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.

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.

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!

Anyone who has attempted to drive up an icy hill in wintertime knows just how treacherous that can be. Next time you head out in your car when there’s snow and ice on the ground, winter tires can add a much-needed layer of comfort and protection.

Whether your circumstances warrant the use of them is another story. To figure out whether they make sense for you, take a closer look at what winter tires are and how they work.

Different Types of Winter Tires

As the temperatures dip below the low 40s, you may notice your standard tires starting to harden, allowing for less traction on the road. Winter tires are a possible solution. They get installed on all four wheels, regardless of the type of car. There are several options:

• Snow tires – Also called winter tires, these tires are made of a special rubber that doesn’t stiffen in cold temperatures like standards tires do. Both the material and the tread design, which has larger gaps than conventional treads, increase the traction they provide on roads packed with snow and slush.
• Studded – Studded tires have small, lightweight metal studs built into the tread area. Like cleats on a shoe, these strong pieces of metal dig into the snow to give the tread extra traction in icy, wintery conditions.
• Studdable – These tires are a combo of snow tires and studded ones. They are basically winter tires with holes in them where studs can be added for extra traction.

Winter Tires Provide Better Driving Performance in Freezing Temperatures

Winter tires provide some additional benefits beyond providing better traction in the snow. They’ve been shown to improve traction, braking and handling corners in all cold-weather driving conditions, according to Kelley Blue Book. The use of them may reduce your braking distances by as much as 30 percent compared with all-season tires.

The use of winter tires is common in places like Canada with longer, more extreme winters. They help prevent drivers from losing control or colliding with another vehicle. Winter tires are not only the norm but are required in some places. After a winter tire law was passed in Sweden, there were reportedly 11-14 percent fewer collisions, resulting in fewer injuries and deaths.

Consider the Cost of Two Sets of Tires

The cost of winter tires may range from $800 to over $1,000, not to mention the expense of having them professionally installed. Not paying to rotate them could reduce that cost slightly.

To determine whether having two sets of tires is worth it, estimate how long you would use them. Studdable tires in particular can be a costly and high maintenance investment. While their versatility makes them attractive to some drivers, the studs must be added with care to not damage the tires. There may be added costs of having the studs added professionally and of removing them.

How often would they need to be changed? Some states limit the use of studded tires to certain times and road conditions, which could cause you to add and remove them more than once in a season. If possible, talk to auto mechanics and drivers familiar with them to gain more insights on the relative need for them in your area.

Where Do You Live and Drive?

Whether an extra set of tires is worth it will depend on what road conditions are like, and for how long. Winter tires can be dangerous if the weather and road conditions don’t necessitate their use. Keep in mind that they perform less well in fall and spring, and poorly in summer. They also wear our more quickly in fall and spring than standard tires.

Do you have a heated garage? Are the tires intended for travel? Not every driver who lives in a harsh winter climate needs tires to match.

The bottom line is this: do a bit of homework and be realistic about whether you would make the effort to switch them out. There’s no sense in having a perfectly good set of tires in storage if they won’t be put to use.

Get Good Auto Insurance with AMIGO

The best winter tires won’t protect you if you’re not accustomed to driving in snowy conditions. As winter approaches, refresh yourself on ways to improve your driving risks, as well as to keep your car in good working order.

Whichever tires you use, make sure you and your car are fully protected during the winter months ahead. At Amigo Insurance, we are committed to finding you the best coverage at competitive rates. Get a free quote here or contact us at 773-847-9000, where our agents are ready to help.

This time of year brings out an adventurous spirit in Americans. Many start planning road trips to see family that will take them out of state. More than 55 Million travelers took to the roads for Thanksgiving in 2019, according to AAA – and that’s just the start of holiday road trip season.

Even if you’ve made the trek before, keep in mind before crossing state lines that the view isn’t the only thing that changes. Knowing about different laws, weather patterns, road conditions, and other variables can help you be better prepared and enjoy a safer time on the road.

Review Driving Directions Beforehand

The simplest task often gets overlooked: familiarize yourself with the route you’ll be taking. And no, having a vague plan to head north to get to Wisconsin from Illinois isn’t enough, especially if you’re going solo. Unless you enjoy pulling over at truck stops to figure out where you are, thoroughly review the driving directions in case of a signal interruption or other issue. Also, be sure your GPS is functioning before you leave.

Know the Speed Limits Where You’re Headed

Speed limits vary state to state. Urban interstates range from 55 mph in Connecticut to 75 in Kansas. Montana has different limits for day and night. Sometimes drivers must adjust their speed on different segments of the same road.

If you’ve done much road tripping, you’ve also noticed how quickly circumstances can change. One moment you’re sailing down a near-empty highway, and the next you’re braking for a rural intersection or unexpected curve in the road. Prepare to slow down at any time, particularly when exiting from the freeway onto an arterial or collector road. It’s easy to be distracted by the scenery or your kids’ heated argument in back. You’ll need to reduce your speed significantly if you find yourself on a road with stoplights or one going through town.

Note: Thanksgiving travel often causes major congestion throughout the holiday week, peaking on Wednesday, so budget your time accordingly.

Laws for Passing May be Unfamiliar and Expensive to Break

Many things can vary when venturing into unfamiliar territory, from signage to driving attitudes to state-specific “keep right” laws. These are rules regarding the proper use of the passing lane, and they can take drivers by surprise even on their home turf. Driving too slowly, even if they’re going the speed limit, can endanger drivers passing on the left.

Variations also include penalties for breaking these laws. Indiana’s “slowpoke” law could stick you with a $500 fine for such an infraction. To stay on the right side of the law, be aware of any rules requiring drivers going slower than the traffic speed to remain in the right-hand lane.

How Traffic Violations Factor into Auto Insurance

States take their traffic laws seriously, as evidenced by the many highway patrol cars positioned on the side of the road, ready to ticket law-breakers. And being ticketed can sometimes impact auto insurance rates. In addition, some drivers involved in an accident file civil suits in order to receive compensation due to the structure of their insurance.

An accident or legal infraction can have serious consequences at home. But out of state, even a minor violation could throw a wrench in your plans and use up dollars budgeted for gifts or lodging. Road trips are a great way to escape the daily grind and experience a new place with friends or loved ones. Just keep traffic laws in mind, as well.

What Else Might Be Different?

A lot, according to WalletHub. The website compared all 50 states and D.C. in categories ranging from most rush-hour traffic congestion (California) to most days with precipitation (New Hampshire). If you’re concerned about gas expenses, head to Mississippi to fill up on the cheap. Or, visit the Lone Star state, which can officially boast offering the most positive driving experience overall.

Make Sure Your Vehicle Can Handle the Trip

Perhaps most important, be sure your car is up for the task of getting you where you need to go – and returning you and your fellow travelers home safely. A good pre-travel inspection will involve having a trusted auto mechanic check your:

• Lighting
• Tires
• Brakes
• Fluid levels
• Parts

Let the mechanic know about your travel plans, and budget enough time in case you need to make recommended repairs in case something comes up during the inspection.

Longer Trips and Auto Insurance

Before longer road trips, or if you’re moving out of state for an extended period of time, contact your insurance company. There may be insurance implications requiring temporary adjustments to your plan.

The professionals at Amigo Insurance are happy to help you secure an insurance policy that will protect you and your family no matter where you go. Get a free quote here or contact us at 773-847-9000, where our agents are ready to help.

Remember when you could depend on your new car coming with a large spare tire in back? Not anymore. By 2015, 136 car models came standard without a spare included. Since then, others have let go of the spare in favor of more lightweight alternatives.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Imagine driving alone at night when you feel a thump under your car. You quickly realize you have a punctured tire and pull over. No one expects a flat, but it’s necessary to plan for these types of circumstances. Will you be able to change the tire yourself? If not, what’s your plan B?

It may not be at the top of your wish list when car shopping, but whether to carry a spare is important to consider so you’re not left stranded with a blowout on the side of the road. As newer alternatives emerge, whether to carry a spare is a decision that requires today’s drivers to consider a few different factors.

Consider the Big Picture

Many standard vehicles still come with a full-size spare tire, but having one is no longer a given in a new vehicle. Their availability varies by model. From Tesla and Kia to Hyundai, Nissan, and Jeep, more and more automakers are putting out spare-free models.

About 35 percent of cars come from the factory without any spare at all – a likely money saver for automakers. The main reason given for this omission is that removing the extra 25-30 pounds, including the jack and tools, may slightly improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Another potential advantage: the extra space gives you a bit more storage room.

Factor in Fuel Efficiency

As mentioned above, smaller, more fuel-efficient cars are less likely to come with a spare. So, you may end up choosing between a spare and the more fuel-efficient models on the market. By 2018, the Toyota Prius had swapped its traditional spare for a tire repair kit. If you’re willing to buy a used car, though, you may be able to find one with a spare.

What’s a Tire Inflator Kit?

The main alternative to spare tires these days is the tire inflator and sealant kit, which has replaced spare tires in millions of cars in the U.S. These kits allow some flats to be fixed without a tire change using an air hose and air compressor.

But keep in mind that tire inflator kits can only be used with a puncture in the center tread and if the object remains in the tire. The kits can’t be used, for example, when the damage is caused by a sidewall, blowout, pothole, or larger puncture. Another option is to buy a spare and tool kit at a car dealer or tire retailer. The cost ranges from $50 for a basic donut to a couple hundred or more for something more substantial.

What’s Your Roadside Assistance Situation?

Each year, AAA receives some four million calls for roadside assistance due to flat tires. Roadside service is a convenient option for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road, but it may make a difference whether or not you keep a spare on hand. With one, you can get help changing it, possibly free of charge. Without a spare, you may need to get towed to the nearest auto shop, which will be costlier and more time-consuming.

Adjust Your Driving with a Spare Tire On

Keep in mind that you can’t drive off into the sunset with a spare on. There are few things to know about driving with most spare tires:

1. Avoid the highway. Don’t drive more than 50 miles per hour.
2. Don’t leave it on. Most spares are intended for temporary use. Just leave it on until you get to a mechanic or find a way to switch it out for a standard tire.
3. It won’t match your other tires. The tires are typically smaller with less tread. Speeding or leaving it on too long could cause damage to your car or risk an accident.

Consider Buying a Full-Size Spare

Buying a full-size spare can be a smart long-term solution for people who frequently drive over rough terrain or for long distances. It provides extra safety to know you won’t be hobbled if you have a blowout and can’t get help. Some full-size spares can be used as a permanent replacement. In this case, remember to keep an eye on the tread and include it in your tire rotation schedule.

If you’re car shopping, a quick web search will let you know about each model’s spare tire situation. Also, contact your auto insurance provider to ensure your new car will be automatically covered and to make sure your policy includes roadside assistance. And consider learning how to change a spare if you haven’t already.

At Amigo Insurance, we will help you get the best auto coverage for any vehicle, with or without a spare. Get a free quote here or contact us at 773-847-9000, where our agents are ready to help.

People come in and out of our lives, from roommates to significant others to couch-surfing friends. When someone moves in for any length of time, it’s important to find out how this will affect your auto insurance. You may need to add the person to your plan – and you definitely want to make sure any potential drivers are properly covered before handing over your keys.

No one wants to think an accident could happen to them or anyone else driving their vehicle. But insurance exists to protect you in case of an unexpected event. After all, there’s no point in paying into a plan if your bodily injury or property damage coverage doesn’t kick in when it matters. The last thing you want is to discover your insurance won’t cover the cost of damages from an accident because the person behind the wheel wasn’t on your policy.

How to Add a Driver to Your Plan

Adding someone to your car insurance policy is a simple process. Simply contact your insurer and provide them with basic information about the driver you’d like to add. The same goes for removing someone from an insurance plan – such as an adult child who moves away and no longer uses the car. The more complicated question for some households, though, is who needs to be on their plan and who doesn’t.

Auto Insurance: Who Should Be Covered?

One of the first things you want to find out when purchasing auto insurance is who will be covered automatically by your plan. An auto insurance policy should typically cover you, your spouse or partner, and family members of driving age who live with you. If there’s a chance a household member will use your car, you’ll want your full coverage to kick in if something happens when they’re driving.

This may mean adding a new name if someone moves in. If your brother moves into your spare room indefinitely, don’t put off letting your insurance company know. You can usually do so online through the insurer’s website. But adding him to your plan may not be necessary if he’s a driver with his own coverage. When in doubt, double check with your insurer so you’re sure all the bases are covered.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Different insurance companies have different rules. Some auto insurance providers require policyholders to add any licensed drivers in their household to their auto insurance policy – even if that person is a roommate with his or her own car. And about that brother moving in, some companies offer a grace period before his name needs to officially be on your plan. You may also want to find out which aspects of your coverage will extend to licensed drivers outside your household who you let drive your car.

Ask About “Permissive Use” Coverage

Under many plans, “permissive use “means that someone borrowing your car will be covered the same way as you are. Generally, if a friend or neighbor borrows your car on occasion, that person doesn’t need to be added to the policy. In many cases, they will automatically be covered. But there could be limitations. If you’re not paying for collision coverage, damage to your car wouldn’t be covered no matter who was driving.

The bottom line is it’s best not to make assumptions when it comes to the nitty-gritty of insurance coverage. When your insurer sends you a copy of the plan, be sure to review it closely and make sure you understand who’s automatically covered and who isn’t. If you have a question about potential scenarios depending on who’s driving, just pick up the phone and ask.

What’s the Cost of Adding Another Driver?

Answers to this question will vary depending on a number of factors. Adding someone may cost nothing at all, but it’s more likely to drive up your annual premium.

As a general rule of thumb: The riskier the driver, the more it is going to cost you to add the person to your policy. The most common reason that families add a name is when someone gets their driver’s license. That’s why it’s important to talk to someone at your insurance company and ask questions. Particularly when adding an inexperienced or teenage driver to your plan, find out how much the new person will cause your premium to goes up.

To get any of your questions answered about who should be included on your insurance policy, just head over to Amigo Insurance. Figuring out the ins and outs of car insurance can be challenging, but with Amigo Insurance, we’ll help you every step of the way. Contact us today or chat with us online!

You don’t need to be rich to get your hands on a new (or used) set of wheels. But you do need to know a bit about your payment options. The transaction usually requires some form of auto financing, which involves taking out a loan that you must repay over time. This approach means you agree to certain terms for paying back the amount with interest, possible fees, and within a set timeframe.

Unless you plan to pay upfront in cash – which a small percentage of consumers do each year – you’ll have two main financing options: direct lending or dealership financing.

Who Are the Auto Financing Lenders?

There are several different options for lenders:

• Banks
• Finance companies
• Credit unions
• Online lenders
• Car dealerships that offer “in-house” financing

As you get started, you’ll want an idea of what your monthly payments will be. The amount is determined not just by your loan amount, but also by the annual percentage rate (APR). Reach out to a few different places to ask about their rates. That will give you a more complete picture of what you’ll end up paying. During this stage, you can also begin comparing rates. You may find getting a loan through a dealership is more expensive due to higher interest rates.

Getting Preapproved

While it’s not necessary, you can get a head start by getting preapproved for a loan through a bank or other lender. To do so, the lender will need to review your credit report and other financial information. Going through this process can give you a better idea about what kind of deal you can get and might even help you negotiate a better price. Once you’re preapproved you’ll be in a better position to judge whether you’re getting a good offer in person.

Direct Lending

Direct lending means the buyer borrows the money from a finance company or other lender. Taking this route lets you shop around for the financial group with the best loans and terms for your needs. Some customers get a direct loan through their bank because they already have a relationship with the lender and can keep their bills in one place. However, keep in mind that while a bank might appear to offer a better rate, they won’t have incentive programs that dealerships can offer to cut down their costs.

While you shop around, ask dealers for written out-the-door prices on cars you’re interested in, as well. That way you can compare deals and financing terms in the comfort of your own home.

Dealership Financing

Applying for financing through the dealership is a slightly different process. By cutting out the need for a third-party lender, this process can be easier than securing a loan through a bank.

It simply requires signing the contract offered by the dealer. The dealer typically will sell the contract to the bank, finance company, or credit union that will be collecting your payments.

Options Improve When You Research Your Choices

Too many drivers manage their finances based on their monthly payments, with little understanding of the total they’ll pay in the long run. Easy credit and long repayment terms don’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good deal. From 2016 to 2019, new-car loans reportedly went up 10 percent to an average of $551 per month. Shopping around and comparing loan offers can save you a lot of money in interest and fees.

3 Steps for Better Financing Options:

1. Check to see if you qualify for special programs. Dealers sometimes offer low-rate, manufacturer-sponsored, or incentive programs. Find out if they’re limited to certain cars or bring special requirements that will affect the terms of your contract.
2. Find out your credit rating beforehand. Special programs that can lower the rate may require a strong credit rating. If you’re working on improving your credit score, consider this an extra incentive.
3. Explore multiple financing options. The dealer may be able to offer a range of financing choices through different lenders. Pay close attention to any differences between their offerings.

Finally, when you’re doing the math, don’t forget to figure in your monthly auto insurance payments, as well as maintenance and other car expenses.

Once you find your dream car, reach out to Amigo Insurance for the best auto insurance coverage at competitive rates. Get a free quote here any time, or contact us at 773-847-9000, where our agents are ready to help.

When’s the last time you hit the wide, open road, windows down, with your favorite tunes playing? Heading out in the direction of some unfamiliar destination is about as exhilarating as it gets. More than ever, people need to get away this summer. And in case it’s been a while, they should keep in mind that prepping your car for a long drive is essential to enjoy a safer and more relaxing trip.

Is Your Car Road Ready?

Even if your car has been inspected by a trusted mechanic, it’s still a good idea to understand the key elements of road trip preparation and maintenance:

Tire treads. Is there a sufficient amount of tread left on all four tires? Worn out tires can be dangerous, especially if you’ll be spending many hours on the highway. If your tires need to be replaced, better to do it before your trip than after.

Full tires. A full set of tires will give you better gas mileage, but be sure not to overfill them. The label inside your car door or gas filler door should have the proper pressure numbers.

Break and power steering fluids. Top off any fluids if necessary. Popular Mechanics recommends flushing the system with fresh brake fluid every 24,000 miles and changing the power steering fluid every 50,000 miles.

Battery inspection. A car battery typically lasts several years or more, but lifespans can differ greatly. A volt-ohm meter is an inexpensive way to measure the voltage of an aging battery and troubleshoot any issues. The battery should also be clean and free of corrosion before you hit the road.

Oil level. Always start a long driving trip with a full level of motor oil. Running out of oil can do serious damage to your engine and render your car undriveable.

Washer fluid. You never realize how important washer fluid is until you’re heading down the highway, unable to clean a streaked or dirty windshield. Replenishing it can be done by pouring a small amount of concentrate in the washer tank and adding water (check the bottle for the proper concentrate to water ratio).

Be Familiar with Routes

Heading into the unknown is part of what makes a road trip so much fun, but it does bring with it some risk. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the routes you’ll be taking, as well as your destination.

A lack of directions is an understandable oversight in this day and age. Now that drivers have become so dependent on GPS, it can be tempting to hit the road without a full understanding of where we’re headed. But remember that GPS gets its signals from satellites 12,000 miles away. Satellite movement is just one of many factors that can cause GPS tracking problems.

With that in mind, study all the routes you’ll be taking beforehand so you have a sense of what to expect. Make a note of turnoff markers to look for and what pitstops you’ll be making. Make sure all your routes are mapped into your GPS before leaving. It may make sense to print out your directions and bring physical maps as a backup in case you need them.

Finally, be prepared for any tollways, and inquire about road and weather conditions where you’re headed since both might be quite different than what you’re used to at home.

Does Your Auto Insurance Include Liability Coverage?

There are several insurance considerations when taking a long road trip. If you’re traveling with someone, are you prepared for them to take the wheel? At a minimum, you’ll need liability insurance so all drivers are protected.

Consult with your insurer about adding any uninsured drivers to your policy. If your travel companion is at fault in an accident, you’ll want coverage for costs claimed by other drivers for any injuries or damage. If you don’t currently have auto insurance, a short-term insurance policy can provide comprehensive coverage for a month or longer.

Out-of-State Roadside Assistance

The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere without roadside assistance. Make sure your auto insurance includes roadside assistance coverage. To be on the safe side, call your insurer to find out how it works where you’re headed, as some of the finer details may vary state to state.

At Amigo Insurance, we are committed to finding you the best coverage at competitive rates – for travel as well as protection at home. Get a free quote here or contact us at 773-847-9000, where our agents are ready to help.