Category: Consumer Guidance
What is Rideshare Insurance?
If you transport people in your private vehicle, such as with Lyft or Uber, you need rideshare insurance. This extra layer of coverage to a driver’s personal auto insurance kicks in while driving for rideshare companies. Without adequate insurance coverage,…
SR-22 Coverage and Auto Insurance Explained
You may have heard the term SR-22 insurance and wondered what it is. In short, it isn’t insurance, but it is a state-filed certificate confirming that the driver has sufficient coverage. Aimed at certain high-risk drivers, SR-22 is mandated by…
What Happens When an Auto Insurer Cancels Your Policy
When an auto insurer cancels your policy, it can feel like a stressful and uncertain situation. Understanding why it happens, the consequences, and what steps you can take next can help you navigate this challenge effectively. Why Do Insurers Cancel…
The Diminished Value of Your Wrecked Vehicle
You’re driving along, focused on the road, when suddenly a car sideswipes your right rear fender. Fortunately, you keep control of your vehicle and pull over safely to assess the damage. Everyone is fine, but the other driver caused enough…
Electric Vehicles Cost More to Insure
Owning an electric vehicle offers several advantages, such as avoiding trips to the gas station and benefiting from zero emissions. Additionally, EVs often have lower overall maintenance costs and qualify for tax incentives, making the switch appealing for many. However,…
What is an Extended Car Warranty?
An extended car warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, is an optional plan that extends the coverage period for repairs and replacements beyond the original manufacturer’s warranty. Unlike the factory warranty that comes with a new car, an…
Auto Repossession and Deficiency Balance
Auto repossession occurs when a car owner defaults on loan payments, leading to the vehicle being seized by the lender. This event often results in a financial burden known as a deficiency balance. This balance represents the gap between the…
Car Title Missing? No Problem!
A car title verifies ownership, making it easy to sell your vehicle when you want. However, in the absence of a verifiable title, making a sale becomes much more difficult, nearly impossible. Fortunately, there are ways to make a deal…
What Is a Branded Title?
A branded title is a designation given to a vehicle that has experienced significant damage or has undergone certain negative events that affect its overall condition and value. This includes cars that have been declared a total loss by insurance…
Car Shopping: What Women Want
Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! Let’s switch gears and have a candid chat about a subject that’s caught my attention: how women choose their cars. And just a heads-up, they are absolutely nailing the car-shopping game with their well-considered decisions….
Managing Rising Auto Insurance Costs
Auto insurance rates are escalating rapidly, with projections indicating significant double-digit growth this year and potentially in the future. Once rate hikes by insurers receive approval from your state’s Department of Insurance, these increasing insurance expenses are typically passed on…
Mechanic Talk and Your Ride
Making a trip to the auto service center is just part of owning a car. Having a clear, detailed chat with your mechanic matters more than you might think. When your car’s up on the lift, that’s your chance to…
VIN: Deciphering Your Vehicle’s Unique Identity
Ever heard of the term VIN? It’s not some secret code, but rather a critical identifier for your car. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. Thus, when someone playfully drops the term “VIN number,” they’re unknowingly indulging in a touch…
Car Loan Guidance for Savvy Shoppers
If you’re gearing up to buy a car, and you’re like most folks, you’re probably also looking into financing it. So, before you rev up your engine and zoom off to the showroom, here’s a friendly guide packed with tips…
Behind on Car Payments? How to Avoid Repo.
You know those moments when life feels like an unexpected pop quiz? Just when you think you’re cruising along, an unexpected twist comes out of nowhere, especially with finances. If those monthly car payments have turned from manageable speed bumps…
Practical Tips About Vehicle Recalls
Annually, a vast number of vehicles are recalled for safety issues, from minor defects to serious concerns such as malfunctioning airbags. It’s vital for vehicle owners to stay updated about these recalls for their safety and the safety of others….
Pros and Cons of Servicing Your Car at a Dealership
When it comes to maintaining and servicing your car, one important decision you’ll need to make is whether to take it to a car dealership or an independent mechanic. While both options have their merits, servicing your vehicle at a…
What Happens to a Car Loan When the Borrower Dies?
When an individual secures a car loan, the expectation typically involves making regular payments until the loan is fully paid. However, it’s crucial to consider the financial implications should the borrower unexpectedly pass away. While this might be a challenging…
Tire Terminology 101
Tires are what separate your vehicle from the road. They’re critically important for helping supply a safe, comfortable ride and are one of the few components not warrantied by the car manufacturer. Are you familiar with the key language or…
What is a Rebuilt Title?
When a vehicle that was previously considered salvage is reconstructed, it is given a rebuilt title. Before being permitted on the road, most states mandate an examination by a licensed garage or body shop, as well as the state department…
