Contact your primary claim adjuster right away. You will be asked to mail or fax a copy of your vehicle’s title with the stamp indicating that the lien was discharged. The claim adjuster will forward the copy of the title to our service center, which will update your policy automatically.


My lienholder's name appears on my claim check. What should I do?

If you lease your vehicle or if you are still making loan payments, the leasing company or lienholder must be listed on the check. We are obligated to protect the lienholder’s or leasing company’s interest in the vehicle. Often the lienholder or leasing company’s name is listed as an additional payee on MetLife Auto & Home's check for damages to your vehicle.

To cash the check, simply contact your lienholder's or leasing company's customer service department to find out how it will arrange to endorse the check. Once it has been endorsed, you can deposit it into your bank account. This is a common practice, and the lienholder or leasing company should have well-established procedures to handle the matter for you as efficiently as possible.

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Speak to an Auto Insurance Specialist
Our auto insurance specialists will help select coverages right for you
> Call 800-MET-AUTO
> Find an office near you

*NC auto policies are issued with state-mandated industry-wide coverages. **See policy for restrictions.

1 Applies within one year of purchase or during the first 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. Does not apply to leased, substitute, or non-owned autos. Subject to deductible. See policy for restrictions. Not available in all states.

1 Deductible Savings BenefitSM is not available in all states. In NY, drivers must pay a state-required minimum deductible before using this benefit.

2 Maximum deductible credit of $250.00. Not available in all states. In NY state, drivers must pay a state-required minimum deductible before using this benefit.

2 Subject to deductible and state availability. See policy for restrictions.

3 In MA, guarantee provided through Platinum Auto Service Program.

3 Motorcycle insurance is not available in all states. Coverage features and discounts vary and may not be available in all states.

4 Does not apply to leased, substitute, or non-owned autos. See policy for restrictions. Not available in all states, such as NC. Subject to deductible. Applies within the first 12 months, or first 15,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first.

5 Auto/Home Multi-policy Discount: A discount will apply to the total policy premium for those insured with both home and private passenger automobile insurance with MetLife Auto & Home. The percentage amount of the discount may vary by state. The Auto/Home Multi-policy Discount is not available to auto policies where the insured's homeowners insurance is a renters policy, and is not available on the homeowners policy, if the auto policy is written in Metropolitan General Insurance Company or at a nonstandard rate level.

6 Receive 5% off your auto policy premium when you already purchased qualifying life insurance or annuity products written by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company or an affiliated company domiciled in the United States. In some states, discount available for having qualifying bank account with MetLife Bank®. Not available in all states.

7 Telephone quotes are not available in all states.

©2010 MetLife Auto & Home®.

MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates: Economy Fire & Casualty Company, Economy Preferred Insurance Company, Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company , Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company (CA Certificate of Authority: 6730; Warwick, RI), Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Metropolitan Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company (CA COA: 6393; Warwick, RI), and Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, all with administrative home offices in Warwick, RI. Coverage, rates, and discounts are available in most states to those who qualify.

Like most insurance policies, MetLife Auto & Home's policies contain exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms for keeping them in force. For complete costs and details, see your MetLife Auto & Home Representative.

nnovative Policy Features - Your Choice Auto®

nnovative Policy Features - Your Choice Auto®
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With Your Choice Auto®, you can enjoy Allstate's high-quality auto insurance coverage, with better protection if you have an accident and more rewards if you avoid them.
Beyond the Basics
Here's just a taste of what Your Choice Auto® only from Allstate can deliver:
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Accident Forgiveness Helps keep your rates from going up just because of an accident. Even if it's your fault.
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Safe Driving Bonus® Introducing the Safe Driving Bonus check*, for every six months of accident-free driving you have the opportunity to earn a check of up to 5% of your premium. This is in addition to any other Allstate discounts you qualify for.
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Deductible RewardsSM You'll get $100 off your Collision deductible the day you sign up. And then $100 off every year you go without an accident. Up to $500 total.
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New Car Replacement If your new car gets totaled within the first three model years, you can get a new car not just the depreciated value.
See how these innovative features are bundled together in the different Your Choice Auto® packages.

Plus, our Bumper-to-Bumper Basics SM will show you how these unique options might be added to your Allstate auto insurance policy.

Did you know that people who switched to Allstate and bought our Platinum Package saved an average of $480**? Our quick and easy quote tool can show you how switching to Allstate might save you money. Or, you can always talk to a nearby Allstate agent or call 1-866-621-6900 to quote over the phone.

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*Check option is an enhancement to Existing Safe Driving Bonus® and is NOW AVAILABLE IN OR COMING SOON to states offering Your Choice Auto®, except New York. May not be available to renewal customers until next policy period. Amounts less than $5 will be applied to renewal bill.

** Savings based on countrywide information reported in 2008 by new Allstate auto customers. Actual savings will vary.

Your Choice Auto®& Accident Forgiveness, Deductible RewardsSM, Safe Driving Bonus®, and New Car Replacement are optional and subject to terms and conditions. NOT AVAILABLE IN EVERY STATE. Patent Pending. Deductible Rewards apply to collision coverage. In NY and PA, deductible amount will not go below $100. In NY, Safe Driving Bonus® is a discount. Safe Driving Bonus® is based on eligible premium for prior policy period (except in NY), and won't apply after an accident. Policy issuance is subject to qualifications. Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Bridgewater, NJ. Allstate County Mutual Insurance Company, Irving, TX.