Some benefits of buying a used car – accident or not, have to do with being more environmentally-friendly as well as of course being more affordable. Compared to buying a new vehicle, you are looking at paying a lot less for a used vehicle that has already depreciated significantly.

Furthermore, if the one you are interested in has a history or being in an accident, the asking price is also even more likely to be much lower than one with track record of being accident-free.

Of course, there will also be some disadvantages to factor into your decision to buy a used vehicle with accidents in its past.  For example, while the upfront costs may be a lot less, you want to be leery of whether or not the car does have unforeseen damage or is not in proper working condition.

If this does turn out to be the case and you were not aware or you did not think this would be an issue, either way you could incur more maintenance and repair fees down the line, which can definitely offset the reduced fees you paid in the beginning.

While of course, this does not reflect an ideal scenario, on a more positive note, regardless of whether a vehicle has a collision history or not, does not have to mean you will be purchasing a lemon.

Not only will you want to be aware of whether the vehicle was ever invoked in an accident, it is also equally important to learn about its complete history, including the nature of the damage and the types of repairs it has received. This can help you to not be caught off guard down the line with any existing damage that has not been adequately fixed and in turn affect the performance and safety of the vehicle.

This complete history also includes previous registration details, and even any recalls that vehicle model may have experienced. You can turn to various companies that help with these types of evaluations.

For example, a reputable mechanic can perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle, before you move forward with this purchase. During this process, the vehicle, despite having been in an accident, may be a sound choice as it may have been well taken care of, following these events.

A vital piece to this purchase decision, should also include how the car is likely to stack up against new or ‘non-accident’ used cars, when it comes to obtaining insurance coverage.

For example, this is also where knowing the vehicle history and accident details, including the exact nature of the damages and repairs will come into play.

In the event, the damage was extensive and the vehicle was resold with a salvage title attached to it, this can mean that the vehicle is then deemed to have had major structure damage. Not only does this mean the value of the car will be much lower, it could even mean that it will be uninsurable.

While a vehicle with a history of accidents will be less in value, owning a car with this type of track record does not have to preclude you from being able to acquire the insurance you need. However, purchasing one that has had minimal damage and a solid repair history will improve your access to more affordable and appropriate coverage.

The bottom line is that doing your homework and learning as much about the background and the current condition of the vehicle will be an extremely important part of your decision to buy a used vehicle.

If you are unsure whether the insurance company will be able to provide coverage or how high this policy will be, it is best to reach out to the insurance agent first and find out what you can expect from this process.

One of the first steps you can take to ensure your pet’s safety is to purchase a product to help protect your pet while in transit. There are several options to choose from that range from harnesses and car seats to crates and carriers. Each serves unique purposes and can be a safe option for a range of pet needs.

Harnesses, for example will allow for some movement by your pet while in the vehicle, however will provide support if you are involved in a car accident. These devices will vary depending on the size of your pet – and in many instances, can be used for dogs and cats.

Car seats, on the other hand, are more commonly used for dogs that are small to mid-sized. These seats can be fitted to the size of your pet and again, in the event of sudden stop or collision, can provide added padding and security for your pet.

Lastly, crates and carriers are another staple for travelling with pets that are a variety of sizes. These containers of course, prohibit animals from roaming freely in the vehicle. However, it may also be a good idea to combine this travel hardware with a harness to add further protection to your pet while on route to your destination.

There are several factors that go into deciding which type of travel equipment is the most suitable option for you and your pet. That being said, it is a good idea to do some additional research to identify which one is ideal for your personal situation, at this of course includes what your pet can tolerate best.

Another very important part of this process is to help ease your pet into these types of outings by doing some travel training. Each type of travel method and travel equipment will likely use some getting used to so that your pet does not become too anxious or distressed while being on the move.

You can begin with shorter trips and then progress to some longer ones to allow for your pet to adapt to this new set up. Especially if you will be gearing up for extended travel, this added practice can be even more important and in turn, help to ensure the overall well-being of your pet.

One final, yet vital tip is to remember to pack your pet’s travel kit. This kit can include all of the supplies that they may need to be safe and content though out this excursion.

Supplies you will typically want to add to the travel kit are: a leash, food and water, the respective bowls, and any ‘bathroom’ essentials you will need, such as bags and tools to be able to attend to their waste, and if you pet is a cat, then also kitty litter and a kitty litter box.

Additionally, your pet may also greatly benefit from having some other comforts, including any toys or blankets that they use regularly at home. It doesn’t also hurt to travel with your pet’s health information, including immunizations and medications, and other veterinarian health records. These will come in handy, especially if you are travelling far from home and your pet might require emergency care.

When all is said and done, we want to protect our pets as they are an important part of our lives. These tips can allow you to keep your furry loved ones safe and sound as you travel around BC or beyond.

Having the best insurance in place is also well-worth the additional consideration and can help you protect your pet. By having a variety of insurance policies to cover your travel needs and your pet’s needs, together, you can all travel more comfortably and confidently.

Contact Leaders Insurance to learn more about the insurance coverage we offer that can best support your needs. After that, we hope you continue to enjoy the open road, with your beloved pet by your side.