Wayne Texeira,
Marketing Director, CFMP, AINS, AIS, API

It was a chilly Saturday evening after New Year’s. I was in Bedford, New Hampshire, and went into HomeGoods to do some shopping. As I left the store and approached my car in the nearly empty parking lot, something didn’t look right. It was then that I realized someone had hit my car leaving a big dent in the driver’s side, rear quarter panel, and bumper.

After uttering a few choice words, I was grateful that it was drivable, but furious that someone would do that. IRRESPONSIBLE is the nice term for whoever hit my car.

YES…even we insurance folks have claims, too! While this wasn’t my first claim ever, it had been a long time, and certainly, I’d never been involved in a hit-and-run. I knew looking at the damage that it was going to be over my $1,000 collision deductible. Admittedly, I was unhappy about paying that out of pocket, but knew that I’d saved plenty on my insurance premium over many years without an accident, so it was worth having the higher deductible. It was still a bummer, but at least I had collision coverage. It could have been worse.

In my job, I’m always thinking and writing about insurance issues to help educate people about coverage issues. However, it definitely increases your empathy when you’re the person who had the accident.

When imagining a car accident situation, most of us immediately assume that we can identify the other driver, but as you can see from my situation, it’s not always the case. What happens if a hit-and-run situation is far worse than a dent? What if you or a passenger in your car is seriously injured? What if you’re struck by a car while walking? I won’t share some of the horror stories my coworkers shared with me, but they only reinforced my decision to blog about this topic. If you’re not convinced, just search the local news and you’ll find plenty of such accidents.

When you buy your auto insurance, there are specific “parts” of an auto insurance policy that are specifically designed to protect you in the event that you’re hit by an uninsured driver, underinsured driver, or hit-and-run driver. Unfortunately, looking at the data, there are many people out there who have no or low coverage on these parts for a variety of reasons. I simply want to encourage everyone to take a second look because without this coverage, you and your family are seriously at risk. So, pull out your policy and look at what coverage you’ve purchased.

The Parts You Should Be Looking At Are:

  • bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto (part 3) – covers you & passengers
  • medical payments (part 6) – covers you & passengers
  • collision (part 7) – covers your car
  • bodily injury caused by an underinsured auto (part 12) – covers you & passengers

If you’re not sure you have enough protection, call your agent to discuss options. Seriously weigh the extra cost against the benefit it could provide if you are the unfortunate person caught in a major hit-and-run accident. Often, the cost is less than going out to dinner with a group of friends.

As for my car, it’s now fixed. Margarida, from our claims team, made the process easier by explaining the options for getting the damage looked at by an adjuster and taking care of filing the paperwork with the insurance company. I’ve seen her do this many times for our customers, but it took on a new meaning, being on the receiving end of great service. For me, having someone to talk with face-to-face reduced the stress of a rotten situation. And YES, I actually increased my own coverage after my fender bender because I realized that I was one of those people who had lower underinsured limits than what I carried for optional bodily injury.

Read Other Blog Posts

Life Insurance in Groton, MA Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

Life Insurance in Groton, MA: Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

For families and individuals in Groton and surrounding communities, life insurance from Murphy Insurance offers more than peace of mind—it provides a solid foundation for long-term financial security. Whether you’re safeguarding loved ones, covering debts, or planning for the future, our personalized life insurance solutions are designed to fit your goals and budget. From affordable term life to permanent protection and full-service planning, our Groton-based team is here to help you protect what matters most with trusted guidance, top-rated options, and local expertise.
Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem—it’s a growing concern across MetroWest, Massachusetts. Whether you live in Framingham, Hudson, or Hopkinton, you may be surprised to learn your home is at risk. Learn how flood insurance can help protect your property from the damage that standard homeowners’ policies don’t cover.
Roundabout

Safe Driving Saves Money

For better or worse, your automobile insurance premium is a direct result of your driving record. While you can’t always prevent every accident or control what happens on the road, safe driving is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect both yourself and your finances. Keep reading to learn how maintain a safe driving record can lower your premium, and—as a result—protect your wallet.
Car driving

Buying a Car? Don’t Forget the Insurance Quote First!

Shopping for a new car can be exciting, but it’s crucial to check in with your agent before finalizing your purchase. Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to insurance costs. Two cars might look similar on the outside, but one could cost you hundreds more per year to insure.
Shovel

Digging on Your Property? Here’s Why “Dig Safe” Should Be Your First Step

Under federal and state law, all homeowners and contractors are required to notify the appropriate utility companies before doing any excavation work. Keep reading to learn more about the standards for digging on your property.
What You Need to Know About Condominium Insurance in Groton MA

What You Need to Know About Condominium Insurance in Acton, MA

If you own a condo in Acton, MA, don’t assume the condo association’s master policy fully protects you. That policy typically covers the building’s exterior and shared spaces, but not the inside of your unit. Without your own Condominium Insurance, you could be on the hook for costly repairs to your walls, floors, or fixtures and replace personal belongings damaged by fire, water, or theft. It’s essential protection that helps ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket when the unexpected happens.
Sparkler 1200

Summer Fun and 4th of July Safety: Celebrating Smart

Summer is a time for BBQs, fireworks, family gatherings, and making the most of long days. Whether you’re heading to the beach, firing up the grill, or watching fireworks with the kids, safety should always be part of your celebration plans. After all, the best memories are the ones made without unexpected trips to the ER. Here’s a quick guide to help you enjoy your Independence Day and summer activities — while keeping everyone safe and sound.
Lightning

Lightning Storm Safety

Lightning storms light up the sky in dramatic fashion, but they’re also dangerous. A lightning strike can cause major injuries like burns, heart issues, or even brain damage. That’s why it’s important to know how to stay safe when one rolls into your area. Follow these helpful tips to help you stay safe.
Car in traffic

Risks of Lowering Auto Coverage

Many drivers look to reduce their auto insurance premiums by lowering coverage or dropping parts of their policy altogether. While it’s true that cutting back can save a few dollars in the short term, the long-term consequences of being underinsured can be financially devastating—especially in the aftermath of a serious accident. Learn about ways you can save without exposing yourself to major financial risk.

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected.