My Insurance Agent Saved Me $137,387
Doug Stockman • April 15, 2025
Moral of the Story; Cheap car insurance can be the most expensive mistake you ever make.
TL;DR: Article Take Away - Don't just get the cheapest car insurance! A client who chose higher liability limits paid a little more monthly but avoided a $137,387 bill after causing a big accident. Investing in good coverage protects you financially when things go wrong. Talk to your agent about your options!
Dodging a Huge Bill:
How My Client Became a Liability Limit Hero (and You Can Too!)
Hey everyone, sit down, grab your drink, and let me tell you a cool story. It's about how one of my clients made a really smart choice with his car insurance and avoided a huge money problem! It all came down to something called good
liability limits compared to state minimum limits.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Insurance? Yawn! Just give me the cheapest one so I can watch more funny cat videos." And I get it! We all love a good deal, and saving money feels great. But when it comes to car insurance, skimping on coverage is like playing Russian Roulette with your bank account and other assets. If you don't have a high enough limit, you could end up paying out of pocket for damage you caused to someone else. Just because you have insurance doesn't release you for being responsible for ALL the damages. Investing in the right coverage is one of the smartest things you can do for your peace of mind and your wallet.
Let me tell you about a guy we'll call Marcus. Marcus was looking for car insurance and, like many of us, he was hoping for the lowest price each month. He was looking at a plan that cost less than a cheap hotdog (and wouldn't have offered much protection at all!).
Now, having the right agent can make all the difference in the world. I knew Marcus could be better protected. So, I didn't just give him the cheapest thing and say "bye-bye." We talked a bit. We had a friendly "let's-think-ahead" chat.
I explained that while a low monthly cost might seem great at first, the amount his insurance would pay if he caused an accident was really low. It might not even cover a small crash. It's all about having enough protection for those unexpected moments. Have you bought a car recently? Have you noticed skyrocketing repairs and medical costs?
"But I'm a good driver!" Marcus said, like a lot of people do. And maybe Marcus is a super good driver – that's fantastic! But you know what they say: stuff happens! Sometimes, even the best drivers can be in a situation where someone else makes a mistake, like texting and driving a large vehicle when you're nearby.
So, I showed Marcus different choices. We talked about how much his insurance would pay if he accidentally hurt someone or damaged their stuff. I really encouraged him to get more coverage. Not because I want to buy a lot of avocado toast (even though I do!), but because it's the smart and safe thing to do with your money. Think of it as investing in your future security. It's like wearing a helmet when you ride a bike on a rope over hungry crocodiles – a little extra protection can make a huge difference!
Marcus was smart and thoughtful. He listened to what I said and realized the value of having better coverage. He decided to pay a little more each month to get much better protection (and it wasn't that much more). This was a really positive step for him!
A few months later, guess what? Something bad happened. Not a monster truck, thankfully, but a pretty big car crash with a lot of cars. Marcus was responsible for paying for some of the damage to other cars and some people getting hurt. This is where Marcus' wise decision really paid off.
Now for the exciting part! The first guesses for how much all the damage and doctor bills would cost were HUGE. Like, "make a lottery winner nervous" huge. It was a really serious situation.
But because Marcus had listened and bought the higher limit insurance, his insurance company paid for almost all of it! What a relief!
How much money did Marcus almost have to pay out of his own pocket if he had bought the cheap state minimum or other low liability insurance? A whopping $137,387. That's a life-changing amount of money!
Think about that! One hundred and thirty-seven thousand, three hundred and eighty-seven dollars! That could be a down payment on a small castle, a lifetime of fancy coffee, or just really cause a lot of financial stress. And the extra insurance only cost less than $30/mo.
Instead, Marcus just had to deal with the insurance claim (which was still a bit annoying, but not a disaster). He didn't have to sell his house, create a GoFundMe account, ask for the church offering plate to be passed, or spend years paying off bills. He was protected!
So, the point of this story is: accidents are no fun, and we all hope they never happen. But being prepared with the right insurance can make a huge difference in how you handle those unexpected moments. The limits on your policy is all it is going to pay. If the damages are more, it has to come from somewhere. Choosing the right coverage isn't about spending more, it's about making a smart investment in your future security.
Car insurance isn't just something you have to get. It's something that really protects your future money and gives you peace of mind. Those limits on how much your insurance will pay? They're like your shield against bad things happening on the road. Having good liability limits is like having a strong safety net.
So, do yourself a favor. Don't just look at the price each month. Talk to your friendly, independent insurance agent at Select Source Insurance. We're here to help you understand your options and make the best choice for you. Understand how much protection you're getting. Think about what could go wrong. And please, make a wise choice now so you don't face a big financial worry later.
You might not end up saving exactly $137,387, but knowing you're covered well? That feeling of security is truly priceless. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm suddenly really hungry for avocado toast. It's just part of the job!
Getting your Spartanburg vehicle tax refund: A guide from Select Source Insurance. Did you sell, trade, or wreck (as in a total loss) your vehicle? Did your vehicle get repossessed, or have you moved out of state? You may be eligible for a refund! We understand that navigating property taxes can be confusing, especially when life events like selling or wrecking a car come into play. Many Spartanburg residents don't realize they might be eligible for a refund on their vehicle property taxes in such situations. At Select Source Insurance, we're here to help clarify the process and ensure you get the refund you deserve. When are you eligible for a refund? Spartanburg County offers vehicle property tax refunds in several instances: Selling, Trading, Wrecking, or Repossessing a Vehicle Returning a Leased Vehicle Moving Out of State before your vehicle tag decal expires Transferring a tag does to another vehicle does not qualify What documentation do you need? The required documentation varies depending on why you are seeking a refund. The Spartanburg County Auditor's Office may require: a Bill of Sale Trade-in agreement A statement from your insurance or repossession company Documentation from the leasing company Your new out-of-state registration. How to apply for your refund? You can apply: in person by email: countyauditor@spartanburgcounty.org. by mail: to the Spartanburg County Auditor's office at 366 N. Church Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29303 We're here to help Understanding vehicle property tax refunds can be complex. As your local independent insurance agency, we are here to assist with your car insurance needs and related questions. Here is a link: Spartanburg County Tax Refunds Also, did you know you can turn a vehicle tag in online? Yes, it is called a virtual tag turn in or decommissioning a tag. Here is the link: Decommission a Tag If you have questions about eligibility or need help with documentation, contact Spartanburg County. Informational purposes only. Check with the appropriate government entity for actual process.
Driving Smarter: Understanding South Carolina's New Hands-Free Law As your trusted independent insurance agency, we're committed to keeping you informed about important changes that impact your driving and, by extension, your insurance. South Carolina is taking a significant step towards safer roads with the new South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, which goes into effect on September 1, 2025. This law is a crucial update to our state's distracted driving regulations, and it's essential for all drivers to understand its implications. What Does the New Law Prohibit? Beginning September 1, 2025, the new law prohibits drivers from using mobile electronic devices in the following ways while operating a motor vehicle on public roads: Holding or supporting a mobile device with any part of their body. This means no more holding your phone to your ear, resting it on your lap, or wedging it against your shoulder. Reading, composing, or transmitting texts, emails, app interactions, or website information on a mobile device. Watching any motion, including videos, movies, games, or video calls, on a mobile electronic device. It's important to note that this law applies to a broad range of "mobile electronic devices," including cellphones, portable computers, GPS receivers, and electronic games. Are There Any Exceptions? Yes, there are some specific exceptions where you can still use your device: When you are lawfully parked or stopped. When initiating a voice-based communication that is automatically converted to text, as long as you are not holding or supporting the device. When reporting an accident, emergency, or safety hazard to a public safety official. For navigation, listening to audio-based content, or obtaining traffic/road condition information, provided the device is not held or supported by your body. To initiate or end a cellular call without typing, and without holding or supporting the device. When using equipment or services installed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle. Penalties for Violations To allow drivers time to adjust, law enforcement officers will only issue warnings for violations during the first 180 days after the law goes into effect (from September 1, 2025). After this warning period, the penalties will be: First offense: A fine of $100. Second or subsequent offense (within three years): A fine of $200 and two points assessed against your driver's license. It's important to remember that officers can stop you if they have a clear and unobstructed view of you unlawfully using a mobile electronic device. While you cannot be arrested solely for a hands-free violation (unless you fail to appear in court or pay a fine), accumulating points on your license can impact your driving record and potentially your insurance rates. Why This Matters for Your Insurance Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. This new hands-free law aims to reduce those accidents, making our roads safer for everyone. For you, as a driver, adhering to this law is not just about avoiding fines and points; it's about reducing your risk of being involved in a collision. Fewer accidents can lead to: Lower insurance premiums: A clean driving record with no distracted driving violations can help keep your car insurance rates down. Avoiding claims: Preventing accidents means you won't have to go through the hassle of filing an insurance claim, dealing with repairs, or managing potential injuries. Protecting your deductibles: Each claim typically involves paying a deductible, so avoiding accidents saves you money out-of-pocket. As your independent insurance agency, we work with multiple carriers to find you the best coverage at the most competitive rates. By driving responsibly and complying with the new hands-free law, you're not only contributing to safer communities but also actively helping to protect your insurance standing. If you have any questions about how this new law might affect your specific insurance policy or if you'd like to review your current coverage, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you navigate these changes and ensure you're well-protected on the road.
South Carolina Teens will have to wait! Coming Soon: Stronger, Safer SC Driver's Licenses Are On The Way! As your trusted independent insurance agency in Spartanburg, we're always looking out for updates that impact our community. That's why we want to bring your attention to an important change coming to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) this fall: the rollout of more secure driver's licenses, beginner's permits, and identification cards. This isn't just a cosmetic update; it's a significant step forward in protecting South Carolinians from identity fraud and ensuring the integrity of our official identification documents. What's Changing and Why It Matters The SCDMV is modernizing the way licenses and ID cards are produced, incorporating advanced security features and upgraded materials. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect and why these changes are so beneficial: Enhanced Security Features: The new cards will be made from stronger materials and utilize state-of-the-art printing techniques, including laser engraving. This makes them significantly more resistant to counterfeiting, providing better protection against identity theft for you and a more reliable credential for law enforcement and businesses. Centralized Issuance: South Carolina is joining at least 45 other states and the District of Columbia in centralizing the production of all licenses, permits, and ID cards. This process enhances efficiency and allows for the inclusion of high-level security elements that weren't previously feasible. New Look, Familiar Symbols: While specific design details are still to be announced, the new cards will prominently feature iconic South Carolina symbols like the Palmetto Tree and the State House, making them both secure and a proud representation of our state. What Does This Mean for You? Good news! You do not need to take any immediate action. Your current South Carolina driver's license or identification card remains valid until its listed expiration date. However, here's what to keep in mind for new applications or renewals: In-Person Application, Mail Delivery: Beginning this fall, you will still apply for licenses or ID cards in person at SCDMV branches. You'll present your required documentation and complete any applicable testing. Temporary Certificate: Instead of walking out with your permanent card, you'll receive a temporary driving certificate or identification certificate. This temporary document will be valid for driving, voting, and other uses while you await your permanent card. Mail Delivery for Permanent Card: Your new, permanent, secure card will arrive by U.S. mail within 7-15 business days. Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: If your license is nearing expiration, the SCDMV encourages you not to wait until the very last day to renew. Since the new cards will be mailed, allow ample time for delivery. REAL ID Remains Important: While separate from this security upgrade, remember the importance of a REAL ID. As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID compliant driver's license (indicated by a gold star) or another federally approved identification (like a valid U.S. Passport) is required to board domestic commercial flights or enter secure federal facilities. If you plan to fly or access federal buildings, ensure your current license is REAL ID compliant or plan to obtain one during your next renewal. We believe these advancements from the SCDMV are a positive step for all South Carolinians. A more secure driver's license helps protect your personal information and provides greater peace of mind in our increasingly digital world. As always, if you have any questions about how these changes might impact your insurance needs, or if you need assistance with any of your personal or business insurance policies, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you navigate these updates and ensure you're always well-protected. More information here: South Carolina DMV - Roll Out