It’s easy to get attached to a car, especially if it has sentimental value. Older vehicles, however, eventually lose their reliability, making it necessary to upgrade to a newer model. At Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX, we know the importance of having dependable transportation for you and your family. The following signs could indicate it’s time to trade in your used vehicle for a safer, more dependable car.

Rising Repair Costs

If your vehicle is constantly in the shop for repairs, it’s time to get another car. Constant repairs waste time and money that’s better spent on upgrading to a newer vehicle. 

Old, Worn Appearance  

Sometimes a vehicle runs well but has a very bad appearance, i.e. dented or rusty body, torn seats, broken door or window handles, cracked mirror, etc. If your vehicle has reached this state, it’s time to replace it with a newer model.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

As cars age, they tend to consume more gas. With the price of gas constantly on the rise, it’s good to have a vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, especially if you do a lot of driving. If your clunker has become a gas guzzler, you can probably save money by upgrading.

Safety Problems

If your car has issues that put your safety at risk, it’s definitely time to give it up. Don’t wait for an accident to happen before deciding to trade it in. Your safety is worth the extra cost of a newer car.

Insufficient Space

Lack of space for a growing family is another good reason to replace an older car. It’s important you have a car that adequately meets your family’s needs.

When upgrading your vehicle, don’t forget to update your car insurance. Learn more about auto insurance options and costs by contacting Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX.

When your car has been in an accident, the insurance company may declare it a total loss and offer you the fair market value of the vehicle. In Texas, state law requires the insurance company to call it a total loss if the repairs are the same or more than the vehicle’s value. Insurance over Texas, located in Houston, TX, can help you get the insurance you need and will work with you if you have an accident in your vehicle.

The fair market value is based on a formula of many items, like the value of similar cars, the condition of your vehicle and such things. That will be all the insurance company will pay you for, and if you owe more than that on the car, you will still have to pay that debt off out of pocket. There is gap insurance to cover that if you owe more than the car is worth and umbrella insurance to extend your limits.

If you do not agree with the fair market value the insurance company offers, you can get your own estimate at your own expense. Gather comparison prices and go to the insurance company and talk about it.

In getting the fair market value, you are selling the insurance company your car in essence. If you want to keep the car, you may do so, but it is a little complicated.  Let your insurance company know you want to keep the car, and if it has not been auctioned, you can keep it. If it has been sent to auction, you may be able to buy it there. The insurance company will subtract the car’s salvage value and pay you the remainder of the car’s fair market value, minus your deductible. For all your insurance needs, visit in person or give us a call at Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX.