WORCESTER, Mass., Oct. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As new 2016 car models arrive and auto dealers clear their lots of 2015 models, shoppers planning to buy a new vehicle may want to consider updating their insurance policies to protect their purchases. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) recommends car shoppers take the time to talk with an independent insurance agent to assess their coverages before purchasing a new car.

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"What many car buyers may not realize is that a brand new vehicle will often require different insurance coverages than a used car," said Richard W. Lavey, president, personal lines and chief marketing officer at The Hanover. "The instant a new car leaves the lot, it depreciates in value by about 9 percent and it will lose 19 percent of its value in the first year. But it's still a new car, so making sure your insurance covers the full cost to replace and repair a new vehicle can help provide peace-of-mind and important protection for new car owners."

The Hanover suggests new car buyers consider the following insurance coverages:


    --  Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts - OEM parts are used in the
        making of a vehicle. If a car needs repairs, many insurance policies
        will only cover the cost for aftermarket parts, which are not designed
        specifically for that make and model vehicle, and do not always come
        with the lifetime guarantee included with OEM parts.
    --  Gap Insurance - Gap insurance covers the difference between the
        vehicle's cash value and what a car owner owes on a car loan, including
        interest and fees. If a car is stolen or totaled, gap insurance protects
        the car owner by paying the difference between the assessed value of the
        car and what is still owed to the finance company.
    --  New Car Replacement Guard - If a new vehicle with less than 500 miles on
        the odometer at the time of purchase is stolen or totaled within one
        year or 15,000 miles, the cost to replace it with a new vehicle can be
        covered without a deduction for depreciation.
    --  Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage - As many as one in seven
        drivers are uninsured. This coverage protects drivers if they get in an
        accident with a driver with little or no insurance.

"Before driving that new car off the lot, make sure your insurance reflects your new purchase," suggests Lavey. "An independent insurance agent should be a part of the purchasing process and can help identify additional coverages you may need to be well protected."

The Hanover distributes all of its products, including its Hanover Platinum Experience personal auto insurance offering, exclusively through independent insurance agents. These local agents have the expertise and insight to help their customers understand complex insurance coverages and select the insurance protection that fits their needs.

To find out more about The Hanover's Platinum Experience, please visit hanover.com.

ABOUT THE HANOVER
 The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, which together constitute one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. For more than 160 years, The Hanover has provided a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families, and businesses. The Hanover distributes its products through a select group of independent agents and brokers. Together with its agents, the company offers specialized coverages for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as insurance protection for homes, automobiles, and other personal items. Through its international member company, Chaucer, The Hanover also underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including marine, property and energy. For more information, please visit hanover.com.

CONTACT:
 Emily P. Trevallion
Media Relations
etrevallion@hanover.com
508-855-3263

All products are underwritten by The Hanover Insurance Company or one of its insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates ("The Hanover"). Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions and is subject to the company underwriting guidelines and the issued policy. This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage. For more information about The Hanover visit our website at www.hanover.com.

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SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.