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Filing a car insurance claim doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, with Metromile’s step-by-step process, we will walk you through the steps to filing a claim and offer a simple solution to an often overly-complicated procedure. Whether you’ve experienced a hit-and-run, a minor fender bender sitch, or are in need of a quick glass repair, knowing what you should have prepared to file a claim can make for a seamless experience and get you back on the road faster.

First, we need to know what type of claim you will be filing – roadside assistance, a glass and windshield claim, a hit-and-run claim, or a general claim. Knowing which type of claim will help us direct your claim to the right department.

So, which types of claims fall into which categories? Pull up a chair and let’s chat.

Roadside Assistance

As we all know, cars can be somewhat unpredictable. If your car decides to break down at the worst possible time, Metromile has got your back! If your car breaks down on the road and you have elected Metromile Roadside Assistance coverage, you can submit an Online Roadside Assistance Request, file through the Metromile app, or call Metromile Roadside Assistance at 800-983-3400 to request service. Our Metromile Roadside Assistance team will make arrangements to assist you and also can provide an estimated time of arrival.

Glass and Windshield Claims

Has an errant, high-velocity pebble taken a hit to your windshield? File a claim through Metromile’s Glass and Windshield claims center. If you need to file a claim for a broken window or windshield, and you have purchased comprehensive coverage, you can file a glass only claim online, file through the Metromile app, or call Metromile Glass Assistance at 888-256-8375 to report a claim.

Hit-and-run Claims

As a vehicle owner, one of the most frustrating situations you might be involved in is a hit-and-run. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you should definitely file an accident report with the police. The more information you can provide in the instance of a hit-and-run, the better. Information to provide (if it’s available):

• Information about the car that hit you:
  • Make
  • Model
  • License Plate
• Any possible witness information
• Time and location of the accident
• Pictures of the accident scene
• Pictures of your car

We understand that in certain situations, it may not be possible to provide all of the above information. At the bare minimum, be sure to have the following information handy when filing your claim:

• Time of incident
• Location of hit-and-run
• The damage
• The Accident Report Number (obtained from the police)

Metromile policyholders can always file a hit-and-run claim online or through the Metromile app 24/7 – or you can report a claim by calling (888) 595-5485.

General Claims

For everything else: file a general claim. Metromile policyholders can file a claim online or through the Metromile app 24/7, or you can report a claim with a claims representative by calling (888) 595-5485 M-F 6am-6pm. You will need the following information readily available when filing your claim:

• Your Metromile insurance policy number
• Date of the accident
• Location of the accident
• Description of the accident
• Party names
• Vehicles involved

We also recommend that you:

• Take pictures of (or write down) driver and occupant names, contact numbers and driver’s license information
• Obtain insurance carrier information (including policy number) from the other person(s) involved
• Write down vehicle information for any vehicles involved in the accident including: make, model, license plate number and damages
• Write down any witness information
• Take pictures of the accident scene, skid marks, and debris (if it is safe to do so)

So, what now? After you’ve filed your claim through Metromile, here are some next action steps to take.

Repairing Your Vehicle

The first thing you’ll need to get is a damage estimate. Your Metromile Claims Representative will be able to guide you through the repair process. In most situations, we’re able to complete an estimate from photos of the damage to your vehicle.

HOWEVER. If you are not ready to repair your car, that’s okay too. Metromile does not require you to repair your car in order to submit a claim. When filing, just let your claims representative know that you aren’t ready to repair your car.

In the case of a total loss, Metromile defers to the state rules regarding how to determine the value of your vehicle. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss (as outlined by your state rules), your policy remains in effect. You will need insurance for your rental car or temporary transportation while you shop for a replacement – however, we won’t charge you mileage while you’re shopping for a replacement vehicle. Once obtained, contact Metromile to add your replacement vehicle to your policy.

With Metromile, you never have to wonder if your insurance company has your back, because we always will! Get a free quote today and join the Metromile fam – we’re always one call, tap, or click away. Be safe out there and see you on the roads!

Julianne Cronin is a Bay Area freelance writer, content creator, and founder/editor of the women’s lifestyle site, The Wink.

I once heard getting into a car accident compared to standing in the shower and suddenly realizing that you’re on one of those waterslides where the floor drops out from underneath you. While I cannot validate the validity of that comparison (I’ve never been in a car accident OR on one of those waterslides), I do know that the situation can be jarring, confusing, and disorienting – regardless of how the accident occurred.

It’s important to feel prepared and in control, so here are our tips to handle an accident if it ever happens to you.

How to Handle an Accident

• Keep cool and quickly take stock of the situation. Are you injured? Is everyone else in the car okay? If so, move to a safe location to prevent further damage. If it’s not possible to move your car, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your position.
• Make sure your car is fully stopped (in park or with the emergency brake on, if you drive a manual transmission) before getting out of the vehicle. For your safety, check the mirrors to be sure that it’s safe to get out; if you carry items such as road flares or beacons, take them out and set them up as an extra precautionary measure.
• Check for injuries on both yourself and others involved. Were there passengers? Pedestrians or cyclists? Other drivers? If there is a chance that someone is seriously injured, call an ambulance right away. Also, when in doubt, alert the police of the incident – even if the accident was a minor fender bender. The police can be an invaluable resource in determining fault (if any). Let them be the objective judge to determine who is at fault for the collision. As an added tip, be polite, but do not tell anyone that you think the accident was your fault (even if you’re pretty sure that it was). Even saying “I’m sorry” can be construed as an admission of guilt in some circumstances.
• Gather the below information from all parties involved in the accident:
  1. Driver and passenger names (it might also be a good idea to get an email address and a photo of the driver, if you can)
  2. Insurance information from all parties involved in the collision
  3. License plate numbers
  4. Makes and models of all vehicles involved
  5. Contact information for any eyewitnesses
  6. Location of the accident
  7. The name and badge number of any responding police officers

  Be very careful about the information you give out to the other parties. Never give out your social security number, and never sign a document unless it’s for the police or your insurance company.

• Take photos and videos to document the scene. I remember back in the day before smartphones, it was recommended that you carry a disposable camera in the glovebox. Now we can just take all the pictures and videos with our phone! If your phone was damaged or lost in the crash, ask a bystander to take some photos and videos and email them to you. Note any skid marks, signs, lights, lane markings, road construction, line of sight – the more the better when it comes time to file that claim with your insurance company.
• Try to get a police report. Getting this information will make it much easier to file a claim with your insurance company. The officer’s opinion of the accident will be useful if you and the other driver(s) happen to have a dispute about who was to blame for the accident. The police report will also have the officer’s information on it in case the officer is needed to testify in court. Also, don’t ever leave the scene before an officer arrives. Leaving the scene before exchanging information and reporting it to law enforcement is considered a misdemeanor offense in some jurisdictions.
• Go to the doctor right away. Even if you feel fine, injuries from car accidents can rear their ugly heads well after the fact. In the moment, adrenaline can mask symptoms of an injury, so it’s best to get checked out by your doctor right away or as soon as you can after the accident. One of the most common injuries is whiplash, which can take up to 24 hours to appear. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the biggest warning signs:
  1. Neck pain and stiffness
  2. Worsening of pain with neck movement
  3. Loss of range of motion in the neck
  4. Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
  5. Tenderness or pain in shoulder, upper back or arms
  6. Tingling or numbness in the arms
  7. Fatigue
  8. Dizziness

  Get yourself checked out by a doctor as soon as your start to experience any combination of these symptoms after your accident. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially with injuries that involve the spinal cord and neck.

• File a claim with your insurance company. With Metromile, it’s easy to file a claim and submit photos right through your phone! Be sure to include any and all information you received, including photos and a police report if you’re able to obtain it.

Accident Checklist:

1. Keep cool and make sure your car is fully stopped before getting out.
2. Check if anyone in either car needs medical attention. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately. Move your car out of the flow of traffic if you can.
3. Report the accident to local authorities/police.
4. While awaiting police, do not admit guilt or say anything that could be construed as admission of guilt, such as “I’m so sorry.”
5. Take photos and videos of both cars, the driver, skid marks, signs, lights, lane markings, road construction, line of sight, etc.
6. Get a police report.
7. Go to the doctor right away.
8. File a claim with your insurance company.

With the right preparation, accident day (and the horrible stressful feeling that comes with it) should only last for a second, and Metromile is here to help you through the process. If you are a pay-per-mile insurance customer and are in an accident, you can reach the Metromile claims team 24/7 at 888-215-9176. Whether you need help locating repair facilities or need an update on work being done, we can get you the information you need. We’ll do everything we can to get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible! If you’re not already a Metromile customer, be sure to get a quick quote now!

Julianne Cronin is a Bay Area freelance writer, content creator, and founder/editor of the women’s lifestyle site, The Wink. You can find her working on her capsule wardrobe, collecting cacti, and trying out the latest beauty products on Instagram

You may not associate shopping for car insurance with a high-stakes game of blackjack, but the truth is, both are a gamble. Picking the right policy is a game of risk: insurance carriers are constantly managing and mitigating unpredictable circumstances while policyholders are the ones actually living through the daily uncertainties of treacherous traffic jams, storms, and other hazardous road conditions.

Life is risky enough; there’s no need to up the ante and play games when it comes to insurance coverage. That’s why we’ve created this guide to walk you through researching and buying the best car insurance policy for you.

Things To Think About Before You Research Plans

Before you even start the research process, taking the time to think through these factors can save you time, money, and headaches down the road:

• Factors that will affect your insurance cost and your overall insurability. How many tickets have you received lately? What’s your credit score? Is your car banged up? Have a teen driver in the family? All of these factors can and do affect your cost and insurability, so take stock of the important stuff and be prepared for it to shape your research.
• What’s your budget? Be realistic about what you can spend per month by creating a spending spreadsheet that clearly indicates where your money’s going, what’s a non-negotiable expense, and what could potentially get cut so you can get the best coverage possible.
• How do you use your car and how often do you use it? Do you commute hundreds of miles each week, or does your car sit parked on the street most days? The amount you’re actually using your vehicle-and what you’re using it for-should factor into your decision around how much to spend.
• What type of coverages are most important to you? There’s no one-size-fits-all plan for every person; depending on where you live, what kinds of other insurance you have, the kind of car you drive, and more, the type of plan you choose will vary.

How to Choose the Best Carrier for You

Now that you’ve got your personal factors sorted out, it’s time to start comparing carriers. Here’s how to find the right one for you:

• Look for a reliable insurer. It’s important to go with a company that’s credible. Check your state’s insurance department website and read consumer reviews to get a sense of who’s legit. Friends and family are also great sources of information and experience.
• Offers the coverages you need. Not every insurer offers every type of plan. That’s why getting clear on your non-negotiables upfront is a critical time-saving step; if a company doesn’t offer the plan you need, move on.
• Compare policies and insurers. Take the time to visit different insurers’ websites and call for more information. Take solid notes and consider creating a spreadsheet that lists each insurer’s quotes. Comparing will help you find the best deal, so be sure to run the numbers on at least four or five different carriers and policies to have a bigger pool of contenders.

Buying Your Car Insurance Policy: Things to Look Out For

One more major step in the buying process: be sure you’re covering all the legal bases and best practices.

• State Minimums. Each state has its own list of minimum insurance requirements, so be sure to check yours before signing up for a plan.
• Coverage recommendations. There are some general rules of thumb to follow when it comes to purchasing a policy, according to insurance experts. Do a bit of digging and talk to the pros at each company you’re considering signing up with.

Remember: do your research, check your current coverages, and compare all your options before making a decision on a new car insurance policy. If you have any questions we are always happy to help at Metromile. Feel free to give us a call or get a quick quote now.

Michelle Konstantinovsky is a San Francisco-based journalist/writer/editor and UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism alumna. She’s written extensively on health, body image, entertainment, lifestyle, design, and tech for outlets like Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, O: The Oprah Magazine, Seventeen, and a whole lot more. She’s also a contributing editor at Fitbit and the social media director at California Home + Design Magazine. She is an avid admirer of shiny objects, manatees, and preteen entertainment.

It’s an inevitable risk of driving that no one likes to think about but many have to face: a car accident. Whether you’re behind the wheel or riding as a passenger, accidents can stressful, scary, and confusing. No matter who’s at fault, collisions can bring up a lot of questions, and it can be baffling to figure out if, when, and how to involve your insurance carrier. Luckily, there are simple guidelines that can help guide you through the decision-making process.

When You Should File a Claim

Trying to handle an accident on your own can be risky. Even if the other party involved seems nice enough and offers to pay for damages out of pocket, there’s no way to verify their personal information or accountability without the intervention of an insurance carrier.

In many scenarios, filing a claim will go a long way in protecting you and your wallet. Before you make any decisions, be sure to read and have a solid understanding of your policy-many policies state that you must notify the insurance company of any issues that may lead to a potential claim.

That said, you should always file a claim in these situations:

• You injure someone. Even if the person says they feel fine or that they’ll settle the situation privately, it’s important to notify your insurance carrier. The injuries may be far more serious than you realize, and can result in big medical bills down the road.
• You damage someone else’s car. Damage can sometimes be much more extensive than it seems at first glance-without involving your insurer, you could be on the hook for sky-high costs.
• It’s not immediately clear who’s at fault. If there’s any question at all about who’s to blame for the accident, then a claim is necessary. That way your insurance company can deal with the other party’s insurance company and save you the headache of divvying up costs.
• You accidentally do major damage to your own car.Any kind of accident, vandalization, or weather-related damage that results in hefty repair or medical bills requires a claim – even if no one else was involved (or you don’t know who the culprit was).
• You’ve been hit and run. Even if you don’t know the driver responsible, you can still file a claim with your own insurance company in the event of a hit and run. Depending on the type of coverage you have, you may qualify for some help with repair and medical costs, even if the other driver isn’t found.

When You Shouldn’t File a Claim

• When there’s little to no damage to the other person’s car. If you just barely tap another car while attempting to parallel park, it’s probably not necessary to file a claim, but if you leave any mark whatsoever, you’ll likely need to trade personal information with the other party.
• When you can afford to fix it yourself. If you back into a pole or hit your own garage door, it’s unfortunate, but not necessarily claim-worthy. If you’re totally sure the minor ding won’t result in any lasting issues, you’re probably better off paying the money out of pocket to avoid an increase in your coverage rate.

The bottom line is that It’s risky to handle an accident on your own. Your insurance company is there to have your back in situations just like these. Ready to switch to a more affordable carrier? Metromile may be the perfect fit- get a free quote today and see how much you could be saving.

Michelle Konstantinovsky is a San Francisco-based journalist/writer/editor and UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism alumna. She’s written extensively on health, body image, entertainment, lifestyle, design, and tech for outlets like Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, O: The Oprah Magazine, Seventeen, and a whole lot more. She’s also a contributing editor at Fitbit and the social media director at California Home + Design Magazine. She is an avid admirer of shiny objects, manatees, and preteen entertainment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way drivers shop for car insurance.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a new car insurance policy, you might want to start by figuring out how often you drive these days.

The less you drive, the more you could save with pay-per-mile car insurance from Metromile.

Before you purchase a new car insurance policy, here are nine questions you should ask yourself:

1. Do I work remotely? 

Many companies have shifted to remote work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re working from home and the pandemic has shortened your daily commute from your bed to your couch, you might save money with pay-per-mile car insurance.

2. When was the last time I left your house? 

Around the country, many places are facing travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, shelter-in-place orders, and curfews. Doing your part to prevent the spread might mean staying inside more often than you’d like. 

But look on the bright side: It could also save you money with pay-per-mile car insurance.

3. What kind of coverage do I need? 

To start, you will need the minimum coverage required by law. Since this varies by state, you’ll want to understand what kind of coverage is required in your state of residence.

Most states require liability coverage, which may help cover the costs of anyone who gets injured in a car accident caused by you, plus damage to their vehicle, property damage, and legal fees; however, some states require additional coverage beyond liability insurance. 

Even if you live in a state that doesn’t require it by law, here are some other coverage plans typically offered by car insurance companies:

Collision Coverage: This kind of plan covers damages to your car in the event of an accident, regardless of who caused the damage. You will still need to front the money for the deductible; however, some people who have newer cars may choose this option because the amount you will receive back is based on the car’s market value, and the payout may be much higher on a newer vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage: This type of plan covers damages to your car that aren’t from a collision or crash. Your vehicle could be covered with a comprehensive insurance policy if there are damages due to fire, vandalism, acts of nature, and theft. 

Comprehensive coverage comes with an added cost. As with collision coverage, some people with newer vehicles or leased vehicles may purchase this type of policy because the payout can be more extensive than the deductible because of the higher car value. Consider checking your car’s value every year to reevaluate if comprehensive or collision coverage is the right decision for you.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection: This coverage option could help cover the cost of your car repairs if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you.

Personal injury protection: This plan is pretty self-explanatory – it’s right there in the name! 

Personal injury protection helps cover medical bills and loss of wages to you or your passengers if someone hits you. If you’re injured while riding as a passenger in someone else’s car, it could cover the expenses related to that as well. 

It’s important to check if your insurance company offers personal injury protection in your state, as some insurers may not offer it in every state.

4. How much do I drive?

The answer to this question is very important because you could very well be overpaying where you don’t need to. If you’re a city-dweller who mostly takes public transportation, or even if you have a second car that you don’t drive very often, signing up for a policy with Metromile could save you big bucks. 

Metromile’s policy is pay-per-mile, so the less you drive, the less you pay. Simple as that!

5. What’s my driving history?

This is not meant to be a scary question, we promise. Insurance companies generally want to know whether you are a safe driver. They might use your history as a driver, whether you filed claims in the past, for example, to help set the price you pay.

Have you gotten speeding tickets, been in a few fender benders, or live in an area where car theft is prevalent? 

An insurer might decide you are a risky driver, and you’ll generally pay more for auto insurance. Be sure to do your research and shop around to see which company will give you the best rate based on your record.

6. Who will be covered with the policy?

Every insurance company and state handles this a bit differently, so be sure to understand what your coverage will look like before making any decisions. 

Try to think through every possible scenario: a friend borrows your car and hits someone, your 16-year-old driver who is still learning to drive gets in an accident or something else entirely. Who will be covered? Will your insurance company pay for the damages? Knowing the answer to this question ahead of time will save you the headache of looking for the answer after the fact.

7. What will my deductible be?

This might be the most important question of all and one that you have the most control over.

With most policies, you can choose your deductible amount: the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly payment will be. Common deductible amounts are $0, $100, $500, $750, $1,000, and $1,500. 

If you are involved in an accident and file a claim with your insurance company, your deductible is the amount you will need to pay out of pocket before the insurance company will pay the rest of the bill. Choosing a high deductible plan may be a wise decision because your yearly bill (also known as your premium) will be lower.

However, be sure that you don’t set your deductible so high that you won’t be able to pay it if you do get in an accident and need to file a claim.

8. Does an insurance company have 24-hour claims service?

Getting into an accident is stressful enough, and knowing that you can only contact your insurance company during business hours only adds to the stress of the situation. Be sure to look for insurance carriers with claims service available 24/7, like Metromile! 

Even if it’s just a fender bender, knowing your insurance company has your back 24/7 can provide a great amount of peace of mind.

9. Is my car financed or leased?

It’s important to note that if you still owe money on your car, or you are expected to keep your lease in like-new condition, you’ll likely be required to insure the car for its full value – and possibly for any gap between what you owe and the car’s market value. 

It is crucial to understand any policy you purchase and whether it meets your financing company’s requirements or lease terms.

The bottom line

Now might be a great time to switch to pay-per-mile car insurance.

Since you’re already shopping for a new car insurance policy, you might as well look for the best value. If you’re unsure whether pay-per-mile auto insurance is right for you, you can try Ride Along™ for free. Ride Along is a free app feature that helps you get a more accurate rate before you buy insurance. 

Drivers download the Metromile app and drive for about two weeks. You’ll keep your coverage with your previous insurer while Metromile considers your actual driving, including how many miles you drive. Once you complete the trial, we’ll show you your rate, so you have confidence you’ll save money on an auto insurance policy before you switch and start your coverage with Metromile.

All you keep hearing is bundle, bundle, bundle. Most companies offer bundling discounts, but you may not always save on insurance by doing so. We suggest doing your own research and math to really find out if you will save by bundling all of your policies together. Sometimes it works out that you will be saving, but other times you might discover that you can find bigger cost savings by keeping all your insurance policies separate.

To bundle insurance is to take all of your insurance policies and house them under one roof by using one insurance company, which could potentially help reduce the overall cost of each policy when taken together. Bundling is the idea that you can buy two or more types of insurance coverages from one insurance company.

Pros of Bundling:

One major benefit of bundling your insurance policies is that you will no longer have to pay separate bills for each of your policies with different companies. Instead, you will just need to pay one bill to one insurance company. Also, insurance companies will sometimes offer multi-line discounts, which means you can get a discount to your rates because you are choosing to have more than one type of policy through that company.

Cons of Bundling:

You are probably thinking, well why wouldn’t I bundle my insurance policies then? The major reason is that you could be missing out on discounts if you don’t shop around and compare savings from other companies. There are a wide variety of discounts across different states and companies that you could be missing out on if you choose to bundle rather than keeping your policies separate. Ultimately your savings could be greater than the savings you may get with bundling. Insurance companies like bundling because customers are more likely to stay with the same provider for a longer amount of time compared to those who don’t bundle. So in the long run, bundling is better for the insurance company than it is for you.

When it doesn’t make sense to bundle:

• When you are doing it just for the discount. Beware, you might have just signed up for a new policy that was way less expensive, but with less coverage. When it comes time to file a claim you will realize you don’t actually have adequate coverage. Really consider the coverages and the rates you currently have before just grabbing the discount carrot dangling in front of you. A good rule of thumb: the new insurance policy coverages you are looking to bundle should be equal or better to the coverage you are canceling.
• When it prevents you from shopping around. Don’t become complacent with your current policy, which could lead you to overlook a better rate or coverage.
• When your life changes. Maybe at one point in your life bundling was a great option for you, but now you have a family, drive different cars, and it doesn’t meet your needs anymore. Don’t continue with a policy, just because you bundled, especially if it no longer fits your lifestyle.
• When you are a low mileage driver. If you are driving less than 10,000 – 12,000 miles per year you could be taking advantage of per-mile insurance. Metromile policies are billed monthly on a per-mile basis; which means you are charged a low monthly rate based on the miles you drive. With per-mile insurance, there is no need to bundle your policy, since you will be saving money already.Learn more about per-mile insurance here.

Don’t get caught up in the hype of bundling all your insurance policies. Remember to do your research to see what options and policies work best for you. If bundling is still breaking your bank, get a free quote from Metromile now to see your savings.

We get it, insurance talk can be confusing and sometimes scary for people. You are on the phone with your insurance company and listening to an insurance agent talk but have no idea what any of the words mean. You feel like they are speaking another language. Metromile is revolutionizing the insurance industry and we want to put an end to the crazy insurance jargon speak. We have provided a list of the most common insurance terms used to help you feel confident next to time you speak about car insurance.

Glossary of Car Insurance Terms

• Actual Cash Value – the current market value of lost or damaged property at the time of a covered loss. It is calculated by the value of your property minus the depreciation of your property.
• Adjustor – the person responsible for investigating and settling a claim
• Annual Mileage – the amount of miles driven in a year
• Bodily Injury – if an insured person is legally liable for an accident, BI coverage pays for injuries/deaths to people involved in the accident, but not limited to, emotional or mental anguish result from the bodily injury.
• Cancellation – termination of an insurance policy by the company or per the request of the insured
• Claim- a demand made by insured to provide coverage and compensation from the insurance company in the event of a loss, subject to the terms of the insurance policy contract.
  Claimant – a person making a claim against the insurance company. If the insured hits or causes damages to another person or vehicle they are the claimant.
• Collision Coverage – optional coverage for when your car is damaged as a result of colliding with another object.
• Comprehensive Coverage – optional coverage for when your car is stolen or damaged in ways that don’t involve a collision. For example: hail damage, fire, vandalism, damage from an animal, flood, earthquakes, fallings objects, and theft.
• Contract – refers to the insurance policy, which is between the insurance company and the policyholder
• Deductible – out-of-pocket expense that you agree to pay for losses up to set amount, such as $250 or $1000
• Declarations Page – a document that shows the insured’s information, the period of time a policy is in force, vehicle information, the coverages insured has chosen, and the amount of premium
• Depreciation – factoring in the wear and tear of an item’s value
  Earned Premium – the portion of the premium that actually has been used to buy coverage or what the insurance company has earned so far on the policy.
• Endorsement – an addition or change to the policy contract
• Excluded Drivers – formally excluded person that will not be covered if driving the car
• Fault Claim – a claim where the insured will assume responsibility for the accident or the insurance company cannot recover the cost from the individual responsible.
• Gap Insurance – pays the difference between what you owe on your vehicle and what your insurance pays if your vehicle is declared a total loss or stolen and not recovered, less your comprehensive or collision deductible.
• Garaging Address – where you park the vehicle majority of the time
• Indemnity – aims to provide the same financial position as an insured were before the loss occurred if the vehicle has been lost or damaged.
• Insuring Agreement – describes the covered perils, or risks assumed, or nature of coverage, or makes some reference to the contractual agreement between insures and insured. It summarizes the major promises of the insurance company, as well as stating what is covered.
• Insurance Score – Used in the underwriting process in some states. An individual’s score is frequently based on a person’s credit history.
• Lapse in coverage – the termination of a policy due to non-payment of insurance premiums
• Lienholder – Person or organization with a financial interest in a property up the amount of money borrowed or still owed on the insured’s vehicle.
• Liability Insurance – insurance that provides protection from claims arising from injuries or damages to other people or property.
• Liability Limits – the amount specified in your policy up to which the insurance company will protect you
• License Types – various statuses of a driver’s licenses, such as active, permit, foreign, suspended, or expired driver’s license
• Loss – the amount of money an insurance company pays out on a claim
• Medical Payments – (usually optional) pays the doctor, hospital bills, and funeral expenses for injuries to you and the passengers in your car regardless of who causes the accident, up to the policy limits.
• Named Insured / Primary Driver – the person or entity listed on the policy declaration page who has more right than the secondary driver.
• Non Fault Claim – a claim where the insured is not responsible for the accident and the insurance company can recover the costs from the individual who is at-fault for the accident.
• Personal Injury Protection – this is a package of first-party medical benefits that provides for medical costs, lost wages, loss of essential services normally provided by the injured person, and funeral costs.
• Policy – Insurance contract
• Policy Term – the length of time the policy is active and valid
• Premium – price of insurance policy that an insured pays in exchange for insurance coverage
• Proof of Insurance – a type of documentation that an insured can provide to an individual proving that the insured has valid active insurance.
• Property Damage – coverage for when you damage someone else’s property with your vehicle.
• Pulse Device – a device created by Metromile that plugs into the vehicle’s OBD-II port to record mileage and also provide diagnostic codes, street sweeping alerts, and can help you to find your missing car
• Quote – a non-binding estimate of the premium for the level of coverages chosen and based on the information by the individual seeking insurance.
• Rate – the cost of insurance per risk to cover claim payments and expenses.
• Renewal – after the policy period is up the policy will automatically renew for another term
• Renewal Notice – a formal notice that an insured’s policy will renew which will include what the rates will be upon renewal.
• Rental Reimbursement Coverage – optional coverage that helps pay rental vehicle costs when your vehicle is disabled as the result of a covered accident or loss. Covered under comprehensive or collision coverage.
• Risk – the likelihood that an insured will make a claim
• Secondary Driver – a listed driver on the policy that is insured to drive the vehicle.
• Subrogation – the process of which a claim is made by a third party and you file through your insurance company. Your insurance company will seek payment recovery from the other party.
• Telematics – technology of sending and receiving and storing information relating to remote objects like your car through telecommunication devices.
• Theft Tracker – a device that plugs into your vehicle to let you it’s location in case your vehicle is stolen
• Total Loss Vehicle – in an auto claim, a vehicle is considered a total loss when the extent of the damage renders the vehicle unsafe to repair or the cost to repair exceeds a certain threshold percentage, as may be determined by state regulation, or the vehicle’s actual cash value prior to the accident.
• Underinsured Motorist – pays (up to coverage limit) the insured person and other passengers in the vehicle when they’re injured as the result of an accident where the at-fault driver has insurance but it is below the limit of underinsured/uninsured coverage on the declaration page.
• Uninsured Motorist – pays (up to the coverage limit) the insured person and other passengers in the vehicle when they’re injured as the result of an accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured, underinsured or a hit-and-run (must be reported within 24-hours to policy and statement taken within 30 days)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage – covers damage to your vehicle if hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Underwriting – the process an insurer goes through to determine whether or not it will provide coverage for an applicant
• Use Types – different use cases for a specific vehicle; range from commercial, bussiness to personal.
• Personal – when using your vehicle you drive it for personal everyday life reasons
• Business – when using your vehicle you drive it for a profit like food delivery or a ridesharing company
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – 17- digit number assigned to each vehicle manufactured after 1980

We hope this glossary can help you navigate the car insurance world. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments. If you are interested in seeing how much money you could save by switching to Metromile, get a free quote here.

This is a guest post from our friends at The Zebra and was originally posted in September of 2015.

After the unmistakable joy a shiny new car brings, comes a glimmer of worry. Namely, just how to keep your new ride in tip­top condition. That’s where insurance add-­ons can help: in addition to the main components of liability and comprehensive insurance, there are optional coverages that can make a major difference in the protection of your vehicle — and yourself. Many insurance companies offer a long list of ancillary policy features, with everything from custom equipment to pet injury coverage, making it hard to tell which add-­ons are worth the extra bucks, and which to ditch. Here, we’ve compiled three add­-ons you should consider, and when they might come in handy.

1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a vital policy add­-on for anyone that doesn’t have a full coverage health plan or simply has no medical insurance at all. PIP protects you — and your passengers — against personal injury by covering medical expenses, such as medical and surgical treatment, ambulance fees, medication, and in some cases, lost wages and rehabilitation services. And since PIP is a “no ­fault” coverage, even if you are determined to be at ­fault in an accident it wouldn’t limit your use.

1. PIP coverage benefits vary based on state, insurer, and the specifics of the policy, but typically can provide anywhere from $1500 to $250,000 in personal injury coverage. Considering that in the United States

2.35 million people are injured or disabled in car accidents annually

1. , PIP coverage is often well worth the price.

2. Uninsured Motorist
There are three main reasons to opt to carry uninsured motorist coverage. One: You want protection against hit and run collisions. Two: You live in a state with a large population of uninsured drivers (you can refer to our table on uninsured drivers by state). And, three: the minimums for insurance required by the state you reside in are too low to cover all accident-related expenses. If any of these match your situation, you’ll definitely want to add uninsured motorist coverage to your policy.

3. Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance is not just for towing services, although an on­ call tow truck is a convenience that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you are a fan of impromptu road trips or have a long daily commute. In addition to towing, most roadside assistance coverage offers flat tire changes, battery jump starts, locksmith services and emergency gasoline deliveries. The really nice part? All this protection comes for less than the cost of a matinée movie ticket (hi, Grandma), often adding only $5­-7 extra dollars a month. One extra note: Some insurers may require that you carry comprehensive and collision coverage in order to add roadside assistance.

A big thanks to The Zebra for sharing their advice! If you have questions specific to Metromile’s per-mile insurance offering, you can learn more here.

At Metromile, we handle premiums a little differently than your mom and dad’s car insurance.

Instead of paying for auto insurance you might not be using, we charge you for the miles you drive. So if you’re a low mileage driver, you could save money with our pay-per-mile auto insurance policies.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve found many people are driving less, which has them rethinking their car insurance needs. When was the last time you took a look at how much you’re paying for insurance?

What determines your auto insurance premium?

With Metromile, how many miles you drive is one of the most significant factors in determining how much you pay for auto insurance.

So if you’re driving less during the COVID-19 pandemic, you could save money on car insurance.

Metromile also might consider factors like:

• What type of car you drive
• Your driving record
• Where you live
• Your age
• Your credit history in some states
• Your gender in some states
• Your marital status in some states

Of course, the type of auto insurance you have, your coverage levels, and your deductible amount also play a big role in determining your premium. 

The most affordable type of auto insurance generally includes only liability coverage, which means an insurer may help cover the damages and injuries you cause to other vehicles. You might want to add more coverage to protect your financial wellbeing and vehicle if something happens.

Your coverage levels — or the maximum amount of money the insurance company will pay you after an accident — also determines how much your premium costs, as does your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you pay after an accident before your insurance coverage kicks in. As your deductible increases, your premiums tend to go down.

What does an auto insurance premium do?

Most insurance companies use your premium to provide coverage for claims being made as a part of your policy, as long as the claim is under a covered accident as outlined in your insurance policy contract. 

At Metromile, you pay your premium monthly. The premium comprises a low monthly base rate plus a per-mile rate, which is typically a few cents per mile. 

We provide the same coverage as a traditional insurance company but charge your premium more fairly, based on how many miles you drive. Along with providing coverage in case of an accident, Metromile also provides drivers with smart driving features, which can help you understand your car’s check engine light, keep you from getting a ticket with street-sweeping alerts, and look back at your past trips.

How can you save money on your car insurance premium?

The easiest way to save money with Metromile is by driving less.

With pay-per-mile, the premium you pay is, in part, based on the actual miles you drive. Once you sign up, we send you a device, the Metromile Pulse, which plugs into your vehicle and measures mileage. The device counts your miles, so you can pay less when you drive less.

Besides, you might already be driving less without realizing it. 

As a result of COVID-19, many cities, counties, states, and even countries, are issuing everything from travel bans to shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders. This has led to many drivers hitting the road less often.

The bottom line

If your driving habits have changed, it could be the right time for you to switch to Metromile and pay-per-mile auto insurance.

See how much you could save with a free car insurance quote from Metromile. You can also try Ride Along™ for free. 
Ride Along is a free app feature that helps you get a more accurate rate before buying auto insurance. Download the Metromile app to start your trial period, and Metromile will consider your actual driving for about two weeks, including how many miles you drive, to show you your rate. Then, you can switch from your current insurance provider to Metromile; we want you to have confidence you’ll save money before you switch and start your pay-per-mile coverage with us.

We thank our lucky stars for all veterans and active military personnel for serving our country. Veterans Day in the United States falls on the anniversary of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 which was the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. This day is intended to honor and thank all American veterans, wherever and whenever they served.

Veterans live a different lifestyle than most. Some can be deployed for 6 to 18 months at a time, away from all their family and friends. They’ve given up their personal time, holidays, and special moments which can’t get back, all to serve our country. Because of their dedication to our country often times they receive military discounts as a thank you. Some car insurance companies provide discounts to active members who are deployed or for disabled veterans. Not only is it to thank them for their service, but also because statistically speaking, veterans tend to be safer drivers.

Active Military personnel and veterans need car insurance, just like everybody else. So we rounded up some helpful tips to follow to make sure you make the best decision on your car insurance policy.

Compare your rates. To get the best rates you will need to shop around a bit and compare quotes to see what your rates would be with different carriers. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples and getting a quote for the same type of coverage. Potentially even with a military discount you could get a better rate with another company that might not offer a discount. So due your due diligence in comparing rates.

Consider your coverages. You may want to lower your coverage while on deployment, since you car may be sitting for a long time. Or maybe you want to keep it fully covered since family or friends will be driving it while you are away. Either way, weigh out the options and consider speaking with an agent about what might be best for you and your situation.

Consult your friends/family. They can help you with your search and making a decision. They usually have great insight into finding a car insurance company and can speak to their past experience.

Consider keeping an active insurance policy. You may be thinking why do I need insurance or want to pay for insurance if my car is going to sit while I am deployed? If you cancel your insurance, upon your return you might be quoted a higher rate because of the lapse in coverage. Also, if any disasters happen while away, your vehicle still will still be insured. If you do choose to cancel your coverage, you should file an affidavit for non-use with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Don’t fall for common insurance traps. It is time to change your mindset about how you think about your car insurance. Don’t choose the highest deductible because it gets you better rates, or don’t choose the lowest because it is the lowest. Choose what is going to be best for your lifestyle. Know that it is okay shop around and make sure you are getting the biggest bang for your buck for what type of coverage you need. Brand loyalty does not always mean more discounts. Rate increases or decreases might happen regardless of how long you have been a customer. And bundling with renter’s or homeowner’s insurance might not get you the most savings. It might be more cost effective to keep your policies separate. Keep an open mind and do what is best for you.

At Metromile we believe that you should pay when you drive your car, and that you shouldn’t pay when it is parked. Pay-per-mile car insurance could be the perfect fit for you while you are deployed serving our country or if you are a low mileage driver. As a policyholder you’ll pay a low monthly fee to have the service (gotta make sure your car is covered while it’s parked) and if you leave it parked while away that is all you will pay. To see how much you could be savings go to www.metromile.com/insurance. Thank you to all veterans for their service, we appreciate the time you give to our country.