Weather can have a significant impact on vehicle performance and travel in general. No matter where you live in California, you’re bound to run into rain more than any other type of inclement weather. Use these tips for driving in the rain to reduce your chances of getting into an accident:

• Turn on your headlights. This is the very first thing you should do if rain sets in while you are driving. Not only will you be able to see better, but your headlights will increase your visibility to other drivers on the road.
• Drive slower. Because you have reduced road visibility in the rain, you may take longer to react to conditions on the road. Driving slower can also prevent hydroplaning, which can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Leave more distance between other cars. The stopping power of your brakes will always be less in the rain – especially if your tires are old. Make sure you have plenty of time to stop by keeping your distance from drivers ahead of you.
• If the rain is severe, you may want to pull over until it lets up. If you do pull over, move as far off the road as you can and turn on your hazard lights.

For any rainstorm, you will want to make sure that you have windshield wipers and tires that are in good condition. If the weather turns sour, these will be your two most important pieces of safety equipment. Worn windshield wipers will inhibit your ability to see, and bald tires will not give you the grip you need in wet conditions.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

In reality, what makes a sports car a sports car is a higher level of performance. Of course, this increased performance comes at a cost. The price of a performance model vehicle is always higher than its more average counterpart. Replacement or spare parts can also be more expensive. As such, sports cars typically require more expensive insurance policies. But, the category of “sports car” is subjective in some areas, and many insurance companies have different definitions for what does and does not count as a sports car. However, there are some common elements they take into account:

Number of doors – a four-door sports car is not very common. Usually, four doors indicate a vehicle designed for safety, and/or families. Two doors usually indicate a smaller vehicle (such as a coup) built with speed or maneuverability in mind. As such, a vehicle with two doors may signal your insurance company to offer you sports car-style coverage.

Engine Size – Bigger engines are indicative of speed and performance. However, this is not always the case. A truck or SUV may make use of a V8 engine to increase hauling power. More and more car models are offering V4 engines as standard for their basic trims – so driving a car with a V6 or higher may fit your insurance company’s sports car definition.

Height & Weight – To maximize their speed and performance, sports cars are generally lower to the ground and weigh less than their non-sporty counterparts. Therefore, your insurance company may take these factors into consideration.

For more information about sports car insurance, please contact your AIS representative today.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

The purpose of car insurance is to have a policy that works for you, when you need it. There are many variables that affect coverage and pricing, so no two policies are the same. With the right knowledge, you can work with your insurer to get the most out of your car insurance.

When buying car insurance, you should always shop around to get the price and coverage you need. Insurers determine your rate based on a number of factors. Some factors are more important to some insurers than they are for others, which is why rates vary among providers. AIS provides rates from multiple California insurance companies so you can quickly see which is best for you. Simply submit your information to receive a car insurance quote.

When going through the process of purchasing insurance, make sure to stay in contact with your AIS representative. He or she can work with to ensure you have the necessary amount of coverage, in addition to helping you find discounts and other ways to reduce your overall premium. Always make sure to review your policy annually to see you qualify for any new changes or discounts.

Lastly, make sure you are aware of all the terms and conditions associated with your insurance policy. It will be very beneficial in case you need to file a claim or revaluate your insurance needs.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Car customization is a popular pastime. Many people buy aftermarket parts and add-ons to enhance their vehicles to cater to their sense of style or to address their needs. However, when insurance companies assign pricing models to certain brands and types of cars, they base these on the features and equipment that the factory puts on the car. All equipment that you or others have added to the vehicle after it rolled off the lot is not insured. The same principle can apply to classic or antique cars you restore – your level of insurance may only reflect the condition of the car in its previous state, instead of its newly restored state. Before restoring or modifying your vehicle, you should take these steps

Know if modification is covered – As previously stated, most insurance companies do not cover aftermarket add-ons to a vehicle. Contact your insurance company and ask about their policy regarding vehicle modifications. Not only is this a great opportunity to learn about your coverage, but you may be able to purchase new coverage that is right for you and your modified car.

Have your vehicle appraised – This is an important step when restoring your classic car. An independent appraisal company can get comparable pricing for the restored vehicle, which will be important information for getting the right level of insurance.

Take pictures - Before and after photos for your insurance company are helpful collateral when adjusting your level of coverage for modifications and restorations.  

Itemize work done on the vehicle – This is yet another important step of modifying or restoring a vehicle. A detailed record of all the work performed on your car will help your insurance company accurately substantiate the car’s new value, ensuring you get sufficient coverage.

It may be prudent to insure this vehicle separately with a carrier specializing in classic and collectible automobiles. . If you have questions about this coverage, contact your AIS representative.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

A standard auto insurance policy will cover you in case of an accident while on the road. However, if your vehicle is damaged and it’s not from a traffic accident, that would fall under comprehensive coverage. If you are seeking comprehensive coverage on your policy, you will notice  this coverage typically cover things like “vandalism” and “natural disaster”. These are broad terms, so you may be wondering the types of damage that falls under these designations.

Comprehensive coverage plan is usually true to its namesake. Typical vandalism coverages include:

• Graffiti on your vehicle
• Broken windows
• Malicious damaging to the vehicle, including tampering with vehicle equipment
• Flattened or slashed tires
• Fire damage to the vehicle
• Damage resulting from theft attempts

Natural disaster coverage is also quite broad and typically includes hail, storm damage, flood, earthquake, explosions, etc.

Specific types of damage covered can vary from provider to provider. This is especially true if you live in an area in which certain natural disasters are more likely to occur – like earthquakes in California. Many California insurers will cover earthquakes, but out of state insurers may not. When considering a policy, you can always speak with an AIS representative regarding specific coverage.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

In many cases, vehicle vandalism is a random act. It can occur to anyone. If you’ve purchased comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, you’ll often be reimbursed for nearly any type of vandalism that occurs to your car. Still, submitting a claim is something policy owners may prefer to avoid. So, here are some quick tips to keep your car safe and secure and to decrease its chances of being vandalized:

Hide valuables: A common reason that vandals break a window or tamper with a door is because they can see valuables in the car. If you must travel with valuables and cannot take them with you, hide them or place them in the trunk of your car.

Lockup: Of course, a locked car is less likely to experience a break-in or vandalism. Make sure you doors, trunk, windows, and sunroof are all shut and locked. An extra lock on your steering wheel is non-standard for most vehicles, but can serve as an additional deterrent.

Install an alarm: Similar to locking up, car alarms also make great deterrents to theft and vandalism. In addition, installing an alarm may decrease your car insurance premiums. Contact an AIS representative to see if you qualify.

Security etchings: Oftentimes, valuable hardware that can not be removed or concealed – such as stereo equipment or electronics – is a target for theft. By etching your car registration number on them, you increase the chances that they’ll be recovered if stolen. If thieves see the etchings, they may leave the hardware alone.

Park safely: Well-lit, populated places make for safe parking spaces. Look for parking attendants and security cameras for increased safety. When parking at home, make sure to lock your garage.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

The open road can be a dangerous place for the ill-prepared driver. Unfortunately, many drivers who make the mistake of not preparing for a roadside emergency become stranded in a difficult situation. Luckily, a good roadside assistance plan can keep you covered in such emergencies.

Essentially, roadside assistance is a service that aids drivers who break down or experience mechanical failure on the roadway. As such, they cover a wide variety of problems. Common emergency services include:

• Towing – If your car breaks down and needs repair, roadside assistance can dispatch a tow truck to your location to take you to the nearest service station. Remember, although the tow is covered under roadside assistance, any repairs are not. For that, you should consider mechanical breakdown insurance.
• Tire change – Flat tires are a common issue on the road. Roadside assistance can help you change your tire, or transport you to a service station to purchase a new one if you don’t have a spare.
• Jumpstarts – If your battery dies, roadside assistance can get you moving again with a jumpstart. You don’t even need your own jumper cables.
• Fuel delivery – When you run out of gas, roadside assistance can give you enough to get moving again and find a gas station so your can fully refuel.

At AIS, we recommend Road America for roadside assistance services. In addition to receiving roadside assistance, Road America members can also enjoy valuable service offerings and discounts. Contact AIS to learn more.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Mobile home insurance (also known as “manufactured home insurance”) is, in many respects, similar to homeowner’s insurance. But with mobile home insurance, you get a policy that is tailored specifically for mobile homes, giving you a level of protection that fits your needs.

The main purpose of mobile home insurance is to protect your mobile home and its contents (which would include your personal property). The damages specifically covered will vary from policy to policy, but basic coverage usually includes damages from fire, theft, and certain natural disasters. If it’s not included in your basic policy, you may want to add personal liability to your mobile home insurance. This protects you from personal liability in case someone on your property is accidentally harmed or otherwise injured.

Depending on the insurance provider, there can be few ways to receive discounted mobile home insurance. The age of your mobile home can be a factor (a newer home can be insured for less) and so can the presence of security features. Some insurance companies may be willing to discount mobile home insurance if you bundle it with another insurance policy, like auto insurance. To explore your options for mobile home coverage and discounts, contact an AIS representative today.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Natural disasters are scary events that can end up causing a lot of damage to your home. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not usually cover damages from events like earthquakes or floods – two of the most common natural disasters in California. Fortunately, you can supplement your homeowner’s insurance with additional insurance policies to protect your home and assets.

Floods tend to be seasonal and news outlets are often able to warn homeowners in advance of a flood so they can make preparations. Unfortunately, flash floods provide no such luxury and even then, it’s unlikely you can fully protect your home from a flood on your own. Purchasing flood insurance can give you piece of mind and defend you from this common disaster.

Unlike floods, earthquakes can not be predicted; you may never be prepared for one when it hits. They can also cause devastating damage to both the inside and outside of your home. With earthquake insurance, you can rest easy knowing that your property and belongings are covered in the event of an earthquake.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

A DUI comes with many costs, concerns, and consequences – among them is what will happen to your car insurance. It’s not definite, but there is a very strong chance that your insurance company will raise your premium, and there are some points in the process that you should be aware of.

Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that under California law, you are under no obligation to report a DUI to your insurance company. On the one hand, this grants you a great benefit – you may be able to get your DUI charge reduced or dismissed in court, causing your insurance company to review your policy more leniently when it comes time to renew. On the other hand, there is still a very good chance your company will find out about the DUI if you are convicted.

An insurance company generally only reviews your driving record when you renew your policy, or start a new one. A DUI, or failure to appear in court for a DUI, will stay on your record for 10 years; your insurance company will find out sooner or later. It will be sooner if the DMV requires an SR 22 from you.

When you receive a DUI, the state of California revokes your driving privileges. In order to reinstate them, you must present an SR 22 to the DMV. An SR 22 is a certificate that confirms you meet California’s minimum requirements for auto insurance liability coverage. The only way to get an SR 22 is through your insurance company, who will learn about your DUI through issuing your SR 22.

The good news is California law prevents insurance companies from adjusting or cancelling your policy midterm. You can use this leeway to prepare for the likelihood that your premiums will increase when it comes time to renew your auto insurance.  However, if your license cannot be reinstated with an SR 22 your company may cancel you based on your license status.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.