How Classic Car Insurance Differs From Everyday Car Insurance

At Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc serving Pismo Beach among the insurance products we offer is classic car insurance. If you have a classic car, there are several reasons you’ll want to get a classic car insurance policy rather than just add your car to the insurance policy of the car you drive every day.

One reason is that because unlike the vehicle you use everyday, classic car insurance offers agreed or guaranteed value. This means that if the car you prize is destroyed in a covered event, you get the current value as listed in a car valuation guide or determined by a professional appraiser. After all, classic cars increase in value rather than depreciate.

Another difference is that most classic car insurers cap the number of miles you can drive them yearly in exchange for a rate that’s lower than for your everyday vehicle.  With annual mileage typically set at 5,000 miles, you’ll get the lower rate. Insurers for these cars also want you to store your car in a secure garage. 

Policies of this type look out for you. Some have clauses that if your car should breakdown, only a flatbed truck will be sent to tow it. Clauses can also state that you can get original manufacturers parts rather than aftermarket parts should your vehicle need to be taken in for repair. And if you have really practiced due diligence and purchased extra spare parts, some policies will reimburse for those parts if they are damaged or stolen. 

Classic car insurance is worthwhile for the vehicle you probably worked hard to find and acquire. Take a moment to contact us here at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc as we serve Pismo Beach, CA and will help you find the best way to protect your asset on wheels. 

Carrying Collision and Comprehensive After Your Car Loan is Paid

When a lien in a vehicle, full coverage is expected to be carried for the duration of that loan. So many times car owners receive the title to their vehicle and immediately contact the insurance company to drop their insurance to minimum coverage. In the state of California, minimum coverage consists of liability coverage.

Although it is required, car owners should continue to carry collision and comprehensive after the car is paid to prevent a financial burden in the event of a crisis.  If you reside in or around the Pismo Beach, CA area, a full coverage auto insurance policy including collision and comprehensive can be purchased through Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. 

Coverage of Car Damage

In the event of an accident, the collision portion of your policy can cover the damage to your car, or replace it at value if the damage is a total loss. For car owners only carrying minimum coverage of liability, they are not subject to this financial coverage, leaving themselves financially responsible. 

Other Damages

Sometimes, unfortunate situations such as disasters or theft can cause damage to your car. The comprehensive portion of your insurance policy is available for the non-accident related claims in which significant damage can happen. Like the car owners who lack collision, those who lack comprehensive insurance are also responsible for their own damage repair or replacing the vehicle completely for a total loss. Most car owners do not have the financial freedom to immediately replace a vehicle, leaving you and your family stranded.

Prepare Yourself

Protect yourself from unnecessary financial obligation. If you do not already carry collision and comprehensively covered on your vehicle, it is time to make that switch. Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc proudly serves the Pismo Beach, CA area and has a policy ready for you today.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

It is good to have an auto insurance policy to protect yourself financially in case your covered automobile is involved in a car crash. Most auto insurance policies have six types of coverages. These coverage options are usually priced differently. Here is what you need to know about auto insurance coverage options in Pismo Beach, CA.

Bodily injury liability

The coverage option will pay for any sustained injuries that you cause as the auto insurance policyholder. You and close relatives are also covered in case you are involved in an accident while driving someone else’s vehicle with their permission.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

The coverage option applies when paying for the treatments to the driver and passengers of your vehicle. In some situations, PIP can also cover lost wages, medical payments, and funeral costs.

Property damage liability

The coverage option pays for damage that you will cause to other people’s property. Hence, it covers damage to the other car, or someone else’s fence, building, and lamp posts among other structures.

Collision

The coverage option will pay for damage caused to your car after a collision. Meaning, if you damage your car in a pothole or hit another car or other objects such as telephone poles and trees, the coverage will protect you. Remember, damage caused to your car resulting from collisions with deer is covered under comprehensive. In most cases, the coverage is purchased with a separate deductible. Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc may reimburse you for costs of repair to your damaged car, minus the deductible regardless of whether you are at fault or not.

Comprehensive

The coverage option covers your losses when your car is stolen or damaged by something else that is not covered under collision. It covers things such as falling objects, hail, flood, explosions, theft and vandalism.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

The coverage option reimburses you or a family member if hit by uninsured or an underinsured driver. The coverage may also come in hand if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Are you shopping for the right auto insurance coverage? Contact us Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc for more information.

Tips for Summer Classic Car Care

It’s finally summertime and the perfect time to make sure your classic car is in good working condition for the summer high temperatures in the surrounding Pismo Beach, CA area. Many enjoy taking their classic car out for a trip in the summer months, and you do not want to be stranded in the summer heat due to an unchecked issue. Here are some tips for vintage automobile care in the summer.

  • Check necessary fluids, such as motor oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid regularly. Older autos need to be checked more often, so don’t forget to take a few minutes and check things out before leaving.
  • Regularly check the appearance of your tires, in particular for cracks in the sidewalls. Check the tire pressure because summer temperatures cause the air in the tires to expand. Tire damage or overinflated tires can lead to a blowout that ruins your trip.
  • Dry summer heat, the wind, and long distance road trips can cause the air and gas filters to become dirty faster than other times during the year.  Have these checked regularly to help improve fuel economy and the vehicle’s performance?
  • If your classic car has an AC system, it’s time to have it checked. While it’s not necessary for your car to run, it can be important to keep you and passengers from becoming overheated.
  • You have likely invested a lot into restoring your classic car, so protect its new look from cosmetic damage by the sun. Park in the shade whenever possible and use a sun shade.

Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc

If you have a vintage vehicle in the Pismo Beach, CA area, trust Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc to help you find the right coverage for your classic car.

All About Putting Your Kid on Your Auto Insurance Policy

When it comes time for your teenager to start driving, one of the first things you’ll want to do is make sure he is insured. Most teenagers are part-time drivers and go on their parent’s auto insurance policy. Read on to learn the answers to common questions and concerns parents having when taking this big step.

When do I add my teen to my insurance policy?

As soon as he gets his learner’s permit, you should call your insurance company and add him to your policy.  

Will adding my teen to my auto insurance policy increase my rates?

Yes.  However, it is typically cheaper to add a teen to an existing parent policy than getting his own auto insurance policy.  

How can I save money when I add my teen to my auto insurance policy?  

There are more ways to save money on your auto insurance policy. Some of these include:

  • Insuring multiple vehicles with the same insurance company you may be able to get a discount.  
  • Bundling home owner’s insurance and other insurance policies with the same company.  
  • Driving safe, modest vehicles over sporty, expensive cars.  
  • Increasing your deductible amount.  

To learn more about adding a teen driver to your auto insurance policy in Pismo Beach, CA, contact the expert insurance agents at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. You may be eligible for discounts you didn’t even know about, especially if your driving situation has changed or you have reached a certain age. To reach Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc serving Pismo Beach, CA, you can call us at 805-773-1710 and speak with one of our friendly agents.  

 

Drive Safely at Dawn and Dusk

In Pismo Beach, CA, you may be the early bird that catches the worm or like to stay after office hours to get things done. Those habits may catch you driving at dawn or dusk, which can be particularly hazardous. The street, other cars, pedestrians, and road marking may be shrouded in the dark of long shadows. But the sky may be bright from the sun, making it difficult for your eyes to adjust to the dark. You also risk looking at the sun directly, which may blind you to traffic.

Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc wants you to drive safely at these times by following these tips.

  • Before it gets dark, turn on your headlamps. When the sun hangs low in the sky, switch your headlights on. They’ll illuminate the things that are obscured by the shadows and they’ll make you more visible to approaching traffic. They’ll also encourage other drivers to start turning their lights on so you can see them.

  • Keep your headlights clean. They won’t be effective at their jobs if they’re dirty or cloudy. Make it a habit of giving them a good wipe before you start out in the morning. If they’re beginning to look a little unclear, use a headlight restoration kit that you can purchase online or at auto centers. They can minimize scratches and discoloration that can occur over the years.

  • Increase your following distance. Given the unusual lighting conditions, it may be more difficult for you to recognize and react to hazardous situations. Rather than remaining the usual three or four seconds behind the car in front, allow at least four seconds to allow you extra time to brake if necessary.

If you do get into an accident at dawn, dusk, or any other times, adequate insurance can protect you. Contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc to find out how.

Top Auto Insurance Myths

Auto insurance is one of those things that many people do not understand even if they think they do. In fact, there are many myths that people believe to be true. To help you distinguish between these myths, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc, serving Pismo Beach, CA, has complied a list of some of the most common ones.

Red Cars Cost More to Insure

Many people think that red cars are more expensive for auto insurance policies but the color of the car is not taken into account. The factors that are considered include the make, model, age, engine size, and body style of the car as well as the age, driving record, and credit history of the driver.

Your Car Will Be Paid For If Totaled

Many people think that if their car is totaled in an accident that the insurance policy will pay for it in full. However, this is not the case. Most policies will actually pay for the fair market value of the car. The fair market value takes into account the original cost of the car and then deducts depreciation. In many cases, this is not enough to pay for the entire balance of the vehicle and as the driver, you will be left paying for the remainder.

Your Rates Increase As You Age

This myth could not be further from the truth. As people get older, they tend to get cheaper rates because they are viewed as more mature drivers by the insurance companies. You may even be able to get additional discounts after age 55.

If you are looking for a great auto insurance policy, be sure to reach out to Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc, serving Pismo Beach, CA, for a free quote and policy evaluation.

How driver aid technology will decrease auto accidents

Even though the time when driverless cars will change the way we go from place to place is still in the future, driver aid technology is starting to make commuting safer than has been the case. According to Forbes, just $600 in new driver aid features could save the United States as much as $202 billion in accident costs every year.

You have doubtless seen some of these features advertised already. Blind spot warning systems ensure that you do not shift lanes into another car that you can’t see in your side mirror. Lane changing warnings make sure that you stay in your lane unless you consciously signal your intention to do move into another. Forward collision warning technology alerts you if you are about to cause a rear-end collision into a car ahead of you. All of these features are designed to mitigate against distracted driving.

Carnegie Mellon University just concluded a study suggesting that, if every car had these three simple systems, costing $600 per vehicle, the monetary savings are just the beginning. They could prevent or lessen the severity of 1.3 million crashes per year, including 133,000 that would result in injuries to drivers and passengers. 10,000 fatalities could be prevented every year.

The message from the study could not be clearer. If you buy a new car with driver aid features installed, you will be less likely to be in an auto accident and therefore less likely to be injured or killed on the road. Of course, even with new technology, sound driving habits and keeping your attention on the road are paramount.

For any questions you might have on auto insurance, feel free to contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc serving Pismo Beach, CA

Is It Ok to Not Get Auto Insurance If I Cannot Afford it?

For some people, the idea of purchasing auto insurance in Pismo Beach, CA, seems like something that is impossible. Some people do not think that they can afford auto insurance but in reality, you cannot afford not to have it in California. The agents at Neff & Associates Insurance Services are here to help.

What California Law States About Auto Insurance

In California, all drivers are required to have a minimum amount of auto insurance. The minimums are for liability insurance and are as follows:

  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person.
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident.
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident.

What Can Happen If You Do Not Have the Minimum Amount of Auto Insurance?

There are legal ramifications if you do not have the right amount of auto insurance. You could face hefty fines, losing your license, and even jail time if you are caught driving without it. Not only that but, if you are in an accident you will have no protection to help pay for the damage to the other vehicle, and you will likely not have enough to pay for the repairs on your own.

Is It Necessary To Have Auto Insurance?

To be in compliance with the law, you do need to have auto insurance if you are a driver in the state of California. Additionally, it can cost you a lot more money in the long run if you do not have auto insurance.

You can get an auto insurance policy on a budget that meets your needs as well as the law requirements in California. To get started on your quote, contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services, serving Pismo Beach, CA, today so you can start driving legally. We will help you find the ideal policy that meets your budgetary needs.

How to handle flooded conditions when on the road

The best way to drive through flooded streets is not to do so. Six inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet. A foot of water will float a car. Two feet of water can sweep a car and all it contains away. If you happen to be somewhere when stormy weather is causing flooded conditions, consider delaying your trip.

If you have to go somewhere, you should take some sensible precautions. Some smartphone apps and internet sites will be able to tell you where the streets are flooded. The weather report on the radio should also give you up-to-the-minute information. You will be able to plan your trip accordingly.

If you come to a flooded section of road, do not try to cross. Your personal safety and keeping your car dry are more important than getting to where you’re going on time.

If for any reason you have to cross a patch of flooded road, take note of how other cars are driving through it and judge the depth of the water accordingly. Drive slowly and steadily until you get to dry pavement. Test your brakes.  If they are too wet to stop the car, keep pressing them with your left foot while driving very slowly with your right foot until they are dried.

If you are stalled in high water, get out of the car and go to higher ground if you can do so in safety. If not, call 911 on your cell phone or call for help from a passerby.

For your insurance needs, contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services, Inc. serving Pismo Beach, California.