Are You A Good Driver?
Do you think you are a good driver? Could you pass the driving test if you had to take it again?
The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test is conducted annually to see how drivers across the country score. This test has become the benchmark for America’s driving IQ, and in some areas, we are not doing so good. Here are some interesting results from this year’s test:
Are men really better drivers? If your answer is based on driving knowledge as opposed to driving habits, then yes, men are better drivers than women. Overall test results showed males scored an average of 80.2 percent while women scored an average of 74.1 percent on this year’s test.
Be careful while driving in the northeast, because the test results indicated that scores, on average, were the lowest in the northeast driving region. What region scored the highest? The midwest.
Have respect for your elders – According to the GMAC National Drivers Test, drivers between the ages of 60-65 had the highest average test scores.
When traveling, which state should you avoid? According to the test results, stay away from New York and Washington, D.C., because 1 in 3 drivers failed the test.
Insurance Doctor and GMAC Insurance encourage you to go on-line and take the test. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the safer you will be on the road. Test your driving knowledge at www.gmacinsurance.com
- Published in Automobile Insurance, Road Safety
Summer Safety – Traveling With Pets
Welcome to summer! At Insurance Doctor, we want you to have a safe, happy fun-filled summer so we are offering some tips to keep you safe and happy on the road all summer long.
If you are planning a long distance car trip and are planning on taking your pets with you, it is essential that you consider all the precautions associated with pet travel to ensure that your pets stay safe and you don’t get distracted while driving.
Bringing along your furry companions for a car ride, or perhaps taking them with you on your family vacation, can add an extra element of planning to your travel plans. Animals are usually not very comfortable with car travel so here are some ways to make things easier on you and your furry friend.
Make sure to have the same food for your pet, as well as their favorite toys, so that they can have some familiarities with them while traveling. New changes can frighten animals and make them anxious, so try to keep things as familiar as possible.
Keep your pets confined to a certain area of the car. For smaller pets, keeping them in a travel crate is the best way to travel. Don’t put them in the trunk because the air doesn’t circulate well back there, so either buckle up the crate into an empty seat or set the crate in the back of the car. There are also approved booster seats for smaller pets that you can buckle your pets into if you do not have a travel crate. For large dogs, keep them in the back of the vehicle on a make-shift mat if possible. Make sure they can not climb to the front close to the driver.
Never leave your pet in a locked, parked car. Temperatures increase quickly and can be life threatening to your pet in a matter of minutes. Take plenty of breaks so your pet can get some fresh air and a little bit of exercise. It will keep them more content while traveling.
From Insurance Doctor, stay safe on the road and enjoy your summer!
- Published in Automobile Insurance, Road Safety
Ways To Save On Your Auto Insurance Policy
It’s a smart idea to evaluate your automobile policy each time it is renewed. Circumstances can change and you may be missing possible deductions that could save you money. Take a look at the list of criteria that can lower your auto insurance premiums and see how many you meet:
Maintain a good driving record
Take a defensive driving course
Drive a car equipped with a car alarm
Own your home
Pay for your car insurance premium in one payment
Carpool with other drivers
Drive a car with anti-lock brakes and/or air-bags
Go longer than three years without a traffic violation
Call Insurance Doctor if you have any questions about automobile insurance. We can help you find ways to save money on your policy.
- Published in Automobile Insurance
Who Is Covered Under Your Car Insurance Plan?
Have you ever wondered who is actually covered under you car insurance plan? While you assume that it would be anybody that gets in your car and drives it, you really need to read your policy closely to see. Is your daughter covered? Your girlfriend? Your next door neighbor? Your son who is away at college? Your sister who lives with you? Your live-in boyfriend?
The simple question is can other people drive your car and are you still covered if something happens? The simple answer is yes, with some exceptions. Since your auto insurance basically covers your car rather than the driver, pretty much anyone who drives your car with your permission will be covered.
To be sure, look at the policy declarations page of your policy, the “Named Insured” listed will tell you definitely who is covered. Beyond those listed, coverage is usually extended to the following:
Family members related by blood, marriage or adoption, who reside in your household.
Your child who is away at college, but still uses your home address as primary residence and is home during school breaks and vacations.
Anyone that you give permission to drive your vehicle that does not live with you.
There are some exclusions, so review your insurance policy to be clear. All members of your household who have the potential to drive your car should be listed on your insurance policy if they have a driver’s license. This is where it gets a little tricky. If your girlfriend lives with you, she may not be covered in an accident if you did not list her on your insurance policy. But, if she doesn’t live with you then you are more than likely covered.
It is very important to check your policy terms in order to fully understand the restrictions and limitations of the policy. If you have questions about coverage on your insurance policy, call Insurance Doctor.
- Published in Automobile Insurance
How To Avoid Speeding
The last thing you need is to get a speeding ticket. When driving on the interstate, it’s easy to lose focus and not notice that the speedometer has crept up past the legal driving speed. Paying attention and remembering to slow down is usually the biggest challenge to prevent speeding. Insurance Doctor has some tips that will help you slow down while driving:
Eliminate distractions – Keep your mind on the road. Don’t talk on your cell phone while driving and definitely don’t text. Try not to get distracted by other passengers. Be alert to all traffic signs, traffic patterns, and pay attention to driving conditions.
Leave in plenty of time – Make sure you allow enough time to get to your destination. Speeding often occurs when drivers are running late.
Use your cruise control – This will automatically set your car to a pre-determined speed and can prevent speeding tickets. If you have a heavy foot, using the cruise control on the highway can prevent speeding tickets.
Relax – Often times anxiousness and frustration leads to speeding. It is important to stay relaxed while driving. Don’t let other drivers cause you to get mad and lose your focus.
Remember that a good driving record helps to keep your insurance rates lower and driving the speed limit reduces the chance of causing an accident.
- Published in Automobile Insurance, Road Safety
Summer Safety – Your Car’s Engine
The danger of your car overheating can happen all times of the year, but summertime increases the risk if you are not careful. Don’t skimp on a summer check up for your car and make sure that everything is tuned up before traveling long distances.
Engine overheating can ruin a car if you do not pay attention. With such high temperatures under the hood of the car, that heat can burn and damage other vehicle parts. That’s why it is so important to make sure everything is running properly – overheating can be prompted by many conditions. Common reasons for overheating due to system failures are low coolant levels, a coolant leak and bad airflow through the radiator. However, with older cars, the engine can overheat just from stop and go traffic in the hot weather.
Insurance Doctor recommends that if you are driving and notice steam coming up from the hood of your car, pull over to a safe area as soon as you can. It is better to wait and let the engine cool down than to keep driving and cause more internal damage or cause an accident while the steam limits your visibility. Be careful lifting the hood because it will be hot, and check for the source of the problem. With car troubles such as overheating from a system failure, be sure to take your car into the shop immediately to prevent further damage.
Insurance Doctor provides auto insurance for residents of both Virginia and North Carolina. Get a free auto insurance quote today.
- Published in Automobile Insurance, Road Safety
GMAC Insurance National Driver’s Test Results Just Released
GMAC Insurance just released the results from its 7th Annual 2011 National Drivers test. According to their results, 18 percent of American drivers would not pass the written drivers test if taken today. That breaks down to 36.9 million American drivers, or 1 in 5 drivers on the road. Think about it. These are people already on the road driving with a valid driver’s license.
Scott Eckman, chief marketing officer, GMAC Insurance said “The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test has quickly become the benchmark for America’s driving IQ.” Preventing accidents starts with education. We could all benefit from a refresher course on the rules of the road.
The seventh annual survey polled 5,130 licensed drivers ranging in ages from 16-65, across 50 states as well as the District of Columbia. How do you think you would do on the test? Take the test and view the your results at www.gmacinsurance.com. Without proper driving skills, the risk of being involved in an accident is much higher. GMAC Insurance and Insurance Doctor would like to encourage drivers to brush up on their driving skills before an accident occurs.
- Published in Automobile Insurance, Road Safety
Planning Your Trip Across America
Have you always wanted to just get in your car and see America? To just get in your car and drive? If you are thinking about a road trip this summer, you are not alone. Whatever the distance traveled or time spent on the road, a little bit of pre-trip planning will make your adventure more enjoyable. Insurance Doctor offers some tips for planning your next long distance road trip:
Know Your Objective:
Plan how far you want to go and what you want to see. Do you have a final destination or landmarks that you want to visit? Do you have a limited amount of time? The more places you want to see, the more planning will be required.
Do Your Homework:
Get ideas and information from lots of different sources. The more time you spend planning, the more you will enjoy yourself. Use RoadTrip America as a valuable resource that can help you find maps, routes, and attractions. Ask friends and family for some suggestions.
Plan, Plan, Plan:
Once you have gathered your information, set up a tentative itinerary. Your itinerary will include routes, sightseeing opportunities, and places to stay and eat. You don’t have to stick strictly to the plan, but at least have one to refer to.
Prepare Your Car:
Make sure your vehicle is ready for a long distance road trip. Take your car in for a tune-up before heading out on the highway. Remember to carry emergency supplies and check your spare tire to make sure it is in good shape. Make sure to carry your auto insurance card with you. With Insurance Doctor, you have 24 hour claim service.
Be Flexible:
It is impossible to control everything on a road trip. You need to expect the unexpected. Road trips are adventures, and sometimes the most enjoyable memories come from straying off course a bit.
- Published in Automobile Insurance, Road Safety
The Insurance Doctor Approach to Car Insurance
When you ask Insurance Doctor for a quote on car insurance, we make a commitment to finding you the BEST policy for your individual insurance needs. In order to do that, we compare policies from 40 different companies. Because we shop amongst so many different companies, we are able to find the policy that’s right for you.
We look for discounts. If you are eligible for multi-car and/or multi-driver discounts, we will find it for you. If you can receive a multiple policy discount by purchasing your auto insurance and motorcycle insurance through the same insurer, we will track it down for you. If you qualify for a discount because of your safe driving record or completion of a driver’s education course, we will make it available to you.
We compare premiums offered by 40 different companies. We make sure that you have 24 hour claims service and that your claims get paid quickly if you are ever involved in an accident. Call Insurance Doctor today and get your free quote for auto insurance.
- Published in Automobile Insurance
Stay In Touch with Insurance Doctor
Stay in touch with all the latest news from Insurance Doctor. Read about news in the insurance industry as well as learn about tips on road safety and maintaining your vehicle. Find valuable information on our website. At any time, you can request a free auto insurance quote on-line or on the phone. It only takes a few minutes.
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- Published in Automobile Insurance, Insurance Doctor