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It maybe hard to believe, but the auto insurance nightmare of winter is rapidly approaching. Drivers all across the North are now prepping for blizzards, ice and all the fun of shoveling. Here are a few tips to get you prepped for that winter fun while reducing your trips to the auto insurance agent:

1. Get dedicated snow tires

The first line of defense against that fluffy white stuff is snow tires. These tires are designed to give you the best grip possible, while keeping the snow out from under your tires.

If you can’t afford snow tires, make sure you have a decent set of all-weather tires to ride on. Driving around with bald slicks will only end up with you talking to the auto insuranceagent about how you ended up in the ditch.

2. Seeing is believing

Keeping your windows cleaned off should be a no-brainer to avoid an auto insurance nightmare. You may even have to stop on the side of the road to clean your wipers and scrape your windows from time to time. How can you avoid a potential accident if you can’t even see?

3. Lighting conditions are good

Keeping your headlights cleared and working is a great way to avoid an auto insurance claim. Having working headlights will provide you two major benefits. The first of these benefits is lighting your way through the blinding snowstorm. If you can see, you can’t avoid possible collisions. Working headlights also provide you a way to signal for help if the event of an emergency.

The second benefit is to your fellow drivers. Turning your headlights on will make you more visible to oncoming traffic. This is a big step in safety for you and your fellow road mates.

4. Technology provides you no miracles

Even with all the miracles of GPS, ESC, ABS, and sweet electronic voices can’t help you during bad weather. The first line of auto insurance defense is you. Don’t assume that those anti-lock brakes are going to keep you from sliding into a ditch because you were cruising to fast down the road. Drive smart, drive safe, and drive to your abilities.

5. Practice in an empty parking lot

You’ve heard just how much practice makes perfect. Why not hit a parking lot for a bit of a refresher course on how to handle winter driving. Find a big empty parking lot when that first snow falls and start remembering how to drive in the snow.

Things you might want to practice is how to recover from a slide, how to break without locking up the breaks, and how to make emergency maneuvers to avoid hazards in front of you. Make sure you choose a parking lot with enough open space that you won’t cause yourself any auto insurance headaches.

Winter should mean the time of happy snow forts, snowball fights, and snowmen going up in your front lawn. Winter does not need to mean several trips to the auto insurance agent thanks to car crashes. These tips will help keep you playing in the snow instead of cursing the snow.

Copyright: AutoInsurance.org

When you’ve just been in a car accident, chances are you’re scared and your adrenaline has taken over completely. Once you’re able to gain any sense of mental acuity, chances are also good that you then check to see that you and your passengers are OK, then you check in on the other driver. Regardless of how it happened, you’re probably running through a world of emotions.

Maybe you’re upset because you feel the other driver caused the crash. Maybe you are horribly upset because you think it was your fault. No matter what, the key is to try to stay calm. If no one is seriously injured, then you should attempt to pull yourself together before you approach the other vehicle. You also need to prepare yourself to make two very important phone calls: one to the police and the other to your auto insurancecompany.

Here’s what you need to do:

• You should always keep your car insurance information in at least two places so you’ll have it in the event of an accident. Most people choose their glove box and their wallet. As long as you can reach the glove box after a collision, those are fine choices. Many people also carry an insurance card on their keychain. It should have your policy number, as well as a toll-free, 24-hour a day response phone number to call if you’re in a crash.
• Stay at the scene of the accident and notify the authorities first. If it’s a fender bender and you’re on the freeway, it’s usually OK to move the vehicles to the side of the road before the authorities arrive.
• Give the other driver your name, address, driver’s license number and insurance information. Make sure you get their information, too. If the other driver’s name doesn’t match the name of the insured, find out what their relationship is, and make note of both of their names and addresses.
• Don’t discuss the events of the crash, or admit fault at the scene. Many people are so shook up after an accident, they immediately think they did something to cause it. Until all versions of the story are known, you can’t even be sure you were at fault, so it’s best just to not say anything.
• Take pictures of the damage and document the accident. If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
• File an accident report. You may not be able to do this at the scene if the crash was minor and there were no significant injuries. You still should go to the local police station or Department of Motor Vehicles website to report the accident.

It’s important to plan ahead for car accidents, even though (by definition) you don’t plan on having one. Knowing how much your car insurance covers and being aware of your deductible will help you be prepared in the event of a car accident.

Copyright: AutoInsurance.org

You just put auto insurance on that sleek new ride, yet you need to save money somewhere. Did you know you could easily squeeze out another mile or two per gallon with just a few simple driving tricks? Here are a few ways you can get extra miles from your tank of gas.

1. Stay the speed limit

Speed limits do a lot more than keep you from getting all Mario Andretti like on the freeway. Speed limits can help you conserve fuel. This means your days of doing 90 down that barren stretch of road must come to an end.

Here is another way to look at it. Every 5 mph you go over 60 mph is like adding $0.20 to your fuel price. Is it really worth driving as if the world is ending for 20 cents more a gallon?

2. Ditch the weight

Time to put your car on a diet. The less weight you carry in the car, the easier it is for the motor to do its job. No, this is not an excuse to ditch those back seat drivers on the side of the road.

There are a few simple ways you can reduce your vehicles weight. First off is to clean out the trunk. Only the bare essentials should be left in here. The spare tire is an essential, but the cooler of water might not be so important.

Clean out the interior of your car. You may enjoy using your car as a mobile closet, but your engine is not a fan of this. Lastly, clean out the nooks and crannies. You would be amazed at how much paper, trash, and used q-tips add up in weight.

3. Don’t over idle

Letting your car sit and idle is a massive gas burner. This might be harder to handle when it is really hot or really cold out. The longer your car sits and idles the more gas it needlessly consumes. A good idea is to let the car idle for no more than two minutes. If the car is going to idle for longer than that, turn it off.

4. Cruise control is full of win

Just about every vehicle these days comes with a nifty feature called cruise control. This sets your speed to a constant. This helps you conserve gas by reducing the speeding up and slowing down that humans tend to do while driving.

5. Just drive nicely

Time to stop driving so aggressively. The more aggressive you are as a driver, the more fuel you waste. Simple tricks like not racing from stoplight to stop light can make a big impact on your gas consumption.

Do not speed up to pass someone and then slam on the brakes to make a turn. The two seconds you just saved just cost you a lunch at your favorite restaurant. On top of saving you money, you save everyone around you money by not having to get defensive with their driving. Nice driving equals a win all around.

These tips will get you well on your way to squeezing all you can from a tank of gas. Car eminence and car insurance already cost you enough. Applying these tips will only help you save more money for important items like toys and vacations.

Copyright: AutoInsurance.com

Harsh winter elements such as ice, snow and wind can cause a great deal of damage to your home. Don’t wait until winter weather strikes- here are some tips for protecting your home against the elements:

Homeowners should always be sure to:

Keep gutters clear of leaves

Debris from trees, such as leaves, acorns and sticks, should be removed from gutters in order to allow for the free flow of snow and ice. Ice damming is a condition where water and ice seeps into the home when not able to drain correctly through gutters. Ice damming can have devastating effects on the structure of your home, causing water to leak through the interior walls and ceiling. A great way to prevent blocked gutters is to install gutter guards which are screens that prevent debris from falling into the gutters and help maintain the flow of storm water away from your home and into the ground. Gutter guards can be purchased from most home improvement and hardware stores.

Prune trees and remove dead branches

Harsh winter elements can cause major damage to trees and tree branches. Falling branches can cause damage not only to your home, but also cars and even people who are on your property. To prevent these types of accidents be sure to trim back the trees in your yard and remove any dead branches.

Maintain insulation

A home that is not well insulated is susceptible to roof damage and even possible collapse. If an excessive amount of heat escapes through the attic it may cause snow or ice to melt on the roof and refreeze causing ice build up. Ice build up creates extra weight on your roof which can cause major structural problems and contribute to ice damming. Try to keep your attic five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air. Adding extra insulation to basements and crawl spaces also aids in the prevention of pipe freezing.

Check pipes

Check your pipes on a regular basis for leaks and cracks. Having even minor pipe damage fixed promptly can prevent costly repairs in the future. Be sure to wrap pipes with heating tape and to insulate rooms that contain exposed pipes.

Keep your home warm

In order to keep pipes from freezing, maintain an average temperature inside your home of at least 65 degrees. Pipes are located inside the walls of your home where a much colder temperature exists. Any temperature lower than 65 degrees inside your home can drop the temperature of your pipes low enough to cause freezing.

Maintain heating systems

Heating systems and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to ensure proper working condition. The proper use and maintenance of fireplaces, wood burning stoves and furnaces will prevent the chance of fire and smoke damage. Also, check the condition of smoke and fire alarms and think about installing a carbon ‘monoxide’ detector.

Keep steps and handrails in good condition

A damaged step or walkway can become even more dangerous when covered with snow and ice. To prevent falls and serious injuries due to icy, snow covered steps and walkways, be sure to make repairs before inclement weather strikes.

Become familiar with your plumbing

Do you know where your pipes are in your home and how to turn off the water to your home in the chance of an emergency? If your pipes happen to freeze and burst- time is of the essence. Become familiar with your pipes so that you can point a plumber directly to the problem. Learn how to shut off the water to your home to prevent costly water damage.

Have your home inspected

Hire a general contractor to inspect your home for any structural damage. Have damages repaired immediately so further damage will not occur during sever winter weather. Also, be sure to ask the contractor about ways to protect your home against snow-related flooding and associated water damage. Some methods for preventing damage are to install plastic coatings for internal basement walls or sump-pumps which can prevent damage to your home and belongings.

Prepare for when you are away

Many people plan trips to warmer places during the cold of the winter. What you may not realize is that while you are away, your home is still susceptible to the harsh winter climates. When water is not frequently being used in a home, it becomes easier for pipes to freeze and possibly burst. If you are planning an extended trip during the winter, consider hiring a professional to drain your pipes to prevent freezing. It is also a good idea to have someone periodically check your home for any damages to prevent extended repairs. Having activity in your home also decreases the chances of having it burglarized.

Copyright: HomeInsurance.com

There is a major difference between cancellation and nonrenewal of a home insurance policy.

Cancellation of a policy occurs when you either

1. Fail to pay your premium -or-
2. Commit fraud or make serious inaccuracies on your application.

Any time your policy is cancelled, you face the risk of being charged a higher rate in the future, even at another insurance company. Nonrenewal of a policy is different than cancelation of a policy in the sense that either you or the insurance company can decide not to renew a policy upon expiration. If the insurance company decides not to renew your policy, they will often give you a certain amount of written notice. Nonrenewal might occur because the company has decided to drop that line of insurance, or because they have decided to write fewer policies in your location. Either way, if your insurance company chooses not to renew your policy, you will not necessarily be charged a higher premium at another company.

Copyright: HomeInsurance.com

You’ve hired the contractor, approved the plans, purchased the materials, and you’re all ready to jump head first into your next home improvement project. Anything you are forgetting?

So often, homeowners are delving into home improvement projects without consulting with their home insurance agent. In the case of a loss, the value that they have added to their home is not covered under their existing policy. In order to protect your home and investment, always be sure to update your coverage to include your latest improvements. Improvements might include but are not limited to:

• Remodeling a bathroom/kitchen
• Upgrades to flooring, roofing, countertops, etc.
• Adding square footage

Before starting home improvement projects, be sure to contact your insurance company to inquire about an update in your coverage. What many homeowners do not realize is that while most improvements will increase their premiums to reflect the change in your home’s value, others may actually qualify you for discounts. Such updates would include installing a security system, updating smoke alarms/detectors, upgrading the heating, plumbing and/or electrical systems.

Not only should your updated policy cover the added value to your home after renovations, but it is important to check the insurance coverage of the contractor and subcontractor as well. Ask your contractor to see their workers compensation policy which will pay for the medical and rehabilitation expenses if a worker sustains injuries on the job. Without this policy, you as the homeowner could be held responsible for such expenses in the case of an accident on your property.

In many cases the contractor will subcontract workers that are not full time employees of the contractor and therefore not covered under the contractor’s workers compensation policy. You should always check with the contractor and subcontractor for detailed coverage information. If you determine that there is insufficient coverage, consider updating the liability portion of your homeowners policy to cover any expenses incurred in the case of an accident.
Copyright: HomeInsurance.com

Teenagers have a profound impact on those auto insurance rates of yours. There are ways to help keep those rates lower when junior decides he wants to start driving though. Here are five tips to surviving the long haul of your teenager being on your auto insurance policy.

1. Younger kids get older cars

New cars are expensive on that auto insurance budget. This is usually due to the coverage that has to be carried on that sleek new ride. This might not be the best type of car for your new driver in the family.

The teenager might be asking for a fast sporty car, but in reality, they really need to be learning with an older sedan. Older cars often need less coverage than newer cars. Getting a sedan also helps with that monthly auto insurance bill as sedans often come with the “not going to play speed racer” stigma.

2. Scholarly rates are a win-win situation

Some auto insurance companies will give discounts for good grades. This is due to many scholars performing many studies. These studies have found that students with good grades are often involved in fewer accidents and acquire few traffic violations. Not only do you get the benefits of cheaper insurance, but you get a rocket scientist as a benefit.

3. How do you define that teenager?

How you define your teenager can have a drastic impact on your auto insurance. When you are adding little missy to your policy, you might be asked if they are an occasional driver or the primary driver. The answer to this question means the difference between steak or rammen noodles for dinner.

This also means that the teenager might need to drive the family car if they are defined as a hobby driver. Your teenager might be on the constant go, but they don’t need to be the only driving amongst their friends. Teach your kids the value of sharing the driving responsibilities.

4. Make them pay

Parents don’t have to take on the burden of everything their kids do. If your kid wants to drive, now might be the prime opportunity to start teaching them budgeting skills. Make that kid pay some sort of auto insurance to you.

This doesn’t have to be drastic. Remember, you want them doing important things like learning in school and developing good money habits. One of the most common practices is to make your kids pay the difference in auto insurance rates when you add them to your policies.

5. Take more than just driver’s education courses

Driver’s education just gave your teenager the basics they needed to get driving. It might be time for them to consider more education. Defensive driving and road rage classes are a plenty these days. Have your teenage successfully complete these types of courses and watch your auto insurance premiums return to your bank accounts.

Teenagers already cost you an arm and a leg in that weekly grocery bill. Don’t let them suck your bank account dry with the auto insurance premiums as well. Teach your kids good driving techniques on the road and enjoy that extra money in your pocket.

Copyright: AutoInsurance.org

Fall is not a fun time for deer, drivers and auto insurance agents everywhere. The September to December months mark a big rise in auto insurance claims due to deer collisions. Here are a few items to keep in mind as you start driving around these next few months:

Deer travel in groups

Where this is one deer, there is a group. Sometimes the groups can be as small as two deer. Other times the groups can blow up to numbers higher than 20. When you see a deer, slow down and stop if you have to. This is the best way to keep you out of the auto insurance office.

Flicking your high beams can cause a frozen deer to move

There is a real reason for the phrase “a deer in headlights.” Deer will often freeze in fear when the bright lights of a car are on it. Unfortunately for you, they often freeze right in the middle of the road. Here is a trick to try to get that deer to get out of your way. Try flashing your lights at the deer. This can often wake the deer from the fear frozen state and get them out of your way.

Another trick with flickering lights doesn’t pertain to you. Oncoming traffic can signal the presence of an auto insurance nightmare. Flickering lights, or even a void in light can signal potential danger. Deer are designed to not be seen. Flickering lights, or a void in your lights should be a key indicator to slow down to avoid any auto insurance claims.

Don’t swerve to miss the Deer

There are times when you just can’t avoid having to tell your auto insurance agent that you hit a deer. Regardless of how vigilant you maybe, sometimes deer just get in the way. When this happens, don’t swerve to miss a deer.

Here’s why it’s a problem swerving to miss a deer. Let’s say a deer runs out in front of you. You cross the centerline to avoid said deer. You run head on into another motorist. This collision now cost you more auto insurance headaches than just hitting your breaks and hitting the dear. You can do more damage trying to avoid a deer than just hitting it.

Mind your surroundings

The surrounding area you are traveling through can play a large part in your deer encounters. There are obviously going to be few deer in a city than in the cornfields of Iowa. Keep your location in mind as you drive along.

Forests in low-lying areas are a big issue for deer. These areas provide the perfect ingredients to produce mosquitoes and biting flies. Just as these pests drive humans nuts, deer are not so happy with them either. Deer will work to get away from these pests. This often leads to deer running across the road and causing you an auto insurance headache.

Watching out for Bambi is your primary job for the next few months. Deer will be on the move more than ever. Keep these tips in mind as you drive across this great country. Avoiding a deer will help you avoid the auto insurance agent.

Copyright: AutoInsurance.org