Be Aware of Recalls

Written By Charlotte Insurance on July 11, 2017. It has 0 comments.

Automobile recalls, when they’re big and bad, tend to make news. In 2013, only a few types of vehicles were subject to a Takata airbag recall but more recently, several more were added to the list in a big, public way. When Anton Yelchin, an actor from the most recent Star Trek movies, was killed when his Jeep rolled away and pinned him to a brick post, it sounded like a tragic accident. We now know it may have been due to a problem that triggered a recall by Jeep.

 Not all automotive recalls are this tragic or dramatic but they all should be taken seriously. When you receive a recall notice, call your local dealer immediately.

WHAT IF YOU DON’T RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE?

Not all vehicle owners receive automotive recall notices. People who buy new vehicles or buy a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealership should receive information from the dealer or manufacturer. You may also receive notifications if you purchase an extended warranty on your vehicle. If you take your vehicle to the dealer to be serviced, even if you didn’t buy it from them, they may add your vehicle into their system, triggering notifications, too.

For buyers who purchase from a local lot or a private seller, instead of a dealer, or move without sharing their change of address, you may never receive another recall notice for your current vehicle. Watching the local news isn’t a great method because not every recall gets reported locally or nationally. By the time a recall makes the news, it’s either a really big deal or someone has gotten hurt.

HOW TO CHECK FOR RECALLS ON YOUR VEHICLE

What should you do if you haven’t received any recall notices and aren’t sure you ever will? Check for yourself at MotorSafety.org. The website has consolidated information from all manufacturers so vehicle owners can check any vehicle you want, whenever you want. The constant bad news makes people fearful and anxious about their own vehicles. MotorSafety.org offers you peace of mind and information to keep you and your family safe.

Checking for recalls is extremely easy.

1.     Get your vehicle’s vehicle identification number or VIN – it’s printed on your car or on your vehicle registration paperwork

2.     Go to the website: MotorSafety.org – you can access it from your computer or mobile device’s browser

3.     Enter your car’s VIN and click “Check Recall Status”

The results will list the make, model, and year of your vehicle to make sure you’ve entered the correct VIN. You’ll see a list of any recalls or a notification that tells you there are no recalls for your vehicle. If recalls are listed, you’ll also be directed to a certified dealer who can fix the problem.

As soon as you can after you find recalls, call the dealership to find out what the process is for repairs. They may be waiting on the parts, or they may be able to get you right in. Don’t let affordability stop you from calling. When a manufacturer recalls a vehicle, you typically don’t have to pay for the fix. The biggest hassle will be taking time out of your day to get it done, but for safety reasons, don’t delay on this.

What else can you do to keep you, your family, and your vehicle safe? Make sure you have the right auto insurance. Contact us at Charlotte Insurance today. We can get you a free quote and answer any questions you have about your current coverage.

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