A wedding can be among the most costly things a couple will spend money on, with ceremonies and receptions reaching $20,000 or more. At that level of expense, a wedding is definitely an investment worth protecting. Fortunately, you can have peace of mind on your special day with wedding insurance.

A wedding insurance policy will reimburse your costs in the event of property damage, cancellation, and even injury. Because of the number of things that can potentially go wrong at a wedding, wedding insurance tends to offer wide ranging coverage for a variety of dilemmas, even on lower premium policies.

For example, if the reception venue becomes unusable because of inclement weather or natural disaster, wedding insurance can cover the deposit and the cost of changing the reception location. If the bride or groom is called away for military service, the cost of cancelling the wedding can be covered. Wedding insurance can also cover property damage (if it’s not already covered by insurance owned by the venue), gown or suit damage, and vendors failing to deliver. For instance, if your photographer never delivers your pictures, wedding insurance will pay to have the photos retaken. Wedding insurance can cover just about anything. However, “cold feet” is typically not covered in policies.

AIS offers wedding insurance through WedSafe – one the nation’s leading wedding insurance policy providers. Contact your AIS representative today to learn more about how you can protect your wedding.

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.

Motorcycles are not as common on the road, and their insurance requirements are not as well known. Although there are small differences, motorcycle insurance is mostly the same as car insurance. Just as with car insurance, California requires a minimum amount of liability coverage in case the motorcycle is involved in an accident. The minimum amount of coverage breaks down to:

• $15,000 for injury/death to one person
• $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
• $5,000 for damage to property

In addition to the minimum liability coverage, there are other types of insurance you may want to consider adding, just like you would for your car. As injury to the rider is very common in motorcycle accidents, you should consider carefully both medical payments coverage and uninsured motorist coverage.  Custom parts and equipment insurance could also be a wise add-on to your basic coverage. Custom parts are not unusual on motorcycles, yet many insurance policies do not cover them.

It’s also important to note that the requirements of motorcycle insurance apply to other two or three-wheel vehicles as well, including motorcycles, motorized scooters, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles. If you operate any of these other types of vehicles, it will need to be insured.

Lastly, many states waive helmet requirements for motorcycle operators once they have the required amount of liability insurance. This is not so in California – where you must where a helmet at all times when operating a motorcycle or similar vehicle.

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 first time you need to purchase auto insurance can seem like a harrowing experience. However, insurance companies have worked over the years to make the process much easier. When you go looking for your own insurance, keep these points in mind:

• Know what you need: There are four types of auto-insurance. They are: liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive insurance. California law requires you to carry liability insurance, which pays for another driver’s damages when you are found at fault in an accident. As discussed in a previous blog post, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance protects you from other drivers who don’t have insurance, or don’t have enough insurance coverage to pay for your injuries and/or damages to your vehicle. Collision insurance pays for damages to your vehicle when you are at fault in an accident (otherwise, the other driver’s liability insurance would cover damages). Lastly, comprehensive insurance protects your car from other damages or losses, such as theft or fire. Which insurance types you want and the amount of coverage for each will depend on your budget and vehicle. For example, you may not want to pay for collision insurance for a very old car.

• Shop around: The Internet has made it easier than ever to shop around for auto-insurance. When you contact AIS, you can get dozens of quotes from California insurance providers. We can also help you get any discounts that you are eligible for.

• Reevaluate periodically: Most people agree that reevaluating your auto-insurance every year or so can save you money. With a call to AIS, we can give you revised quotes to see if you need to update your policy.

 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.

Sometimes, the vehicle you get from a car dealer just doesn’t fit all of your needs and personal style. It may be impossible to buy the absolute perfect car, and when you can’t, many folks upgrade components. With a new radio here, some chrome rims there, you have a vehicle that truly belongs to you.

Few people are aware of this, but most insurance policies will only cover damage to equipment originally provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle. This means that all equipment that you or others have added to the vehicle after it rolled off the lot is not insured. Such equipment includes:

• Cosmetic equipment: such as custom rims, wheels, paint jobs, decals, fins, spoilers, chrome, etc.
• Utility equipment: such as fog lights, bed liners, trailer hitches, camper shells, and more.
• Entertainment equipment: which includes any permanently installed TV, radio, or DVD player
• Dealer installed equipment: this includes equipment provided by the dealer, but not offered by the manufacturer.

To protect these assets in your vehicle, you will need to purchase customized equipment coverage. Collision coverage may come with some customized equipment covered, but this varies. Even so, if you have spent a lot of money personalizing your vehicle, you should consider adding customized equipment coverage to make sure you can recover the full amount of your vehicle’s worth in case of an accident.

It’s unfortunate, but California has a reputation for higher than average auto-theft rates. Almost every California insurance company will provide you with coverage to protect the investment of your vehicle in case of its theft. A stolen vehicle comes at an especially high cost to your insurance company. They’re not merely paying to repair damage to a car – they have to replace the entire thing! Your coverage frequently excludes things like compact discs and other personal property, which you will have to pay to replace out of pocket.  To avoid this, and the dreadful experience of having your car stolen, follow these basic tips.

• Don’t leave valuables in your car. You’ve probably seen signs in different parking lots advising you about this. If a thief can clearly see valuables in your car, they are more likely to break in. If you must keep valuables in your car, keep them out of site. Frequent targets are:
  • Your purse
  • Your  cell phone
  • Your GPS
  • Your lap top computer
  • Electronic Games

Even if your car isn’t stolen, these and other items are frequently the subject of “smash window and grab property” robberies.

• Keep your vehicle secure. Always lock your doors, even if you will be nearby or only be away for a moment. Never leave your car running and unattended.
• Park your vehicle in safe places. This may not always be possible, but you should try to park in areas that are well-lit and have a lot of visibility. Wide-open, public places with lots of nearby foot-traffic also tend to be safer.
• Invest in some anti-theft equipment. An alarm or GPS tracking system can be a great way to protect your car. They may also earn you a discount on your auto insurance. Contact your AIS representative to find out more information.

You won’t always be able to keep an eye on your car to protect it from thieves, but, if you keep it secure and park smart, you can raise your chances of avoiding a costly auto theft.

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.

Did you know that the majority of auto accidents occur in perfect weather? It would seem adverse weather makes drivers more alert and careful while they’re on the road. Still, weather changes can make driving conditions dangerous. Use these tips when driving in some of California’s more notorious weather conditions to keep you and your car safe.

Rain – Every state gets rain, but not every state gets floods like California. You will want to avoid large puddles. Water can be deeper than it looks, and you can’t see what it’s hiding while driving through it. Even shallow-looking water can hide damaging debris or potholes. Avoiding big puddles can also reduce water splashing up into your vehicle’s engine compartment, which can damage electrical systems.  It is also important to slow down.  Your stopping distance is increased on wet pavement and your vision may be obscured.

Fog – with a California summer comes California fog. First and foremost, reduce your vehicle’s speed in foggy conditions. Second, turn on your headlights and fog lights, if your vehicle is equipped with them. This won’t do much to help you navigate through the fog, but it will help other drivers see you and keep them from crashing into you. Also, avoid using high beams – they reflect off the fog right back at you, which actually decreases your visibility even further. If fog conditions get too thick, pull off the road, leave your lights on, and wait for the fog to lift.

Extreme desert heat – A long trip through one of California’s deserts can be tough on your car. Before embarking on a desert trip, make sure your car is tuned up with the correct amount of fluids. Also make sure your tires are in good condition, or they may be at risk from a blowout caused by the excessive heat. Be sure to bring extra coolant to keep your engine from over-heating.

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.

Many states recognize certain vehicles as classics, antiques, and collectibles, based on age. The exact definition of what qualifies a car as “classic” or how old a truck must be to be considered “antique” varies from state to state. Usually, state DMVs will honor these sorts of vehicles with specialty license plates, and California is no exception.

The DMV of California offers two plates for old vehicles: the Historical Vehicle License Plate and the Horseless Carriage License Plate. A “historical vehicle” must be manufactured after 1922, be at least 25 years old, and be of historic interest. A “horseless carriage” must be manufactured during or before 1922, or be manufactured with 16 or more cylinders before 1965. Both kinds of vehicles may only be driven “in historical exhibitions, parades, or historical vehicle club activities.”

There is a good chance your car won’t qualify for either one, and if it does, you probably don’t drive it to work every day. Still, your car may be a classic and require the appropriate insurance. As previously stated, the definitions for “classic” vary, but they usually apply to vehicles older than 20 years. Contact your AIS representative to see if you need classic vehicle insurance.

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 California, like many other states, it is illegal to operate a vehicle without proper insurance coverage. While that coverage can come in multiple forms, i.e. providing a cash deposit of $35,000 to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, or purchasing a bond from an insurance company in that same amount, typically drivers and drivers-to-be simply purchase auto insurance that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum requirements.

In California these minimums are set at $5,000 for property damage, $15,000 for bodily injury/death for one person, and $30,000 for injury/death for more than one person.

Often times the minimum coverage guidelines are not enough for a driver’s “peace of mind”, so additional insurance is available. At Auto Insurance Specialists we help California drivers find options including:

1. Bodily injury liability
2. Property damage liability
3. Medical payments
4. Uninsured motorists coverage
5. Comprehensive physical damage coverage
6. Collision coverage

Bodily injury insurance can be purchased in amounts that far exceed the state minimums as can property damage insurance. We can help you decide what is best for you. Medical payments typically cover any injuries you may have in an auto accident regardless of fault, and uninsured motorist covers you, as the name suggests, if you are in an accident that is the fault of a person who doesn’t have any coverage. Collision coverage takes care of damage to your car in an accident which is your fault or with an unknown hit and run motorist.  Finally, comprehensive coverage is for damage to your vehicle from occurrences like theft, vandalism, fire, hail, etc. To learn more about the right coverage for your needs request a California auto insurance quote 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.

Once your teen is of age, and ready to get behind the wheel, you will find that insuring them will raise your premiums considerably. However, there is hope.  If you and your teen follow these steps, you can keep the costs from continuing to rise.

1. Purchase a safe, conservative car. Certain cars cost less to insure. For instance, buy a sedan over a sports car every time. Sedans are much less likely to attract both police officers and auto thieves.
2. Maintain good grades. If your teenager keeps their grades up (typically a 3.0 or higher should do it) discounts are available.
3. Take driver’s ed and assisted driving. Assisted or supervised driving (a driving permit, as opposed to a license) is now a requirement in many states, including California, and completion of 50 hours can help keep rates down.
4. Higher deductibles. As with all insurance, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Setting deductibles depends on how much risk you are willing to assume.
5. Avoid mistakes. Mistakes on the road can be very costly, and potentially very dangerous. Help your teen learn how to avoid making mistakes on the road by following some basic safety steps.

• Limit the number of passengers your teen is allowed to have in his car at any given time.
• Keep nighttime driving to a minimum. If they do not need to drive at night, do not let them.
• Keep cell phones in the glove compartment or turned off. Distracted drivers have the highest accident rates and cell phones are one of the biggest culprits. Do not allow your teens to use them while they are driving.

While adding your teen to your policy is always going to send your rates northward, following these simple tips can keep them manageable in most cases.

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.

No one is immune from car accidents. They can happen to even the most conscientious drivers, so being prepared “just in case” is always recommended.

First of all, before getting behind the wheel of a car, you must have auto insurance. It’s the law. Next, make sure you know what your particular insurance policy covers as this may save you a lot of trouble down the line. For instance, does it cover towing, ambulance service, etc.? Knowing the basics of your coverage can help you make sound decisions if the time comes.

Also, it is always a good idea to have a proper “emergency kit” in the car, which includes first aid materials, flares or orange cones, emergency contact names, a cell phone, pen and paper, and finally a camera.

Now that you are prepared to leave your driveway, here are a few additional tips just in case you get into an accident.

1. Remain calm. This is the most important thing to keep in mind and perhaps the toughest to pull off. Remember that the calmer you are, the more you will recall and the more logical your decision-making will be.
2. Report your accident and let the authorities know if there are any injuries.
3. Assuming there are no injuries, carefully exit your car, remaining aware of all traffic, and exchange insurance details with the other driver.
4. Find out if any witnesses saw the accident and if so, take down their contact information.
5. Do not blame or admit fault to anyone. This is something that will be better resolved during the investigation process.
6. Take pictures of both cars and the damage incurred.

At Auto Insurance Specialists, we are here to protect you, so please keep the above tips in mind, and happy driving!

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.