How to navigate getting the right auto insurance
rivers need to be in possession of certain documentation in order to own and operate a motor vehicle legally. Naturally a driver’s licence is necessary, as is a vehicle registration. However, drivers also need proof of automotive insurance to be able to operate their cars and trucks.
Auto insurance helps protect a person’s finances by covering the cost of bills resulting from accidents or other incidents involving vehicles. Navigating the basics of auto insurance can be a little tricky, but consumers can use this guide to gain a greater understanding of their policies and coverage. What is automotive insurance?
Investopedia defines automotive insurance as a policy between a consumer and an insurance company that says the person will make payments, and in return, the insurance company agrees to cover the costs of medical bills, vehicle repairs and other property damage. Some types of automotive insurance are required by law, while others are optional.
Liability coverage
Most states and provinces require drivers to have liability insurance. This is the
most basic coverage to legally drive a car. The Insurance Information Institute says liability insurance pays the other driver’s medical, car repair and additional costs when the policyholder is at fault in an auto accident. Bodily injury liability, which applies to injuries that the policyholder and family members listed on the policy cause to someone else, is included in liability insurance. Policyholders can purchase more than the minimum required. Property damage liability pays for damage a driver may cause to someone else’s property, such as vehicles,
lamp posts, fences, buildings, or structures.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage pays for damage from a collision with another car, an object or a pothole, or from flipping over, says the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Comprehensive coverage
This coverage will reimburse a policyholder for damage to the vehicle that’s not caused by a collision. This can include weather, fire, flooding, and hitting an animal. Personal injury protection
The III indicates this coverage pays for the treatment of injuries to the driver and passengers. PIP can cover medical payments, lost wages, and the cost of replacing services normally performed by the person who was injured in the auto accident. PIP may cover funeral costs in some cases.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
This coverage offers protection to policyholders who get in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage to fully cover the costs of the accident, says Investopedia.
Premiums and deductibles
A premium is the total amount paid for the policy. It is determined by the coverages, policy holder’s age and driving history, and other factors.
Insurance policies typically have deductibles associated with them. This is the amount a policyholder has to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in and pays out. A higher deductible often means a lower premium.
Insurance policy terms typically are six months in length and will auto-renew at the end of the term. Motorists can keep an eye out for policy changes and costs at this time and decide if they want to stick with their insurance company or shop around.
Photo by Metro Creative
Automotive insurance is needed to operate a vehicle, but costs will vary depending on the coverage.
How to ensure safer driving this winter
hile the idea of winterizing a vehicle brings to mind snow tires and chains ahead of a snowfall, it is just as important to prepare for winter driving in a place like East County that experiences frequent winter rain instead. There are a number of precautions drivers can take before getting on the road this winter.
Maintaining a vehicle is important yearround, but autumn is the best time to touch base on various key components, according to Rob Brandt, an executive at Bill Brandt Ford in Brentwood. Brandt says the most important things to service when preparing a vehicle for winter conditions in California are the windshield wipers, tires and brakes.
♦ Check your tires
“Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare more frequently in fall and winter,” The American Automobile Association (AAA) says in its winter checklist. “As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures — typically by one PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper tire pressure levels can be found in
the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb.”
Underinflated tires can lead to a blowout if the vehicle hits an obstacle, such as a pothole, and can make it more difficult to come to a stop on slippery roads. Worn-down tread on tires can also contribute to difficulty stopping as well as an increased risk of hydroplaning or losing control of the vehicle on a wet surface. The easiest way to check tread is to use a penny. If the penny is held in the groove of the tire with Abraham Lincoln inserted into the tread headfirst and his entire head is visible, the tread is too low and the tire should be replaced as soon as possible. If Lincoln’s head is at least partly obscured when inserted into the groove, then the tire has an
acceptable amount of tread. Spare tires should also be checked for proper tread depth before a situation arises in which the spare is needed.
For more about tires, see page 4B
♦ Replace your windshield wipers
Replacing windshield wiper blades is one of the simplest checks that Brandt recommends before winter because it is one most drivers can do themselves. The rubber components that repel water can be made brittle by the summer sun and result in ineffective blades that streak or leave behind droplets, reducing visibility.
“Wintertime is a good time to change wiper blades for visibility,” Brandt says. “We don’t get as much rain as other states here, but it’s good to stay on top of that.”
For drivers who are unable to change the wiper blades themselves, auto parts stores often provide this service free of charge.
♦ Check your brakes and brake pads
Even with properly maintained tires, coming to a stop safely on a slippery road requires a vehicle with brakes in good condition. Worn-down brake pads increase stopping distance regardless of season, Kelley Blue Book warns on its website. Worn-down pads and slippery winter roadways are a combination that can lead to traffic accidents if brakes are not maintained. A squeaking or grinding metal-on-metal sound when brakes are applied is the most common indicator that pads need to be replaced, but the vehicle pulling to one side while braking or a rumbling in the pedal can also be indicators of needed service, the website says.
For more about brakes, see page 7B
♦ Test your battery
In addition to the three winter preparedness tips suggested by Brandt, AAA’s own winter care checklist recommends drivers check their car’s battery, as colder weather can cause a battery with a weak charge to struggle.
“Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician,” the checklist says. “A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.”
The rest of AAA’s winter checklist can be found at https://bit.ly/3BCgMAA
JAKE MENEZ
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
Autumn is a good time to undertake preventative car maintenance ahead of the rainy winter season, according to experts.
Do your tires need to be replaced? Tyler Smith, manager of the Brentwood Les Schwab Tire Center, has tips to extend the lifespan of your tires and how you can determine whether it’s time to change them or keep on driving.
Tire rotation?
“Tires wear in special ways depending on where they are located on your vehicle,” Smith said. “If they are in the front, they are going to wear the inside and outside edges more. If they are in the rear, they are going to wear the centers more.”
Tire rotation is the moving of the front wheels to the back of the vehicle and the back wheels to the front so that the tires wear out evenly. Tires that aren’t rotated can wear out twice as fast as those that are rotated, Smith said thhe average mileage a set of tires can handle is about 60,000 miles, but a set that has not been rotated will wear out at about 30,000 miles. It is recommended to have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles. Les Schwab also offers a full safety check with every tire rotation.
Signs of worn-out tires?
Smith warned of certain signs that indicate your tires will need to be replaced. Les Schwab tire technicians use a color coded tire depth gauge tool that measures the depth of a tire’s tread. If the gauge indicates a green colored depth measurement, the tires are still good. Yellow indicates a tire is wearing out and will need replacement soon. Red indicates the tire is worn out and
needs immediate replacement.
Smith mentioned other ways of checking your tires at home. Most tires are sold with a tire wear bar that gives drivers a visual indication of a tire’s wear. In between the tread of a tire are bars that stick up from the case of the tire, those are the wear bars. If the tread of the tire is close to being at an even level with the wear bars, then it’s time to consider buying a new set of tires.
Smith also mentioned an old-school trick that has been around for decades called the “Penny Test.” Grab a penny and turn it upside down with Abraham Lincoln’s face facing you, and place it in between the tread of your tire. If the tread of your tire covers the top of Lincoln’s head, your tire may need replacing soon. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then your tire needs immediate replacement.
Choose theright tires?
There are various models and brands of tires to choose from. Choosing the right ones depends on your needs from your vehicle and what type of tire you are willing to pay for.
“It’s all situational. At Les Schwab, we like to ask questions,” Smith said. “What are you using the vehicle for? How long are you planning on keeping the vehicle? Where are you driving the vehicle? And our recommendation might differ depending on what you’re using it for.”
An example Smith used, was a driver who likes to go skiing often will be recommended All-Season tires that have better traction on snow than average road tires.
Smith also said that entry-level tires are cheaper than premium tires. However they have less tread than the premium options, giving them a shorter lifespan. Premium tires also offer other advantages when compared
to baseline tires such as a more comfortable and quieter ride, as well as better traction and braking.
“With a premium-based tire you can expect a longer lifetime,” commented Smith on the differences between premium and entry level tires. “It’s just the technology of the tires. When you go from your baseline setup to your premium (setup), you get a little bit more.”
One pair of tires or an entire set?
Depending on the type of vehicle you have and the condition of your tires determines whether you need to replace a pair of tires or an entire set.
If you drive a front-wheel or rearwheel drive car, most common in sedans and sports cars, you may only need to replace the pair of tires that is sent power to when you accelerate.
If your vehicle is all-wheel drive, most common in SUVs and trucks, meaning that power is sent to all four tires when you accelerate, then it’s best to replace the entire set of tires.
“It all depends on how the tires are doing at the time,” said Smith on what conditions determine the type of tire replacement. “On most vehicles, we recommend doing at least a pair at a time.”
Les Schwab Locations: 6361 Lone Tree Wy., Brentwood 925- 513-3432
89 Carol Ln., Oakley, 925-625-4532 lesschwab.com
To view a video interview, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
A young person’s first car — how
etting a driver’s license is a major rite of passage in a young person’s life. The next natural step is finding a vehicle to get around town. These guidelines can make car shopping for young drivers go smoothly.
Budget: Cost is a concern when buying a vehicle. Calculate how much the teen will be contributing and how much parents may be putting into the equation. Check with the financing department to determine if a teen is eligible to take out a loan. If not, a loan might need to be co-signed by an adult. Insurance costs also must be considered. Certain vehicles are more expensive to insure than others, so finding
one that won’t break the bank to insure is a good idea.
Safety: The automotive experts at AAA note that teenagers are among the riskiest drivers due to their inexperience, so it’s important to choose a vehicle that gets high safety marks. Features to look for include automatic emergency braking, side-crash prevention systems, lane departure, blind spot alerts, and other accident prevention options. Midsize sedans are safe and easy enough to maneuver, and they have shorter braking distances than most SUVs.
New or preowned: Both new and preowned vehicles have various pros and cons. It may be difficult for a teen to afford a new car and make monthly payments, but new cars often come with warranties and other protections. Preowned cars may not have all of the safety features of newer vehicles, but many are certified preowned, which gives buyers some
peace of mind in case service work is needed. Also, parents may not be so worried about teens dinging up a used vehicle rather than one right out of the showroom.
Reliability: It may be tempting to purchase the least expensive vehicle, but price should not always be the deciding factor. Reliability should be a major consideration. Check that the vehicle (if purchasing a preowned) has not been in any major accidents that necessitated extensive repairs. Also, certain brands are known to stand the test of time better than others. Research makes and models through Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book to determine which vehicles boast such a reputation.
For more information about new and used cars from local dealers, call Winter Chevrolet at (925) 439-8222 or Bill Brandt Ford at (925) 634-3551.
New tech upgrades can make your drive more comfortable
echnology has dramatically changed the way people live, and has increasingly changed how they drive as well. While power windows were once coveted as high-tech features, the sophisticated technology available in modern cars and trucks can make earlier tech seem like child’s play.
While some vehicle technology is designed to keep you safe, other tech is all about comfort and convenience. The following are five options to consider when purchasing your next vehicle.
Telematics
Telematics is a system that can remotely monitor many components of a vehicle’s diagnostics and driver behavior. While this telecommunications technology already is implemented in delivery, towing and public transportation industries, it can be utilized in the private market to track live weather conditions, traffic, parking lot information, fuel consumption, and battery power.
Temperaturecontrolled seats
While most drivers are already familiar with heated seats, many vehicles now come equipped with cooled seats as well. These seats can make it more comfortable to drive on hot days and improve air flow in the car as they work in conjunction with vehicle heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Cooled seats can be expensive and will add weight to a vehicle, so they may be best for heavy sedans, SUVs and light trucks.
Second- and thirdrow USB ports
USB ports for second- and third-row passengers is essential when moving an SUV full of kids or taking a road trip with the family.
Wireless phone charging
Electronic devices have been going wireless for years, and the newest crop of wireless technology is wireless phone chargers. The online tech resource CNET says wireless charging pads have become ubiquitous in offices and homes, but now they’re becoming useful tools inside cars. Portable charging pads can plug into the automobile auxiliary power DC outlet. For example, the X-Doria Defense Helix wireless car charging mount with RoboGrip has powered “robotic” arms that automatically open when you place your phone near the charger and then clamp shut after you dock it. Wireless charging pads are built into vehicles manufactured by Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz, and may soon be standard technology on more cars and trucks.
Apple CarPlay
Mobile phone users tend to fall into two distinct camps: those who prefer iPhones and those who rave about Android offerings. Many car manufactures have realized consumers want CarPlay (and Android Auto) built standard into their vehicles. These apps allow drivers to access their most-used apps conveniently without an extra learning curve for manufacturerspecific driver assist apps.
– Courtesy of
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
Various vehicle technology features can improve comfort and convenience in modern cars and trucks.
Various signs may indicate it is time to replace a vehicle’s brakes.
ach component of a
performs an
function that ensures the car runs safely and soundly. A working brake system is vital to vehicle safety, so any issues affecting the brakes merit attention. Fortunately, there are various warning signs that indicate to vehicle owners it is time to replace brakes.
♦ Grinding sound : Sun Auto Service says a deep grinding metal sound indicates that brakes are wearing down. Brake pads typically come equipped with tiny metal ridges on the bottom of the pads to alert the driver that the pads have worn down. Continuing to drive like this will put metal on metal, which can damage the rotors.
♦ Squealing sound : Some brake pads have built-in wear indicators. A driver may notice a squealing, screeching or whining noise when the brakes are
engaged, says Bridgestone. Grinding or squealing often indicates that the brakes need to be replaced.
♦ Pulling to one side: When braking, drivers might notice the car pulling over to one side. This indicates brake pads are unevenly worn out, causing the car to pull to one side when braking.
♦ Visible wear and tear: A visual inspection of the brakes can give drivers an idea of their condition. If the pads are less than a quarter-inch thick, it is time to have them inspected or replaced.
♦ Brake pedal vibration: When brakes are working properly, the vehicle will smoothly slow to a stop. If the brakes are worn out or if the rotors are damaged, the break pedal can vibrate and the car may even buck as it comes to a stop. This means the brakes and possibly the rotors will need to be changed.
♦ Failure to stop: Of course, a clear indication that it could be time to replace the brakes is if the car does not respond promptly to braking when the brake pedal is pressed. A soft brake pedal or longer stop times might mean brake fluid is low or may indicate the need for a brake replacement.
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
