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Houck - Seward AgencyHouck - Seward Agency
1940 Eggert Road
Amherst, New York 14226
Phone: (716) 835-2525
Fax: (716) 835-7808

auto policies with different limits

May 27, 2014 -

You knew this day would come. Your teenage daughter has bought a car and needs insurance.  With your encouragement she shops around, buys a policy and puts the car on the road.  All's well and good until that Saturday morning when you wanted to get coffee and her car is the last out.  No problem - you'll just take hers rather than move cars around the driveway.  On the way home you're distracted reaching for the coffee cup and bump the car in front of you.  Problem!  You have a $1M umbrella policy but it requires you carry $250,000 / $500,000 bodily injury limits and your daughter only bought $25,000 / $50,000.  Big Problem.  Here's the deal - as the driver of her car you are protected by her insurance limits not yours.  The personal auto policy form doesn't allow 'stacking' limits between residents of a household.  If the other driver sues you for bodily injury of $50,000 and wins your daughter's policy will pay $25,000 and you'll be on the hook for the balance.  Your own policy won't respond and neither will your umbrella.  Solution - either make sure your resident kids carry the same auto limits as you do or don't drive their car - ever!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional insurance advice. The content is not exhaustive and does not cover all potential situations. It is essential to review your specific insurance policy and discuss your individual circumstances with your insurance agent or broker. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified insurance professional to address your insurance needs and questions.

 
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