Category: Auto Insurance

Our vehicles do a lot for us everyday. They get us from point A to point B, they are a place where we make memories with friends and family, they show off our personal style. We rely on our vehicles everyday, but they also rely on us to keep them maintained and in good working condition.

One part of the car that gets the most wear and tear is the tires. Without these four round tubes of rubber our vehicles wouldn’t make it very far. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest things to maintain on your car so you catch problems before they land you on the side of the road.

Checking the Tire Tread

Even if you aren’t a master mechanic you can still identify problems with your tires if you know what to look for and what different types of wear patterns mean. Use this quick checklist to determine if your tires or car are in need of repair.

•  Toe Wear – If the inner or outer portion of the tire is more work than the rest of the tread this is called toe wear. This is usually caused by the car being out of alignment.
• Camber Wear – Similar to toe wear but more extreme, camber wear can occur when the tire leans inward or outward causing heavy wear on the inner or outer portion of the tire. This indicates there may be problems with a strut, spring, spindle, control arm brushing or the suspension.
• Center Wear – If the center of your tire tread is more worn than the sides this is indicative of an overinflated tire. The proper pressure should be listed on the side of the tire so that you can make the necessary adjustments.
• Outer Edge Wear – If both outer edges are more worn than the center under inflation is most likely the problem. Again, use the pressure listing on the side of the tire to gauge proper inflation when airing the tires up.
• Patchy Wear – If there are patches of wear in different spots the tires are likely out of balance. To help equalize the wear have the tires spun and rotated by a mechanic.
• Cupping Wear – If you see diagonal grooves this indicates a more serious issue in the suspension of the car. It should be brought into a mechanic to be checked out ASAP.
• Normal Wear – If your tread is wearing evenly across the whole tire this is considered normal wear. It’s not uncommon for the front wheels to wear faster on front-wheel drive vehicles and for the back tires to wear quicker on rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Tires should be checked regularly to ensure there is no abnormal wear occurring. Getting your tires rotated every 5,000-8,000 miles (or as suggested in your vehicle’s owners manual) will help to keep tires wearing evenly.

Checking the Tire Pressure

As stated above the tire pressure can have a serious effect on the performance of the tire and the wear that it receives. Too much or too little pressure can cause the tires to wear out faster, affect fuel efficiency and lead to safety concerns.

Getting the tire pressure just right only takes a few minutes and is easier than you may think. All you need is an inexpensive air gauge that measures pounds per square inch and an air source, which you should be able to find at most gas stations.

Step 1. Take the time of year into consideration. The temperature outside and current weather conditions are going to affect how much air pressure you need. When it’s cold out the air pressure drops so you may need to be more diligent about keeping tires aired up during the winter months.

Step 2. Check the air pressure when the tires are cold. If you’ve been driving more than a mile or tw on the tires they are going to warm up, which causes them swell.

Step 3. Figure out the proper PSI. There are several ways to find out what PSI is best for your vehicle’s tires. The information can be listed in your owner’s manual, the driver’s side door or on the tires themselves. Never go 5 PSI above or below the recommended amount.

Step 4. Check the PSI. Place the gauge on the tire’s valve stem, which is located on the side of the tire. Press the gauge firmly into the valve. This will cause air to release momentarily, but as soon as it is fully within the valve the airflow will stop and you’ll get a reading. Check the pressure of all four tires, and note which ones need air.

Step 5. Adjust the Tire Pressure. Before dropping a few quarters in the gas station air machine remove the caps on all four tires. When adding air fit the nozzle completely over the stem. Air will escape until the nozzle is firmly in place. If the nozzle has a handle squeeze it in to add air to the tires. Remove the nozzle frequently to check the pressure with the gauge until you get within 5 PSI of the ideal amount. Once all four tires are properly aired up replace the caps and you’re good to go!

Properly maintaining your car is an important part of keeping safe on the road. And driving safe is the best way to keep your car insurance rates as low as possible. Give us a call today to discover more ways to keep your premiums low.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rpstanton/3125309175/

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/check-tires-wear-air

During the holidays there are a lot of ways you can safeguard yourself against car problems while you’re on the road. But no matter how carefully you inspect your car for winter incidents can still occur when you least expect them. There’s only one surefire way to ensure you don’t get stranded – roadside assistance.

The Need for Roadside Assistance is Greater During the Winter

There’s never a good time for a breakdown. But during the cold winter months a simple car problem can become an emergency situation. Exposure to the elements is much more severe so getting back indoors as quickly as possible can be critical.

Plus, with all the additional holiday travel you’re more likely to breakdown for the simple fact that you’re on the road more. Likewise, a breakdown could cause you to miss a flight or delay a trip altogether. For these reasons, roadside assistance is all the more important during the winter months.

Getting Roadside Assistance on Your Auto Insurance

There’s a chance that roadside assistance is already covered on your comprehensive auto insurance policy. Before signing up for a service look through your policy and call the provider if you have any questions. Sometimes it’s included and other times it can be added on as an additional service. Companies like Allstate offer a selection of roadside assistance plans that vary in cost and offer a wide range of services.

If you get a flat tire, run out of gas or get in an accident all you’ll have to do is call your insurance company or contact them through a mobile app and they’ll get a tow truck to you ASAP.

Other Roadside Assistance Options

Here are other ways to get a roadside assistance plan. Carefully weigh not only the price but also the reliability of the service.

• Car manufacturers – When you buy a car from a dealer roadside assistance may be included or could be added for an additional expense. One thing to watch out for is they may only tow the vehicle to the nearest dealership.
• Cellular service providers – A number of mobile providers are now offering roadside assistance. But do be aware that the phone with the plan may have to be in the vehicle or you may not be able to use the service.
• Credit card companies – These companies offer a lot of inventive incentive programs and rewards, one of which is roadside assistance. Check with your providers to see if the service is included.
• Auto Clubs – AAA is the best known of the auto clubs. You usually have to pay an annual membership, however Allstate’s Good Hands Roadside Assistance includes options where you only pay per use of the service.

Preparation is important, but knowing that you have a reliable backup is the ultimate way to ensure you’re prepared to handle a breakdown. Because you never know what will put you on the side of the road, the more comprehensive and flexible your roadside assistance plan is the better. Read over the fine print carefully looking for what types of incidents are included and what stipulations or limitation could hinder a roadside rescue.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iversonic/1111281343/

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/use-road-side-assistance-safety-net

 

There’s lots of things that we do in preparation for the cold winter months: stock up on fire wood, get the winter clothing out from storage, service the furnace, drain hoses and sprinkler systems. In Texas, where most of the state experiences moderate winter weather, it can be easy for us to forget about one important preparation – getting our cars ready for the cold.

Low temps can do a number on our vehicles so give them a little extra attention to keep them going strong all winter long.

Tips for Keeping Cars Up to Speed During Cold Months

Check the Antifreeze

Antifreeze keeps your engine at the proper temperature during the winter months. As the name suggests it keeps it from freezing. However, if you don’t have the proper amount or the antifreeze is old it can’t do its job properly. Check the antifreeze to make sure it’s properly filled and consult the owners manual to see how often the radiator needs to be flushed and refilled.

Replace Old Batteries

In general the cold can cause strain on batteries leading older ones to lose some of their charge. Batteries that are over 5 years old are more likely to freeze up if it drops below 32° F. If this happens it will kill the battery and leave you stranded. Take it to an auto repair shop to test the load if it’s more than a year old. A full battery won’t freeze no matter how old it is. Also check to make sure the connections are free of corrosion and rust.

Look for Cracked or Worn Belts and Hoses

Take a look under the hood and inspect all the hoses and belts. If they are cracked or worn the cold weather will only make it worse. If the rubber doesn’t look good it’s time to replace the hose or belt.

Switch to Thinner Oil

Many car makers say your oil should be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but cold and hot weather can lower its lifespan. For the average driver that means your oil should be changed about twice a year. That’s perfect timing for making adjustments for the seasons.

When it starts to get cold switch to thinner oil. Temperature has a huge bearing on the viscosity. Higher temperatures will make oil thinner and vice versa. So in times of lower temps thinner oil should be used for proper lubrication. Check you manual for precise oil weight advice.

Check Your Windshield Wipers

Unlike the summer time, you can usually expect a decent amount of rain and even snow during the winter months in Texas. Windshield wipers that are worn out or dried out won’t be as effective at keeping things visible. Inspect them carefully and replace the wipers if needed. Also check the fluid and top it off if it’s getting low.

Air Up Your Tires

Air pressure drops just like the temperature does during winter. This can dramatically affect the fuel economy and handling. Check your tire pressure when they’re cold, not after driving around. Use the owner’s manual to determine the correct tire pressure then keep an eye on things throughout the winter. While you’re checking the pressure examine the tread and side walls as well.

Test Your Defroster

The defroster is critical for keeping maximum visibility. Check it out to make sure it’s working properly along with the car’s heater.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/metaviews/4368137636/

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/getting-car-ready-winter-cold

Two days from now motorcyclist can rejoice in their favorite pastime during Go for a Ride Day. The unofficial holiday gives you good reason to get out and simply enjoy the open road. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the last bit of fall before winter officially sets in and the holidays take hold.

But before you put the rubber to the road put safety first.

Conduct a Proper Motorcycle Safety Inspection

If you took a motorcycle safety course you may remember the section about safety inspections. Be honest, do you check everything out before each ride? This time be sure to give everything a once over. Check your:

• Lights – headlight, taillight, brake light and blinkers
• Fluids – oil, hydraulic fluids and coolant
• Tires – check the pressure and look for wear and tear
• Mirrors – adjust them before heading out
• Brakes – both the front and the back brake should be firm
• Clutch – should move smoothly but feel tight
• Throttle – should roll back smoothly and snap in place once released
• Horn – make sure its loud and clear

One last thing – check the weather before heading out. Knowing what to expect from the weather can help you prepare with the right protective gear.

Make Sure Your Motorcycle Insurance is Up-to-Date

Once people get motorcycle insurance some go into set it and forget it mode. Like all your insurance policies, keeping your motorcycle insurance up-to-date is the smartest route to take. Here are a few scenarios when you definitely want to take another look at your policy to make sure it’s adequate.

• You got a new motorcycle
• You added accessories to your bike
• You’re interested in roadside assistance
• You’ve got a partner riding on back but no Personal Injury Protection
• You’re taking a trip and your bike is taking you there
• You plan to visit our international neighbors to the south or north

Adequate motorcycle insurance is like protective gear for your bike. When you’re suiting up with your leathers and helmet make sure your motorcycle is covered too.

Dangers to Watch Out for on Go for a Ride Day

• Don’t let your relaxing ride get derailed by these dangers.
• This celebration of everything with wheels will bring out more drivers than normal. You’ll need to be extra precautious watching out for others.
• Plot out your path beforehand to avoid any unexpected issues like road construction. In a place like central Texas construction is a constant roadblock.
• The holiday season is right around the corner, but there could be people getting merry a little early.
• Deer can dart out in front of a bike just as easily as a car. They are in abundance in the Austin area, and November is the month with the most deer-related accidents.

There’s a popular cyclist saying “Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.” Have fun doing a little safe soul searching this Go for a Ride Day.

Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/safely-celebrate-go-ride-day-motorcycle

Sometimes it’s not the other cars on the road that pose the biggest threat. Traveling down Texas roads you can come across a variety of animals that don’t know to stay out of the road. When that happens, knowing how to handle things from the get go can save you time and potential injury.

Right After the Accident

Once you’ve pulled over and/or put your hazard lights on here’s what you should do:

Call animal control – If the animal is still alive, first call animal control so that they can help it in any way they can.

 

Call the police – Even if another car isn’t involved, if you hit an animal you need to report it. It will also help during the claims process.

Don’t get out of the car if you hit a bear or boar – These animals, as well as deer, are very dangerous and can withstand a hit from a car. Instead stay in your car and call the police.

Contact the owner of a pet – If you hit a cat or dog check to see if it’s wearing a collar. If so look for contact info so you can get a hold of the owner. If the animal is still alive get it to a vet ASAP.

Assess the damage – Once the animal has been taken care of, take a look at your vehicle to determine what, if any, damage has been done. When you call your insurance company (see below) this is one of the first things they will ask about.

Take pictures – If you have a smart phone or a camera handy take pictures of the damage at the scene where the accident occurred. If you are an unable to do it then, take pictures ASAP before getting your car washed.

Call your insurance company – Call your auto insurance agent right away to let them know what has happened. Give them as much information as possible and get an email address to send the pictures to. Your agent will inform you of the next steps that need to be taken.

If You Only Have Liability Insurance

In Texas it’s only required that drivers carry liability insurance. Unfortunately, this type of insurance doesn’t cover the damage that happens when you hit an animal. Comprehensive car insurance offers assistance for animal-related accidents as it is usually considered a “no fault” collision.

If you only have liability insurance it will be up to you on how you proceed with getting your car repaired, and you’ll have to cover all the expenses.

The Claims Process After Hitting an Animal with Your Car

Unlike most car accidents you won’t have to contact the other party to get the claim handled. This can help things go a lot faster, however getting back to your agent in a timely is also important.

The first thing you should do is supply your insurance company with all the pertinent information – pictures, police report, statements from passengers, etc. This will make the claims process go a lot smoother.

Prepare to pay the deductible. It’s not uncommon for the insured person to have to first pay the deductible if the damage is over that amount. The good news is the deductible may be smaller for this type of accident compared to others.

Next you’ll have to take the vehicle into a shop for an estimate of the damage. An insurance appraiser may also come out to take a look at the damage.

Finally, arrange for a rental car to pick you up at the shop whenever you drop the vehicle off to be repaired. Your insurance company will likely cover the cost, so work with them to get everything scheduled.

Animal-related accidents are much more common than one may think. Around a million deer alone are hit each year by drivers. Handling things correctly at the time of the accident can make a huge difference in how easy it is to get everything taken care of and your car back to normal.

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/happens-hit-animal-car

Here in Central Texas a hailstorm can strike just about any time of year. You’ve probably seen the hail sales at car lots after a big storm. It’s a good opportunity for car shoppers to get a deal, but a bad circumstance for everyone else.

Hail can put a dent in the value of your vehicle along with a lot of literal ones all over the body. If your car or truck got caught uncovered during a hailstorm here’s how your Texas auto insurance can help.

Do You Have Comprehensive Coverage?

The first thing to do is check your car insurance policy if you’re uncertain whether or not hail damage is covered. If you only have liability coverage then you’ll be out of luck. This only covers damage related to an automobile accident.

If you have comprehensive coverage there’s a good chance that hail damage is covered by your insurance. Go ahead and call your insurance agent to let them know the situation. You’ll need to file a claim with the insurance company. It’s best to take pictures of the damage so you can submit them when you file.

What Kinds of Hail Damage Car Insurance Will Cover

The good news is that the damage caused by hail is cosmetic. It won’t affect the operational use of your car. You’ll be able to drive it around, it just won’t be pretty.

The most common types of damage that occur to cars during a hailstorm is paint and body damage as well as cracks to the windshield. You’ll probably notice small to large dents mostly on the roof and hood. This may or may not be accompanied by chips and scratches to the paint. Depending on the extent of the damage, there are a number of fixes that can be utilized to get your car back to looking like it did before.

You’ll need to begin the repair process by finding a reputable body shop. Check to see if your insurance company has preferred shops or if the choice is completely up to you. The shop can give you an estimate and discuss the repairs with you and your insurance company. You can also opt to take the car by more than one shop and compare offers.

Typically the shop will use Paintless Dent Removal (PDR), hammer out the dents and repaint the metal or completely replace sections of the car.

If the dents aren’t too severe and the paint isn’t already damaged PDR will be used. With this method dents are corrected from underneath and the paint isn’t affected. However, for large or numerous dents PDR won’t be a viable option.

In extreme cases the car may be deemed totaled. Hail damage repair can cost thousands of dollars and if it costs more than the value of your car brace yourself for a total loss.

Related Out of Pocket Expenses

While the cost of the repairs will be covered by your car insurance, you’ll have to first pay the deductible. It will likely be much less than the repairs, but something worth considering if you have a high deductible.

You may also have to pay out of pocket for a rental car. Repairing hail damage isn’t extremely time consuming, but because a number of cars get damaged during a storm it may take the shop longer than normal to get to your car.

Image Source: continentalcollisioncenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/hail-damage.jpg
Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/handle-hail-damage-car

Last year thousands of people in the northeast were caught off guard when Superstorm Sandy pounded into the region creating millions of dollars worth of damage to property, including cars that were swept up in the storm surge. A flood can strike when you least expect it and do serious damage in a matter of minutes. From hurricanes to flash floods during heavy rains, here in Texas water damage is not an uncommon occurrence.

You might have flood insurance for your home, but is you car covered?

How Floods Can Damage Cars

Car owners are often much more concerned about collisions and accidents, but water can cause much more damage to a vehicle. Driving through a downpour is one thing, having water flood your car is quite another. Here is a list of the parts that are commonly damaged or destroyed from flooding.

• Starters
• Alternators
• Motors for windows and wipers
• Electrical connections
• Batteries
• Computer units
• Engine – it can be salvaged if cleaned and treated soon after submersion in fresh water.
• Filters
• Transmission
• Clutches
• Wheel bearings
• Oils, Fluids and Fuel – if water has mixed with any oils, fluids or fuel it will need to be drained and replaced.
• Interior – will need to be cleaned at the very least, and possibly replaced.
• Airbags
• Seatbelts

Salt water is typically going to cause more severe damage than fresh water. Oftentimes if any water enters the car and floods it up to the dash it will be beyond repair and deemed totaled. That’s why it’s critical for car owners, especially those in areas with flood plains, to make sure their Austin auto insurance will cover flood damage. Here’s how.

Make Sure Your Car is Flood Covered

First, review your current car insurance policy. Does it provide comprehensive coverage or just liability? Liability insurance is legally required, however comprehensive car insurance is not.

Liability insurance covers you in the event that you get in an accident with another car. That’s about the extent of it. Comprehensive coverage, however, protects you from an array of other types of incidents including natural disasters, break-ins and theft. If you want to be covered for flood damage a comprehensive plan is a must.

Prices for comprehensive car insurance vary from state to state and from company to company. Typically, the cost for this additional coverage is more affordable than people think – usually around $100-200 more a year.

If you’re interested in adding comprehensive coverage to your car insurance give Biscoe Insurance Group a call and one of their reputable agents will be happy to provide more information.

Image Source: carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/flood_damaged_car_sales_warning
Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/why-protecting-your-car-from-flood-damage-is-more-important-than-you-think

Ready to hit the open road on a cruiser or sport bike? Texas is a great state for motorcycle enthusiasts of all skill levels. If you’re a beginner there’s plenty of reasons to take the Basic Rider Course including an opportunity to lower your premium on Austin motorcycle insurance.

The Basic RiderCourse and Your Motorcycle License

Getting a class M license is a bit different than getting a standard driver’s license. If you haven’t gotten a class M license yet you’ll have to take the Basic Rider Course first. Once you pass the course you’ll earn a MSB-8 certificate of completion. The good news is if you’re over 18 years old and have an unrestricted driver’s license the certificate may exempt you from the DPS on-road test.

Special Circumstances:

· If you had an M class license but it expired you’ll need to take the Basic Rider Course.

· If you have a ‘J’ or ‘K’ restricted motorcycle you can take the on-cycle test at the DMV instead of the course.

· If you have a class M license from another state you can ride in Texas while visiting the state.

Taking the Basic RiderCourse

So you’ve decided that you want to sign up for the Basic RiderCourse, now what? With more than 200 course locations in Texas finding a location nearby shouldn’t be too difficult. The Texas DPS website has a tool to help you find Basic Rider Course locations.

What You’ll Pay

The price of the course will vary from one location to the next. However, there is a maximum of $195 that has been set by the state. The time of the week and month that you choose to take the course can affect the price. You also need to consider the price of gear in the overall cost. Helmets will be provided, but each student will need to have full-finger gloves, a jacket and riding boots.

When You Can Take The Course

Luckily, most facilities offer a lot of options for when you can take the Basic Rider Course. The course will be held over 2 to 3 days and encompass a total of 15 hours. Almost every facility holds weekend courses and most hold courses during the week as well.

What You’ll Learn

The Basic Rider Course is taught by trained professionals. Their main goal is to ensure that students become confident and familiar on a motorcycle so they can safely drive one. During the course you’ll learn:

· How to operate a motorcycle

· Avoiding dangerous situations

· How to get out of unavoidable, dangerous situations

By the end of the course students will be tested and gain skills that are comparable to a two-year rider level.

The Basic Rider Course and Your Motorcycle Insurance

Once you have passed the Basic Ride rCourse, passed the written test at the DMV, received your class M license and gotten a motorcycle now it’s time to shop for motorcycle insurance. Most insurance companies will offer discounts to riders that have successfully passed the Basic Rider Course. This gives them better assurance that you know how to properly operate a motorcycle and have been formally taught how to avoid dangerous situations that you harm you, your bike and/or others. Make sure to have proof of completion handy when discussing potential motorcycle insurance policies.

Image Source: motorcycleblog.net
Second Image Source: marinecorpstimes.com
Original Source: mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/take-a-certified-safety-course-to-lower-your-motorcycle-insurance-in-texas

Whenever a car recall is announced one of the first questions our car owners have is how will it affect their Austin auto insurance. Will having a car with a defect affect their rates? Will it bring down the value of their car?

These are legitimate concerns to have when a recall notice comes in the mail. On average there are approximately 200 car recalls a year that affects thousands of car owners. It’s best to be prepared by understanding how they affect your insurance now and in the future.

Will Recalls Affect My Insurance Rates?

A recall in and of itself shouldn’t affect your insurance rates. During Toyota’s massive ‘sticky accelerator’ recall in 2010 insurance companies across the country publicly reassured customers that the recall wouldn’t affect their insurance rates.

When recalls are made the manufacturer foots the bill, not the insurance company, and in the long run the repair should improve the car’s performance. That’s a good thing as far as your auto insurance rates go.

What if the Safety of the Car is Compromised?

Unlike recalls, the safety of a car is factored into your car insurance costs. If a recall has long-term affects on the safety of the car, even after being repaired, it could negatively impact your insurance rates. This isn’t typical, but is something that’s possible if a car ends up having multiple recalls and needs other repairs due to the recall issue.

What if the Value of My Vehicle Goes Down?

Value is also something that’s factored into the cost of insuring an automobile. If a recall is big enough, or gains enough negative attention, it could have a negative impact on the market value of the vehicle. While this is bad when it comes time to sell or trade-in, it may actually lower your monthly insurance premiums.

What If I Didn’t Buy My Car From the Maker or a Dealer?

If you purchased a car used from an individual you are still entitled to free repairs from the manufacturer. In fact, even if you buy used you can use the car’s VIN number to sign up for recall notices on the manufacturer’s website.

One thing to keep in mind is that car sellers of any kind don’t have to get recall repairs done prior to selling. So if you’re in the market for a new car do research first to find out if any recalls have been issued, then ask the seller for proof that the repairs have been made.

What if I Got Into an Accident Because of an Issue with the Car That Has Been Recalled?

If you get an accident because of a faulty part that has been recalled by the manufacturer then your insurance company can get the manufacturer to cover the costs. It was no fault of your own and they don’t have to pay for the repairs, therefore they don’t need to raise insurance rates to recoup the costs.

However, if you get a recall notice, fail to bring it in to get repaired and then get into an accident because of the recalled part there is a possibility that you will be held accountable. Err on the side of caution and always get the fix handled as soon as you receive the recall.

A recall isn’t an automatic car insurance increaser. However, you do need to be aware of how it could affect the safety and value of your car in the future, which will have some bearing on how much coverage costs.

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/how-recalls-can-affect-your-auto-insurance