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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.