Comparison Shopping to Find the Best Auto Insurance Policy For Your Needs
Shopping around for auto insurance allows you to find many prices for similar policies. But just HOW similar is the important question – so be sure to ask it. The seemingly smallest details in a policy can mean the difference between “No worries. That’s covered.” And “Oh, sorry…”.
So while comparison shopping might be a great way to ensure that you are not overpaying or are underinsured – comparing apples to apples (and knowing about any and all little differences) is extremely important BEFORE you decide on a policy that is right for you.
When considering an auto insurance policy you want to get the best coverage for the least possible price. That’s just common sense. But beware of ‘price creep’ when being quoted. Make sure all agents vying for your business have the exact same information – up-front. Seemingly minor details can cause big changes such as… The cost may be determined by how many drivers you want to insure, their ages and also the number of vehicles. Each company you contact will take into consideration if there have been any accidents or claims against your driving record when quoting a price for coverage.
Another thing to consider when comparing insurance policies is where you live (due to rates of auto theft, hazardous driving instances per capita, etc.). So if you get quotes over the phone from national vendors be sure they have your zip code early in the conversation.
There are many factors to consider when comparing auto insurance policies. By doing this you will be getting the best coverage you need for each driver and vehicle that you want to insure.
- Published in Automobile Insurance
The Greatest Hazards of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a non-driving activity that puts the focus of driving on the backburner. By the time the focus returns to driving it’s too late. With so much going on it has become easier to get distracted and that’s why this kind of accident is on the rise.
There are three types of distractions: visual, manual and cognitive. Visual distracted driving is when the eyes are not on the road. Manual distracted driving is removing hands from the wheel. Cognitive distracted driving is when the mind is not focused on driving but on something else completely.
The main culprit of distractive driving is the cell phone. The majority of distractive driving done in a survey in 2009 comes from this revolutionary device. Two ways that the cell phone has caused accidents are texting while driving and talking on the phone. Both of these distractions require multitasking on the road and on the cell phone. Even headsets attached to the phone causes a distraction; it forces the mind to concentrate on both driving and listening to the person on the phone.
A close runner-up cause of distractive driving is stress. Stress from work, from children, the family, spouse, or friends stir up anger and driving behind the wheel angry distracts the mind. The focus on the wheel and the road is lost and that anger is only thing on the brain. Because the mind is focused on something else the driving patterns will become more aggressive.
Speaking of multitasking, this is another common way to get in an accident. It doesn’t have to be a cell phone. Reading, grooming, watching a video, listening to music, eating and drinking while driving can distract a person long enough to get into an accident.
In conclusion, being distracted on the road in any way is not worth it.
- Published in Road Safety
Getting Your Car Ready for a Road-Trip – 1 Week Out
Sixth: Go back through your list of things you did at first last week and make sure all is well.
For example:
• Did you get an oil change? If not, you should probably do it now.
• How is your wiper fluid holding up?
• How is your tire pressure? A 5 minute check can save you from the inconvenience of a slow leak, or weak bead, while on the road.
Seventh: Go over your maps and make sure the route is clearly mapped out for you in advance. If you have a GPS make sure your map subscription is up to date. This is especially important if you will be travelling through cities undergoing major highway or roadway construction projects.
Eighth: Make sure you have your registration and proof of insurance in your vehicle and everything is current and legal. Two hundred miles from home is a terrible place to realize you never put your new insurance card in your wallet.
Ninth: If you signed up for a motorists assistance/auto club, make sure you have received your card. Also make sure your travelling companion has a copy of the information if needed, or keep a copy in the glove box.
Tip: You might be amazed at some of the discounts these cards can get you. On my last trip I saved 15% on my hotel rooms and received “comp’d” four star meals and beverages.
Tenth: Get rid of any junk in the car. It’s going to be a lot easier to load the car up next week if you are not deciding then what should stay and what should go.
Eleventh: Consider investing in a roadside emergency safety kit and any safety devices such as fire extinguishers, emergency seat belt cutters, window pane breakers, etc.
Twelfth: Make a list of any special items you will be carrying – especially anything considered potentially hazardous. Propane tanks on RV’s are a great example. Most tunnels prohibit you from going though with one unless it has been inspected by the authority on site.
- Published in Road Safety
The Importance of Having the Right Auto Insurance
Most drivers throughout the United States obtain car insurance because it is required in their state, but few people actually take time to review the features of their policy. Unfortunately, many of these people do not realize that they have the wrong insurance until their claim is denied. Having the right auto insurance will not only keep you legal behind the wheel, but it will also protect you financially. Providing the level of expertise that helps guide you through buying not only the “best rate” policy but also the “best for your needs” policy is what you should expect – and demand – from your agent.
Investing in the right car insurance means more than simply having coverage from a trusted provider. Every driver has different needs and, in order to ensure you have the right protection, you should take time to consider your needs before you invest in a policy. In other words, the right auto insurance for your needs may not be the best option for the driver in the next lane.
For example, if you have a brand new luxury car, you will probably want to invest in the most extensive plan on the market. On the other hand, if you drive what you refer to as “an old beater” that you plan to replace in the near future anyway, you may only want the lowest form of protection required in your state. But is that really the right decision for either scenario? This is where working with the right agent can make all the difference. Of course, some things are already decided for you, like if you are financing your vehicle, you will usually have to purchase the auto insurance required by your lender.
Liability insurance is generally the lowest form of coverage you can obtain and still drive legally in your state. This type of plan generally covers all property damage and medical bills for victims involved in an accident you caused, but does not cover any of your own property damage or medical bills. In order to protect your own property, you will want to invest in collision coverage or comprehensive insurance. Carefully examine each policy type in order to find the right auto insurance for your needs.
- Published in Automobile Insurance
Getting Your Car Ready for a Road-Trip – 2 Weeks Out
The next three tips are broken out into timeframes to make it easier for you to plan ahead.
Many people have concerns about taking their cars on long trips, especially if their cars are getting on in years or mileage. Truth is, long trips are actually easier on your car than day-to-day driving — but a breakdown far from home can really ruin your fun. A few simple checks will stave off many common problems. As with most things, it’s best to start early.
2 Weeks Out
If you have planned a trip with at least a couple weeks of lead time, take advantage of the extra time and start your preliminary prep here.
First: Have your mechanic do a “once-over” or safety and operational inspection. Things to include would be checking:
• air filter
• wiper blades
• engine coolant
• brakes (pads, rotors, etc.)
• brake fluid
• tire tread for wear and tear
• air pressure in the tires
• all fluid levels
• need of an oil change
• anything else your mechanic can think of
Second: If your mechanic finds a problem, or if you know of a pre-existing issue, get it fixed before you leave. Yes, this is common sense but gets missed a lot!
Third: Have the spare tire inspected. if possible do this in the same trip as the first task when you are already at the shop. Just seeing that the spare is in place is not enough. You need to make sure it will work when you need it. Also make sure you have all you need to actually change the tire, such as the jack, lug wrench/tire iron and the key for any locking nuts.
Fourth: Subscribe to an auto travel service like AAA, if you do not have a similar program through your carrier, that includes emergency roadside assistance and towing. Take advantage of your new AAA account right away by requesting pre-routed and marked maps for the trip.
Fifth: Consider getting a “Smart Tag” or “EZ Pass” for paying tolls and fund it with enough to cover the trip.
Next we look at one week out…
- Published in Road Safety
Why Travel Abroad When You Live Here?
Fall is here and this is when a lot of families plan their off-peak beach vacations or trips to the mountains for foliage excursions.
To the beach! It might be too cold in your hometown for a jaunt to the beach but driving a few hours south and east can really make all the difference. And even a day-long journey a lot cheaper and easier than packing up the family for a flight to the Caribbean.
Those of us in Virginia and the Carolinas have it made with relatively short drives. If it’s too cold for Virginia Beach or Nag’s Head keep heading south – to South Carolina that is and Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head. If it’s still a bit brisk for your taste, Georgia has hundreds of amazing beaches including those on the mainland in areas like Savannah and nice island getaways such as Tybee and St. Simon’s Islands. Or, of course, you can spend a day on the road and take your pick of some of the best winter beaches in the US – in sunny Florida.
Check out those colors! If getting in the last-minute beach trip is not your thing, consider a trip to the mountains just two hours west and take in some of the most beautiful foliage the United States has to offer. Seeing the leaves turn is one of the least expensive and most amazing experiences those who appreciate nature can ever experience – and those of us in Virginia and the Carolinas can experience it on less than a tank of gas!
- Published in Uncategorized
Importance of Regular Auto Maintenance for Safety Purposes
There are several systems that contribute to the safe operation of a vehicle. Regular maintenance is required to keep those systems in proper working order. One of the most important components is the humble tire. Often they don’t command attention until it’s too late.
Proper maintenance can provide the information necessary in determining whether or not something is going on before bad things happen. A tire is constructed from rubber and steel belting. Sometimes the bond between the two can fail and the tire can come apart at the worst possible time. With proper maintenance, though, this problem can be virtually eliminated. Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and it would be better if it was done once a week. Tires should be rotated on a regular basis so they wear evenly and can be inspected for damage to the rubber and the belting inside. Usual manufacturer recommendations are in the neighborhood of four to six thousand miles in between each tire rotation.
This is an excellent time to take a look at your brakes. Unless you have noticed anything odd about the way they sound or feel when you use them, inspection during your tire rotation should suffice. If anything odd has captured your attention meanwhile then you should take it in to the shop for inspection immediately. If your brakes are in need of replacement, then action is necessary. Don’t put it off!
The best indicator of problems ahead is an alert driver and a regular maintenance schedule with a knowledgeable mechanic that can be trusted. It is still necessary to pay attention to changes in the vehicle’s behavior and the sounds that it makes. When things change, it is time to see what is going on, especially in regards to your tires and brakes.
- Published in Road Safety
Your Motorcycle Diaries
Road trips on a motorcycle can be a blast, whether it’s across town or cross country. But these trips are even more fun when you arrive unharmed and feeling good so let’s look at a few tips to make this the case every time.
When going on a trip of any distance, take frequent breaks. Park your bike in a safe place and take short walks to get the blood flowing. This will help reduce cramping too.
If you don’t already have one, consider adding a windshield and fairing for the trip. Most people don’t realize it but not having that constant wind pulling your body back from the handlebars can help you retain a lot more stamina on long rides. And, of course, it’s great not to get smacked with rocks and road debris at 65 mph.
Make sure your helmet is still good. Believe it or not, even in DOT approved helmets the foam dries out, compresses and otherwise goes bad making that particular helmet little more than a shiny hat. Most are rated for several years when stored properly in climate controlled environments but don’t take anything from granted. You know how ratty a foam cooler gets if you stick it in your garage on a shelf for years at a time. Do you really want to risk that for the thing protecting your life?
Consider the benefits of a full face helmet before starting out. I’ve met plenty of bikers missing teeth in my travels who wish they had worn one when the rock or hunk of steel belted truck tire. And they have come a long way in comfort and peripheral visibility.
- Published in Motorcycle Insurance
The Permit, Part Two – North Carolina
In our last blog, we talked about the specific requirements for getting a learner’s permit in Virginia. North Carolina has very different regulations, so if you live in the Tar Heel state and you have a son or daughter fast approaching driving age, then this primer should give you some much needed information. Of course, you’ll want to check with the NC Department of Transportation for all the specifics.
North Carolina
There’s no stopping the clock or turning back time: your baby is ready to learn to drive. North Carolina has what it calls a “graduated licensing” program, wherein new drivers go through several licensing levels that become less restrictive over time. The first level is the Limited Learner Permit, given to first-time drivers from 15 to 18 years of age. The driver will be required to pass written, sign, and vision tests, and also have completed driver education and obtained the driving eligibility certificate. Only supervised driving is allowed with a Level One license, from 5 am to 9 pm, and the supervisor must be a licensed driver for 5 years. No mobile telephones may be used while driving.
Level Two, the Limited Provisional License, is available to drivers 16 to 18 years old after 12 months with a Level One permit. A new law going into effect as of January 1, 2012 requires 60 logged hours of supervised driving with a Limited Learner Permit before moving to Level Two. Unsupervised driving is allowed from 5 am to 9 pm, and the driver must have no traffic violations for the prior 6 months. The same mobile telephone restrictions apply.
Level Three is the Full Provisional license. It is available to drivers who have had a Level Two license for 6 months, with no traffic violations during the previous 6 months. The Full Provisional License allows for unsupervised driving at any time, although mobile phone use while driving is not allowed.
The DMV has powerful incentives to tie education to the privilege of driving: it will revoke the license of any driver under 18 who drops out of school or receives a school suspension for more than 10 consecutive days.
So now you’re ready for your little girl get behind the wheel and hit the road. Welllll… at least you’re knowledgeable. Oh, and don’t forget to give us a call to arrange insurance for your new driver.
- Published in Uncategorized
The Permit, Part One
The day you dreaded is fast approaching. Not only is your baby growing up but he’s spreading his wings. He’s nearly ready for the first rite of passage into independence: the learner’s permit. So what do you do now? North Carolina and Virginia each have different laws, so you’ll want to check your state’s specifics with the Division of Motor Vehicles. In this two-part blog, we’ll look at some of the requirements for a learner’s permit for each state.
Virginia
In the Old Dominion, learner’s permit regulations are fairly straightforward. Your teenager must be at least 15 and 6 months of age to be eligible, and you must consent in writing. There is a vision test and your child must pass the two-part knowledge exam. There are some driving restrictions as well. Your child must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older, or an immediate family member 18 or older. A curfew makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to drive between the hours of 12 am and 4 am, with certain exceptions. Also, use of an electronic communications device while driving (even hands-free devices) is prohibited.
To qualify for a full driver’s license, your teen must log 45 hours behind the wheel and be at least 16 years and 3 months old. There is a court ceremony that you must attend with your child after which your child will receive the actual driver’s license. The courts have broad powers to revoke the license, however, for driving infractions, other legal troubles, or a child quitting school.
In our next blog, we’ll have a primer for learner’s permits in North Carolina. In the meantime, give us a call to talk about insurance for your new driver.
- Published in Uncategorized