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.

There are a few different scenarios that can help you make the right call when it comes to replacing a child’s car seat and this begins with identifying the nature or severity of the collision.

First of all, it is absolutely recommended that a child’s car or booster seat is replaced after a moderate to severe car accident. If you are unsure of whether or not a car accident falls under this category, you can consider facts such as whether the car’s functionality has at all been affected as this can signify a moderate crash.

In terms of a more severe crash, criteria for this relates more to any damage to the vehicle structure, that makes the car unsafe to drive.  In these cases, it is definitely best to opt to replace the car seat. Even if during the time of the accident, a child was not in the car seat, it is still necessary to identify when a car seat should be replaced.

Secondly, it is also important to consider whether you should replace the car seat if you were involved in a minor collision. With a minor crash, the damage to your vehicle may be mostly unnoticeable, even invisible. However, a minor crash can be classified as one where air bags did not need to be deployed, and when the vehicle can be driven away afterwards without immediate safety concerns, such as damage to the drivers’s side door. Additionally, in the absence of injuries to any of the passengers, this points to a minor accident as well.

With a minor collision, it is likely that the car seat is safe enough to continue use, however, the car seat must first be inspected for zero signs of damage. All things considered, it is recommended that you consult the car seat’s manufacturing guide to find out what is advised for that specific type of car seat. The company will state one way or another whether the car seat needs to be replaced following a minor fender bender.

The principal that it is always better to be safe than sorry, is certainly a relevant one for this type of situation. That being said, replacing a car seat that was involved in any type collision is definitely worth serious consideration, and highly recommended in the case of a moderate to severe accident.

In the event, you have been involved in a car accident and plan to move forward with replacing your car seat, as a BC resident, fortunately you may be able to be reimbursed for some of the costs associated with this. To find out more about car seat replacement eligibility, it is suggested that you can do some additional research, as well as speak more with an expert in this area.

In the end, having the right insurance is also extremely important. To learn more about the types of vehicle insurance coverage, contact Leaders Insurance. We are more than happy to help with any of your insurance needs, and above all, we want to provide you with the added peace of mind of feeling safe while driving with your precious loved ones along for the ride.

Similarly, to purchasing car insurance, you can purchase insurance for your motor home or RV. How this differs however, is that the type of coverage you will get for these types of travel vehicles, will also include areas such as contents and standard equipment that both fall outside the scope of your other vehicle insurance coverage.

While, ‘contents’ coverage involves items such as linens, kitchen items such utensils, dishes, etc, under the ‘standard equipment’ category, you are looking at insuring the items that are attached to your motor vehicle, including appliances.

The Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) offers coverage known as ‘Vehicle Travel Protection’ and it includes packages that meet your auto towing needs. This includes, campers, trailers, etc, ultimately the vehicles that will be towed, so if this reflects your needs, it is worth looking into.

As you can see, these policies offer a wide range of coverage for your vehicle travel needs. That said, it is best to enquire about the specifics of these packages and to learn more about what is coverage, as well as about any existing exclusions.

It is important to also note, that your home insurance coverage may relate to some of the areas, while you are traveling in a mobile home or fifth wheel vehicle. However, there will be some limitations. Again, is it a good idea to go over the details with an insurance agent, and find out what specific additional coverage you may need to purchase, in order to protect all of your travel contents, equipment, and the vehicle, itself.

If you are storing your vehicle, there is specific coverage for this instance. If this is a living space, then special coverage exists for this also and will be worth considering as an addition to your policy.

Of course, you may also want to consider taking out additional coverage for accidental loss or destruction of your mobile home or trailer. For example, a range of events that can cause damage to your vehicle, such as storms, fire and smoke, vandalism or theft, encounters with animals, and collisions with other vehicles.

Replacement packages also exist and can be purchased to help with the cost of a comparable replacement of the entire vehicle.

If you are using your motor home on a full time bases, there is another comprehensive package to consider. This type of coverage is designed to provide personal liability, protect personal contents, as well as additional living expenses that may be necessary for all year round mobile or trailer occupancy.

With all of the insurance options available, insurance agents well-versed in this field, can help ensure you have the best possible package for your intended motor home, RV, or travel trailer needs.

In the end, it is always best to opt for insurance, in order to protect your financial investment. Contact Leaders Insurance to discuss your RV and Travel Trailer insurance coverage needs.

Then, let all of your road travel and lifestyle adventures begin.

In the beginning, it is best to learn about the different types of insurance coverage. Since some coverage is mandatory and some is optional, you will want to start by identifying the differences and then deciding what you will need. This part of the process also includes learning more about the amount of coverage you should have built into your policy as well based on your personal needs.

Liability insurance provides coverage, in the event you are deemed at fault or just as the name says, liable for an accident. This includes, injury to others, as well as damage to their property. In certain cases, this coverage can also help with payments towards your legal fees.

Direct Compensation coverage is also important to have in cases that relate to any damage to your own vehicle or if you suffer any bodily harm, as well as not being the one who is found at fault. As a result, for this coverage, you only need to go through your insurance provider to access this claim.

Collision insurance also falls under the category of claims being made were you are involved in a vehicle collision, however are not found responsible for the accident. In addition to the occurrence of a collision, in the event your vehicle is damaged as a result of coming into contact with road debris and other objects such as poles and guard rails, etc., then this type of coverage can also be beneficial to have.

Having Accidental Benefits can also prove to be a very important insurance piece to consider as this type of insurance is designed to cover any medical-related bills and treatments, you or your passengers may require following an accident. It also includes any injuries that are caused to pedestrians who have been involved in the incident.

As well, just as the name states, this coverage pertains to the event where you are involved in an accident that has been caused by an uninsured driver. Since this individual is not operating their vehicle with the proper, and even in certain cases, the mandatory vehicle insurance, this means they will not have enough coverage or any coverage they can claim towards these costs. Therefore, by having this coverage yourself, you will be able to access funds from your own coverage to cover any damages.

Last, but not least, we have comprehensive coverage. This final type of car insurance can be  considered a one-stop shop as it is comprised of many different types of available auto insurance options. Specifically, it provides you with the coverage you need to protect you and your vehicle against a variety of damages. In fact, this coverages also relates to instances where natural disasters, rioting and acts of theft have led to your vehicle being damaged.

Once you have decided what type of coverage you need, of course turning to an insurance broker for support is key. Many insurance companies have well-known reputations that reflect the quality and nature of their services, so you can rely of these reviews to help you choose the best fit for your needs.

As a first-time auto insurance buyer, you should be aware of aspects that contribute to your insurance policy rates. It is important to also keep in mind, that insurance prices are typically determined by a variety of factors that include: where you live, your age, your marital status, the length of time you have spent driving, and of course, your past driving history.

With this being a new experience, like anything else, it is important to do your research and make the most informed decision you can when deciding what type of vehicle insurance to purchase. It is equally important to choose an insurance broker that will be the right fit for you.

Contact our insurance brokers at Leaders Insurance for more information about how we can best support you in this new endeavour. We are here to answer any questions you may have and to also help you learn the ins and outs of your first car insurance policy.