Winterizing your home can not only saves money on the cost of heating, it can also keep your homeowners insurance costs down in lower premiums. Winter fires are one of the largest causes of insurance claims, with water damage following closely behind. To avoid an unhappy winter surprise, here are some steps you can take:
Prevent a House Fire
Cooking fires are a leading cause of home fires and homeowner’s insuran
Are you in the market to purchase term life insurance for the first time? The process can be confusing and frustrating unless you know where to start. Here are some important tips for first-time consumers:
Why do you need life insurance?
The first step is to understanding why you need coverage. Term life insurance is designed as a safety net for your dependents in the event of your death. It can pay
Being protected by getting disability insurance can give you peace of mind. Having a backup plan through one of many disability insurance companies can protect you and your family from a sudden loss of income. It’s important to choose the best disability insurance for you. The first thing you need is to know about your disability insurance options. To do that yo
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Long term care insurance costs per month might just seem like pennies compared to what you could be shelling out if you did not have long term care insurance. Chances are your health insurance does not cover long term care, that is why there is long term care insurance because though they both have to do with health they deal with completely different parts of your he
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When your teenager earns a driver’s license and begins driving your car, be prepared for your car insurance premiums to go up. After adding a teenager to your policy, premiums on your existing policy can increase by nearly 50% for a girl and up to 100% for a boy. As insurance companies will not sell a policy to someone under 18 years old, the only way to insure your teenage driver is to add them to your policy. Ho
You may be the best driver in the world but the weather, road conditions, other motorists and even pedestrians are all factors you have no control over. This is why signing up for car insurance as early as now is absolutely one of the smartest decisions you'll ever make. While regarded by some as another seemingly useless expense given the escalating costs of owning an automobile these days, car insurance is actually a multifaceted financial
Getting access to superb auto insurance is absolutely one of the most important necessities you have to take care of before even thinking about hitting the road. Apart from being issued a hefty fine and having your vehicle impounded by the police, you can also possibly have an unexpected trip to the big house if you're caught taking your car for a spin without one. If you're looking to take your auto insurance know-how to a whole new higher l
Michigan has many unique auto insurance policy requirements to protect consumers. As a way to also save money on auto repairs for Michigan consumers and insurance companies, Michigan, in recent years, passed a law to clarify consumer rights for repairs under the Michigan physical damage coverage for no-fault comprehensive and collision no-fault policies.
Direct Repair Program
The direct repair program is a program in
Michigan has many unique auto insurance policy requirements to protect consumers. As a way to also save money on auto repairs for Michigan consumers and insurance companies, Michigan, in recent years, passed a law to clarify consumer rights for repairs under the Michigan physical damage coverage for no-fault comprehensive and collision no-fault policies.
Direct Repair Program
The direct repair program is a program in
Car insurance can be a major part of any family’s budget. Seniors citizens, in particular, might see their insurance rates go up. However, if you are a senior, here are some tips you can keep in mind that might lower your car insurance expenses and give you some extra money each month:
Make Improvements to Your Car
Don’t assume an older car is the best bet for you to insure. If you can purchase a new
Many senior citizens live on a budget and it is not uncommon for car insurance to be a big part of their monthly expenses. A lower monthly premium could feel like a little bonus each month and help out with the basics when a senior is relying on a social security or pension check. Keeping this in mind, it might be worth it to think beyond your monthly premium and current policy and find out what you can do to lower your car insuran
Signing up for auto insurance is perhaps one of the easiest deals you'll ever make these days. You just have to choose the specific coverage and policy you want, select the premium rates that perfectly suit your budget and you're done in no time at all. When it comes to claiming an insurance policy, however, it becomes a totally different story. Nearly 140 million vehicles travel on our country's streets, roads and interstates daily, making i
Premiums for car insurance have been increasing in recent years. When buying a new policy or just getting quotes to compare to your current policy, it is recommended you do some research and shop around before making your decision. Here are some tips to save you money and get the lowest quote:
Drive Safely
Safe drivers pay up to 45% less on their premiums. With a history of no claims, your insurance company can
Have you ever thought about what would happen if you got in an accident with someone who did not have auto insurance? What would that mean for you? You can get an auto insurance policy in most states for an extra cost that can cover in the event that the person that got in an accident with you was not insured. Isn’t that a terrible thought of someone not having auto insurance? But there are two separate auto insurance policies that help with dealing with the people who do not have auto insurance:
If you do not have either of these policies in your auto insurance plan you would have to pay for the damage to your car and the damage to yourself straight from your own pocket. Which is not a pleasant thought. Get car insurance comparisons now and then go purchase auto insurance online.
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance plans for people 65 and older and younger people with certain disabilities. When you enroll in Medicare for the first time, you’re automatically enrolled in this “traditional” program. However, you have the option of joining a Medicare Advantage Plan. Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan can be confusing but here are some tips to guide you:
What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage Plans are hospitalization and medical plans offered by private insurance companies. Some also offer vision or dental coverage. Being covered by this type of plan means you are not covered by traditional Medicare but may offer you more flexibility and coverage than traditional Medicare.
Types of Medicare Advantage Plans.
Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies and there are several types on the market. There are Health Maintenance Organizations or HMOs. HMOs have a network and you chose a primary care physician within that network. You will want to be sure your physician is a part of the network for your HMO plan. HMOs will deny coverage if treatment is received by a physician not within the network (except in an emergency) or if you do not go through a proper referral for a specialist. Other types of Medicare Advantage Plans are Preferred Provider Organizations or PPOs. PPOs are similar to HMOs but have no network. Although you can see any physician, you want to make sure your physician accepts your PPO plan.
Premium Costs
Plans vary state by state so coverage under a certain premium may vary. Each insurance company sets their own rates for premiums. In some cases you can still required to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Be sure to ask your insurance agent if the Medicare Advantage Plan you choose covers all or part of the Part B premium.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Most plans have an annual limit of out of pocket costs. With Medicare Advantage Plans you have to pay co-payments or have an annual deductible. Some plans may have additional costs for services such as emergency room visits, lab work, or a private room during a hospital stay.
Drug Coverage
Some plans have drug benefits. If you are taking a medication, make sure it is covered by your plan and make sure you choose a plan based on the specific medication you take, because plans can charge different co-pays for the same drug.
More information
To get more information about Medicare Advantage Plans, you can go online and get quotes for different premiums, co-payment amounts and annual deductibles and whether your particular medications are covered by a plan.
Upon the death of her husband, a widow has to take financial responsibility of a household and manage money, maybe for the first time. With gender roles, many men have always managed the family finances and investments. For some widows, they are left with having to handle new, complicated finances and the issue of what to do when term life insurance funds are received. This article offers guidance as to how to avoid some initial financial mistakes.
Don’t Rush to Make Big Changes
The first few months or so after a husband’s death, a widow should not rush to make any big financial changes. If there is sufficient life insurance, income or savings, she should have funds to pay immediate bills. As a first step, she should figure out the basic monthly system to pay bills, understand how the family’s health insurance works and take steps to collect on any life insurance policies. It is recommended by experts that people do not make any irreversible decisions in the first month or two following the death of a spouse, according to a New York Time blog on the topic. It is also helpful to not that life insurance funds are received tax free so there is time to evaluate how they will be spent or invested.
Don’t Make a Rushed Decision Regarding the House
One mistake widows make early on is too quickly using life insurance funds to pay off the mortgage on the family home, only to later need liquidity to pay bills, to have yard work or snow removal done or to pay for in-home assistance to keep them at home.
Although it can be upsetting to live in the family home when a spouse passes away, this major asset might be a stable piece of security for most widows. Selling a house in the current housing market can be stressful and will likely not result in the full value of the property being paid in this down market.
Be Wary of Adult Children and New Suitors
Widows with new funds from a life insurance policy, may find themselves victims of adult children who are looking for an advance on their inheritance or suitors looking for financial stability. Although not all adult children or suitors are a problem, widows might want to wait a few years before making any big changes in their lives to protect themselves and their future. In the short-term, it is better that they take their advice and guidance from financial planners and find financial and emotional stability before making any major decisions.
Nobody ever likes to think it's going to happen to them but your chances of becoming disabled sooner or later are very high. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there are already 11.8 million Americans who reported the presence of some partial disability or another that makes it difficult for them to find a job or remain employed.
While we immediately picture someone in a wheelchair when the word "disability" is used, it is actually a very diverse subject that ranges from learning difficulties and hearing impairment to total blindness as well as sensory and cognitive issues. A person can be also considered as disabled if he or she has physical or mental problems arising from chronic injury or long-term illness.
One can never anticipate when tragedy will strike. Regardless of how healthy you think you are or how superb your working environment may be, you could suddenly suffer from disability without warning. Should you become disabled right at this very moment, do you already have a reliable financial backup plan to help you maintain a comfortable lifestyle for you and your family without emptying your bank account anytime soon?
Unforeseen misfortunes are the reasons why it makes sense to have disability insurance as early as now. Although it may sound a bit technical at first, disability insurance is essentially a financial tool designed to pay out a suitable percentage of your income when you are unable to work. With disability insurance in your arsenal, you'll never be in a tight spot when it comes to paying the bills, shopping for groceries and providing for your children's education when you're at your most vulnerable.
Let's get real. People go blind, deaf, get paralyzed, or catch serious diseases every day. Don't wait until it's too late. Act now. Start saving up for a much brighter future no matter what happens when you give our informative pages a quick browse right away.
New reports indicate Hurricane Irene might prove to be one of the 10 most expensive disasters in U.S. history. Hurricane Irene hit the Northeast in August 2011 and was the worst hurricane of the 2011 hurricane season, causing 56 deaths and upwards of $10 billion in damage, according to the New York Times. With this hurricane, citizens of states such as Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey or New York have a renewed interest in making sure some kind of hurricane coverage is a part of their homeowners insurance. As a new first-time buyer of this coverage, here is how to get started:
Do You Have Current Coverage?
First, call your homeowners insurance agent to see if your current policy has hurricane coverage and how much it would cost to add the coverage. Peace of mind might be as close as one phone call to get a quote and add the coverage. Since this coverage is usually expensive, you might also want to get a few other quotes to compare and ask your agent if they can match another company’s lower quote.
If You Need to Find Coverage
In certain areas, it might be hard to find a homeowners insurance company that offers hurricane coverage. To find names of companies, look to your state insurance board. From this website or by calling them, you should be able to find out which companies offer hurricane coverage. If your state insurance board lists a company, you then know they are fully licensed in your state to sell insurance. If a company is not listed with your state, do not buy from them. If you are not able to find information through your state’s board of insurance, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is another resource with a helpful website which includes maps to show you insurance companies in your area.
Is Your Current Coverage Enough?
If hurricane coverage is too expensive or is not available in your area, your current policy might have wind or flood damage coverage. In some areas, coverage for flooding or wind damage has been sufficient to settle claims in your area and might be one reason hurricane coverage is not offered. Flood insurance is particularly important. With Hurricane Irene, much of the damage was caused by flooding and, according to the New York Times, because consumers did not have this type of coverage as a part of their homeowners insurance, it is estimated that less than 40% of the total losses for Hurricane Irene damage were paid by insurance carriers. This is a lower amount that in past hurricanes and is an illustration of how important it is to have flood coverage, especially if you live near water or in a coastal area.
As the American population ages it becomes more important for Americans to understand Long Term Care Insurance. Long Term Care Insurance can provide coverage that will pay for your care if you are unable to care for yourself. This coverage can keep you out of a nursing home, keep you from having to apply for Medicaid and can preserve your assets for future generations. Here are some answers to common questions about this coverage to make your decision whether to buy it easier:
How does Coverage Work?
Long term care coverage is designed to pay the cost of services for what is known as the activities of daily living or ADLs. ADLs include eating, dressing, moving from a chair to a bed and using the bathroom. Some people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease have additional needs beyond ADLs including supervision and reminders to do daily tasks such as bathing or taking their medication.
What Services Does It Cover?
When long term care insurance started about 20 years ago it only covered nursing home case. Today, it has expanded. Some policies include payments for respite care, adult foster home, adult day care, independent and assisted living facilities and hospice care. Most policies include payments for in-home assistance with medical and housekeeping needs. For many people, the difference between staying at home or going to a nursing home is finding in-home assistance to meet ADLs and keep them safe.
What is a “Facility Daily Benefit”?
The Facility Daily Benefit is the highest amount your plan will pay for your care in if you live away from home and have institutional, long term care needs. Plans and premiums vary in the amounts they pay for this benefit. When choosing this amount, you want to look at how much it will cost per day for you stay in a nursing home in your area. The average nursing home stay in the United States averages $7,500 per year and most seniors need this care for 3 to 5 years. However, costs in your area might be much higher so it pays to make a few phone calls.
Is Coverage Right for You?
If you and your family have assets you would like to preserve from paying the cost your long term care, this coverage is vital for you. Without this coverage, your legacy could easily be spent to pay for your care in the event of an illness or injury that prevents you from caring for yourself, even for a short period of time. Other factors to consider when thinking about this coverage are:
Winter driving is tricky. If possible, avoid driving on ice or snow. However, if you must drive in winter conditions, it is important to give yourself a lot of time to get to your destination and remember your car cannot easily maneuver on ice or snow, which makes accidents more possible. With more accidents, your car insurance premiums go up. To avoid a winter weather accident, here are some tips for driving safely:
Get the Right Tires
Tires need at least a 6/32-inch deep tread to drive in snow and get adequate tire traction. Summer tires offer little or no traction in the snow. Buy a full set of four snow tires and do not mix snow tires with other tires. To avoid skidding from your back tires, make sure your back tires and front tires have the same amount of tread.
Learn to Use Antilock Brakes
Antilock brakes are easy to use and can help you avoid a skid in an emergency. When you need to stop, simply push down hard on the pedal, stay on the pedal and steer around the obstacle. Do not remove your foot from the brake or pump the brakes. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and apply firm pressure with the ball of your foot on the brake pedal. You will feel the brakes vibrate, which means the antilock brake is working. When you regain control of your car, drive carefully and slowly.
Watch for “black ice”
Keep on the lookout for “black ice.” Black ice is transparent ice that often looks like a simple puddle or you don’t see it at all. To better see black ice, make sure your headlights are working and clear of ice and snow. When you encounter black ice, test your traction by slightly applying your brakes and making a minor turn of your wheel. If you start to skid, take your slow down and turn into the skid to regain control of your car.
Don’t Overturn the Steering Wheel
Don’t panic and overturn the steering wheel if you lose traction. If you overturn your steering wheel, when the icy conditions end, your car will dart in the direction you turned the wheel. This sudden movement can be dangerous and you could lose control and hit another car or a tree. Slight changes in the wheel when driving are better to keep you safe and to keep control of your car.
If you’re like most people, you've probably worked really hard to buy the car you are driving right now. The bad news is no matter how much you take care of your vehicle, a single unexpected peril or traffic mishap can easily wipe it out in the blink of an eye. Unless you've got car insurance in your arsenal of financial tools, recouping whatever losses you may incur along the way can be quite unthinkable.
Even if you are a careful driver who has never had so much as a tiny fender bender, you're putting yourself and your bank account at risk each and every day you take your automobile for a spin without car insurance. While regarded as another seemingly useless expense given the rising costs of owning a car, signing up for car insurance is definitely one of the most important decisions you'll ever make.
At its simplest, car insurance is a legal contract between you and an insurance company where the latter agrees to cover enough when your vehicle becomes damaged or destroyed should you get involved in an accident. Besides providing protection against losses incurred as a result of traffic mishaps, it also helps pay for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.
If you are asking yourself can you legally without car insurance, the answer is no and this is the number one reason why you need to sign up for a policy as soon as possible. The law wants to make sure that you are properly protected while you are out on the road and you're running the risk of large fines, a suspended driver's license and even possible jail time if you're caught driving without one.
Don't wait until it's too late. It only takes a split second for the unthinkable to happen. What are the chances these ugly situations could arise? Very high. Car insurance need not be expensive, too. Make sure you check out our pages right away to get access to the coverage options that will perfectly suit your budget in a single click.
When a teenager is added to a car insurance policy, premiums can go way up. The rise of crash per mile driven is three times higher for drivers 16 to 19 years old than for drivers 65 to 69 years old. When you add a teen to your policy, premiums can increase by nearly 50% for a girl and up to 100% for a boy. However, there are some things you can discuss with teenager to lower your current premiums and to prevent your teenager from paying higher premiums in the future:
Slow Down
Not only is driving over the speed limit dangerous, if your teenager gets a ticket for a speeding violation, your rates to renew will go up. Also, if a teenager receives multiple speeding violations, a car insurance company can cancel or refuse to renew your policy. A speeding ticket will also result in your teenager paying higher premiums when they want to buy their own insurance in the future.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Talk to your teenager about driving and driving. This reckless behavior not only results in death and injury. If a teenager receives a DUI ticket, they can face having their car insurance cancelled and can expect to pay a much higher rate for any car insurance they are able to secure for at least 3 to 5 years after receiving the ticket.
Don’t Let Friends Borrow Their Car
You should explain to your teenager that, if a friend borrows their car and has an accident, the insurance company will pay out just as if they were the driver. Do not allow your teenager to lend their car to friends and tell them not to let their friends drive them in their car.
Preventing Theft
Make sure to review with your teenagers some steps they can take to avoid their car being stolen or broken into. What seems like common sense to you, a long-term driver, might not be as clear to a first-time driver. Tell your teenager to never leave the keys in the ignition, to always park in a well-lit, secure area, to not leave valuables such as a GPS device or a backpack, and when leaving the car unattended, always close all windows and lock the car doors.
As a parent, you take steps to protect your children on a daily basis. When your teenager earns a driver’s license, this is another major step in your role to guide them as parents. Make sure to keep the lines of communication open and explain to your teenager that the habits they develop now can result in them not only being safe drivers overall but will pay off in lower car insurance policy premiums for them in the future.
The first of the Baby Boomers turn age 65 in 2011. In the next few years, millions of these boomers will enroll in Medicare, the federally funded medical, hospitalization and prescription drug insurance plan for seniors. Although Medicare includes a drug benefit, purchasing a Medicare Plan with a drug benefit through a private insurance company might be a better way for seniors to save money.
Under traditional Medicare, the prescription drug benefit is called Part D. However, consumers can purchase their own Medicare Plans, offered by private insurance companies. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan:
Drug Benefit as a Part of a Medicare Advantage Drug Plan
If you have already made the decision to opt out of traditional Medicare and purchase a private plan, your plans might include a drug benefit that can be built into your monthly premium. Contact your current agent and see if this is included in your policy and, if not, how much it would cost you per month to add a drug benefit. If you are just starting the process of shopping for a Medicare Advantage Plan, make sure to ask if drug coverage is included in plans you are considering.
The “Doughnut Hole”
Some plans, including traditional Medicare Part D, have a “doughnut hole” or coverage gap, depending on your drug costs. The coverage gap starts when you reach a certain amount of total drug costs and ends when you reach a certain amount of out-of-pocket costs. Some private plans offer alerts to tell you when you get close to the gap by a letter, email or phone call. Some companies also offer you money savings tips to avoid paying high costs for drugs and postpone entering the coverage gap, such as providing you with resources to lower your co-payment for generic drugs received by mail during the coverage gap period.
What is the Co-pay For Your Drug?
Medicare prescription drugs plans classify prescription drugs into tiers. Each tier has its own co-pay. In additional to getting a premium quote, you should carefully compare private plans to see which of your prescription drugs are covered and how much your co-pays will be for these drugs. Your agent is a great resource for this information but some companies also offer online tools for cost comparisons for different drugs so you can compare costs. Before you purchase a policy, make sure you are getting the maximum benefit for your unique health needs.
When to Enroll?
Enrollment in traditional Medicare or a private Medicare Part D Plan is available near the time you are eligible for benefits and annually during certain dates. Your initial enrollment period is the seven month period that starts three months after the month you qualify for Medicare (for most people, when they turn 65) and ends three month after. Also, each year, you can enroll, cancel or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
In recent years, over 30 states have passed laws banning texting or cell phone use while driving. These laws were passed as a direct result of distracted drivers causing accidents and endangering other drivers. Other drivers drive distracted while applying makeup, eating or smoking while behind the wheel. Anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your attention away from driving is dangerous. Here are some helpful tips to avoid a car accident claim in the new year:
Safe Cell Phone Use
Never text on your phone while driving. Know your cell phones features before you take it in your car. If you have to make a call, ask a passenger to call for you. If you don’t have a passenger and must use your cell phone in the car, pull over to the side of the road and make a quick call. If you live in a state that allows cell phone use while driving, use speaker phone to keep both hands on the wheel. Never have an emotional phone call while driving and keep your calls in the car infrequent. Always let the person on the other end of the call know you are driving so they will also keep it short.
Don’t Let Your Car Be a Distraction
Be sure to set climate control, GPS devices and radio stations before you start driving. If you need to put in a destination on your GPS device, have a passenger put in an address or pull off to the side of the road to add the address to your GPS device. Secure items such as a cell phone, video game or GPS device that may move around in the car and distract you.
Safe Personal Habits
Avoid drinking, eating, reading and smoking while driving. Do not make business calls or take notes while driving. Also, don’t put on makeup, groom your hair or look at your phone while on the road. If you need to tend to children, pull off to the side of the road. Review maps and directions before heading to a new destination. Remember that driving safely requires your full attention, if you find your mind wandering off, you may want to pull over to get gas, eat or make a quick phone call. If you can’t pull off the road, remind yourself to stay alert and to concentrate on driving.
Distracted driving can take your eyes and attention off the road. To stay safe and avoid accidents, make sure you keep your focus on driving and, if you find yourself distracted, don’t hesitate to pull off the road and address whatever is distracting you instead of risking an accident.
With the first big winter storms starting in the northeast, every driver should take the time to review tips for safe winter driving. To avoid an unhappy new year, it’s best to play it safe. More accidents result in higher car insurance premiums and, in these tough financial times, every penny counts. To avoid an accident this winter, keep these tips in mind:
Pay Attention and Be Prepared
Make sure you are alert and not fatigued when you set out for a road trip. Get plenty of sleep the night before and plan your route, including breaks, in advance. If there is a storm, it might be safer to delay travel or only drive during the day. If you must travel in a storm, pack an emergency kit with water, flashlights, blanket, jumper cables, battery-powered radio, flares, a first aid kit and non-perishable food.
Drive Carefully
Speed up and slow down slowly. If your car begins to skid, slow down and turn into the skid to regain control of your car. If your car gets stuck in the snow, applying the gas slowly will help you gain traction. Take extra time to slow down for stop signs and traffic lights. Remember, it takes longer to drive on ice or snow covered roads. No car movements, such as turning or slowing down, happen as quickly on ice as they do on pavement. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Back Off
Stay a careful distance between you and the car in front of you. On dry pavement, a good distance between you and the car in front of you is three to four seconds. In snow or on icy roads, this should be increased to eight to ten seconds. Leave enough room between you and the car in front of you so you can avoid snow and ice hitting your windshield. Be extra careful driving at night.
If You Have to Drive Up or Down a Hill
When coming up to a hill, accelerate a bit before so the car will going faster when you get to the hill to carry you to the top. Waiting until you are on the hill to accelerate will only result in your wheels spinning. Do not stop on an icy hill because you will probably not be able to get traction to keep climbing. When you reach the crest of the hill, slow down and go down the hill as slowly as possible.
Following these winter driving tips, you will be a safer driver and avoid any costly claims for an accident this winter.
The leading cause of death for young people 15 to 20 years of age is car accidents. Two out of three teens die as passengers in a car accident and the majority of teen accidents occur with a passenger in the car. Many of these accidents are caused by a teenager’s inexperience behind the wheel and risk-taking behaviors, including driving while distracted. To date, over 30 states have passed law banning or limiting the use of cell phones while driving. To avoid an accident for your teenager and higher car insurance premiums, here is some advice keep your teenager safe behind the wheel:
Know Your State’s Cell Phone Laws
Know the laws governing cell phone use while driving in your state and make sure your teenager knows they can get a hefty ticket for violating these laws. The more tickets they receive, the higher their car insurance premiums, now and in the future. Tell your teenager to never text and drive. If cell phone use is allowed in your state while driving, make sure your teenager only uses the cell phone for important calls and uses the speaker phone if possible so they keep both hands on the wheel. If possible, they should have a passenger make a call or pull off to the side of the road.
Plan Ahead
Make sure your teenager knows how their phone functions before they get on the road. Before starting a drive, your teenage driver should review maps, directions and program a GPS device. Also, radios, CD players and climate control should be set up before hitting the road. So they can hear other cars, teenagers should never wear headphones while driving.
Keep Focused
Remind your teenager that it’s important they stay focused while driving. If something is a distraction, they should not hesitate to pull over and resolve the situation before continuing on the road. Make sure your teenage driver knows to avoid horseplay in the car and, if they have an emotional conversation with a passenger, to pull over for this talk. Your teenager should also know to never put on makeup, groom their hair, drink, eat, smoke or read while driving. These activities take their eyes off the road and result in dangerous driving.
Teenage drivers are new to driving and what seems like common sense to an experienced driver might not occur to them to be risky behavior. Take the time to talk to your teenager and make sure they understand distracted driving is dangerous driving.
With the holiday season approaching, your teenager might be dreaming of getting a new car as the ultimate gift. When your teenager begins driving, be prepared for higher premiums. Premiums on existing policies can increase by up to 50% when you add a female teenage driver and up to 100% when you add a male teenage driver. If your teenage does get a car or access to a car this holiday season, you must add them to your policy if they are under 18 years of age and cannot purchase their own policy. However, this is a great time for you to talk to your teenager about how much your premiums will increase and some of the ways you can get the best price on premiums, both now and for your teenager in the future.
Keep Their Grades Up
Discounts of up to 25% are available for teenage drivers who maintain a B average. Call your current car insurance agent and see if your policy includes this discount. If it does not, shop around.
Be a Safe Driver
Make sure your teen knows that safe drivers pay lower premiums for car insurance. If your teenager has an accident or causes expensive property damage, such as hitting a garage, your premiums will go up considerably when you renew. If they keep it safe, your teenager will be able to get better deals on coverage and may qualify for “safe driver discounts” or “no-claims discounts” when they buy their own insurance someday. Also, safety equipment on your teenager’s car, such as motorized seatbelts, airbags and anti-lock brakes can result in discounts of 10% to 30%.
Keep the Car Safe
Around the holiday season, explain to your teenager steps they can take to prevent their car from being broken into or being stolen. Make sure teenager knows to park in a well-lit area and never leave presents or other valuables in the care. Premiums will be lower if your teenager drives a car with an alarm or an immobilizer on the wheel.
Take a Driving Course for Christmas?
If a teenager completes a formal driver training course through a private company, many car insurance companies offer discounts of up to 10%. Discuss this option with your insurance agent to find out about driving courses in your area. The cost of the course may pay for itself in less accidents and lower premiums in years to come.
In recent years, use of marijuana has been up among teenagers, while alcohol use has been falling. This is important news for parents to know when they are talking to their teenagers about the dangers of driving under the influence. To keep their children safe, parents need to know the facts about drug and alcohol use among young people. It’s also important for parents to talk to new drivers about the long-term consequences of a DUI ticket, which can include cancellation of car insurance and insurance premiums increasing significantly for them in future years.
Drinking Going Down
The good news is alcohol use by teenagers has fallen over the past 20 years. In the past decade, binge drinking for teenagers fell from 13.6% to 20% reporting this activity in the past 30 days. For the same time period, fewer 10th graders reported drinking in the previous 30 days, with the numbers falling from 43% to 27%. For 12th graders, these percentages fell from 54% to 40% reporting using alcohol is the last 30 days.
Marijuana Use on the Rise
However, teenage marijuana use has reached a 30-year peak, according to a recent New York Times article. Currently, marijuana use is more prevalent among 10th graders than cigarette smoking and, on a nearly daily basis, one out of every 15 high school students smokes marijuana, according to one study. Medical marijuana, which is legal in 16 states, has given teenagers more access to the drug. Additionally, synthetic marijuana is being marketed to teenagers, causing use of the drug to go up. If teenagers are using marijuana on a daily basis, these same teens might also be driving to school, work or to sporting event under the influence.
The Impact of a DUI Ticket
For years, the focus of teenage driving and DUIs has been centered on teenagers driving habits. With these new studies, marijuana use is something parents need to address with their teens when they talk to them about safe driving. A DUI ticket will cause car insurance premiums to skyrocket. Tickets and accidents for driving under the influence can result in a teenager being unable to get coverage, keep coverage or afford coverage now and in the future. With a DUI conviction, premiums increase up 30%, depending on the state and your insurance company. It’s also hard to leave this ticket behind you. Car insurance companies look at a person’s driving record for up to 7 years when putting together a quote for coverage. A mistake your teenager makes today can have lasting impact on their car insurance costs for year to come.
Apart from providing the safety and protection you need each time you take to the road, it also safeguards your assets from devastating, often costly surprises behind the wheel.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 135 million cars travel on our country's streets, roads and interstates every day. Statistics show that a car accident involving injury occurs approximately every 14 seconds, while a fatal injury related to a car accident occurs about every 12 minutes.
At its simplest, auto insurance is essentially a legal contract between you and an insurance company that gives you protection against any financial loss in the event you get involved in a traffic mishap. In exchange for the regular payment of a pre-arranged premium, the latter consents to pay for the damages or losses as defined in the policy you opted for. Why don't you give our helpful pages a browse right now to zero in on the best online auto insurance quotes in the worldwide web at a touch of a button?
Auto insurance is not just about paying for damages to your own car. In fact, there are several types of coverage available to take care of whatever need you may have in the long run. Examples include property coverage, which allots a suitable amount for any damage to or theft of your car; medical coverage that takes care of the payment of rehabilitation, treatment of injuries, including lost wages and funeral expenses; as well as liability coverage that insures you against the legal and financial responsibility of incurring bodily or property damage to others.
No matter how experienced you are as a driver, accidents can happen the least you expect them to. While you were reading this, approximately 4 car accidents involving injury have already occurred somewhere in the country. Don't leave your and your family's lives to chance. Act now. Make sure you check out our pages right away to help you get started without a fuss.
With everything going the digital route these days, calculating auto insurance discounts for traffic safety and low mileage is as easy as installing a high-tech gizmo that effectively monitors your driving habits.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), this trend could be welcome news for consumers who want to find out how much they will spend on car insurance without getting too technical in the process. Dubbed as "usage-based" or "pay as you drive" telematic programs, these devices can help policyholders verify that they drive fewer miles as well as track driver behavior at a touch of a button.
"Policyholders who tend to drive at less risky times of the day and whose driving habits reflect an awareness of road safety are sure to receive a lower rate," the widely-known insurance organization recently announced on their website. As of now, there are already 13 carriers based in and around the United States that are offering this new technology to their policyholders, such as State Farm's Drive Safe & Save, Progressive’s Snapshot as well as Allstate’s Drive Wise.
Insurance companies have long used policyholders’ reported mileage and driving records to help set policy rates but sometimes come up with figures that are totally way off an individual driver's financial capabilities and experience on the road. Telematics are taking estimates out of the equation and delivering data straight from driver to insurer.
While there are a handful of variations on the setup of the telematic system, the most common assembly uses a device inserted into a vehicle’s diagnostic plug to monitor speed, acceleration, braking and other data. Some services even offer direct online access to their carrier's database to make the transfer of information even faster.
If you're looking to find out more about telematics and how it can save you a few dollars off your next premium payment, then you've definitely come to the right place. We can help you zoom in on the best one that will perfectly suit your budget as soon as you check out our helpful pages right now.
Everyone today is looking for the best deal. Car insurance is no exception. Not only do consumers want the best price for your premium, they are looking for coverage with a company that is known for good customer service and is financially solid. Here are some resources to turn to make the best choice:
Insurance Companies Are Rated for Quality
It’s important to find a financially strong company when shopping for car insurance. A company with a low rating might be less willing or less able to pay you if you file a claim. After your car is damaged or broken into, having to fight with your car insurance company for payments is one headache you don’t need. To help you find the best company, there are agencies which rate insurance companies and offer their results online. Each agency using a slightly different criteria to come up with a different rating but all agencies focus on the financial soundness of companies. Companies with the best, user-friendly websites are Ambest.com, Fitch.com and Moodys.com.
Your State Department of Insurance Can Help
Every state has a department of insurance. This department gives licenses to insurance companies and often posts information online about the quality of coverage or consumer complaints. Because these departments provide licenses for insurance companies, they can tell you if your company is licensed and if they have a good rating. If online resources don’t provide this information, call your state department of insurance for this information. If a company is not listed with this department, it is not licensed to sell insurance in your state and you should not buy their policy.
Find Out About Consumer Complaints
The Better Business Bureau in your area is another great resource. This non-profit organization offers subjective opinions about insurance companies, based on criteria such as the best customer service and the most affordable and publishes ratings of companies and consumer complaints for your information.
When shopping for car insurance in today’s unstable financial markets, it’s important to look beyond the best premium quote. Consumers also want a company that will be there for you if you a file a claim and can offer you stable, long-term coverage. To find that company, research these resources online or make a few easy phone calls. The time you spend doing your homework will be well worth it in the event of a claim.
Collisions between cars and deer have been increasing in recent years. In 2010, these accidents caused auto damages to cars in Ohio totaling almost $72.2 million, according to the Ohio Insurance Institute. However, there are some tips you can follow to avoid becoming a victim of this trend:
Deer Collisions Are Up
Nationwide, deer collisions nationwide have increased 21% compared with 5 years ago, according to the New York Times. Estimates of reported and unreported collisions with deer in the United States are estimated to total up to 2 million incidents per year. In Ohio, the counties with the most collisions in 2010 were Richland, Stark, Hamilton, Summit and Williams with an average of 600 collisions per county. This trend is mainly due to spread of housing into woodlands and prairies and deer become more comfortable in a suburban setting.
Accidents are not only deadly for the deer, they accounts for millions of dollars in car repair, medical costs and human deaths annually in Ohio. The cost of vehicle damage in auto insurance claims varies widely depending on the make and model of the car, the speed upon impact, and the area of the car that takes the hit. Vehicle damage from deer accidents average about $3,100.00 per claim nationally, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Obviously, collisions that result in bodily injury to the driver are much more costly.
Tips to Avoid a Deer Collision
Keeping all this in mind, it is in your best interest to avoid a deer collision. Here are some tips to can follow to avoid an accident with a deer:
With deer collision in Ohio and nationally on the rise, it is important to be aware of this trend and to take steps to avoid an accident or having to file a costly claim on your auto insurance policy.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), one in three men and one in four women between the ages of 35 and 55 will develop a critical illness, and upwards of 375,000 Americans will become totally disabled well before full retirement age. Regardless of how hale and hearty you think you are or how safe your work environment may be, your chances of suffering from partial or complete disability are still very high.
While we almost immediately think of a person in a wheelchair when the term "disability" is used, it is actually a very diverse subject. In a nutshell, disability can be any continuing condition that limits everyday activities. Apart from physical deformities and mobility issues, it also includes mental, sensory and cognitive difficulties like blindness, hearing impairment, chronic injuries, long-term illnesses, logical issues as well as speech problems.
Nobody ever thinks about the risks of becoming disabled but the reality is that at age 40, your chances of becoming disabled for 90 days or more prior to age 65 is at a staggering 43%, the National Underwriter Field Guide reports. It could happen to you or any other breadwinner in your family in a blink of an eye. If you're looking to up the ante on the safety and protection you truly deserve in the event of a disability, then you should absolutely get access to income replacement insurance right away.
Although disability insurance can sound a bit technical at first, it really is very simple concept to follow: when you can’t work, disability insurance gets into action for you. It simply replaces a convenient portion of your income if you become disabled and are unable to work. With access to disability insurance, you won't have problems buying your groceries, paying your utility bills, making your monthly rent or car payment and providing for your children's education.
Sure you're worried about your house burning down or your car getting a couple of bumps while taking it for a spin but where would you turn to should anything happen to you and your family when you suffer from a disability sooner or later? Don't wait until it's too late. Make sure you give our pages a quick browse right now to get started to a safer, brighter future in no time at all.
With America’s population aging, more and more consumers are buying long term care insurance. According to one study, 70% of all Americans age 65 and older require some form of long term care and, on average, need this care for 3 to 5 years. Long term care not only includes caring for those in a nursing home but also includes assistance with daily living at home such as help with dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, eating and getting in and out of bed. In deciding whether you need to invest in this type of insurance, here are some of the advantages to consider:
Long Term Care Insurance Will Give you Choices
With this coverage, you will be able to maintain more control over decisions about your care. If you are unable to pay for care yourself, you will be less likely to have enough money to stay at home. If you end up in the nursing home as a private pay resident, you will have more, better places to choose from than if you were a Medicaid payee. As a private pay resident, you will enjoy the freedom to choose a facility that meets your needs.
Avoiding Medicaid
The average cost of a resident’s stay in a nursing home in the United States is $7,500 per year so pay privately without long term care coverage for most people, in the long term, is impossible. If you do not have sufficient funds to pay privately for a nursing home, you will have to apply for Medicaid, a poverty-based program funded by the federal government. As a part of the Medicaid application process, you have to produce extensive financial records and you have to deplete your assets before you are eligible for the program to pay your expenses, leaving very little for your legacy.
Staying Independent
Although some people believe their family will provide for their long-term care, in many cases, they will not want them too. Personal acts such a bathing or using the bathroom are not moments most people want to share with their children. It will be a great relief to know you are not a burden, emotionally or financially, on your family in the event you are unable to care for yourself.
Peace of Mind
For most people, it is a tremendous relief to know that they have taken this vital step to make sure they have the most options and will receive the best possible care if they need long term care. Being able to avoid applying for Medicaid or having family member take personal care of you, for most people, is well worth the price of this coverage.
Car insurance premiums have been going up in recent years. Most senior citizens live on a strict budget and it is not uncommon for car insurance premiums to be a major part of a senior’s household budget. However, if you do some research, ask for some discounts, and get some quotes to compare, you can maybe secure a cheaper monthly premium, which adds money to your monthly budget. As a senior shopping for insurance, keep these in mind:
Mature Driving Discounts
Seniors citizens continue to be some of the most responsible and safest drivers on the road. Compared to teenagers, the chance of a crash per mile is three times higher for drivers 16 to 19 years old than for drivers 65 to 69 years old. Keeping this in mind, most car insurance companies offer a “mature driver” discount. A mature driver discount alone can save you 5% off your premiums.
Take Steps to Avoid a Break-in
The more insurance claims you file, the most expensive your car insurance will be. Take steps to avoid your car being broken into. Always park in a well-lit, secure area, never leave the keys in the ignition and do not leave valuables such as a purse or GPS device in your car. When you leave your car unattended, always close all windows and lock the car doors.
Take a Refresher Course
Companies often offer a discount to seniors who take a defensive driving course. For information on these courses, you can contact your state’s department of insurance, your current agent or the National Safety Council. Completion of this course can lower your premiums by up to 10%. As cost for these courses average only $20.00 to $30.00, they easily pay for themselves in lower premiums.
Don’t be Overinsured
Look at the value of your car. Your insurance company will only pay for repairs up to the value of your car. If you have an older car with high mileage, you might have more coverage than you can ever use.
Low Mileage Discounts
Some insurance companies offer a low mileage discount. If you are no longer driving children to school or driving to work each day, you might qualify for this discount. Although mileage for this program may vary, most companies set a maximum annual mileage of 7,500 mile to qualify for this discount. Take the time to call your agent and see if you are eligible for this program.
Experts recommend getting three quotes before buying car insurance. It might be well worth your time to contact your agent about these discounts and then get some additional quotes to compare. A lower car insurance premium is money in your pocket each month.
Choosing the right amount of home insurance can be difficult. Home insurance is a mystery for many people, especially first-time home owners. This article will outline some factors to keep in mind to make your decision easier when looking for the best package for you.
What is Home Insurance?
Home insurance covers the replacement cost of your home and its contents, in case of an emergency such as fire, damage or theft. Home insurance can cover the cost of the loss of your home, as well as some of your living expenses in case your home becomes uninhabitable for a period of time due to an emergency. Without home insurance, the cost for repair or replacement of your home and belongings as well as paying for supplemental housing can be a financial disaster for you and your family.
How Much Home Insurance Do You Need?
How much home insurance do you need? When reviewing your policy, you will want to look at any limits on repairs and on the amount of money you will be reimbursed for supplemental housing. Most importantly, you need enough coverage to rebuild your home if it is destroyed or pay for any extensive damage due to fire, explosion, theft or other cause of damage.
To purchase home insurance, it is important to know the total cost of rebuilding your home. This figure is different than the resale value of your home. The resale value of your home includes the value of the land your home was built on. Also, the construction of a single home may cost more than the construction of multiple homes. Builders often minimize the cost of materials and labor by building multiple homes at one time. To determine the cost to rebuild your home, you should also consider the value of upgrades you made to your home such as a new kitchen and bathroom, furnishing a basement or adding insulation and energy efficiency measures.
Also, don’t confuse the cost to rebuild your home with the cost to pay your mortgage. Mortgage balance and replacement cost are two different things and your mortgage balance does not impact the cost to rebuild your house.
To find out the cost to replace your home, you can get a replacement cost appraisal from a building contractor or real estate appraiser to give you a detailed estimate of this cost and a realistic picture of how much insurance coverage you require.
Some people believe it’s unnecessary or too costly for them to purchase a Term Life Insurance policy. However, there are some great affordable policies currently on the market and, in these tough financial times, it is particularly important for people to look to making the move now to buy Term Life Insurance.
Some reasons why it’s important to buy a term life insurance policy now:
Provide for Dependents
Buying life insurance is vitally important for families. The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates it costs $226,920.00 to raise a child from birth to age 18. This is 40% more than only a decade ago. The money provided by the policy replaces the money provided by a family’s breadwinner in the event of his or her death. In these tough economic times, it will be difficult, if not impossible, for a spouse staying home with small children to easily re-enter the workforce in the event of her spouse’s death. Also, in the event of the death of a single parent, family members who act as guardians for the children will need financial help.
Better to Purchase Insurance While You Are Young
Even if you don’t currently have dependants, it is important you take the step to buy term life insurance while you are young. Purchasing term life insurance at a younger age will result in cheaper quotes for premiums providing more coverage. A 35 year old can pay only $15.00 per month for a policy while a 50 year old can pay as much as $45 a month for a policy with the same coverage amount.
Do It While You are Healthy
The state of your health has a direct impact on how much you will pay for life insurance. If you purchase a plan while you are healthy, premiums will be cheaper. After a diagnosis or a health crisis, premiums will be considerably higher or you might be unable to secure coverage.
Provide for Payment of Any Final Debts
Although it can be uncomfortable to think about, there are also costs associated with your death. Costs for a funeral in the United States usually range from $6,000.00 to 12,000.00. This is a considerably sum for your family to have to pay and struggling to pay this expense can result in added stress and heartache during an already stressful time. Additionally, you may leave other debts that can be paid by a term life insurance policy such as credit cars or car payments, which would otherwise be a burden on those left behind.
Although regarded by some as another seemingly useless expense given the rising costs of owning a vehicle nowadays, signing up for car insurance is perhaps one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Besides giving you the safety and protection you need behind the wheel, this handy financial tool is essentially smart planning in action that can help protect you and your household from expensive, sometimes devastating surprises on the road.
Contrary to what most people suppose, car insurance is a very easy concept to follow. It is basically a legal contract between you and an insurance carrier. Should you get involved in a traffic mishap sooner or later, the latter agrees to provide protection against losses incurred as a result of vehicular accidents and against the potential liability that you could suffer from in the same.
If you are asking yourself why you need car insurance in the first place, the number one reason is it's illegal to drive an automobile without one. If you get caught taking to the road without the proper insurance coverage, it can result in large fines, a suspended driver’s license and even time behind bars. That's why you need to zoom in on the best car insurance quotes as early as now to help you get started in no time at all.
Car insurance is more than just a reliable boost to help pay for damage to or theft of your car. It can also allot a suitable amount to take care of your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage as well as provide for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.
Traffic accidents can happen even to the best drivers. Regardless if you are a careful motorist who has never had so much as a tiny fender bender, you're putting yourself and your bank account at risk each and every time you take your vehicle for a spin without having access to car insurance.
Every second counts. Don't wait until it's too late. Whether you're looking for a new policy or trying to switch providers, you'll definitely zero in on the best car insurance deals you've always wanted without overspending even a single dime as soon as you give our give our pages a quick browse right now.
Given the rising costs of owning a vehicle, some people consider car insurance as another seemingly useless expense. However, as tempting as it may be to ditch out on signing up for a policy, getting access to car insurance is definitely one of the smartest financial moves you'll ever make. Make sure you check out the rest of this article to find out why.
At its simplest, car insurance is smart planning in action that can help protect you and your family from expensive, sometimes devastating surprises on the road. It is basically a legal contract between you and an insurance company where should you get involved in a traffic mishap, the latter agrees to cover whatever losses you may incur along the way.
Did you know that you're running a huge financial risk each time you take your vehicle for a spin without car insurance? Whether you drive a shiny new sports car or perhaps a bona fide clunker, getting access to a policy as early as now is definitely one of the best ways to keep well out of harm's way. Besides the legal necessity to have auto insurance, there are several very good reasons why you need it.
A standard car insurance deal these days isn't just about paying for damages to your own vehicle when the worst happens. It also covers pretty much anything from payment if your car is damaged as a result of colliding with another automobile or object, injuries caused to someone else, reimbursement if your vehicle is stolen, payment for damage to someone else’s property caused by your automobile and various wreckage ranging from a few dings to total loss due to natural causes like earthquakes, hail, falling objects, vandalism and fire.
Even if you're a very careful driver who has never had as much as a minor fender bender over the years, zooming in on top-notch car insurance as soon as possible is certainly a priority. Don't wait until it's too late. Grab the safety and protection you and your family need behind the wheel right now by checking out our superb car insurance quotes to help you get started in no time at all.
When looking to lower your car insurance costs, many people rely on the most common advice to just raise their deductible and keep a safe driving record to get lower premiums. However, there are some other creative ways to lower your car insurance costs you might not have thought of:
Are you Eligible for a Group Policy?
Some insurers offer rates to members of certain organizations or employees of certain businesses. Look at professional organizations you are a member of and see if they offer a group policy that is more affordable than your current policy. Also, call your current agent and ask him or her if you are eligible for a group discount.
Do You Have Duplicate Coverage?
Do you have health insurance coverage on your car insurance policy? If you also have health insurance coverage through your employer, you might have duplicate coverage for injuries in an accident. Some car insurance companies will give you a discount if you work with them to coordinate your car insurance coverage with your health insurance coverage so your car policy pays what your health insurance does not.
Is it Cheaper to Have a Different Kind of Collision Coverage?
Collision coverage pays for damage and repairs to your car if you have an accident. In some states, it is not required by law and you can decline this coverage. If a car is financed, most banks require collision coverage but, if it is not required, you can pay out of pocket for damages if you chose.
There are three types of collision coverage – limited, standard and broad. Limited is the cheapest and provides the least coverage. Standard is the middle range of coverage. Broad coverage offers the most coverage and is the most expensive. To save money, you might want to compare your current collision coverage and see if a cheaper option is better for you. If you have an older car, you might want to only pay for limited collision coverage and save yourself money to purchase a new car in the event of a major accident.
Do you Need All the Coverage You Have?
Look at your policy and cancel coverage you don’t need. Do you need coverage for towing or car rental? What would be your liability if you cancelled coverage for uninsured motorists? Talk to your agent about these different types of coverage included in your policy and make an informed decision if you can afford to cancel any of them. You might be surprised how much money you save each month.
As you know, the more accidents and claims you have can lead to higher car insurance premiums. This holiday season, make some wise choices regarding holiday car travel and avoid an unhappy new year.
In 2011, the holiday travel from December 23rd to January 2nd will be one of the busiest on American roadways, according to the AAA. Cars remain the first choice of holiday travelers, accounting for 91% of holiday transportation and, during the holiday season, some 83.6 million Americans will travel over 50 miles to get to their holiday destination. With winter storms already hitting the middle of America, here are travel tips for your holiday travel season:
Don’t Drive Too Close
Be aware of the distance between you and the car in front of you. Leave enough room in front of you so you can avoid ice and snow blowing on your windshield to obstruct you vision. Also, leave enough room so you can see to maneuver around patches of ice in front of you. Be extra cautious at night.
Be Careful Around Trucks
When sharing the road with big trucks, be aware that larger trucks have blind spots. Some trucks have signs which show you their blind spots so you know how to avoid them. Remember, the driver of a truck cannot see you if you cannot see the driver in his or her side mirrors. Also, keep in mind big trucks are heavier and cannot easily make a complete stop. Avoid cutting in front of a truck and wait until you are at a safe distance in front of the truck before you move into the truck’s lane so the driver can slow down if it’s necessary to avoid hitting you.
If You Can, Avoid Extreme Weather
Be flexible and try to avoid driving in snow, ice or hail. You might want to plan to get to your destination early or cut your travel into two days, instead of one, to avoid being in a hurry. It’s also okay to get to your destination later than planned, if you are safe. If possible, do not drive during a storm and try to travel during the day. If you must travel during a storm, bring an emergency kit with you with a battery powered radio, blanket, jumper cables, flares, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food.
If you take these precautions when driving during the holidays, you should have a safe and claim-free new year.
Per a survey by the AAA Foundation, one out of every 6 car accidents in the United States is caused by driving fatigue. During the holiday season, more people are taking long road trips, driving after a large meal or are too busy to get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel. Men are at bigger risk with only 30% of women reported having fallen asleep behind the wheel while 52% of men reported having done so. Drivers under the age of 24 also reported falling asleep behind the wheel more than any other age group. With more accidents and more claims, your car insurance costs will go up. To avoid an accident due to driving fatigue, keep these tips in mind:
Plan Ahead
Before a road trip, make sure you get at least 7 hours worth of sleep hours before driving. Take water and caffeinated beverages with you. If you can, have a passenger with you on road trips so you can share the driving. Also, avoid driving at night and other times you would normally be sleeping.
Recognize the Symptoms
Some of the signs of driving fatigue are difficulty focusing, blinking more than normal, heavy eyelids, yawning, nodding head, drowsiness and rubbing your eyes. You also might find yourself drifting in your lane or have trouble remembering the last few miles of your trip. If you have any of these symptoms, stop driving or take steps to wake yourself up and make you more alert. It’s better to stop driving, than have an accident and a car insurance claim.
During the Drive
If you find yourself getting sleepy while driving, open a window or turn on the air conditioning. The colder air will help keep you awake. Also, turn on the radio loudly or start a conversation with a passenger to stay awake. If you are feeling yourself falling asleep, stop to get coffee or walk around a bit at a gas station.
Take a Break
Make sure you factor breaks into any road trip. A guideline for this is a break once every two hours or every 100 miles. Studies have also shown that a 15 minute power nap can significantly increase your alertness and awareness levels. You may want to consume caffeine prior to this nap, as caffeine takes about 20 to 30 minutes to begin to work to wake you up. When you awake from your nap, you should feel better and be more alert if the caffeine has been absorbed into your system.
If you think ahead and use these tips, you will be a safer driver with a better driving record. In the long run this will not only keep you safe from accidents but will keep your car insurance premiums and out of pocket costs lower.
When a teenager is added to a car insurance policy, premiums can go way up. Teenagers can be dangerous, distracted drivers. The rise of crashes per mile driven is three times higher for drivers 16 to 19 years old than for drivers 65 to 69 years old. With more accidents and more claims, car insurance premiums rise. The hectic holiday season is a perfect time to have a talk with your teenager about making the right choices to keep themselves safe and your car insurance costs down.
Don’t Drive Under the Influence
Talk to your teenager about DUIs. Not only are teens drinking alcohol this time of year, recent studies have found marijuana use is at an all-time high for teenagers. Using drugs or alcohol and getting behind the wheel is reckless behavior that can lead to death and injury. Further, if a teenager receives a DUI ticket, their car insurance coverage can be cancelled and, if you keep their coverage or apply for future coverage, their rates will be significantly higher for up to 7 years following a ticket.
No Speeding
The holiday season seems to move faster each year. Explain to your teens it’s better for them to late to an event than to drive over the speed limit. Not only is speeding dangerous, if your teenager gets a speeding ticket and points added to their license, your premium at renewal of the policy will go up. With multiple speeding tickets, a company can cancel or refuse to renew your policy. Also, a speeding ticket now will result in your teenager paying more for car insurance in the future.
Keeping the Car Safe
Talk to your teenagers about keeping the car safe from being stolen or broken into this holiday season. Make sure they don’t leave presents or valuable such as a GPS device or a backpack where criminals can see them. Tell your teenager to never leave the keys in the ignition, to always park in a well-lit, secure area and always close all windows and lock the car doors when leaving the car unattended.
Don’t Let Friends Use Your Car
What makes sense to us as a long-time car owner might not be as clear to a teenager. Take the time to talk to your teenager and explain to them that, if a friend borrows their car and has an accident, your insurance company will likely end up paying and your rates will go up. Make sure your teenage does not allow friend to drive their car or borrow their car, even for a short trip.
As a parent, you take steps to keep your teenager safe on a daily basis. During the holiday season, you can use this as an opportunity to talk to them about their use of the car and guide them as parents. The habits they develop now will pay off in lower car insurance policy premiums for them in the future.
At the end of the year, companies come out with statistics regarding the best deals for consumers in the prior 12 months. Car insurance is no exception. From a look at current studies, here are the facts about the cheapest and most expensive cars to insure.
Overall Cheapest and Most Expensive Cars to Insure
Three companies, InsWeb, Edmonds.com and Insure.com have recently come out with results about the cheapest and most expensive cars to insure in 2011. Overall, the least expensive vehicles to top the lists are minivans, wagons and Small SUV’s. Not surprisingly, the most expensive are luxury and sports cars. Overall, family cars cost less to insure than flashier luxury or sports cars, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Coupes, Sedans and Trucks Are Cheap To Insure
Edmonds.com released a rundown of the types of cars with the lowest insurance costs. Among coupes, Edmonds.com cited the Kia Forte, Chevrolet Cobalt and the Honda Civic. As for Sedans, the Chevrolet Aero, Volkswagen Jetta, and Suzuki SX4 top the list of cheapest to insure. Edmonds.com also reviewed trucks and found the GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado to be the cheapest to insure. They based their data, in part, on national average annual premiums paid for coverage, projected out to five years.
Which Minivan is the Best Deal to Insure?
Insure.com also released results of a study of the least expensive cars to insure. Leading in their study was the Chrysler Town and County Lx minivan, with an annual average premium of $1,092. Experts also expect the Dodge Grande Caravan to be equally as affordable.
SUV/Minivan crossover
InsWeb Corporation found the Kia Sedona, an SUV/minivan crossover to the best least expensive SUV/minivan vehicle to insure.
Most Expensive To Insure
In the most expensive category, Insure.com found the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG roadster to be the most expensive to insure with an annual premium of $3,544 for a safe, single driver buying coverage. InsWeb and Insure.com cited the sporty Acura ZDX as one of the most expensive cars to insure.
If you are thinking about purchasing a new car in the new year, these studies should serve as a guide when making your choices for the most affordable option to fit your monthly budget.
Michigan law prohibits auto insurance companies from denying or limiting auto insurance coverage if a consumer uses their car for business use or to volunteer. Michigan drivers have a right to full coverage and, if they are denied coverage, there are a series of steps consumers can take to report this violation and resolve the situation.
Right to Full Coverage
Auto insurance in Michigan cannot be limited or refused if a car is used for volunteer work, charity work, business use reimbursed by an employer or contractor, door-to-door delivery or reimbursed sales use. If a driver uses their car for any of these, they are still eligible for full coverage in Michigan. Coverage option in Michigan includes: bodily injury liability, personal injury protection, property damage liability, property protection insurance, protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, which covers you against theft, fire or other disasters. Further, auto insurance companies cannot deny consumer claims for damage or loss when the car is used for these types of activities.
Smart Business Practice
Businesses that use these types of drivers should take steps to make sure they have sufficient coverage to limit their liability in case someone driving for them causes damage. Businesses can limit their liability by doing background checks and training and monitoring drivers. If the business fails to take some preventive measures, they can be sued for negligence.
What if a Consumer Is Refused Coverage?
If a consumer is refused coverage, they can write the auto insurance company a complaint letter and explain to the insurer that the denial violated Michigan Law MCLA 500.2118(2)(f), which prohibits denial of this type of coverage. If a letter does not resolve the situation within 30 days, the consumer can also file a complaint with the Michigan Office of Financial Services and Insurance Services’ Consumer Services Division. This division can be reached toll free at 877-999-6442. Be sure to send the auto insurance company a copy of the complaint to the Consumer Services Division. Hopefully, the insurance company will quickly provide coverage, upon receiving a copy of your complaint.
