Reader’s Question:

As much as possible, I want to have the best coverage for my auto insurance here in California. What optional coverage can I get for my car which I loan from a finance company?

Nasir

Perris Valley, CA

According to the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB), motorists who have car insurance coverage could have protection for more than they assume they have. For instance, even though a lot of motorists have coverage for a stand-in rental vehicle, they may not be aware that they have it since this optional coverage is included in their policy at such a minimal cost. This discretionary coverage on your car insurance in California may just be a couple of dollars extra on your monthly premiums. This type of coverage will give instant access to a rental vehicle which will serve as a substitute while the damage on your own vehicle is being fixed, or until your auto insurance company allows you to buy a new vehicle.

One other optional coverage that you can get for your auto insurance would be the gap insurance since you have a loan on your vehicle. Your auto insurance may not be able to cover the whole balance on your financed car since it can only pay up to the fair market value of your vehicle. The gap insurance will be the one to pay for the balance that you owe from the finance company once your vehicle is declared as total loss after an accident. If you don’t have gap insurance, you have to pay the rest of your loan from the finance company even if your vehicle has been declared a total loss.

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Reader’s Question:

My daughter is already away at college and I don’t know if I should keep her on my car insurance policy. What should I do about it and what would I do in case I get into an accident here in Lompoc Valley, California?

Cherrie

Lompoc Valley, CA

If your daughter is away for college or if any other member of the household will no longer drive your vehicle for any reason, you don’t have to keep them in your car insurance policy in Lompoc Valley, California. Insurance coverage for young motorists could be too high so do not put them anymore on the policy unless you really have to do so. In any case, you have to inquire about the claim process before you sign the agreement, not if you already got into an accident.

If you are involved in an accident, you have to call the insurance agent as soon you can. Do not leave for later because you could only have as little as 48 hours to file your claim. Maintain a good record of your claim and take note of every detail, especially at the site of the accident. Note names, automobile number, everything anyone says and anything that could help you later on. Do not waste time and go after the insurance provider because they tend to move real slowly so you have to harass them.

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