Three Ways to Protect Your Car From Winter Weather

If you live in the Dadeville, AL area, you’ll likely experience some harsh winter weather. Over time, this weather can damage your car and necessitate additional maintenance. Here are three steps to protect your car from winter weather.

1. Opt for Indoor Parking

If you have access to a garage at home or a parking garage at work, always choose to park inside. Winter weather often brings ice and sleet, which can damage your car and potentially lead to costly repairs. By parking indoors, even though you can’t avoid the low temperatures, you can deter potential damage. If indoor parking isn’t an option, try to park as close to a solid structure as possible and far from trees that could potentially fall onto and crush your car.

2. Keep Your Fluids Topped Off

Getting stranded due to an unwilling engine in the winter is a situation you want to avoid. Before the temperatures start to decline significantly, ensure you fill up all your car fluids. These include brake fluid, fresh oil, and antifreeze. This measure will prevent damage to your engine due to the frigid temperatures.

3. Inspect Your Windshield and Windows

Winter weather can aggravate minor cracks in windows and windshields. As the weather becomes drier and temperatures drop, the integrity of any cracked window or windshield can be compromised. If you are aware of any cracks, fix them during the autumn months so you don’t wake up one cold morning to a fully broken windshield.

If you’re in the market for auto insurance in the Dadeville, AL, area, contact our team at Highpoint Insurance Group today for a tailored quote.

What would happen if I did not get auto insurance for my new car?

Owning or leasing a car in the Dadeville, AL area is smart because it provides you with a reliable way to get around the community. When you own a car, you must also have the right insurance. A variety of negative outcomes could occur when you purchase a vehicle and do not get an auto insurance plan. 

Fall Out of Compliance

One of the challenges that could occur if you do not have auto insurance is that you will be out of compliance with various laws. Every driver in Alabama will at least need to have a liability plan. This ensures you can cover damages caused by an accident. If you don’t have this auto insurance, you will be in violation of the law and face various repercussions. Further, if you have taken out a loan, you will be in violation of your auto loan agreement’s insurance requirements. 

No Coverage

More importantly, you will be responsible for all costs if you do not have auto insurance. Your auto insurance will cover replacing or repairing your vehicle if you incur a loss. Further, your auto insurance policy will provide liability coverage. If you don’t have insurance, you will not get this support. 

You should have a full auto insurance plan when hitting the road in the Dadeville, AL area. If you want to get this type of coverage in Alabama, you will want to consult someone you can trust. Fortunately, our team with the Highpoint Insurance Group continues to be a great resource. When you call our professionals at Highpoint Insurance Group, you receive all the support needed to build a plan that will meet your needs and protect your car. 

Tips to prepare your car for winter

At Highpoint Insurance Group, we provide auto insurance and related guidance to maximize the protection of your vehicle. As the winter season approaches here in the Dadeville, AL area, there are many things you can do to prepare your car for the cold temperatures.

Here are some tips to help you get your car ready for the winter weather: 

1. Check Your Battery

Cold weather can cause batteries to lose their charge faster than normal, so it is important to make sure that your battery is functioning properly. Have a mechanic test the battery and alternator before the coldest months arrive. 

2. Inspect Your Tires

Tires should be inspected at least once a year, but it’s especially important to check them in preparation for winter. Make sure tires have enough tread depth and proper alignment. Consider investing in snow tires if you live in an area with heavy snowfall. 

3. Replace Windshield Wiper Blades

Ice and snow will collect on the windshield of your car, and without functioning wiper blades, visibility can quickly become compromised when driving in inclement weather conditions. Replace worn-out windshield wipers before winter arrives for maximum safety and visibility while driving in icy or snowy conditions. 

4. Top Up Fluids

Ensure all necessary fluids such as brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer solvent are topped up prior to the winter months  

5. Change The Oil

If it’s been a while since you changed the oil on your car, now is a great time to do so. Old oil can become thick in cold temperatures making it more difficult for the engine to start up after being parked overnight. Make sure to check the owner’s manual. 

Protect Your Vehicle With Auto Insurance

By following these simple steps, you’ll be well prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store this winter season! For more tips, call us at Highpoint Insurance Group. We serve the greater Dadeville, AL community. 

What to do after an auto accident

Car accidents, minor ones, are an all too frequent occurrence. If you have the unfortunate opportunity to be in an accident, you need to be prepared, regardless of whether you are at fault. Immediately after a collision, the first thing you’ll want to do is move your vehicle to a safe location that is out of the way of other vehicles. Remain calm while doing so, and use your emergency flashers to alert other vehicles not involved in the accident that they should proceed with caution. Next, check yourself for injuries before moving to any passengers in your car.

If you and the others inside your vehicle are okay and you are in a safe location, exit the car and check on the occupants of others involved and any impacted pedestrians. Even if an injury is only suspected, err on the side of caution by calling 9-1-1 and requesting medical assistance. Depending on the accident’s severity, you can call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency police number to request an officer be at the scene to file a police report and chronicle essential details. 

If possible, you’ll want to have a conversation with the other driver and exchange key information, such as the drivers’ license, insurance cards, and photos of the damage. If you suspect that road rage played a factor in the accident or you do not feel capable of speaking with the other driver calmly, wait for police assistance. 

Contact your insurance company as soon after the accident as possible to begin the claims process. At Highpoint Insurance Group in Dadeville, AL, we know the ins and outs of auto insurance and are always there if you need help submitting a claim. For all your insurance needs, let our team be your trusted source. 

Three frequently asked questions about auto insurance coverage

It’s important to learn as much as your can about auto insurance options when you’re shopping for the right policy in Dadeville, AL. At Highpoint Insurance Group, we can answer all your questions about insurance policies for your vehicle.

The following are three frequently asked questions about auto insurance coverage. 

How much coverage should I buy?

Investing in the right amount of coverage is important for protecting yourself financially.

There are some minimum coverage requirements that you need to meet to drive legally in Alabama. In Alabama, these minimum coverage requirements include $50,000 total liability coverage per accident and $25,000 total in property damage coverage. 

Also, it’s a good idea to invest in added liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. 

What steps should I take to find a policy?

There are a lot of auto insurance options out there. Finding the best policy for your needs is important. It would be best if you researched your options before selecting a policy. 

Some important steps in choosing a policy include determining your coverage needs and getting multiple quotes. It’s important to also acquire quotes from a few different providers before selecting a particular policy. 

How can I reduce my insurance costs as a motorist?

Insurance costs can be a significant monthly expense for motorists. However, motorists can get discounts on their auto insurance in several ways. 

Possible auto insurance discounts include discounts for good driving records and good student discounts. Vehicle owners could also qualify for discounts by taking part in drivers’ safety classes. 

It’s important to put some research into discount options to get the best possible price on auto insurance coverage in Alabama. 

Do you have more questions about auto insurance in Dadeville, AL? Get in touch with us at Highpoint Insurance Group to find the answers that you’re looking for. 

Protecting Your Car From Rain and Pollen Damage

As the Summer season approaches in Alabama, layers of yellow pollen can be found everywhere, including your car. At High Point Insurance Group, we want to make sure that you know how to protect your vehicle from rain and pollen damage.

Wash Your Car First

Despite the pollen and rain coming down, it is critical to wash and wax your car. A good wash will remove the pollen that has fallen into corners on your car. When you wash your car, make sure to use soap and water, so that any debris and pollen are removed from the exterior of your car. Attempting to remove pollen without soap will cause scratches on your car and can diminish the overall value.

Wax Your Car

After you have washed your car, a protective coat of wax is critical during the pollen season. If there are any cracks in your paint, the pollen can get into it and become a permanent fixture. With wax, your exterior coat is protected from damage. Also, it protects the rain from leaving stains on your car and breaking down the paint.

Replace Cabin Air Filter

At the beginning of the season, you will want to have your cabin air filter replaced. This filter keeps the pollen and any debris carried by rain from coming into the cabin of your car. This keeps you driving safe and protects the interior.

Get Ultimate Coverage With Auto Insurance

If you live in or around Alabama, our team is here to speak with you about any questions you have regarding auto insurance. Feel free to use our online rating tool or give our agents at High Point Insurance Group a call today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.