Simple Auto Maintenance: A how-to guide

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When it comes to auto maintenance, there are some things that are best left to the professionals. While you may not be able to repair issues with your engine, transmission or other vital systems in your vehicle, you can perform some simple maintenance and save yourself at little bit of money!

Standard car maintenance you can do yourself in Alaska:

  • Fluids: There are a number of fluids a car needs to keep running. Changing some of these fluids are as easy as filling up a reservoir, like water or antifreeze in your radiator or refilling your windshield washing fluid. Others, like changing your oil, can be a bit more time consuming. Before you embark on changing your own oil, make sure to read your cars maintenance manual to see what type of oil you need (synthetic, blend and the weight of the oil) and how often the manufacturer recommends the oil be changed. Oil and oil filters can be purchased from auto supply stores and even some one-stop-shopping retailers. You’ll also need to locate an oil disposal center. Some auto supply store will take used oil and dispose of it for free. While you are waiting for the oil to drain, you can also check your spark plugs! YouTube or websites like howstuffworks.com have great examples of how to change your plugs and what the condition of your old plugs may mean about the condition of your vehicle.
  • Tires: Tire maintenance is pretty simple and improperly maintained tires can affect your cars handling ability and gas mileage. Keeping your tires at the proper pressure level and having them rotated at a regular interval helps keep them in good condition. At some point though, you will get a flat tire. They usually happen at the most inopportune times, at night and while it’s raining. Tossing a spare tire on is actually fairly simple. You’ll need a jack, a tire iron and a container (or use your pocket) to keep track of the nuts/bolts that you will take off the deflating tire. You can often get all of this in a tire changing kit, if one is not included with your vehicle, which can be expensive upfront (typically between $100-$180) but cheaper than a tow. Once you’ve replaced the damaged tire with a spare, you can get yourself to a tire repair center to get the flat patched.
  • Brakes: Brakes in good working order are extremely important to your safety and the safety of others on the road. Brake pads can wear over time, which causes them to be less effective when slowing your car. If your brake pads wear too thin, an element on the back of the pad can come in contact with your rotor disc. Metal on metal grinding is never good and can result in having to replace the rotor (which could require the work of a professional). The average life span for brake pads is roughly 40,000 miles, however this can vary greatly depending on your driving style and your daily driving conditions. If you hear that telltale “squeak” of your brakes, it is time to give them a look. This is actually a built in “warning system” from your brake pads telling you they are running low. Your cars maintenance manual will let you know the type (size) of brake pad you need for the front and rear of your car. Changing out your brake pads requires you to remove the tire and the old pad. Other than that, it is fairly simple and can take under 20 minutes from start to finish per wheel. You should be cautious when breaking in new pads, it usually takes about 200 miles before the pads are working at “full strength.”
  • Keep it clean: Both the inside and outside of your vehicle should be regularly cleaned. Regular washings help keep dirt and other nasty stuff that can damage your paint, off your vehicle. A regular waxing can help extend the “shiny” look of your paint. Washing the exterior of your car on a regular basis also gives you the opportunity to check for dents, rock chips or damage that the layer of dirt was covering. Keeping the interior of your vehicle clean is not only sanitary, but it can diminish a safety hazard. Having things floating around your car like soda bottles, books, shoes, etc., can become projectiles and potentially dangerous if you are in a car accident. It is very easy to do a quick clean out, vacuum and wipe down of your interior when you clean the outside of your vehicle. A shiny car inside and out will put a smile on your face!

Another element of standard auto maintenance is a current auto insurance policy. Talk to the experts at Integra Insurance in Wasilla, AK. Your local, independent insurance agents can walk you through your current auto insurance policy or assist with setting up a new policy. Because they live in the Wasilla area they can recommend auto repair shops should your vehicle need a professional. You can visit their insurance website 24/7 for more information about auto insurance or to check the other insurance products they offer, like renters insurance.

It’s time to consider travel insurance

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While booking a family vacation there are some important things you should plan for and we’d like to discuss an insurance topic that many people do not know about or elect to not purchase: travel insurance. This is not a product that we (or most insurance companies sell) so this is purely for educational purposes. We want you, our valued clients, to have the best time on your vacation even if something goes awry.

What does Travel Insurance cover?

Travel insurance usually has a few different tiers. Some companies offer simple plans that include airline ticket reimbursement if you have to miss your flight for an approved reason, others offer the “Cadillac” package of airline ticket reimbursement, medical insurance coverage, medical evacuation and trip cancellation. There are a smattering of other plans in-between. Deciding which plan is right for your trip will depend on a few factors: cost of the trip, location of the trip and the pre-existing/potential medical issues that could arise from someone covered under the plan. If you are traveling domestically, typically your health insurance should allow for in-or out-of-network medical care. If you are traveling internationally that can be whole different story. Check with your health insurance provider for information about international health insurance coverage. If you purchase a travel insurance plan, make sure to look at the fine print, up to percentages and dollar amounts regarding coverage.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Buying travel insurance is entirely up to you. If you are taking a quick weekend trip and don’t mind losing out on the experience and money if you have to cancel, then no need for insurance. However, if you are spending a substantial amount of money on a vacation, then having a travel insurance plan could help offset the cost if the trip is delayed or canceled. Missing a flight due to traffic can set off a chain of events that could cost a lot of money to fix. Consider Mother Nature; a nasty storm like the recent Polar Vortex grounded several flights for days or volcanic eruption, like the eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 caused severe flights days in and out of Europe for weeks. While some airlines will work with you on flights delayed or canceled due to weather, some will not.

Where do I buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance can be purchased through many booking sites like Expedia and travel guide sites like Lonely Planet and Frommers often have links to reputable companies. If you are booking through a travel agency, ask your agent about travel insurance options.

We hope that wherever you head for vacation that you have a wonderful time and that you do not have to use the benefits of your travel insurance should you choose to purchase it! For all the other traveling you may do this year, in your boat or your RV, give the experts at Integra Insurance in Wasilla, AK a call or visit our insurance website 24/7 for great insurance rates! Safe travels!

Identity Theft: An Unfortunate Reality

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It has been all over the news lately: data breaches at major retailers have been potentially compromising shoppers debit and credit cards. While your banking institutions and credit card issuers do offer some protection against fraudulent charges to your accounts, did you know that your homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance plan may offer additional protection if your identity is stolen.

Identity Theft in Alaska:

  • Keep an eye out: Even if you do not suspect your identity or credit cards have been potentially comprised, it is a good idea to regularly go over your statements to ensure all charges are accurate. Some credit card issuers will offer inexpensive credit monitoring from at least one of the three major credit reporting agencies. If you notice a fraudulent charge or an error on your credit report, you should immediately contact the appropriate agency (i.e., your credit card issuer, credit reporting agency, bank, etc.).
  • Extra Protection: In addition to your own diligence, your homeowners, condo or renters insurance policy can offer some extra protection. For a small yearly fee (typically less than $40 per year) your insurance policy may cover expenses related to court fees, loan reapplication fees (if denied due to identity theft), notary fees and more. Some insurance plans may also include access to an identity theft counselor, someone to assist with reporting fraudulent activity and to act as a liaison to the major credit report bureaus on your behalf. Identity theft plans will vary by carrier and state, so be sure to ask your Integra agent about plans available in Alaska.
  • Next steps: If you suspect that you have been a victim of credit card or identity theft, fill out a police report. This will be crucial as the next few agencies you will be contacting, your bank, credit card issuer and the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Transunion and Equifax) will need a copy send to their fraud departments. You will also need to file an ID Theft Complaint and Affidavit with the Federal Trade Commission. Any accounts or cards that are potentially compromised should be closed and new cards issued. Continue to monitor your credit reports and accounts.

The road to recovery from credit card and identity fraud can be long and expensive. Here at Integra Insurance Services in Wasilla, Alaska we hope it is something that you never have to experience on your own. If you are interested in learning more about adding identity theft protection to your existing home, condo or renters insurance plan contact us today. You can also visit our website 24/7 to learn about the other insurance products we offer.