Getting Back to Normal Driving: Massachusetts Auto Insurance
As the pandemic restrictions ease, kids go back to school, and businesses re-open, many Massachusetts residents have begun getting back to normal, driving in carpools, making commutes, and taking weekend trips. As a result, vehicles that have been garaged, rarely driven, or considerably downsized in importance are now being used on a daily basis. You may want to speak with your New Bedford car insurance provider to make sure you don’t need to also make adjustments to your policy. Some vehicle owners reported reduced mileage in 2020. However, if you are driving more than you did last year, your Massachusetts auto insurance coverage should reflect that. In addition to notifying your MA auto insurance agent, there are a few other things you should do as things return to normal.
More Road Trips Anticipated in 2021
Studies conducted by insurance companies in New Bedford and across the country have estimated that Americans will be making more road trips during this year than even in the years prior to the pandemic. After being cooped up in the house for more than a year, many families and individuals are looking to get out of their own backyards so they can see something new. While many theme parks and traditional travel destinations are still closed or are only accepting limited capacities, national parks, state parks, and other interest points are all popular destinations.
In the New England area, we often deal with the understanding that we are a tourist area. People come from across the country and around the globe to see our changing seasons, visit the birthplace of American history, and see many landmark locations. As a result, we may experience an influx of increased visitors to our cities and towns in the coming months and should anticipate different driving styles. This can result in crowded highways, unexpected driving behaviors, and increased occupancies at our beaches and other popular locations. Keeping an eye out for out-of-state drivers and tourists dazzled by the local scenery can help to prevent many accidents from happening.
Car Care and Maintenance Services
Many vehicle owners found themselves with increased time on their hands and tighter budgets during the pandemic. A trend developed that saw many people performing their own oil changes for the first time in their lives. Insurance companies in New Bedford highly recommend vehicle owners to go and get a complete inspection at a reputable mechanic or dealership before engaging in a long-distance road trip. If your vehicle sat in a garage for many days or weeks at a time without being used, you run the risk of part failures, in particular belts, hoses, and batteries. Make sure to check over or get these parts of your vehicle checked over before operating your car or truck on a regular basis. Hopefully, you were able to drive your vehicle at least once a week during the pandemic, even if just to pick up groceries or food from local restaurants.
Other parts of your vehicle that should be checked include the tires, the brakes, and sensors, which should be fixed, repaired, or replaced right away without delay. Many routine maintenance repairs were often overlooked during the pandemic, while others, such as the milestone preventive services, may be necessary earlier than usual because of the time that has passed. Take time to drive your car or truck locally and learn to identify minor issues before they become big problems. For example, if your vehicle is having trouble starting, don’t simply assume that it is just the battery, as many other causes could be responsible for this issue. A bad starter, alternator, or electrical problems could be to blame. It’s worth it to get it checked before making any type of trip, even if it is just a weekend getaway.
Get a FREE Massachusetts Auto Insurance Quote
If you are interested in learning more about our insurance companies in New Bedford, make sure to give Borden Insurance a call. We can answer any questions you might have about your current Massachusetts auto insurance policy or provide you with a FREE quote for New Bedford car insurance. We have a wide range of options designed to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for our clients based on their unique needs and financial requirements. Call an MA auto insurance agent today at 508-999-3636 at Borden Insurance in New Bedford.