3 Tips For Helping An Elderly Loved One Buy A New Car

If you have an elderly loved one that is still safe to drive and hasn’t had to sell their car before moving into a senior living community yet, it’s important that they have a safe car to take on the road. Without it, they could more easily get in an accident, have a breakdown, or just cause and those who care about them to worry every time they’re on the road. 

If your loved one is in need of a newer, nicer vehicle, here are three tips for helping an elderly loved one buy a new car. 

Get The Most Of Your Trade-In

Buying a car now is very different from the last time your elderly loved one was likely in the market for a new car. They might come to find that they don’t have the leverage they once did as a buyer. With this in mind, you’ll want to help them make the most of their money and get the best possible deal when buying their new car.

As part of this, you’ll want to help them learn how to get the most from the trade-in that they may do with their current car. While you can always just help them sell their car on their own and then take that money to put towards a new car, trading the car into the dealership they’re buying from can also be a great option. Just make sure you go to a few different sources to see what the trade-in value would be to ensure that they’re getting a fair deal. 

Prioritize Safety And Reliability

Whether your loved one is buying a brand new car or a previously owned car, some of the main things that you’ll want to concern yourself with are the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Because while your elderly loved one might be great with cars, you don’t want them out on the side of the road having to make repairs.

In addition to choosing a car that’s known for being reliable and that doesn’t have too many miles on it, you should also look for a newer vehicle that’s going to have modern safety features that will help keep your elderly loved one safe. These features can include things like parking assist, lane assist, blind spot warnings, automatic locks and lights, and so much more. 

Choose Something Comfortable

The comfort of your elderly loved one should also be a consideration when you’re helping them buy a new car.

For many older people, it can be hard to get in and out of a vehicle that’s either too tall or too short for them. You also want to make sure that the seats are comfortable for them and that they have the option to control the thermostat on their own side of the vehicle. All of these things will ensure that your loved one is as comfortable as possible when driving in their new car. 

If you’re going to be helping your elderly loved one buy a new car, consider using the tips mentioned above to help them make the best choice. 

Posted in Car

Why Do Many Seniors Prefer the Toyota Corolla Over Other Models?

Why do seniors love the Toyota Corolla? This question pops up a lot, given how this model is popular among older folks across cities and senior living communities nationwide. So, what sets it apart in today’s vast auto marketplace, especially for our senior citizens? Let’s dive into four key reasons that make it their top pick!

Reliability: A Trusted Legacy

The Toyota Corolla has been known for its reliability since the 1960s. This doesn’t escape seniors who have tried numerous cars over time. They see the worth of a car that needs few fixes and performs consistently well. 

Many older adults are on fixed incomes, so avoiding unexpected costs is key for them. A car like the Corolla, which lasts long without needing regular repairs, brings peace of mind to these individuals. Fewer mechanic visits mean less stress!

Comfort and Accessibility: Designed With Drivers in Mind

Seniors love the Toyota Corolla for its comfortable design and easy access. The seats are made to offer great support, which helps during long drives. Its height also makes it a breeze for older folks to get in and out without straining themselves too much. 

Plus, everything on the dashboard is big and labeled clearly; there is no fussing over tiny buttons or complicated tech here. This car keeps things simple so seniors can enjoy their ride stress-free.

Safety First: Prioritizing Peace of Mind

Toyota leads the way in adding high-tech safety features to their cars, and Corolla is a prime example. Its strong build and advanced driver aids aim for maximum security on the road. 

Things like lane departure warnings, auto-high beams, or crash prevention systems provide extra protection for seniors driving it. These safety perks and its stellar reliability record bring an eased mind while traveling, whether they’re going grocery shopping locally or hitting the highway across state lines.

Economical Choice: Value for Money

The Toyota Corolla is quite the bargain. Its dependability means less cash spent on fixes, and its fuel-sipping nature keeps gas costs low, too. Add in a decent price tag when buying it. Folks who’ve retired especially appreciate getting their money’s worth with this car. 

After all, it offers top-quality features without burning a hole in your pocket or draining retirement funds unnecessarily. You get to enjoy an auto experience packed with value while satisfying both practicality and comfort needs at once. All these factors make driving not only safer but also easier for senior citizens managing fixed incomes.

Conclusion

In a changing car market, the Toyota Corolla holds strong as seniors’ go-to worldwide. It’s reliable and comfy with great safety features – all while being budget-friendly. Newer models may be flashy, but they come and go fast! The timeless charm of Corolla keeps it on top for many more years to come.

What To Know When Looking for A Top-Rated Car Mechanic in Abbotsford

Can You Answer All of These Questions an Auto Mechanic Should Know? |  HowStuffWorks

If you have a car and use it every day, then you will have to inspect a few important parts before leaving the house. This is a routine that every driver must do to prevent getting in trouble while on the road. There could be automobile repairs along the way, but we cannot tell our vehicles to break down only when there are mechanics around.

Accidents may occur due to your car’s fault, which is why performing regular inspections are necessary. I know that this could be costly, but we have to consider your safety. When this is not properly checked and maintained, it will incur more damage, so you will be in bigger trouble.

You can surely find Abbotsford auto repair shops to fix your vehicle’s issues, so you should have inquired about their services in advance. In this way, you will know where to send your car whenever something must be fixed. We may have an automobile but not everyone can diagnose problems, thus, let us look for experts in the city.

Auto Mechanic

They are technicians who are skilled in inspections, repairs, and maintenance of automobiles. However, they have levels of expertise because they deal with different types of transportation for a variety of purposes. Therefore, if you need some fixing, you have to look for a specific mechanic.

Once you find the right person, he will be replacing, repairing, or installing parts and testing them. For example, if the brakes are not working, they must be inspected, adjusted, or replaced when discs are damaged. Most of the time, clients come for maintenance services to ensure that everything is functioning well.

If your vehicles are quite hi-tech, then make sure to send them to designated centers. Some autos cannot just be fixed by anyoneelse because the manufacturer will require you to bring this to their depot. In this case, only their technicians can work on your car since the parts should be coming from them – visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_mechanic for more details.

Automotive Service and Repair | Programs | NSCC

Training 

To be a technician, you have to study, train, and get your license. You will usually attend a school and complete the program for specific skills. You are required to finish your training to be more competent.

When you think that you are skilled enough, then take the test for your license. In this way, you will be certified and start enhancing your experience. It is important to get yourself involved in various scenarios so you can learn more.

Attending a school will not be enough, though that would be your foundation. As a technician, you need to keep on studying because automobiles are getting advanced. With this, you will feel more confident and proficient in your chosen career.

How to become a Mechanic - Skills & Job Description – JobStreet

Licensed

Make sure that you will only send your autos to a legitimate garage. Again, these mechanics can earn their certificate after training, so they should be carrying a copy of this at work. Will you entrust your automobiles to establishments or someone who is not certified to do the task?

With a licensed workshop, you are guaranteed that the person who will be working on your property is not a quack. Licensing makes a person more than qualified for a certain job. He has experience, knowledge, and skills, thus, allowing you to be confident with their credentials – find here more info about this business.

Recommendation and Reviews

You surely have family and friends in Abbotsford. It would be ideal to ask these folks for recommendations. I supposethey will provide you withhonest feedback so give them relevant information regarding the situation. 

If you go online, then you can also go over the review sites. People from Abbotsford would be posting and sharing their experiences regarding repair services. It would be great to find out about their comments on different shops for your reference.

Car Maintenance Guide: Everything You Need to Know - Kelley Blue Book

Tire Storage

Most drivers have extra tires and many of these are used based on the seasons. For example, if it is winter, then off-season tires must be stored and preserved. Those who are living in small units do not often have a space to keep them.

Storage is not usually a problem, and it would be an advantage to find one for convenience’s sake. It would be a concern if they cannot use appropriate types of tires for the weather. This may lead to accidents or a breakdown as well. 

This is just an added service that big shops provide for their customers. But through this offer, the car shop owner can have more regular and loyal customers.

Posted in Car

4  Signs Your Older Loved One Should Stop Driving

Although driving is something that many of us depend on in our daily lives, from going grocery shopping to visiting family, the truth is that at some point, it may no longer be safe past a certain age. As our eyesight degrades, so do our reaction times and our ability to operate a vehicle. 

Unfortunately, many people who are over a certain age refuse to give up this part of their independence. As such, it may be up to you to look for the warning signs to ensure not only the safety of your loved ones but also of other people on the road. 

Here are some of the most important signs to look for that indicate it may be time for your loved one to stop driving.

Their Car is Inexplicably Damaged

If your older loved one comes home and you see damage that wasn’t there before, it may be time to start asking questions. In many cases, our older loved ones may hide the fact that they’re having difficulty driving because they don’t want to lose their independence. 

Yet, it’s critical that you address any dents or scratches on their car and ask where they came from. If they can’t give you a reasonable answer, then it may be time to have an intervention. Start discussing the possibility of using alternative forms of transportation or moving them into an assisted living facility.

They’re on Medications That Cause Drowsiness

Many people are prescribed medications that can cause extreme drowsiness. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst conditions to be in before getting behind the wheel. When you’re drowsy, your reaction time decreases, and you’re not only putting yourself in danger but also everyone else surrounding your vehicle. 

Despite how much your loved one may not want to consider that their medication could be a danger, it’s important that you involve their pharmacist. The pharmacist will explain that driving while on their medication is a dangerous combination that should be avoided at all costs.

Vision Issues

There’s a reason why the DMV requires people over a certain age to have frequent vision checks. If your older loved one isn’t able to see other drivers on the road, then this could be a serious problem. Make sure that their vision is where it needs to be by getting their eyes checked regularly.

They Have Memory Issues

Doctors don’t recommend people with Alzheimer’s or other memory-related issues to drive. It could be extremely dangerous if they suddenly forget where they’re going or, worse, how to operate their vehicle. If your loved one has been diagnosed with a memory issue of any kind, it’s important that you insist they stop driving.

3 Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Car

No matter what type of car you own, you know just how important it is to keep your car running for as long as possible. Since your car is one of the most expensive things you own, it is crucial that you take care of it so that you don’t have to spend more money on repairs than you need to. 

All cars need maintenance, no matter how old they are or what make or model. If you are clueless as to how to properly take care of your car so that it continues to be reliable for you, here are 3 tips for extending the life of your car. 

Drive It 

Letting a car sit for long periods of time is not good for the life of the vehicle. Make sure you drive your car regularly so that it doesn’t become stagnant and start to collect rust or other issues. Think of it this way – a person who has reached retirement age may not be going to work anymore, but that doesn’t mean they should just sit around and do nothing. 

This can be bad for the health of the human body. Same thing with cars. They need to be driven at least periodically in order to be in the best shape they can be. 

Get Regular Oil Changes

Getting your oil changed regularly is one of the easiest and least expensive things that you can do in order to make sure your car lasts a very long time. Oil changes are a must for not only the health of your engine, but many other parts of your car as well. 

There are many videos online that you can watch if you’d like to learn how to change your oil yourself in order to save a little money, but if you’d rather have a professional do it, that’s fine too. 

Many mechanics offer oil changes, and there are places that also specialize in oil changes that you can take your car to. This will cost under $100 and you’ll need to do it a few times a year depending on how much you drive. Typically they will also check your filters, fluids, wiper blades, tires, and lights as well so that you are always safe on the road. 

Let The Engine Warm Up In Cold Weather

When the weather begins to get colder, it’s super important that you let your engine warm up a little bit. Once you turn it on, sit in it for a little while before driving away. Not only will this give your windshield time to defrost which will be helpful for visibility, but it will also allow time for all the other working parts to warm up which will make your car run more smoothly in the long run. 

Owning a car is fun, exciting, and freeing. Of course, all good things require a little bit of effort, so as long as you put some effort into giving your car what it needs, it will have a very long life. 

Posted in Car

3 Reasons You Might Want To Trade In Your Car

If you own or lease a car or truck, you know that not only is this one of the most expensive things you own but it is also a big responsibility. That being said, having a car is super important depending on where you live. If you live in a large city that is well spaced out for example, or your commute to work is long-distance, you have to always make sure that you have a vehicle that runs well. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done and can cause a lot of stress.

There are many reasons the car you currently have may not be fitting in well with your current lifestyle. If you are thinking about trading in your car or selling it to buy a new one, you aren’t alone! Here are 3 reasons you may be thinking of trading in your car.

Retirement

If you are reaching retirement age soon and planning to retire, you may not need to keep the car you originally bought to commute to work every day. With fewer distances to drive, you can finally have your dream car/truck, regardless of whether it gets good gas mileage or not. 

However, your commuter car may be so reliable and comfortable that you may not want to get rid of it at all. This all depends on your personal preference, what will work best for your life, and what you can afford to do! 

Growing Family

If you are far from retiring and instead have a growing family on your hands, this is another big reason you may need a new/different car. For example, if you have multiple children you are probably going to need something larger than a sedan, such as a minivan or SUV. You will also be thinking about safety because you’ll want to keep your little family as safe as possible at all times! 

This is something you should discuss with your spouse or partner before you make any large decisions, of course, but trading in your vehicle may really help to make your life as a parent much easier. 

No Longer Reliable

Another reason you may need a new car is that your current car is simply old and no longer reliable. Perhaps you’ve had it for many years and it has always been great, but it’s on its last legs now, or maybe you just got a lemon. Either way, if you are finding that your car is no longer as reliable as you need it to be, it’s probably time to trade it in for a better one that you know won’t break down on you.

Trading in your car is a big deal, but going through the right company will help ensure that it is a simple and stress-free process for you so that you end up with the best vehicle for you. 

Posted in Car

The Best Full-Service Auto Mechanic in Abbotsford

A Brief Guide to Car’s Full Service

It is vital to remember that a car service is essential for ensuring it stays as perfect as it should. 

Of course, you should find a qualified mechanic to conduct a health check and assess everything from engine fluid levels to wear and tear. 

The main reason to conduct regular checkups is to keep your car working correctly and ensure overall safety. 

As soon as you check here, you will learn everything about car mechanics. 

We can differentiate various types of car maintenance. Each one will fulfill a different role, meaning you should deal with a high number of checkups.

On the other hand, you can choose a full service, a middle option between major and interim.

What is Full Service?

It is important to remember that full service is essential for regular maintenance. Of course, you can choose other options, including primary or interim, but they might not check enough or check too many things. 

Everything depends on the provider you choose. Still, most of them will offer you approximately forty checks, including timing belt replacement intervals, brakes, tires, vital fluids such as oil, among other things. 

We recommend you book a full checkup on either twelve thousand miles or once a year, which will provide you peace of mind and ensure optimal function. 

Enter this site: https://www.timeslifestyle.net/best-full-service-auto-mechanic-in-abbotsford/ to learn everything about full maintenance before you make up your mind. 

Reasons to Choose Full Car Service

By ensuring regular maintenance, you can protect yourself and keep the car in perfect condition. It is similar to visiting a dentist or doctor for regular health checkups to stay proactive and prevent problems. 

In the same way, your vehicle requires at least one trip tothe garage annually, which is an important consideration to remember. 

Failure to do it promptly may lead to more expensive repairs in the future, meaning you should avoid these problems from affecting you. 

  1. Prevent Expensive Breakdowns

Regular driving ultimately causes wear and tear, and you cannot do anything to avoid that. However, you can prevent severe damage from wear and tear by visiting a full-service garage to provide you with peace of mind. 

For instance, if you are continually driving with a clogged oil filter or with dirty oil, that will reduce engine lubrication. As soon as parts go dry, the friction may damage the metal and lead to overheating. 

At the same time, a new oil filter and fresh oil is an affordable solution compared with the expensive repairs you may experience if you neglect the change. 

Conducting regular checkup will provide you with a clear picture of things you should replace before they cause severe havoc. 

  1. Service History Will Increase Overall Value of Your Vehicle

Car depreciation is a common thing you cannot prevent, but you can limit its impact. According to a few studies, if you neglect regular servicing, you can reduce the car’s value by up to twenty percent, which can be a lot. 

Although it may seem like an unplanned and unnecessary expense to conduct regular inspections, eventually, you will save more money by doing it. Buyers will ask you to show them documents, so you should create a record of regular maintenance.

At the same time, buyers are less likely to spend thousands of dollars ona car with high maintenance bill. It is vital to enter here to understand a few things about regular maintenance. 

  1. Decrease Fuel Expenses

Having a car with low fuel efficiency is the worst thing. Therefore, it will be more likely to break down if it uses more fuel than it should. Then, you should save money by finding a car service provider unless you wish to lose a pump. 

A properly maintained car may still use more fuel than it should, especially if your driving style is ineffective. Suppose each part is working optimally. In that case, you will put less strain on an engine, meaning you will ensure its efficiency, among other things. 

Conclusion

The main goal is to find a car service provider who can help you deal with each step along the way. 

Remember to compare different services, which will allow you to make up your mind with ease. 

Visit this link: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-maintenance-tips-for-ke_b_12779620 to learn different maintenance tips that will help you out with the process..

At the same time, you should ask people you know about potential candidates, research them online and narrow your search down by visiting them in person. 

Learn How to Buy Ceramic Car Wash: Everything You Should Know

We can all agree that a car’s color is essential for its aesthetic appeal. Therefore, you should ensure to keep it a perfect condition. It does not matter when you have purchased your car because you should ensure it retains its glare as much as you can. 

Of course, the body will lose its shade after a while, while color fading is common and inevitable. The shade fading can happen due to numerous factors, including scratches, corrosion, and weather conditions, among other things. 

It does not matter the reason, and you can use a wide array of products available to maintain its shine and appearance. You should click here to learn everything about car paint. 

You can use different methods to prevent potential scratches and damage. For instance, ceramic coating is an effective way to ensure a better appearance than before. 

At the same time, you can rest assured because you will receive additional protection from weather elements and scratches. 

Similarly, as mentioned above, you should know that ceramic coating is a perfect method to maintain and protect your vehicle’s exterior and ensure extra gloss in the long run. 

Besides, it is a much better solution than traditional waxes you can find on the market. 

If you wish to learn more about the protection you will get, we recommend staying with us for additional info. 

Let us start from the beginning.

What is Ceramic Coating?

A ceramic coating uses a chemical polymer to protect your paint from external damage. Apart from that, it will offer you a more excellent shine than other options you can find on the market. 

You can find it in liquid polymers you can spray or apply on the car’s surface and polish to ensure efficiency. 

You will get a similar shine compared with traditional sealants and waxing treatments. However, they will sit on the surface and wear off without providing you with long-term protection. 

Ceramic coating will provide a semi-permanent barrier on surfaces, which will chemically bond with the car’s paint. As a result, you can ensure the hydrophobic layer of protection while your factory paint remains safe. 

Therefore, you can rest assured because the ceramic coating will offer you the longest protection in the next two to five years depending on certain factors. Of course, you must maintain and take good care of the vehicle you drive. 

Other coating options can last up to one year, meaning ceramic coating is the best solution against grime and dirt. 

Check out this guide: https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-a-Ceramic-Coated-Car to learn how to maintain ceramic coated vehicle. 

Advantages of Ceramic Coating

Suppose you wish to get the chemical compound that will provide you the long term and resilient solution. In that case, you can rest assured because the ceramic coating will offer you the best one possible. 

Apart from the things mentioned above, we wish to present other benefits of using them in the first place. 

  • UV Ray Protection – You should remember that the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause severe problems to your paint job. Ceramic coating is the best course of action to protect it from oxidizing, fading, and looking unappealing. Therefore, it is crucial to use it if you frequently park your car outside. 
  • Chemical Stains – Acidic contaminants can lead to chemical stains. You can find them in the air, meaning they can cause severe damage to your vehicle. Since the air pollution is a common problem in large towns, you can prevent potential issues by using a ceramic finish. Implementing proper coating will prevent contaminants from bonding to paint. 
  • Hydrophobic Nature – When it comes to different detailing types and waxing, you should know that washing your car can lead to severe problems. Apart from blending with your car’s paint, it comes with hydrophobic characteristics, meaning it repels water. Finally, you can rest assured, because ceramic coating will not wear off. At the same time, you can remove it only through detailed wet-sanding and polishing. Finally, you can prevent water-based dirt and grime. We recommend you use a fast jet wash and have an ageless and spotless vehicle. 
  • Perfect Gloss – You will get protection from weather and external elements. However, you can take the aesthetic appeal to the next level, which will boost the car’s depth and gloss, among other things. As a result, you will achieve a glossy look thatlooks like the moment you do a new paint job. 
  • An Additional Layer of Protection – You should know that ceramic coating will provide you with an additional level of protection against different elements. At the same time, you can ensure your paint job remains more durable than before. Since the paint job will last longer, you can also care for it with ease. Remember that ceramic coating will protect your car from different physical hazards. You can protect your car from rocks and other issues from happening. That way, your vehicle will be more scratch-resistant than before. 
  • Cost-Effective Solution – Althoughceramic washis more expensive initially than traditional waxing, you will get additional durability that will last at least three to five years longer. Besides, it will protect it from a wide array of problems and exterior damages, which can be expensive to repair in the future. Therefore, you will spend money upfront on preventing the damage later, which is a more affordable and cost-effective solution than other options you can choose. 

Final Word

As mentioned above, you should know that ceramic coating will ensure your car looks new for a long time. At the same time, you will obtain other benefits, including element protection from dirt, sun, mud, and other external elements. 

That way, you can clean it faster and much more straightforward than vehicles without ceramic coating. Of course, you should spare more money as an initial investment, but you can enjoy years of effectiveness afterward. 

Since it will prevent further damage and expenses, it will make your car more durable, which will prevent potential repairs. 

We recommend you find a professional who will apply the coating because you will ensure it lasts much longer than you could do it yourself.

Features of Good Money Lenders

The requirement for money can be needed anytime and to any person. It is very important to take money on loan from the right source to grow wealth. In today’s time, there are many options available in the market to take loans. The right financial education is utmost important. Read the complete article to know about the best qualities that your money lending source must offer you with.

Fast Cash Loans

The purpose of money lending is to bridge the gap between supply of money to kick-start a project. If a lender will not supply the money to the vendor on time, the sole purpose of taking loan can’t be fulfilled. Majority of the lending sources in the market take time to grant even small loans. Therefore, always look for the lenders who are good at money lending in ang mo kio. They can even offer a loan within an hour just after verifying your identity.

Flexible payment systems

A project for which money taken may not run as per a plan. There could be different market conditions, internal business scenarios, or adversities that could affect the repayment. There should always be multiple varied repayment options available with the repayer. It would be beneficial in the long term to repay without affecting the main project.

Multiple loan options

The reason for taking money can not be specified to fewer options. One can need loans for small businesses, trading activities, operational loans, long-term loans, housing loans, one-hour loans, 10 year repayment schemes, and much more. Lenders should have multiple loan options for a loan payer to choose from. It will help the loan-seeker to choose from the right loan option to fulfill and meet their needs.

Licensed institute

The source of money lending should be licensed and authorized by the regulators. It plays a very important role for taxation and return filing. Majority of the government schemes to relax from taxation allows institutional and certified sources for loan tax availment. It is also very helpful to save one from frauds and scams. Look for reputable money lending sources that are authorized and also offer reasonable interest rates.

Responsiveness

The accountability of a money lender is not till the loan is passed. A good money lender plays a significant role in being the right support system for the money acquirer. The guidance, experience, and relaxed schemes support the loan takers in fulfilling their plans in the best deals.

These are some of the important qualities that one must look for in a money lender. For more such informative content, keep visiting our page.

California Car Insurance

California Car Insurance: Ai Ling Lee of Hacienda Heights discusses 5 policy basics  

Los Angeles traffic is a nightmare. But driving without insurance is even scarier.

Like most states, California has minimum requirements for car insurance. As an “at fault” state, drivers must accept financial responsibility for any accidents they may cause. California Insurance Code 11580.1b spells out exactly what this coverage must look like.

Yet you don’t have to be a legal expert to find the right protection. Ai Ling Lee of Hacienda Heights can help. Serving as an independent agent since 1986, she is well versed in the state’s insurance requirements. California is a “15/30/5” state. Below, Ai Ling Lee explains this and other must-haves for any auto insurance policy.

Bodily injury liability

Liability insurance does not apply to the policyholder. It covers other people’s injury or damage. For this reason, California mandates liability protection. Drivers must maintain $15,000 for bodily injury or death for any single person involved in an accident. A total of $30,000 is needed per accident, regardless of the number of people involved. This is commonly referred to as “15/30.”

Property damage liability

Another form of required coverage, property damage liability, protects against any damage or destruction that results from an accident. As Ai Ling Lee of Hacienda Heights points out, this doesn’t just shield another driver’s vehicle. This also extends to buildings or other structures. State law requires $5,000 for any single accident. When combined with bodily injury policies, this makes up the “15/30/5”, which represents the lowest level of protection required by law.

Proof of insurance

Purchasing a policy alone isn’t enough. Under state law, drivers must carry proof of insurance to show during traffic stops or other incidents. This documentation must also be presented when registering a vehicle. Although a digital copy will often be sufficient, Ai Ling Lee can’t stress its importance enough. Failure to show proof of insurance could result in a suspended license.

Alternative options

You do have choices. While car insurance is the most popular amongst drivers, California Insurance Code 11580.1b sets out other mechanisms to comply with the “financial responsibility” law. Rather than buying car insurance, vehicle owners can deposit $35,000 or file a self-insurance certificate with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Obtaining a $35,000 surety bond from a licensed issuer will also work.

Available add-ons

State requirements ensure other drivers are guarded. But you need protection too. Ai Ling Lee of Hacienda Heights and other agents always recommend filling in these gaps in coverage with several available options. Medical payment or personal injury protection (PIP) can reimburse any medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers. Although not required, uninsured motorist coverage can be critical too. This kicks in if you are involved in an accident with someone who has insufficient coverage themselves. General collision and comprehensive coverage are also encouraged.