PLAN FOR SELF-ADVOCACY TRAINING
Name of self-advocacy group: _______________________________
Topic self-advocacy group is working on: DRIVING IN CALIFORNIA
PART 1. KNOWLEDGE SECTION
What knowledge (information) did the self-advocacy group members
identify that they want to learn about this topic?
Group members said they want to find out about how to get a driver’s
license, how to get car insurance and ways to get enough money to afford
a car and driving expenses.
What did the self-advocacy group members say they wanted to do with
the information that they learn?
The group members said they want to be able to buy and drive a car so that
they have more independence and have more reliable transportation to get
to work or school.
SUB-TOPIC: WHAT TO KNOW AND WHAT TO DO
Week 1: HOW TO GET A DRIVER’S LICENSE
Method: Reading, discussion
Materials: Flipchart/Handout: “How to Get a Driver’s License”
Week 2: GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL
Method: Reading, Discussion
Materials: Flipchart/Handout: “Preparing for the Driver’s Test”
Week 3: GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL
Method: Discussion
Materials: “Once you’ve Passed your Driver’s Test”
Week 4: COSTS OF DRIVING A CAR
Method: Discussion
Materials: “Buying a Car - What to Look for When Buying a Car”
Week 5: COSTS OF DRIVING A CAR
Methods: Discussion
Materials: Flipchart/Handout: “Car Insurance and Registration”
Week 6: COSTS OF DRIVING A CAR
Method: Discussion
Materials: Flipchart/Handout: “Affording Gas and Car Maintenance”
Week 7: HOW TO AFFORD A CAR
Method: Discussion
Materials: Flipchart/Handout: “How to Raise Money” and “Advocacy
Project Worksheet and Sample Letter – How to Request Donations”
*Note: The Group can choose to spend more time with the materials on
Requesting Donations if they would like.
Week 8: GETTING CAR INSURANCE
Method: Discussion
Materials: Flipchart/Worksheet: “Insurance Requirements and
Shopping Around”
Week 9: GETTING CAR INSURANCE
Method: Discussion
Materials: Flipchart/Worksheet: “How to get Affordable Car
Insurance”
Week 10: REVIEW AND THINGS TO REMEMBER
Method: Discussion
Materials: Flipchart/Handout: “Things to Remember While Driving”
Week 11: GROUP EVALUATION
Method: Discussion
Materials: Flipchart/Evaluation Worksheet
SO YOU WANT TO DRIVE IN CALIFORNIA?
WHAT TO KNOW AND WHAT TO DO
I.
HOW TO GET A DRIVER’S LICENSE
A) Take a Driver’s Education Course
1) 30 hours of instruction
2) Through School, a Certified Private Agency or
Online
3) Approximately $70
B) Apply for Learner’s permit
1) Make an appointment at DMV
2) Bring necessary documents – Original Driver’s
License application form (Form DL 44), Birth
Certificate, Social Security number
3) $29 Application Fee
4) Thumbprint
5) Photo
6) Vision exam
C) Study and Take Written Test
1) Must answer at least 39 out of 46 questions
correctly
2) If you don’t pass, you can take the test up to 3
times, at least 7 days in-between tests
3) If you don’t pass after 3 tries, you must start
the application process over again
4) Receive a DMV-approved certificate
D) Driving Test
1) If under 17 ½ years old, must take a DMVapproved Driver’s Training course (6 hours
instruction behind the wheel, not more than 2
hours at a time)
2) Practice Driving an additional 50 hours in the
next 6 months (10 hours must be at night) with
parent or adult over 25 years old
E) Provisional Driver’s License
1) After passing the Driver’s Test and driving for
6 months with Learner’s Permit
2) If under 18, you must be accompanied by an
adult over 25 while:
- Driving between 11pm and 5am (for the
first 12 months or until you turn 18)
- Driving with any passengers younger
than 20 years old (for the first 12 months or until
you turn 18)
II.
COSTS OF DRIVING A CAR
A) Buying a Car:
1) New or Used (approximately $2,500-$30,000)
2) Payment:
- Down Payment
- Monthly Car Loan Payments or One-Time
Payment
- Warranty or “As Is?”
B) Vehicle Registration:
1) How Old is the Car?
2) Gets cheaper every year with same car
2) Estimated Average from $40 – $300 per year
C) Car Insurance (Based on Various Factors):
1) Insurance Company
2) Age
3) Driving Record
4) Good Student Grades
5) Multiple Insurance Policies with the Same
Company
6) Monthly Payments or every 6 – 12 months at a
time
D) Affording Gas
1) Plan a Budget and Figure out Expenses
- Hard to Budget as Prices continue to Increase
- How Far do you Drive?
- How much Gas will you need Per Week? Per
Month?
- Average Miles per Gallon
2) Know Where and When to Get Gas
- Know where the Cheaper Gas Stations are
- Cash or Credit?
- Get Gas in the Mornings or When it’s Cooler
- Put the Automatic Filler on Lowest Setting
3) Carpool and Share Gas Costs
E) Car Maintenance
1)
2)
3)
4)
Regular Maintenance
Unexpected Repairs
Budget approximately $50 per month
Ask around for a Good Mechanic
III.
HOW TO AFFORD A CAR
A) Raising Money:
1) Job and Monthly Savings
2) Small business venture (i.e. recycling, dogwalking or sitting, etc.)
3) If on SSI – get a PASS Plan
4) Fundraiser – Car Wash, Raffles, etc.
5) Write and Send out a Letter Requesting
Donations (see materials on “How to Write a Request
for Donations Letter”)
6) Car Loan or Other Loan
B) Know What You’re Looking For
- Price Range
- Price Negotiation?
- Mileage
- Miles per Gallon
C) Look for a Good Deal
1) Car Donations from Local Charities
2) Sales at Car Dealers
3) Buy a Used Car:
- Pre-owned Vehicle from Dealer (such as
CarMax) or Private Owner)
- Warranty?
- Maintenance History
4) Bring Someone who Knows about Cars
IV.
GETTING CAR REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE
A) Registration
1) Get Pink Slip
2) Go to DMV
3) Pay Registration Fee
4) Make sure to Put Sticker on License Plate
5) Renew each Year
B) Car Insurance
1) Minimum California Insurance Requirements
(15/30/5)
- $15,000 for Injury of Death of One Person
- $30,000 for Injury or Death of more than one
Person
- $5,000 for Damage to Other Person’s Car or
Property
2) Look for Different Insurance Companies
- Online, Phone Book, Newspaper, etc.
- Ask Around
- Call Several Different Insurance Companies
3) Get Insurance Quotes
- Compare Prices and Coverage
- Driver Discounts (Good Grades, Good Driving
Record, have Other Insurance Policies, such as
Renter’s Insurance, with Same Insurance Company)
- Negotiate with Companies
V.
YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY!
A) Always Carry your Driver’s License and a Copy of
your Insurance
B) Renew your Vehicle Registration Every Year
C) Do Regular Car Maintenance
D) Budget your Expenses
E) Drive Responsibly
F) Have Fun!
HOW TO GET A
DRIVER’S LICENSE
To apply for a Provisional Permit, you will need the following:
1. Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age
2. Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
3. Complete the application form DL 44 (An original DL 44
form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
4. Have your parents’ or guardians’ signatures on the
application form DL 44
5. Give a thumb print and Have your picture taken
6. Provide your social security number. It will be verified with
the Social Security Administration while you are in the
office.
7. Verify your birth date and legal presence and full name
(bring a copy of your birth certificate)
8. Submit the proper form(s) for driver education and/or
driver training classes (See below for details.)
9. Pay the application fee (This fee entitles you to three
exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for
both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all
requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the
application becomes void and all steps must be completed
again.)
10. Pass a vision exam
11. Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions
on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers.
You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must
wait 7 days before taking it again.
*Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be
administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.
**Note: If you are over 18 years old, you must go through the
same process.
Week 2
GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL
1) PREPARING FOR THE DRIVER’S TEST
If you are 15 ½ to 17 ½ years of age, you will need to Provide
Proof that you:
 Completed driver education (Form DL 387 or OL 237)
and are taking driver training (DL 392 or OL 392)
OR
 Completed driver education and driver training (DL 387,
DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238).
OR
 Are enrolled and participating in an approved integrated
driver education/driver training program (DL 400).
*Note: If you are over 17 ½ but under 18 years of age, you may get
your permit without the driver education and driver training
certificates; however, you will not be able to take the driving test until
you turn 18.
2) Driver Education and Driver’s
Training
 You may take driver education (classroom training) or
driver training (behind-the-wheel) in a public or private
high school, or in a state licensed, professional driving
school.
 Driver Education and Driver Training courses must be
conducted as prescribed by the Department of
Education. Driver Education must consist of at least 30
hours or 2 1/2 semester periods of professional
classroom instruction. Driver training must consist of at
least six hours of behind-the-wheel professional
instruction.
 Professional schools and instructors in California are
licensed by the DMV. Schools must carry liability
insurance, be bonded, and maintain complete records
for DMV inspection. Their teaching cars are subject to
inspection every 6 months. Instructors must pass
qualifying examinations every three years, or show
proof of continuing education in traffic safety.
*Note: If driver education and driver training were taken in a
state other than California, DMV will accept either a To
Secondary Schools Other Than California Schools form DL 33
completed by the out-of state school, or a letter on the out-of
state school’s stationery signed by a school official stating that
the courses are equivalent to California’s requirements.
Instructional permits issued by another state are not acceptable
proof.
3) Before being eligible to take your driving test you
must:
 Be 16 years old
AND
 Have held your permit for a minimum of six months
AND
 Have completed driver education
AND
 Have completed 6 hours of professional driver training
AND
 Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25
years or older. The adult must have a valid California
driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At
least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time.
*Note: If you are over 18 years old, the adult who rides
with you only needs to be over 18 years old.
4) To take your driving test, you will need to:
 Make a driving test appointment. (Driving tests are not
given without an appointment.) You may also call 1-800777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment.
*Note: If you fail your driving test, you must wait two weeks
before you can take the test again. You have three chances to
pass.
 Provide proof of financial responsibility
*Note: When parents or guardians sign for a minor to get a
driver license, they are stating that they will accept financial
responsibility for that minor.
Week 3
GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL
1) ONCE YOU PASSED THE DRIVER’S TEST
After you pass your driving test, you can get an Interim
License:
 A minor’s application for a driver license must have
the signatures of:
- Both parents, if the parents are California residents
and have joint custody, or
- Both parents, if divorced, with joint custody, or
- One parent, if that parent has custody, or
- Guardians of the minor, if neither parent is living or
has custody, or
- The person(s) having actual full and complete
custody, if no legal guardian is appointed.
*Note: Nonresident parents cannot sign the application form and
cannot accept liability for a minor in California. Nonresident
military parents stationed and living in California can sign the
application form and accept liability for a minor.
 Evidence of financial responsibility must be carried at
all times in the vehicle. Most Californians maintain
financial responsibility through insurance companies,
which provide the policy holder with an identification
card to be used as evidence of coverage. The card
must state the insurance company’s name and
address, the period of coverage, and policy number.
Financial responsibility in California requires that
drivers and vehicle owners carry the following
minimum monetary limits:
- $15,000 for injury or death of 1 person per
accident
- $30,000 for injury or death of 2 or more
persons per accident
- $5,000 for any property damage per accident
 You will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until
you receive your new photo license in the mail. Check your
address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV
representative if you have moved or if your address is
incorrect.
 If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1800-777-0133 to check on the status. Have your interim
license with you to provide information when requested.
 When you turn 18 years of age, the provisional part of your
license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using
your photo license, which will expire on your 5th birthday
after the date you applied.
2) Provisional Driver License Restrictions
Effective January 1, 2006, persons under age 18 must be
accompanied by a parent/guardian or other person specified by
law when:
 Transporting passengers under 20 years of age, at any
time for the first twelve months.
 Driving between the hours of 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM for the
first twelve months
Week 4
COSTS OF DRIVING A CAR
I. Buying a Car – What to Look For
Buying a car is a big responsibility and a big decision. You may
want to do some research and consult the “Consumer Reports”
to see what different cars offer in terms of gas mileage, price,
accessories, safety, etc. You can usually get a copy at your
local library. Some of the things you may want to think about
and look for before you buy a car are the following:
 New or Used?
- Do you want to buy a New or Used Car? Buying a used
car is usually a lot less expensive and is a wise decision if
you don’t have a lot of money. However, used cars may
not have all the same safety features that new cars have,
so you may want to spend more money for a safer car that
you like.
- If you buy a new car, usually you will pay a down
payment, which is a lump sum you pay at the time you
purchase the car. Then you can usually get a car loan to
help you pay for the car, depending on your credit. If you
get a loan, you will have to pay monthly car payments to
keep your car.
 Private Owner or Car Dealer?
- When you buy a new car from a car dealer, you will get a
warranty for the car – the warranty is usually good for 5
years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. It is very
important to have a warranty in case the car doesn’t work
well or needs excessive repairs during that time.
- If the car is from a car dealer and is pre-owned or used,
you can usually still get a limited warranty, so ask the
salesperson. This is one advantage to buying a used car
from a dealer.
- If you buy a used car from a private owner, you will
probably not get a warranty, and the car will be sold to you
“as is.” You may be able to shop around and find a better
deal. But you also want to make sure the car is in good
working order, so it’s important to have a good mechanic
or someone you know take a good look at the car.
 Looking for a Good Deal
- Look for charities to see if they might donate a car to
someone like you who needs one.
- Look for sales at car dealers for special discounts
- Buy a used car if it’s in good shape
 Preparing to Buy
- Know what your Price Range is before you go to
purchase the car
- Plan a strategy for negotiation. If you don’t know
how to do this, ask a friend or family member who
knows how to negotiate and how the process works.
- If you want to avoid the negotiation process, go to a
car dealer, like CarMax, that sets their prices so that
there is not any price negotiation, and you’ll know
what to expect and what you’ll spend.
- If you’re buying a used car, ask about the car’s
maintenance history and how much mileage is on the
car. Cars with a lot of mileage should be less
expensive, but then you risk that the car will not last
as long.
- Bring someone with you whom you trust and who
knows about cars to help you.
Week 5
COSTS OF DRIVING A CAR
I. VEHICLE REGISTRATION
 Whenever you own a car, you have to get it registered with
the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can make an
appointment to go to the DMV to fill out a form and pay the
vehicle registration fee
 Once you have paid, you will receive a temporary
registration until you get the permanent one in the mail.
Along with the registration card, you will receive a sticker
with the month and year that you got the car registered.
Remember to put the stickers on your rear license plate.
 You will need to renew your vehicle registration every year.
 In general, older cars tend to have less expensive
registration fees. So, as you renew your registration each
year with the same car, your registration fees will go down.
 Make sure to carry your proof of registration with you and
place the registration tags on your license plate. If you
don’t, you could get a ticket from a law enforcement officer
that will require you to pay a penalty.
II.
CAR INSURANCE
The cost of insurance will vary depending on various factors:
 Insurance Company – Different insurance companies
will offer different rates, so that’s why it’s important to
shop around and compare costs and coverage
 Age – Usually, drivers under 25 years old will have to
pay more for their insurance
 Driving Record - If you establish a good driving record
without any tickets for moving violations or speeding,
then you will usually get a discount on your insurance
rates
 Good Student Grades - People who are students can
get better rates if they have good grades
 Monthly Payments versus every 6 – 12 months at a time
– If you pay your insurance every 6-12 months instead
of monthly, you can avoid extra charges
 Multiple Insurance Policies with the Same Company – If
you happen to have other insurance policies with the
same company, such as renter’s or home-owners
insurance, then they will often offer a better rate
Week 6
COSTS OF DRIVING A CAR
I. AFFORDING GAS
A) Plan a Budget
With the cost of gas continuing to rise, it is difficult to know
how much money you will need for gas and how to get the
best deals. It will be important to plan a budget and figure out
your expenses.
 How often do you drive?
 How far do you usually drive?
 What’s the average gas mileage of your car?
 Figure out how much gas you’ll need per week or per
month
B) How to Save on Gas Expenses
 Know When and Where to get the most gas for your
money
- Where are the cheaper gas stations?
- Pay cash instead of credit
- Get gas in the mornings when it’s cooler
- Put the automatic filler on the lowest setting
II. CAR MAINTENANCE
 Make sure to do regular maintenance on your car.
This usually means an oil change every 5,000 miles
and a major tune-up every 30,000 miles. This will
increase the reliability and dependability of your car.
 Be prepared for unexpected repairs. Accidents can
happen, and cars break down, so make sure you’ve
budgeted and set some money aside for repairs
when you need them.
 It’s suggested that you budget approximately $50
per month for car maintenance.
 Make sure to find a good mechanic. You can ask
your friends or family for a good referral.
Week 7
HOW TO RAISE MONEY TO BUY A CAR
There are many different ways to get money to buy and drive a
car. Some of these include the following:
 Get a part-time or full-time job and save some money
 Start a small business (i.e. recycling, dog-walking,
etc.)
 If you’re on SSI, get a PASS Plan (Plan to Achieve
Self Support). A PASS plan is for someone who has a
specific goal, such as going back to school or getting
a job, that will require certain expenses to reach that
goal. For example, if you need to have a car to get to
school or have a job, you can apply for a PASS plan,
and they will allow you to put any money you earn
toward your goal of buying a car, without taking any
money from your monthly earnings.
 Have a Fundraiser (Car wash, raffles, etc.)
 Write and Send a Letter Requesting Donations (see
attached materials)
 Apply for a loan or car loan
ADVOCACY PROJECT WORKSHEET
HOW TO REQUEST DONATIONS
Goal: To obtain donations in the form of ______________
(i.e., money, food, 15 pre-paid cell phones, 5 computers, etc.) for
the purpose of:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
(i.e., purchasing phone cards, being able to go on the Internet,
etc.).
Plan for achieving this goal: Write and send letters to request
donations from companies, organizations or agencies that you
have identified who have been known to make charitable
contributions.
Steps toward achieving this goal:
1. Collect a list of names of people interested in being a part
of this project.
How many people have signed up? _______
2. Does the group need a representative? If so, how will we
decide on who will be our representative?
Who will be the group’s representative?
__________________________________________________
3. Does everyone want to sign the letter, or just the group
representative?
________________________________________________
4. Where and how would you like to be contacted by the
companies interested in making a donation?
____________________________________________
5. Draft a donation letter (see sample donation letter
attached). BE SPECIFIC about:




The reason you are asking for the donation
The amount you would like donated
How you plan to use the donation
How it will help you
6. Contact companies to find out who to send the letter to
(ask for Charitable Contributions Department)
Name of Company:
_______________________________________________
Contact Person:
_______________________________________________
Contact Information:
_______________________________________________
7. Add relevant names and fax #’s to each donation letter
8. Fax and/or mail the letters to the companies
Follow-up plan:
1. How and when will we contact the companies?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
2. Who will contact them?
__________________________________________________
3. If successful, who will write the thank-you letter?
______________ (see sample “thank you” letter attached)
4. Who will be in charge of distributing or overseeing the
donations? _______________________________________
Evaluate project:
1. Did we achieve our goal? __________
2. What contributed to our success?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
3. What were some obstacles or barriers to achieving this
goal?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
4. What were the most difficult steps toward achieving this
goal?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
5. Did the group work well together as a team? ___________
If not, why not?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
6. Would we use the same strategy again in the future?
__________________________________________________
If not, what would we do differently?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
7. Would we like to further pursue this advocacy project, or
start developing another?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
SAMPLE LETTER – Request for Donations
Verizon Wireless
1234 First Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90010
May 20, 2008
To Whom it may Concern (or the specific name of the Contact
person):
[The reason you are asking for the donation]
As a group of people with disabilities and/or restricted incomes,
one of the main difficulties that we face when trying to find a
permanent home or job is that potential landlords and/or
employers are not able to contact us because we do not have a
phone number or address where we can be reached.
[The reason you are asking for this specific type of donation]
Although there are other services available to help people with
limited income and housing opportunities, most of them only
provide temporary solutions to a problem that is persistent and
difficult to change for the simple reason that potential employers
and/or property managers have no way to contact us regarding
housing and job opportunities that are available.
[The amount you would like donated]
While the opportunity to own a cell phone is not possible given
our limited financial resources, we would like to ask if you would
be willing to help us by contributing 15 pre-paid cell phones with
500 minutes of talk time that would provide us with a reasonable
period of time to find housing and employment.
[How you plan to use the donation]
With the limited amount of talk time, we would be responsible
for monitoring our own use of the cell phone. Also, with the
option to purchase additional minutes, this would provide us an
opportunity to maintain our financial independence once we get
back on our feet so that we can become self-sufficient and
active members in our communities.
[How it will help you and others]
We feel that your donation would be a great contribution toward
resolving the serious problems of unemployment and
homelessness by providing an important tool to help us
successfully obtain permanent homes and jobs.
We would really appreciate your consideration of our request. If
you would like more information, or if you have any questions,
please feel free to contact us at The Ventura Adult and Wellness
Center,
at (805) 653-5045, and ask for Peter L or Mary F.
Sincerely,
Representatives of the Advisory Board and Membership Council
The Ventura Adult Wellness and Recovery Center
Week 8
GETTING CAR INSURANCE
I. CALIFORNIA CAR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
A) Required Coverage
The minimum liability insurance required in California for private
passenger is:

$15,000 for injury or death of one person

$30,000 for injury or death of more than one person

$5,000 for damage to property
This is the absolute minimum you can get and still drive your
car, and most people buy more coverage than this. Your insurer
may recommend coverage in the range of 100/300/100.
B) Proof of Coverage
Proof of liability insurance must be in the vehicle at all times. If
you're pulled over, the officer will ask to see your insurance
card, and you'll be cited and fined if you can't produce it. The
fines for not carrying proof of insurance can be steep―not less
than $500 and possible court costs―and your vehicle could be
impounded.
II. Auto Insurance Coverages Explained
An auto insurance policy actually consists of several different
coverages. Required in most states, it is something all drivers
must posses.
 Liability Insurance
This coverage is the basis of all auto insurance policies,
and the minimum required in most states. If you're
found at fault in an accident, liability insurance pays for
the injury and property damage expenses of the third
party involved in the accident. Property damage pays for
the replacement or repair of anything that was damaged.
Bodily injury expenses cover lost wages and medical
bills. If you cause a major accident, your current or
potential coverage may not cover you sufficiently. It is a
safe bet to buy more than the minimum required by your
state.
 Collision
If you're found at fault in an accident, collision coverage
will cover expenses needed to repair your vehicle.
Collision coverage is usually the most expensive
component of an auto insurance policy, although it isn't
required. Insurance companies might proclaim your car
a “total loss” if the repairs exceed the market value of
the car. When this occurs, the insurance company will
pay you the actual cash value, minus the deductable.
From there your car is off to an auction where it will be
sold for parts or scrap.
 Replacement Cost
The amount required to replace your car or repair
damages without considering depreciation.
 Depreciation
Decrease in value because of age/wear on vehicle.
 Actual Cash Value (ACV)
The value of your car when it is damaged or destroyed.
Insurance companies figure the ACV by subtracting the
depreciation from the replacement cost.
 Tip
In most cases, it’s better to choose replacement cost
coverage. Although higher in price, the protection may
be worth it.
 Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage will pay for damages to your
vehicle that were not caused by an accident. This
includes fire, vandalism, theft, natural disaster, and even
animals. Depending on the damage, the insurance
company will pay the cars worth right before the
incident. This is also optional coverage.
Week 9
GETTING CAR INSURANCE
I. How to Get Affordable Auto Insurance
‘If it isn't broken, don't fix it' is a maxim that can make insurance
companies a lot of money. Although everybody would like cheap
car insurance, people tend to stick to the company that they are
with rather than shop around for the lowest price for auto
insurance. This can cost you hundreds of dollars a year.
There are a number of ways of getting cheap auto insurance,
regardless of your current company and driving status, by doing
the following:
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Shop Around
Check for Discounts
Select a higher insurance deductible
Reduce coverage on older vehicles
A) Shop Around
Only by shopping around for auto insurance coverage and
getting quotes on premiums from several insurance companies
will you be able to know for certain you are getting the lowest
price for auto insurance. Be sure to compare like with like.
Cheap car insurance should not mean little or no insurance, or
bad insurance. Ask about how insurance claims are approved
and processed, and how quickly they're paid. Look into each
insurers' financial stability (there are independent rating
services that can help you with this).
B) Check for Discounts
Insurance companies like market share, and in order to increase
or maintain their market share, many companies offer discounts
to drivers. You might be eligible for a discount if you have a
good driving record or if you have taken a ‘Defensive Driver
Training Program'. There may be discounts available for
antitheft or other safety devices on the car. Most companies
offer low mileage discounts.
C) Select a higher insurance deductible
When you file a claim, a deductible is the amount you pay first
before your insurer pays the remaining balance. Often people
select lower deductibles, so when they have to submit a claim,
their out-of-pocket expenses are minimal. But the truth is, the
higher your collision and comprehensive deductibles the lower
your auto insurance premium. The savings by increasing your
deductible to say $1,000 from $250 are significant—you can save
hundreds of dollars off your insurance premium.
D) Reduce coverage on older vehicles
If your car is an older model, you may want to think about
dropping the collision or comprehensive coverage (or both) on
your policy. You need to weigh the cost of the collision and
comprehensive against the value of your car and your chosen
deductibles. For example, if you had a 10-year-old car that's
worth about $1000, and your deductible was $1000, the coverage
is not actually going to help you. This is one of the best means
of getting cheap auto insurance.
No matter how you are now insured or how much your premium
costs, there are means of getting the lowest price for auto
insurance. Check out you local insurance brokers. They will be
able to find cheap car insurance by finding insurance companies
that are a match to your strengths.
Week 10
Review
VI.
HOW TO GET A DRIVER’S LICENSE
A) Take a Driver’s Education Course
B) Apply for Learner’s permit
C) Study and Take Written Test
D) Driving Test
E) Provisional Driver’s License
VII.
COSTS OF DRIVING A CAR
A) Buying a Car
B) Vehicle Registration
F) Car Insurance (Based on Various Factors)
G) Affording Gas
1) Plan a Budget and Figure out Expenses
4) Know Where and When to Get Gas
5) Carpool and Share Gas Costs
H) Car Maintenance
VIII. HOW TO AFFORD A CAR
A) Raising Money
B) Know What You’re Looking For
C) Look for a Good Deal
IX.
GETTING CAR REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE
A) Look for Different Insurance Companies
B) Get Insurance Quotes
Things to Remember When Driving
 Always Carry your Driver’s License and a Copy of your
Insurance and Registration
 Renew your Vehicle Registration Every Year
 Do Regular Car Maintenance
 Budget your Expenses
 Drive Responsibly
 Have Fun!
Week 11
GROUP EVALUATION
Did the group members learn what they wanted to learn from
this topic?
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If not, what other information would group members like to have
or discuss?
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What methods of training would the group members prefer?
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Are there any other suggestions for improving this training?
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