Insurance news

1. If your car has liability only or basic coverage, it would be covered for damage if hit by someone who has no insurance, or if you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident.

Vehicle Price

This one is straightforward. How much did you pay for the car? I could include another to the list and make it eight. How much did the interest cost if you financed the automobile? Because you paid $25,000 for the purchase price, you may ultimately pay close to double that amount over the next five to seven years, including finance charges. This question applies to new or used vehicles.

If you're shopping for a new automobile, here are a few safety features you should request. Not all cars have them.

Safety First

If you decide to purchase a reconditioned or reconstructed vehicle, find out the nature of the impact that led to it being totaled. Was it a cosmetic dent or scratch over several parts, or a severe impact that compromised the structure’s integrity? Did the airbags deploy? Was the frame bent, or did the suspension or braking system receive damage? These are all questions you should answer before making a purchase. I’ve seen fantastic body mechanics pull the imploded parts out and make them look brand new with Bondo, sandpaper, and paint. But the interior, the part that keeps passengers safe, went untouched. Scary!