Decoding Insurance: From Car Policies to Health Challenges with Karl Susman

Insurance Hour with Karl Susman

The host Karl Susman welcomes listeners to Insurance Hour, a show dedicated to demystifying insurance for Californians. He answers questions emailed in by listeners about various insurance topics. Karl starts by explaining the three main ways to purchase auto insurance - directly through an insurance company, through a captive agent, or an independent broker. He outlines the pros and cons of each method. Given the current tight insurance market in California, he advises being patient and checking all options when shopping for coverage.In response to a question about auto insurance discounts, Karl notes many exist that policyholders may not be aware of, like discounts for anti-lock brakes and good student grades. He suggests looking into defensive driver courses and using an independent broker to access the most companies and discounts. On health insurance, Karl laments the complex, expensive system and describes how policies have expanded over time from covering only catastrophic events. He concludes true reform is needed in how policies are designed, priced and administered.For renting cars, Karl strongly advises purchasing the rental company's insurance over relying on credit card coverage, which is secondary. He also clarifies that standard rental reimbursement coverage is for getting a rental while your car is being repaired, not for leisure car rentals.Karl stresses the need to inform your insurer if driving for a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft. Special endorsements or policies are required to ensure adequate coverage while transporting passengers.For motorcyclists, he notes coverage is not included under standard auto policies, so a separate motorcycle policy is required. Karl reiterates the importance of speaking with a licensed professional to understand the proper coverage needs for any situation.

Highlights

Purchasing Auto Insurance

Karl outlines pros and cons of buying directly, via captive agent, or independent broker. He advises checking all options given the tight market.

Auto Insurance Discounts

Many discounts exist that policyholders are unaware of, like for anti-lock brakes and good grades. Defensive driver courses can also offer discounts.

Health Insurance Challenges

Karl describes the evolution of health insurance and the need for true reform in policies, pricing and administration.

Rental Car Insurance Tips

Purchasing the rental company's policy is advised over relying on credit card coverage that's secondary.

Ride-share Insurance

Notify your insurer if driving for Uber/Lyft so proper coverage applies when transporting passengers.

Motorcycle Insurance

Separate motorcycle policies are required as auto policies don't provide coverage.

Insurance Hour is hosted by renowned insurance expert Karl Susman. Karl is a frequent guest on television stations such as ABC, CBS, Spectrum, The CW and FOX, and now his popular radio program is available online throughout California and world-wide.
Listeners can now tune in to Insurance Hour on great AM radio station KMET throughout the state of California.

In addition to traditional radio, Insurance Hour is available on several popular streaming platforms, ensuring that listeners can access the show at their convenience.
Audiences worldwide can now enjoy Insurance Hour at InsuranceHour.com, on YouTube, Amazon Music, Tuneln, Alexa, Apple Podcasts, and the iHeartRadio app.
For more information about "Insurance Hour" and its programming, please contact Lara Starr at [e-mail]