How is Unitrin Direct different from traditional insurance companies?
Unitrin Direct offers the right balance of benefits for today’s drivers. We combine competitive rates, proven stability,
friendly service, and innovative processes with a dedication to simplifying your auto insurance experience. In short, we’re simply the right choice.
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What can you tell me about Unitrin Direct's experience and strength?
Unitrin Direct is a proud member of the Unitrin family of insurance companies, headquartered in Chicago with more than 6 million
policyholders, $7.5 billion in assets, and 75 years of experience. Unitrin Direct has an "A" (excellent) rating
from A.M. Best Co., a leading provider of ratings and financial information for the global insurance industry.
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How soon can I start coverage?
We can usually bind coverage as early as 12:01am of the following day.
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How do your online policyholder services help me?
It allows you to view and print policy information, request policy changes (like add a driver, change your address, or increase coverage limits),
learn about payment options and check your billing status, make a payment, and more. For policyholder service just click here.
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How do I change my Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance on-line policyholder services password?
If you have already established an on-line policyholder services account and would like to change your password, click
here to log in and go to the "My Profile" tab.
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I forgot my Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance on-line policyholder services password?
If you have already established an on-line policyholder services account and have forgotten your password, click here.
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Why do companies charge different rates for different geographical areas?
One factor used in determining insurance rates is the geographical area in which an individual resides. Based on the company's losses for a defined region, a company will determine
premiums that reflect accident rates and repair costs for that area.
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Why should I buy Collision coverage if my car is older?
Only you can determine the amount of loss you can afford to pay out of pocket. If your car were damaged and it would not be a hardship to pay the replacement value out of pocket,
you may not need Collision coverage. Of course, you will want to compare the premium cost to the potential
loss before you make your decision.
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What deductible amount do you recommend?
Only you can determine the amount of loss you can afford to pay out of pocket. If your car is damaged, the deductible is the dollar amount you are responsible to pay for damages.
A lower deductible means that you pay less out of pocket in the event of damage to your car - but your premium will be higher. Conversely, a higher deductible will lower your premium.
Keep in mind, if your car is financed or leased there may be restrictions on the amount of deductible you can carry.
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What happens if my windshield gets damaged? Do you pay for that?
Coverage varies by state. In many states, however, we will waive the deductible if you opt to have your windshield repaired (assuming it is safe to do so).
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What is the difference between Bodily Injury Liability coverage and Medical Payments coverage?
Bodily Injury Liability coverage pays for losses sustained by another person (the other driver, passenger, pedestrian) when you or
another driver covered by your policy is legally responsible for the accident.
Medical Payments coverage pays for reasonable medical expenses if you or the passengers in your car are in an accident, no matter who caused
the accident. We can let you know the details of coverage in your state.
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What is the difference between Property Damage Liability insurance and Collision coverage?
Property Damage Liability insurance reimburses other parties when an accident for which you are legally responsible causes damage to someone else's property.
Collision insurance covers damage to your own car, no matter who caused the accident. (Collision coverage has a deductible.)
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What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists insurance?
If you or your passengers are injured in an accident in which another driver is at fault, and that driver does not carry liability insurance (or does not carry enough insurance
to cover your damages), this insurance covers your expenses up to the policy limits. The coverage provisions vary by state and the coverage is optional in some states.
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What does "no-fault" automobile insurance mean?
No fault insurance permits automobile accident victims to be directly reimbursed for medical and hospital expenses and loss of income by their own insurance company, no matter who
was at fault. No-fault insurance is available in certain states, as provided by law. Details of this type of coverage
are explained under Insurance Basics in the No-Fault section.
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May I sue another driver for damages in a no-fault state?
In some states, suing is an option only if you sustained a serious injury, or if a dollar threshold of damages is met. Each state's laws and regulations are different.
However, no-fault entitles you to prompt reimbursement for your medical expenses and loss of earnings whether or not a suit can be, or is, brought.
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If I live in a state that does not have no-fault, do I need special coverage to travel through a no-fault state?
We provide all our automobile insurance policyholders with out-of-state coverage that automatically provides the required insurance for the state or Canadian province in which they
are traveling.
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What is a surcharge?
A surcharge is an additional premium charge, for a limited number of years, as a result of violations, suspensions or accidents affecting the driving record of any driver covered
under your policy.
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What kind of discounts do you offer?
You may qualify for one or more of our money-saving discounts (acceptable proof may be required). Availability and specific details of discounts vary by state. For a list
of available discounts, click here.
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What payment options do you offer?
Unitrin Direct offers a variety of convenient payment plans, one of which is certain to fit your needs.
In certain states, you can save even more with our Pay in Full Discount.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
For new policy downpayments by phone, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Check by Phone. For new policy downpayments by mail, we accept check, money order or relevant Visa or
MasterCard information.
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I am a current policyholder, how can I make an installment payment on my policy?
It's quick and easy to make an installment payment online or over the phone. No need to write checks, stamp envelopes, or deal with post office delays.
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Will my policy pay for me to rent a car if mine is stolen?
Yes, if you have Comprehensive coverage. Beginning 48 hours after a theft has been discovered and reported to the police and your insurance company, the expense for a rental
car is covered. Check your policy to determine how much rental coverage is provided. Your policy will either list daily amounts or a lump sum.
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Do I need to purchase insurance from the rental car company when I rent a car?
The insurance that car rental companies offer is very expensive, so many people wonder if it's a necessary expense. This information can help you make your decision. Click
on the link that applies to your state.
All states except California and Texas
California
Texas
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Rental car coverage, all states except California and Texas
Liability coverage
Your policy will provide Liability protection for your rental car equal to your policy limits. If you were to injure someone while driving the rental car, your would have
the same amount of Bodily Injury Liability coverage as if you were driving your own car. You would also have the same Property Damage Liability, but his coverage would not
cover fixing the rental car.
Damage to the rental car
If the rental car has a Comprehensive claim (broken windshield or theft) or if the car is involved in an accident, you are responsible for the Comprehensive and Collision damages.
You would also have to pay for any loss of use. (For example, if the car took two weeks to repair, the rental company could charge you for the two weeks' worth of rental
because they lost income when they were unable to rent the car.)
If your policy includes Comprehensive (other than Collision), Collision and Extended Transportation on any one of your vehicles, you have protection
for damage done to the rental car. However, you would be responsible for the deductible amount shown on your policy.
Many people do not have Extended Transportation coverage. This coverage covers loss of use at $30 a day up to $900 for any one loss. If you
add it to any of your cars at approximately $30 for the year, you are covered for rental cars. Rental companies normally charge $10 to $20 per day for this
coverage.
If you do purchase the Loss Damage Waiver from the rental company, it also covers you for any Comprehensive or Collision claims, and you will not have
to pay the deductible.
If you want Extended Transportation Coverage, please use one of the methods to contact us.
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Rental car coverage, California
Liability coverage
Your policy will provide Liability protection for your rental car equal to your policy limits. If you were to injure someone while driving the rental car, you would have
the same amount of Bodily Injury Liability coverage as if you were driving your own car. You would also have the same Property Damage Liability, but this coverage would not
cover fixing the rental car.
Damage to the rental car
If the rental car has a Comprehensive claim (broken windshield or theft) or if the car is involved in an accident, you are responsible for the Comprehensive and Collision
damages. You would also have to pay for any loss of use. (For example, if the car took two weeks to repair, the rental company could charge you for the two weeks'
worth of rental because they lost income when they were unable to rent the car.)
If your policy includes Comprehensive (other than Collision) or Collision on any one of your vehicles, you have protection for damage done to the
rental car. However, you would be responsible for the deductible amount shown on your policy.
You only get Transportation Expense for a Comprehensive loss if you have Comprehensive coverage. And you only get Transportation Expense
for a Collision if you have Collision coverage.
Transportation Expense coverage covers loss of use up to $20 a day and up to $600 for any one loss. You can purchase Extended Transportation
coverage on your policy, which would cover loss of use in the amount of $30 per day up to $900 for any one loss. If you add it to any of your cars at approximately $18 for
the year, you are covered for rental cars. Rental companies normally charge $10 to $20 per day for this coverage.
If you do purchase the Loss Damage Waiver from the rental company, it also covers you for any Comprehensive or Collision claims, and you would not have
to pay the deductible.
If you want Extended Transportation Coverage, please use one of the methods to contact us.
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Rental car coverage, Texas
Liability coverage
Your policy will provide Liability protection for your rental car equal to your policy limits. If you were to injure someone while driving the rental car, you would have
the same amount of Bodily Injury Liability coverage as if you were driving your own car.
Damage to the rental car
Property Damage Liability provides coverage in connection with the loss or damage to a rented vehicle equal to your policy limits.
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CARCO Questions
What is CARCO?
CARCO is a company that works closely with Unitrin Direct and our policyholders to handle state mandated inspections quickly and easily.
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Why do I need a CARCO inspection?
Inspections are mandated in New York and within the following Florida counties: Broward, Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, Palm Beach, and Pinellas. The inspection will document the existence of your vehicle, its physical condition, and its existing options and accessories. The inspection is conducted to reduce the cost of physical damage insurance coverage by accurately documenting your vehicle, and reducing the possibility of fraudulent claims.
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What vehicles require an inspection?
New York: Any vehicle that carries comprehensive coverage (also known as other than collision) and/or collision coverage, with the following exceptions:
- Vehicles that are 7 model years old or older.
- New and unused vehicles (current or next calendar year with less than 3,000 miles on the odometer). In order to waive the inspection, you must provide: 1) a bill of sale, or 2) a copy of the lease agreement and a copy of the window sticker showing the itemized options and equipment.
- For an additional and/or replacement vehicle, where you have been continuously insured with Unitrin Direct for 4 or more policy years.
Florida: Any vehicle that carries comprehensive coverage (also known as other than collision) and/or collision coverage in Broward, Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, Palm Beach, and Pinellas counties, with the following exceptions:
- Vehicles that are 10 years or older.
- Vehicles being used as a temporary substitute.
- Vehicles leased for less than 6 months (you must provide a copy of lease/rental agreement).
- A new or unused vehicle purchased from a licensed dealer or leasing company. You must provide a copy of the bill of sale or title/registration showing the transfer of ownership and a copy of the window sticker/dealer invoice with all options listed.
- The inspection requirement may also be waived if you can provide proof of continuous physical damage coverage for 12 months preceding the coverage effective date. The "proof" should be a copy of your prior carrier's Declarations Page.
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What will take place during the inspection?
The CARCO inspector will complete a state-mandated inspection report form, noting the general condition of your vehicle, options, accessories, vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, and other required information. You will then review and sign the inspection report. At the completion of the inspection, you will be provided with a copy of the official report, which should be retained for your personal records. The original inspection report, with photos, will be processed by CARCO and forwarded to Unitrin Direct.
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What documents should I bring to the inspection site?
Please bring any documentation that lists Unitrin Direct as your insurance company along with your policy number and a description of your vehicle. This information should be presented to the inspector for mailing to CARCO, along with your completed inspection report. The documentation is used in processing your inspection report; however, if no documents are provided, you may still have your inspection completed. Just be sure to tell the inspector that Unitrin Direct is your insurance provider.
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How long will the inspection take?
The process will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Although most inspection sites do not require an appointment, it is best to call ahead to confirm availability.
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How do I find the nearest inspection site?
You can contact CARCO directly toll free at (888) 242-1200, or by accessing their website at www.carcogroup.com.
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How long do I have to complete my inspection?
New York: 5 days from the effective date of your policy, or 5 days from the date the vehicle with physical damage coverage was added to your policy.
Florida: 7 days from the effective date of your policy, or 7 days from the date the vehicle with physical damage coverage was added to your policy.
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What happens if the inspection is not completed in time?
If the inspection is not completed within the allotted time frame, physical damage coverage will be suspended on the applicable vehicle(s).
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How much does the inspection cost?
There is no cost to have your vehicle(s) inspected.
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Will my insurance company be notified when inspection has been completed?
Yes. The original inspection report will be processed by CARCO and forwarded to Unitrin Direct.
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