With thousands of drivers across the country contacting Response Insurance each day to find out how we can reward their safe driving records, you can imagine how many questions we've been asked. Here are the most common ones, along with their answers. If you have a question that isn't answered below, don't let it sit - simply e-mail us webcs@response.com, or call 1-800-518-2984.

Technical Requirements for Online Auto Insurance Quotes

What are the minimum technical requirements my personal computer needs in order to get an online auto insurance quote?

Auto Insurance Coverages And Rates

How do I know which type of auto insurance coverage is best for me?
How much auto insurance coverage should I have?
How do the drivers on my policy affect my auto insurance rate?
How does where I live affect my rate?
What steps can I take to reduce my rates?

Switching To Response Insurance

Can I switch to Response Insurance in the middle of my policy term?
If I switch my policy, when will my Response Insurance coverage become effective?
What types of payment plans do you offer?
Can I use a credit card to make my down payment?

Making The Most Of Your Car Insurance Policy

What should I do if I am involved in an accident?
After I have reported an accident, how will my claim be handled?
How do I make changes to my policy?
If someone else drives my car, is that person covered under my policy? Am I still covered?
If I rent a car, am I covered under my Response Insurance policy?

Technical Requirements for Online Auto Insurance Quotes

What are the minimum technical requirements my personal computer needs in order to get a quote online?

To obtain a premium quote directly online, your personal computer must be capable of operating the following:

For optimum performance, if you use the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser, you should use version 4.0 or higher; for the Netscape browser, you should use version 4.07 or higher.

For the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser, our site requires Microsoft Java VM version 1.1. The Microsoft Java Virtual Machine (VM) is needed to run applications or applets that are developed using the Java programming language. In our case, we make use of a Java applet in order to retrieve valid vehicle make, model and sub-model information so that we may, in turn, provide accurate quotes. The latest Java VM may be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/java

For the Netscape browser, if you are having Java-related problems, re-installation of Netscape should address the problem. Please note that the Netscape browser installs its own version of the Java VM and does not use the Microsoft Java VM.

For AOL users, please rely on the information provided for Microsoft Internet Explorer browsers.

Please remember, if you have difficulty obtaining a quote online, you may call 1-800-518-2984 and have one of our friendly, knowledgeable Insurance Advisors help you.

Auto Insurance Coverages And Rates

How do I know which type of auto insurance coverage is best for me?

Auto insurance is divided into many different types of coverage:

• Bodily Injury Liability pays for bodily injury claims others might make against you in the event of an accident. It also covers the cost of your legal defense. Required in most states, we suggest that everyone carry this type of coverage.
• Property Damage Liability pays to repair any damage your vehicle may cause to somebody else's car, house, fence, etc. Also required in most states, and also recommended by us for any driver.
• Medical Payments Coverage pays for medical expenses you or any of your passengers require as the result of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This also covers you if you're the victim of a hit-and-run. The form of coverage varies by state. Even if coverage is optional in your state, we recommend it due to your financial responsibility to anyone injured in your vehicle.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage pays if you are injured in an accident and the other party carries insufficient or no liability insurance. Although not required in all states, it is generally recommended.
• Comprehensive Coverage pays to fix your car or truck if it is damaged by something other than a collision. This includes theft, vandalism, and most natural disasters. (If the vehicle is overturned, the incident is considered a collision). Like collision (see below), comprehensive is not required but it makes sense if your vehicle still has a good market value.
• Collision Coverage pays for damages to your vehicle when you hit something. In considering whether to buy this coverage, compare the cost of the insurance to the market value of your car.
• Other types of coverage include towing and labor coverage, and rental reimbursement insurance. Adding these to your Response Insurance policy is usually inexpensive and can save you significant amounts of money should you have a breakdown or accident.

How much auto insurance coverage should I have?

This is something you should discuss with a Response Insurance customer service representative. Basically, you will want to take into account your personal assets and how much you might lose if you are ever sued for damages by another driver, property owner or injured party.

How do the drivers on my policy affect my rate?

Drivers with better driving records are likely to get better rates. Inexperienced drivers, or those with accidents and violations, pay more. Mature drivers with good driving records are most likely to get the better rates. Because the accident rate for people under age 25 is the highest of any other age group, young drivers with limited driving history will usually pay more.

How does where I live affect my rate?

The more drivers in your area, the greater the chances that you'll have an accident. That's why rates are generally higher in densely populated areas. In addition, certain cities also have higher theft and vandalism rates than others and, consequently, higher rates for those types of coverages.

What steps can I take to reduce my rates?

1.) Purchase a policy from Response Insurance - the company that rewards responsible drivers.
2.) Maintain a clean driving record.
3.) Choose a vehicle with high safety ratings.
4.) Increase your deductible.
5.) Purchase an anti-theft device.

Switching To Response Insurance

Can I switch to Response Insurance in the middle of my policy term?

YES! Safe drivers can start benefiting from Response Insurance's low rates and other rewards at any time. And when you switch, your current insurance company should refund you on a pro-rated basis for any premiums you've paid in advance. Just give us a call at 1-800-518-2984 and our insurance advisors will explain the simple process of enrolling with us. Or get your free online quote now simply by clicking here.

If I switch my policy, when will my Response Insurance policy become effective?

Your coverage can start immediately after we approve your eligibility for coverage and you pay your first premium installment. Often, this can be done over the phone in as little as 15 minutes.

What payment plans/options are available?

For 6-month policies, we offer:

Payment in Full;
2-Pay (50% down with the balance due in 60 days); and
4-Pay (25% down with 3 payments due in 30 day increments)*

*In some states/programs, the down payment is 40% with 3 payments due in 30 day increments. Other options may apply depending on your state of residence.

For 12-month policies, we offer:

Payment in Full;
2-Pay (50% down with the balance due in 5 months);
4-Pay (25% down with 3 payments due in 60 day increments)*; and
10-Pay (10% down with 9 payments due every 30 days)**

*In some states/programs, the down payment is 40% with 3 payments due in 60 day increments. Other options may apply depending on your state of residence.

**In some states/programs, the down payment is 20% with 9 payments due in 30 day increments. Other options may apply depending on your state of residence.

Can I use a credit card to pay my first installment?

Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card. If you prefer, you may elect to have payments automatically deducted from your checking account. Payments may also be made over the telephone or by using our Account Online feature. To receive a FREE online rate quote – simply click here.

Making The Most Of Your Policy

What should I do if I am involved in an accident?

At Response Insurance, we're ready to respond to your needs after an accident 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Our first concern is your safety. By following these simple steps, you can help us make good on our promise to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

1) Move your vehicle safely off the road, call the police and request medical assistance if needed.

2) Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with anyone except for the police or Response Insurance Company.

3) Give the other driver the Policy Number Exchange Card from the Accident Action Pack in your glove compartment (don't forget to fill in your name and policy number).

4) Gather as much information about the accident as possible. Again, your Accident Action Pack has an easy-to-follow form that will guide you in obtaining all the right information.

5) As soon as you can - even from the scene if possible - call the Response Insurance claims department at 1-800-552-3150.

After I have reported an accident, how will my claim be handled?

After you report the claim, it will be assigned to a professional trained and experienced in helping you get your car and your life back into action as soon as possible. Our claims team will stay in touch throughout the process to keep you informed and answer any questions you may have.

How do I make changes to my policy?

It's as easy as calling your Response Insurance advisor at 1-800-518-2984. Hours (Eastern time) are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.

If someone else drives my car, is that person covered under my policy? Am I still covered?

While some coverage may vary by state and the terms of your policy, generally your coverage follows your car. Anyone who has your permission to drive your car is covered, unless a driver is specifically excluded. Likewise, your coverage always follows you - even when you are driving someone else's vehicle. Just keep in mind that if you have an accident, the primary coverage is through the vehicle owner's policy. If you have specific questions about your policy's coverage, your Response Insurance advisor can help you. Just call 1-800-518-2984.

Please note that all licensed drivers in your household - as well as anyone who drives your car on a regular basis - should be listed on your policy. We also encourage that you use caution in letting anyone drive your vehicle. Their mistakes could cost you money.

If I rent a car, am I covered under my Response Insurance policy?

Yes. If you have a vehicle fully insured (liability, comprehensive and collision) with Response Insurance and are renting an automobile in the United States, you do not need to buy extra insurance from the rental company. However, the deductible you've selected will still be applied.

If you do not have collision and comprehensive coverage, you should protect yourself by buying it from the rental company. However, policyholders in New York do not need to buy extra insurance from the rental company regardless of whether you have comprehensive and collision coverage on their Response policies (no deductible will be applied).

Still have a question?

Click here to e-mail us your question. Or call our customer service department at 1-800-518-2984.