New Year New Car Insurance

As we toast to the New Year and jot down our resolutions, it’s the perfect time to revisit and refresh essential aspects of our lives — and that includes our car insurance. Often overlooked during our busy schedules, car insurance is more than a legal formality; it’s a vital part of responsible vehicle ownership. This year, let’s change gears and give our car insurance the attention it deserves, and who better to guide us through this process than Acceptance Insurance.

The Art of Reassessing Your Car Insurance Annually

Life is a journey full of changes, and each one could steer your car insurance needs in new directions. Moving to a new city, changes in your daily commute, or even a new car may significantly impact your insurance. Plus, let’s not forget those personal milestones — maybe you got married or celebrated a big birthday?

These are all crucial moments to reassess your coverage. Also, keep an eye on external factors like evolving traffic laws or advancements in vehicle technology, such as the increasing popularity of electric cars, that could reshape your insurance requirements.

Navigating Through Your Policy Update

Updating your car insurance policy isn’t just a routine task; it’s a strategic move that could bring numerous benefits. Let’s walk through a checklist of what to review and update.

Liability Coverage

This is the cornerstone of your policy, covering damages if you are at fault for an accident. Reviewing your liability coverage is crucial, especially if your lifestyle or assets have changed. Increasing your coverage will protect you if someone decides to sue you.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

These cover both non-collision events (like theft or weather damage) and collision-related repairs, respectively. As your car ages, its value decreases, which might change the cost-benefit ratio of these coverages. You might find that adjusting these coverages could lower your premiums while still offering adequate protection.

Deductibles

Your deductible amount directly impacts your premium. If you’ve built up a financial cushion, consider increasing your deductible, which will lower your monthly premiums. It’s a balancing act between potential out-of-pocket expenses and regular premium savings.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured Motorist Coverage

These coverage options are often overlooked but can be lifesavers. PIP assists with medical expenses regardless of who’s at fault, while uninsured motorist coverage protects you in accidents involving uninsured and underinsured drivers. Updating these options ensures you’re not left vulnerable in unexpected situations.

Policy Discounts and Features

Have you qualified for new discounts or are there new features available since your last review? Have you installed an anti-theft device, or has your driving record improved? Updating your policy to include these changes could lead to significant savings. Remember, building your policies can lead up to 25% off your premium.

Personal Information and Vehicle Use

Ensure your policy reflects any changes in personal information or how you use your vehicle. Moving to a new location, changing jobs or even altering your commute may affect your premiums and coverage needs.

New Year, New Discounts: Exploring Savings

With the new year, new savings opportunities arise. Did you know that eco-friendly vehicles might fetch you a handsome discount on your insurance? Or that being loyal to your insurance provider could lower your premiums? And if you’ve recently improved your credit score or hit a milestone age like 25, you might be in for a pleasant rate revision. Embrace these opportunities and don’t hesitate to ask Acceptance Insurance about potential discounts that align with your current situation.

Busting Those Car Insurance Myths

Car insurance comes with its fair share of myths and misconceptions. Let’s shine a light on these and set the record straight.

Myth: The Color of Your Car Affects Insurance Premiums

Contrary to popular belief, the color of your car has no impact on your insurance rates. What matters are factors like the car’s make, model, age, engine size and safety features. These elements influence the cost of repairs and the likelihood of theft, which are key considerations for insurers.

Myth: Older Drivers Always Pay More for Car Insurance

It’s not necessarily true that older drivers pay more for car insurance. While premiums can increase as you age, many insurance companies offer discounts for mature drivers, especially those with good driving records and lower annual mileage.

Myth: Your Credit Score Doesn’t Affect Your Insurance Rate

In many states, your credit score can indeed impact your car insurance rates. Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to assess the likelihood of filing claims. A higher score could mean lower premiums.

Myth: Personal Property Inside Your Car is Covered by Your Auto Insurance

Most car insurance policies do not cover personal property stolen from your vehicle. This type of protection is usually provided by homeowners or renters insurance policies, not your car insurance.

Myth: If Someone Else Drives Your Car, Their Insurance Will Cover Any Accidents

Generally, it’s the car insurance policy of the vehicle, not the driver, that applies in the event of an accident. If you lend your car to a friend and they get into an accident, it’s your policy that will likely be affected.

Technology and Your Car Insurance

Embracing technology in the realm of car insurance is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a current reality with tangible benefits. The integration of telematics in your vehicle, for example, could lead to personalized premiums that reflect your driving style, rewarding safe driving habits with potential discounts. This, coupled with the convenience of managing your policy through mobile apps, transforms your insurance experience into one that’s more efficient and user-friendly.

Additionally, the advancements in vehicle safety features and anti-theft systems not only enhance your safety on the road but could also be financially beneficial. Insurers often recognize these technologies by offering lower premiums, acknowledging the reduced risks they bring.

Let Acceptance Insurance Be Your Guide for Affordable Car Insurance

Ready to shift your car insurance into high gear for the new year? Contact Acceptance Insurance today. You can get a quote online, call us at 800-321-0899 or stop by one of our locations for a friendly chat. We’re committed to helping you fine-tune your policy to match your evolving needs, ensuring you’re fully covered and getting the best value. Start 2024 with the confidence that comes from having the right protection in place — let Acceptance be your guide to a worry-free, well-insured year ahead.

Common Questions About How Updating Your Policy Affects Your Car Insurance

How does a change in my driving record affect my car insurance?

A change in your driving record, such as a recent ticket or accident, may impact your insurance rates. Insurers view a clean driving record as a sign of a responsible driver and often offer lower rates accordingly. Conversely, new infractions could lead to higher premiums.

How does adding a new driver to my policy affect my rates?

Adding a new driver, especially a teenager or someone with a limited driving history, could increase your insurance rates due to the higher risk associated with new drivers. However, some insurers offer discounts for good student drivers or for completing safe driving courses.

Does where I live affect my car insurance rates?

Yes, your location could significantly impact your insurance rates. Factors like traffic volume, accident frequency in the area, and local crime rates (which affect theft and vandalism risks) are considered by insurers when determining rates.

Will installing a dashcam lower my insurance rates?

While installing a dashcam may not directly lower your insurance rates with all providers, it can be beneficial in the event of an accident. A dashcam can provide crucial evidence to support your claim, potentially speeding up the claims process and proving your case.

DISCLAIMER 

Material in these articles is for general information or entertainment purposes only. Acceptance Insurance does not endorse and is not affiliated with any of the companies or apps listed in this article. Acceptance Insurance is not responsible or liable for the availability of links to websites or resources, or for any content, advertising, products, services or other materials on or available through these websites or resources. Any references to third party rates or products are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Information and coverage descriptions are general in nature. Actual coverage depends on the policy. Nothing in this article alters the terms or conditions of any of our renters policies. Homeowners policies are underwritten by third-party insurers that are not affiliated with Acceptance and are solely responsible for claims. Supplementary coverage options may be added to an insurance policy for an additional cost where applicable. See your agent for more information. Product and features are subject to underwriting criteria. Price may vary based on how you buy. Not all products, discounts or payment plans are available in all states or distribution channels. All products described herein are subject to terms and conditions. CA License #0K20173.