Auto Insurance | Boizelle Insurance Partnership - Page 2

How to Handle a Mouse Living In Your Car

The Surprise Tenants: Why Mice Love Cars

Mice are attracted to the warmth and seclusion that a car offers. Add to this the food particles and paper for nesting, and your car turns into a desirable residence for these rodents. But worry not, knowing their presence is half the battle won. Here are some reasons why mice might choose your car as their home:

  • Warmth: Mice don’t care for cold temperatures, so they need a warm place to live. Your car’s engine provides the perfect source of heat, especially during the winter months.
  • Seclusion: Mice are prey animals, so they prefer to live in secluded areas where they feel safe from predators. Your car’s interior provides a perfect hiding place from both predators and humans.
  • Food: Mice are omnivores, and they will eat just about anything. If you leave food in your car, it will attract mice. Even crumbs from a snack or a half-eaten piece of fruit can be enough to lure a mouse in.

Signs of a Four-Legged Freeloader

Although an industrious rodent can make your car undrivable, evidence of a mouse in your car might not always be obvious. You should keep an eye out for signs like:

  • Chewed wires: Mice are notorious for chewing on wires. This can damage your car’s electrical system and cause expensive repairs.
  • Small droppings: Mouse droppings are small and dark brown. They are often found in corners, under seats, and in other hard-to-reach places.
  • Nesting materials: Mice will often build nests in your car. These nests can be made from a variety of materials, such as paper, fabric, and even your own hair.
  • Smells: Mice have a strong odor. If you notice a strange smell coming from your car, it could be a sign of a mouse infestation.
  • Scurrying noises: Mice are nocturnal, so you might hear them scurrying around in your car at night.

Risks: More than Just a Nuisance

It’s not just the “ick” factor. A mouse infestation in your car can lead to serious problems. They can:

  • Destroy wiring: This can cause expensive damage and even lead to a fire.
  • Spread diseases: Mice can carry diseases, such as Hantavirus, that can be harmful to humans.
  • Damage your car’s interior: Mice will chew on anything they can get their teeth on, including your car’s seats, carpets, and even the dashboard.
    Waving Goodbye: Getting Rid of the Mouse

Waving Goodbye: Getting Rid of the Mouse

The key to ousting these furry freeloaders is twofold: removing their access and cutting off their food supply. In case of a severe infestation, you might need professional pest control services, so an early jump on the problem could save you some money:

  • Clean your car thoroughly. Remove all food and trash from your car. Vacuum up any droppings or nesting materials. Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant.
  • Seal up any entry points. Mice can squeeze through very small openings. Check your car for any gaps or holes, and seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping.
  • Use traps. Place mouse traps in areas where you have seen signs of mice. Be sure to check the traps regularly and dispose of any mice that are caught.
  • Use repellents. There are a variety of mouse repellents available on the market. These repellents can be sprayed or placed in your car to deter mice.
  • Avoid leaving your car unattended for long periods of time. If you must leave your car unattended for an extended period of time, consider storing it in a garage or other secure location.
  • Call a pro. If you have a severe mouse infestation, you may need to call a professional pest control company.

Keep in mind: the best method to ensure a rodent-free car is prevention. With a clean, sealed car and no easily available food, you’ll create an environment that’s decidedly inhospitable to mice. If you follow these steps, you’re more likely to keep your car mouse-free, ensuring your vehicle stays in the best possible condition for all your future journeys.

 

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Is It Fact or Fiction?: Myths of Deer Collisions

More one and a half million drivers are involved in deer collision every year, causing nearly $1 billion in damage to vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What about the all too common stories that everyone has seemed to have heard about deer collisions? Are the stories true?

6 Common Myths About Deer

Myth: Deer are more active at sunrise and sunset.

True.

It’s possible to encounter deer at any time of day. However, dusk and dawn are their most prominent hours of activity. Deer tend to move most frequently during twilight. If you are driving as the sun is either rising or setting, be sure to be especially cautious behind the wheel.

Myth: It is more likely that you will hit a deer during the fall season.

True.

Almost half of all vehicle collisions involving deer occur between October and December which also happens to be deer mating season as well as peak hunting season. So, be extra cautious on the roads during these months.

Myth: Deer whistles can help prevent collisions.

False.

There has never been evidence to suggest that deer whistles effectively prevent collisions. In fact, a study at the University of Georgia discovered that no matter how loud or how high-pitched the frequency of the sound from the whistle, the sound wasn’t enough to change the deer’s behavior.

Myth: Hitting a deer is not that dangerous.

False.

Any collision, whether it’s with a deer, a wall or another vehicle can be dangerous. However, deer collisions tend to be more of an inconvenience than a clear and present danger. Of course, you should never be driving down the road fifty miles above the speed limit anyway. If you hit a deer at that speed, you’ll have a much bigger problem on your hands. Also important to remember is to know when to swerve and when to stay in your lane. Always be aware of the other cars on the road because you never want to be anyone else in danger.

Myth: More deer are present where you see “deer crossing” signs.

True.

Whenever you see a deer crossing sign, understand that it’s there for a reason. These signs are also usually placed in areas with less than optimal road conditions and decreased visibility.

Myth: If I hit a deer, I can take home the meat.

It depends.

Depending on the state, it might be illegal to take a dead deer home with you. Check with your local authorities before removing the animal from the road.

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer?

If you have what’s referred to as comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, you will be covered if and when you collide with a deer.

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What You Should Know About Car Washes

How do you feel after you’ve just put on a clean, crisp dress shirt? Great, right? You feel like you’re put together and ready to take on all that life throws at you. When you have a clean car, you get a similar feeling. Washing your car on a regular basis can help give you a sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment during your day. It’s like making your bed every morning. You’ve completed your first task of the day. You’ve been productive.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that not all car washes are created equal. In fact, some may actually do more harm to your vehicle than protect it.

Here are some helpful tips to know about car washes, so you can always protect your car.

Touchless car washes are better to maintain your car’s paint job.

It actually depends. A touchless car wash actually uses chemicals and high-pressure water to clean your car while an automatic car wash utilizes rotating brushes or soft cloths. You may want to reconsider where to take your car to get it washed, depending on how dirty it is. Touchless car washes may not have the power to get it as clean as you think it should be after a car wash. Keep in mind that a car wash that uses worn brushes or dirty cloths can cause damage to the exterior or your vehicle i.e. scratches in the paintjob.

If you typically use touchless car washes to get your car clean, you may want to consider rotating between a touchless car wash and a soft-cloth or hand wash in order to get your car as clean as you want it to be.

An undercarriage wash can prevent rust.

An undercarriage wash will get the underbody of your vehicle hosed down with high-pressure water. This method of cleaning will result in the successful removal or mud, salt, or sand that tends to get packed into hard-to-reach areas. Moisture and corrosive materials like road salt can result in your car rusting. If you consistently drive in cold weather climates with a lot of snow, it’s best to regularly get an undercarriage wash. Do this at least once a season to be safe.

Handwashing your car is better than automatic washes.

If you want your car to look like it belongs in a showroom, then handwashing your car is the way to go. Handwashing allows you to go over every inch of your vehicle. And remember, it sounds silly, but you have eyes, whereas a machine doesn’t. So, unlike a machine, you have the ability to pay extra special attention to every detail of your car. The only con when it comes to handwashing is the amount of time it takes to do it effectively.

You should always buy the most expensive wash.

There are different levels of cleanliness and care that are offered at various car washes. Sure, you could pay for the most expensive option, and your car may look like it’s in pristine shape when all is said and done. But, the truth is, just because you’ve forked up the most amount of money doesn’t necessarily mean that your car has added protection from dust or debris.

Dish Soap is safe to use for washing your car.

This is a common misconception. The truth is that dish soap is best left in the kitchen. It oftentimes contains harsh chemicals that have the ability to strip the protective coating that your paint has in it. Car wash soaps are specially formulated to combat dirt and grime without removing the protective coating from your car’s body.

You should only dry your car with a clean microfiber cloth.

This is true. Your safest way to dry your car without damaging the paint is by using a clean microfiber cloth. Anything else, like a beach or bath towel, can lead to scratches and scrapes. You may think air-drying is fine, and while it won’t lead to any damage to your car, you not be aesthetically pleased by the time your car is dry. Air-drying can leave water spots on the body of your car.

You only need to wax your car once a year.

Truthfully, there is no real answer to when it comes to how many times a year you should wax your car. If you store your car in a garage where it is safe from the elements of nature, you may not need to wax your car at all. Of course, you are still at risk of dust build-up, but that can be taken care of by a simple rinsing. To be safe, consider waxing your car once a season. If your car’s surface doesn’t feel smooth, it may be time for a waxing.

Waxing and polishing are the same thing.

Waxing and polishing are not the same thing. Although these terms are oftentimes used interchangeably, they serve two entirely different purposes. Waxing is meant to enhance and protect your paint surface. Polishing serves to remove minor surface imperfections from your paint. During the process of polishing, a detailer will use an abrasive compound in order to remove scratches, swirl marks and oxidation.

Paste Wax is better than liquid wax.

Traditional paste wax offers a thick, protective coating on top of your car’s paintjob. This type of waxing is usually a longer process because it requires the wax to be buffed in using an applicator pad. Liquid waxes are simply sprayed on your vehicle and wiped off.

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What You Should Know About Buying a Car From a Private Seller

When you’re in search of your new ride, it’s sometimes possible to find a better deal when you’re working with a private seller as opposed to buying a car directly from a dealership.

Here are some tips on how to navigate the process of buying a car from a private seller in a safe manner that will have you concluding your business confidently.

Negotiating Price

When you’re buying a car from a private seller, price is one of the most important considerations. Unlike at a dealership, private sellers are more willing to negotiate pricing with you.

Understand the numbers. Before you begin the negotiation process, it’s best to be equipped with knowledge yourself. To make sure you go into your meeting with your private seller with confidence, do your due diligence ahead of time by researching the value of the car you’re interested in on a site like Kelly Blue Book. Taking this important step first will help you avoid overpaying for your new car.

Private sellers have a tendency to start off asking for more than even they think they can get for the car they are trying to sell. Know this going into the negotiation. Start low and you’re more likely to reach a price both of you are comfortable with.

Quality of the car

When buying a car from a private seller, it’s important to consider the quality of the vehicle you are about to buy. While dealerships have access to detailed vehicle history reports, private sellers may not. You should also make sure that you trust the person you are working with before trying to buy a car from him or her.

Take a test drive. Always test drive the vehicle before making your ultimate decision. You’ll be able to make an informed decision based upon first-hand knowledge of the vehicle. For example, how good is the car’s handling? Do you notice any unusual noises or smells coming from the vehicle? Make sure you get all of the information you think you need before making your final decision.

Read the report. The car’s VIN number can help you gain access to a CarFax report. You’ll be able to see the car’s accident history, service history, and ownership history.

Inspect the car thoroughly. Examine the inside and outside of the car. Do you see any scratches, scrapes, or dents? Is the windshield cracked? Are the tires properly inflated and do they have do tread or are they significantly worn? Any points of concerns should be addressed to the seller first. If you have a friend who is experienced with vehicle inspections and examinations, consider bringing them along with you to the sale.

Comparison Shop

In addition to researching the value of the car, be sure to compare vehicles of a similar make from different manufacturers in order to help you make the best educated decision.

Online resources like YouTube are great for gaining knowledge about cars you may be interested in.

Doing your research about such things as performance, fuel economy, and overall quality will help you in your decision-making process.

Buy Securely and Safely

Getting the car by legal means is vitally important. Insist on getting a notarized title from the seller to make sure that your ownership of the car is legal. If the seller is hesitant to provide a title for you, walk away from the deal.

Consider cash alternatives. Paying by cash can be risky because it’s hard to trace. Instead of using cash, consider alternative means of payment like check or money order. Avoid situations where sellers are asking for things like wire transfers or cashier’s checks.

Use Caution. Before making a purchase from a private seller, make sure you can identify them properly first. Check their contact information and address and consider meeting them in a public place to complete the purchase of the vehicle.

 

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