March, 2025 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership

What Questions Should I Be Prepared to Answer When Getting An Auto Insurance Quote?

When getting an auto insurance quote, you should be prepared to answer several questions that help the insurer assess your needs, driving history, and the level of coverage required. Here’s a list of common questions you might encounter:

1. Personal Information

• Full Name: The name of the primary driver(s).
• Date of Birth: To assess your age and driving experience.
• Address: Insurance premiums can vary depending on location.
• Phone Number and Email: For communication purposes.

2. Vehicle Information

• Make, Model, and Year of the Vehicle: The type of car affects the premium.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): To confirm details of your car.
• Odometer Reading/Mileage: How many miles you car has been driven.
• Primary Use of the Vehicle: Whether the vehicle is for commuting, business, or leisure.

3. Driving History

• License Information: A valid driver’s license number is required.
• Driving Record: Information about any previous accidents or traffic violations (e.g. speeding tickets, DUIs).
• Years of Driving Experience: More experienced drivers may get lower premiums.
• Claims History: Any past insurance claims within the last few years.

4. Coverage Preferences

• Types of Coverage: Whether you want liability only, comprehensive, or full coverage.
• Coverage Limits: The amount of protection you want for liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
• Deductible Amount: The amount you’re willing to pay out-of-pocket in case of a claim.
• Add-ons: Whether you want extras like roadside assistance, rental car coverage, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

5. Other Details

• Number of Drivers: If multiple people will drive the car, their details might be needed.
• Marital Status: Some insurers offer discounts for married drivers.
• Education Level: Some insurers consider this in their pricing.
• Garage Location: Where the car is primarily stored (e.g. in a garage or on the street).
• Anti-Theft Devices: If your car has a security system, airbags, or anti-lock brakes, these may reduce premiums.

6. Discounts

• Previous Insurance: Whether you’ve been continuously insured or if you’re switching from another provider.
• Safety Features: Features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, or a backup camera could qualify you for discounts.
• Low mileage: If you drive fewer miles, you may be eligible for a discount.
• Bundling: If you have multiple policies (e.g. home and auto), you might be able to bundle them for a discount.

Preparing these details ahead of time can help streamline the process and ensure you get the most accurate and personalized insurance quote.

The Effects of Road Salt On Your Car

How Does Road Salt Work?

Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, which helps to prevent ice from forming on road surfaces and makes it easier to melt existing ice. The primary compound used for road salting is sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt.

Here’s how it works:

1. Freezing Point Depression: When salt is spread on roads, it dissolves in water (such as moisture or melted snow) to form a saltwater solution. This solution has a lower freezing point than pure water. For example, pure water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but a saltwater solution might freeze at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, depending on the concentration of salt.

2. Melting Ice: When the temperature of the road is slightly below freezing, the salt helps to melt the ice by lowering the freezing point of the water, causing the ice to melt into liquid water even though the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Preventing Ice Formation: If the salt is applied before a snowstorm, it can prevent the snow from sticking to the road or prevent ice from forming. As the snow begins to fall and interact with the salty surface, it won’t immediately freeze, giving plows time to clear the roads.

4. Effectiveness at Different Temperatures: Salt is most effective when the temperature is around 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Below that, its effectiveness diminishes, and other materials, like sand or more specialized de-icing compounds (e.g. calcium chloride), may be used.

However, road salt isn’t perfect—it can be less effective in very cold conditions and may also have environmental impacts, such as harming plant life and affecting water quality when it runs off into rivers and streams.

What Does Road Salt Do to a Car?

Road salt can have several negative effects on a car, primarily due to its corrosive nature. Here’s how road salt impacts your vehicle.

1. Corrosion of Metal Parts: The biggest concern with road salt is its ability to cause rust and corrosion, especially on the car’s undercarriage, frame, and exposed metal parts. When salt mixes with moisture (snow, rain, or ice), it creates salty brine that can accelerate rusting, especially in areas where water can pool and sit on the vehicle, like the wheel wells, undercarriage, and suspension components.
2. Damage to Paint: Road salt can also damage the vehicle’s paint job. As salt particles stick to the paint, they can cause small chips and scratches. When the salt reacts with moisture, it can create a chemical reaction that leads to fading and peeling of the paint.
3. Brake System Issues: Salt can also affect the brake system. It can cause the brake components, such as calipers and rotors, to rust, which could lead to decreased braking performance or potential failures over time if not maintained properly.
4. Damage to Rubber Components: Salt can degrade rubber parts like seals, hoses, and weatherstripping. This can cause leaks and cracks, which, in turn, can lead to other mechanical issues.
5. Electrical Components: The salt brine can also find its way into electrical connections and wiring, which can lead to corrosion or short-circuiting if left unchecked.

How Can I Protect My Car?

There are several ways you can protect your car from the effects or road salt damage:

Wash your car regularly during winter, especially under the chassis, to remove salt buildup.

Waxing you car before the winter season creates a protective barrier against salt.

Rustproofing treatments can help to create an additional layer of protection for the car’s metal parts.

Check the undercarriage for any signs of rust or corrosion and address it promptly.

Keeping your car clean and maintaining it properly can significantly reduce the damage caused by road salt over time.