In many cases, when someone buys a vehicle, they will leave it as is.  But, for those who do customize their car, or buy one that has already been modified,  they need added protection for their investments into the vehicle.  Aftermarket parts for cars are becoming more popular, especially in the electronics department.  When people travel long distances, they like to have entertainment along the way.  For example, a custom stereo system with built in TV’s in the headrests so that everyone has some additional entertainment during their ride.  Systems such as these typically cost at minimum $1000 up to several thousand of dollars.

When you purchase comprehension or collision coverage, up to $1000 of added parts to your vehicle is sometimes  covered by the standard policy.  Anything above $1000 is generally not covered, and coverage for some items is specifically excluded.  So if you plan to add parts or features to your car, you should consider adding special equipment coverage if you want to recover the cost should you be involved in an accident or there is a theft.  If you don’t add this special coverage and your car is totaled, you will not be reimbursed for the added equipment.

Below is list of items that can often be covered under special equipment coverage:

• Custom paint work.
• Anti-theft systems not installed by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Special tires and wheels.
• Custom interior modifications (leather seats or racing seats, not installed by the auto manufacturer.
• TV’s, radios and other electronic devices that are permanently installed in the vehicle.

Here is a list of items that typically will not be covered under special equipment coverage:

• Radar detectors.
• TV’s, radios and other electronics that are not permanently installed in the vehicle.
• CD’s, tapes and the cases that are used as storage.

For more information about special equipment coverage please contact and AIS representative today or see www.aisinsurance.com.

Even if you already have an auto insurance policy for you and your immediate family, there still might come a time when you will want to temporarily add additional coverage to your policy.  Most policies contain permissive use coverage which will cover a driver of a borrowed car, as long as they had expressed or implied permission to drive the vehicle at the time of an accident.

If you have excluded anyone from a policy because they no longer live in your home or drive the car regularly, this would be a reason for additional coverage. With the holiday season approaching, universities will be breaking and some Military personal will be home.  If anyone has been excluded from your policy, you should consider temporary coverage to ensure they are protected while driving your vehicle(s). 

Another reason you might want to purchase temporary coverage would be in the case of renting a motor home or recreational vehicle.  Buying a temporary policy can help to protect you in the event that the coverage provided by the rental company is not enough to pay for damage or medical bills.

For more information about temporary auto insurance, please contact a qualified professional at www.aisinsurance.com or call 888-772-4247.

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.

As with most states, when you purchase auto insurance, you are required to carry a minimum amount of coverage to ensure that you can pay for damage caused in the event of an accident.  Minimum insurance requirements are also put in place to help keep uninsured vehicles off the road.  When purchasing your California auto insurance policy, it will need to include the following minimums:

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

While these minimums might cover most accidents, you should carry more insurance in certain instances.  If you live in an area that is highly trafficked and has very expensive vehicles driving around, your minimums may not cover the least amount of damage that may be caused in an accident.  Also, if you are financing a new vehicle purchased in California, the bank or dealer who has financed the vehicle will require that you carry enough insurance to cover the vehicle in the event that it is totaled.  Even if you own an older car that you may not think is very valuable, you may want to have more coverage to protect your passengers and others that you are sharing the road with.

For more information about California auto insurance minimum coverages, please contact a representative at www.aisinsurance.com or call 888-772-4247.

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.

Purchasing California car insurance can be a daunting task if you are not prepared. Knowing what you need and having the correct information when you need it is essential to making the process easy.  Below are some basics things that you should know when applying for an online quote or speaking with an agent over the phone.

If you are insuring multiple drivers on your policy, you will need their personal information.  You will need the driver’s names, sex, age and marital status.  Other information that may be required includes annual miles driven and driving record.  All this information will help the agent to get you started with a quote.

You will also need to provide information about all of the vehicles that you wish to have included on the policy. You will need to provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), found on the registration or the front driver side window, car make, cost, style and any other modifications to it. 

You will then be asked for the amount of coverage you would like to have on the vehicles.  The amount of coverage you elect to take will determine how much you pay for the policy.  Example: the most complete coverage would include coverage for your vehicle, Uninsured Motorist coverage for damage you suffer from an accident where the other party is uninsured, Liability coverage to cover damage you may do to others, and Medical coverage which pays incidental medical expsenses for anyone involved in an accident.  A moderate policy may only cover Liability and Uninsured Motorist, but no coverage for your own car (typically, if it’s older and paid off).  A policy such as this would be more affordable.  Have an idea of what you want to cover and how much you can afford to pay for insurance and relay this information to the agent or in the quote form.

Lastly, take good notes, shop around or compare coverages online.  Taking notes about what you are quoted will help you to compare different company’s rates.  You want to make sure you are seeing apples-to-apples.  When receiving a quote from a company, see if they will compare their quote to another company’s and have them explain any differences.

Buying California car insurance doesn’t have to be a difficult task.  If you need a quote or have any questions, please contact a qualified representative at www.aisinsurance.com.

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.

With school back in session, there will be more inexperienced drivers on the road.  Teens that now have their driver’s license will want to drive themselves to school instead of “uncool” transportation methods such as riding the bus or being dropped off by mom or dad.  With this new freedom comes a lot of responsibility and in many cases teens take it for granted.  Driving can be very dangerous for an inexperienced teen. 

To help your teen become a safer driver, here are some tips that can help.

• Practice with your teen – Even though they have their license, practice makes perfect. If you are going out as a family, let your teen drive so you can monitor their progress and help them along the way. This will also help them to be more comfortable with multiple people in the car.
• Limit or prohibit cell phone use. Even for an experienced driver, using a cell phone while driving can be distracting. Teach your teen to pull over to the side of the road to answer a call, or have them turn off their phone completely. It is important to also be cognizant of your teen’s texting habits. Texting is a popular way for teens to communicate and is very dangerous if conducted while driving.
• Teach your teen how the car works. – When a teen first learns to drive a car they are so focused on the task at hand, that sometimes it is difficult for them to adapt to the outside environment if it changes. If the windows fog up, it starts to rain, or is getting darker, a teen may not know initially how to correct these situations. Teach them where the buttons are for the various functions of the car. Show them how to turn on the windshield wipers, front & rear defroster and headlights. If you have multiple cars in your household, routinely practice on all vehicles so they are very comfortable if they should need to use any of these functions in any vehicle.
• Prepare mentally. – This is for the driver and the teacher. Parents need to have the right attitude while teaching and observing. Understand that your teen will make mistakes, and be prepared to handle the situation if it is not going as planned. Parents need to keep cool and stay calm. By doing this, you will help to keep your teen calm and collected while they are learning. You also need to prepare your teen mentally. Make sure they know the responsibility and dangers that are involved without scaring them.
• Watch your habits. – Many people learn by watching and then doing. As a parent, study your own driving habits to make sure that you are practicing what you preach. Sending mixed signals is not what you want to do when teaching a young person how to drive. Follow your own rules and don’t make excuses if you should happen to break one. Own up to your mistake, and discuss what could have happened because of your lapse in judgment.

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.

Having a new car is great, especially because if something goes wrong with it, you are covered by the warranty for a certain number of years.  But what if you own a used car, or if the warranty on your car is close to expiring?   Now there is a way to protect your vehicle in the event something goes wrong after the warranty expires. 

Mechanical breakdown coverage will protect your pockets in the event something happens.  The real saving is if you have something major happen to your car.  If the A/C goes out, the transmission breaks, or you have a head gasket leak, mechanical breakdown coverage can save you hundreds of dollars. 

Unlike an extended warranty for your car, mechanical breakdown coverage can be applied to all aspects of the car, not just certain parts, such as the drive train.  It also allows you to get your car repaired wherever you like instead of a required dealership. 

If you are interested in mechanical breakdown insurance, please contact www.aisinsurance for more information and a free quote.  AIS Insurance is able to shop many different coverage’s to get you the best possible rate.

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.

When you own a business you have assets and risks that need to be taken into consideration. You have worked hard for your business, and you need to make sure that it is protected.  If your business is located in California, the best way to protect yourself is to have the proper California Business Insurance.  You need to make sure that your policy is all inclusive and covers your employees, property, assets and vehicles that are registered in your company name.

If you do not have enough coverage for your business, your personal assets could then be put in jeopardy, risking what you have worked so hard to gain. 

AIS makes getting California business insurance quick and easy.  Our team of professionals will help you through the quote process to ensure that you have the right amount of coverage to fit your business needs.  Policies we offer can include many different coverages including some or all of the following:

• Commercial Property
• Business Auto
• Worker’s Compensation
• General Liability
• Directors and Officers
• Commercial Umbrella

When you speak with one of our representatives, providing them with accurate information is the only way to make sure that our agents can give you the best possible price.  Information such as type of business, size of building, number of vehicles, number of employees, and any other important facts that could help them to provide you with the best possible quote.  For more information please contact one of our agents today at 888-772-4247

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.

Keeping your auto insurance policy updated is sometimes overlooked if people buy a new car, add a new driver or even move to a different state.  Neglecting your policy can cost you money if you are in an accident or the car is broken into or stolen.  Below are a few times in which you should make sure to update your auto insurance policy and ensure that you are fully protected.

• If you have a teen in the home who will be driving your car, they need to be added to the policy. While teen drivers may think they know all there is to know about driving, statistics prove otherwise. Teen drivers have the highest rate of accidents, and if you do not update your insurance, they may not be protected. Update your policy to ensure that your teen and car are fully protected.

• Different states have different laws and it is important to check with your agency regarding any necessary changes when you move. Depending on driving conditions, the type of driver you are, and other circumstances, insurance providers have different rates within different states.

• If you purchase a vehicle, whether new or used, you must alert your insurance company. While the price of the vehicle may be comparable to your old one, the premium might change based on the type of vehicle, age of the vehicle and even the trim level of the vehicle.

AIS Auto Insurance can help you with many of these circumstances.  If you are in need of a new policy or need to change your current AIS policy, please visit www.aisinsurance.com for more information.

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.

One of the perks of owing a new vehicle is the warranty services that come along with it.  Most warranty services will include roadside assistance.  Roadside assistance can be beneficial if you need basic services while on the road.  If you get a flat tire and need help changing it, this is where your roadside assistance policy can help.  Also, typically included is limited towing service.  If your vehicle needs to be towed to a dealer, roadside assistance can make the arrangements for you.

If you don’t have a new car, but still would like the peace of mind that comes with having roadside assistance, you certainly add this service to your existing auto insurance coverage.  In most cases it will only cost you a few dollars extra per month, but it can be well worth it should you be in a situation where it is needed.    One tow could easily be more expensive than the yearly cost of adding roadside to your policy.

In some cases the roadside assistance plan that you add will be provided by a club such as the National Automobile Club.  Other perks of adding this coverage can include free maps, discounts on rental cars, travel links and more. 

If you need more information contact your insurance provider, or if you are in need of California auto insurance and would like to add this to your new policy, please contact an insurance professional at http://www.aisinsurance.com.

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.

When it comes to owning a new vehicle, there are two ways in which you can go about obtaining one.  You can buy it, or you can lease it.  Buying the vehicle means that you are purchasing it and once it is paid in full, you own it outright.  Leasing a vehicle essentially means that you are paying for the vehicle that you use.  So with a lease, you are not paying the full price just what you use during a set time period. 

When you buy a vehicle and don’t finance it, you must insure it, but only for state-mandated liability coverage.  Insuring the vehicle itself against collision or theft is up to you.  When you finance or lease a vehicle, since technically you don’t own it, you may be required to carry full or additional insurance to protect the dealer and the bank.  Dealers and banks can require that you carry more insurance to protect their property through the course of the lease or until the vehicle is paid off, in the event of damage or it being stolen. 

If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you will want to consider all of your options before buying or leasing.  It is important to check the dealer requirements and the cost of a policy if you decide to lease or finance a vehicle. 

For a free quote on protecting your financed or leased vehicle with auto insurance, please contact an AIS Insurance 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.