Most people are always on the lookout for ways to save money. You might think that items that are mandatory, such as auto insurance, do not offer you many options to do so. However, you could be overlooking a quick and easy way of saving money each year on your insurance premiums simply by not accurately reporting your annual mileage.
Low Mileage = Discount
Insurance companies look at the risk you bring to the table when they determine the rate you pay. The lower your risk, the lower your premiums. If you drive fewer miles than their benchmark figure, you will likely get a discount. While the actual mileage varies with each insurance provider, most use a figure between 7,500 and 15,000 miles annually.
Annual Mileage Reporting
There are a few life circumstances that make it more likely that you are driving under the cap of annual miles set by your insurance company. Adding a second car that is only used for errands is one such example. Retirees who no longer commute to work each day could be eligible for a discount. If you work at home, your annual mileage figures could be reduced enough to allow your annual mileage to fall under the cap. Seniors that do not drive often are another segment of the population that could qualify.
Taking Advantage of the Discount
Depending on your insurance company, you could receive a survey in the mail about your driving habits. Filling this out and returning it to your insurance company gives them the tools they need to they can determine if you are eligible for the discount. Alternatively, you could also contact your insurance company and ask them if you qualify for the low-mileage discount.
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As the winter months approach, more people will find themselves driving on wet roads from the additional amount of rainfall. Unfortunately, many drivers experience rate hikes in insurance premiums as a result of minor fender-benders in the rain; however, by taking a few small steps to improve driving skills during wet roads, drivers can avoid the majority of road condition-related accidents.
Tires
Ultimately, your tires are the only real thing touching the pavement, and in so doing, they are the only thing capable of coming to a stop when you apply the brakes. Every three-months or when you have an oil change, check the tread depth of your tires. If the tread has worn away to less than one-fourth inch, you need to replace the tires. The simplest means of checking the tread depth uses a penny. Turn a penny upside-down and stick it with Lincoln’s head pointing towards the inside of the tire. If you are able to see his head, your tread is too low.
Windshield Wipers
While windshield wipers may not sound like they will prevent a terrible accident, they allow you to have clarity when driving during the rain or while the road is still wet. As the blades age, they crack, chip, and wear away. If you notice unusual streaking or a lack of removal of raindrops, you need to replace your windshield wipers. Most modern vehicles possess universal windshield wiper attachments, and you can change them in less than 5-minutes.
Headlights and Taillights
Every six-months, check the clarity of your headlights, taillights, turn signals, and any other safety lights on your vehicle. Dull lights can result in other drivers being unable to see your vehicle approaching. Furthermore, you will not be able to see the road clearly, especially during heavy rain.
Slow Down
Although making sure your tires, windshield wipers, and lights work properly, you still need to be careful with your speed when the road is wet. High speeds and wet roads result in delayed reactions to potentially hazardous situations with other drivers. Take plenty of time while driving on wet roads, and you will stay safe and keep your insurance premiums in check.
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The modern world prides itself on advances in technology and progress. Two impactful transformations are the automobile and mobile phones – the cellular phone appeared decades after the first vehicle. Today, those two inventions cross paths as the demand for constant communication leads to cellphones being utilized in the car for speaking, texting, social updates, email and more. The question worth exploring is are these uses a necessity or a driving distraction?
Fully grasping this question, it’s worth agreeing that driving requires attention for optimum safety. That being said, even without technological devices accidents still occurred. The fact that attention is diverted is not a valid reason for labeling phones a distraction. On the flip side, many raise that mobile communication while driving is a business necessity and the benefits outweigh those accidents caused by phones. This also cannot be entirely relied upon, because there are many who use phones on the road without any real importance. A different perspective can shed light on this topic.
Clearly, each point on both sides can be countered. That being said, the stronger more emotional pitch is that phones are distractive and the driver’s shift of attention is the direct cause of accidents, outweighing any business necessity. Looking at this issue differently reveals a similar result for a different reason. It’s that mobile phones are a necessity and driving can be distractive to important communications that demand full attention. Drivers should take into account the obvious, that phones distract attention from driving, but the business addict arguing necessity should recognize that one cannot fully focus on the conference call, email, or text when the brain is balancing the coordination and attention to the road. The balance can be having the access to phones while adhering to local laws and bowing to the fact that necessary communications and driving are both derailed by the combination of mobile phones and cars – just not a winning pair.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
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Getting into an accident is an inconvenience and there are certain states that don’t make it any easier. When you file a claim auto insurance rates have a tendency to rise. Did you know that if you file a claim for anything $2,000 and higher can cause your insurance to jump up to 40% in some places?
If you live in one of the places listed below, you could find yourself on the short end of the stick when it comes to rate increases.
- Massachusetts rates jump up 67% when claims are filed.
- California claims will get you a 62% increase.
- New Jersey has 59% increase.
- North Carolinians will see a 47% increase.
- Minnesota raises their rates 45%.
If you have a claim that is $2,000 or less and you can afford the repair, it would be better for your insurance rates in the long run to pay out of pocket than it would be to file the claim.
On the flip side of things, here are the states that have the lowest rate increases:
- Maryland with just a 20% increase.
- Alabama at 22%.
- Michigan & Wyoming both have a 23% increase.
- Oklahoma has a 25% increase.
If you find yourself in this situation, Scurich insurance services can help. Anyone of our friendly staff will be able to help guide you through this process.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.ibamag.com/news/5-states-where-you-dont-want-to-file-an-auto-claim-16616.aspx
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You are thinking so many things when you are getting ready to file a claim. ‘I wish I hadn’t done that, ’or ‘I should tell them I’m sorry or any number of responses that could be running through your mind. But before you indulge in them, you need to know what not to say to the insurance company.
- Sorry. Yes it is good to have manners, and apologizing for your actions is noble, but in the case of a car accident, let the police sort out the details and assign the blame.
- Whiplash. Certain phrases have a punch behind them. This would be one of those terms. It became so widely used in fraudulent claims that anytime anyone says whiplash, adjusters generally will call the attorney.
- Intentional. Don’t go around saying that your spouse destroyed your car intentionally. Insurance is there to cover accidents and bad judgment calls, but your insurance will not cover intentional damage.
- I’m fine, really. You may want to put your friends and family members at ease, but let a doctor make that determination.
- Ride-Sharing. Ride sharing has become extremely popular nowadays. The catch? You can’t use your personal insurance if you are a driver for a ride-sharing company and get involved in an accident.
For more information or to report a claim, contact our office today.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2014/07/23/12-words-never-to-say-to-your-insurance-company/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=email-2014-07-23&utm_medium=email
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On Saturday, August 9th a 2014 Ford Fusion was involved in a one car crash that left one person dead. 24 year old, Gwynne Coye of Aptos, a passenger in the vehicle, was killed and the driver, Marquis Edwards was arrested. Murder, Felony evading a police officer resulting in death, and other charges were filed against Marquis Edwards.
If Marquis is convicted on all counts, he faces life in prison. His next court date is Aug. 22nd.
Watson Murder Law
The Watson Murder Law was enacted after the case of People v. Watson. Defendant Watson had several prior convictions for drinking and driving. In this case, his actions resulted in the death of another human being. Implied malice is the term prosecutors use in order to charge a defendant with murder. When you drink and drive, a person knows that their actions can cause the death of another human, hence implied malice. Generally, murder charges in a drinking and driving case are only imposed against a defendant who has prior convictions for DUI.
Insurance and DUI
If you have been convicted of a DUI, you could find yourself without insurance. If you find an insurance company who will provide coverage, they will need to provide you with an SR-22 so you can file with your local DMV.
Scurich Insurance Services can assist you with any questions you may have if you are in this situation.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/santacruz/ci_26332756/driver-charged-murder-santa-cruz-crash
http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/california-dui-murder-aka-the-watson-murder-rule
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