Category: Auto Insurance

What To Know Before Driving Out of State

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Whether you are driving in California, Oregon, Nevada or Arizona, you have to be aware of state laws which may differ from one state to another. If you drive to another state you have to know if the state laws are different. There are some things that are the same throughout the nation, such as always driving on the right side of the road and yielding to pedestrians. However, there are other things that will vary from one state to another, such as whether or not it is legal to turn right at a red light. Whether it’s a big thing or a small thing, it is always good to keep abreast of the local laws where you are traveling. 

Other Considerations 

For any long distance trip you have to make sure your car is in good working order. Have a spare tire and any tools that may become necessary. It may be a good idea to have an emergency kit on board. Not only do you want a standard first aid kit but blankets, a flashlight, water and some nonperishable food. Always carry your registration, driver’s license and proof of insurance while traveling. Seat belt requirements, phone usage and speed limit can vary from one state to another. Always err on the side of caution. Is your insurance adequate enough for travel in another state? Remember to plan your route and keep up with weather updates. Research road conditions in advance. Plan for breaks every 150 to 200 miles. 

Avail Insurance Solutions Is Here for You

If you are in need of auto insurance in the states of Arizona, California, Oregon or Nevada, Avail Insurance Solutions LLC is happy to help. Give us a call today.

What is Usage-Based Auto Insurance?

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If you are like many consumers in California, Oregon, Nevada or Arizona, you look for ways to save on your insurance costs. One way auto insurance carriers reduce rates is through usage-based insurance. Although some experts recommend this route to minimize premiums, doing so can backfire if you don’t meet the company’s requirements. Avail Insurance Solutions LLC can help you understand what usage-based insurance entails.

Technology Determines Your Rate

The initial rate of a usage-based insurance policy uses traditional factors to determine a premium. These traditional factors include age, vehicle type, location and driving record. However, once you agree to a usage-based policy, the information collected will significantly affect your rate.

How It Works

Once you agree to a usage-based policy, you will need a plug-in device supplied by your insurance carrier or a smartphone app to track factors like mileage, speed, braking, acceleration, and time of day when you travel. The insurance company uses these factors to determine your risk level and may offer discounts for safe driving behaviors. Data collected includes how safely you operate your vehicle, which can include information such as hard braking, rapid acceleration, and hard cornering. Some programs even monitor cell phone usage and airbag deployment.

Usage-Based Insurance Can Backfire

Most drivers who haven’t had an accident or a traffic ticket in years generally consider themselves safe drivers. After all, even state facilities authorizing licenses consider these facts. Nevertheless, insurance companies evaluate your driving habits and may reach a different conclusion. If you drive over the speed limit, accelerate too quickly or violate other parameters, they may deem you a risk. Your premiums could increase.

The agents at Avail Insurance Solutions LLC can help you determine if usage-based auto insurance is right for you. Contact one of our offices serving California, Oregon, Nevada or Arizona to get more information.

Auto Insurance: What If Someone Steals Tools Out Of Your Car?

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Auto insurance in states like California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona is designed to protect your vehicle. Liability insurance typically covers damage to another person’s vehicle or bodily injury if you’re involved in an accident. While some policies may include theft coverage, it’s important to understand that these policies don’t cover everything.

Understanding Theft Coverage

Theft coverage in auto insurance policies typically applies to vehicle theft, rather than personal belongings inside the vehicle. For example, if your car is stolen, it will likely be covered under your insurance policy. However, if personal property is stolen from your vehicle, it may not be included in your policy. Coverage varies by company, so it’s essential to speak with an agent at Avail Insurance Solutions LLC to confirm the specifics of your policy.

Additional Coverage Through Other Policies

Renters’ and homeowners’ insurance policies in California often cover personal belongings stolen from your vehicle while it’s parked on your property. Many policies also extend coverage to items stolen while you’re away from home. For instance, if you’re traveling in Oregon or Nevada, your belongings may still be protected. Before traveling, consult with an agent to ensure you have the necessary coverage.

Commercial Auto Insurance Options

Commercial auto insurance may provide additional coverage for tools and equipment used for work purposes. In most cases, you’ll need to purchase extra coverage for these items. Some business insurance policies extend coverage to work-related items you travel with, providing added protection.

If you’re concerned about tools or valuable items being stolen from your vehicle, it’s important to discuss your situation with an experienced agent. The team at Avail Insurance Solutions LLC is here to help. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and find the right policy for you. Contact us today. We proudly serve areas in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Nevada.

California’s Mature Driver Improvement Program

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Many states in the U.S. require drivers to purchase auto insurance, and many drivers have questions about their state’s specific auto insurance requirements. At Avail Insurance Solutions LLC, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, we also serve clients in Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, offering tailored insurance solutions to meet their needs.

California’s Mature Driver Improvement Program

According to the California Division of Motor Vehicles, the State of California offers driver improvement courses for residents aged 55 and older. These courses provide valuable information about California driving laws, defensive driving techniques, and updates on the state’s rules of the road. Additionally, the program addresses potential driving challenges caused by factors such as alcohol, fatigue, medication, and auditory or visual impairments.

Drivers who complete these courses can present a completion certificate to their insurance provider to request a reduction in auto insurance premiums. The initial course lasts 400 minutes, while annual renewal courses are 240 minutes long. To find a Mature Driver Improvement Program course near you, visit the California Division of Motor Vehicles website.

Call Us for Your Appointment Today

At Avail Insurance Solutions LLC, we are an independent insurance brokerage committed to offering a wide range of insurance solutions at reasonable prices. Since 2010, our team has been committed to delivering exceptional customer service and support to clients in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us assist you with your insurance needs.

What Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent When Selecting An Auto Insurance Policy

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When you’re seeking car insurance, it’s important to ask the right questions. Asking the right questions of your insurance agent can help you find the best policy for your needs.

At Avail Insurance Solutions LLC, serving California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, we’re happy to answer customer questions to help them feel more informed and more comfortable with their policy purchase. Below, we’ve listed several questions that you can ask your insurance agent when seeking auto insurance.

How Much Coverage Will This Provide?

It’s important to get the right level of coverage for your vehicle. Your policy should at least cover the minimum limit set by state law, but you can get more coverage if you feel it’s needed.

What Is the Deductible?

The deductible is how much you’ll be expected to pay before your insurance policy starts to pay covered expenses. Before you buy a policy, the deductible amount can be changed if needed. Changing the deductible amount may raise or lower the auto insurance premium.

If you’re worried about being able to pay for the deductible, ask for the lowest deductible possible. If you’d like to save money on your insurance premium, ask your insurance agent how much you can save by raising the deductible.

What If I Get In An Accident?

Know the procedure for filing a claim if you are in an accident. Choosing a policy from a company with policies and procedures that you’re comfortable with is important.

Do you have more questions about car insurance? Avail Insurance Solutions LLC professionals, serving California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, can help. Call today to start shopping for an auto insurance policy you can trust.

3 things to remember when insuring your teen as a new driver

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Many teens consider getting their first driver’s license a significant milestone. However, this event can cause concern for their parents, primarily because of the increased insurance premiums associated with a new teen driver.

Parents in California and the surrounding states should take a few minutes to familiarize themselves with the implications of adding a teen to their policy. Considering these three points may be beneficial.

#1: Consult a Knowledgeable Agent

One of the most important things for parents to do is speak to an insurance agent familiar with teen drivers and how they can impact coverage. Take the time to learn what coverage is required and understand how deductibles and premiums interact.

#2: Explore Possible Discounts

It’s sometimes possible to receive discounts. These can involve multi-car or multi-policy discounts. Others might also be possible, such as those for good grades, driver’s education, and safe driving. Speaking to the insurance agent is beneficial in determining what you qualify for.

#3: Ensure the Teen Drives a Safe Car

The type of car the teen is driving can impact the premium. Vehicles with higher safety ratings and lower repair costs may result in a better quote. Safety should always be the first priority, so teaching teens to drive defensively is also a good idea.

The team at Avail Insurance Solutions LLC is ready to help California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona residents find the insurance policy that enables them to add their teen with the coverage they need.

Does Auto Insurance Remain Valid in Out of State Moves?

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Avail Insurance Solutions LLC offers auto insurance solutions for residents of California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. However, moving from one state to another requires purchasing a new auto insurance policy suitable for your state of residency. This is because each state in the U.S. sets its auto insurance requirements.

Deadlines for Policy Replacement

Every state has different minimum requirements for auto insurance, so a policy from Arizona, for instance, wouldn’t meet California’s or Nevada’s requirements. Each state defines a time limit for purchasing a replacement policy. It would be best if you generally had the new policy by the time you register your vehicle in your new place of residence. Here are the deadlines for new vehicle registration and driver’s license updates:

  • Arizona – 10 days
  • California – 20 days for registration, 10 days for driver’s license
  • Nevada – 30 days
  • Oregon – 30 days.

As every state mandates proof of insurance for vehicle registrations and driver’s license updates, you need your new auto insurance policy before performing either task.

Difference in Insurance Policies Across States

Whichever state you move to, you need to update your auto insurance to meet its minimum coverage requirements. In the insurance industry, these are expressed as bodily injury per person per accident/bodily injury to all parties per accident/property damage:

  • Arizona – 25/50/15
  • California – 15/30/5
  • Nevada – 25/50/20
  • Oregon – 25/50/20.

Additionally, Oregon drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of $15,000.

Get in Touch with Us Today

Ensure you carry the appropriate insurance for your state. Contact Avail Insurance Solutions LLC today to update your auto insurance needs and requirements.

Do Auto Insurance Requirements Vary by State?

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Almost all states in the U.S. require drivers to purchase liability insurance to cover bodily injury to third parties as well as property damage. However, the amount of liability coverage you need will vary from state to state. Moreover, some states require you to purchase other forms of coverage besides liability insurance.

Arizona Auto Insurance Requirements

Arizona drivers need bodily injury liability insurance to cover up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Additionally, you’ll need at least $15,000 to cover property damage.

California Auto Insurance Requirements

If you drive in California, you’ll need liability coverage of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage.

Nevada Auto Insurance Requirements

In Nevada, drivers need to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person as well as $50,000 in liability coverage per accident. Additionally, you’ll need at least $20,000 in property damage insurance.

Oregon Auto Insurance Requirements

In Oregon, you’ll need not just bodily liability and property damage coverage but also uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection. Minimal coverage requirements for liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage are $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. Property damage coverage is $20,000 per accident. Your personal injury protection policy should cover at least $15,000.

Get the Policy You Need from Avail Insurance Solutions LLC

Avail Insurance Solutions LLC makes it easy for drivers in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona to find the insurance coverage they need for any vehicle. We offer minimal coverage options as well as additional forms of coverage to ensure you’re completely covered no matter what happens. Contact us to learn more about your policy options and get personalized advice to help you find great coverage at a great price.

Can You Purchase Auto Insurance With a Foreign Driver’s License?

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Most car owners are familiar with the above topic, but there are options for individuals to be insured with a foreign driver’s insurance. The Avail Insurance Solutions LLC of California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona team can provide further information or tailor a temporary auto insurance policy that safeguards an international driver from potential disaster. 

What are the Parameters for Purchasing Auto Insurance with a Foreign Driver’s Insurance?

Foreign drivers can purchase a short-term auto insurance policy (6-12 months). It is the same requirement as renting a vehicle at the airport. The rental car company often offers minimal auto insurance as part of the agreement. Most insurance companies believe it is the best option for foreign tourists driving in the United States. 

But if your stay is any longer, you must obtain a valid United States driver’s license. Depending on your home country, you could apply for an international driving permit with the local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) where you are staying. Keep in mind that you may have to forfeit your country driver’s license.

Canadian Driver’s Requirements

Canadian drivers crossing the American border have slightly different requirements. If they’re vacationing, their driver’s license and a valid auto insurance policy are required to travel throughout the United States.

However, if you are permanently relocating to the United States, you will need a valid driver’s license from a local DMV. The process begins by forfeiting your Canadian driver’s license and passing a written test before receiving a United States driver’s license.

If you have a foreign driver’s license and are planning to spend time in California, Oregon, Nevada, or Arizona, contact our team at Avail Insurance Solutions LLC. We are eager to help you get auto insurance during your stay in the United States. Our expertise can tailor a temporary policy that protects your vehicle for a short-term visit to our country. Call and schedule an appointment today.

3 Benefits of Automating Your Auto Insurance Bill Paying Process

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Remember when you were a kid? You couldn’t wait to become an adult so you could do what you wanted.

While it’s true that being an adult grants you the freedom to do virtually anything you want to do, oftentimes you don’t have time to do it. Between taking care of the kids, going to work, and paying bills, you’re exhausted. It’s hard to appreciate the beauty of California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and other West Coast scenic hotspots when there isn’t time to do so.

Thankfully, our agents at Avail Insurance Solutions LLC can help. We know it’s possible to regain some of your time and explore your surroundings. For instance, you don’t have to sit in traffic or stand in line at the post office to mail off your car insurance note if you automate the process. There are other benefits to taking this route as well.

Some of them include:

  • Saves time and effort: When you use technology to help you pay your car insurance note, you won’t have to rely on manual processes that require a lot of both human intervention and paperwork.
  • Helps improve your credit score: Automating your bill-paying process helps you avoid late payments and delinquencies. Both negatively affect your credit history.
  • Helps the environment: Since you don’t have to mail or print your auto insurance bill, this reduces paper waste and carbon emissions.

These are just a few of the reasons automating your car insurance bill-paying process can help you. Learn more about this and other auto insurance benefits when you contact our experts at Avail Insurance Solutions LLC today. We take pride in helping our patrons in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona get the best coverage for their needs and budget.