Car Insurance

The main problem with the electric cars that reared their heads briefly a decade ago was their ability to only go so far on battery power. Charges lasted just 50 miles or so, so you were in trouble if you needed to go farther or ran out of juice somewhere in-between electric outlets. Hybrids, on the other hand, which have side-by-side electric and gas motors, never need to be plugged in and instead use the motions of their gas-powered engines (as well as those of the cars wheels and brakes) to keep their batteries charged at all times. And with a huge infrastructure of gas stations, refueling is always as easy as pulling over to fill up.

Electric car advocates have long touted their alternative vehicles as primarily short-distance commuter cars. At a 50-mile range, most electric cars could make such short trips without the need for recharging. One need only plug their vehicle into an electric outlet in the garage overnight to charge up the battery for the morning commute, and if needed then plug it in at the office for the return trip later.

But most people want more from their cars than just the daily commute–and gassing up takes minutes whereas re-charging takes hours–so sufficient demand never materialized. Hybrids, though they do use gasoline, are as versatile as conventional cars–and the coming plug-in hybrids (covered previously in this column) promise to substantially increase efficiency, to perhaps 100 miles per gallon or more, by using the electric motor exclusively for short runs and commutes and the gas engine only for long trips.

Even though all-electric vehicles are not currently in vogue, innovative engineers are busy working to improve them. Technological advances in battery life and engine efficiency mean that electric vehicles may be able to roam farther than ever before. According to EVWorld.com, drivers looking to go electric will soon have a few options:

California-based Tesla Motors will soon be accepting deposits on orders for its Tesla Roadster, and plans its first deliveries for 2007. Tesla claims its car can go 250 miles on a charge, which can even be extended further through its regenerative braking technology, similar to that which is employed in the hybrids.

And Spokane, Washingtons Commuter Car Corporation is taking orders for its Tango 600 (a kit you have to assemble) and its Tango 100 and 200 models (fully assembled), with plans to deliver by 2007. Actor George Clooney was Commuter Cars first customer. The Tango can only go 60-80 miles on a charge, but boasts of its ability to go zero to 60 in four seconds and attain a top speed of 150 miles per hour.

The more you notice about your vehicle, the more likely you’ll
be able to head off repair problems. Yep- even if you’re
mechanically challenged. You can detect many common vehicle
problems by using your eyes and nose.

“See No Evil”

Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your vehicle?
It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do want to check the
wet spots immediately - just to make sure.

What color is the fluid under your car? Yellowish green, pretty
blue or neon orange colors indicate an overheated engine or an
antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking
radiator. Not good. I remember the yellowish green ooze from my
Chevette as the tow truck took it away to its final resting
place. Get to a repair shop while you still can!

A dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking
oil. A bad seal or gasket could cause the leak. This is how my
first car met its demise.

A red oily looking spot indicates a transmission or
power-steering fluid leak. Also, not good.

A puddle of clear water usually isn’t a cause for concern. It
may be normal condensation from your vehicle’s air conditioner.
Whew!

“Smell no Evil”

Take a whiff, and you may detect your vehicle’s problem.

Do you smell burned toast? This odor often signals an
electrical short and burning insulation. Have someone come look
at your car. Don’t drive it anywhere until the problem is
diagnosed.

How about the smell of rotten eggs? This usually indicates a
problem in the catalytic converter. Get to a repair shop!
Pheee-yew!

A thick sharp odor usually means burning oil. Look for the sign
of a leak. This problem needs to be addressed immediately if
having transportation is important to you. You may also notice
a bluish smoke coming from your vehicle. Ask me how I know.
Ahh… memories.

The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is
flooded. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the odor
continues, there may be a leak in the fuel system - a
potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention.

A chemical odor may mean overheated brakes or clutch. Check the
parking brake. Stop and let the brakes cool after repeated hard
braking. Light smoke coming from a wheel indicates a stuck
brake. Call a tow truck.

Do you notice a sweet odor? This may indicate a coolant leak.
Watch your temperature gauge and warning light and drive to a
repair shop. Now, if you see steam from under the hood, stop
and pull over. If you keep driving an overheated vehicle, your
engine will be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck.

The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an unusual
odor - get to a mechanic or get one to come to you. Pretty
simple!

A little extra attention to what’s coming out of your car or
truck could save you the cost of a new vehicle payment! Keep
those eyes and that nose on the job!

Do your own a classic car or special vehicle? Has your regular insurance company turned their backs or made the premium so high that you are thinking of selling your car to buy bread?

Well, fret not.

Here are a few quick tips to get your car insured.

Tip 1

Contact your regular insurance company and check that you are getting the best rate. You may be entitled to a reduction based upon good driving history.

Tip 2

THEN, search on the net for classic car insurance, classic auto insurance, kit car insurance etc. Whichever suits your type of vehicle. You will be pleased to know there are now lots of specialist insurers.

Tip 3

Get a number of quotes from each and perform due diligence. I suggest making phone contact with them and asking them a few questions. i.e How long have you been in business? What is your financial backing? Do they have a physical address?

Check around for good recommendations from sites you trust before you make a decision.

Tip 4

Make sure you don’t forget to check all the terms, conditions and restrictions.

Tip 5

Be insurance savvy! Your regular insurance company just wants to crunch the numbers. A specialist insurance company knows that you look after your car like one of your children. This is often reflected in a lower premium. So shop around and enjoy.

Eighty percent of motor vehicle crashes in the United States involve distracted drivers, according to a government study that videotaped the drivers of 100 vehicles in northern Virginia and Washington D.C.

Researchers reviewed thousands of hours of video and data from sensor monitors linked to the drivers and discovered that driver distractions such as talking on a cell phone, eating, and applying make-up, can significantly increase the risk of a crash.

Of the popular multi-tasking activities drivers engage in while on the road, reaching for a moving object while driving showed the greatest potential for a crash – increasing the risk by nine times. Reading, applying make-up, and dialing a cell phone each increased the risk of a car accident by about three times.

Additionally, the study revealed drowsy driving as a factor that could enhance the driver’s risk of a crash or near-crash by four to six times. Drowsy driving is frequently underreported in police crash investigations, according to the study’s authors.

“All of these activities are much more serious than we thought before,” commented Dr. Charlie Klauer, a senior researcher at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

The 100-Car Study, as it was called, analyzed nearly 2 million miles driven and over 43,000 hours of data and was conducted by researchers with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

During their more than year long study, researchers also found that drivers who took long looks away from the road ahead of them at the wrong moment doubled their risk of a car crash.

Gap insurance. Ever heard of it? I hadn’t until I needed it. After being involved in a car accident that totaled my two-year-old car, I discovered that I was missing the most important type of insurance I could have purchased–Gap insurance.

Gap insurance covers the difference between what the insurance company says your car is worth versus what’s left on your loan. When you’re buying a new car or even a newer used car, this type of insurance is essential. Otherwise, you may find that you have several thousand dollars to pay off from your other car loan.

When you drive your new car off the lot, it will likely depreciate between 20% and 30%. If your $20,000 car depreciates just 20%, you may be out $4,000 if you have an accident as you pull out of the lot. Without Gap insurance, you’ll have no protection nor any way to get back the money you will lose when the insurance company pays you.

Generally, Gap insurance is available for a reasonable price. It can cost anywhere from $100 to 4% or 5% of the sticker price. Shop around before making any decisions on Gap insurance. Learn why one policy is more expensive than another, and if there’s a better policy with another insurer, consider making the change.

1. Check with Your Current Insurer: Talk to your current insurer about the availability of Gap insurance for your car. Usually the policy will cover both theft and accidents, but be sure to read the policy carefully. If you can’t get a policy from your current insurer, you may want to consider finding a new insurer or an older vehicle.

2. For Older Vehicles: If the car is not brand new, you may not be able to get Gap insurance. Talk to your insurer, though, since some companies are willing to offer Gap insurance for any car, or at least newer cars.

3. For Leased Cars: Generally the lease will include Gap insurance, but don’t count on it. If you are leasing a car, you should read your lease very carefully to check on all the terms, including Gap insurance. NEVER lease a car that doesn’t include Gap insurance in the lease. If the car is totaled, you’ll owe the balance of the lease, often payable immediately.

4. The Dealer’s Offer: When you purchase your car, the dealership will probably try to talk you into adding a lot of extra bells and whistles. One of those will probably be Gap insurance. You can talk to the car dealership about purchasing Gap insurance, but it will likely cost a lot more than if you bought the same coverage through your current, or future, insurer.

If you’re buying a new car or leasing a car, auto Gap coverage is not an option; it’s a requirement. You simply can’t afford to risk your money by neglecting to get this type of coverage. Otherwise, you may discover that you’re without a car and money to buy a new one when the bill rolls in. If you have a newer used car, do your best to find auto Gap coverage or choose a car that won’t depreciate as quickly. Trust me, if you ever need the coverage, you will be glad that you went ahead and paid for it.