Auto Insurance | Boizelle Insurance Partnership - Page 8

Does My Auto Insurance Policy Cover Stolen Cars?

Nobody ever wants to have their car stolen, but the truth is that there are bad people out there in the world just itching for the perfect opportunity to commit crimes. If it happens to you, here are a few essentials that you should know:

Auto insurance does typically cover stolen vehicles, but it does depend on the type of coverage you have on your auto policy.

Comprehensive Coverage: This is the type of insurance that typically covers theft. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision-related incidents, including theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. If your car is stolen and you have comprehensive coverage, you should be able to file a claim with your insurance company to get compensation for the loss.

Collision Coverage: This type of coverage is for damage to your car resulting from a collision, not theft. So, this kind of coverage will not help you in the event of your car being stolen.

Liability Coverage: This covers damages to others if you’re at fault in an accident but does not cover theft or damage to your own vehicle.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This helps if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, but it doesn’t cover theft.

If your car is stolen, you should report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process and help determine the compensation based on the value of your vehicle and the specifics of your policy.

It’s very important that you report your car being stolen immediately the police and to your insurance company. If your car is recovered, a claims adjuster will assess the damage and determine the cost of repairing it.

Comprehensive coverage can help pay for the any damages to your car while it was out of your possession. You would still be responsible for your deductible. If your insurance company deems your car to be a total loss, you will receive the actual cash value of your car minus your deductible.

You should ask your insurance professional how many days you will be covered for a rental car under your current auto insurance policy.

How Do I Prevent My Car From Overheating?

Preventing your car from overheating involves a mix of regular maintenance and mindful driving habits. Here are some steps to help keep your car cool:

1. Check Coolant Levels: Regularly check and top off your coolant (antifreeze) levels. Your car’s manual will provide the correct type and ratio of coolant to use.
2. Inspect the Radiator and Hoses: Ensure that the radiator and hoses are in good condition. Look for leaks, cracks, or wear and tear. Replace any damaged parts promptly.
3. Test the Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant. If it’s stuck closed, it can cause overheating. Have it tested and replaced if necessary.
4. Maintain the Radiator: Keep the radiator clean and free from debris. A clogged radiator can hinder heat dissipation. Consider having it flushed periodically to remove any buildup.
5. Check the Water Pump: The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. If it’s malfunctioning, it can lead to overheating. Watch for any signs of leaks or unusual noises.
6. Monitor the Cooling Fan: Ensure that the cooling fan is functioning properly. It should kick on when the engine gets hot. If it doesn’t, it might need a replacement or repair.
7. Avoid Overloading: Don’t overload your vehicle or tow more than it’s rated for. Excessive strain can increase engine temperatures.
8. Drive Wisely: Avoid aggressive driving and high speeds, especially on hot days. Allow your car to warm up before driving hard and keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
9. Check the Radiator Cap: Make sure the radiator cap is in good condition and properly sealed. A faulty cap can cause coolant to escape and lead to overheating.
10. Watch for Warning Signs: If you notice steam, a hot engine smell, or the temperature gauge rising, pull over safely and turn off the engine. Let it cool down before checking for issues.

Regular maintenance and timely repairs can go a long way in preventing overheating and keeping your car running smoothly.

What should I do if my car overheats?

1. Pull over safely: As soon as you notice the temperature gauge rising or see steam, find a safe place to pull over. Turn off the engine to prevent further damage.
2. Wait for the Engine to Cool: Allow the engine to cool down before opening the hood. This can take roughly 20-30 minutes. Opening the hood while the engine is hot can cause burns from steam or hot coolant.
3. Check Coolant Levels: Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant level in the radiator and the coolant reservoir. Be very careful—if you need to open the radiator cap, make sure the engine is completely cool to avoid injury from hot steam or coolant.
4. Add Coolant If Necessary: If the coolant level is low, add the appropriate type of coolant to the radiator or reservoir. Use a mixture of water and coolant if you don’t have pre-mixed coolant. Only add coolant to a cool engine to avoid a dangerous reaction.
5. Check for Leaks: Inspect the area under the car and around the engine for any signs of coolant leaks. If you see a puddle or any signs of leakage, it might indicate a more serious problem.
6. Restart the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes while monitoring the temperature gauge. If the temperature continues to rise, turn off the engine again and wait for it to cool down.
7. Seek Professional Help: If you cannot determine the cause of the overheating or if the issue persists after adding coolant, call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. Driving with an overheating engine can cause severe damage.
8. Check Other Fluids: While waiting for the engine to cool, you might want to check the oil level and other fluids to ensure they are at proper levels, as low oil can also contribute to overheating.
9. Avoid Driving Until Repaired: Once the engine has cooled and you’ve added coolant, if the car seems to be running normally, avoid driving long distances until you’ve had the issue checked by a mechanic.

Overheating can be caused by various issues such as a faulty thermostat, water pump failure, radiator issues, or even a failed cooling fan. It’s essential to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair the problem to ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable.

Vehicle Maintenance That Is Often Overlooked

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, there are several areas that people oftentimes overlook. Here are some common ones:

1 . Tire Pressure: Many drivers forget to regularly check their tire pressure, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased risk of blowouts.

2. Wheel Alignment: Proper wheel alignment is essential for safe driving and even tire wear. If your vehicle pulls to one side or you notice uneven tire wear, it may be time for an alignment.

3 . Fluid levels: Beyond just checking oil levels, it’s important to regularly check other fluids such as transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid.

4 . Air Filter: A dirty air filter can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. It’s recommended to check and replace the air filter regularly, typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

5 . Battery Health: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they are securely connected. Additionally, have the battery tested regularly, especially if it’s more than a few years old.

6 . Brake Inspection: Don’t wait until you hear squealing or grinding noises to check your brakes. Regularly inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluids to ensure safe stopping.

7 . Suspension System: Over time, components of the suspension system such as shocks and struts can wear out, affecting ride comfort and handling. Regular inspections catch issues early.

8. Lights and Signals: Check all exterior lights including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace any bulbs that are burnt out.
9. Timing Belt/Chain: If your vehicle has a timing belt (some have timing chains), it’s important to replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule to avoid engine damage.
10. Cabin Air Filter: This filter keeps the air inside your vehicle clean. If it’s clogged or dirty, it can affect the performance of your heating and air conditioning system.

Regular maintenance and inspections of these areas can help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.

Benefits of Having a Dashcam

A dashcam, short for dashboard camera, is a compact video camera mounted on the dashboard or windshield of a vehicle, typically facing forward to record the road ahead. Dashcams are designed to continuously record footage while driving, capturing everything that happens in front of the vehicle.

The primary purpose of a dashcam is to provide evidence in the event of accidents, collisions, or other incidents on the road. The footage recorded by the dashcam can help clarify what happened and who was at fault, which can be crucial for insurance claims, legal proceedings, or resolving disputes. Dashcams can also protect drivers from various types of fraud, such as staged accidents or false insurance claims.

Some dashcams also come with additional features such as GPS tracking, G-sensor technology (which detects sudden movements or impacts), loop recording (automatically overwriting old footage to conserve storage space), and parking mode (which records footage even when the vehicle is parked).

Overall, dashcams serve as a valuable tool for enhancing safety, providing evidence, and offering peace of mind for drivers.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to see what exactly happened just from looking at the damage on the vehicles. Sometimes a witness’s memory may lapse or fail to recall the correct sequence of events in a moment of high stress. And, unfortunately, sometimes people lie. Having the use of a dashcam gives claims experts indisputable evidence of what happened at the scene of an accident or collision. This also helps insurance companies settle claims faster.

The benefit of being an impartial witness is not exclusive to just accidents you are involved in. Your dashcam may provide assistance to someone else who needs help settling their own dispute with another driver.

Having a dashcam monitor your vehicle actually makes people drive more cautiously. If you have a teenage who drivers your car frequently, it can help encourage them to drive more carefully and to develop safer driving habits.