Auto Insurance

In a Fender Bender? What to Do First

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Even a minor car accident can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. Taking a few practical steps after a fender bender can help you stay safe, document what happened, and make the insurance process easier.

Check for Injuries and Get to Safety

First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911. If it’s safe and possible, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights.

Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, insurance companies, and policy details. Be sure to record the other vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number as well. Avoid arguing about what happened or admitting fault, and stick to exchanging the information you’ll need later.

Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, visible damage, license plates, and the surrounding area. Write down details about what happened while they’re still fresh in your mind, and if there are witnesses nearby, consider getting their contact information too.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible, even if the damage seems minor. Your insurer can explain your coverage, help you determine whether filing a claim makes sense, and walk you through the next steps.

A fender bender can be stressful, but knowing what to do in advance can make an unexpected situation much easier to handle.

If you’re looking for auto insurance, the team at Fortress Insurance Agency, serving Overland Park, KS, is here to help. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our auto insurance policy options.

Does Car Insurance Cover Items in a Car?

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Vehicles don’t just transport people. They’re also used to move personal property and belongings. Perhaps you take your laptop to and from work. Maybe you sometimes leave your kids’ bikes in the back of the truck after spending an afternoon at the park. Alternatively, you may transport expensive personal property in your car if you’re moving from one house to another. In any case, coverage for items in the car is important as it protects your assets in the event they’re stolen or damaged. 

Car Insurance and Personal Property Coverage

The bad news is that auto insurance doesn’t cover personal items in your vehicle. This holds true even if you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy. The good news is that these personal items should be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance policy. However, the amount of compensation you’ll get after a loss depends on the terms and conditions in your policy as well as the deductible you set when you purchase your insurance policy.

What’s more, many insurers have lower coverage limits for items that are damaged outside your home, which means you may not be able to count on compensation to cover the full cost of the lost or damaged items. Be sure to take precautions when transporting personal property and parking your vehicle in and around Overland Park, KS.

Need More Information? Fortress Insurance Agency Is Here to Help

Fortress Insurance Agency serves car owners in and around Overland Park, KS, offering multiple forms of insurance to residents of all ages and walks of life. Call us to find out more about your policy options or to request price quotes for specific policies or policy bundles.

Is There a Deadline to File an Auto Insurance Claim After an Accident?

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After an accident, you might think you can wait a while to file a claim, but the window isn’t as wide open as you may assume. Auto insurance policies don’t give unlimited flexibility, and waiting a long time to file a claim will complicate the process for you. The rules vary based on your insurance company, yet the general idea is the same: report the accident promptly so the claim can be handled with accurate information.

How the Timing of a Report Works After a Crash

Auto policies through Fortress Insurance Agency, serving Overland Park, KS, usually expect drivers to notify the insurer “within a reasonable time.” It sounds vague, but it still carries weight. A reasonable time typically means contacting the insurer as soon as it’s safely possible after the accident, not weeks later when details start to slip away. Kansas doesn’t set a single statewide deadline for reporting accidents to insurers, so each company sets its own expectations in its policies. Some want immediate notice, others allow a short buffer, but none recommend delaying.

Why Waiting Creates Problems

When a claim is received late, the insurer may struggle to confirm what actually occurred. Damage changes as a vehicle sits, witnesses become harder to reach, and paperwork drifts out of order. If the delay affects the investigation, the company might question or reduce coverage. It’s not about penalties; it’s simply harder to evaluate a situation that’s no longer fresh. Even minor accidents can turn messy if the timeline stretches too far.

Additionally, Kansas drivers are required to report an accident to the Kansas Department of Transportation if the accident involves injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more.

Call Us for Information

If you’re involved in a crash, it’s best to report it right away. The insurer doesn’t require every detail on the first call, just the basics to open the claim. Stick to the facts and don’t speculate on fault. Once the claim is filed, gather documents, photos, and repair estimates. For clarity on your specific policy’s expectations, contact your insurance representative first at Fortress Insurance Agency, serving Overland Park, KS, who can help you avoid timing issues.

The Role of Dash Cams in Supporting Your Insurance Claim

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Experiencing a car accident is stressful enough without having to deal with disputes over what actually happened. That’s where dash cams can make a significant difference. At Fortress Insurance Agency, serving the Overland Park, KS community, we’ve seen firsthand how valuable dash cam footage can be when it comes to filing and supporting an auto insurance claim.

Clear Evidence When You Need It Most

In the moments after an accident, it can be challenging to recall every detail. Additionally, each party involved may have a different version of the events. A dash cam provides an unbiased account of what actually occurred. Whether you were rear-ended at a stoplight or had to swerve to avoid a reckless driver, video footage can be the key to proving your side of the story.

Faster Claims Process

Having clear evidence can also help speed up the claims process. Insurance adjusters often have to piece together information from police reports, witness statements, and photos. Dash cam video can fill in the blanks quickly, leading to a faster resolution and, in many cases, a smoother experience overall. This means less back-and-forth and more assurance.

Protection Against Fraud

Unfortunately, insurance fraud is more common than many people realize. Some drivers stage accidents or make false claims, hoping for a payout. A dash cam can help protect you from becoming a victim of these schemes by providing hard evidence to back you up.

If you’re considering adding a dash cam to your vehicle or want to know how it might impact your coverage, reach out to Fortress Insurance Agency, serving the Overland Park, KS area. We’re here to help you stay informed and protected every mile of the way.

5 Tips For Driving in Heavy Rain

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When heavy rain strikes, you need to adjust your driving habits to mitigate the increased risk. Auto insurance can help cover you in the event of an emergency, but your auto insurance agent at Fortress Insurance Agency serving Overland Park KS and surrounding areas wants to help you avoid trouble to begin with.

Here are five tips to keep in mind:

1. Keep Windows Defrosted

You may have to turn on the heater or air conditioning inside the car temporarily, even if it’s a little bit uncomfortable. Rain often causes windows to fog up, reducing your visibility.

2. Keep Both Hands on the Steering Wheel

When driving in heavy rain, keep both hands on the wheel. This isn’t the time to fiddle with your phone or the radio. If you start hydroplaning, you want to be able to regain control of your vehicle instantly.

3. Don’t Drive Through Big Puddles

Heavy rainfall can create large puddles of water. Ordinarily, you may be able to safely drive through puddles. But sometimes, the water could make sinkholes that aren’t visible on the surface. You never know how deep those puddles are, and your car could sink or be damaged.

4. Keep Window Visibility Clear

If you have a car filled with luggage or other items, make sure you keep your window visibility clear. Never stack items so high that you can’t see out all of your side and rear windows.

5. Maintain a Longer Distance

Keep a longer distance between you and the car in front of you than you normally would in dry conditions. That way, if the car in front has a problem or you can’t stop as quickly as you thought, you’ll have extra stopping distance to prevent a collision.

Call Today To Discuss Your Options

To ensure that you have adequate auto insurance, contact Fortress Insurance Agency serving Overland Park, KS and surrounding areas for your car insurance needs.

Required Auto Insurance in Kansas

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If you own a vehicle, it’s important to always keep an auto insurance policy on it. It’s required by Kansas law that you have at least the minimum amount of required coverage types in your policy. Your insurance agent will know what you need and what else would be helpful to have in your auto policy.  When you need auto insurance, call us today at Fortress Insurance Agency in Overland Park, KS.

Required Coverage for Kansas Vehicles

There are several different types of coverage that are required for Kansas drivers to have. These come in various minimum amounts that are required, though drivers can add more coverage to the minimum amounts. In the state, bodily injury liability coverage is required. This includes one amount for one person who is injured and another amount for everyone injured in the accident.

There is also an amount required for property damage liability coverage. In addition, every driver must have an amount of bodily injury coverage for one person injured when an accident happens with an uninsured motorist. There is another amount required for everyone who is injured in that type of accident. There is also basic personal injury protection coverage that is required. This is an amount for each person who is injured in the accident from your own vehicle. 

Other Coverage

In addition to the required coverage, you may want to get comprehensive or collision insurance coverage. With collision insurance, the damage to your vehicle is covered. With comprehensive coverage, the vehicle is covered against a wide range of risks that it faces when it isn’t being driven. 

Get Auto Insurance in Kansas

When you own a vehicle in the state, you have to have an auto policy for it. To get a policy, call us at Fortress Insurance Agency in Overland Park, KS.

Safe driving tips for new drivers

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As a new driver, staying safe behind the wheel is essential. Here are some tips from us at Fortress Insurance Agency to help you stay safe on the road here in the Overland Park, KS area and everywhere.

Safe driving tips for new drivers

1. Always wear your seatbelt.

Wearing a seatbelt can drastically reduce your risk of injury in the event of an accident, so it’s important to always put it on before setting off. 

2. Avoid distractions while driving.

Turn off your phone and avoid eating or drinking while driving so that you can keep your full attention on the road. 

3. Obey all speed limits and traffic signals.

Not only is this important for safety reasons, but it can also save you from getting a ticket! 

4. Don’t drive when you’re feeling drowsy or fatigued.

Even if you feel like you could make it home, it’s not worth taking the risk – pull over in a safe place and take a nap until you’re feeling more alert and able to drive safely again. 

5. Check your mirrors often and practice defensive driving techniques.

By checking your mirrors regularly and being aware of other drivers around you, you can anticipate potential risks and take steps to avoid them safely. 

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

Following these tips will help keep you safe on the roads as a new driver! For more tips on how to stay safe while behind the wheel, or if you have any questions about your insurance coverage, please give us at Fortress Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Overland Park, KS area and would be happy to answer all of your questions. 

Should I Get Collision And Comprehensive Coverage?

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As a matter of state law, collision and comprehensive coverage are optional. However, you will be required to purchase these two auto insurance coverages in some business situations. At Fortress Insurance Agency we typically recommend that our clients get these auto coverages. If you are a driver in Overland Park, KS who is still on the fence about whether or not you should get comprehensive coverage, it’s best that you get them.

Here are situations where collision and comprehensive coverage are needed and where having them would be very beneficial.

Getting Collision And Comprehensive Coverage

1. If You Have a Car Loan or Car Lease

Nearly all lenders will require you to get collision and comprehensive coverage if you have a car loan. Most car leasing companies also have the exact requirement. This is so that you don’t ditch your car loan or lease if the vehicle is totalled or stolen. After paying off your car loan, it’s best that you keep the collision and comprehensive coverage.

2. When Your Car Requires Significant Repairs

You likely think that you don’t need collision or comprehensive coverage because you can always afford to do minor repairs to your car. However, if your vehicle is severely damaged during an accident, the cost of repairing it would be significant. If you have these two auto coverages, you can avoid paying for the expensive repairs out of your pocket since your car insurer will pay for it.

3. When Your Car Is Totalled or Stolen

Your car can be severely damaged through vandalism, an accident, or a natural disaster to the extent it can’t be repaired; thus, it will be totaled. Additionally, when your car is stolen, you might never be able to recover it. If you don’t have collision and comprehensive coverage, you will have to purchase a new car with your money. However, if you have these two policies, the insurer will compensate you, and you can buy a new vehicle.

Get Auto Insurance Today

Contact Fortress Insurance Agency for auto insurance deals in Overland Park, KS, and surrounding areas.

How much auto insurance do I need?

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The appropriate amount of car insurance needed depends on many factors, including your state of residence, the value of your vehicle, and how much insurance you can afford. When shopping for car insurance, you’ll want to purchase as much liability coverage as you can comfortably afford, which will likely be substantially greater than the minimum requirements in Kansas. Liability for auto insurance consists of two main parts: bodily and property.

Bodily injury covers medical bills and other costs associated with injuring another person, while the property is for damage to third-party property such as a home, vehicle, or shed. If you are at fault in an accident, your insurance company will cover expenses for third parties up to your policy limits; thus, the more insurance you can purchase, the more likely you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket. 

In addition to liability insurance, you’ll also have the option to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive insurance pays for damage to your vehicle that isn’t caused by an accident and could include theft, vandalism, fire, and hail damage. Conversely, collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle caused by an accident. If you purchased your car with a loan, your lender would likely require that you carry collision coverage. You’ll have the option to purchase different deductible amounts, likely ranging from $200 to $1000. A deductible is what you are first required to pay towards the cost of repairs before your insurance company agrees to payout. 

If you are shopping for auto insurance in Overland Park, KS, let the friendly and professional team at Fortress Insurance Agency assist. We can answer all your questions and customize a policy that meets or exceeds your needs. 

Your Guide to Auto Insurance

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At Fortress Insurance Agency, we have helped many Overland Park, KS area residents understand their auto insurance policy. If you’re new to car ownership, it is essential to read this information to understand better your level of coverage and what kind of policies you may need.

Basic Insurance Coverage 

When buying auto insurance, you pay a premium every month that helps create a specific coverage level. And your limitations or deductibles indicate how much you have to pay before your policy goes into effect. Your primary coverage option includes:

  • Liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage 
  • Supplementary payments related to your accident’s legal state 
  • Expenses to repair your vehicle 
  • Comprehensive coverage that pays beyond collision situations 

However, your policy may also include many other additional coverage types that you can tweak to get the help that you need. Understanding your options here will help to ensure that you choose the best coverage option for your needs as a person. 

Additional Options 

Adding extra policy coverage to your insurance helps to protect you against common problems that may otherwise affect you. Just a few additional options that you can add to your policy include:

  • Medical payment coverage for you and your family 
  • Uninsured policies to protect from other drivers 
  • Underinsured coverage to protect against other drivers 
  • Operational losses if your policy is for a business vehicle 

Often, these extra coverage options must be added to your policy. Your premiums and deductibles may go up or down, depending on your insurance company. Make sure you balance your needs in a way that makes sense for you. 

Get the Coverage You Deserve 

If you need a high-quality auto insurance policy, please contact Fortress Insurance Agency to learn more. We serve the Overland Park, KS area and will do what we can to help you here.