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How to Protect Your Car From Break-Ins

5/3/2024

Car thefts and break-ins are nowhere near as common as they were in the early 1990s or 2000s, but they do still happen sometimes. Having your window smashed or your car stolen isn’t just an inconvenience; it can also be expensive to repair or replace.

So, what can you do to protect your vehicle from a break-in? Read this for eight ways you could protect your car, its parts and your belongings.

Keep windows closed and doors locked.
No matter where your car is parked, double-check that doors and windows are closed and locked before you walk away. This can protect it from thieves who count on cars being unlocked.
Don’t leave your keys in the car. Leaving keys in your car, whether it’s off or idling, is an invitation to thieves. And if you have other keys on the ring, those spaces are also vulnerable to theft.
Keep valuables out of sight. As with keys, you don’t want to leave belongings visible in your car, including your phone, laptop bag or other items someone might want to take.
Be careful about parking. Park in well-lit areas. The visibility can help to ward off criminals who don’t want to get caught breaking in.
Protect your car’s wheels. Yes, sometimes thieves will leave your car but run off with the wheels. Protect yourself with lug nut locks to prevent their quick removal.
Use security cameras at home. Whether you park in your garage or driveway, installing a visible security camera can be a deterrent to theft. If something does happen, you’ll have caught it on video.
Prevent catalytic converter theft. While not every make and model is a target of this kind of theft, it’s an expensive repair if it happens to you. You can set your car alarm to respond to vibrations or ask your mechanic to install a lock or shield.
Make sure you have enough auto insurance. Having comprehensive coverage will help ensure you’re compensated for your loss if your car is stolen.
If you have questions or want to update your insurance policy, reach out today.

Does your car need a new battery?

2/23/2024

Car batteries have varying life spans that depend on where you live, what type of battery you have and more. Get your battery checked out at each oil change, and test it once a year after the three-year mark.

It’s also important to know the signs of a dying battery so you don’t end up stuck somewhere with a car that won’t start.

Keep reading to understand the factors that can shorten or extend your battery life, as well as what to consider when it’s time for a new battery.

What factors affect the life of a car battery?

Time: Batteries deteriorate over time, but you can boost the life span. They can’t fully recharge on short trips, so try to drive your car for 30-plus minutes when possible. And don’t just let it sit in the driveway or garage; an unused battery can also die quicker.
Temperature: If you live in a warm climate, your battery may not last as long as in cooler climates. Start testing your battery annually once it’s three years old.
Vibration: Make sure your battery is held in place with special hold-down hardware. This will protect against the negative effects of vibrating, which can shorten its life.

What are the signs that a battery needs to be replaced?

Have your battery tested immediately if you notice:

An illuminated battery or check engine light.
The car is taking longer than usual to start.
Dimmer headlights.
A low battery fluid level.
A bloated battery case.
A bad smell, like rotting eggs.

How to Select a New Battery

You should replace your old battery with an identical model. Be sure to look for:

Battery Type: Conventional lead-acid is the most common, but some cars use an absorbent glass mat (AGM) model.
Group Number: This refers to the size, hold-down configuration, and terminal type and location.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) Rating: This is how much electricity the battery can provide at zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Want to discuss your car insurance policy? Reach out for assistance.

5 Tips for Buying a New Car

2/2/2022

It's appealing to buy a new car that looks great and is fun to drive, but it also pays to look beneath the surface for features that make your vehicle safe to drive and affordable to insure.

Car insurance costs are based, in part, on the model's safety history, the cost of vehicle repair or replacement, and the likelihood that the car will be stolen. Many insurers offer discounts for vehicles with features that reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Here are five tips to consider when shopping for a new car:

1. Find Out the Cost of Insurance

Your insurance rates typically change when you acquire a new vehicle. Before you choose a model, the nonprofit Insurance Information Institute recommends that you ask your insurance rep how much it will cost to insure.1

If you choose a sporty model that attracts buyers who enjoy driving fast, it will likely cost more to insure. If the car you pick is very expensive, it will be costly to repair or replace, and that will drive up insurance costs. A model that's often targeted by car thieves may also cost more to insure.

2. Look for Safety Technology

One of the best things about buying a new car is all the new devices that have been developed in recent years to help drivers avoid accidents. Advanced safety features can include:

Adaptive cruise control. It detects vehicles ahead and adjusts speed to maintain a safe following distance.
Adaptive headlights. As you turn, these headlights adjust to light the road ahead.
Automatic parking. Sensors detect obstacles and adjust steering to guide vehicles safely into parking spaces.
Backup cameras. They help you see behind your car to avoid collisions.
Forward collision warning. Radar, lasers or camera sensors detect when a crash is about to occur, alerting the driver. Some systems automatically apply the brakes.

3. Consider Vehicle Design and Size

Design characteristics are important when choosing a new car. Larger and heavier vehicles typically sustain less damage in auto crashes than small cars. Some small utility vehicles and pickups are prone to rollover accidents.

In addition to considering size, look for cars that have “crashworthy" designs. These cars have strong “safety cages," the section of the vehicle that protects the occupants. Make sure that the front and rear ends are “crush zones" that can absorb the impact of crashes.

You can look up car safety rankings by using the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's online safety rankings tool.

4. Get Pre-Approved for a Car Loan

it is recommended that you get pre-approved for a car loan before you begin shopping for a new car. Check with several lenders to get the lowest interest rate. Once you have loan approval, you'll know how much you can afford to spend. You'll also have an interest rate you can use to compare with those offered by the new car dealer's financing. In some cases, the dealer may offer the best financing deal.
Before you begin shopping for a loan, gather documents to verify your income and the balances of any debts you may have.

5. Negotiate the Best Price

A good negotiator usually can get a better deal than someone who simply agrees to pay what the dealer is asking. Dealers may price their cars higher than the amount they actually expect to receive in preparation for negotiations.

If you take time to research prices online before you visit a dealership, you'll have a better idea of what a competitively priced car should cost. Often, the best time to buy is during end-of-the-year sales, when dealers need to make room for newer models, notes the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Negotiate the actual price of the car rather than the monthly payment. Focusing on payments makes it easy to lose sight of the full amount you'll be paying over time, says Autotrader.

If you can't get the price you want, don't be afraid to walk away. Remember there's always another car.

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How to Protect Your Car From a Break-In

1/11/2022

Unfortunately, car break-ins happen, but you can take steps to minimize your risk and keep your vehicle and belongings safe.

By taking a few minutes to review these tips now, you could avoid the hassle of repairing (or replacing) your car later.

Here are 10 smart ways to keep your vehicle safe from theft.

Don’t Make a Break-In Easy

Lock your car and never leave it running unattended, even if you’re just heading inside your home for a minute.
Close your windows and sunroof when you’re not in the car.
Take your key fob with you, and don’t leave a spare house or car key hidden in your vehicle.

Plan Ahead (Even in Your Neighborhood)

Stow valuables in your trunk.
Avoid driving or parking in high-crime areas. If you’re driving to an unfamiliar destination, research your route ahead of time.
Seek out well-lit parking spots, garages and lots. And if you park in your driveway at night, consider installing a motion-sensor light.

Hide What’s Important

Don’t leave anything a thief might want, including spare change, shopping bags or other personal belongings.
Take your garage door opener, wallet, purse, phone and keys out of your car. If necessary, hide your items — but not in an obvious place like the center console.
Keep your vehicle title in the house and your registration in your wallet.

What to Do After a Crime

If you’re the victim of a vehicle break-in or theft, take photos of the damage, file a police report and reach out for help filing an insurance claim.

We can also help you be more proactive. Get in touch to learn about additional coverage for your vehicle or home.

6 Steps to Take After a Car Accident

10/12/2021

We never expect to get in a car accident. And even though accidents are common, they feel like a big deal when they happen to us.

It’s natural to experience shock, anger, fear and other emotions in the moment and after the fact. But, preparing in advance can help make a collision more manageable.
If you're ever involved in a car accident, taking these six steps can help you better handle the experience.

Step 1: Make sure no one is hurt.

Call 911 if you, another driver, any passengers or any bystanders need immediate medical attention.

Step 2: Keep everyone safe.

The accident scene can be a hazard for other drivers. If the collision is minor, move the vehicles to the side of the road or the nearest parking lot. If the accident is major, carefully exit your car and walk to a safe place.

Step 3: Call the police.

Ideally, law enforcement will come to the scene quickly and take an official report. However, the local police department may not have the resources to respond to a minor accident, in which case you can file a police report yourself later.

Step 4: Gather necessary information.

Use your phone's camera or a pen and paper to note the other driver's name, address, phone number and insurance information. Record the other vehicle's license plate, vehicle identification number, make and model.

Step 5: Document the accident.

Take photos, videos and voice recordings to capture vehicle damage, road conditions and any details you remember about the events leading up to the crash.

Step 6: File a claim.

Get in touch as soon as possible to get your claim started. We can work to get your car repaired or replaced and minimize the disruption to your life.
Reach out if you have questions about your accident coverage or anything else.

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5 Common Car Insurance Myths and Facts

9/14/2021

Maybe you’ve heard that people who drive red cars get pulled over more, so insurers charge them higher rates. Or that if you let someone else drive your car, their policy will cover an accident.

Well, when it comes to auto insurance, you shouldn’t always believe what you hear.

Get the facts about common car insurance myths, and reach out to make sure you have the coverage you need.

Myth #1: A ticket automatically increases your rate.

A moving violation doesn't have to increase your insurance rate unless it's a frequent occurrence. You may be able to take a driving course to maintain your rate and even pay less for your ticket.

Myth #2: Car color affects your insurance rate.

The truth is that the color of your vehicle most likely doesn’t affect your premiums. However, there are special cases where color can raise the value of your car — like a custom paint job — which could potentially increase your rates.

Myth #3: Older cars need less coverage.

If you don't have a loan on your car, you may not have to carry comprehensive and collision coverage, only the liability coverage required by the state. But you may not want to drop or lower your optional coverage if your car still has significant value, as it would be pricey to repair or replace.

Myth #4: Someone borrowing your vehicle is covered by their own insurance.

Laws vary by state, but usually the insurance covers the vehicle. Before you drive someone else's car, verify that it's insured. Don't assume that your own policy will cover an accident.

Myth #5: You only need the auto liability insurance that's required by law.

It's smart to buy more than the minimum, because personal liability for an at-fault auto accident can be expensive. Adding a personal umbrella policy for additional coverage can be a wise decision, especially when you have assets to protect.

Get in touch today with any questions you have about your policy.

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5 Tips for a Great At-Home Car Wash

9/7/2021

How clean is your car? If you don’t wash it regularly, you could end up with costly maintenance and safety issues.
You might occasionally run your vehicle through a car wash. But there are benefits to doing the job yourself — including preserving the paint and being able to get into every nook and cranny.
Ready to get started? Follow these five tips to wash your car thoroughly and correctly.

Wait for the right weather.

Instead of washing your car on a sunny day, wait for overcast skies or park in a shady area. Direct sunlight can dry the soap too quickly, leaving streaks and spots behind.
Work from top to bottom.

Hose off your car first, and then use a soft sponge to apply auto shampoo. Starting at the top, wash and rinse your vehicle in sections such as the roof and windows, rear, sides and front. When you get to the front, take a rag and wipe down your windshield wipers.
Don’t forget the wheels and undercarriage.

Your wheel wells and bottom framework can collect dirt, grime and debris. Use a scratch-proof brush and a gentle cleaner for these areas.
Dry with a microfiber or chamois cloth.

Letting your car air dry will leave streaks. Seal in the hard work you just did by carefully hand drying the exterior and windows.
Finish with wax.

This extra step gives your vehicle a cleaner finish, protects against the elements and makes it easier to clean next time.

A clean car is a comfortable car, and a well-maintained one retains its value longer. Do you have questions about your auto insurance policy? Reach out anytime.

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10 Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving

7/22/2021

More than 40,000 Americans died on the roads in 2016, the most significant increase in deaths over a two-year period in more than 50 years.1 Whether someone you love has been known to text and drive, or you have found yourself distracted behind the wheel, these tips can help avoid dangerous activity on the road.
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Stow your phone. Turning off the phone and putting it in “do not disturb” mode can help remove the temptation to browse online at a red light or respond right away to a text message.
Vow not to multi-task. Anything that occupies your mind or vision can be a distraction behind the wheel. Make time at home to eat meals or put on makeup, so you can focus on the road.
Don’t be a distraction. Avoid calling or texting family members and friends when you know they are driving to avoid distracting them.
Talk to your employer. Responding to texts or taking calls for work while driving can be dangerous. Encourage your employer to have a distracted driving policy that includes waiting to talk with employees until they are safely parked.
Keep kids and pets safe. Make sure kids are in proper car seats and that pets stay secured in their zone in the back of your vehicle. It can also help reduce distractions if pets are not roaming about the car.
Set a good example. Parents can model good behavior for their children by demonstrating attentive driving. Avoid texting, eating, grooming or calling someone while behind the wheel.
Plan your route before you go. Programming your navigation system while you drive can take your eyes off the road. It’s better to ask a passenger to do it or to enter your destination before you leave home.
Speak up. If you see someone texting or otherwise driving while distracted, say something and let them know that you are not comfortable with that behavior. Encourage your children to do the same when they are passengers in a friend’s car. It could save a life.
Set rules of the road. Consider restricting the number of passengers until your teen or new driver gains experience behind the wheel.
Avoiding reaching. Resist the urge to reach for items if they fall while driving.

Taking your eyes off the road to search for an item can make you more likely to have an accident.
Share these tips to help keep others safe.

5 Common Car Noises and What They Mean

6/16/2021

Your dashboard is filled with icons and alerts that can tell you when your vehicle needs attention. Some of these notifications are more serious than others, but it’s a good idea to know what they all mean.
But your dashboard isn’t the only way to tell if something is wrong. Sometimes you need to rely on your senses, which is why it’s also important to listen to the sounds your vehicle makes.
Have you noticed any clunking, grinding or high-pitched squealing lately? Here’s what some of these odd noises might mean.

Squealing when you start the car. A high-pitched squealing noise that happens when you start your car could indicate a worn serpentine belt.
Grinding when you brake. A grinding noise when you brake typically means that your car’s brakes need to be serviced or replaced.
Humming when you accelerate. A humming noise when you step on the gas could point to a wheel bearing issue. This kind of noise may also be related to the engine.
Clicking when you turn. If you hear a clicking or maybe a popping noise when you make a turn, parts on your car’s front axle may need to be replaced.
Clunking while you drive. A clunking noise coming from underneath your car as you drive could be caused by a few different things: an issue with the suspension system, shock absorbers or the rods and pistons.

Ask Your Mechanic

These warning noises may help you diagnose the problem, but this list is by no means comprehensive. If you hear something unusual, always ask a trusted mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a strange sound can mean more expensive repairs down the road.
Have questions about your coverage? Reach out anytime.

10 Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving

6/2/2021

More than 40,000 Americans died on the roads in 2016, the most significant increase in deaths over a two-year period in more than 50 years.1 Whether someone you love has been known to text and drive, or you have found yourself distracted behind the wheel, these tips can help avoid dangerous activity on the road.

Stow your phone. Turning off the phone and putting it in “do not disturb” mode can help remove the temptation to browse online at a red light or respond right away to a text message.
Vow not to multi-task. Anything that occupies your mind or vision can be a distraction behind the wheel. Make time at home to eat meals or put on makeup, so you can focus on the road.
Don’t be a distraction. Avoid calling or texting family members and friends when you know they are driving to avoid distracting them.
Talk to your employer. Responding to texts or taking calls for work while driving can be dangerous. Encourage your employer to have a distracted driving policy that includes waiting to talk with employees until they are safely parked.
Keep kids and pets safe. Make sure kids are in proper car seats and that pets stay secured in their zone in the back of your vehicle. It can also help reduce distractions if pets are not roaming about the car.
Set a good example. Parents can model good behavior for their children by demonstrating attentive driving. Avoid texting, eating, grooming or calling someone while behind the wheel.
Plan your route before you go. Programming your navigation system while you drive can take your eyes off the road. It’s better to ask a passenger to do it or to enter your destination before you leave home.
Speak up. If you see someone texting or otherwise driving while distracted, say something and let them know that you are not comfortable with that behavior. Encourage your children to do the same when they are passengers in a friend’s car. It could save a life.
Set rules of the road. Consider restricting the number of passengers until your teen or new driver gains experience behind the wheel.
Avoiding reaching. Resist the urge to reach for items if they fall while driving.

Taking your eyes off the road to search for an item can make you more likely to have an accident.
Share these tips to help keep others safe.

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