News
Distracted driving endangers not only those behind the wheel but also their passengers, fellow road occupants and pedestrians. In fact, drivers using hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves, a statistic that has led to them being banned in 11 states. The consequences of distracted driving can also be tragic. Teen drivers are more likely than any other age group to be involved in a fatal crash where distraction was cited. Although texting while driving poses an enormous crash risk, with young adults listed as the most notorious offenders, it surprisingly did not claim the top spot on the list. Click here to find out which habit did and view the full list of the 10 Deadliest Distractions and also learn how to avoid them.
A variety of factors make car insurance rates more painful in some states than others. For instance, the number of insurers competing for business, driving conditions, the portion of drivers who are uninsured, and the way state insurance systems are set up. The highest average car insurance rates in the nation are Louisiana, Michigan and Georgia. Louisiana ranks the highest with an average annual premium of $2,669. Maine held the bottom position with an average annual premium of $934. Texas faired close to the middle holding up the 19th position with an average annual premium of $1,545. So, the next time you fret over paying your car insurance bill just be thankful you're not residing in Louisiana!
- All 50 states require drivers to carry auto insurance
- 16% of all drivers are uninsured
- 84% of drivers use seatbelts
- It's a myth that the color of your car will affect your auto insurance rate
- Teen aged boys cost more to insure than teen aged girls
- Auto premiums substantially decrease after a driver turns 25
- 28% of all auto fatalities are younger than 25
- On average drivers will have an auto accident claim every 17.9 years
- Auto Insurance is tax deductible for business use
Do you want to learn more about your auto insurance policy? We offer a full comprehensive consultation to help educate you on your individual insurance needs. Never forget that knowledge is power. In this grossly complex world of insurance, we stand committed to giving you both... Knowledge and Power!
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recently released a ForeCAST report that analyzes thefts of 2009, 2010, and 2011 model year sport utility vehicles (SUVSs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) reported stolen between Jan 1, 2008 and June 30, 2012. In total, 19,961 vehicles were reported stolen during that period. Click here to see if your utility vehicle made the list.
Quick Quiz
When preparing to send your child to college be sure to review:
1. Their college essay
2. Your bank account
3. The film "Animal House"
4. Their insurance coverage
If you selected insurance coverage, you go to the head of the class. When your child moves from home to college there are a number of insurance questions to consider, especially if he or she is planning to live off-campus. Remember, not all insurance policies have the same terms and conditions. Consult your Agent to determine the limits and types of coverage that apply to your family's lifestyle.
Insurance companies consider college students living in dorms to be residents of their parents' home. They also consider your dorm-room contents to be "personal property, located off premises". Most homeowners/renters policies limit coverage up to 10 percent of personal property, off premises. Now if your college student lives off-campus, most insurance companies consider this to be a permanent residence. Therefore, the apartment will not be covered under the parents' homeowners/renters policy for contents or liability. Make sure you know and understand the college 101 insurance facts. Click here to read more about what you need to prepare for college.
