September 29, 2009

Auto Insurance And Tailgating Parties: How To Avoid Risky Situations

Let’s face it – when you’re rooting for the home team with a hot dog on the grill and a cold one in your hand, the last thing on your mind is comprehensive auto insurance. But at the end of the day, no matter who wins the game, this oversight may make you the loser.

Auto insurance comes in two categories: coverage on the road and coverage everywhere else. Collision auto insurance coverage may keep your wallet happy on the drive to and from the stadium, but when you’re tailgating, you’re in the enemy’s end zone of auto insurance claims. A dent from a wayward shopping cart – that’ll cost you. An engine fire from a hood-grill gone awry – that’ll cost you, too. Rear strut damage from a dozen of your friends standing on your trunk to get a look at the players’ entrance – that’ll definitely cost you. However, if you stay vigilant with your policy, you’ll never find yourself fumbling the mechanic’s bill. Double-check to make sure you have proper auto insurance, along with checking for the tickets, coolers and foam fingers before leaving for the game. By doing this, you’ll avoid all auto insurance penalty flags. You just have to know what to look for.

Comprehensive auto coverage will insure your vehicle against every form of home team pride. It will provide the peace of mind you deserve every Sunday afternoon and Monday night. If you already have it – good. Enjoy the nachos. If you don’t, you’re in luck. Auto insurance rates have plummeted in recent months, so this is the perfect time to take a spin down the upgrade aisle. One source reported that while in September 2008 the average quote was $1,949 per year; in September 2009 it had fallen to $1,855. And that’s only the start of the season. If the pattern holds, the rates will further drop as the playoffs approach, whereas your chance of dumping a vat of Gatorade over your upholstery in a fit of tailgate fever will increase tenfold. You can’t lose.

Of course, at the end of the day, safety is what’s important. PRNewswire recommends several great common sense approaches to keeping your tailgate party fun-filled and injury-free. Doing these things will also prevent you from having to make an auto insurance claim. Don’t leave any valuables in the car and don’t drink and drive. Also, be wary of letting a friend drive your truck; in an insurance provider’s eyes, you’ll be responsible if an accident occurs.

Of course, keep your auto insurance policy as up to date as your jersey. Just as you wouldn’t go to a Packers game with “FAVRE” on your back, think twice about leaving for the stadium with outdated auto insurance coverage.