You may be frustrated with car insurance premiums that creep upward with each renewal. Factors that can affect car insurance premiums include the following:

A basic auto policy is designed and priced to only cover certain vehicle features. You might need extra coverage to take care of expensive vehicle options such as custom or electronic property.

Factory Options - While traditional, factory-installed features are covered by an auto policy, manufacturers sometimes jump ahead of insurance policy designers. For instance, when first introduced, theft deterrent car radios (which are disabled when removed from the dashboard) were not covered by many auto policies. It is important to read your particular auto policy to make sure that it doesn't contain similar coverage gaps.

Dealer Options - Factory installation does not apply to autos that are modified by a conversion specialist or an auto dealer before being displayed for sale. Car dealers frequently add options to make their inventory more attractive to car buyers (and more profitable). Spoilers, body side moldings, special wheels and hub caps, body paint, car phones, speakers and stereos, pin stripes and conversion packages can be added directly onto the dealer invoice. Insurers cannot adjust their premiums for these additional features unless they're told about them, including how much they cost. If you're not sure what is original and what has been added, ask your local dealer. If the information on options is not shared with the insurer, the unknown options may not be covered after a loss.

Ignoring the issue means you risk the chance that some of your valuable property may be uninsured. The best choice is to share your information with your local insurance professional. Together, you can take the steps to get the coverage you need.

Revised 01/03

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