5 Things you should know before buying a new Car

Just like any other important purchase or investment, buying a car can be exhausting, especially if is your first car, but even though the car buying process is generally simple, do your due diligence, calculate your budget, and negotiate properly is necessary to make a smart purchase. 

At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross,  we will share some new-car buying advice that could just save you money and they'll also make the process quicker and stress-free:

1. Research cars and pick the features you want:

If you aren´t sure what car you want yet, the Edmunds app and others website have just about all the information you need, including expert and owner reviews. Those sites will help you determine which make and model is best for you, allowing you to compare safety performance with gas consumption and overall cost. 

2. Get pre-approved for a car loan:

Once you have an idea of exactly the kind of car you want, you also know exactly how much of a loan you’ll need to finance it. Visit your bank and get yourself pre-approved for a car loan and then you can compare to the dealership's financing, which might actually have the lowest annual percentage rate. 

To begin the loan-approval process, have at hand your employer and salary information and balances of other debt you may have. 

3. Don’t focus on lowering your monthly payment:

You have to keep in mind that too much emphasis on lowering your monthly payment will ultimately cost you thousands of dollars more in interest and will extend the life of your loan. 

4. Test-Drive the Car:

If you've decided on a few car candidates. You should see them in person before making a decision. Get behind the wheel of those two or three models you're considering to find out which ones are as good in the real world. Once you've decided which model you want, take a long, thorough test drive on main roads and highways at a variety of speeds in the exact vehicle you plan to purchase. Leaving the radio off and the windows up, pay special attention to visibility, seating position, ease of ingress and egress, noise in the cabin, and the feel of the ride.

5. Close the Deal: 

If the price, financing and fees look right, it's time to close the deal. Once you've agreed on a price, the salesperson will take you to the finance and insurance office. Here, you'll sign the contract and purchase any of additional products, such as an extended warranty. Review the contract carefully and make sure the numbers match the negotiation. Be sure there are no additional charges or fees. A good finance manager will explain each form and what it means. 

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

Spring Car Care Tips

Currently there are some cold days outside but winter is winding down and the weather will soon warm up so we’ll be left with warm days that are bright and sunny. With more sun and rising temperatures comes an entirely different strategy for car care. 

At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we give you three spring car maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Change oil and check fluids:

In winter your car spends more time warming fluids so it is recommended that every spring you at least change your oil and other fluids too if possible. Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids. Spring is also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid.

2. Rotate tires and check alignment:

Snow and ice on the road make your car is bouncing all over the place. Potholes have formed, and you’re bumping into more curbs, gutters, and bumpers than usual and these can throw your alignment way off. The result is that your wheels aren’t perfectly straight, and your tires are going to wear unevenly. The front tires wearing out prematurely and that can lead to handling issues. You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. Your car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety. 

3. Inspect your brakes:

Nothing is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line. A quick measurement can give you the information to know if your brakes need to be changed now, or if you can wait until later in the year.

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

Importance of Vehicle License Plates

Regardless of the state in which you are, If you are going to buy a new car, you will need a vehicle license plate. 

At GUARDIAN INSURANCE  AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we give you an interesting information that you need to know about Vehicle License Plates:

-If you live in Georgia and drive a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle on public roads, you must register it and get a license plate. You will most likely register and apply for plates when you get a new car or move to GA. You're also required to renew your plate by renewing your vehicle registration, and if your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate tag or decal.

- License plates are issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) tag offices.

- Your license plate number is actually a combination of letters and numbers and it will also have the following decals:

One listing the county where your car is registered.

One showing the month and year that your registration expires.

-To get a license plate in Georgia, you must register your car. To keep your license plate valid, you must regularly renew your registration.

- When you buy a new car, the car dealers must issue a temporary tag. These temporary license plates are valid for 30 days and allow you to operate your vehicle on GA roads until you register and title it. You must register your car with the GA DOR before your temporary tag expires.

- In Georgia, the license plate on your car belongs to you. This means you can keep or transfer plates to a new car when you sell your current car. 

Contact us for more Information, At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY, we can help you whit all the paperwork for your car. 

If you need a Car Insurance, Car Registration, Car Title, Vehicle License Plate or Car Tag in the Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross areas, please Call us: (706) 884-5006 or (770) 969-5666 or Please visit us: www.go-guardian.com 

Common Car Insurance Myths

When you are going to buy car insurance, it’s necessary to understand the factors that affect your car insurance policy rates and coverage.

Car insurance can help protect you, your passengers and your vehicle from many setbacks. But there are some myths about car insurance that can be problematic. At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we give you five common car insurance myths:

Myth 1. If other people drive your car, their auto insurance will cover them in the event of an accident:

In most states, the auto insurance policy covering the vehicle is considered the primary insurance, which means that the owner’s insurance company must pay for damages caused by an accident, regardless of who is driving. Policies and laws differ by state, so make sure you understand the rules before allowing another person to drive your car.

Myth 2. Liability insurance coverage that meets minimum legal requirements offers adequate protection:

Minimum liability limits may not be enough to cover expenses if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property with your car. Most states require liability coverage by law and set minimum limits on the two types of liability coverage that you must purchase:

- Bodily injury liability: May help pay for legal fees, medical expenses and lost income compensation for other people if they're injured in an accident you cause with your vehicle. The per-person limit applies to each person involved the accident. The per-accident limit applies to each accident you cause.

- Property damage liability: May help pay for someone else's belongings (their car, their mailbox or their front porch, for example) if you accidentally damage them with your vehicle.

Myth 3. By not filing a claim with your car insurance company, you can keep them from finding out about the accident, and your rates will stay where they are:

If you get into an accident with another driver, that driver may file a claim for damages or injuries. If they do, it will only be a short time until the injured party's insurance company files a claim against you and your insurance company. Once this happens, your premiums may increase. Additionally, if you were issued a ticket as a result of the crash, it can appear on your driving record and trigger a premium increase.

Myth 4. If your car is totaled, insurance will pay for you to buy a new car:

In a covered total loss, your insurance payout typically takes depreciation into account. Coverage that helps protect your vehicle (for example, comprehensive coverage or collision coverage) typically has a limit equal to the actual cash value of your car. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), insurers determine the value of your car by referring to guides that list depreciation values for vehicles.

If you drive a new car, however, some insurers offer additional coverage to help protect your investment. New car replacement coverage may allow you to replace a new vehicle that's totaled in a covered loss with a new vehicle of the same make, model and equipment. This type of coverage may only apply, however, if the vehicle is no more than a couple model years old.

Myth 5. Comprehensive coverage is all encompassing:

Comprehensive does not cover all damage to your vehicle, typically extends only to certain perils, things like theft, fire or natural disasters. Think of comprehensive coverage as a way to help protect your car if it's damaged in an accident that's not a collision.

If your car is vandalized, comprehensive may help pay to repair it. But if your car is damaged when you hit another vehicle, comprehensive coverage would not apply. (In that instance, you'd need collision coverage to help pay to repair damage to your car.)

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

Should you Rent or Buy a home?

Buying your own home can be expensive but could save you money over the years. Renting offers less freedom to live by your own rules but more flexibility if you need to move. At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY we give you the benefits of each to help you decide whether to rent or buy:

The Benefits of Buying:

-You totally own your home at the end of the mortgage´s term, and then you can live free of rent.

-Your monthly repayments go towards buying your home, not into a landlord's pocket.

-You could make a profit if house prices rise.

-You can live by your own rules without needing a permission (e.g. having pets).

-You can make changes to the property such as redecorating or landscaping the garden.

-Renovations and changes you make could increase your home's value.

-No landlord who could make you move house because they want to sell.

-Buying can sometimes be cheaper than renting.

The Benefits of Renting:

-It can be easier to move house quickly when you need to.

-Finding and renting a home is usually quicker than the process of buying.

-No risk of losing money if the property's price goes down.

-Your landlord has to pay for repairs and renovations.

-It is often cheaper and rental payments rarely change, making it easier to budget.

-You may be able to rent a bigger home in a nicer area than you could afford to buy.

-Credit requirements generally less strict, although most landlords require prospective renters to undergo a credit check.

You should keep in mind:

-The rent you pay could be lower than mortgage repayments would cost

-The deposit you pay is usually much less than the initial costs of buying a home

-However, mortgage repayments can sometimes come to less than paying rent, depending on the property you choose. 

-Buying a home could cost less in the long term.

-Buying a home entails numerous upfront costs. Some are paid out-of-pocket after the seller accepts your purchase offer, while others are paid at closing.

-You should pay a first year’s Homeowners Insurance. 

Lenders require proof of homeowners insurance prior to closing. You almost always need to pay the first year’s premium upfront, either on the date you purchase the policy or at closing. Homeowners insurance costs vary based on the value, style, location, and contents of the home, as well as your credit score, policy deductible, and coverage limits.

At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross we can help you to find the best Renters or Homeowners Insurance!

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

Please visit us: www.go-guardian.com

Full Coverage Car Insurance?

Full coverage auto insurance does not actually exist, It is a term often used to refer to the combination of collision and comprehensive. A full coverage policy is one that includes several types of car insurance coverage that, as a whole, provide a solid level of protection in case of an accident.

At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCYlocated in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross, we explain you the types of coverage that are available to make sure you have auto insurance that fits your needs and helps to protect you against a variety of perils that can cause losses:

-Liability Coverage:

Liability coverage is generally included in all car insurance policies, and it protects you from damage you cause to others or to property as a result of an accident for which you are at fault. Typically, the liability coverage in a car insurance policy will contain three limits: the maximum payment for bodily injury per person, the maximum payable for bodily injury per accident and the maximum payable for property damage.

-Comprehensive and Collision Coverage:

Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage are two optional types of coverage on your car insurance policy, although if you are still paying off an auto loan or if you have a lease on your vehicle, your lien holder or financing company almost always requires these coverages.

Collision coverage typically pays for damage to your vehicle if it is involved in a collision with another vehicle or if it hits an object. 

Comprehensive coverage protects you against losses caused by covered perils not related to a collision. These perils often include storms and natural disasters, such as a hurricane or a tornado, vandalism, theft, falling objects, animal damage or a broken window.

-Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage:

Uninsured motorist protection: This helps you cover your costs if you get hit by a driver with no insurance.

Underinsured motorist protection: This will help pay your costs if the other driver has insufficient insurance coverage and/or coverage limits.

-Medical Payments Coverage:

Medical payments coverage is an optional coverage that offers protection in various scenarios, which may include an accident that happens when you are in your own vehicle, an accident that happens when you are in someone else's vehicle or an accident in which you are walking and are hit by a car. It can also cover any passengers in your vehicle or any family members who are driving the insured vehicle at the time of the accident.

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

5 Reasons you should File your Taxes on Time

Preparing a tax return is not something you always think about. As a result, many people tend to postpone and wait until the last minute to file their returns. However, at GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross we give you some good reasons to start preparing your tax return as early as you collect all the necessary documents:

1. Reduce stress:

Gathering the necessary documents, spreadsheets, and forms to properly file your taxes can take longer than you think, especially if you’re not so organized. By starting the process before and filing sooner rather than later, you're less likely to make crucial mistakes, such as forgetting to include commonly overlooked tax deductions, because you won't be rushed. 

2. Maximize Cash:

The IRS processes returns in the order in which they are received. If you are getting a refund, you can get your refund processed and in your hands faster and use it to pay down or pay off costly bills and high interest loans, which can save you money on interest and fees.

3. Receive your refund faster:

If you file your return in February, you will receive your check earlier than you would if you file in April because on this date the IRS will be inundated with returns by last minute filers. The longer you wait to file, the longer it takes to get your tax refund check.

4. Is easier to find good help:

Finding a qualified tax professional well in advance of the filing deadline is fairly easy. But once the tax return season progresses and the deadline rapidly approaches, accountants and other tax professionals will have far less time to take on new clients. And even if you have an accountant, they'll have more time to devote to your return if you schedule with them early in the year.

5. You’ll have more time if you have to pay: 

Hopefully you’re looking at a refund this year, but if not, you’ll have to be paid in full by April 18th. If this is the case, you’ll give yourself more time to pay by filing early. Think about that if you know you owe money this year.

The 2017 tax season is now underway. Make the most of the season by filing early. At GUARDIAN INSURANCE AGENCY located in Fairburn, Lagrange and Norcross we help you with all about the Tax Filing Season.

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

Please visit us: www.go-guardian.com