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Show CAR CARE Special Oct. 15, 2007 • Page 13 THE RIGHT COVERAGE Making sure your insurance policy works While most of us may cringe a little when we write our monthly check for car insurance, the peace of mind and protection it buys is priceless. In the event of an accident or the theft of your vehicle, insurance not only provides you (and your loved ones) with medical coverage but also - if used correctly - prevents-dire financial losses. A basic auto policy generally offers coverage in six categories, according to the Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org), which is based in New York City. "It's our job to explain insurance to people, what it is and how it works," says institute Vice President Carolyn Gorman. The Insurance Information Institute also interprets and explains any changes in insurance laws. Its Web site, a great source of guidance, reflects information gathered from the 50 states. 1. Bodily injury liability pays for injuries that the policyholder causes while driving to another person. You're also covered driving someone else's vehicle (with their permission of course). 2. Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) pays for injuries to the driver and passengers of the policyholder's car. "In many states, PIP can cover medical payments, lost wages and even funeral costs," says Gorman. PIP can also pay to replace services that had been performed by the injured person (a homemaker, for example). 3. Property damage liability pays for damage to property (another car or anything else, whether a stop sign or a building) done by your car, no matter who is driving (again, a legal driver with permission). 4. Collision coverage pay for damage to the policyholder's car that results from impact with anything, even if you are at fault in the collision. 5. Comprehensive coverage is indeed "comprehensive," paying for damage caused outside of a collision. "'Comprehensive' basically covers everything else," Gorman says. "This is the only time your insurance policy covers you for flooding - ever." For someone with a relatively new car, it's especially important, she explains. Theft, collision with birds or deer, a windstorm, hail, vandalism, or even a riot could set you back thousands of dollars by totaling your car. "You might be interested to know it covers you for earthquakes!" Gorman says. "Comprehensive insurance is usually sold with a $100 to $300 deductible; a higher deductible will lower your premium." If a state does not require a driver to purchase collision or comprehensive coverage, you must gauge whether paying for protection is better than replacing your car out-of-pocket. For those with a car loan, the lender will probably make this coverage mandatory. 6. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage offers bodily injury protection for you, your family members who live with you, and occupants of your car in the event you or they are injured as the result of negligent actions by an uninsured vehicle or hit-and-run motorist. It may also cover property damage. Also, when the other driver (who is at fault) doesn't have enough insurance to cover your loss, "underinsured" motorist coverage comes to the rescue. Motorists often ask the Insurance Information Institute if they can drive legally without insurance. The resounding answer, says Gorman, is, "No." "What \A/O rornmmpn^ ic that v/nn hill/ t m n nn Consumers and critics love the Yaris for its fuel economy, reliability and style on a budget. Compacts From page 12 fast, doesn't handle all that well, could be roomier and more comfortable, and its looks are an acquired taste. But there is no arguing with Prius' fuel-saving benefits for the planet, as well as your wallet. Prius is one of those "statement" cars. The statement the Prius makes is "I care". - Mini Cooper ($18,O5O-$25,4OO) The Mini Cooper is a compact car with 40 mpg fuel economy, more style per square inch than any car in the industry, and a fun-to-drive quotient that will leave you with a permanent grin plastered to your face. A new version arrived in 2007 and although it is larger - inside and out - and much improved over the outgoing model, most people would be hard-pressed to notice the differences. And that's fine with Mini lovers. This is one car whose looks will never go out of style. Other choices worth considering include the Scion line, Suzuki's new SX4, the Kia Spectra, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Sentra, Chrysler PT Cruiser. By next year, we hope to be able to add to this list the much-anticipated, often-delayed new Smart car. — Copley News Service TRANSMISSIONS AAMCO Transmissions & Complete Car Care Check Out Our New Store by Les Schwab Monday-Friday 8am- 6pm Best Warranty in the Business FREE Protect Check Our thorough 36-step performance system inspection $85 Value! 752-1940 Transmissions Clutches Transfer Cases Brakes Tune Ups Shocks & Struts Cooling Systems 75 E. 2000 N. North Logan Locally Owned & Operated fifi MEMBER UTAH BUREAU Over 35 Years In Business! www.aamco.com V/SA B |