Why Car Insurance Is Important For Every Mom
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Moms need car insurance just like anyone else. In fact, they may need it even more because they often drive precious cargo around in addition to themselves.
Moms have many responsibilities, including ensuring they and their children are safe on the road. That’s why it’s essential for moms to have car insurance, just like any other driver.
Whether you are a mother or not, driving uninsured is never a good idea, and is oftentimes against the law. But moms have their own unique circumstances. Here are some things you should know about car insurance as a mother.
Table of Contents
Distracting Passengers in the Back Seat
For a mom, driving in silence is a rare occurrence. Instead, the norm is kids talking, singing, arguing, food flying through the air, and the dreaded favorite toy being dropped on the back floorboard.
These things are a form of distracted driving, like talking on the phone or texting while driving. And distracted driving is actually one of the leading causes of car accidents.
So what can you do to avoid becoming a distracted driver? First, let your kids in the backseat know that you must stay focused on the road. Toys, fighting, and food will have to wait until you’re stopped.
Also, if you start to feel too distracted or need to deal with a situation in the back seat, it’s always okay to pull over and take a break to let everyone calm down. Pulling over is almost always safer than driving distracted.
It’s important to know what your car insurance covers in the event of an accident caused by distracted driving. In most cases, standard car insurance will cover accidents caused by distracted driving.
Speeding Because You’re Late with Kids
Being a parent is tough, and one of the challenges is getting everyone out the door on time in the morning. Sally couldn’t find her shoes, Sam refused to eat his breakfast, the dog tore up your new book, and you couldn’t find your car keys.
It happens every day! One second, the clock says you have some time, and the next second, you’re 15 minutes behind schedule.
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It can be tempting to speed while driving because you’re running late, but it’s important to resist that urge. It’s easy to justify speeding or even feel pressured into it and believe you need to speed. However, not only is speeding dangerous, but it can also lead to costly fines.
Speeding is one of the most common driving infractions, and it can also be one of the most costly. Not only can speeding lead to expensive fines, but it can also cause an increase in your car insurance rates. Insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine rates, and speeding is one of the red flags they look for.
In general, the faster you drive, the greater the risk you pose to yourself and other drivers. As a result, insurance companies view speeding as a significant safety hazard and charge accordingly. So if you want to keep your car insurance rates low, it’s best to stick to the speed limit.
The Costs of Uninsured Driving as a Mom
Uninsured driving can be a costly mistake, especially for a mom. You may think that you don’t need insurance if you don’t drive often or if your car sits in the garage a lot. It’s common to believe that car insurance costs aren’t worth the policy.
Suppose you’re in an accident and don’t have insurance. In that case, you may be responsible for paying the entire cost of the repairs to your vehicle – and the other driver’s vehicle, if you are at fault. You may also be sued for any injuries that you cause. If you can’t afford to pay the costs yourself, your only option may be to file for bankruptcy.
In addition, uninsured drivers often have difficulty finding affordable insurance once caught, as most insurers will charge them higher rates. The bottom line is that driving without insurance is simply not worth the risk, especially if you’re a parent.
Car Seat Coverage and other Insurance Perks
Car seats
As any mom knows, car seats are essential to keeping your kids safe on the road. Not only do they help keep them restrained in a collision, but they also provide vital protection in the event of a rollover or other accident. Your child may not like being stuck in a car seat.
That’s why many insurance companies offer coverage for car seats if they are damaged in a wreck. In most cases, your insurance company will reimburse you for the cost of replacing the seats, or they may even provide new seats as part of your policy.
So if you’re ever in an accident, check with your insurance company to see if they can help you replace your kids’ car seats. Car seats must be replaced in any type of collision, even if it’s just a minor fender bender.
Other Perks
Having a family is expensive. There’s the cost of food, clothes, shelter, and education. And then there are the unexpected costs, like doctor’s appointments and school trips. So it’s no wonder many moms constantly struggle to keep up with the bills.
However, there are some ways to help ease the financial burden. For example, many car insurance companies offer discounts for moms who insure multiple vehicles.
Some companies also offer roadside assistance services for a minimal fee. This can be a lifesaver for moms who have to deal with flat tires or dead batteries, with kids in tow.
Some insurers also offer free or discounted rates for safe driving courses. These courses can help moms brush up on their driving skills and earn them a lower insurance premium. So if you’re a mom, ask your car insurance agent about these and other available discounts.
If you’re a mom and you don’t drive a lot…
If you’re a stay-at-home mom or work from home, you probably don’t spend much time driving. In fact, according to a recent study, the average stay-at-home mom only drives about 10 miles per week. If you fall into this category, you may wonder if getting car insurance is worth it. After all, why pay for something that you’re not using very often?
However, there are a few good reasons to always be insured.
- It’s the law. In most states, it’s illegal to drive without insurance.
- If you do get into an accident, the costs of repair and medical bills can be devastating. Even a minor fender bender can end up costing thousands of dollars.
- If you don’t have insurance and you’re involved in an accident, your rates will go up dramatically.
One option for stay-at-home moms who don’t drive very often is telematics-based insurance. This type of insurance rates your premium based on how much you drive.
So if you’re only driving a few miles a week, you’ll pay much less than someone who commutes 30 miles daily. Telematics-based insurance is a great way to save money on your car insurance premium without sacrificing coverage.
How to find the best car insurance for moms
Not all insurance companies offer the same benefits, so it’s important to research and see what options you have before deciding which insurance company is right for you. Ask fellow moms about their coverage and compare companies, for example, Geico vs. Progressive reviews. Also, ask your insurance agent questions specific to your situation as a mother.
As a mom, it’s important to ensure you’re always adequately insured. Not only is it the law, but it’s also vital for protecting your family in an accident. Be sure to ask your car insurance agent about discounts and other ways to save money on your premium. And if you don’t drive very often, consider telematics-based insurance to get the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Greg is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 22+ years experience in Financial Services. He has held numerous FINRA Securities licenses (series 7, 63, 65, and 66), and is an expert on Investment Products and Financial Planning. Greg has 22+ years experience as a real estate investor and degrees in Psychology and Philosophy.
Greg has been quoted/interviewed in Yahoo Money, Yahoo Finance, USA Today, Authority Magazine, Realtor.com, Business Insider, and others.
Greg is an avid runner, and the father to identical twin girls and their awesome brother. His love of budgeting and his kids led him to join The Great Resignation in 2021.
Disclaimer: Any Financial Tips on ChaChingQueen are general and informational. Speak with a professional about your specific situation.