Auto Insurance

Hershey, PA Auto Insurance and a Lapsed PennDOT Registration

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The lots around Hershey, PA and the Giant Center fill with antique cars every October for the AACA fall meet in Hershey. Most of them go back into the garage the next week.

But if the auto insurance coverage gets canceled on one of them while it’s sitting, PennDOT may suspend the registration. And this can happen even if you bought a new policy the minute you canceled the previous one. 

Your Insurance Company Tells PennDOT When Your Coverage Ends

Insurance companies in PA are required to notify PennDOT when a policy is canceled. But they don’t have to report the new policy you bought the same afternoon. 

So then what happens is PennDOT mails you a letter asking for proof of coverage. You don’t want to ignore that letter. If you do, your registration gets suspended for three months even though you had auto insurance the whole time.

The Short Lapse Rule Can Help If the Car Hasn’t Moved

If the coverage gap was less than 31 days and nobody drove the vehicle during that time, PennDOT lets you sign a statement saying the vehicle never moved. That makes the suspension go away. At Options Insurance Agency, we’ll help you stay on top of your coverage.

How to Store a Car the Way PennDOT Wants It Done

PennDOT offers a specific way you can park your car for a season without running into hassles. You can mail the plate and registration card to PennDOT within thirty days of canceling your policy and you won’t receive a suspension.

If the plate stays active in your name, state law requires you to have liability coverage on the car. Plates on antique and classic vehicles hide that requirement because they’re good for the life of the car and don’t come up for renewal.

Do This Before You Change Auto Insurance in PA

Switching insurance carriers and storing a vehicle for the winter in Hershey both trip the same wire at PennDOT. At Options Insurance Agency, we see the letters that follow.

Get in touch with our team today before you cancel a policy. We’ll go over with you how your auto insurance lines up with your plate.

Has Your Policy Been Cancelled or Non-Renewed?

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If you are a Pennsylvania driver, the state law requires you to buy auto insurance. Drivers in the Hershey. PA area are invited to come in to our office and to discuss their insurance options. Our team at Options Insurance Agency has the experience and the expertise to help you choose the best auto insurance policy for your needs. We’ve been working with Pennsylvania drivers like you since 2006.

Has Your Policy Been Cancelled or Non-Renewed?

When you purchase an auto insurance policy, you are responsible for keeping it active. Some policyholders may receive a notice that their policy has been cancelled, or that it will not be renewed. According to Forbes, a policy cancellation means an immediate end to your auto insurance coverage. The same website reports that a policy could be cancelled due to non-payment of premiums, or because your driver’s license has been suspended. 

In comparison, a non-renewal means that your auto insurance will not be renewed, after your  policy’s upcoming termination date. A non-renewal is less punitive; it can occur due to the insurance company redistricting. If your auto insurance is scheduled to end, you must take action to find auto insurance as soon as possible. Contact your insurance company to see if there is a way to keep your auto insurance policy active; if not, you must contact a different agency to get new insurance as soon as possible. 

Schedule Your Appointment With Us Today 

Choosing the right auto insurance policy may seem challenging.  Our team at Options Insurance Agency will explain your auto insurance options in order to clarify your policy selection. Drivers in the Hershey, PA area have discovered that we provide excellent customer support. Give us a call today for your appointment, and find out for yourself. 

What’s the Difference Between EV Insurance and Insurance for Gas-Powered Cars?

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While there are many good reasons to buy an electric vehicle, Hershey, PA drivers will want to bear in mind that EV auto insurance isn’t the same as a regular auto insurance policy. Understanding the differences between the two types of coverage can help you make informed decisions as you buy a new vehicle and get it insured.

Coverage Differences

Basic auto insurance for an EV or gas-powered car will provide liability and property damage coverage. Comprehensive coverage for either type of vehicle will cover theft and some forms of damage from natural disasters. However, there are some specialty coverage options available to EV owners that don’t apply to gas-powered vehicles.

EV owners can purchase car battery insurance that will cover the cost of replacing the vehicle’s battery. This is important because replacement EV batteries typically cost between $5,000 and $20,000. Furthermore, because it can take longer to repair an EV than a regular car, insurers may offer rental reimbursement coverage for EV owners who need to rent a vehicle while an EV is in the repair shop.

Cost

Generally speaking, it’s usually more expensive to purchase EV insurance than a regular auto insurance policy because EVs are typically more expensive and cost more to repair than regular vehicles. On the other hand, some insurance agencies offer special discounts for EV vehicle owners. What’s more, some EV models qualify for discounts if they have certain safety and/or anti-theft features. Talk with your insurer about your options to see which one best meets your needs.

Contact Options Insurance Agency for More Information

Options Insurance Agency specializes in helping Hershey, PA vehicle owners find great auto insurance policies at the best possible price. Call us at your convenience to find out more about policy options and to request price quotes.

Have You Recently Reviewed Your Auto Insurance?

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Your auto insurance helps protect you and others on the road from the financial difficulty that can come from auto accidents. Many people get an auto insurance policy and then think little about it for years! If you haven’t reviewed your auto insurance policy, now is the time. The professionals at Options Insurance Agency, serving Hershey, PA, can help. Here’s what you need to know about reviewing your auto insurance.

Why Review Your Auto Insurance?

When you select your auto insurance policy, the level of coverage may be based on many things, including how far and often you drive, the value of your vehicle, and other factors. Reviewing your auto insurance periodically makes it possible to ensure that these factors are still accurate, so your vehicle has the proper insurance for your needs. 

When Should You Review Your Auto Insurance?

Review your auto insurance coverage once per year, maybe around the same time of year that you review other insurance policies. 

How Should You Review Your Auto Insurance?

To review your auto insurance policy, contact your insurance agent. They can go over the documentation with you to help you determine whether you have the right level of coverage for your needs.

Consider how much you use your vehicle and the type of coverage you have. Not all types of insurance are the same! Consider whether you need full coverage, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, or simple liability insurance. 

Time To Review Your Auto Insurance? Call Us

If you’re ready to review your auto insurance policy, the insurance agents at Options Insurance Agency can help you. Call us to speak with one of our insurance professionals. We’re currently serving Hershey, PA. 

How Auto Insurance Works Across International Borders

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Driving across borders isn’t something most Pennsylvania drivers do every day, but it does come up. Maybe you’re planning a road trip to Canada, or you’re renting a car overseas. Before you go, it’s worth knowing how far your auto insurance through Options Insurance Agency serving Hershey, PA will actually travel with you.

Crossing Into Canada and Mexico

For most Pennsylvanians, Canada is the easier option. Standard U.S. auto policies generally extend north of the border, so you’ll usually be covered for liability and damage. Mexico, however, is a different story. U.S. policies don’t apply once you cross into Mexico, and local law requires a separate Mexican insurance policy. If you’re driving down for vacation, buying that extra coverage is a must.

Driving Abroad With Rentals

Heading overseas to Europe or elsewhere, your U.S. policy won’t follow you. Rental companies often provide coverage options, and sometimes credit cards offer protection too. It’s not wise to assume; you’ll want to check before the trip to make sure you’re not left footing the bill if something happens on unfamiliar roads.

Why Local Rules Matter

Every country has its own insurance requirements, and penalties for driving without proper coverage can be just as severe or even more so than in the U.S. Even in Canada, where your Pennsylvania policy may apply, proof of insurance is still expected if you’re stopped. Carrying the proper paperwork and knowing the limits of your policy can save time, money, and headaches.

International travel brings enough moving parts without worrying about insurance gaps. By reviewing your policy and talking with your agent at Options Insurance Agency serving Hershey, PA, before crossing a border, you’ll know what’s covered and what’s not. That way, you can focus on the trip instead of paperwork.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Accidents With Deer?

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Auto insurance in Hershey, PA is designed to provide coverage to help you pay for damages. Pennsylvania is the leading state for deer-vehicle accidents nationwide. It’s crucial to know whether your insurance will help pay for damages if you accidentally hit a deer.

Limited Liability Coverage

Many states require vehicle owners to have minimum coverage. Liability coverage pays for the other person’s car and medical bills if there’s an accident. However, you typically have to pay for the damages to your vehicle out of pocket. This type of insurance does not cover damage from an accident with an animal or object.

Comprehensive Vs. Collision

Comprehensive and collision insurance both provide coverage for your vehicle in the event of an accident. However, there are key differences you need to understand.

Collision coverage provides protection if you collide with another vehicle or object, such as a telephone pole. For example, if you swerve to avoid a deer, accidentally hit the deer, and then collide with another vehicle, collision coverage may cover damage to the other vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage provides protection against events beyond your control, which typically includes accidents involving deer. It’s essential to speak with a professional at Options Insurance Agency to determine what type of coverage you need for deer-related accidents before you hit the road.

Additional Coverage

Many insurance companies offer additional coverage to limit disruptions after an accident. For instance, you may be able to purchase roadside assistance to get your vehicle towed after an accident. Rental car coverage is often available as well.

Professional agents at Options Insurance Agency will work with you to ensure you have the necessary coverage, including additional options. Contact us today to learn more. We’re currently serving the Hershey, PA area.

Does Everyone in the House Need A Separate Auto Insurance Policy?

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Auto insurance is a legal requirement in many states, but most people are unsure about how to secure car insurance when they have a house full of people. Sometimes, new drivers may have to pay a significant amount for their policy. We’ll review what you need to know to ensure you make the best decision regarding your auto insurance policy.

Everyone Doesn’t Need Their Own Policy

In most cases, people in the same household in Hershey, PA do not need to get a separate policy. A person in the household can add all drivers to their existing policy. This is an excellent way to help everyone save money because it’s usually more cost-effective than everyone paying for an individual policy.

Insurance Company Requirements

Many insurance companies require that every person of driving age in the household be listed on the policy. However, policy owners can usually list someone as a "non-driver" on the policy so it doesn’t impact their deductible or insurance rates. It’s crucial to speak with an experienced agent at Options Insurance Agency to ensure you meet policy requirements.

Sharing An Insurance Policy

Many families choose to have everyone on the same policy because it’s a great way to save money. New drivers may get cheaper insurance rates because their parents or guardians have an exceptional driving record.

In some instances, it’s best to avoid sharing an insurance policy. Adding a person with a poor driving record to your policy can increase your monthly premium. Temporary roommate situations often call for people to have separate insurance policies because the policy owner doesn’t want to be partially responsible for the accident. Always ask your auto insurance company how adding someone to your policy can impact your insurance.

Always consult with an experienced agent at Options Insurance Agency to ensure you are making the best decision for your situation and to ensure coverage if something happens. We currently service the Hershey, PA area.

Will Your Auto Insurance Policy Follow You In A Rental Car?

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Sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where it’s more convenient to rent a car for a while. Accidents can still happen even if you only have this car for a short time. Many car rental companies will require you to have valid liability insurance before you rent one of their cars. If you already have a car insurance policy, you won’t need to purchase additional protection before renting a car.

Securing Insurance Before You Need It

Most of the typical types of rental car protection are very similar to the coverage available on an ordinary car insurance policy. The coverage you have for your own vehicle should easily transfer to rental vehicles. If you have collision, liability, and/or comprehensive insurance, you will be protected up to the same limits in a rental car. If you have the proper policies to start with, you won’t have to buy additional insurance from the rental company. As for any personal effects you may have in the car, if renters’ or homeowners’ insurance already covers them, you won’t need to purchase personal effects coverage. Do remember to review your policies before deciding to buy coverage. Legally, a car rental company won’t let you drive off without the state’s minimum liability insurance. Your personal insurance may cover it, but remember that you are in an unfamiliar car and in unfamiliar territory. A little extra coverage might be a good idea.

Contact Options Insurance Agency Serving Hershey, PA

If you live in the Hershey, PA, area and need auto insurance, please get in touch with Options Insurance Agency. We’re happy to help!

What to know about insuring an older vehicle

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Options Insurance Agency proudly offers coverage for a wide range of vehicles in the Hershey, PA, area. We insure small trucks, vans, sedans, SUVs, luxury cars, daily drivers, new cars, and classics.

If you drive an older car, there are some factors to consider.

When to Drop Comprehensive Coverage

There may come a time when paying for comprehensive coverage on your older vehicle is not worth it. Your vehicle’s book value may decrease to the point where, minus your deductible, you are not getting the value you once did. We can help you determine when that point may be.

Older Vehicles Lack Some Safety Features

Advancements in technology have made cars more comfortable, convenient, and safe. A visit to a new car dealer may be an eye-opener as to what is available.

Even Older Cars Are Required to Be Insured

Even if your car is older and may not be worth much, you are still required to carry car insurance to meet state minimum levels.

We Can Help with Pennsylvania Auto Insurance

No matter what you drive, we can help ensure it is sufficiently covered. Contact Options Insurance Agency, serving the Hershey, PA, area. We will answer your questions, review your policy, and provide a price quote.

It can be easy to overpay on car insurance when you have an older car. Options Insurance Agency can help prevent this. Contact us.

We look forward to assisting you.

Protecting Belongings From Smash and Grabs

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Smash and grabs are a more common occurrence than you may think. They fall under the "crime of convenience" category since they’re rarely planned in advance. Typically, the perpetrator will spontaneously commit a smash and grab if they sense an opportunity. For this reason, smash and grabs are highly preventable. Even though your auto insurance may cover loss and damage from a smash and grab, it’s to your benefit to do your best to prevent it from happening in the first place.

What is a Smash and Grab?

A smash and grab is when a perpetrator smashes a vehicle’s window to steal something from the inside of the vehicle. It may be anything of value or interest, even things that you may not think a thief would dare steal, such as:

  • Car stereo
  • Purse
  • Laptop/laptop bag
  • Shopping bags
  • Pet
  • Expensive looking coat
  • Etc.

Protecting Belongings From Smash and Grabs

Your insurance representative at Options Insurance Agency serving Hershey, PA wants you to be able to protect your possessions. Here are eight tips:

  1. Whenever possible, bring expensive items with you while you run errands.
  2. Hide shopping bags or luxury items in the trunk.
  3. Cover anything you can’t bring with you under a dark towel or blanket.
  4. Park in well-lit areas or near the front doors of shops.
  5. Avoid leaving pets in vehicles for long periods.
  6. Don’t leave possessions overnight in unattended vehicles.
  7. Avoid parking in neighborhoods where crime is rampant.
  8. Don’t leave a pricey cell phone in the holder while you step out of the vehicle.

These tips won’t guarantee that you’ll never be a smash-and-grab victim, but they will reduce your chances. For help with all of your auto insurance needs, contact the Options Insurance Agency serving Hershey, PA.