Fun, Little-Known Car Insurance Facts To Know Before You Buy
When it comes to car insurance, not everything is as cut and dry as it seems. For instance, a few tidbits of information could help you save big on your policy. Additionally, making the assumption that your policy covers something in particular when it does not could end up being a costly mistake. Fortunately, there are a few car insurance facts that can assist you if you are seeking to update your policy.
The Key is NOT to Leave Your Keys
One particular common practice could put your vehicle at risk of automobile theft. It could also leave you stuck footing the bill for your stolen vehicle. It is not uncommon for people to turn on their vehicle in order to warm it up on cold winter mornings before heading to work. If you are among those individuals, you may want to reconsider your routine.
Although it is perfectly fine to warm up your vehicle, it becomes a problem if you happen to walk away from the car while it is warming up. Leaving your keys in the ignition while your car warms up unattended could get you in major trouble both with the law and your insurance company. Consider the fact that car theft caused by keys left in the ignition has been on the rise.
In 2012, approximately 5.4% of vehicle theft was because the keys were left in the ignition. That number rose to 6% as of 2013 and 6.7% in 2014. If you leave your keys in the ignition, you have managed to make your vehicle readily accessible to a thief, which could be an expensive mistake.
Some insurance companies will cover the theft of your vehicle even if you left the keys in the car. In fact, many comprehensive insurance plans will cover you in these instances. However, you should read the fine print. The policy may have something that indicates you are not covered in the event that you are somehow responsible for the theft, which includes leaving your keys in the ignition.
You should also check with your local and state laws regarding keys left in the ignition. In some states, it is illegal for you to leave the keys dangling so temptingly from the ignition. For example, in Texas, you could face a Class C misdemeanor and a fine ranging up to $500. If it is illegal for you to leave the keys in your ignition and you do so anyway, your auto insurance company could deny you coverage.
If warming up your vehicle is a must, consider the installation of a remote start system. Remote start allows you to warm up your vehicle while your vehicle remains locked and the keys remain on your person. Therefore, if your vehicle is stolen, you can still receive coverage for the theft and you will not face any surprise tickets or fines.
Never Leave Your Personal Items
Never leave anything of value inside your car. You may assume that items within your car are safe in the glovebox or center console, but that is not the case. If your vehicle is stolen, the insurance company will compensate you for the vehicle only. Many insurance policies do not cover any personal items that you had inside your vehicle.
Check with the insurance company to determine if your personal items are covered. You may find some policies that cover these items, but it may come at a higher cost. If you are looking to save money, then you will simply have to be more careful with your personal items. Make sure you remove personal items from your vehicle before exiting. Never leave jewelry, a purse, or anything else of value inside the vehicle.
Getting Hitched Has Benefits
Getting married often entails a lot of strenuous duties. You have to go through the process of filling out paperwork to get your name changed. You also have to combine your insurance policies unless you can both prove that you are carrying your own separate policies. Despite the hassle that occurs after the wedding, getting married has specific benefits, especially when it comes to car insurance.
Believe it or not, the risk of an auto accident decreases among people who are married compared to people who are not married. Because of the decreased risk of auto accidents among married people, auto insurance companies are more likely to lower your premium rates. Of course, having a clean driving record on top of being married will also assist you in securing cheaper insurance.
If you have recently tied the knot, make sure to mention this to the insurance representative when you are shopping for your policy. The representative can assist you in finding a great rate that is better suited to your financial situation.
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