Care for Your Vehicle at Home: Car Insurance in New Bedford

With so many Americans working from home and significantly reducing the number of outings that they go on with their vehicles, it is essential to stay on top of vehicle maintenance to ensure that your car or truck is ready-to-go when you need it. Depending on the type and age of vehicle that you own, allowing it to sit in the driveway, on the street, or in a garage for just a few days could mean a dead battery the next time you go to start it. Maintaining stay-at-home orders might mean days or even weeks without driving anywhere, depending on your situation. It is crucial to create a schedule for starting and using your vehicle, as well as effectively maintaining it during this time. Your Massachusetts auto insurance policy provides a wide range of coverage options for accidents, theft, and other incidents. Still, it is your responsibility to maintain your vehicle and keep it in good working order while it is not being used.

Car Insurance in New Bedford

Make sure that your current policy for auto insurance in New Bedford, MA, is up-to-date and that you have the coverage you need to protect your vehicle during the current situation. If you can park your vehicle inside of a locked garage to prevent break-ins, theft, and extended exposure to the elements, you definitely should. If a garage is not an option, you might consider a carport, car cover, or something else that can be used to protect your vehicle from sunlight and other weather conditions. Anything you can do to reduce the risk posed to your vehicle, the better. Any efforts you make should be reported to your New Bedford insurance agent. Make sure your insurance company knows what you are doing to protect your car or truck.

You should also take the time to update your agent about any changes that might impact your policy. For example, if you normally have a long-distance commute but are now working from home, that could work in your favor. If you add any new drivers, remove drivers, or make any other changes that could affect your coverage, be sure to adjust the information on your Massachusetts auto insurance policy. Adding a teen driver, removing a college-age child from your policy because they purchased their own insurance, or paying off a loan on a vehicle that you are paying full coverage insurance on will require changes to your coverage. You want to make sure that you have the insurance that you need and that you aren’t paying for something that you don’t.

Why Lack of Use is a Problem

When it comes to most cars and trucks, the lack of use during stay-at-home measures can lead to mechanical issues. While some problems can be more costly than others, it pays to create a checklist for yourself that will help you stay on top of things. Just like auto insurance in New Bedford, MA, the more you know about what is needed, the easier it will be to ensure that you maintain the protection necessary to prevent loss.

• CAR BATTERY – This is the number one most common system that will be impacted by a lack of use. It is not just a problem for older vehicles, but also for today’s high-tech vehicles, which are always on and monitor the various systems of the car or truck. Computers absorb energy, so if your car is not recharging by being started up and ran, the average 12-volt battery could die within two weeks – or less. The experts suggest starting your car up once a week so you can let it run for about 10 minutes.
• TIRE PRESSURE – Even when not in-use, your vehicle will begin to lose pressure in the tires. It is essential to maintain the recommendations posted by the manufacturer on the inside panel of the driver’s door. Proper tire pressure will help you to maximize the return on your investment, improving safety, gas mileage, and performance when you do use your vehicle. Check the pressure once a week and consider taking your vehicle for a brief drive. This will help the battery, gasoline life, and ensure you don’t develop flat spots on your tires.
• OIL CHANGE – When your vehicle is not being used, that does not mean you don’t have to do oil changes. The oil will still deteriorate due to the environmental temperature changes and conditions. Most professional oil change businesses provide a sticker that states new oil is required after a certain number of miles or by a specific date. If you do your own oil changes at home, check the owner’s manual for the maximum time allotted for your vehicle to ensure you don’t go over the mileage or time interval.

Other Ways to Protect Your Vehicle

If you must park outside, avoid parking under a tree. Not only will you reduce your chances of damage due to a branch falling, but you will prevent a lot of debris from getting inside the engine, ductwork, and other systems of your vehicle. Check your car or truck regularly to make sure wildlife is not nesting inside of it, or that neighborhood cats aren’t going inside to keep warm. Always check a vehicle that is parked outdoors before starting it to make sure an animal isn’t hiding inside. Check your Massachusetts auto insurance policy and speak with your New Bedford insurance agent at Borden Insurance Agency to make sure that your information is up-to-date. You can reach us by calling 508-999-3636 or use our online contact form to leave a message for one of our agents to call you back.