What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?
Why You Should Consider Comprehensive Insurance on Your Car
Comprehensive insurance isn’t required in Florida, but you may wonder if it is really worth purchasing. While you may never have to use comprehensive insurance, it is a good idea to purchase this insurance, especially if your car is of high value or if you live in an area prone to natural disasters. Here, we will explore everything that comprehensive insurance covers as well as how it works.
[ READ MORE: What Information Should I Exchange After a Car Accident? ]
Damages Covered with Comprehensive Insurance
- Car theft and/or vandalism
- Fire
- Damages caused by a storm or other natural phenomenon, like hurricanes, hail, tornadoes, or earthquakes
- Falling objects, like trees or tree limbs
- Destruction due to civil unrest or riots
- Hitting or getting hit by an animal (deer is most common)
Overall, it’s important to remember that comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle as a result of something beyond your control. Comprehensive insurance does not cover medical expenses for you or others. It also does not cover your vehicle if another car is involved, you swerve and hit an object like a tree or building, or the vehicle rolls over.
How Comprehensive Insurance Works
Let’s say you must make a claim as a result of one of the above causes. How does it work? First, you must have comprehensive insurance before the incident occurs. Adding this coverage after the damage is done won’t do you any good for that particular incident.
Next, file a claim with your insurance company. You will need to first pay your deductible and your insurance company will take care of the remaining amount. Typically, though, there is a cap to the amount of cash insurance companies will pay out. Usually, it caps at the depreciated value of your vehicle. For example, if the market value of your car is $3,000, your insurance provider likely won’t pay any more than $3,000.
Also note that coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider. It’s always a good idea to research what each provider will cover and choosing based on the coverage and cost of insurance. If you have any questions about your comprehensive insurance, ask your insurance company.
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List of Things to Collect After a Vehicle Collision
No matter if it is major or minor, car accidents can make even seasoned drivers feel anxious, angry, and confused among other emotions. Following a car accident, the first thing you should do is make sure everyone is safe and call for medical help if someone is injured. Additionally, you will need to call for the police to arrive. Then, a step dreaded by many, talk to other drivers involved to exchange information. Granted, if you have never gotten into a car accident before, you probably don’t know what to give out and what to ask for. Here’s our list of things to collect after a vehicle collision.
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- Full Name
- Contact Information (Phone is Recommended)
- Insurance Company and Policy Number
- License Plate Number
- Vehicle Type, Model, and Color
- Location of the Accident
Information You Should Not Exchange
While you should provide the needed information listed above, there is some information that other drivers should not know. Providing too many details may lead to a risk of retaliation or identity theft when the info isn’t necessary. Instead, you should relay those details to the law enforcement officers responding to your accident.
- Do not allow other driver(s) to snap a photo of your driver’s license
- Do not provide your home address or driver’s license number
Note that if the other driver does not have car insurance or doesn’t own the vehicle they are driving, you will then need to get their address, phone number, and driver’s license number. However, this will likely be the only instance where that information will need to be shared. Additionally, it’s a good idea to help keep the situation calm by not talking about who is at fault, even if you believe you were the cause. The insurance companies will determine that once they receive the facts they need.
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Should I Buy an SUV or Minivan at OKCarz?
SUV vs Minivan Comparison
While you may have decided that you need a family vehicle, you are now left with an important question: should I buy an SUV or minivan at OKCarz? Both options are fantastic choices for families of all sizes, but each body style presents different benefits. With our SUV vs minivan comparison, we hope to help you decide which type best fits your household.
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Performance and Off-Road Capabilities
Overall, SUVs are known for offering better performance and towing capabilities than minivans. While minivans are great for hauling and towing, SUVs often offer powerful V8 engine options while minivans typically provide V6 engines.
If you plan on driving off-road, you are much better off with an SUV. SUVs are higher off the ground and many models offer 4-wheel drive. Minivans are low to the ground and typically offer front-wheel drive, although recent minivan models like the Chrysler Pacifica are now incorporating available all-wheel drive.
Cargo and Passenger Volume and Accessibility
Both minivans and SUVs are incredibly spacious for both passengers and cargo. However, if you are looking for as much cargo capacity as possible, you will want to purchase a minivan. Due to being lower to the ground and many models offering seats that fold into the floor, drivers can more easily load and unload large and heavy items.
Which body type is more accessible, you may wonder? Minivans are known for being much easier to enter and exit. Again, this is due to being low to the ground, which means that older passengers won’t have to worry about having to climb as much into the vehicle. Minivans also come with sliding rear doors, making it easy to enter and leave when parked close to another vehicle and offering more space for passengers to make way to the third row.
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Price, Appearance, Comfort, and Safety
Other things you should consider in a minivan or SUV include the price, appearance, comfort, and safety. If your family is on a budget, you will find that minivans are more affordable. In fact, some fully-equipped minivans are more affordable or equal to in price when compared to base full-size SUVs!
Looking for something stylish? SUVs provide the more athletic and sporty visual appeal. Regarding comfort, both SUVs and minivans provide about the same, so it’s more of a matter of selecting the right model and trim. Both SUVs and minivans also offer roughly the same safety features. However, minivans are known to be a bit safer as they are less likely to roll over due to being close to the ground.
Interested to own an SUV or minivan? Still unsure of which body type to choose? Contact us at OKCarz and we will help you find the right vehicle for the right price.
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How to Help Your Child Learn to Drive
Tips for Parents Teaching Their Teen How to Drive a Car
As exciting as it is to learn how to drive or see your child do so, it can be a very nerve-racking experience for both parties. So, what is the best way to help your child learn to drive? Here are some tips we recommend parents follow when teaching their teen how to drive a car.
Be Patient and Stay Calm
Remember back when you first started learning to drive. Chances are, there were times where the experience got frustrating. When teaching your child to drive, it’s best to be patient and stay calm. Getting angry or overacting to their faults can cause your driver’s confidence to plummet and can be dangerous if they are still driving. Instead, gently explain what they’re doing wrong and tell them how to fix it. You want them to see you as someone there to help.
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Decide Where to Drive Before They Drive
Some streets aren’t suitable for beginners. Before you and your teen take a drive, decide where you will go and base that route on their skill level. Start small, like an empty parking lot, and slowly work your way up. It’s not a good idea to make your teen drive in a busy intersection on their first day, after all.
Be Clear with Your Instructions
You can reduce the stress of getting behind the wheel by providing clear instructions on what you want your driver to do. Say “correct” instead of “right” as “right” can be interpreted for “turn right”. If they need to brake, tell them to “brake” instead of “slow down” or “be careful”. Also, make sure to remind them here and there to look beyond the car in front to avoid “tunnel vision”.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Your teen will not be good at driving after one day of practice. It takes hours to master the skill and trying to cram all those hours into a short time-span isn’t helpful nor is it safe. Plan driving sessions over multiple days and consider limiting their time behind the wheel, such as one hour. If they’ve been driving for awhile and want to stop, let them stop and continue the session later.
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Set an Example
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Even when they are young, your kids will notice how well you drive, including whether you drive above the speed limit, wear your seat belt, use your phone behind the wheel, and stay a safe distance from the car in front. As a role model, you should set an example of what good driving looks like by always following traffic laws and practice safe driving.
Sign Them Up for Driving School
While parents should help their kids learn how to drive, it isn’t an alternative to driving school. Driving school instructors are trained on how to properly teach your teen how to drive and notice common mistakes you may have missed. Before your teen starts driving, be sure to sign them up at your local driving school.
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Haunted Houses in Florida
While the current pandemic may have put a damper on the year, you can still enjoy a scary and thrilling experience while staying safe. Below are a few haunted houses open in Florida for 2020 you should consider!
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How to Properly Maintain Your Car Battery
Tips for Keeping Your Car Battery Healthy
Ever go to your car and have trouble starting the engine? Chances are, there’s something wrong with your battery. To avoid stressful and inconvenient situations like this, as well as to save yourself as much money as possible, it’s vital to ensure that your car battery is being properly maintained. Here are a few tips to help keep your car battery healthy and hopefully help it last a long time.
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Drive Your Car Every Two Weeks
It’s very important to make sure that you drive your vehicle once in a while. Unfortunately, having to stay home more often due to quarantine isn’t helping. If you don’t get out much, make sure to drive your car at least once every two weeks to help it recharge your battery. Of course, short drives won’t help as they don’t provide enough time for your battery to charge. It’s recommended that you drive it for at least 15 minutes.
Check for Corrosion
If you haven’t looked at your battery in a while, check for corrosion. Corrosion is the result of gases being released from inside the battery. While it’s normal for corrosion to occur, letting too much corrosion build up can create blockages in the electric current. If you notice any flaky white or blue substances on your battery terminals, you can clean this corrosion right at home. Learn how to do so safely here.
Always Turn Off Electronics When the Engine is Off
Whether you are leaving your vehicle or have turned off your engine while waiting for someone, you should always turn off electronics when the engine is off. Of course, we don’t mean power down your phone. Rather, the electronics you should be concerned about are the ones powered by your car battery, such as the radio, air conditioning unit, interior lights, and headlights. Leaving any of these on for too long can drain your battery and may lead to trouble starting your car back up.
Secure Your Battery
Your battery shouldn’t move while the vehicle is in motion. Sometimes, driving over bumps or running over something can cause things like your battery to move out of position. Leaving a battery unsecure can cause it to vibrate, potentially leading to internal damage or short circuits. Ensure it is in its proper place and secure your battery if needed.
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Even with the proper care, car batteries don’t last forever. Drivers can expect to replace their car batteries every 3 to 5 years. If you suspect your battery is failing, get it tested to see if you need to get a replacement.
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Benefits of Purchasing a Pre-Owned Vehicle at OKCarz
Are you in the market for a reliable and high-quality vehicle? Chances are, you’re debating whether or not you should buy a used car over a brand new one. To help make your decision easier, we will explore the benefits of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle at OKCarz.
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Less Depreciation
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Did you know that new cars depreciate by roughly 10{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} the moment it leaves the lot? That means if you bought a new vehicle that cost $25,000, that vehicle will automatically be worth $2,500 less by the time it reaches your driveway.
Thankfully, this isn’t the case with used vehicles. While vehicles will continue to depreciate until it reaches the value of the metal itself, used vehicles depreciate far slower than new. Slower depreciation will ultimately benefit you, as the owner, if you choose to sell that vehicle later. Afterall, you will want to get as much money back for it as possible when you are done with it.
More Affordable Prices
Like mentioned before, when you buy used, you aren’t the one taking on the majority of depreciation that occurs with a vehicle. Even if a vehicle is only driven for 10,000 miles before being traded in, the price for that vehicle will be much more affordable to you since it has had a previous owner. Not only that, but many used vehicles are in like-new condition. Basically, you can find a used car that looks brand-new for a price that is far less than the giant brand-new tag.
Financing Options for Those with Poor Credit
New car dealerships have a reputation for selling their vehicles to drivers with great credit. Since drivers with poor or moderate credit scores are often rejected, it’s very difficult for these drivers to purchase or lease a new model. Here at OKCarz, we are proud to help drivers of all credit backgrounds finance for the right vehicle at the right price, including those with no or poor credit.
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If you are ready to get behind the wheel of your next vehicle, our team at OKCarz is here to help. Contact us at your preferred location and we will be happy to help you get started!
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What is the Quarter Tire Test?
Eventually, every driver needs to get their tires replaced. While some drivers will need replacements due to old tire age, the majority of drivers will need to make sure their tires are still safe to drive by frequently checking their tire tread. Luckily, you don’t need a mechanic to tell you whether or not you are low on tread. Learn how to check your tire tread with a quarter here at OKCarz!
Quarter Test
You may have heard of the good old penny test. While the premise is the same, the penny test is outdated and isn’t very accurate due to the coin’s tiny size. To ensure that your tire tread is still at a safe level, it’s highly recommended that you do the quarter test instead. If you don’t know how to do this easy test, follow the instructions below.
To begin, find a quarter and go to the tire you wish to check. Face Washington’s head towards you and insert it into the tread so that his head is upside down. From the edge of the coin to the president’s head is 1/8th of an inch, which is considered the minimum amount of tread you need for your tire. If you can see the top of the head, you will need new tires right away. If his head is still covered, you got some time yet. However, if the tread is getting close to the top of his head, you should consider shopping for new tires soon. Repeat this process for all four of your tires so you know which tires, if any, need replacing.
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Of course, if you don’t drive frequently, make sure to always replace your tires every five years or less as the rubber will lose its elasticity over time. It’s recommended that you keep receipts of your tire purchases so you can track when you bought your tires last.
Make sure to follow the OKCarz blog for more automotive tips and tricks! If you need a reliable vehicle at a price you can afford, explore our current inventory online.
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Fun Activities to Do at Home During Fall 2020
Budget-Friendly Autumn Activities to Do with the Family in 2020
This Autumn is going to look a bit different this year. While many attractions may have closed due to the current health crisis, there are still plenty of fun activities to do at home during fall. Here are a few suggestions you should consider that are budget-friendly.
- Carve Jack-o-Lanterns
- Roast pumpkin seeds
- Make your favorite Autumn treats, like pumpkin pie or apple cider
- Decorate the house for Halloween
- Host a family picnic outside in the backyard
- Watch some family-friendly Halloween movies, such as Hocus Pocus, Scooby-Doo, or Casper
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Sunroof vs Moonroof Comparison
As you browse recent models, you’ve probably come across something interesting. Some vehicles offer a sunroof while others offer a moonroof. They sound about the same – an open panel in the roof of the vehicle to let light or air inside. However, did you know that there’s actually a difference between a sunroof and a moonroof? Continue reading to learn just how different these two similar features really are.
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How is a Sunroof Different from a Moonroof?
While both the sunroof and the moonroof are very similar, it’s important to not confuse the two when deciding on a vehicle that offers one instead of the other. Ultimately, it depends on what materials were used to make the feature as well as how it opens.
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A sunroof is a panel that matches the body of the vehicle and is not transparent. The sunroof can be removed or tilted open to allow air and light inside. For some models, the panel may retract into or above the roof.
Rather than a metal panel, the moonroof is made of glass. This feature cannot be removed from the vehicle but can slide or tilt open for fresh air and light. Inside the cabin, moonroofs will typically have an interior sliding panel that matches your car’s interior color. This allows passengers to block light as desired as nothing will cover the glass from the outside. The moonroof is also the more common feature as modern models tend to over it over the less popular sunroof.
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Whether you favor one feature over the other, our team at OKCarz will help you find the right vehicle at a price you can afford. Contact us online to connect with a team member and we will be happy to help you in your search.
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