Why Set up an Annual Car Insurance Review

When was the last time you had a review with your auto insurance provider? Many people miss out on this opportunity to have a casual chat with an agent, both to get all their questions answered and to make sure they’re getting what they need in their insurance plan.

When scheduled annually, an auto insurance review is an opportunity to ensure you’re getting the services you need – and also that you’re not spending dollars on coverage that isn’t serving you or your family. There’s no one issue that has to come up. As the owner of insurance, you get to bring up what is important to you. As a rule, you’ll get more out of it by taking a thorough look at your insurance coverage with an expert (the auto insurance agent).

In many cases, people bundle home and auto policies. They can ask about policies that either are already, or should be protecting, their:

  1. Vehicles (car, truck, motorcycle or other)
  2. Family members
  3. Home
  4. Other valuables
  5. Rate comparisons

How to Prepare for Your Annual Review

Your insurance package should be able to cover some or all of the expenses resulting from an accident or other event. But there are many types of packages for different types of driver, needs and circumstances. This call will be a chance to make sure that the policy you’re paying p[remiums for each month matches your situation as much as possible. Most people use this conversation as an opportunity to ask questions about their plan and to find out whether they’re getting the best rates possible. Talking to an agent will remind you of things that may have changed in the last year that warrant an adjustment. You might even end up saving a few dollars.

Before contacting an insurance agent, make a list of questions beforehand so you cover all your bases. As part of a comprehensive coverage package, ask about:

  1. Collision coverage
  2. Liability insurance
  3. Personal injury coverage

There may be other types of coverage needed whether based on changes in your household or specific upcoming events. Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, travel insurance, and other temporary coverage can be added or subtracted depending on your circumstances and needs.

What Else to Ask About in Your Review

Many things can change in the course of a year, from the number of driving age family members living in your household, to a job that changes your commute, to your home address. Here are some factors to keep an eye on and bring up during your review. SImply let the person you’re speaking with know what has changed, or may change in the coming months, and ask whether anything should be added or removed from your policy:

  • A change in address
  • A new teen driver
  • A new car purchase
  • A significant change in driving habits
  • An accident or event that may have impacted your rates
  • A birthday – even your own – that may lower them

Amigo Insurance Helps Drivers Compare Quotes for Best Policy

A review with an experienced agent at Amigo will get you the answers you need based on their expertise and knowledge. Ultimately, it creates a more informed consumer and can also control the costs you could incur if there is an accident or event that damages your vehicle.

Any time there is any significant change to a person’s driving habits, that can be a sign to get in touch with an insurance agent. If there’s anything else related to your insurance that you have lingering questions about, an insurance agent should be able to discuss your options. And even if they don’t know the answer, they will likely be able to direct you to the person who can. Meanwhile, keep in mind that failing to carry auto insurance – thinking it will save you dollars – can have the opposite effect, causing the driver to cough up money for repairs out of pocket and lead to potential legal penalties, as well.

At Amigo, our agents are ready to help you compare quotes and find the best deal available! They will help you find an excellent insurance plan that covers all your auto needs.

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Here’s What You Should Know About Electric Vehicles (EVs)

This biggest thing in auto news is the push toward electric. Over 2.3 million people in the U.S. have bought plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) since 2010. But that number is about to explode, as states are doing more to promote EVs and the federal government is chipping in some hefty incentives to lower the cost of getting one.

If you’re toying with the idea of getting one, a few factors might impact what you buy, how much it costs and what driving it will be like.

The Availability of Electric Car Options Is Growing

As climate concerns become a reality for people everywhere, the number of electric cars on the road has grown considerably. More than a third of drivers say they plan on or are seriously considering buying or leasing one, according to Kelley Blue Book. Do an online search and you’ll see the vast, growing range of EV options. Every major automaker is introducing battery cars, and plug-in hybrid options are also among the more popular models. Car and Driver lists the cost of purchasing these eight models new on the lower end of the price spectrum:

  1. 2022 Nissan Leaf—$28,495
  2. 2022 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop—$30,750
  3. 2022 Mazda MX-30—$34,695
  4. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV—$32,49.
  5. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—$34,495
  6. 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric—$35,295
  7. 2022 Kia Niro EV—$41,285
  8. 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning—$41,769

Federal & State Tax Credits Can Help Lower Car Costs

Due to the high cost of buying a new car, federal and state financial assistance are incentivizing more people to buy one. Contact your local government to see what’s available, and check out the Qualified Plug-In Electric-Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit for more information on how much you can save. The latest facts and figures include:

  1. A federal tax credit of $2,500 to $7,500 for each new purchase
  2. Your savings may depend on the car size and battery capacity
  3. State savings vary – in Illinois you can save $4,000 on an electric car and $1,500 on an electric motorcycle
  4. You may need to apply for a rebate within 90-days of purchase.
  5. Other criteria and documentation requirements may apply.

EV Charging Options Are Also Improving

There are thousands of EV charging stations in the U.S. – both networked and non-networked, or stand-alone units – and many more charging ports that anyone can access while on the road. It can even be done at home if you have the right equipment! There has been concern about drivers’ ability to get to a port when they need it. Fortunately, there has also been a push to produce and disperse many more charging options throughout the country. As technology rapidly develops, the time it takes to recharge your car battery is also shortening.

Speak to an Auto Insurance Agent

The world is changing, and so is the way people are choosing to drive, as well as what they drive. Any time you make a significant change to your driving habits, get in touch with an insurance agent to be sure you’re getting the services you need without wasting hard-earned dollars on ones you don’t. One of the roles of auto insurance is to control costs in case of an accident or event that causes damage to your vehicle. Failing to carry it can cause you to pay for repairs out of pocket and lead to potential legal penalties, as well.

If you have any questions about how owning and driving an EV might change your insurance needs, contact an insurance agent to discuss your options.

At Amigo, our agents are ready to help you compare quotes and find the best deal available! They will help you find an excellent insurance plan that covers all your auto needs.

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How to Save Money on Auto Repairs

The yearly cost of auto maintenance and repairs for a single driver range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Here are some things you can begin doing immediately to reign in those costs and get your repair bills under control.

Be a Responsible Driver & Car Owner

Some drivers may be unaware of the control they have over future car problems. Riding your car hard – as in, sudden acceleration and braking – take a toll more quickly over the parts being used. When you floor the gas, you are putting a bigger strain on engine components that can damage your pistons, connecting rods, transmission and axles.

More important, of course, is that you raise your chance of getting in an accident. There are millions of car accidents each year in the US. Driving with care not only saves lives and trips to the hospital, but it extends the life of your vehicle.

Look Into Suggested Repairs & Research Fair Pricing

Sometimes you need to do a little research on the repair in question in order to know how much it should actually cost. If a mechanic or dealership has suggested some repairs, your first step should be to find out more about the items in question. Perhaps some are more urgent, while others are optional. A quick Google search will give you an idea of what to expect so you can make an educated decision about how to move forward. Websites such as RepairPal and AutoMD offer estimated price ranges for common repair jobs, which can help drivers find better options.

DIY Auto Maintenance

Many basic car maintenance needs are simple fixes that don’t need to be done by a professional mechanic. When you pay for repairs, much of the cost goes into the labor, which can be over $200 an hour in some locations.

Taking control of routine maintenance can reduce repair costs by keeping your vehicle in good health. While you certainly don’t want to get in over your head, here are some highly doable tasks that save drivers cash (check your owners manual for more details before doing your own maintenance):

  • Air filters. Some recommend changing it annually. This is done by opening the hood, removing the old one, and replacing it with the new one. Don’t forget to close the metal clips afterward.
  • Spark plugs. These also need to be changed every so often. You may need a ​​spark plug socket and extension for this step. The new spark plugs can be screwed in by hand and tightened with a wrench.
  • Oil and oil filters. Many people change their own oil and/or oil filters periodically. It’s a dirty but necessary job that can save you cash every six months.
  • Battery maintenance. This is another important task, since a problematic battery can keep your car from starting – a problem that is easy to avoid. A simple visual check of the condition of your battery will tell you when you need to perform this process. There are many substances used to clean batteries. Just make sure the job gets done before corrosion builds up and causes problems.
  • Top off fluids. A trip to the mechanic usually comes with a promise of checking and filling fluids, which keep the different components of a vehicle operating at optimal capacity. Take charge of this area and you’ll reap the benefits on the road and in your pocketbook.

Carry Comprehensive Auto Insurance

One of the roles of auto insurance is to control costs in case of an accident or event that causes damage to your vehicle. Failing to carry it not only can cause the driver to pay for expensive repairs out of pocket, but it can also lead to legal penalties, depending on your state laws.

If you have any questions about whether you’re sufficiently covered, get in touch with an Amigo Insurance agent as soon as possible and ask about your options. Part of the role of an agent is to help drivers understand their options, the difference between different types of insurance, and which plans make the most sense for their needs.

To help take control of your auto expenses, find an excellent insurance plan that covers all your auto needs by contacting  Amigo Insurance today. Our agents are ready to help you compare quotes and find the best deal available!

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How to Spend Less on Gas

The average household spends thousands of dollars a year on gas. With the cost of gas and other necessities higher than usual, not everyone has that kind of dough. But driving remains a vital part of existence for many households. The vast majority of commuters in the US still drive to work, and public transportation is not always a viable alternative for everyone who needs to get to a job more than a few miles away.

Fortunately, there are many ways to save money normally spent on gas each month, even while driving the same vehicle. It may amount to a few dollars here and there, but those dollars will add up and give you more spending power at the pump.

Improve Your Fuel Efficiency as You Drive

Have you considered that how you drive could be wasting gas? Maybe adjusting your speed will save you money. Following the speed limit tends to use less gasoline because, as a rule, going over 50 mph causes a decrease in fuel efficiency. The same goes for applying the brakes. Aggressive drivers might feel tough, but they end up wasting fuel and spending more money on gas – while putting themselves at risk for a ticket or worse.

Also try to maintain consistent speeds when you drive, as that can improve fuel economy, as well. Even keeping the windows closed may help. Driving with open windows creates a drag on a vehicle at higher speeds that can decrease its fuel economy by as much as 10 percent! While you’re at it, check the trunk for unnecessary loads that might also be causing an extra drag on your car.

Another small trick is to lower your air conditioner use while keeping it on the economy or recirculation settings. That’s right: AC use can put a greater load on the engine by quite a bit! Find out what other economy settings are available in your car and make sure you’re using them to your advantage.

Be a More Conscientious Driver

Carpooling is ideal for commuters who don’t have access to other means of transportation, but it isn’t always an option. That doesn’t mean people shouldn’t examine their habits at all. Try to think of places you drive to that are within walking distance, and don’t be afraid of running an errand on foot or by bike. On those rainy days, maybe there are errands you could combine to make fewer driving trips – or put them off for a day more suitable for walking.

One common bad habit is that many people allow their cars to idle without considering what it is doing to their gas budget, let alone the environment. While you’re waiting to pick up your kids, friends or spouse, turn off the ignition. Restarting the car will use less gas than idling while you wait.

Look for Cheaper Gas

Find out where the most affordable gas is available. Then do a little math to see if it’s worth the trip. Look for helpful apps and websites to find the best option on your route. Gas loyalty programs may be another option, depending on where you live. While some gas stations and stores like Costco offer reward programs to help customers save on fuel, be sure to read the fine print to make sure joining will be worth it and won’t cost you in hidden fees or undesirable commitments.

Consider Purchasing an Electric Car (EV)

If you’ve been thinking of buying an electric vehicle, you’re not alone. About a fourth of U.S. drivers say they want to get an electric vehicle the next time they buy a car. That’s a big leap from the 10 percent of Americans who currently drive a hybrid or electric vehicle.

There are different types of electric cars. All-electric (or battery-electric) vehicles (EVs) are the most common kind of electric car on the road. These are the ones with batteries that drivers must recharge by plugging them in. It may be a bigger investment upfront, which is why so many people who want to buy one are considering a used EV. However, the up front cost to lease or buy one will automatically start paying off. By not having to fill up at the pump, the average driver can expect almost $1000 in savings for each year they drive their EV compared with a gas-powered vehicle.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Finally, don’t overlook routine maintenance that will save a buck. A more well-maintained car or truck tends to be more fuel efficient. Three things you can do today to ensure a lass gas-guzzling vehicle:

  • Inflate your tires
  • Change your oil
  • Give your engine a tuneup

While saving at the pump, find an excellent insurance plan that covers all your auto needs by contacting  Amigo Insurance today. Our agents are ready to help you compare quotes and find the best deal available!

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How to Prepare Your Car for Summer Driving

Summer is upon us, and so is the toll that hot sun can take on your car. Winter isn’t the only season that is hard on vehicles. Road trips are wonderful, but the last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road with an overheated engine.

Here’s what you need to know – including steps for extending the life and health of your vehicle that can last beyond the summer months.

Routine Maintenance: Prepare for Warm Weather Auto Care

In the warmer months, it’s especially important to keep an eye on the dashboard gauge for signs of rising internal temperatures. And routine maintenance doesn’t have to break the bank, particularly if you take simple measures before a problem occurs. Have the battery checked to protect your vehicle from extreme temperatures that can take a toll on the life of a battery.

And don’t neglect your tires. The hot pavement is hard on worn treads, so rotate or change the tires as needed. (You’ll still want a spare in the trunk in case of tire trouble.)

Here are some other areas to check (or have checked by a pro) to avoid potential problems on the road:

  • Oil level
  • Thermostat
  • Coolant system
  • Water pump
  • Radiator
  • Belt and hose

Protect Both the Exterior and Interior

Drivers who live in the South know just how much that sun and heat can cause wear and tear on both the interior and exterior of a vehicle. The interior fades and cracks – especially leather. The paint begins to fade and age, lowering the resale value down the road. Here are four steps to protect the surfaces inside and out against the heat this summer:

  1. Consider installing a windshield sun protector before parking in the sun.
  2. Be sure to wash (and dry) your car to remove dirt, salt and other particles from the surface that can damage and age the exterior.
  3. A hot wax service at the drive-through will extend the protection by locking in oils that help protect your car from sun damage.
  4. Finally, a low-gloss detailing product may be worth it to protect the dash and reduce glare.

Additional Steps to Protect Your Car in Summer

In addition to following your routine maintenance schedule, there are many simple steps drivers can take to protect their car all summer long.

  • Check Your Tires – Did you know that heat causes tire pressure to increase? In addition to making sure your tires are up for the trip, checking your tire pressure is always a good rule to follow – especially before taking long drives in hot weather.
  • Park in the Shade – Avoid parking in the sun when possible. Your passengers will thank you! So will your car seats, steering wheel and dashboard, which can heat up to 150 degrees and higher if left to bake while you’re in an air-conditioned building. Take an extra minute to find a space that offers at least some protection. Then leave a window partially open so you can return to conditions that aren’t scalding on your hands and legs.
  • Don’t Neglect the Seats – Leather seats are one of the draws of a luxury vehicle, but they are also prone to aging, drying and cracking from exposure to the sun and heat. Applying leather conditioner regularly will protect both leather and fabric interiors alike and help keep the seats cool in hotter months.

Ask Your Auto Insurer About Roadside Assistance and Other Road Trip Protections

Does your auto insurance plan include out-of-state roadside assistance? A malfunctioning cooling system and other issues can cause a car engine to overheat. Even if your vehicle is in tip-top condition, be sure you have a plan of action before embarking on any road trips or lengthy drives. Not only can doing so save you time and money, but it will provide an extra level of safety when away from home.

Finally, every family should have liability insurance that ensures all drivers are protected. Consult your insurer about liability coverage if anyone else will be driving your car (or vice versa) – and ask about adding any uninsured drivers to your policy.

To find an excellent insurance plan that covers all your summer needs, contact Amigo Insurance today. Our agents are ready to help you compare quotes and find the best deal for your needs!

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Here’s Your Chance to Win a Vacation to Orlando

Walt Disney

Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. and La Ley 107.9 fm want you to join the world’s most magical celebration with a vacation to Walt Disney World.

Surround yourself with iridescent magic and enjoy new experiences and your favorite classics!

The winner will receive:

  • One (1) vacation package(s) for four (4) persons for three (3) nights and four (4) days at the Walt Disney World® Resort
  • One (1) round trip ground transfers between the Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World® Resort

To enter our giveaway, here’s what you need to do:

    • Visit our Facebook Page.
    • Like our Facebook Page.
    • Share our Disney post
    • Then, complete the form to be entered to win a dream vacation for a family of four to create your own magical Orlando experience. Complete form here.

And that’s it!

But hurry! The last day to enter the sweepstakes is June 5th, 2022. A winner will be selected and announced on Sunday June 19, 2022.

 

Official Sweepstakes Rules:

  1. The last day to enter the sweepstakes is June 5th, 2022.
  2. You must like Amigo Insurance Facebook Page and share the promotional flyer and/or video on your social media to participate; in case of wining, these two steps will be verified. If one of these is not complied, we reserved the right to decide if we will select another winner.
  3. The Winner does not need to be present, but it is important that you follow us on our social media pages to see if you are the winner and to answer or contact us as soon as possible in case we don’t reach you if your name is selected.
  4. By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by Amigo Insurance via SMS, email or Postal Service.
  5. In case of winning, you must sign a document where you agree that we publish your full name, photos and/or videos on our websites, such is amigoinsurance.com, www.segurosamigo.com and Amigo Insurance social networks, also in newspapers and/or magazines; similar authorizations are given to the radio station La Ley 107.9 FM Chicago (our affiliate in this sweepstakes).
  6. Must be 18 years or older to participate.
  7. The draw will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2022. (Father’s Day)

Terms & Conditions

Each vacation package(s) shall consist of the following:

• Four (4) round trip coach airfares between the major gateway airport closest to traveler’s residence and the Orlando International Airport. [provided, however, if winner resides within 250 miles of the Walt Disney World® Resort, airfare will not be provided].

• One (1) round trip ground transfers between the Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World® Resort via limousine or SUV.

• Room accommodations consisting of one (1) standard room(s) (with a maximum of four (4) persons per room) for three (3) night(s) at a hotel at the Walt Disney World® Resort selected by Disney in its sole discretion; based on availability.

• Four (4) 4-Day Standard Theme Park Tickets with Park Hopper® Option.

NOTE: Items that are not included as part of the winning vacation package(s) are: meals, hotel room service, laundry service, alcoholic beverages, merchandise, souvenirs, etc., local and long-distance telephone calls, tips, gratuities, service charges or taxes. All other charges and items not otherwise described above. The estimated retail value of the vacation package is US $6,661.96.

Winning vacation rules include, but are not limited to:

• Vacation(s) must be taken between 5/4/2022 and 5/4/2023.

• Departure date and accommodations are subject to availability; certain restrictions and block-out dates may apply.

• Vacation(s) is/are for the winner(s) of the sweepstakes/contest and three (3) guests of the winner’s choosing.

• Vacation(s) and vacation components may not be sold, traded, transferred, rescheduled to dates not within the fulfillment period set forth above, or refunded. Vacation(s) is/are not redeemable for cash.

• Disney, its parent, related, affiliated, and subsidiary companies and their respective officers, directors agents, employees and assigns shall be released and discharged from any and all legal claims, losses, injuries, demands, damages, actions, and/or causes of actions that arise out of and/or in any way related to the prize, the receipt, use and/or enjoyment of the prize and/or the Promotion.

• Park reservations are limited in capacity, subject to availability and are not guaranteed until confirmed. In order to make your reservations, you will need a My Disney Experience account and valid Theme Park ticket linked to it. Theme parks, attractions and other offerings are subject to availability, closures, change or cancellation without notice or liability. Park admission, offerings and ticket options are not guaranteed. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or modify any offering.

• To visit the theme parks, theme park reservations via the Disney Park Pass system (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/park-reservations/) AND valid admission are required for the same theme park on the same date for each person in the Group ages 3 and up. Reservations are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until a reservation is finalized. A park reservation must be made for each day of entry. The Park Hopper® option allows guests to visit more than one park per day, with some restrictions. Learn more at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guestservices/park-hopper/.

• Face coverings, physical distancing and temperature screenings may be required for all guests, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Before visiting Walt Disney World® Resort, each guest should visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/ to view important information about park reservations, limitations on benefits, features, experiences and offerings, new safety measures and other information. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By accepting and using the Prize and visiting Walt Disney World® Resort, each Winner and their guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Winners and their guests are also responsible for understanding and complying with any COVID-19 travel restrictions set by their origination or destination cities, states, or countries, including but not limited to registering for travel authorization and obtaining and displaying current COVID-19 test results, vaccine passports, COVID-19 vaccination cards, etc.

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Hands off Laws and What They Mean for Cell Phone Use in Cars

When it comes to driving, nothing is more important than safety. That’s why, in many states, it is illegal to talk or text on a smartphone while driving.

Generally, laws against cell phone use while driving are intended to keep drivers from using a cellphone or other electronic devices while driving. But, more and more, there are exceptions to the rule in the form of hands-free or hands-off laws. The exception applies when drivers use their phones if they are in hands-free mode. It’s important for drivers to understand how the rules work, as well as when they might not apply to their situation.

How to Use Devices or Blue Tooth Technology Hands Free While Driving

While rules vary from state to state, hands-free rules typically apply to cell phones, tablets, music and gaming devices – in other words, to stand-alone devices that can be retrieved on demand in a vehicle. Generally, these types of rules allow you to:

  1. Engage with GPS functions
  2. Start or answer calls
  3. Talk on a wireless device
  4. Use your device for navigation
  5. Use it in an emergency to request help

Phone Syncing and Other Alternatives to Cell Phone Use While Driving

Another alternative to cell phone use is phone syncing, which enables drivers to take a necessary call – for example, if stopped in traffic – without posing a danger to themselves or other vehicles around them. Phone syncing as a feature in newer cars, in particular, has enabled people to continue to use their devices with their hands safely on the wheel. The integration of this type of technology makes it easier and less distracting to access information such as directions while driving. What’s important is that you familiarize yourself with whatever device or technology you plan to use before hitting the road.

Check Your State for Legal Details on Hands-Free (Hands-Off) Laws

You know what they say: the devil is in the details. No one wants to break the law unintentionally – or worse, get in an accident while using their device while behind the wheel. In Illinois, for instance, hands-free devices and Blue Tooth technology are allowed for drivers 19 and older, three years older than the legal driving age. Yet, also in Illinois, drivers are only permitted to use a cell phone that is not hands free in limited cases:

  • To report an emergency;
  • While parked on the shoulder of a roadway; or
  • While stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and if the vehicle is in neutral or parked.

In other words, these laws don’t guarantee you’ll be in the clear in case of an accident, even if the other driver may have been at fault. Drivers involved in an accident that is believed to have resulted from distracted driving may still face criminal penalties or incarceration.

Note to Distracted Drivers: Using Hands-Free Devices Isn’t Always Safe

If you’re like countless other drivers, you like to enjoy music from your preferred device while on the road. Just like the knob on the radio dial, these types of features can be distracting if you’re not careful and have led to many accidents and injuries. Engagement with a device such as uploading music should only be done from a parked position, before you hit the road.

If you plan to use an unfamiliar vehicle, be especially cautious. Keep in mind that any distraction while driving can lead to an accident. While no one expects that to happen, it’s smart to be covered with comprehensive auto insurance that protects you and your loved ones. Even if you’re extra careful, the driver next to you may not be.

Ask Your Auto Insurer for Details on Distracted Driver Coverage

Driving laws are complicated, but you’ll be more protected if you speak to an agent to get a thorough understanding of your insurance coverage. Auto insurance companies view reckless driving as a risk, and that can extend to anything that harms the driver, their vehicle, personal property or others on the road. In addition to being familiar with local laws, contact your insurer to find out if any rules regarding the use of devices are written into your policy.

To find an excellent insurance plan, contact Amigo Insurance today. Our agents are ready to help you compare quotes and find the best deal for your needs.

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Why Do Renters Need Liability Protection?

Renters’ insurance provides tenants with similar benefits as homeowners’ insurance. Being covered protects your personal property in the apartment, condo or home that you rent in case you experience an unexpected catastrophic event such as a fire, burglary, or damage caused by a sewer backup. The purpose is so that you will be reimbursed for lost or damaged possessions.

Despite the growing population of renters in the U.S., just 37 percent of them have renters insurance, according to Policygenius. Yet this is crucial coverage that protects you from many different possible scenarios. In a litigious society like ours, liability is an important consideration with various types of insurance. You could be asked to cover claims resulting from injuries or damage related to countless events that are impossible to predict. And considering that renters tend not to have access to a whole lot of cash, a lack of coverage leaves them financially at risk.

If you are renting, not only should you be sure to have renters’ insurance when you move in. In most cases, you’ll also want it to include liability protection to shield you from liability if someone is injured on your property.

What Is Liability Protection?

Also referred to as tenants’ insurance, renters’ insurance typically includes three types of protection:

  1. Liability
  2. Personal possessions
  3. Additional living expenses

To understand why your plan should include liability protection, it helps to gain some clarity on what is meant by this type of protection. Liability insurance is a very common form of protection in the insurance industry and is included in various types of insurance. In the case of renters’ insurance, it serves to protect the renter from monetary damages if that person is sued for claims that are covered in their policy.

Having this coverage makes it possible for your insurer to help you financially – up to your policy’s limit – if you’re held responsible for bodily injury to someone or for damaging another person’s property. In other words, the liability part of your policy will generally pay for the cost of defending you in court, as well as for court awards. According to the Insurance Information Institute, liability limits on a standard policy generally start at around $100,000.

Why Would Someone Sue the Renter?

Personal liability is intended to cover legal costs that the renter might otherwise have to pay out of pocket – which many people wouldn’t be able to afford. A standard policy in some areas includes up to $100,000 in liability coverage, but each plan is different. Examples of the kind of scenarios it may cover:

  • Pays your neighbor’s medical bills if your dog bites them and covers other damage caused by your pets
  • Covers medical expenses if a guest slips and is injured while visiting
  • Includes protection if you are blamed for damaged property
  • Covers the cost of a hotel room if your apartment is broken into
  • Pays for losses if you or a family member cause damage to someone else’s property

What Does Liability Protection Not Cover in Your Rental Insurance?

You’ll want to inquire about the specifics of any given plan so you’re also aware of what types of liability won’t be included. For instance, liability coverage for injuries related to certain breeds of dogs may be excluded from the plan. Furthermore, keep in mind that your renters’ insurance typically won’t cover:

  • Items that your landlord should cover, like property damage to the buildings (such as roof and siding)
  • Repair costs if your kids or pets destroy your own property
  • Water damage caused by flooding
  • Damage caused by earthquakes, landslides and other events

Your landlord may make carrying liability insurance a condition of signing a lease agreement for a unit in the building where you plan to live. Be sure to speak to an agent to find out your amount options. For example, your family might need an “excess liability” policy that provides higher limits and broader coverage.

Our agents can inform you about liability coverage, as well as other types of coverage a renters’ plan will include. Call Amigo today at 773-847-9000 for a FREE quote on renters’ insurance and more details about your options.

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Commercial Auto Insurance 101

Are you launching a delivery business or some other enterprise that requires a lot of driving? The need for commercial auto insurance is on the rise due to a growing number of commercial vehicles throughout the U.S. You, too, will likely need an auto policy that provides insurance coverage specifically designed for business use.

Commercial and personal auto insurance have similarities, but there are significant differences. Generally, commercial auto policies are tax-deductible and have higher liability limits since business vehicles tend to need more protection. They also can cover vehicles not owned by the company, like if an employee drives their own car for work. However, whether to expand your personal plan or get a commercial one will depend on the kind of driving you do and several other factors.

Why Get Commercial Auto Insurance?

You may need a commercial policy if you:

  • Transport people or goods for cash.
  • Accrue lots of miles for work, whether by delivering food, driving clients or visiting job sites.
  • Transport tools, equipment or other items for professional reasons.

Due to the high number of miles on the road, the accident rate for commercial fleets is roughly 20 percent. Year after year, the likelihood of an accident adds up. That figure alone should convince businesses to make sure their vehicles have sufficient coverage. A solid plan might include liability, collision and comprehensive, medical payments (or personal injury protection) and coverage for uninsured motorists.

Sometimes the smaller details can determine not just whether you need commercial insurance, but what types of coverage should be in your plan. When you speak to an insurer, be prepared to answer questions about how you use business-related vehicles, who will be driving them, and whether you plan to drive your own car for business purposes.

What Liability Protection Does Commercial Auto Insurance Usually Provide?

Commercial auto insurance can offer a broad range of liability protection – which covers you for claims filed due to injuries and damage to people, property or both. A policy typically includes:

  1. Liability coverage – Bodily injury and property damage liability, to pay for injuries, deaths, or property damage if a driver causes an accident while working. It may also pay for legal fees.
  2. Medical payments – To cover the medical expenses of the driver and any passengers in case of an accident, regardless of fault.
  3. Comprehensive and collision coverage – In case of vehicle damage from theft, vandalism, damage if your vehicle is hit by an object or another car, and other potential sources of damage.
  4. Uninsured motorist coverage – To cover the cost of treating injuries and/or repairing property damage caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. It may also cover you if the insurance of the at-fault driver is insufficient to cover all expenses.

Get the Commercial Auto Policy That Matches Your Specific Role

Getting the right policy for your job can be a little more involved than selecting a personal policy. There are often other kinds of protection to consider that take into account the details of your work role. To be sure you have the appropriate coverage, it may help to find out what other people in your field typically carry. Other options include:

  • Products-completed operations – Liability protection (damages and legal expenses up to your policy’s limit) if an injury results from something your company made or service your company provided
  • Products liability – To protect your company against lawsuits from product-related injury or accidents
  • Contractual liability – To cover any liability you might assume by entering into contracts with other entities
  • Miscellaneous coverage – For anything else that may be required, from borrowed equipment, liquor liability, and non-owned vehicles (such as watercraft) to legal defense costs and advertising injury

Do any of your workers use their business vehicles in their personal life? The name of the business should appear on the policy as the “principal insured” rather than your name. This will avoid possible confusion if you need to file a claim or a claim is filed against you.

What About Insurance for Rideshares?

If you plan to drive for a rideshare – or a similar business – check with the specific company to find out what coverage rules are required. The message to drivers on Uber’s website, for instance, is that the company maintains commercial auto insurance on drivers’ behalf, but also that “expanding your personal auto insurance to include rideshare and delivery insurance coverage could help protect you even more.” In other words, you may still need additional protection.

But personal auto insurance carriers offer additional rideshare/delivery coverage options for certain lines of work, so commercial auto insurance isn’t necessarily required. Ask your insurance agent to explain all the differences and options.

At Amigo, we have additional information about the different options for commercial auto policies.  Get a free quote here today or call us at 773-847-9000, where our agents are ready to help.

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Will I Need to Plug in My Electric Car?

More than 1.1 million battery-electric vehicles were registered in the U.S. in 2020. Our government wants to see electric vehicles account for half of all sales by 2030 to reduce the harmful effects of fossil fuels. And as electric cars become more mainstream the prices will likely drop, enticing more people to buy them.

If you’re one of the many drivers considering an electric vehicle, you may have a few questions about that whole plug-in aspect of these cars. Namely, how will it affect your overall driving experience? Where and how often will you be plugging it in? It can be hard to imagine if you’ve driven a standard car your whole life.

Here are some of the ways powering your vehicle will be different.

Do You Need to Plug in Your Electric Vehicle?

The short answer is: probably. All-electric vehicles typically must get plugged in regularly in order to recharge. But, there is a way around the need to plug it in. That’s because there are two main types of electric cars:

  • Electric Vehicle (EV). These all-electric vehicles don’t require any gas to run. They must be plugged in for their batteries to recharge. As our society moves away from gas-powered vehicles, there will be many more of these on the road.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric: These vehicles are powered by both electricity and gasoline. They too contain a battery pack that can be recharged at an external power source. Not all hybrids are plug-in hybrids. Plug-ins can be recharged at a charging station, but it’s not necessary since they also run on gas.

What’s a Charging Station?

Most brands other than Tesla rely on third-party charging stations around the country. There are almost 43,000 public EV charging stations and many more charging ports throughout the US today. Because plugging in a car is much simpler than filling the tank with gas, all you need is a piece of equipment that connects your car to an electric source.

Some EV drivers prefer to install their own charging port at home. This can cost well over $1,000 in equipment and labor, but it’s a big timesaver. Just plug in at night and by morning you’re ready to go.

How Does an Electric Car Get Plugged In?

Just like with electric appliances, you will use a charging cable to plug in your car. EVs come with an extension cord that gest plugged into an outlet on one end and into the car on the other end. A minority of gas stations currently offer EV charging. Many EV charging stations simply consist of recharging equipment outside of a parking garage, auto mechanic, strip mall or near the road like a parking meter.

How Long Will It Take to Recharge Your Car?

Here’s where there’s another significant difference between old and new. Charging up an EV when the battery is depleted can take all night. If you’re just “filling up” at a charging station, you might still be there for 30 minutes or more. This situation may change as quicker and more convenient options are developed.

How Often Will You Need to Recharge?

As for how often you’ll need to plug it in, that depends on how often you drive and how far you plan to go between stations. You might get 100 miles of driving from half the charge of your car battery. Not bad, right? But just like gas, you’ll want to be sure there is a charging option nearby before running out of juice.

Before investing in an electric vehicle, ask the dealer or owner how many miles it gets per charge. The range might be anywhere from 50 or 100 to 330 miles. You’ll at least want to ensure your commute to and from work is safely covered. Certain factors can wear on the batter, such as running the AC or driving uphill, and the battery may lose its strength as it ages. You deserve a realistic picture of what owning this car will mean for you.

Does “the Grid” Support Electric Vehicles?

Our electric grid will be building up to accommodate many more charging stations and ports as new electric cars, trucks and buses are purchased in the coming years. If you live in a city or primarily drive between cities with lots of charging options, then being able to recharge may not be an issue for you. But some parts of town may be better equipped than others. Drivers will be looking for convenience and accessibility to be sure owning an EV is a realistic option for them.

Google Maps and Other Apps Keep EV Drivers Informed

By syncing with Google Maps in your car, you can get a fairly accurate estimate of how much power will remain in your battery when you get to your destination. This type of feature can be very helpful when moving about town in your new EV.

Be sure to protect yourself and your vehicle with an appropriate insurance plan. The experts at AMIGO Insurance are ready to answer all your questions about insuring an electric vehicle. Just give us a call today!

 

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