5 Ways to keep your car cool this Summer

If you want to enjoy spending time outdoors during the summer months, but the heat and the sun make driving around intolerable, fortunately, there are simple things you can do. From maximizing your air conditioning to taking advantage of a shady spot when parking.

At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we give you five tips you can do to help keep your car cooler during those hot and humid summer days:

1. Sun shades: 

Sun shades are a great investment, because they block the direct rays coming into your vehicle. This keeps the temperature slightly lower, which can help your car cool down more quickly once the vehicle is started.

2. Tinted windows: 

A more expensive, yet constant way to block the sun, is with window tinting. Window tinting is proven to block sunlight (and heat). But before you take your car in to have the windows darkened, make sure you know your state’s laws, as some have restrictions on how much or which windows you can tint. There are additional requirements regarding tint colors, certificates, mirrors, etc., so make certain the tinting is done by an experienced, reputable dealer.

3. Covered parking: 

If you don’t have tinted windows or a sun shade, a helpful alternative may simply be parking in the shade. Find a shady spot or park your car so the sun is hitting the rear window instead of the windshield. This may help keep the steering wheel and front seats slightly cooler.

4. Cool seat covers:

Seat covers specifically designed to make car seats cooler have been around for a long time and most of them are at least somewhat effective. Today there are models that incorporate a fan to circulate air through and around the seat cover. 

5. Air Conditioning:

If your vehicle’s air conditioning isn’t functioning properly or you don’t use it in the most efficient way, it may take longer than you would like for your car to reach a comfortable temperature. To maximize your car’s cooling ability, turn the air on full blast as soon as you start the engine and slightly opening all of your windows until the air inside is cool. This helps to improve cooling efficiency as the hot air (which rises) will be pushed out of the windows as the cool air comes out of the vents. Once you’ve achieved your desired temperature, you should use the car’s air recirculating feature along with the air conditioning to maintain the coldest air.

Remember that a car insurance policy may help protect your wallet, your vehicle and even offer peace of mind. Contact us for more Information, At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we can help you choose the coverage that's right for your needs.

For more Information contact us: (706) 884-5006 or (770) 969-5666

Please visit us: www.go-guardian.com

Tips for lowering your Car Insurance premiums

Saving money is important to most people and there may be more ways to save than we might think.

There are some practical ways for drivers to lower their premiums and it is easier than most people would realize.

At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we give you a list of five things you can do to lower your insurance costs:

1. Compare insurance costs, before buying a car:

Before you buy a new or used car, you should check the insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the price of the car, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. 

2. Ask for higher deductibles:

Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

3. Reduce coverage on older cars:

Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars. Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.

4. Buy your Homeowners and Car coverage from the same Insurer Company:

Many insurers will give you a discounts if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multipolicy discount.

5. Maintain a good credit record:

Establishing a solid credit history can reduce your insurance costs. Most insurers use credit information to price auto insurance policies. Research shows that people who effectively manage their credit have fewer claims. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don’t obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.

Remember that a car insurance policy may help protect your wallet, your vehicle and even offer peace of mind. Contact us for more Information, At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we can help you choose the coverage that's right for your needs.

For more Information contact us: (706) 884-5006 or (770) 969-5666

Please visit us: www.go-guardian.com

Does your Car Insurance cover water damage?

Water could be a risk to your car as can cause all kinds of damage to your vehicle's engine or interior, so it is important to know if your car insurance covers water damage.

Fortunately, comprehensive coverage may help cover water damage to your vehicle, depending on the cause. Comprehensive coverage is generally optional, although your lender may require comprehensive if you have an auto loan.

At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we give you some potential causes of water damage and how your car insurance might help:

1. Flooding:

Depending on the severity of the flood, your vehicle can suffer some major damage, as rising water levels caused by heavy rains may get into your vehicle's engine and interior. Comprehensive coverage typically helps protect your vehicle against flood damage.

2. Hailstorms:

Hailstorms can lead to water damage if hailstones break your windshield or windows, letting rain and hail into your vehicle. If your vehicle sustains water damage during a hailstorm, comprehensive coverage may help pay to repair your vehicle.

3. Leaks after heavy rains:

If your car is damaged in a one-off event like a sudden, heavy rainstorm, comprehensive coverage may help cover the damage to your vehicle. But if water slowly leaks into the car because of poor maintenance and causes damage over time, water damage likely won't be covered.

4. Damage by leaving windows open:

Comprehensive coverage typically covers damages not related to a collision for events that are out of your control. Doesn't cover problems caused by your vehicle being in poor condition. So if your car's windows were left down, or the sunroof was left open, and rain gets in as a result, any water damage caused by the rain is unlikely to be covered.

Remember that a car insurance policy may help protect your wallet, your vehicle and even offer peace of mind. Contact us for more Information, At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we can help you choose the coverage that's right for your needs.

For more Information contact us: (706) 884-5006 or (770) 969-5666

Please visit us: www.go-guardian.com

6 Steps to protect your car in a Hurricane

Hurricanes can make for a stressful time in any vehicle owner's life. Although the best method will always be to evacuate, you may decide to stay at home, but take in mind that having a complete storm safety plan is always better than being caught off-guard.

In order be as safe as possible during hurricane conditions, it is important to keep informed of the progress of a tropical storm, following the recommendations of local and federal officials and knowing the emergency evacuation routes.

When preparing your vehicle for a hurricane, At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross,  we give you the following tips that will help minimize any potential damage.

1. Consult your car insurance agent:

Consult your car insurance agency about your policy's hurricane coverage, if applicable. You will need to inquire about what is covered, as well as what steps to take in the event that your vehicle is damaged and you need to make a claim.

2. Take Pictures:

It can be prudent to have proof of your car’s condition before disaster strikes, for personal and possible insurance purposes. So, you may want to consider taking pictures of your car’s interior and exterior as you make your hurricane preparations.

3. Check and replenish all fluids:

Check your drive belts for tension and wear, and have them replaced if necessary. Also ensure your tires are properly inflated (this includes your spare tire).

The following fluids typically should be checked: oil, transmission, brake, battery, power steering, radiator coolant, and windshield wiper fluids.

4. Fill your tank:

Before a hurricane hits, be sure to fill your gas tank and any reserve canisters to their full capacity. An important part of disaster preparedness is having a plan to get help after dangerous weather subsides. With a full tank of gas, you’ll be more likely to get to where you need to go without having to make a stop for fuel.

Hurricanes can affect incoming supply routes, making gasoline a very important item. To avoid long lines at the gas station and frustration, you should make sure that you have enough fuel for your vehicle.

5. Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle:

You should have the following essential items: an automotive toolkit, a pocket knife, extra fuses, road flares, emergency tire sealant, extra quarts of motor oil, power steering fluid and antifreeze, a tire jack, jumper cables, a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, pen and paper, a blanket, a can opener, a first aid kit, and extra reserves of water and food.

6. Park Safely:

Parking your car safely before a hurricane or a tropical storm typically involves protecting it from high winds and water. Be sure to keep your vehicle parked on higher ground, away from any tall or loose structures (such as light poles, stop lights, road signs, or trees) that may fall and cause costly damage. Also remember to apply your emergency brake, if applicable. Park your car in a garage if possible. If you don’t have a garage, consider parking your car close to a building, which can offer at least partial protection from high winds.

Remember that a car insurance policy may help protect your wallet, your vehicle and even offer peace of mind. Contact us for more Information, At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we can help you choose the coverage that's right for your needs.

For more Information contact us: (706) 884-5006 or (770) 969-5666

Please visit us: www.go-guardian.com