Car insurance when it comes to covering natural disasters

It's surprising how quick people tend to forget about natural disasters after they've occurred. As soon as the consequences are eliminated it seems like things get back to normal and the disaster won't happen ever again. It's even more surprising to see such an attitude in people who live in areas where natural calamities are a common or even a periodic event. There's a feel of carelessness in their attitude when they don't take the hard lessons seriously and don't get prepared for the coming disaster seriously. One of the most common examples of such careless behavior is not insuring one's car against natural disasters. Of course, there are more important things that usually have to be covered such as house or health. Nevertheless, a car is the primary means of transportation in this country and it can be very hard to overcome the consequences of a serious storm, flood, earthquake or tornado without working set of wheels. So how do you protect your car against the damage caused by a natural disaster?

Comprehensive coverage is the most useful thing in car insurance when it comes to dealing with types of damage that aren't caused by a direct collision with a vehicle or someone's property. Typically, comprehensive coverage deals with the damage caused by windstorms, explosions, riots, vandalism, theft, falling trees and other things that cannot be classified as traffic situations. In most cases comprehensive coverage is enough to pay for a totaled car after a serious natural calamity. However, you first have to make sure that the type of damage that was inflicted to your car doesn't make part of the exclusions section. Unfortunately, this happens too often, especially in places where particular disasters are more common.

For example, the insurance companies operating in the infamous Tornado Alley will usually exclude any type of tornado-related damage from the comprehensive policy and will require the customer to purchase a weaver for additional money. Some of you may think that it's a pure rip-off, but you have to look at the situation from the insurer's point of view. Why would they include a particular type of damage into a standard policy if it has nearly a 100% occurrence rate over a short period of time? After all, hundreds and thousands of tornadoes take place each year in the region, causing millions of dollars in losses, and it's the insurer who pays the most in the end. So it's hard to blame them for wanting to earn money in a situation when they are dealing with huge losses on a regular basis.

The example of Tornado Alley can be extrapolated on other regions too. Areas with common floods, earthquakes or windstorms are places where you will certainly face inconvenient exclusions when it comes to car insurance coverage. But is it actually cheaper to avoid purchasing any weavers? Certainly not, as you may end up with your car being totaled and the company not paying you anything because the case made it to the exclusions. Sure, it's not the best way to get cheap car insurance but at least you will keep your car properly insured for all situations. And it's never too late to compare car insurance quotes to see if other companies have something more affordable to offer.

Avoid distractions and get lower quotes for auto insurance

If you've been driving for a while or even if you haven't you probably know that the best way to get low auto insurance quotes is to keep a clean driving record. Unfortunately, that's easier said then done. We all mistakes, and even the most experienced drivers can get into an accident due to a brief lapse in judgement.

One of the biggest causes of automobile accidents is distracted driving. Here are some tips to help you stay focused on the road, and keep your driving record clean.

Leave your phone alone. Texting and driving had been getting a bad rap recently, and it's for god reason. People who text while driving are 23 times more likely to get into an accident. It's impossible to focus on what's ahead when your eyes are looking down at a screen, which makes this a very dangerous habit. Most states have implemented laws against texting and driving, and against talking on a cell phone (unless using a handsfree device).

Avoid eating and drinking. You will be doing yourself a favour if you fill up before heading out in the morning, even if it may seen easier to grab a coffee and a donut at the nearest drive-thru. You need at least one of your hands to eat or drink, leaving you one short on the wheel. This practice also steals some of your attention away from where it belongs on the road.

Let your passenger pick the radio station. Or, at least let them turn the dial to the station you request. Likewise with the heat, volume, and any other buttons or knobs you might find yourself fiddling with. Your chance of getting into an accident skyrockets at any moment your eyes aren't on the road.

Take breaks. You should ensure that you take regular breaks of at least one break every two hours if you are driving for prolonged period of time. And, pay attention to your body. If you start to feel drowsy or catch yourself nodding off, pull over at the next available rest stop to get refreshed.

Know your route. Or if you don't, have your GPS set up before you start driving. Looking at a map or filling in details on a GPS are both common distractions. If you are lost and need to check directions, make sure you pull over first.

Be prepared. Some distractions are out of your control. An overexcited child in the backseat, for example, or an insect coming in through the window. Even billboards or other accidents can steal your attention away for a moment or two. The key is to always prepared for an unexpected surprise, and train yourself to stay calm and focused. If you do find yourself distracted, simply refocus and keep going. You can't go back in time, but you can try not to make the same mistake twice.

An accident- and ticket-free driving record will help you get the lowest auto insurance quotes available. Protect yourself by making an effort to stay focused and prepared while driving.

Maintaining tires can help reduce car insurance quotes over time

While looking for a good rate on your car insurance, make sure that you understand that regular care of your car is essential. Over time cars will begin to show wear and tear and need to be updated, but there are specific areas of the car that should be assessed more often than not. Tire care is one of these areas. When tires begin to wear they can be a direct reason as to why accidents happen as well as possibly injury to you or others, leading to higher insurance costs.

There are a few routine maintenance items that should be done regularly to know if your tires need replacing or improvements on your vehicle. If your tires are in poor condition it can result in not only damage to your alignment, but damage to the axel, undercarriage and frame of the wheels. These repairs are more costly and can affect your car insurance rate negatively.

Repair Damage or Replace

If you have a flat or leak in your tire, inspect the tire to see if there are any gashes, nails, screws or other items that have penetrated the tire and possibly the inside tube. When forging objects penetrated the out rubber only most car care shops can repair the tire and send you on your way. However, if the damage is done to the inner tube, you will need to replace the entire wheel. Another reason to replace your tire is if the tread is worn or weak. A general rule of thumb us when you place a penny in the tread of the tire, the face of the president should be covered by half. When tread wears down on tires it puts the driver at risk for reduced traction and possible blowouts. These have the potential to cause major accidents and bodily harm.

Rotation

Every few months or when you have a change in tires, you should have a tire rotation done. This is to ensure that the tires are worn evenly and not one more significantly than the other. If the tires are not properly rotated the driver runs the risk of getting more wear and tear on some of the tires, but not all. This can be costly as it will result in more tire repair and replacement. Improper tire rotation can also be the cause for poor alignment.

Alignment

When tires are replaced or repaired ensure that an alignment is done properly. Alignments are designed for the wheels to be lined up properly with the steering column. IF this is not executed it can result in improper turns, over shot or corners and possibly accidents. Filing more accident claims can be a surefire way to see your car insurance quotes skyrocket.

Proper maintenance can be sure to decrease the risk you place on yourself and others. To keep car insurance quotes at a minimum always assess the maintenance needs of your car and see a reputable mechanic to make all repairs.