At McCormick Insurance Inc., we help people save money on their auto expenses. We primarily help drivers find affordable auto insurance, but occasionally we pick up tips for saving on other auto expenses. For instance, here are three ways you can save on gas when taking a road trip.

Save Gas During a Road Trip

When taking a road trip, one of the main expenses you’ll have is your fuel costs. Therefore, saving on the amount of gas you use during your trip could significantly reduce the total cost of your adventure. To spend less at the pump, try the following:

• make sure your tires are properly inflated
• drive the speed limit
• plan any trips to major cities around rush hour

These first two suggestions will help you improve your fuel economy, and the third will reduce the amount of time you spend sitting in traffic.

Save on Auto Insurance

If you haven’t reviewed your auto insurance policy, you may also be able to reduce your insurance premiums. Lowering how much you pay for auto insurance will save you money while you’re on the road and after you return home.

If you own a car in Pembroke Pines, FL and would like to see whether you can reduce your auto insurance premiums, give us at McCormick Insurance Inc. a call or send us an email. Our auto insurance agents would be glad to pull up a few quotes on auto insurance for you, so you can see how they compare to your current policy. In many cases, our independent insurance agents are able to find drivers policies with lower premiums.

If you’re planning a road trip, don’t wait until you get back to contact our agents. Get in touch with them today, and you could be saving on your auto insurance before you get on the highway.

 

Having a roommate can be a great way to save money and keep household costs to a minimum. However, making sure you have the appropriate level of renter’s insurance coverage is also important. Here are three tips to consider.

Tip #1: Make Sure You Talk to Your Agent

Talking to your agent is important when you have a roommate. This discussion should take place fairly soon after moving in together, as your policy does not automatically cover your friend’s belongings unless certain guidelines are met. Find out whether or not your renter’s insurance carrier requires you to each have your own policy or allows to add your roommate’s name to your current coverage.

Tip #2: Decide Whether or Not to Have Separate Policies

The decision to have separate policies or be on the same one together is also important. While sharing coverage does allow you to split premium costs, there are some drawbacks. If you or your roommate have a falling out or one moves away, it can be difficult if you have a sudden claim as both of your names will be on the reimbursement check. Sharing coverage also means that you are responsible for splitting the payment to replace your stuff. This can get very messy if the two of you are not on the same page, which is why many roommates just opt to have individual renter’s insurance policies.

Tip #3: Understand That Intentional Acts Aren’t Covered

Another important tip to remember regarding roommates and renter’s insurance is that intentional acts aren’t usually covered. This means that if you end up with a nightmare of a roommate who damages or steals your stuff, your policy most likely won’t pay for reimbursement.

Do you have questions regarding renter’s insurance? Please contact our team of professionals at McCormick Insurance Inc. for more information.

Many policyholders often ask about GAP coverage. They want to know what it is and why they need it. Others are even required by their auto lender to carry it, but do not understand how if affects them. Here are a few things to know about GAP insurance.

What GAP Coverage Is

Short for Guaranteed Asset Protection, this type of coverage "bridges the gap" between the value of your vehicle and how much you owe should you have a total loss claim. This means that if your car is damaged beyond repair in an accident or is stolen, your insurance policy will pay above and beyond the value of the vehicle in order to pay off your loan. Many finance companies require this type of coverage to help protect both them and you in case of an incident.

Why You Should Consider Purchasing GAP Coverage

Even if it is not required by your lender, purchasing GAP coverage is a good idea for anyone with an auto loan. Vehicles often depreciate rapidly, especially if you purchased your car brand new. Today’s auto loans are generally much higher than the value of the vehicle and failure to have GAP coverage could put you in a serious situation if you have a major claim. Many policyholders without this type of coverage have incurred serious debt after a total loss incident as they still had to make loan payments on a vehicle that was no longer driveable.

Purchasing insurance is meant to be a protective mechanism for you and your family in case of an incident. GAP coverage is simply an added safety feature to help ensure your financial well-being if you ever experience a total loss claim.

For more information about auto insurance in Florida, please contact our local agents today.

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Being prepared is always important, especially for drivers. By keeping a few items inside your vehicle, you can rest assured that you are totally ready for any situation, Here are three tips for creating a roadside safety kit to keep in your car.

Tip #1: Include Emergency Provisions

Including emergency provisions is the first step to starting your kit. Non-perishable food, such as granola bars, and a few bottles of water are important. You will also want to add a blanket, an extra pair of socks, and a basic first aid kit to your collection.

Tip #2: Add Vehicle Related Items

Adding vehicle related items to your emergency kit is also important. Remember jumper cables, a quart of oil, deicer, an ice scraper, and additional fuses. A safety triangle and roadside flares should be included. Other special items related to your exact vehicle and its condition may also be necessary, such as brake or power steering fluid.

Tip #3: Remember Tools

While many people usually remember food and medical supplies, they often forget about keeping tools inside their emergency kits. A basic pair of work gloves, a few screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, vice grips, and a tire gauge are always a good idea. A few wrenches in various sizes can help as well.

Many companies also offer pre-packed emergency road kits to keep inside your vehicle. These often include a basic first aid kit, some road flares, and other common items. You can also use a plastic storage box or small cardboard box to keep the kit organized.

Of course, having your insurance information handy is also important. Keep the number of your local insurance agent and your policy number inside your vehicle. The claims hotline number and emergency roadside assistance numbers are also a good idea.

If you need any more tips or tricks for creating the best roadside safety kit, call our highly knowledgeable agents today!

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