Should I Purchase Rental Car Insurance?

Should I Purchase Rental Car Insurance?

Traveling is becoming more expensive as times go by. People across the world are becoming more concerned, especially with the extra costs incurred when using the rental cars. These costs are experienced in cases of accidents when the vehicles are rented, or the rental cars are stolen. Other instances are when personal belongings are stolen in the rental cars, or when the persons using the rental car are injured in cases of injuries. It is important that once you rent a car, you purchase with it a rental car insurance to cover you.

This feature aims at highlighting people on the importance of purchasing of purchasing a rental car insurance cover. This is of vital importance especially to people that is trying to cut on the costs incurred while using the rental cars. Insurance companies can cover the person using the rental car in the instance of car theft, damage or loss of property. This feature helps you decide whether rental car insurance is right for your needs and budget.

It is important that you find a rental car insurance that is considerate of your budget and financial status. A rental car insurance firm that offers cheap and affordable rates on the insurance cover is the most favorable and considerate. The rates should be in line with the time frame that you are going to have the rental car in your possession, whether a day, a month or a year.

In event of car theft or damage

Rental car insurance policies can cover you if the rental car is stolen or lost in whatever circumstance.  There are two policies that work in your favor- the loss damage waiver and collision damage waiver that will waive the costs in cases of vehicle theft, or the rental vehicle is involved in an accident and it is damaged. The repair costs or vehicle recovery will be pushed to the rental car insurance, and will compensate the rental company, saving you on a lot of losses.

Harm to other people or property

In the instance that you are driving the rental car and you injure other people or cause damage to the property of other people, rental car insurance should be able to cover the costs. This is important because you will be saved from extra costs.

Injury incurred

Injuries a person experiences while driving a rental car are at times costly, with expensive medical bills. A rental car insurance company can cover the medical costs to attend to the injuries of the person driving the rental car.

Loss of belongings

The scenario gets, even more, interesting because rental car insurance can go the extra mile in ensuring the safety of your property in the insurance car. In case you lose your belongings in the rental car, a rental car insurance firm can cover the costs, saving you the worry of replacing stolen or lost the personal property.

The ability to have the insurance policy cover for a day, week, month or year is also the flexibility of rental car insurance firms. This will be of great importance especially to that using a rental vehicle for a length of time.

The above info shows just how important rental car insurance policy is to travelers in saving on costs.

Insuring an Old Car or Vehicle

Insuring an Old Car or Vehicle

Most old car owners are not alive to the fact that, unlike new cars that depreciate on a daily basis, an old car can appreciate in value as it gains vintage status. An old car can be considered a classic car however the definition of a classic car can vary depending on the manufacturer. For matters of insurance, any vehicle with a lifetime surpassing 15 years is considered classic below that it is considered non-classic. In the world today the insurance trends on old cars indicate that they are charged fewer premiums. This is attributed to the fact that owners of old cars are considered low risk. Insurance companies are also of the school of thought that old car owners will maintain them, therefore, reducing their risk.

What does it take to insure an old car? It is worth noting that regular insurance may not be appropriate to insure an old car. The first thing that one ought to do as an old car owner is to sit down with the insurer and determine the value of the car. The value agreed upon will be specified in the car’s policy and the car will be covered up to the amount dictated by the policy. In addition, while insuring an old car look for a policy that covers specialized service and restoration, for example if you own a classic Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz  or a Ford, your insurer should cover costs to repair the vehicle in their manufacturers garages although this can be a bit more costly. Make sure that the policy also covers key areas such as spare parts, engine components, and transmissions. This may look a little bit straightforward to some, but it can be the cause of rejected claims, ensure while insuring your old car the policy covers normal insurance policy provisions such as clauses on body injury liability and damage to property.

There is a section of old car insurance that calls special insurance. If your car is more than 25 years old, and its present value exceeds the original selling price, then it can be considered for specialized insurance. Examples of vehicles that need specialized insurance include classic truck, old military cars, old motorcycles and old unique tractors.

Insuring an old car is bound by some qualifications. It is important to note that just being the owner of an old car does not qualify you to old car insurance. These factors are different in various companies but as a general rule review the following criteria before insuring your old car.

  • A good driving record- if you are in the books for careless driving, traffic offenses such as over speeding, drunk driving or causing accidents the probability that you will be disqualified for old car insurance is high. This is because you increase the risk to the insurance company.
  • Insuring an old car demands that you put it in a secure location in your residential area. You realize that old cars are gems and thieves might stop at nothing to steal or even dislodge some of its parts. If the insurer can prove that you do not have a safe storage location for your car chances are that you may be disqualified from the policy.
  • Some insurance providing companies can limit the kind of car shows you take your car to for exhibition. It is important to inquire if there are any such restrictions on the policy if you regularly plan to showcase your old car.
  • Limited driving- to insure an old car might mean reducing its usage. Insurance companies restrict the usage of classic cars for daily errands and commuting as these increases the risks on their end. In this sense they can put some clauses in the policy, such as mileage limitations and some go to the extent of requesting proof that the car is being well used and serviced properly. An emerging trend in this limitation is insurance providers requesting clients to own a second car for doing their everyday chores so as to qualify for the cover.

The most crucial thing while want to insure an old car is to ensure you have ironed out all the policy details with the insurance provider. Ensure you understand the limitations of the policy so as to avoid instances of rejected claims.

To get an auto insurance quote before you make your purchase. Contact us or give us a call at (305) 220-0900.

10 of the Most Dangerous Roads in America

10 of the Most Dangerous Roads in America

Road accidents can occur on any road but there are certain roads in the US that are most notorious for road carnage. In fact, USA roads have three times the date rate as compared to U.K. Here are the 10 most dangerous roads in the U.S that will make you a nervous wreck as you drive on them;

1. Colorado’s Highway 550

The Highway 550 in Colorado is a 25-mile stretch that connects the ancient tourist towns of Silverton and Ouray. The factor that makes this road dangerous is the absence of guardrails that are intentionally missing to ease the removal of avalanche debris and snow. It also lacks shoulders, hence, veering off the road leads to a fatal plunge down a steep mountain slope. It is popularly known as the “million dollar highway”.

2. Alabama’s U.S. 431

This stretch covers approximately 98 miles between Phoenix City and Dothan. Most accidents on this road occur due to heavy traffic, and limited visibility, especially on the two-lane sections. However, the bridges were replaced, and the roads expanded to four-lanes in 2014 to curb the problem.

3. Arizona’s interstate-10

The most parts of the I-10 stretch are safe, but the 150 mile between Phoenix and California border is especially deadly. The statistics stand at an average of 85 deaths in a year. Overall, the state records 700 road accidents in a year that shows that I-10 alone accounts for a big portion of the accidents. The road passes through a desert hence there are few settlements along the way.

4. Montana’s Highway 2

The Center for Excellence in Rural Safety based in the University of Minnesota considers Highway 2 as one of the most dangerous roads. Overall, Montana records the most fatalities in the U.S. The major reason for this is that it is a rural road hence; ambulances take longer to reach the accident scene. The less traffic on the roads also makes drivers to over speed.

5. California State Route 138

Drivers have nicknamed it the “death bed” or “highway of death”. It stretches from I-15 to the town of Palmdale. The road is characterized by sharp twists and steep slopes. It recorded 56 deaths and a massive 875 injuries in late 1990 according to a 2000 issue of Los Angeles Times newspaper. The death rate was ten fatalities each year in 1990. Recently, wider lanes have been constructed and better sight lines drawn.

6. U.S 24 from Fort Wayne to Toledo

Highway 24 that passes from Toledo to Fort Wayne and covers 77miles used to be a black spot until 2012 when it was improved. Most accidents involved head on collisions with trucks from Ohio and Indiana factories.

7. South Carolina’s 1-26

Despite being surprisingly short, the I-26 stretch is one of the most dangerous roads in the South Carolina according to Charleston newspaper Post and Courier. The federal and state data shows that there were 325 deaths in 286 wrecks on the 1-26 stretch between the year 2000 and 2010. Most of the accidents occurred when cars rolled over ditches and hit trees. This part of the road has few guardrails even though there are steep slopes to the side road ditches. Sharp turns, narrow lanes and wildlife also cause the accidents.

8. Alaska’s Dalton Highway

This is a dirt road that stretches 414 miles between Fairbanks and the North Slope of Alaska. Trucks use the road to transport oil and gas. The road snakes around steep mountains that have extremely chilly temperatures. There are about ten crashes every year. Most accidents involve cars rolling down the slopes. Driving through this road requires exceptional driving skills and extra fuel since the filling stations are few and far between

9. 1-15 route from Los Angeles to Las Vegas

The Nevada AAA observes that this 180miles road has been a site of more fatalities than any other place in the state. Distracted and drunk driving causes most accidents. The death toll between 2000 and 2005 was recorded as 173 people.

10. Connecticut’s interstate-95

The 8-mile section of the I-95 stretch around the city of Norwalk is the most dangerous section accounting for 10% of all accidents. An average of 735 crashes is recorded in this part. Accidents mostly occur due to congestion, hills and curves along the road.

Safest Cars for Young Drivers

Safest Cars for Young Drivers

Selecting the first car your teen will drive can be stressful for many reasons. You may be searching for a vehicle that is affordable and fuel efficient.

While style may be a secondary concern, you may also want to find a car that he or she will enjoy driving. The most important factors that you may be searching for relate to reliability and safety. After all, you are going to rely on this vehicle to get your child from point A to point B on a regular basis. If you are looking for the safest vehicles for teen drivers, there are a few points to consider.

A High Safety Rating
Many parents will choose an older model of vehicle for their kids to drive, but it is important to note that there have been many innovations in vehicle safety features in recent years. Newer models of vehicles available today are loaded with these features, and many have them in the standard or base trim package. This includes everything from superior airbags and a rear view camera to a collision warning system and post-collision assistance. Because of this, many of today’s models rank higher than older models in the area of safety. Even if you do choose an older vehicle for your child, keep in mind that safety ratings are available online for you to research.

Here are some safety features to consider when shopping for your teens car.

  • Reverse backup senors
  • Backup camera
  • Tire pressure monitoring systems
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Anti-lock braking systems
  • Seat belts
  • Airbags
  • Laminated windshields
  • Crumple zones

How Reliability Impacts Safety
You may think about safety and reliability as two separate things, but they actually go hand in hand. An unreliable vehicle is one that breaks down often. Reliability ratings are based on how frequently other owners of that make and model have taken their vehicle in for repairs over the years. Fewer repair needs generate a higher rating in the area of reliability. When a vehicle breaks down frequently, it is more likely to expose a driver to unsafe driving situations or to be stranded at the side of the road. Think about your child standing on the edge of a highway at night with a vehicle that is having engine trouble. Consider how your teen would react if an engine overheated or if the car would not start. These can indeed be safety situations as well as repair issues. Because of this, you should consider reviewing reliability ratings as you select a safe vehicle for your teen to drive.

A Word About Power and Performance
Power and performance also play a role in safety for young drivers. Insurance companies review statistics of collisions for young drivers. From a statistical standpoint, young drivers who drive cars with more powerful engines are more likely to be involved in a collision. Young drivers may already be more aggressive behind the wheel, and they may lack the experience to know how to avoid dangerous situations or how to handle them quickly to avoid an accident. The combination of a lack of experience behind the wheel coupled with a vehicle with a fast rate of acceleration and zippy maneuverability may be an unsafe combination.

As you can see, there are several factors at play that need to be considered together when you are selecting the right vehicle for your teen driver. There are numerous makes and models that have been made over the years, including many that may now be within your price range. It is important for you t consider each of these factors carefully as you pick out a vehicle that is right for your teen. While it can take time and effort to find the right vehicle, you may be able to rest easy knowing that your teen is driving a safer car thanks to your efforts.

Safety Trends
Despite all these technological advances, about 40,000 people a year die in the United States due to automobile collisions. As our population increases and our roads become more dense with cars, teaching safe driving habits is the most efficient method to keep your child safe.

For a complete list of the highest rated vehicles on safety. Visit the IIHS Top Safety Picsks

Ways to Save Automobile Fuel

It’s nearly summertime and we all know what that means! Higher gas prices.

Here at All Nation Insurance in Miami, we don’t just want to save you money on car insurance, we want to save you money everywhere.  Many people believe the only way to get better gas mileage is to buy a smaller vehicle. Others invest in expensive gadgets  like fuel-line magnets, intake air swirlers, and other after market vehicle add-ons only to be disappointed by the results.

Well, there is a growing group of passionate vehicle drivers known as Ecomodders. Their forum is filled with tips, DIY articles, and friendly advice. Here is some of the best we read on their amazing forum.

Track your actual fuel costs

People with cars made after the mid 90’s have it relatively easy: All you need to do is throw some money at a fuel-economy computer. Fuel economy instrumentation is one of the simplest modifications you can make to your vehicle in the pursuit of gas savings. A favorite of EcoModders is the ScanGauge fuel economy computer.  Its plug-and-play features make it a popular choice for new and experienced ecomodders. It is for drivers who own a 1996 or newer North American market vehicle.

Having access to instant trip fuel consumption rates is critical to establishing good gas saving driving habits and a base for future modifications.

What if I Have an Older Vehicle

For older cars, you may need some assistance installing a vacuum gauge, which measures how hard the engine is working. For the adventurous types here in Miami, you can explore the world of DIY fuel-economy electronics. It will take some patience but the money saved can make a huge difference on your variable costs.

Top Ways to Save Gas

Many of these money saving fuel tips are easy to implement and require attention to your driving habits. You do not have to buy expensive products, as most of the best ways to conserve fuel revolve around safe driving habits.

Cruise Control, Our Secret Weapon

Long beloved by drivers who endure long trips frequently, cruise control has a number of different benefits. Surprisingly, many drivers don’t bother to use cruise control or invest a few minutes to learn it. One clear benefit is the ability to remain at a constant speed and maintain a consistent forward momentum. With human acceleration error removed, a vehicle can use only the energy required to maintain a consistent speed. Even slight accelerations can cause your vehicle to work harder and using more gasoline.

When considering the overall cost of driving, gas is only one variable in the total cost of driving (insurance, maintenance, etc). One forgotten benefit of cruise control is speed control as related to speeding tickets and more.

On many long road trips I find myself paying attention to the road vs. my actual vehicle speed. It is very easy to exceed the speed limit. A speeding ticket can easily negate any gas saving tricks you have used over the course of your trip. With cruise control set, you can drive at a consistent speed without glancing at the gauge every three seconds

Avoid Braking

I realize the title sounds ridiculous, almost dangerous. If you find yourself in compact traffic moving in intervals, rather than in a flowing pattern. Give yourself a 10 second buffer before hitting the accelerator. Saving gas really means saving energy. Every time you accelerate, your vehicle must expend energy to reach a specific speed. If your vehicle reaches this speed to only stop and do it again, that can expend a significant amount of energy.

By accelerating slowly and leaving space ahead, watch the brake lights of the car in front of the car directly in front of you. This allows you to coast right back up to the car in front of you without using additional energy. If done correctly (and assuming no drivers enter your lane..arghh!) you can avoid braking completely saving up to 40-70 mpg (according to some drivers in the forum).

Use The Overdrive Feature on your Car Properly

Another feature that goes unnoticed by most drivers is the “overdrive” feature. Many people do not even know that their car has overdrive, or what it can do. Overdrive is the highest gear in vehicles. It allows your engine to operate at a lower RPM for a given speed. This allows the vehicle to achieve better fuel efficiency. You will most likely have overdrive on most of the time, however it is advisable to have it off if you drive under 45 mph routinely.

Climate Control

Let’s face it. We live in Miami, Florida, we won’t be rolling our windows down during most of the year.

Sadly, air conditioner usage does impact vehicle gas mileage. Saving gas means saving energy, however cooling a cars cabin requires energy. Sometimes not using the air conditioner is not an option, but there are ways to cool your vehicle efficiently.

  • Roll the windows down at lower speeds; use the AC at highway speeds.
  • Don’t use the AC more than needed. Aim for comfort not for an arctic chill in your vehicle.
  • Park in the shade or use a sunshade so that the cabin doesn’t get as hot.
  • Drive with the windows open for a short time before using the AC. Letting hot air out of the cabin first will put less demand on the AC and help your vehicle cool faster.

Controlling your cars inner temperature often begins before you ever step foot in your car.

As you can see, these are some fairly simple ways to save money on fuel costs. We hope you enjoyed this information and if you want to save even more money, visit All Nation Insurance on SW 40th street 33155, located next to the famous La Carreta restaurant.

What Is GAP Insurance, And Do I Need It?

What Is GAP Insurance, And Do I Need It?

Explaining Gap Insurance 101

Gap insurance is also referred to as GAP protection and/or Totaled insurance. It stands for ‘Guaranteed Auto Protection‘. It covers the difference between what you owe on your car and how much the car is worth.

Most drivers feel that a common auto insurance policy provides enough coverage for the cost of repairs or replacement, if their vehicles are damaged or stolen. However, if you total your car and the car’s actual cash value is lower than the amount you owe on your loan balance or lease, that difference, or “gap,” is not covered by insurance. Your insurance company won’t pay out more than the car is worth (before it was damaged) so you will be responsible for paying that amount.

Gap insurance is one of those extra charges that seem like a squander of personal capital until you probably need it.

Let’s set a type of example why Gap Insurance would help you immensely. Let’s say your recent car cost around $38,000 , your insurer may possibly pay around $32,000 for a total loss during it’s initial year. That’s a $6,000 loss. Again, this is all betting on the certain amount of your down payment. You would still be responsible to your lender for the balance of the loan. Imagine after getting your car completely totaled or even stolen, you still are held responsible to pay off a car you don’t even drive anymore? It’s not something easily to take in.

Who should probably get Gap Insurance?

Gap Coverage

It’s safe to say anyone who has an auto loan or lease and hasn’t put much money down should consider getting GAP insurance.

Here’s a few fun facts on whom should get it:

  • People who are financing for 60 months plus.
  • Put a down payment of less than 20 percent.
  • Negative equity from a past car loan into a new car loan.
  • You plan to drive more than 15,000 miles yearly.

Gap Insurance typically doesn’t cover the following:

  • Vehicle payments due to financial hardship, job loss, disability or death
  • Car repairs
  • The value of your car or balance of a loan if your car is repossessed
  • A rental car while your car is in the shop
  • Tended warranties you add to your car loan
  • Rental car while your vehicle is in the car

Average Cost

A quick example of a monthly cost for GAP is AP insurance, which would cost around $20 to $30. The cost could down along with the cost of collision and comprehensive as the vehicle ages.

Alternatively, you can purchase gap insurance at your dealership as well. It’s a little likely to cost you significantly more. Many dealerships sell gap insurance coverage for an average of $500 to $1,000, and they often require a large payment upfront.

There’s many variables to the specific cost to any insurance. You’ll need to obviously get in contact with an insurance agent on follow up questions. GAP insurance isn’t necessarily accredited as it should but should be taken into high consideration for people who have a loan or lease.