What to Consider When Purchasing Auto Insurance for a Teenager

Having teenage drivers in the house can be nerve-wracking on many levels, not to mention pricey, but this doesn’t have to be the case when it comes to ensuring the right auto insurance covers them.

If you’re in Pismo Beach, CA, we at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc can help you settle on the right plan for you. Here’s a look at what to consider as you start your journey.

Driving Habits

The reason it’s often so expensive to insure teen drivers is because they’re considered much more likely to drive carelessly, get into accidents due to inexperience, and so forth. That said, how seriously your teen takes the responsibility of driving in the first place greatly counts.

Academic Performance

Conscientious teens with good attendance records, high GPAs, and excellent academic records are often eligible for significantly better insurance rates. This is the case for teens still in high school and those who have already started college.

Vehicle of Choice

What make and model vehicle your teen will be behind the wheel of makes a difference in your insurance rates, as well. Newer cars, muscle vehicles, and luxury models will be the hardest on your pocketbook. Used cars in good condition and vehicles with many safety features will be the easiest.

You may also consider whether it makes more sense for your household to add your teen to your existing auto insurance policy or take out an entirely separate policy strictly for them.

If you’re in Pismo Beach, CA, or the surrounding areas, we at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc can help you review your situation and settle on the best policies for you and your family. Contact us today to discuss your options!

Three Essentials for Your Car Accident Preparedness Kit

Taking preventative action before a car crash can save you from the stress of scrambling at the scene of an accident. First, you should make sure you have a good car insurance policy. If you live in Pismo Beach, CA, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc is a good option.

Next, you need to put together a safety kit. Here are a few ideas for you to consider.

1. Basics

You should always have extra food, water, and an extra battery for your cell phone if you cannot charge it in your vehicle. If hot weather is common in the area, include instant cooling packs and a fan that runs on batteries. 

2. First Aid

You can create your own first aid kit or find a pre-assembled one. Ensure you include a medical card with pertinent information about any medications, allergies, or medical conditions that medical personnel might need to be aware of. 

You must also list your preferred emergency contact in case you are unconscious. If you have a medication you need every day, be sure to keep extras on hand in the kit as well.

3. Car Care

Your car needs a care kit too! You can include a tarp in case of inclement weather, jumper cables, gloves, a flashlight (or use your phone), flares, and towels. 

You may want to consider taking a class on basic car maintenance so that you know how to use everything in your kit.

You should also have proof of car insurance in your glove compartment. Luckily, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. is serving the Pismo Beach, CA area; call today to learn more about your auto insurance options!

Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance as an Uber Driver in California?

If you’re contemplating becoming an Uber driver in Pismo Beach, CA, you must consider commercial auto insurance. The short answer is yes—all Uber drivers in California are required to have commercial auto insurance.

Why Commercial Auto Insurance is Required for Uber Drivers in California

In order to Uber in California, you must have commercial auto insurance—this is non-negotiable. This is because personal auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage for business-related activities. So, if you were to get into an accident while driving for Uber, your personal auto insurance policy would likely not provide any coverage.

This would leave you on the hook for any damages or injuries resulting from the accident, which could end up costing you thousands of dollars. To protect yourself financially, ensuring you have the right insurance before driving for Uber is essential.

Your Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc representative can help you get the right commercial auto insurance policy in place so that you can focus on driving in Pismo Beach, CA, and earning money—not insurance.

What Kind of Coverage Do I Need?

The level of coverage you’ll need will depend on a few factors, including the state in which you’ll be driving and the size of your vehicle.

You may also consider getting uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision, and comprehensive coverage. These coverages will help protect your vehicle if it’s damaged or stolen.

Remember that your commercial auto insurance policy will probably be more expensive than your personal auto insurance policy. However, it’s important to remember that the peace of mind and financial protection that comes with having the right insurance is well worth the additional cost.

Besides commercial coverage, you still need to maintain a personal auto insurance policy. Your commercial policy will not cover you when you’re not working or if you use your vehicle for personal reasons.

Your Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc representative can help you understand the coverage and customize a policy that meets your needs.

Common Auto Insurance Exclusions

Your car insurance protects you and your vehicle when accidents happen. It compensates you for the damage to ensure you don’t suffer financial losses. While auto insurance can save you on a rainy day, sometimes, it can fall short. Your car insurance has limitations and exclusions, and you need to know about them to ensure an event-free claim process.

Your car insurance exclusions are detailed in your policy document, but you can also consult your insurance agent for more information. Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. highlights common areas your standard car insurance won’t cover.

Commercial use

Are you using your car to run business errands? You had better invest in commercial auto insurance because standard car insurance won’t cover business-related accidents. Since business operations are considered high-risk, your insurer expects you to buy commercial auto insurance designed to cover such risks.

Equipment failure

Is your transmission acting up? Has your car engine knocked? Your standard car insurance doesn’t pay for mechanical failures. For such expenses, you will have to finance from your pocket.

Accidents outside American borders

Your standard car insurance protects you when within the borders of America. So, if something happens to your car outside the geographical area of operation, your insurer won’t cover the loss. However, you can inform your insurer of special coverage if traveling abroad with your vehicle.

Engine damage due to oil leakage

Your car insurance should cover the damage if your car engine is damaged during a collision or by a covered loss. However, your typical auto insurance won’t compensate you if your engine is damaged by an oil leak or waterlogging. However, you can purchase a "rider" or "add-on" to protect your engine.

Intentional damage

This is rather obvious, but we will say it since we have seen it happen. Your insurer won’t cover damage from intentional or criminal acts. For instance, your insurer won’t cover your car if you use it as a weapon.

Car insurance in Pismo Beach, CA

Want to learn more about auto insurance? Want to purchase car insurance in Pismo Beach, CA? Please contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. for all your car insurance solutions.

Do you need auto insurance if you don’t have a car loan?

Most vehicle owners either have a car loan or lease a vehicle. If you have either of these, you will be required to have complete coverage for your vehicle. It protects the vehicle which you don’t own at this point. But what about after you have paid off your loan? At Neff & Associates Insurance Services in Pismo Beach, CA, we know the law in California regarding personal vehicles and are happy to share that information with our customers. 

In California, all drivers need to be covered by liability insurance, even if they don’t have a car loan. The required coverage is 15/30/5. That means in practical terms, $15,000 for coverage of medical expenses and other things for one person injured in an accident you are deemed responsible for. If more than one person is injured, the total paid out for injuries in one accident is $30,000. The amount for property damage is $5,000, which is very low no matter how you look at it. 

This is what you must have. Is it what you should have? Only if you have no assets and an old beat-up vehicle that you won’t mind losing. If you are a person who uses their vehicle every day for activities necessary to their survival, you need to protect your vehicle. This means you need to have collision and comprehensive coverage which protects your car when it gets damaged. 

Between these two types of coverage, you will be protected from a vehicle accident, theft, vandalism, and other damage from various weather events. If you need your vehicle, this is vital coverage. 

 Contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services in Pismo Beach, CA, when you need the latest information about automobile insurance. 

Buying Auto Insurance? Consider These 3 Things

There are some important questions to ask yourself when you purchase auto insurance. These questions will help you in determining the type and amount of coverage needed. To assist you in this process, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc, serving Pismo Beach, CA, shares some of the most important factors to take into consideration when you are purchasing car insurance.

State Minimum by Law

Each state has its own minimum car insurance coverage that is required. The minimum in the state of California is 15/30/5, which means $15,000 for bodily injury coverage per person up to $30,000, in addition to $5,000 for property damage coverage.

Just because this is the state minimum, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t purchase additional coverage. There is always the possibility of being involved in an accident that the state minimum car insurance coverage will not sufficiently cover, which would leave you paying out of your own pocket.

Value and Age of Automobile

If you have a relatively new vehicle that was expensive to purchase, you will likely want to invest in full coverage auto insurance, which includes both collision and comprehensive damage coverage. This ensures you’re reimbursed in the event of a loss due to theft or vandalism as well as damage to your vehicle if you are found at-fault. If you have an older vehicle that likely doesn’t have a value that would be returned in the event of an accident, it may be recommended to drop full coverage.

Amount of Risk You Want to Avoid

You will also want to take into consideration how much risk you want to avoid. If you would prefer to protect your vehicle at all costs over saving a little bit of money, you may want to keep your full coverage, lower your deductibles, and increase your liability coverage limits. However, if your overall goal is to pay out as little as possible each month, you may want to only choose liability coverage, lower your liability limits, and raise your deductibles. Just don’t forget to maintain the minimum amount of coverage required in the state of California.

Hopefully, this information has helped you with determining what you need in terms of auto insurance. If you still have questions and need help, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc, serving Pismo Beach, CA, can assist you in designing an auto insurance policy that fits your needs and budget. Contact us today!

Why is Auto Insurance Necessary when in California?

People that are in the Pismo Beach, CA area will likely want to own a car. With a vehicle, it will be much easier to get around the community and other areas. When you are shopping for a car, it is important that you assess your insurance needs. This coverage is necessary in the state of California for various reasons. 

Needed to Comply with Requirements

A reason that drivers in the state of California need to have auto insurance is that it is required to comply with requirements. Drivers that want to use any public road are going to be required to carry liability insurance whenever they are out driving. Also, if you have taken out a car loan, you will need a full collision and comprehensive plan until the loan is repaid. Having coverage will keep you in compliance.

Insurance Provides Helpful Coverage

You also will want to have an auto insurance plan because it can offer helpful protection. Those that are going to purchase a car will want to know that it is covered against risks that could result in a loss. Further, they will want to know they have support if they are found at fault in a vehicle accident. With auto coverage, you can have the coverage needed to have comfort that you and your car are protected.

People that are shopping for a car in Pismo Beach, CA will need to assess their insurance needs. If you are looking for an insurance plan here, calling Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc can be beneficial. The team with Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc will give you and support that is needed to build a plan that can protect you, your vehicle, and ensure you remain in compliance with various requirements.  

Do Pismo Beach vehicle owners need to have auto insurance?

People that live in the Pismo Beach, CA area will find that it is much easier to get around the community if you are a vehicle owner. Those that invest in a car will be making a big purchase that they will want to enjoy for a long time. A great way in which you can continue to protect your vehicle is by investing in an auto insurance plan. This coverage is needed for several reasons.

Insurance Covers Vehicle

A reason to always have this insurance coverage is so you can cover your vehicle. Those who decide they want to buy a car will want to know they can enjoy it for a long time. Your auto insurance plan will include provisions that can repair or replace the vehicle in some cases. This can help to protect your investment and ensure you will continue to have access to a vehicle. 

Insurance is a Requirement

You should also get this coverage as it can be a requirement. Similar to other states, those that are in California will have an ongoing legal obligation to carry auto insurance. If you do not continue to carry this, you could face various penalties. Also, those who have a car loan outstanding will be required to carry a full collision and comprehensive policy. 

If you want to get an auto insurance plan, and you are in or around Pismo Beach, CA, you will want to speak with a professional that you can trust. As you are evaluating your options, calling Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc would be a great idea. The insurance team with Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc understands your insurance needs and will give any support necessary to choose an ideal plan for your situation. 

What Defines Your Auto Insurance Premiums?

All drivers in Pismo Beach, CA, are legally required to have insurance for their vehicles. However, some may be confused about what affects their premiums. Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc is here to give you a few common factors that can affect auto insurance premiums for your car.

Type of Car

There are types of cars that will cost more to insure because of their basic components like the engine’s cubic capacity. 

The Vehicle’s Age

It is more costly to insure a newer vehicle than an older one. This is because an older car has depreciated in value due to wear and tear, whereas a new vehicle still has the current market value, making it costly to insure.

The Type of Coverage

There are different types of coverage, like liability, collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. They all have different costs and whichever you choose automatically affects the premium you will pay.

Your Driving Record

A person who has been in several car accidents in the past is likely to pay higher premiums than one with a clean record of driving. New drivers who have not had insurance before are also likely to pay more for their car insurance.

How Often You Drive

Most insurance companies consider how often you use your car.  Someone who uses their car once in a while, maybe on the weekends for family road trips, will pay less for insurance compared to one who commutes in their vehicle to work daily. With more miles covered behind the wheel, the risk of exposure is high.

Age and Gender

A driver’s profile also affects their car insurance premium. For instance, a young driver with less experience usually pays more for car insurance than older drivers.

If you reside in Pismo Beach, CA, it is good to be informed about what factors affect your insurance premiums. To learn more about auto insurance premiums, reach out to our team at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. for assistance.

Reasons to Get Auto Insurance in Pismo Beach

When you are a resident of the Pismo Beach, CA area, you will want to be able to enjoy all that it has to offer. One way that you can do this is by investing in your own vehicle. Those that are car owners will be able to get around town to complete their daily tasks and to have fun. When you do buy a car here, you need to get proper insurance for it. There are many reasons to get this coverage in this area of the state.

Insurance Protects Your Car

A great reason to get auto coverage when you are here is that it can protect your car. If you buy a car in this state, you will have to make a big investment. The best way to protect this is with a full insurance plan. If you get comprehensive and collision coverage, it will offer the protection needed to repair or replace your car.

Insurance is Legally Required

You will also need auto insurance because it is a legal requirement. Those that would like to drive a car in California need to have liability insurance at all times. Without this coverage, you will be in violation of state law. Those that are caught without coverage could be fined and many even lose their right to drive. 

As you are looking for auto insurance in the Pismo Beach, CA area, it would be a good idea to call Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. Picking an insurance plan will always come with some complexities. For those that are wondering what type of insurance is optimal, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc can help. The team here can assess your needs and help you build a policy that is right.