by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Helpful Tips |
When it comes to protecting your vehicle, car insurance and vehicle warranties both play a big role. Knowing the difference between the two can help you make informed decisions about the coverage you need.
Vehicle Warranty
New car warranties
When you buy a new car, you get a factory warranty from the vehicle manufacturer at no additional cost to you. It is a guarantee that the car you bought is in good working order. A vehicle warranty covers replacements or repairs in case a component breaks or fails for a specified period. Typically, there is no deductible with a new car warranty. It covers both the new part and the labor.
A new car warranty generally comes in two parts:
- Bumper to bumper coverage: This covers repairs to most parts including electronics and air conditioning (for typically 3 years or 36,000 miles).
- Power train coverage: This covers the engine and transmission (for typically 5 years or 60,000 miles).
Sometimes a manufacturer’s warranty includes a limited corrosion warranty, emissions warranty, tire warranty, hybrid and electric car battery warranty, and roadside assistance. When your warranties expire, you often have the option to purchase an extended warranty.
Used car warranties
You can get warranties for used cars. A limited warranty comes with a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle. The cost is rolled into the higher price you will pay for a CPO vehicle. You also may purchase an extended warranty from your car’s manufacturer or a third party for most used cars. The cost of that extended warranty usually depends upon vehicle age, mileage, make and model, coverage level, your deductible, and the warranty provider.
What warranties cover and what they don’t
Warranties protect you against defects in your car’s parts from power windows and the infotainment system to your engine and transmission. They help cover repairs for those parts if they break or fail during the warranty period. Most car warranties are similar in their broad coverages but may differ in the details so check your policy for what is covered.
Warranties do not cover everything. They do not cover routine maintenance like oil changes or tire rotations. They do not cover wear-and-tear parts like brake pads or wiper blades. They do not cover damage from collisions, damage caused by the owner, severe weather, fire, or theft. For the latter, you need vehicle insurance.
Vehicle Insurance
Car insurance is required by law in most states for any car – new or used – that is on the road. This type of insurance pays for damage from a collision, or another covered adverse event such as fire or theft. Auto insurance does more than fix your car. It can help with medical bills for you, your passengers and the people you hit in a collision. It can help pay if the other driver is not insured. It even covers damages when another driver is at the wheel of your car and has an accident because insurance follows the car, not the driver.
What vehicle insurance covers and what it doesn’t
Car insurance policies are made up of different coverages. You choose the types you need from a range of options. Your premium is determined in part by the coverages that you choose.
- Liability: If you are at fault in an accident, and others are involved, it’s good to have liability coverage. Liability coverage is required by law in most states. It covers you for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. However, it does not cover any damage to your own vehicle; that’s covered by collision. It also does not cover injury to you and your family; it only covers the people in the other car.
- Collision: This coverage is if your car is damaged in a collision with another car or an object, such as a fence. Your collision coverage will pay for repairs minus the deductible. Collision coverage is not required unless you’re leasing a car or paying off a loan on a vehicle. However, it may be good to have, especially in the event of an accident.
- Comprehensive: Comprehensive coverage is for natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft and animals that damage your vehicle. Think of it as “bad luck coverage.” Comprehensive coverage is not usually required unless you’re leasing a vehicle or paying a car loan. However, it’s valuable to protect your car.
- Medical expenses: If you or others are hurt in an accident, you will want medical expenses covered. You will either be able to get medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP). These coverages apply to everyone in your car whether or not you are at fault in the accident. This type of coverage is good to have, as your health insurance may not cover auto accidents and does not normally protect your passengers. PIP is only available in some states and may be mandatory if your state offers it.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist: You may encounter drivers who are not insured or who are underinsured. If so, you will need insurance to cover your car and the people in your car if hit by an at-fault driver in that situation. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) helps pay for repairs to your vehicle. Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury coverage pays for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering for you and your passengers. These are optional coverages in most states. In some states, you are not allowed to carry collision and UMPD at the same time. Also, sometimes UMPD has a policy maximum, or cap on the amount it will pay.
Talk to your insurance agent to see what is covered under your policy. That way you’ll be fully prepared should anything happen. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Helpful Tips, Safety |
You gave your teen the keys to the car, and now they’re off. How do you know they’ll be safe on the road? The latest technologies can help. We’ve done a deep dive into some of the most popular driving monitoring apps that can help your teen establish safe driving habits. Here’s what you need to know.
What can apps measure?
- Speed limits: With limited driving experience, your teen may not realize the dangers of driving fast. They may not know how much time it takes to slow down a car. There are apps that set a speed limit and notify you if the driver exceeds that limit.
- Distractions: Distracted driving is an issue for us all but new drivers are especially vulnerable. They may not realize how much can happen if they take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds. Even responding to a phone call or changing playlists can lead to an accident. Some apps set a Do Not Disturb mode when the car reaches a certain speed. If your teen disables the setting, you will be notified.
- Locations: GPS tracking can let you know your teen is where they are supposed to be. Some systems also have a silent alarm so that your teen can signal an SOS if they feel unsafe.
Before you install a driver monitoring app, it’s important to have a conversation with your teen. Make sure you include any other family rules such as the curfew for the car being home, and how you wish your teen to check in with you. Discuss distracted driving and how they should handle calls and texts. In doing so, you are setting up your teen for a lifetime of safe driving.
The Apps
Auto Coach (free)
This app is designed to help parents teach teens how to drive safely. It was developed by the Shepherd Center Hospital in conjunction with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. It includes interactive lessons for teens with cognitive and physical disabilities. The app tracks driving hours and keeps parents involved in the process.
Bouncie (monthly subscription plus one-time device charge)
This offers real-time detailed insights and driving reports on speed, location, idle time, and hard braking. Bouncie also can monitor gas mileage and fuel economy, battery level, oil level and vital alerts. Information is accessible on your smartphone or computer. Bouncie requires a device that plugs into your vehicle. It works for most vehicles made after 1996.
FamiSafe (monthly subscription)
This app goes well beyond safe driving. It also tracks screen time and inappropriate content on kids’ devices. From a driving perspective, the app reports on speed limit, total distance traveled, and real-time physical location. It instantly notifies you if your teen speeds or brakes suddenly. Weekly driving reports help to analyze patterns. You manage all devices from a FamiSafe Dashboard on your smartphone or computer.
Family360 (monthly fee)
This app synchronizes your family into a private “circle.” It tracks everyone’s locations in real time through mobile phones. You can be notified when someone in your circle leaves or enters the places you go to most frequently.
Life360 (free and paid options)
This app offers real-time location monitoring and detailed driving reports. It tracks speeding, hard braking, and in the paid version signals crash detection and sends roadside assistance. It does more than tracking driving, however. The app includes digital monitoring, stolen phone protection, medical assistance, travel support, and disaster response.
On My Way (free)
This app pays you for safe driving. Users get 5 cents for every mile they drive without texting. While they cannot withdraw real cash, your teen can use it toward food, gas, events, travel, and gift cards.
Road Ready (free)
Part of the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program, this app logs the state’s required drive time for learners and tracks driving experiences. It also provides tips for safe driving.
Teen Time: Parental Control (free and paid options)
This is a location app that also monitors screen time and how kids are using their phones. It allows parents to limit use of games and apps. You can use it to track use of devices while your teen is driving.
TrueMotion Family Safe Driving (free)
This app tells you where your family members are and how they got there, with details on exactly how they drove. It records phone use, texting, aggressive driving, speeding, and more.
Finally, make sure that your car is well maintained and fully insured with your teen listed on the policy. Talk to your insurance agent about ways that you can save with a teen driver.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
You don’t have to wait for your auto policy to expire to change insurance companies. However, you do need to make sure you’re fully covered without any gaps in insurance. We’ve compiled some guidelines to help you decide if a change is right for you.
When should you think about changing policies?
While you don’t need a reason to change your auto insurance, there are some times when it makes sense for you to revisit your policy—even if you don’t change insurance companies. You may end up modifying your current policy to meet your evolving needs. For example:
-
- If you’ve had a major life change, such as getting married or divorced, you may need more or less insurance.
- If you’ve moved to a new zip code or state, the new location could affect your premium.
- If you’ve become a homeowner, you can bundle your auto and home and save money.
- If you’ve gone from working out of the home to remote work, your annual mileage may be less.
- If you’ve bought a new car, you will want to check insurance policy options.
- If your teenager is about to get his or her license, that will add to your policy.
- If your credit score has improved, you may qualify for a lower rate.
- If you’re unhappy with your current insurer, you can consider a change.
- If you’re approaching your renewal date, you can terminate a contract without cancellation fees.
Follow these steps to make the change.
Step 1: Consider your coverage options.
Figure out how much coverage you need. If you depend upon your care, you want to make sure that you have enough to replace it if necessary. Also, check your state laws. Some states will require you to have certain car insurance. If you lease or finance a car, your lender or lessor will require you to purchase collision and comprehensive insurance.
Step 2: Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Get quotes from several insurers, and make sure you are comparing the same coverage, limits and deductibles. Sometimes policies are cheaper because they don’t have the same coverage. This is also a good time to contact your current insurer to find out about discounts, or other ways to lower your cost. California Casualty offers discounts to nurses, educators, and first responders.
Step 3: Check for penalties and perks.
If you’re in the middle of your policy contract, there may be a penalty for canceling. Make sure you figure that into the decision to switch. You also will want to look for the perks, or little extras, that are offered. Some insurers offer inexpensive roadside assistance or accident forgiveness for qualified customers. Some have smartphone apps or are available 24/7 online.
Step 4: Do your research.
You want to know how your new insurer handles claims, and whether they have a good customer service rating. It may not be worth a lower price if it’s going to be a hassle dealing with the new company. Check out your insurer with the Better Business Bureau, JD Power, or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Step 5: Make sure there’s no gap in coverage.
Car insurance lapses can be expensive, especially if you have an accident on the day in between. If you cancel one policy, make sure the other one is already in place. Your new insurance company can provide proof of insurance to your old company. However, they cannot cancel your policy. You need to do so. You’ll receive a refund for any unused portion. There may be a cancellation fee.
Pro Tip: Also remember to cancel automatic payments to your old insurer with your bank or credit card.
Step 6: Notify your insurer and lender.
Make sure to officially cancel your policy with your old insurer. Otherwise, your insurer will think you simply stopped paying your bill, and you could be liable for charges. Some insurers require 24 hours before canceling, so make sure you are aware of the terms. Also let your lender or lessor know about your new insurance if you are leasing or financing your car.
Step 7: Replace your insurance ID.
Once you make the change, ask for a digital copy of your insurance card. You can also order a printed card. Remember to place your new insurance card in your car’s glovebox.
Finally, if you have an open claim, wait to make a change.
You may not be able to change insurers if you have an open claim with your current insurance company. The claim has to be paid and closed. Also, the rate quoted from your new insurance company may not take into account that most recent claim. If that’s the case, you could have a big increase when you renew with the new company, or even be responsible for a retroactive fee.
Get started with a free quote today at mycalcas.com/quote.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
You don’t have to wait for your auto policy to expire to change insurance companies. However, you do need to make sure you’re fully covered without any gaps in insurance. We’ve compiled some guidelines to help you decide if a change is right for you.
When should you think about changing policies?
While you don’t need a reason to change your auto insurance, there are some times when it makes sense for you to revisit your policy—even if you don’t change insurance companies. You may end up modifying your current policy to meet your evolving needs. For example:
• If you’ve had a major life change, such as getting married or divorced, you may need more or less insurance.
• If you’ve moved to a new zip code or state, the new location could affect your premium.
• If you’ve become a homeowner, you can bundle your auto and home and save money.
• If you’ve gone from working out of the home to remote work, your annual mileage may be less.
• If you’ve bought a new car, you will want to check insurance policy options.
• If your teenager is about to get his or her license, that will add to your policy.
• If your credit score has improved, you may qualify for a lower rate.
• If you’re unhappy with your current insurer, you can consider a change.
• If you’re approaching your renewal date, you can terminate a contract without cancellation fees.
Follow these steps to make the change.
Step 1: Consider your coverage options.
Figure out how much coverage you need. If you depend upon your care, you want to make sure that you have enough to replace it if necessary. Also, check your state laws. Some states will require you to have certain car insurance. If you lease or finance a car, your lender or lessor will require you to purchase collision and comprehensive insurance.
Step 2: Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Get quotes from several insurers, and make sure you are comparing the same coverage, limits, and deductibles. Sometimes policies are cheaper because they don’t have the same coverage. This is also a good time to contact your current insurer to find out about discounts, or other ways to lower your cost. California Casualty offers discounts to nurses, educators, and first responders.
Step 3: Check for penalties and perks.
If you’re in the middle of your policy contract, there may be a penalty for canceling. Make sure you figure that into the decision to switch. You also will want to look for the perks, or little extras, that are offered. Some insurers offer inexpensive roadside assistance or accident forgiveness for qualified customers. Some have smartphone apps or are available 24/7 online.
Step 4: Do your research.
You want to know how your new insurer handles claims, and whether they have a good customer service rating. It may not be worth a lower price if it’s going to be a hassle dealing with the new company. Check out your insurer with the Better Business Bureau, JD Power, or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Step 5: Make sure there’s no gap in coverage.
Car insurance lapses can be expensive, especially if you have an accident on the day in between. If you cancel one policy, make sure the other one is already in place. Your new insurance company can provide proof of insurance to your old company. However, they cannot cancel your policy. You need to do so. You’ll receive a refund for any unused portion. There may be a cancellation fee.
Pro Tip: Also remember to cancel automatic payments to your old insurer with your bank or credit card.
Step 6: Notify your insurer and lender.
Make sure to officially cancel your policy with your old insurer. Otherwise, your insurer will think you simply stopped paying your bill, and you could be liable for charges. Some insurers require 24 hours before canceling, so make sure you are aware of the terms. Also let your lender or lessor know about your new insurance if you are leasing or financing your car.
Step 7: Replace your insurance ID.
Once you make the change, ask for a digital copy of your insurance card. You can also order a printed card. Remember to place your new insurance card in your car’s glovebox.
Finally, if you have an open claim, wait to make a change.
You may not be able to change insurers if you have an open claim with your current insurance company. The claim has to be paid and closed. Also, the rate quoted from your new insurance company may not take into account that most recent claim. If that’s the case, you could have a big increase when you renew with the new company, or even be responsible for a retroactive fee.
Get started with a free quote today at mycalcas.com/quote.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Safety |
It’s never a good sign when our cars start to screech, thump, or grind…However, while we may not be excited to hear these sounds, paying attention to them can help us take care of the problem before it gets worse- keeping us safer and maybe even saving us some money.
We compiled a list of common car noises and what they could mean. Read on to find out what your car is trying to tell you.
Banging
A loud bang Like a firecracker could mean that your vehicle’s fuel is burning at the wrong time. It could be that the fuel-to-air ratio has more fuel than it should or there’s an issue with the spark plugs. While this is not an emergency, over time it could damage your exhaust system, so get it checked out.
Clicking
If you hear clicking sounds as you turn the steering wheel, it could be from your CV (Constant Velocity) joint. The CV needs grease or it becomes dry. You may just need to replenish the grease, or you might have to replace the shaft boot if it’s torn and leaking grease. If the damage is extensive, you may have to replace the whole CV joint.
Growling or Grating
A low growl or grating sound when you step on the brakes could mean your brake pads have worn away. Brake pads push against metal rotors or drums. When they’re worn away, they can start to damage other parts and become a costly repair. You’ll want to take care of this as soon as possible.
Hissing
A hissing sound could indicate a fluid leak such as radiator coolant leaking onto the engine. If hissing occurs when you speed up, it could be a vacuum leak from a small hose around the engine’s air intake. You’ll need to replace the hoses or other components that are leaking.
Humming
If you hear a low drone or humming sound that increases in volume when accelerating, check your tires. Their tread could be worn-out or wearing unevenly. The wheel bearing in your tires also may be damaged, which is a serious issue. Your tires also may need an alignment and some air. Have tires and bearings checked and, if needed, replaced as soon as possible.
Knocking or Pinging
A knocking or pinging sound under your hood that increases as you accelerate can occur when fuel in your engine detonates at incorrect times. Sometimes this is the result of using fuel with too low an octane level. Other times, it is more serious. There may be a worn crankshaft bearing or a piston that needs replacing. Address this sooner rather than later.
Rattling
Rattling, vibrating, or squeaking sounds when you drive over a speed bump or pothole could indicate a problem with your suspension. There could be bad bushings, the cushions that help absorb road bumps. Try performing a bounce test. Step outside the car and press down firmly on the front corner. If you hear the sound, you will want to get it checked out. If your car is rattling when the car is idling, it could mean a damaged heat shield in your exhaust system. Check that out, too, to make sure everything stays cool when you’re operating your vehicle.
Roaring
Your car’s muffler is designed to muffle the roaring sound made by your engine. However, if there’s a crack in the exhaust system, the gases that cause the roar can escape before they reach the muffler. Deadly carbon monoxide gas can even leak into the cabin. A missing catalytic converter also can cause this sound. Get this sound addressed right away.
Pro Tip: Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem and they are expensive to replace. Consider getting your VIN number stamped on the catalytic converter or installing an anti-theft device.
Rumbling
A low-pitched engine rumble with vibrations can indicate an exhaust leak in a gasket, flex pipe, resonator or muffler. A dirty fuel injector could cause a rumbling sound. (Try adding a fuel injector cleaner to your gas tank). A dirty air filter could be another cause, so try replacing that part. Your oxygen sensor could be creating the wrong mix of fuel and oxygen. Finally, the sound could be caused by worn spark plugs that fire inconsistently.
Scraping
A rock or other debris stuck in your brake rotor could cause a scraping sound and cause damage over time. Get that removed before it becomes a problem.
Squeaking or Squealing
Squeaking or squealing could be caused by a number of things. If the sound happens when you brake, you may have worn brake pads, improperly cut brake rotors, or glazed brake pads that get too hot. You also may have broken anti-rattle clips or incorrectly installed insulation shims. If you hear loud squealing after you start your car, but then the sound gradually fades, it may be a serpentine belt that is failing. If you hear the squeal when you turn on the air conditioning, it may need a serpentine belt adjustment or replacement. Squeaking or whining when turning the steering wheel could be a power steering issue. There may be air in the fluid and adding more fluid could help. However, if you hear a high-pitch whine when you make a turn, the pump could be damaged. Get these sounds checked out for your safety.
Thumping
When you brake and hear a thumping sound, that means potential damage. A thumping in the rear could be rear brake drums and thumping in the front could be rotor damage. Rotor damage can be caused by a car not being used, and just sitting outside and rusting.
Washing Machine Sound
If your car sounds like a washing machine on the high-spin cycle with loose change inside, pull over as soon as safely possible. This likely means a loose lug nut is inside your hubcap. When that happens, the tire could fall off or you could have a blowout. Pull over as soon as you safely can. Jack up the car and use a lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts. Fill the tire if the pressure is low or swap it out for the spare tire. Call roadside assistance if needed.
Whirring
If your car whirs like a helicopter and gets louder as you travel faster, it’s most likely a worn-out wheel bearing. You can check this while driving. Turn the wheel to the left and then to the right and see if the noise disappears briefly. Wheel bearings should be replaced as soon as possible.
Figuring It Out
If you are able to do so safely, record the sound your car is making using your phone or other device. Then play it for your mechanic. This will help to pinpoint the exact sound you are hearing.
Finally, if your noise isn’t listed here, or you’re not sure about what sound you hear, it’s always a good idea to consult a trusted mechanic. This will help to find any problems and fix them before they become expensive issues.
Paying attention to your car’s dashboard lights and sounds will help you keep it well-maintained. Protect your vehicle with the right insurance and keep up with auto recalls for added peace of mind.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
