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.

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.

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.

Insurance premiums can be a finicky thing. California law prevents changes to your policy or premium mid term. However, prices can fluctuate when it comes time for renewal. Depending on what has happened to you during the year, auto-related or not, there can be major changes to your auto insurance policy. Here are some typical life-changing events that are also insurance changing events:

• Changing states: If you relocate to a new state you may encounter different laws regarding your insurance – especially in terms of minimum coverage. Also, your current auto insurer may not be licensed in your new state. Check with your current insurer to determine who could provide you with the right coverage for your new area, or if you need to make changes to your current policy to accommodate state laws.
• Buying a Home: The purchase of a home can mean that you might qualify for multi-policy discounts, such as bundling your home and auto insurance under the same provider. On top of that, the other changes that come with a home purchase – such as living in a new coverage area, changing your commute, and being able to garage your vehicle – can also affect your auto insurance rates.
• Having Children: Generally, just having children is not enough to affect your auto insurance policy. However, children may compel you to make other changes that reduce your rates, such as purchasing a safer vehicle. Alternatively, when they grow up to become teenage drivers that need to be placed on your policy, children can turn into a major insurance expense.

• Getting Married: Many insurance companies offer discounts for putting multiple cars under the same policy. By getting the cars of you and your spouse under one policy you can save money via joint policies and multi-car discounts. However, these will vary depending on your insurance provider.
• Getting Divorced or Becoming Widowed: Unfortunately, this can reverse the discounts you were eligible for when you were married. You should check with your insurer to find out what new type of coverage and what other discounts could be provided to you.
• Retiring: Retirement in and of itself doesn’t affect insurance. But, it does affect your driving habits. You might travel the country or stay close to home – you might even decide that you no longer need a car.  When planning for your retirement, you should consider how much coverage you will need to protect your assets.

Regardless of what kind of change may be occurring in your life, it’s always a good idea to do some comparison shopping for auto insurance  to secure the best rates. Keep your insurance in mind when it comes to these life changing events so you can plan accordingly for changes in your policy payments or 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.

Californians are no strangers to the sun and surf, and having fun out on California waters is an incredible experience. It’s even more enjoyable when it comes with peace of mind. That’s why watercraft insurance is popular among people who love to get out and hit the surf.

Just as watercraft are different from automobiles, they require a different sort of insurance policy. Of course, your policy will be exclusive to you, but some basic coverages may include:

• Physical damage to your watercraft & trailer
• Damage to another watercraft,  dock, or other property
• Towing assistance if you break down on the water
• Liability for injury or death to another person through negligence
• Liability for another driver using your watercraft
• Water skiers, wake boarders, or tubers who become injured being towed by your watercraft
• Uninsured watercraft owners insurance – injury to you caused by an uninsured watercraft operator

Keep in mind though – some policies may limit your use of your watercraft to specific types of waterways or specific areas (such as “inland lakes and waterways” or “Pacific Costal waters within 5 miles of shore”). Still, a watercraft insurance policy is a great idea for maximizing your carefree fun out on the water. Contact AIS to learn more about watercraft insurance today.

Most people are under the impression that the only chance they get to save on car insurance is when shopping for a new policy, or renewing an old one. However, you may be able to utilize “part-time insurance” to save on your policy during certain times of the year.

Part time insurance works for vehicles that you own, but do not use often or only during certain times of the year. Usually, this applies to seasonal vehicles (like snowmobiles), classic or antique cars, vehicles owned by deployed members of the military, and vehicles owned by vacationers.

When these vehicles are not in use, you can have them temporarily suspended from coverage. That way, you do not have to pay insurance costs for the vehicle. Of course, there are restrictions depending on your insurance provider. Most companies will only allow you to move vehicles on and off this standby coverage four times per year. They also may require that the vehicle has a certain level of coverage to be eligible.

Of course, there is also the danger of damaging the vehicle while it is not covered. The few hundred dollars you save by suspending the insurance on a vehicle can quickly be lost if the vehicle is damaged with no insurance to protect it.

Whether you can utilize part-time insurance is at the discretion of your insurance provider. Contact your AIS representative today to see if you are eligible.

If you’re considering taking the whole family – including the furry members – for a road trip, you must remember to take the appropriate safety precautions when transporting your pets.

Usually, a trip in the family car, long or short, can cause a great deal of “excitement” for some pets. This can become a dangerous distraction for the driver and dangerous for a rambunctious pet in a moving vehicle. Before setting out on a trip with your pet, be sure to follow these tips:

• Restrain your pet – This is perhaps the most important tip because it keeps your pet from sitting in your lap or obstructing your vision. If you can, use a pet-specific seatbelt or a crate to keep your pet in one spot. If a seatbelt or crate is not available, try to travel with another person who can hold, distract, or otherwise keep your pet calm while you drive.
• Use a pet barrier – For larger dogs that don’t fit into a crate or seatbelt, barriers are available to fit your make of vehicle. These barriers will keep your dog out of your driving space and keep you from being distracted.
• Drive defensively – Your pet will appreciate a smooth ride. Take turns carefully and avoid abrupt stops. Slow down and keep a close eye on the other cars driving around you.

Following these tips will help keep you and your pet safe on your next road trip or during your next visit to the vet!

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 carry any type of insurance, the coverage may include a deductible.  The deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before you are eligible for payment from your carrier. All claims have an administrative cost in addition to the amount that must be paid for damage.  In the simplest claim this can run  $300-$400. By having a deductible in place, insurance companies can greatly reduce the number of “small claims,” which can quickly drain company  and force the company to raise premiums..

For example, say you backed your car into a utility pole. There are no injuries and the pole is undamaged. However, the fender on your car is now bent. If the cost to repair the fender does not exceed the deductible for your collision insurance, then you are responsible for paying for the repairs.

Deductibles vary from policy to policy. Typically, if you take on a higher deductible, you have a lower monthly payment. Because carrying a high deductible requires you to pay more out-of-pocket in case of a claim, you should carefully weigh the risks and balance between monthly premium costs and the size of your deductible. If you have questions about your deductible, 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.