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Encompass® Insurance Insights & Articles

Engine start button being pressed by finger.
5 Reasons Your Car Won't Turn Over

Bad battery or alternator? Out of gas? Spark plugs rusted? These and more reasons why your car won't turn over.

Different colored gas pumps.
Regular vs Premium Gas: What You Need to Know

What's the difference between regular and premium gas? Here is what you need to know before you fill up.

Personal perspective of man driving among a lush forest in autumn.
Smart Driving Tips for Safe Driving in Fall Weather

Safe driving practices are essential year-round. Adapting to seasonal changes is a critical part of responsible driving. Get tips for driving the fall.

Close-up of wheel on a red vintage car.
The Pros and Cons of Classic and Vintage Car Ownership

Do older cars appeal to you? This blog post shows differences between classic and vintage cars, as well as pros and cons in owning them.

Modern car dashboard with speedometer and tachometer.
What is Considered High Mileage on a Car?

For modern vehicles, what is considered "high mileage"? Here's everything you need to know about purchasing a high-mileage car.

Car with Driver Education Student driver sign on the roof at a red light.
Electric Car or Hybrid Vehicle: What You Need To Know

It seems your child was just starting kindergarten and now it's time to learn how to drive. Choosing the right driving school matters.

A woman looking at the rearview camera screen in the car.
Common Safety Features Included in Newer Vehicles

Today's cars have many new safety features that save lives. Learn about some of these features before shopping for your next new car.

A car driving on a foggy road.
How To Drive Safely in Fog

Practice various techniques as you adjust to driving safely with reduced visibility and other fog-related challenges.

Dog sitting in car with the window down.
7 Practices for Safely Driving With Pets on Board

Transport your pet safely with these travel tips. Pets can become dangerous distractions and have special needs to meet while traveling.

Male's hand plugging in a EV charger into his electric car.
Electric Car or Hybrid Vehicle: What You Need To Know

Hybrids, EVs and PHEVs - oh my! Here's a look at what you need to know about owning each. Read more here:

Insurance agent showing documents on a tablet to couple.
Do You Need Insurance When Leasing a Vehicle?

Are you considering a lease? Find out what insurance coverage requirements might be in play if you choose to lease your next vehicle.

Two riders on their motorcycles riding highway road.
5 Tips To Help Avoid Fatigue During Your Motorcycle Ride

Plan a fantastic long-distance motorcycle ride and stay safe with these tips to avoid feeling fatigued on the road.

A mechanic pulling a car battery from the hood of a vehicle.
What To Know Before Replacing Your Car's Battery

Car battery replacement is often offered as a free service by the seller. However, there are a few things you should know before you buy.

Woman smiling while sponge washing her car.
How To Clean and Detail Your Car

How do you clean and detail your vehicle? This at-home detail job is something any car owner can do to keep their ride beautiful and fresh.

Woman with hands up in the air frustrated while looking at her smoking engine.
How To Help Prevent Your Car from Overheating

From keeping proper coolant levels to checking your belts and hoses, here's a look at how to prevent overheating engines.

Car keys laying on top of a calculator.
How to Calculate Car Payments

Are you applying for financing to pay for your new car? Here's how to calculate approximately how much your monthly car loan payments will be.

A mechanic installing at a brake pad on a car.
When Should I Get My Brake Pads Checked?

From squealing to grinding to vibrating, there are many signs that indicate brake pad replacement is imminent.

A stack of quarters on top of a budget paper next to a toy car and calculator.
Tips for Saving for a Car

Car prices are on the rise. Here's how to save for a car by streamlining your budget.

A selection of gasoline types at a gas pump stall.
Premium or Regular? Which Gas to Choose?

How are regular and premium gas different, and which type should I use in my car? What happens if I choose the wrong gas?

Woman driving while her one hand is on the steering wheel and the other hand is on stick shift.
Best Practices for Safely Driving a Stick Shift

It may require a learning curve to master, but a manual transmission has its benefits. Learn to drive a stick safely by starting out slow and avoiding these bad habits.

Car key fob on top money and car title paperwork.
7 Bad Driving Habits to Break

7 bad driving habits that increase your risk for accidents and vehicle damage. Learn how to break these bad habits.

Car key fob on top money and car title paperwork.
When Is the Best Time of Year for Buying a Vehicle?

Simplify the complex process of buying a vehicle when you know the right time of year to shop.

Mechanic doing a checklist near the open hood of car.
My Car's Been Recalled: What Should I Do?

Understand the vehicle safety recall process: who to contact, when to get the repair made, and what happens next.

Green suitcase.
Road Trips with Kids: 6 Tips for Smoother Travel

Turn your next family road trip into a memorable adventure with screen-free activities to beat backseat boredom, healthy snacks, and safe driving tips.

A man checking the air pressure in a car's tire.
Tips for vehicle maintenance no matter how much you drive

Even if you're not driving as much as before, it's important to maintain your vehicle. Learn why and get some handy tips for vehicle maintenance.

Family packing their car for a trip.
Planning That Last-Minute Road Trip

Going on an RV vacation? Here are some points to consider, such as the type of RV to rent and what driver's license you need.

Couple sitting outside of the RV near their camp.
Renting an RV? Top things to consider

Got a few days off? Hit the open road on a mini-vacation! These tips help you prepare for a last-minute road trip.

Father and daughter washing the truck.
Car Wash Myths

Learn what you should be washing your car with and whether dish soap can help or harm your car's exterior over time.

A camping ground with tents and RVs.
Camping - Tenting Vs. the RV Lifestyle

This brief article discusses the pros and cons of tent and RV camping to help readers decide which type of camping is best suited to them and their families.

Key on top of insurance paperwork.
Insuring an Older Car

This article discusses the basics of insuring an older car and provides a few examples of how an auto owner to follow up with an agent for more information.

Mom securing her girl baby in the baby car seat.
Protect Your Precious Cargo with the Right Infant Car Seat

The most important thing parents can do to keep children safe while riding in motor vehicles is choose the right car seat. We've got tips for infant car seat safety.

A person typing on their laptop while a toy SUV sits on the side of the keyboard.
Buying a Car Online: Considerations for Making a Smart Purchase

How to buy a car online: Getting started with the online search process, plus tips to protect your investment.

Salesman giving car keys to a male customer.
Purchasing a Used Vehicle: How to Get Started with a Used Car Sale

Buy a used vehicle with confidence: Tips for getting the best price on a reliable used car and successfully negotiating a used car sale.

A car displaying a for sale sign in the back passenger window.
10 Tips for Selling Your Used Car to a Private Buyer

Selling your car to a private buyer is usually the best way to get the most money for your used vehicle. Keep it simple and stress-free with these 10 steps.

A thief stealing a purse from inside a car.
Top Tips to Help Prevent Auto Theft

Auto theft increases during the holidays, as days are shorter and people tend to be out more. These tips can help you deter thieves from targeting your vehicle.

Driver's view of a deer in the car's headlight at night.
Tips for Driving Safely at Night

The risk of being involved in a fatal car crash is three times higher at night than during the day. These tips can help you drive more safely after dark.

Essential emergency kit items for the car.
Disaster Preparedness: Build an Emergency Car Kit

If a natural disaster strikes while you're driving, having an emergency-preparedness kit in your car could help you weather the crisis safely and comfortably.

Car tires with snow in the tread.
Winter Tires vs. All Season

Find out which tire is right for you will depend on your driving style, and whether conditions. Learn the difference between Winter Tires and All Season.

An illustration a wrench above a car and plug connect to the car.
Maintenance Tips for Your Electric Car

Keep these pointers in mind to maintain your electric car, and refer to your owner's manual for any additional care that's specific to your vehicle.

An electric vehicle charging station sign.
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Car

Are you considering buying an electric vehicle? Find out which important factors you should consider before making your purchase decision.

A man and woman leaning on a car checking app on phone.
"App"-y Trails to You: 7 Apps for Your Next Road Trip

Road trips come with unique stresses. Be prepared for your next adventure by downloading these seven types of apps before loading up the car.

Family putting moving boxes into the truck of their car.
Moving Cross-Country? Ways to Bring Your Vehicle Along

Whether you're moving a couple states away or across the country, check out these options for transporting your vehicle.

Three kids in the car backseat on their tablets.
Tips for Keeping Your Kids Entertained in the Car

Keeping kids entertained during a long car ride can be a challenge. Check out these tips to help keep your passengers occupied so you can keep your eyes on the road.

Caught in a Snow Storm: Now What?

6 winter weather tips for navigating those snowy road: prep tips, driving tips, and more.

Tips to Keep Your Car Clean in the Winter

Car accidents happen all the time, especially during the winter season. Implement these 5 tips to protect your car and yourself by keeping your car clean this winter.

A gentleman's hand holding a remote start key.
Important Tips to Help Prepare Your Car for Winter

Winter is coming, and if you have a car, you need to do these key things to prepare.

A gentleman's hand holding a remote start key.
Getting a Remote Starter in Your Car

Tired of sitting in a freezing car during the winter? Getting a remote start system for your car offers comfort, time savings, convenience and safety.

A gentleman using the gas pump to refuel his car.
Saving on Gas in the Winter

About to hit the road, but feeling concerned about rising gas prices? Save money at the pump this winter with these simple car maintenance and driving tips.

A person using a coin checks the depth of a tire tread.
Safety Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Quick Tire Tips

Taking care of a vehicle's tires not only helps you get the most mileage out of them, it's also vital for the safety of the driver and passengers.

Fuel pump.
How to Save on Gas This Summer

Summer is a great time for a road trip, but who wants to waste money on fuel bills? Here's how to save money on gas when you hit the road this summer.

winter tires.
Motorcycle Maintenance: Things to Remember

Keeping up with routine motorcycle maintenance will help keep your bike running smoothly and safely. Here are the top tips for motorcycle maintenance.

winter tires.
Your Car Breaks Down, Now What?

Car breakdowns can pose dangers if you are not prepared. Check out these smart safety tips.

winter tires.
Helping Your Teenage Driver Learn Responsibility and Safety

Teenage drivers are 1.6 times more likely to be in a fatal accident. Four tips for talking to your teen about vehicle safety and responsible driving.

winter tires.
General Maintenance for your car

Diligent vehicle maintenance can help old cars run like new cars. This post details a few of the most effective steps you can take to care for your car.

winter tires.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Your Car's Tires

Tire pressure decreases when the temperature drops. Find out the effects of driving with underinflated tires and how to maintain correct tire pressure.

Deer on the road.
Protecting Your Winter Toys

Are you a winter sport enthusiast? These five tips can help you increase your personal safety and protect your winter toys before, during, and after use!

Deer on the road.
I Hit a Deer! What Should I Do?

Would you know what to do if you hit a deer with your car? Learn how to react - and what not to do - when you've struck a deer with your automobile.

Poor Weather.
Five Smart Tips for Driving in Poor Weather

Poor weather is a primary or contributing cause to many serious accidents. This post details how to stay safe in a deteriorating road environment.

Vehicle mainternance.
What You Need to Know When Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car? Wondering what to look for, what to avoid, and how to ensure that you're getting a good deal? Our used car buying tips will help.

Vehicle mainternance.
5 Vehicle Maintenance Tips for Your Summer Road Trip

Essential vehicle maintenance, accident prevention, and some safe driving tips for your next summer road trip.

Car rental desk.
Driving Safely on Your Summer Road Trip

Summer is the perfect season for a road trip. This post covers what you need to know to drive safely, including pre-trip preparations and rules of the road.

Car rental desk.
Car Rental Insurance: Considerations to Keep in Mind

Confused about car rental insurance? Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

buying a new car.
Insuring Your New Car? Here Are Key Considerations to Keep in Mind

Car insurance is incredibly important. This post offers a breakdown of the core considerations any new car buyer may want to consider when insuring a new vehicle.

windeshield damage.
Windshield Damage & Repair: What Does My Insurance Cover?

Repairing windshield damage promptly is important to continuing safe driving. Learn what to do if your windshield chips or cracks.

Car engine.
Four Tips For Maintaining A Seldom Used Vehicle

Did you know that cars that are rarely driven can require even more maintenance than those driven regularly? Check out our tips to help keep your seldom used car in working order.

Thermometer.
Helpful Tips If You're In a Fender Bender

You've just been in a fender bender. Here are some helpful steps you could take if you're involved in a minor car accident.

Thermometer.
Tips for Preparing Your Home and Car for Hot Summer Weather

Is your A/C system as efficient as it could be? Follow these tips to prepare your home and car for hot summer weather.

Map.
5 Travel Tips for the Perfect Summer Road Trip

Hitting the road for a summer vacation with the family? These 5 travel tips will help you stay safe and stress-free on your next summertime adventure!

Road damage due to earthquake.
Driving When an Earthquake Strikes

Earthquakes can occur at any time without warning, including on your commute home from work. Check out our helpful tips.

Motorcycle.
Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle culture has a long tradition in America. Sadly, so do motorcycle accidents. These tips will help keep you safe on the open road.

Winter Tires.
Why You Need Winter Tires

With winter comes snow, ice and bad driving conditions — is your car up to par? Check out why winter tires could help you ride a little safer this winter.

Man leaning in car window with keys in hand.
Teen Driving Tips

Before your teen hops into the car for the first time without you, keep these tips in mind when talking to them about their new responsibilities.

Winter road with caution side.
Don't Melt Down: 7 Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Winter driving presents a host of challenges and leads to thousands of auto-related injuries each year. These 7 winter driving tips help you arrive safely.

3D modeled car.
Connected Cars Driving the Future.

Auto safety remains top priority. Connected cars of the future are on the road to improving that, only better and with more ease than any vehicle before them.

Old time cars.
What Side Are You On? Classic Tale of Antique Rivalry.

Classic car versus antique automobile. There's a difference and even a rivalry between the two. If you're thinking of buying, read more to learn the how they differ.

Electric car charging.
Top Five Luxury Hybrids

Cutting edge technology, eco-friendly and high end design cars: hybrid meets luxury. Read our list of the top 5 luxury hybrid vehicles.

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