Auto Insurance | Boizelle Insurance Partnership

Do I Need Multi-State Insurance for Out-of-State Insurance Coverage?

When you have car insurance and drive in multiple states, you generally don’t need a separate policy for each state. Most car insurance policies are designed to provide coverage across state lines within the United States. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

1. Minimum Coverage Requirements: Different states have minimum coverage requirements. Your insurance policy will typically meet the minimum requirements for the state where your car is registered. If you move to a new state or spend a significant amount of time there, you should check if your current policy meets the state’s requirements or if you need to adjust your coverage. It’s a good idea to make it a regular practice to review your policy just to make sure your policy is up-to-date with current state laws.
2. Temporary vs. Permanent Moves: If you’re moving to a new state permanently, you’ll need to update your policy to reflect your new address and possibly get new coverage that meets the new state’s requirements. For temporary moves (like travel or vacation), your existing insurance should generally cover you.
3. Insurance Provider Policies: Some insurance companies might have specific rules about coverage in different states, so it’s a good idea to call one of our licensed professionals in order to understand how your coverage works and if any adjustments are needed.
4. Registration and Licensing: If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll also need to update your vehicle registration and driver’s license to that state.

Overall, your current insurance policy should be sufficient enough for driving in different states as long as it meets the minimum coverage requirements for your primary state of residence. If you have specific concerns or unique circumstances, give us a call at 301-948-2010 and we’ll be happy to address your insurance needs.

The Legality of Tinting Your Windows

In Maryland, window tinting regulations vary depending on the type of vehicle and the specific windows being tinted. The latest guidelines for the state of Maryland indicate the following:

Passenger vehicles:

Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.

Rear Side Windows: Can have any level of tint.

Rear window: Can have any level of tint.

Windshield: Tinting is allowed only along the top 5 inches or the AS-1 line, whichever is longer.

In Virginia, the legal limits for window tint are as follows:

Front Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 50% of outside light to pass through.

Rear Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 35% of outside light to pass through.

Rear Window: There is no specific light transmittance requirement for the rear window.

In North Carolina, the legal limits for window tinting are the following:

Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.

Back Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.

Rear Window: Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through. However, if your vehicle has side mirrors on both sides that provide a view of the rear, this limit may not apply.

Additionally, North Carolina law prohibits reflective or mirrored tinting the front side windows and requires that the tinting does not excessively impair the driver’s view.

In West Virginia, the limits for window tinting are as follows:

Windshield: Tinting is allowed only on the top 5 inches of the windshield, and it must be non-reflective.

Front Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.

Back Side Windows: Tint must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.

Rear Window: Tint must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.

Reflective tints are generally not allowed, and there may be additional restrictions on the reflectivity of the film.

In Pennsylvania, the limits for window tinting are the following:

Windshield: Tinting is allowed only on the top three inches of the windshield, and it must be non-reflective.

Front Side Windows: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.

Back Side Windows: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.

Rear Window: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.

Finally, in Washington, D.C., the limits for window tinting are as follows:

Windshield: Tinting is allowed only on the top 5 inches of the windshield, and it must be non-reflective.

Front Side Windows: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.

Back Side Window: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.

Rear Window: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.

As with any type of regulation, it’s always a good idea to double-check with local authorities or a professional installer to ensure compliance with current laws.

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.

How 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Avoid Overloading: Don’t overload your vehicle or tow more than it’s rated for. Excessive strain can increase engine temperatures.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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?

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.