OEM Coverage - What is it? Why buy it?

OEM stands for 'original equipment manufacturer'. Buying such a coverage on your auto policy would mean that in the case of damage to your vehicle, the parts replaced will be original factory equipment. Without OEM coverage, most insurance companies will pay for after-market parts. This is not to say that after-market parts are bad. Many are certified and equal in quality and workmanship. However, if you want to know that you will get BMW parts for your Beemer or Ford parts for your Mustang, then you want this coverage. It happens to be relatively inexpensive too.

One important fact is that most companies will only keep the coverage on your policy until your car is 10 years old. The reason for this is that finding OEM parts on vehicles over 10 years old is problematic and the companies do not believe it appropriate to continue the protection if coverage has essentially diminished.

Teen Drivers and Some New Laws in NY

The teens may not be happy about it, but some of the rules have changed for them and their licensing to drive in New York State. The laws are part of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program and are designed to increase the teen driving safety.

Effective 2/22/2010, the teen must have 50 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian before they can apply for a Junior License if under 17 years of age. (This does not apply to a 17 to 19 year old who has completed a certified Drivers Ed course.) The old law is 20 hours. In an interesting and valuable twist, 15 of those hours must be done past sunset.

Also effective on 2/22/2010, a teen can only have 1 non family passenger under age 21 if there is no adult present in the vehicle.

Practice, practice, practice. There is no substitution for experience behind the wheel.

Safe driving..