Knox Insurance Blog
Fog
Summer is coming to an end, and for many of us that means we are back to leaving early for work to face the grind! In Southern California, leaving early in the morning can mean a greater chance of driving in fog. Whether it is early in the morning or late at night, next time you head out in less than great visibility, remember the following tips from weather.com:
-Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more.
-Reduce your speed -- and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding.
After you get a DUI
So you were at your friend’s party and had a few too many beers. After calling a designated driver to come get you, you retreat to the driver’s seat of your car and listen to music while you wait. When the police officer taps on the window and proceeds to give you a DUI, you don’t understand how this is possible when you were just sitting and waiting for your ride. Well it is. We should all be aware that even just sitting in the driver’s seat of your car after drinking could lead to bad consequences.
However you received your DUI, it will remain on your driving record for 10 years. Not only will it be on your record but these three letters will raise your auto insurance rates as well. The premium rate increase will most likely take place at your next renewal period when your insurance company checks your motor vehicle record (MVR) and sees the DUI listed. Basically, you either have a DUI on your record or you don’t and your rates will reflect that fact the entire time it is there. It is hard to tell how much your rates will go up.
Adding a Motorcycle Policy
So you have purchased your first motorcycle. Before you take it for a spin around town, have you signed up for your motorcycle insurance policy? Your regular car insurance doesn’t necessarily cover your use of a motorcycle. Due to the high risk of injury while riding a motorcycle, you should immediately call your insurance agent and obtain quotes for a policy. The same rules apply to motorcycles as to cars, even if you are just an occasional weekend rider.
Typical motorcycle insurance policies cover damage from accidents as well as liability to other vehicles and injuries that may have occurred. The cost is based on your experience, your MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT (MVR), the motorcycle you have purchased, and the amount of coverage you are looking for. Many accessories involved with motorcycle riding are covered in the policy as well. These items include your helmet, leathers, saddlebags, and backrest. When you obtain coverage for your motorcycle, be sure to clarify what is covered and what is not covered.
Earthquake Insurance
According to the United States Geological Survey, it has been estimated that an earthquake of 6.5 or greater magnitude can be expected in California once every 10 years. Would you be covered?
With all the earthquakes that have occurred recently around the world, it is important to consider applying for an earthquake policy if you don’t already have one. Living in Southern California is already enough of an incentive to acquire an earthquake policy to safeguard your home and possessions against possible destruction.
Avoiding Auto Claims After Dark
We all have to get where we want to go, and by doing so we drive during the nighttime hours. Driving at night poses a higher risk than driving during the day and so it is important that you take the proper precautions to avoid getting in an accident and dealing with a claim. You may think you are a good driver, but once the sun goes down we all lose our depth perception, peripheral vision, and color recognition. Often times we may be driving while drowsy, which can heighten the risk for an accident as well.
If you have poor eyesight at night, it is important to have your eyes tested and prescribed glasses specifically for driving. It is also important that you drive at the speed limit because it is increasingly difficult to brake unexpectedly if something jumps onto the road. There may be bikers that are hard to see, animals that are lost, and objects that may have blown into your path. Not only will it help that you drive slower, but watching out for things in the road and being aware of your surroundings will help you avoid possible accidents. Vision, glare, and lack of alertness are three common factors affecting nighttime drivers’ ability to drive safely.
Be a fuel efficient driver!
In today’s economy, we understand what a hardship it is to maintain payments on all your insurance bills. On top of that, the cost of fuel has risen tremendously. It is important in this economy, to be a fuel-efficient driver, not only to save money but to stay safe on the road.
To begin, make sure you only turn your car engine on when you are moving. When you are parked somewhere, it wastes gas to keep your engine running, especially with the air conditioner flowing. Next, Speeding is not only a safety hazard, but a way to speed through your gas tank as well. Avoid aggressive driving like speeding, accelerating too fast, and braking to hard. These types of habits can increase your fuel consumption immensely. Instead, speed up slowly and make sure to stay at the posted speed limit.
As school approaches: Reduce insurance costs and keep your new drivers safe on the road
As school approaches, your youth may want to utilize his or her new driver’s license for transportation to and from school and activities. Being a full-time student you should be aware that if your child has good grades, he or she may qualify for the good-student discount on your insurance policy. Make sure your teen driver knows the rules of the road, especially if he or she is driving near schools and parks. Driving infractions in a school zone can increase your insurance rates. The most common offenses in these areas are improperly passing a school bus while its lights are flashing, failure to obey a school crossing guard, or speeding in a school zone. Children can pop out between parked cars and around school buses at any moment and if your teen is not aware at all times, he or she could get into major trouble. You may be anxious to get out of driving your child everywhere, but making sure he or she is ready for the road is vital.
After The Quote
After receiving a quote for an auto policy, it is important to ask your insurance agent the right questions to make sure you have covered everything. Although most agents will readily apply any discounts, they may not know that you qualify for some if you don’t give them enough information. Therefore, always inquire about discounts, even if you already have a current policy. Not all companies offer the same type of plans, although many are similar.
Make sure you know the length of the policy term before you go through with the insurance policy. The term can range anywhere from one month, to six months, to annual depending on the insurance company you sign with. Many companies have their own payment plans which allow you to pay the premium over a period of time, rather than all at once. If you decide to go forward with an installment plan, make sure you know when your payments are due so your policy doesn’t lapse or cancel. Also, talk to your agent about higher deductibles.