July, 2024 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership
Does My Auto Insurance Policy Cover Stolen Cars?
Nobody ever wants to have their car stolen, but the truth is that there are bad people out there in the world just itching for the perfect opportunity to commit crimes. If it happens to you, here are a few essentials that you should know:
Auto insurance does typically cover stolen vehicles, but it does depend on the type of coverage you have on your auto policy.
Comprehensive Coverage: This is the type of insurance that typically covers theft. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision-related incidents, including theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. If your car is stolen and you have comprehensive coverage, you should be able to file a claim with your insurance company to get compensation for the loss.
Collision Coverage: This type of coverage is for damage to your car resulting from a collision, not theft. So, this kind of coverage will not help you in the event of your car being stolen.
Liability Coverage: This covers damages to others if you’re at fault in an accident but does not cover theft or damage to your own vehicle.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This helps if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, but it doesn’t cover theft.
If your car is stolen, you should report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process and help determine the compensation based on the value of your vehicle and the specifics of your policy.
It’s very important that you report your car being stolen immediately the police and to your insurance company. If your car is recovered, a claims adjuster will assess the damage and determine the cost of repairing it.
Comprehensive coverage can help pay for the any damages to your car while it was out of your possession. You would still be responsible for your deductible. If your insurance company deems your car to be a total loss, you will receive the actual cash value of your car minus your deductible.
You should ask your insurance professional how many days you will be covered for a rental car under your current auto insurance policy.
Read moreDoes My Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Plumbing Issues?
Homeowners insurance typically covers sudden and accidental damage caused by plumbing issues, but not all plumbing problems are included. Here’s a general breakdown:
Covered:
Burst Pipes: If a pipe bursts suddenly due to freezing or another covered peril, the damage caused can be covered.
Water Damage: Damage to your home from a burst pipe or other plumbing failure is often covered, including water damage to walls, floors, and personal property.
Accidental Overflow: If a toilet or sink overflows due to an accident, it might be covered.
Not Covered:
Wear and Tear: Routine maintenance issues, like leaks caused by aging pipes, are generally not covered.
Negligence: Damage resulting from poor maintenance or neglect, such as failing to address a small leak that eventually causes significant damage, is typically excluded.
Maintenance Costs: The cost of repairing or replacing old or worn-out pipes is usually your responsibility.
As always, give us a call to review your specific policy details and if you have any questions, we’ll be happy to assist you in understanding exact coverages and any exclusions pertaining to plumbing issues.
What can I do to Protect My Home From Plumbing Issues?
- Regular Inspections:
- Schedule Professional Inspections: Have a licensed plumber inspect your system periodically to catch potential issues early.
- Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect areas prone to leaks, like under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances.
- Pipe Maintenance:
- Insulate Pipes: In colder climates, insulate exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
- Keep Pipes Warm: During cold spells, let a trickle or water run through faucets to keep pipes from freezing.
- Prevent Clogs:
- Use Drain Guards: Install screens in sinks, showers, and tubs to catch hair and debris.
- Avoid Grease: Never pour grease or oil down the drain as it can cause blockages.
- Water Pressure:
- Monitor Pressure: High water pressure can damage pipes. Consider installing a pressure regulator if your pressure is above recommended levels.
- Know Your System:
- Locate Shut-Off Valves: Know where your main water shut-off value is and how to use it in case of an emergency.
- Understand Your Plumbing: Familiarize yourself with the layout of your plumbing system to help identify issues quickly.
- Maintain Appliances:
- Check Hoses: Inspect hoses for appliances like washing machines and dishwashers for signs of wear or leaks, and replace them if necessary.
- Flush Water Heater: Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment build-up that can cause issues.
- Emergency Preparedness:
- Have a Plumber’s Contact Information: Keep the contact information of a reliable plumber handy for emergencies.
- Know How to Turn Off Water: Practice turning off your main water supply so you can act quickly if a problem arises.
- Weather-Proof Your Home:
- Seal Gaps: Seal any gaps or cracks around pipes that could expose them to extreme temperatures.
By staying vigilant and addressing minor issues before they become major problems, you can significantly reduce the risk of serious plumbing issues in your home.
Read moreWhat Is Covered By A Life Insurance Policy?
A life insurance policy primarily provides a death benefit to beneficiaries, but the specifics of what can be covered or included in a policy can vary depending on the type of insurance and any additional riders or provisions. Here are the main areas and features typically covered:
- Death Benefit:
Standard Coverage: The primary feature of all life insurance policies is the payment made to beneficiaries upon your death. This amount is generally tax-free and is intended to help cover financial needs such as funeral expenses, outstanding debts, and living expenses.
- Types of Policies and Their Specifics
- Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specific period (e.g. 10, 20, or 30 years). It pays out the death benefit if you die during the term.
- Whole Life Insurance: Offers coverage for your entire life and includes a cash value component that grows over time. It provides a death benefit and can also serve as an investment vehicle.
- Universal Life Insurance: Provides flexible coverage with adjustable premiums and death benefits, and includes a cash value component. The cash value earns interest based on market rates.
- Variable Life Insurance: Includes both a death benefit and a cash value component that can be invested in various options, such as stocks or bonds. The cash value and death benefit can vary depending on investment performance.
- Additional Riders and Benefits
- Accidental Death Benefit Rider: Pays an additional benefit if death occurs due to an accident.
- Critical Illness Rider: Provides a lump sum payout if you are diagnosed with a critical illness covered by the rider, such as cancer or heart disease.
- Disability Waiver of Premium Rider: Waives premium payments if you become disabled and cannot work.
- Child Rider: Provides coverage for your children, often offering a death benefit if a covered child passes away.
- Long-Term Care Rider: Allows you to access part of the death benefit while you are alive to pay for long-term care services.
- Cash Value Component (for Permanent Policies)
- Growth of Cash Value: Permanent life insurance policies (e.g. whole or universal life) accumulate cash value over time. This can be accessed through policy loans or withdrawals.
- Policy Loans: You can borrow against the cash value of the policy. Loans must be repaid with interest; otherwise, they will reduce the death benefit.
- Terminal Illness Benefit
- Early Payout: Some policies offer an advance payment of the death benefit if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a limited time to live.
- Conversion Options
- Term-to-Permanent Conversion: Some term life insurance policies offer an option to convert to a permanent policy without needing a new medical exam
- Premium Flexibility
- Flexible Premiums: Universal and variable life insurance policies often offer flexibility in premium payments, allowing you to adjust the amount and frequency.
Each policy and rider can vary in terms of specifics, so it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your life insurance policy. Call us to speak with one of our licensed professionals to ensure it meets your financial goals and expectations.
Read moreHow Do I Prevent My Car From Overheating?
Preventing your car from overheating involves a mix of regular maintenance and mindful driving habits. Here are some steps to help keep your car cool:
- Check Coolant Levels: Regularly check and top off your coolant (antifreeze) levels. Your car’s manual will provide the correct type and ratio of coolant to use.
- Inspect the Radiator and Hoses: Ensure that the radiator and hoses are in good condition. Look for leaks, cracks, or wear and tear. Replace any damaged parts promptly.
- Test the Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant. If it’s stuck closed, it can cause overheating. Have it tested and replaced if necessary.
- Maintain the Radiator: Keep the radiator clean and free from debris. A clogged radiator can hinder heat dissipation. Consider having it flushed periodically to remove any buildup.
- Check the Water Pump: The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. If it’s malfunctioning, it can lead to overheating. Watch for any signs of leaks or unusual noises.
- Monitor the Cooling Fan: Ensure that the cooling fan is functioning properly. It should kick on when the engine gets hot. If it doesn’t, it might need a replacement or repair.
- Avoid Overloading: Don’t overload your vehicle or tow more than it’s rated for. Excessive strain can increase engine temperatures.
- Drive Wisely: Avoid aggressive driving and high speeds, especially on hot days. Allow your car to warm up before driving hard and keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
- Check the Radiator Cap: Make sure the radiator cap is in good condition and properly sealed. A faulty cap can cause coolant to escape and lead to overheating.
- Watch for Warning Signs: If you notice steam, a hot engine smell, or the temperature gauge rising, pull over safely and turn off the engine. Let it cool down before checking for issues.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can go a long way in preventing overheating and keeping your car running smoothly.
What should I do if my car overheats?
- Pull over safely: As soon as you notice the temperature gauge rising or see steam, find a safe place to pull over. Turn off the engine to prevent further damage.
- Wait for the Engine to Cool: Allow the engine to cool down before opening the hood. This can take roughly 20-30 minutes. Opening the hood while the engine is hot can cause burns from steam or hot coolant.
- Check Coolant Levels: Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant level in the radiator and the coolant reservoir. Be very careful—if you need to open the radiator cap, make sure the engine is completely cool to avoid injury from hot steam or coolant.
- Add Coolant If Necessary: If the coolant level is low, add the appropriate type of coolant to the radiator or reservoir. Use a mixture of water and coolant if you don’t have pre-mixed coolant. Only add coolant to a cool engine to avoid a dangerous reaction.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect the area under the car and around the engine for any signs of coolant leaks. If you see a puddle or any signs of leakage, it might indicate a more serious problem.
- Restart the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes while monitoring the temperature gauge. If the temperature continues to rise, turn off the engine again and wait for it to cool down.
- Seek Professional Help: If you cannot determine the cause of the overheating or if the issue persists after adding coolant, call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. Driving with an overheating engine can cause severe damage.
- Check Other Fluids: While waiting for the engine to cool, you might want to check the oil level and other fluids to ensure they are at proper levels, as low oil can also contribute to overheating.
- Avoid Driving Until Repaired: Once the engine has cooled and you’ve added coolant, if the car seems to be running normally, avoid driving long distances until you’ve had the issue checked by a mechanic.
Overheating can be caused by various issues such as a faulty thermostat, water pump failure, radiator issues, or even a failed cooling fan. It’s essential to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair the problem to ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable.
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