Getting Insurance if you Have Tickets or Accidents

If you have a good driving record, you’re bound to get a fair insurance rate. However, millions of Americans have accidents and tickets on their record. How do they go about getting insurance?

Insurers know that these things can happen. Some companies offer inexpensive policies for people with points on their record so that they can stay on the road. Following are some things you should know if you’re looking for insurance with a bad record.

If Your Insurance Premium Increased Because of a Traffic Violation

If you had your rates increased because of an accident or moving violation, investigate a new insurer. With all the choices different insurers offer, it won’t hurt to shop around.

Before you start looking for a quote, contact your local DMV and ask for a copy of your driving record. Sometimes there are citations that shouldn’t be there. You can request to have them removed. Some states will remove the violation from a first-time offender’s record if a driving safety program is completed.

You can take a defensive driving course to prove to insurance companies that you are taking steps to become a better and safer driver. You might be able to receive an insurance discount to help lower your rates.

How much your insurance can increase will mostly rely on whether you were at fault and the size of the claim from the accident. The increase will happen during your policy renewal period. If you had an accident in February and your policy renews in October, it will be many months before you see the rate increase.

If You’ve Been Dropped from Your Insurance Because of a Violation

In some cases, insurers will cancel a policy due to multiple tickets and violations. Some states have plans to make sure you have the minimum insurance required to keep driving. Click here to see if your state has a program.

If You Need High-Risk Insurance

If you have many violations, you may be required to get high-risk insurance. Most state DMVs require the driver to prove financial responsibility by getting an SR-22. This allows you to drive after losing insurance or a traffic-related offense.

Most states require you to keep an SR-22 for a minimum of three consecutive years. Depending on where you live, a traffic violation can stay on your record for three to five years. That can be reflected in the length of your SR-22.

Insofar as cost of high-risk insurance goes, that will depend on factors like your driving record, state and zip code, credit score, and your coverage.

Premiums can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. As such, investigate quotes from at least three different insurers. Once you’ve had the SR-22 for six months, take another look at quotes. Mention to the agent you’ve had continuous insurance for the last six months. You’ll probably get a better rate.

Don’t feel stuck if you have a bad driving record, you do have options. One of the best recommendations is to shop around and compare insurance companies. Some companies in certain areas offer much better rates.

more info here-  https://quotewizard.com/auto-insurance/high-risk-car-insurance

after you secure a insurance find your next ride right here at ACC

Specialized Collector Car Insurance

There are many good reasons why you should own classic and collector car insurance, rather than a ‘standard and regular car policy.’

According to a Los Angeles Times survey, it was revealed that around half of the people who owned a collector car just owned a traditional/regular/standard vehicle policy without ever paying close attention to their insurance.

These statistics are alarming because it tells that collector owners are throwing money away while also risking the value of their car by not having a specialized auto insurance policy.

Here are some reasons why you need collector/classic car insurance

• Regular Car Insurance Policies Don’t Take the Collector Cars ‘True’ Value into Account

When someone shops for car insurance, you and your agent decide on an ‘agreed value’ or ‘actual cash value’ (or ‘stated value’) that states the value of the car; just in case the car is deemed a ‘total loss’ if it is ever wrecked or damaged.

The traditional concept for regular, non-classic vehicles is that the value depreciates over time due to normal wear and usage, and other variables. Insurers base the price of a standard insurance policy to that with ‘actual cash value.’ But a classic car is different in the sense that the value of the car increases (or stays the same) over time, especially when you restore it. The latter is where ‘agreed value’ makes sense.

If something does happen to your classic car, you don’t want the depreciated value from a regular insurance ‘actual cash value’ policy to pay for the damage because there will be a large gap in the payout, and you won’t be able to replace the unique parts to fix it.

The agreed value takes into consideration the rarity of the car and parts, popularity, age, and other features. If something disastrous occurs such as your car being totaled, you will get a paid the amount you agreed on with your agent, with no questions asked.

• Collector Car Insurance is Cheaper

Specialized collector car insurance companies charge you much less because for one, the cars are usually driven much less which usually means less miles accumulated than ‘regular use cars.’ Also, collector car owners do a much better job maintaining their vehicles than standard cars.

This combined helps this audience of collector car owners have a higher reputation to drive their car in a safer manner with less risks. Insurance companies like lower risk and will usually keep your rates much lower for this.

It is recommended that you shop around and compare quotes from specialized collector car insurance companies to find the best rate.

• Your Parts are Unique and Rarer

If something does happen like a cracked windshield or broken headlight to your classic car, you need to replace it with a suitable part that maintains the car’s classic essence. With a specialized policy, you will be able to get the full replacement value of the parts.

If you owned a standard insurance policy, you would be payed the cost of a regular car windshield or headlight which wouldn’t help retain the purity of the classic car.

• Classic Car Policies Actually Let You Enjoy Your Ride

A standard insurance policy has too many restrictions for your classic car that many people overlook, which could cause the insurance company to deny your claim if the car was damaged. For example, some standard policies won’t let you take your car on vacation or long road trips. Classic car insurance usually gives you the freedom to roam and be fully covered wherever you may be (minor restrictions referenced at the end of this article).

• Car Show Protection

Specialized car insurance policies for classic car even protect you at car shows. With a standard policy, it would not. Having a classic car insurance allows you the freedom and calmness to enjoy your time at the car show without having to worry as much. For example, Heacock insurance has great protection for event and shows.

• Having Multiple Classic Cars Doesn’t Affect Liability Rates

Classic car insurance companies will most likely charge you the same lower rate for liability coverage even if you own a dozen classic cars. It doesn’t matter the quantity that you own as these insurance companies know that this group is likely to own more than one collector car.

While having specialized car insurance is the way to go, there are some restrictions, limitations, and other points of interest that one should take into account when shopping for classic car insurance. It is best to have the types of questions ready to ask when looking for a quote to find the best policy for your collector car situation.

Four of the Best Road Trips in the U.S.

By Joe Webster, A-1 Auto Transport

When you love cars, chances are that you enjoy taking a good road trip every once in a while. The more scenic the trip, the better. Road trips are great to take when you want to take a little time to clear your head or unwind from a busy work week and best of all, depending on where you live in the country, you may just have some of the most scenic roadways in the nation right in your own backyard where you can hop in the car and take a fun ride even if for only a few hours. Whether you own a brand new car or truck and want to see how well it will perform on the open road or you own a great classic like an early 1970’s Chevelle or a classic Mustang and just want to get it out of the garage for a few hours between car shows, here are four of the best places to take a road trip in the U.S.

Pacific Coast Highway

Scenic View from Route 1 of the Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California

Route 1 on the Pacific Coast Highway that runs straight through California, Oregon and Washington is one of the best road trips in the nation. Not only will you see some of the most spectacular oceanic scenes but you will also get great glimpses of majestic mountain ranges and steep, beautiful cliffs sitting by the ocean. Route 1 is only 17 miles and can easily be driven in less than half an hour, but with the great scenery along the way it is always a nice way to spend a day exploring the Oceanside or stopping for a picnic lunch with friends or family. If you live on the west coast, this road trip is one you will want to place at the top of your list of things to do for fun in the car.

Beartooth Highway

Beartooth Highway, Montana

Beartooth Highway is 68 miles of majestic beauty running right through Montana and Wyoming towards Yellowstone National Park. If you plan a drive down this beautiful stretch of road, be prepared to want to stay and linger for a several days because there is plenty to do along the way. From skiing to hiking or camping and even stopping for a quick bite to eat at a small café, Beartooth Highway has long been a popular drive for tourists and residents in both Montana and Wyoming that enjoy seeing some of the most unusual terrain in America including spacious snowcapped mountains, lush green valleys and so much more.

Going to the Sun Road

Going to the Sun Road, Wyoming

While you are in Wyoming and wrapping up the trip on Beartooth Highway, you may want to jet over to Going to the Sun Road. This drive will take you directly through Glacier National Park where you can catch views of some beautiful snowcapped mountains as you head straight into the Continental Divide in the beautiful Rockies. Some areas of the road close during the winter due to snow and ice, but if you plan the road trip during the late in the middle of the summer, you will be amazed with the scenery you will find. There are plenty of places to stop for overnight camping or enjoying a nature hike so be sure to pack some supplies in the trunk before you head out on the road for this trip.

Tail of the Dragon

Tail of the Dragon, Deals Gap, North Carolina

Moving on to the eastern portion of the U.S., you may want to check out Tail of the Dragon on Highway 129 heading straight through Deals Gap near the Great Smokey Mountains. This long and winding road will take you down (or up) 11 miles of the sharpest curves and outstanding nature scenes in the nation. This road trip can begin either in Maryville, Tennessee or in Deals Gap, North Carolina and while the road is short, it is well-known as one of the best roads for excitement whether you drive on four wheels or just have two. When you plan your road trip to this scenic area of the country, be sure to pack an overnight bag so you can cruise down the road to enjoy a trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge where you can spend the day, or days, shopping or dining, taking a few thrill rides at the amusement parks or heading out into nature for a quiet time hiking or camping in the beautiful wilderness.

Want to plan several road trips but need a quick break between each trip or you don’t have the time to drive cross country but still want to enjoy the best of both coasts? If you want to start on one coast and plan to fly out to the other coast to pick up where you left off on the fun, you can always drive a little and then make plans with an auto shipping company to have your car shipped to the next area where you will be able to save a little on your mileage and wear and tear and relax on the plane as you head across the country to start all over again on the next road trip. Road trips, even if they are short drives, can be a great way to really enjoy the world around you and have a little fun in your car at the same time.

How to Ship a Classic Car When Relocating

As a classic car owner you most likely know that hiring a professional car shipping company is very important when you need to move and take your classic dream car with you. A reputable company is going to be a vital instrument in getting the car moved from one are to another safely in order to maintain the overall value and beauty of the car that you own.

Those that love classic cars are well aware of the fact that a classic is not simply a car at all. Instead, it is a valuable investment into your future or the future of your heirs. Classic car owners have the chance to own a little piece of history and when you are able to do that, it is a dream come true and something that you want to protect at all costs.

Which Carrier Should You Use?

A very important aspect of car shipping when it comes to moving as classic car is going to be making a decision on the type of carrier that it used during shipment. While some people may choose to haul a classic on a trailer behind their own truck, this is really not a very safe option and can cause damage to the truck as well as be very expensive due to cost of maintenance that will need to be taken care of on the truck and also fuel cost that will increase due to hauling a heavy car. Be sure to ask the transport agent if any seasonal discounts or other discounts may be available that could save a little money on shipping your car.

The safest ways to move a car are with the following carriers:

• Open Carrier: An open carrier is generally safe to use with all types of motor vehicles, even classic and collectible cars and trucks. It is the least expensive option and is simple to use because cars are driven onto the carrier, or lifted if they are inoperable, and then secured in place and relocated. Some open carriers can only carry one or two vehicles at a time while others are multi-carriers and can haul many cars at once. Auto dealerships and manufacturers use these carriers to move shipments to sale and it is a safe mode of transport. Although safe, one thing about open transport is the fact that the cars on board are exposed to the elements including weather and road debris and can become damaged if anything flies into them. If you decide to use an open carrier to move your classic, it is wise to request to have the car top-loaded so it will avoid as much contact as possible with other cars on the truck.

• Enclosed Carrier: When you opt to use an enclosed carrier, you should know that this is the most secure way to move a classic or collectible car to or from any location and any distance. All sides of an enclosed carrier are sealed and will not allow any chance of road debris or inclement weather to come into contact with the car inside. This means that the car is nestled safe and sound inside during shipment. Enclosed transport is generally going to cost more than open transport but when it comes to safe shipping for a valuable car, it just does not get better than enclosed.

Getting the Car Ready

You most likely already have plenty of pictures of your classic car, but before it is loaded for shipment to during the move, it is very important that detailed pictures be taken of all surface areas. You will want to file the pictures away and hold onto them until the car has been delivered.

You will also need to get the car physically ready by taking care of the following:

• The car should be clean and all personal items need to be removed. You can leave a spare tire and tools to change the tire in the truck. While this may not be an issue with most classic cars, it is something that needs to be mentioned as it is very important during professional auto transport because the company is only allowed to haul the car and not personal items per DOT regulations.

• The company insurance needs to be verified to ensure that it is valid as well as enough to cover the value of the car. When dealing with a classic, you will also want to make sure your own private insurance policy will be in effect during the journey.

• There should only be enough fuel in the car for the driver to be able to load and unload during transport. Usually, a quarter tank will suffice.

• Get a hard copy of all paperwork and documentation of the transport before the car is loaded. Check the Bill of Lading carefully and sign it only if you agree with everything on it when the driver has it filled out.

• If the car is inoperable you must discuss this with the company agent before the truck is sent to pick it up. A carrier with a winch must be dispatched in order to lift the car on and off of the truck and if this is not discussed ahead of time, it can delay your transport when they have to reschedule a new carrier.

Spring Summer Series: Pontiac Show

Classic Rides for New Drivers

You don’t need to be middle aged or older to know the joy of owning, and driving a classic car. For many younger drivers, having an opportunity to own a classic as their first ride is something that they may dream about for several years before they ever own a car and they often know exactly what they want before they can even purchase a car legally. For new drivers, there may be limits on what they can afford or how far they can travel to buy a car but they will do what they can to own the car of their dreams even if it means working every day of the week and looking in cities and states far from home to find that special vehicle for a price they can work with. If it is time for you to begin shopping for your first car, you may want to consider one of these classic rides that are not only affordable, but also pack in the power and are well-known as dependable cars that have really shown their power throughout the years.

The 1964 ½ -1969 Ford Mustang

Ford introduced the Mustang as a convertible as well as a notchback coupe in April of 1964 and this car has become an icon in the classic car world. The first Mustang was the 1964 ½ and it was one of the sleekest cars manufactured in its time. Parts were made to be low cost for consumers and this car actually used the same engineering as the Ford Falcon, a compact car made by Ford. The first Mustang was fast and had a look that really made people want to buy them. After the first Mustang was introduced to the public in 1964, the next year, 1965, was an incredible year for Ford when they introduced the 1965 Mustang to the world. The 1965 had a 2+2 fastback body, optional GT equipment and power front disc brakes. Nearly 600,000 Mustangs were sold in 1965. By 1967, Ford redesigned the Mustang with a larger body which made a more stable ride for drivers. Even the seats were roomier and made for a very comfortable ride. In 1969, Mustang was changed to include a sharper nose and large scoops on the fastback. In 1969, Ford offered a coupe for those that wanted a “family mobile” while also offering a Mach 1 version for those that wanted speed and plenty of power. By 1970 Ford had dropped the scoops on the side of the car, lowered the front lights to two from four and changed the location of the manufacture from Cleveland to Canada which in part, caused sales to drop significantly. Today, Ford Mustangs are still as high in demand as they were from the middle of 1964 through the end of the 1960’s and they are not only fun cars to drive but also safe as a first car for new drivers. This is a car that you can feel really cool when driving and gain lots of attention if you decide to take it to the local car shows to show off publicly.

The 1990’s Honda Civic

Some people may not see the true value of a 1990’s Honda Civic, but it is one of the most affordable cars on the market and has long been one of the most dependable cars ever created. These cars were built to last and over the years they have shown time and time again how resilient they are when it comes to life expectancy for a motor vehicle. It is not unusual to see a Honda on the road today with far more than 300,000 miles and still running just as great as it did when it came off the assembly line. In 1990, Honda manufactured both a hatchback wagon as well as a sedan and they ranged from a standard model with vinyl seats in a hatchback style to a more wagon with Four Wheel Drive and realTime4WD which was great for customers that lived in mountainous or snowy areas of the country. While some models had standard manual windows, Honda also introduced models with power window and locks as well as electric mirrors and clocks. Most Civics came with standard manual transmissions while there were optional 4-speed automatics as well. If you choose to own a 1990’s model Honda Civic you should be prepared to pay less for oil changes and other repairs as parts are not very expensive at all for this car.

The 1975 BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series was originally introduced in 1972 as a show car for VIP’s at the US Olympics and it was a fully electric prototype that was never largely manufactured. By 1975, BMW introduced a compact executive car that was available as a 2 door coupe only. Over time, the company manufactured the car with a 4 door option as well and over time, it has been one of the highest selling BMW cars ever made. As a matter of fact, the 3 Series has brought in nearly 30% of all sales for the company and has been an award winning car since the beginning. While a new BMW may not be an option for a first time driver, or for many other drivers, the 1975 BMW 3 Series is an affordable option to be an owner of one of the finest cars on the planet and this car is one that is fun to drive on top of being able to own a luxury car.

No matter what car you choose as first car you will ever own, or as the car you just want to own now after driving for many years, it is always best to have it thoroughly checked before making any agreements on the purchase. There may come a time that the car of your dreams is hundreds of miles away and if this happens, be sure to hire a pro that offers reliable auto transport to have the car delivered to you safely and without racking up unwanted mileage. If the car is local to you, never buy until you have checked it out personally by driving it as well as having a certified mechanic check under the hood for issues. It is wise to keep your income and overall budget in mind and be sure to check parts pricing on common parts such as oil filters and air filters as well as battery, brakes, alternator and starter before you buy a car so you will know ahead of time how costly parts will be for regular maintenance and common repairs. The most important aspect of buying a car, whether it is a new car or a classic, is to make sure it is one that you can really enjoy while at the same time will be affordable to buy as well as keep maintained over the years.