The first car radios were installed in the 1930’s, since then the automobile industry, and third party manufacturers, have been looking for more and more ways to entertain, or should I say, distract  the driver and his passengers.   Providing entertainment for the automobile occupant has come a long way, with the eight track being one of the only bumps in the road.  We now have sixteen speaker stereo systems with booming bass tubes, MP3 player interface ports, DVD screens for every passenger, GPS devices, the list goes on and on.  Unfortunately distracted driving is now becoming a major problem in the United States.
Since people have been driving there has always been a distraction, be it food, a pet, a fellow passenger, or simply changing the radio station.  Up until now, nothing has been as disastrous as the habit of texting and/or emailing while driving, as far as driving distractions go.
It is doubtful that the hazard of texting while driving even occurred to the inventors of the “cell phone text”.  Perhaps they had more faith in mankind.   In a study conducted by Car and Driver in a June 2009 article, texting or emailing while driving is more hazardous than driving while intoxicated.  In a controlled deserted environment, the driver, Car and Driver editor, Eddie Alterman, had worse results texting and emailing as opposed to being legally intoxicated.  While travelling seventy MPH it took him .54 seconds to brake, legally drunk he added four feet, reading and email added thirty six feet, and sending a text resulted in a shocking seventy extra feet.
Unfortunately, the ever presence lack of human willpower seems to be winning.  Even with several states enacting texting while driving laws, the statistics are still there.  Many states report little changes in texting while driving activity improvement, many on the rise.  In a first for the state, Massachusetts convicted an eighteen year old for vehicular homicide for texting while driving and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, based on the law the state enacted in 2010.
How do we prevent this new epidemic when people, not just teenagers are addicted to their cell phones?  Some states are actually considering implementing cell phone “jammers” on stretches of highways.  That too has its drawbacks, especially if you are broken down at 1AM in the middle of nowhere.  Of course the most logical step is to just ignore it, the message can wait, but for the email addict it’s not quite that simple.  Are you just running to the store for five minutes?  You can simply leave your phone at home.  If you are on a longer trip, or you just simply can’t ignore your phone, or leave home without it, lock it in your truck or stow it away in the back seat until you arrive at your destination.   It is not that imperative that you know where your friend is in a casual situation.  What did you do 20 years ago?

Many drivers today are struggling to come up with enough money each month to pay for their car insurance premiums. Now, people who have not earned a college degree might have to pay even more for their insurance coverage.

Many car insurance companies assign drivers very different premium rates based on their occupation and education level. For example, one driver in Miami had to pay $1,700 for insurance coverage while a similar driver with a driving record and no college education had to pay more than $3,400 for insurance coverage.

A survey found that using the same information for drivers but differing educations and educations during the insurance quote process creates huge disparities. In today’s economy, many drivers, especially those that are under the age of 25 are questioning whether or not they should go to college. The cost of college tuition keeps going up and many recent graduates cannot afford to pay their student loans because of the job market.

Education and occupation are allowed to be asked of drivers during the car insurance quote process. Some people in the car insurance industry have stated that the amount of education that a driver has can play a part in how well they can drive. The more responsible a person can show that they are; the lower their premiums will be.

Auto insurance companies can use various types of information to determine the risk that a driver has on them to insure. For example, if a person has no college education then they might have a lower credit score than someone who has a doctorate degree.

A driver’s credit history is used in most states to help determine the risk that they have. The lower a person’s credit score, the less responsible they appear to be to insurance companies. Right now, insurance companies are fighting to try and get more of a market share of consumers. This means that drivers who have clean driving records and have a college degree can capitalize on lower insurance rates.
Insurers want to reduce their risk by offering incentives to target groups such as those with college diplomas and professional careers. It is a good idea for drivers to consider getting college diplomas because it will help them save money on their car insurance premiums for many years to come. On average, people can save from $20 to more than a few thousand dollars each year just by going to school.

Have you ever wanted to fly down the highway behind the wheel of a Ferrari or Lamborghini?
Renting an exotic car is fairly easy in most cities and while it can be expensive, the thrills will last you a lifetime.
Exotic cars can be rented for a single day, a weekend or even a week. Gotham Dream Cars and other rental companies will deliver an exotic car right to your door and most have a huge selection of exotic cars to choose from.
There are limitations, most rental companies only allow you to put about a 100 miles a day on the car and after that you will be paying a pricey $2.00-$5.00 a mile depending on the car.
While the rental can run around a $1000 a day for a Lambo, a Ferrari can cost upwards of $1500 a day. Many companies require a $5,000 to $10,000 deposit before they will hand over the keys.
It’s important to remember that these types of cars are precision driving machines and bursting with power. Driving them can take some practice and one small error can end badly for the car and you so taking it slow until you get the feel for it is the best advice.
So what happens if you end up crashing your exotic rental?
Insurance and Exotic Rentals
While some companies will provide insurance as part of the package, the majority of exotic rentals depend on your insurance coverage as the primary policy. Exotic rental companies will verify your insurance information before letting you slide behind the wheel so make sure your policy is in order before signing up.
The majority of personal polices will cover a rental. As long as you carry full coverage on your daily driver that coverage extends to any rentals, including exotic cars. Read your policy carefully as some have payouts that are capped at the actual cash value of your car, which will leave you dramatically short on an exotic car.
There can be other insurance issues as well. In many cases, personal policies do not cover loss of use, which means that you could be on the hook for the money that the rental agency is losing while the car is being repaired.
It is a good idea to call your insurer before renting a car that is much more valuable than your daily driver. It is possible to raise your limits for the rental period; your agent should be able to advise you on your options.
While most credit cards do offer secondary car insurance on rentals, they all exclude exotic cars in the fine print.  If you have an American Express card you can take advantage of their Premium Car Rental Protection. This plan offers 42 days of coverage and limits of 100,000, all for the low price of $25.
Renting an exotic car is dream come true for many people, but insurance issues can quickly turn your dream into a nightmare. Before slipping behind the wheel of an exotic protect yourself by talking to your agent to make sure you are covered in the event of an accident.

With the price of gas not as astronomical as feared, more and more people are taking the long summer road trip for a vacation as opposed to jetting off somewhere more exotic.  Before you go there are a few things you should check first.
When is the last time you checked your insurance policies?  Maybe it was when you were 18 and you were trying to pay as little as possible.  Are your liability limits high enough or are you at the state minimum requirement?  If you are at fault in a major accident, and sometimes not so major, costs rack up pretty quickly between bodily injury and property damage.   Can you afford your physical damage deductible?  If you are in an accident and you have collision damage, can you take the brunt of a $1,000 deductible?  The additional insurance premium for a lower deductible may not be as much as you think.   Finally, pay the little extra premium for rental reimbursement and towing.  If you have never been without a car, well at least since you were 16, you sure will miss it when it is gone.  If you are in an accident rental reimbursement will get you the temporary transportation you need.  If you are broken down and need to be towed, that can be a few hundred dollars in some cases, but remember it does not reimburse if you are towed for parking illegally!!!  If you can’t find a copy of your policy ask your insurance agent to email you a duplicate, most agents now have everything online and can send it to you in a digital format, or if not they can always photo copy it and mail a copy to you.
Now take a check on your car.  When’s the last time you had any maintenance at all performed on your vehicle?  If the mileage on your car is over the 50,000 mile mark, or the age is over five years, normal wear and tear can lead to parts needing to be replaced or repaired.  Can you imagine being on vacation when it’s 95 degrees out and you’re sitting inside a Pep Boys because your car broke down?  If your car has lower miles on it, and is less than five years old, check the basics yourself, if you know what you’re doing.  Check your fluid levels, oil, coolant, etc.., even windshield wiper fluid.  Look at your windshield wipers; does the rubber still look pliable?  Have you ever even changed the blades?  The way tires are manufactured nowadays you can’t tell if they are low just by looking at them.  You can go to your gas station and check the pressure without having to pay, and with the digital air machines adding air to the correct specifications is easier than ever, but be sure to check your owner’s manual or your door jamb for the correct tire pressure, too high and your tire can blow.  Finally, make sure emergency items are in your truck, a spare, a jack, and even some roadside flares or emergency signs.
All these steps may take a little time, but it will be worth it to have peace of mind while on vacation.  After all, isn’t that what vacation is all about?

On the roads of Nevada, you could be driving beside a car being driven by a computer. That’s because Nevada was the first state to pass a law allowing those cars to be on the road and thus giving Google the green light to test their prototypes on actual roadways. Other self-driving cars are likely to fill their streets soon because almost every car manufacturer is already working on their version of the technology. In fact, a BMW recently drove itself down the Autobahn in Germany. California is on its way to passing a law that would make self-driving cars legal on its roads while other states, including Hawaii and Arizona, are pondering such legislation.
The idea of these self-driving cars is that computers can take in data more quickly and use it to make decisions without hesitation thus reducing car accidents. Plus, the computer is never distracted by text messages, the radio dial, or the witty conversation of the passenger so accidents cause by driver inattentiveness would also be reduced. If everyone was driving a computer-driven car, accident rates would decline to the point that traditional auto insurance just wouldn’t make sense. Well, at least, that’s the theory. But with technology taking the wheel, does that really mean everyone will have to stop paying those premiums?
The answer is probably not for several reasons. First, most states would be slow to overturn mandatory insurance laws, particularly with pressure from insurance groups to keep them in place. Therefore, even if the coverage did become obsolete it would probably stick around for quite some time.
But it might not even be obsolete. As with any new technology, not everyone adopts it right away. Today people still live in homes without computers, for example. The same will be true for computer-driven cars. Not everyone will be eager to give up their old-fashioned vehicles nor will everyone be able to afford one of the new models right away. Plus, computer-driven cars can also be used in manual mode which means the human can take over the driving at any time. Consequently, driving accidents caused by human error are still going to happen, although maybe not quite as often.
If accident rates do decline significantly, auto insurance companies may simply have to change their focus from collision coverage to protection coverage. After all, a parked car can still be side-swiped, vandalized, or crushed under a tree. Given the amount of technology that has to go into the cars, repairing them won’t be cheap so insurance coverage that focused on comprehensive protection might become increasingly necessary.
Additionally, computers aren’t perfect. They can malfunction. Drivers will still want insurance to protect themselves in case their computer-driven car develops technical problems and ends up causing an accident. Insurance companies in the future may even offer discounts for installing anti-virus software on your car to prevent malicious software from taking the wheel and causing havoc on the highways.
While we don’t know yet when computer-driven cars will be available to the public, we know this technology will be coming to a car lot near us soon. While computer cars probably won’t end auto insurance, they will definitely change it.

In states requiring PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance coverage, fraudulent injury claims are causing for a push in reforms. Florida, for example, recently enacted limits on how much individuals could recover through their PIP policies. While the move is intended to crack down on false claims for insurance companies, it might also end up hurting the very people paying for the coverage.
For drivers in most states, PIP isn’t an issue. That’s because most states require the insurance of the driver who caused the accident to pay for the other driver’s expenses. However, some states operate under no-fault insurance laws. In these states, each driver involved in a collision submits claims to their own insurance for payment and fault never has to be determined. These states also usually limit drivers’ ability to take the other driver to court for damages.
While this approach may streamline the claims process, it also makes it easy for people to make false injury claims. They can “stage” car accidents then claim they were injured and receive money for the alleged injuries.
Florida has the highest rates of fraudulent claims among the 12 no-fault states so to combat the problem the state passed a law limiting the amount of compensation a person injured in an accident could receive. Previously, each person involved could receive up to $10,000 to cover medical bills, treatments, and other expenses. Under the new law that amount drops to $2,500 unless the person making the claim can prove the injury was an emergency and reports the injury within two weeks of the accident.
Backers of the new law claim it will reduce the number of fraud cases by reducing the potential payout. Others claim the savings will reduce premiums for drivers throughout the state.
On the other hand, consumers complain that they are paying for PIP coverage so they should receive the full compensation possible. Plus, some injuries may not become a problem until weeks after the initial accident so the reporting deadline could leave some people without the ability to make a claim at all. Furthermore, consumers don’t feel the burden of proving the injury should be on them. Since they are paying for the coverage, they shouldn’t also have to do extra work to get what they paid for.
While many groups have been selling the promise of lower premiums as the main benefit to consumers – the promise that makes the extra work bearable for some – most auto insurance companies say PIP claims actually end up costing them more money to pay out than they take in through premiums for the plans. That means those companies won’t be able to lower premiums for PIP coverage for anyone.
The question regarding reforms like those in Florida is should the consumer be burdened just to protect the insurance company? Clearly no one wants to reward fraudulent behavior but who should be responsible for making sure that doesn’t happen? Chances are good that the $2,500 payout will still be sufficient for con artists who want to be paid for nothing but the reduced coverage may end up hurting innocent drivers who paid their premiums but who end up getting stuck paying the bill for their accident-related injuries.

The idea of a built-in espresso machine in your vehicle adds a whole new twist to the concept of distracted driving, but Italians love their coffee and can now forego pulling over at the nearest cafe to get a java fix. The new Fiat 500L, which hits the streets of Italy this October, features an espresso maker built into the center console.  Made by Italy’s biggest coffee company, Lavazza, it uses cartridges equipped with a single shot of coffee, which minimizes the risk of spilling coffee grounds all over your brand new vehicle.
Detractors are stirred up by the coffee-in-the-console, saying it adds another distraction for drivers who are already stretched to the limit with texting, talking on the phone and using their GPS, much to the detriment of safety.  Texting is a particular bugaboo when it comes to road safety, blamed for causing thousands of accidents yearly in the U.S. alone. But Fiat states that the coffee maker won’t add to the problem because it will only work when the vehicle is at a complete standstill, preventing the hazard that would come to be known as ‘driving while espresso-ing’.
The U.S. version of the Fiat 500L, which has a sporty profile much like the uber-popular Mini Cooper, probably won’t come with its own espresso maker, say the car’s manufacturers.  But the add-on has captured the imagination of other auto makers who are always seeking new ways to pamper buyers of high end luxury vehicles.  Jaguar, Audi and Mercedes all sell vehicles with massaging seats, Cadillac and Range Rover have zonal seat heaters, and Mercedes features colored interior mood lighting.  The world’s most expensive car, Rolls Royce, can be had with a wine cooler, cocktail cabinet and cut-glass crystal decanters and glasses. In light of these luxury options, the Fiat’s espresso machine seems positively utilitarian.  If the trend continues, can we expect a toaster on the dash and a microwave under the seat before too long?

If you’re in a quandary about whether to purchase supplemental rental car insurance, you’re not alone.  A recent study shows that roughly 20% of auto renters always purchase extra insurance, whether they need it or not. While the rental agency will encourage you to fork over extra bucks for insurance, the fact of the matter is that if you pay with one of the major credit cards, in most cases, they supply all of the supplemental coverage you need.
We’re often confused about what’s covered by our card and what isn’t, but finding out this important information can save you as much as $20 a day during your rental. Progressive Insurance recently conducted a study of the major credit card company policies on supplemental auto rental insurance.  They found that Visa gets the highest marks for providing coverage, with Discover, American Express and MasterCard following behind.  Of the four cards, MasterCard ranks lowest in providing rental car coverage to cardholders.  However, the specifics of coverage varies for all cards, and it pays to know what’s covered and what isn’t when you sidle up to the rental car counter and sign on the dotted line.
In order to qualify for coverage from any of the above credit card companies, you must charge the entire amount of the car rental to your card and decline supplemental insurance from the rental agency.  None of the cards cover the rental of antique, exotic or otherwise extremely expensive vehicles, so forego renting a Ferrari if you want coverage from your credit card provider.  They also don’t insure trucks, off-road vehicles, or vehicles with open beds. Some of the cards exclude coverage if you’re traveling on unpaved roads or those that aren’t regularly maintained. Discover is the only provider to offer coverage in all of the countries where its cards are accepted, so check with the others if you’re heading off to rent a car in a faraway land.
As for SUVs, American Express is the only one to offer supplemental coverage for them, including the most popular models like the Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
As with all things related to insurance and credit cards, reading the fine print will save you dollars and headaches in the long run, so pull out your agreement and get your facts straight before your next vacation or business car rental.

As temperatures soar past 100 degrees, and gas is considered cheap at $3.50 a gallon many people are considering alternative fuel vehicles. There are a number of alternative fuels available and these vehicles offer many advantages over traditional cars. One of the primary advantages of these vehicles is that they produce lower emissions, which can lead to a reduction in smog, pollution and global warming.
An alternative fuel vehicle is simply a car that runs on a substance other than traditional fuel such as gasoline. Each alterative fuel will offer different benefits as well as certain drawbacks. While these fuels will offer lower emission levels, performance and availability can be drawbacks. Here is a quick rundown of the variety of alternative fuels available:
Ethanol – This is an alcohol-based fuel that is produced by fermenting and distilling wheat, barley and corn. Ethanol is often blended with gasoline to up the octane levels. Ethanol is widely used and most automakers have numerous models that will run on ethanol. There have been questions about the cost of the crops being used and if the gain in octane levels are worth the cost.
Electricity – The number of electric vehicles (EVs) hitting the marketplace grows every year. There were over 10 plug-in models being offered in the 2012 model line-up. Fuel cell vehicles store power in the batteries which are recharged when the vehicle is plugged in. There is no combustion or pollution produced by these cars. The big issue is the cost and range; most can only go around 75 miles on a full charge.
Hydrogen – There are a couple of methods to run a vehicle on hydrogen. Mixing it with natural gas allows it to power certain retrofitted internal combustion engines. Hydrogen can also be used in fuel cell vehicles that mix hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity, driving the vehicle. Range and cost are big factors with these cars and they are not widely used at this point.
Natural Gas – This gas burns clean and is used in specifically designed vehicles. While not widely used in the United States they are quite common in other countries. Some cities and towns have converted buses and city vehicles to natural gas. This gas produces far fewer emissions than fossil fuels and is cheaper than gasoline but natural gas vehicles get fewer miles to the gallon and is not widely available.
Propane – Liquefied petroleum gas as it is also called is a by-product of natural gas and crude oil processing. Propane is widely used in grills and camp stoves but there is a limited market for vehicles. This gas produces fewer emissions than gasoline but currently only a few trucks and vans can be ordered with an engine prep which requires a further conversion to run on propane. The propane is stored in pressurized tanks.
Biodiesel – This fuel is based on animal and vegetable fats. Recycled cooking oil can even be used to produce biodiesel. It is biodegradable, produces fewer emissions and is safe to handle. It can be used in its pure form or as a blend with diesel fuel. In order to run on pure biodiesel an engine must be converted but most diesel vehicles can run on a blend. Check your owner’s manual for details about your specific vehicle.

Dealing with a breakdown or major repair can cause a lot of stress and trying to find the best mechanic to work on your vehicle can often increase that stress. Accidents and breakdowns are not the only reason to visit your mechanic, finding someone that you trust to handle routine maintenance is important if you plan on driving your vehicle for a long time… and more and more of us are doing just that.
According to R.L. Polk a market research firm based in Southfield MI, the average age of cars and trucks on the road today has reached 10.8 years which is an all time high. As consumers hang onto their rides longer, the need for repairs and maintenance is skyrocketing. Finding and dealing with a mechanic can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be an impossible task. Hopefully these tips will make your next visit to the mechanic go smoothly:
Finding the Right Mechanic – Finding the right technician is half the battle, look for shops that adhere to certain service standards. In order for a shop to be AAA approved all of the mechanics must be ASE certified and they cannot have had any complaints filed against them. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to make sure any shop you are considering has a clean record. Soliciting recommendations from friends, family and even your social network can often result in a great match.
Be Specific – When working with an automotive technician, the more specific you can be the better. Writing down specific problems you have been experiencing, detailing sounds, sensations, smells and leaks will make their job easier. If possible keep a journal of when these symptoms occurred and how often they are happening. If you have detailed service records you should bring them along and if you don’t have service records, start keeping them.  Being specific will help your mechanic diagnose your vehicle faster and more accurately.
Be Realistic – Car repairs and even routine maintenance takes time and quality work is not cheap. Be prepared to leave your vehicle for the day if you are getting anything other than a routine oil change done. Ask your technician for both a cost and time estimate before giving them permission to proceed. Many dealerships and repair shops offer shuttle services but it pays to arrange a ride before dropping off your car. Keep in mind that going with the lowest estimate is not always the best deal, paying a bit more to work with a technician you trust is always a good investment.
Stay in Touch – If the technician is unable to get ahold of you with a quote or update on your vehicle, the repair could end up taking longer. Be sure to leave a number where you can be reached easily and will be able to respond to questions or quotes quickly.
Paperwork and Credit Cards – When you pick up the car be sure that the paperwork details exactly what was done to the vehicle and any parts that were replaced. Ask for itemized pricing if the bill is not itemized. The bill should reflect what each part cost and the number of labor hours involved. If possible pay with a credit card as this gives you some recourse if problems arise later. Be sure to add these records to your files.
Finding the right mechanic can take some time but in the end it will pay off with great service and a car that runs well for years.

It is important for drivers to be able to help to prevent car insurance fraud if they can. Florida is a state that criminals have hit hard. Car insurance companies who write policies in the state have paid out billions of dollars in fraudulent claims.
 
In the state, every driver is required to maintain minimum coverage at all times. This means that each driver must buy minimum liability insurance and PIP or personal injury protection coverage. Personal injury protection is where many criminals make money off of fraudulent car insurance claims. They will stage a car accident so that they can begin to file insurance claims.
The driver who is determined to be at fault can file an insurance claim with their own insurance company and get benefits based on their policy amounts. Many criminals exploit this for their own advantage. They cause accidents to occur and then the other driver is determined to be at fault so that the criminal can file an insurance claim with the driver’s car insurance company.
Florida residents need to be able to protect themselves from such things. It is crucial for all drivers to be as aware of their surroundings as possible. Many people are involved in staged car accidents at traffic lights.
What happens is that a criminal will see a car travelling at a slow rate of speed because they are approaching a red or yellow traffic light. They might swerve or tailgate the driver so that the driver quickly puts on the brakes to prevent a car accident from occurring. Then, the criminal will suddenly hit the car and say that the other driver caused the accident to occur in the first place.
This not only is illegal but it also will hurt the innocent driver’s driving record. Staged accidents do go on a victim’s driving record which will in turn increase their auto insurance rates because they have been deemed at fault for an accident.
Many criminals are convincing and will even give false statements to the police and act angry that they were “hit” by someone. It is crucial to protect yourself. If you see someone on the road who is acting in a suspicious manner, then take down their license plate information and then drive in the opposite direction from them. This is the safest thing to do because criminals who are involved in this type of behavior can turn violent.
 
 

Many parents feel that they have to get their teen drivers car insurance coverage. This is mainly due to the fact that parents have better driving records than their children will. When a person lives in a household with their parents, they can be added to their existing car insurance policy.
It is important for parents to be able to have a budget so that they can afford this additional monthly expense. Here are some great tips for parents so that they can afford insurance for teen drivers.
The first tip is to make sure that your child does well in school. If the teen driver is able to maintain consistent grades such as getting a 3.0 grade point average which equates to getting at least B’s during every term then they will be golden. This is due to the fact that teens can get a good student discount for all of the hard work that they put in during the school year. It shows that your child is responsible at school and will take that focus and drive and apply it when behind the wheel.
The second tip is to shop until you drop. Shop around for your car insurance coverage and make sure that the child is in a position to not bring as much risk to your current policy. For example, if your child has accrued a lot of traffic tickets or has been involved in an accident then he or she could make your rates soar. Shop around for at least a month before committing to anything. If you have low insurance rates already then consider sticking with your current insurance company because they may be able to work with you to get your teen covered at an affordable rate.
The third tip is to know that your rates will only decrease after the first year that your child is insured. The first year is basically a litmus test for your child with your insurance company. Make sure to watch them closely because one accident where he or she is ruled at fault will make your premiums soar.
The fourth tip is to add your child to the oldest vehicle that you own. This will save you a lot of money and help reduce the claim amount if the vehicle gets totaled. Many parents add their kids to their new vehicles but this is a costly error to make.

In early July, one of the top insurance companies in the U. S. released shocking findings: driver’s behavior is the best predictor of their risk of being involved in an accident. Strangely, this news probably didn’t come as any surprise to car drivers who’ve been buying insurance all these years. The odd thing is insurance companies needed to spend fifteen years analyzing driving statistics to realize that what a person does behind the wheel is directly linked to their likelihood of being involved in a crash.
Here’s an example of the driving behaviors that seem to be good indicators of risk: the miles driven. The more time you spend on the road the better your odds of being in an accident, regardless of your age, marital status, or car safety features. Additionally, the time of day you are driving can also impact your risk. Again, this makes sense. Driving at night is more treacherous because of reduced visibility and other factors; therefore, if you do most of your driving after sunset your risk will be higher.
One of the most obvious of these driving behaviors is braking. Drivers who slam on their brakes a lot are more at risk than those who do not. These are the folks who probably aren’t following good defensive driving techniques: staying a good distance behind the cars ahead of them, paying attention to the road, slowing down at intersections. They may also be the ones who slam on their brakes to avoid collisions.
While no one should really be surprised that how people drive affects their auto accident risk, what is interesting is how this information could impact car insurance premiums. Currently, auto insurance premiums like other types of insurance rates are determined by through underwriting. Basically that means statisticians have compiled information about drivers who share your characteristics – your age, your number of accidents, etc. – and based on that information your potential risk to the insurance company is determined. If people who share those traits don’t file many claims, your premiums are lower. If they file lots of expensive claims, your premiums skyrocket.
Now your premiums could literally be based on how you actually drive instead of on statistics based on information that sometimes has little impact on your accident risk. If you’re responsible behind the wheel, you get rewarded by saving money on your insurance. If you’re not, you’ll pay more and, hopefully, will work harder to become a safer driver. That last part would not only benefit drivers with high premiums but everyone who shares the road with them. If everybody pays more attention, brakes earlier, and drives only when necessary, then accident rates should decline and that is good news for everyone except auto body repair companies.
Of course if you don’t want to wait until this personalized approach to car insurance becomes standard to start saving money, some insurance companies recommend you take a proactive approach: enroll in a defense driving course. Successfully completing the course could reduce your premiums by one-tenth and can also reduce the points on your driver’s license. Not only could the course save you money but could teach you some safety strategies that will help when your premiums do become based on your own driving behavior and not a statistical profile.

Many people do not understand car insurance deductibles. It is a good idea for drivers to have a deducible in place because it can lower their overall car insurance premiums. Most car insurance companies today allow drivers to take out an insurance deductible from $250 to up to $2,500. It is in a driver’s best interests to think about these tips before taking out an insurance deductible on their vehicle.
The first tip is to know your own financial limitations.  If you cannot afford a $2,500 deductible at the drop of a hat, then you want to set your sights a bit lower into a price range that you can afford.
The second tip is to consider your situation. For example, if you own a brand new sports car, then you will have high car insurance premiums because your car is more costly to replace. If a driver has an insurance deductible of $250 per month and then decides to take the initiative to increase their deductible to $2,500, then surprisingly their insurance premiums can drop by fifty percent. This is why it is crucial to evaluate your situation very carefully.
The third tip is to consider the costs that might be associated with repairing your car. For example, if you own a seven year old compact car, then you would probably want a lower insurance deductible because your car might not be that expensive to repair.
The fourth tip is to consider dropping collision or comprehensive car insurance coverage if you own your car. Many people who own their cars have high car insurance deductibles. If you own your car and it is an older vehicle, then consider just having minimum liability coverage in place. This can save drivers a lot of money.
The fifth tip is to shop around for coverage. Car insurance premiums with one specific deductible may differ with other car insurance companies. Take the time to contact other insurers and see what they can offer you.
The sixth and final tip is to at least have a$500 or $1,000 insurance deductible if you can. In today’s economy, taking on more of the financial burden for repairs may seem daunting but in the end it pans out for drivers. The more drivers who pay something towards their car accident repairs, the less compensation in claims car insurance companies have to pay out. This helps the entire insurance pool have lower premium rates.

If you’ve ever been to an auto repair shop, you’ve heard the whine and pop of pneumatic wrenches powered by compressed air.  Now that same technology is being harnessed to propel car engines.
The push toward lowering our reliance on petroleum and reducing our carbon footprint has brought us innovations such as hybrid vehicles and plant-based fuels like ethanol and biodiesel.  But few of us would have ever dreamt that something as all-pervasive as the air we breathe could be harnessed to power our vehicles.
Researchers have to dream big to stay on ahead of the pack on the racecourse of innovation. They’ll tell you that anything and everything is up for grabs when it comes to finding new ways to reduce our dependence on oil and lowering auto emissions.  To that end, air powered cars have become a reality.
Compressed air was first used a century ago to power mining cars, but until now it hasn’t been seriously considered as an alternative fuel source for modern vehicles.  How does it work?  Air is funneled into a compact space and compressed. When it’s released, it expands with a powerful force, driving the pistons of the engine.  In 2007, Tata Motors of India partnered with Luxembourg-based Motor Development International (MDI) to design a car with a compressed air engine.  The only other fuel needed will be the relatively small amount necessary to refill the air compressor.  The compressor will also heat the air to make it expand more effectively and can be run on a renewable fuel source like biodiesel.
The fuel cost for running the compressor for an air car is a paltry $2 for every 100 miles driven.  Compare that to $17.50 for every 100 miles driven in a 20 MPG gas vehicle at $3.50 per gallon, and you see the savings over time.  And that doesn’t even take into account the benefit to the environment from not burning all that gasoline.
Tata Motors is launching their air-powered vehicle, the MiniCat, in India at the end of this year with a price tag of $12,700. Toyota has also designed an air vehicle called the Ku Rin, which isn’t yet commercially available.  Depending on the success of India’s MiniCat, it’s only a matter of time before drivers in the U.S. will be able to purchase an air car of their very own, which gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “It’s just a bunch of hot air.”

Changes in car insurance laws are reflected at both the state and national levels, and it seems that most changes tend to increase the price of premiums. The economy and inflation have contributed to the escalation of the price of coverage for several years now. In fact, the rates for all types of insurance have been continually creeping up.
What Dictates Insurance Premiums
Primarily, car insurance premiums are dictated by the state, and almost every state requires individual coverage. Insurance companies attempt to maintain a percentage of payouts to overhead based on a 60/40 split. Although 40% seems a little high for overhead, it has a buffer that is both profit and a hedge against unforeseen expenditures.
Since this ratio is maintained very closely, rates constantly rise. More accidents, higher repair costs, and other escalating factors increase premiums by $1 for every $0.60 the provider pays. For this reason, car insurance companies make money every year. Some people, many of them lawmakers, would like to change the 60/40 split because they feel that the overhead figure is too high.
The Effect of Health Coverage on Auto Rates
Car insurance rates are also affected by health insurance to some extent. Recent increases in health insurance coverage will undoubtedly have an impact on auto premiums. Health insurance amounts are adopted per state, and as the amounts of payouts for claimants rise, auto policies will begin to reflect similar increases.
Increasing Minimum Coverage Amounts
Auto policies often have a minimum coverage of 15/30/5 (these figures represent dollars in thousands). The first number is the coverage for an individual hurt in an accident, the second is the total for all occupants hurt per occurrence, and the last number is property damage. This ratio has been in use for more than 30 years, without any adjustment for inflation. A number of states have made an upward move in these minimums, and others are in the process of doing so.
Texas made a change to a coverage minimum of 30/60/25, which could be a yardstick for changes in other states. It might seem that this more than double increase would drive premiums to twice their current status, but the consensus seems to be that it will only amount to about a 3% change.
The largest expense for many policyholders might be a fine assessed for failure to increase minimum amounts per new laws. Some states are setting fines of up to $200 for failure to comply with new limits. The best protection is to remain current with the minimum limits and other changes to cheap auto insurance requirements. It might cost a little more, but if you ever need it, you’ll be glad you are covered.

There are a wide variety of vehicle warranties that can cover your car over its lifetime.  Warranties range from the original factory warranty to extended warranties and even mechanical breakdown insurance. The coverage they provide will vary making it important to understand the differences between warranty types. Below is a brief overview of the different warranties available:
Factory Warranties – If you are buying a new car its factory warranty will cover against certain issues. Most vehicles come with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The majority of manufacturers offer a longer warranty for the drivetrain, between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. There are often restrictions and exclusions so read the warranty carefully.  When this warranty expires you will be responsible for all repairs or will need an extended warranty.
Extended Warranties – These warranties take over where your factory warranty ends. You can buy one when you purchase a new or used car. They come in a number of different types and are referred to as service contracts, mechanical breakdown insurance or most commonly as extended auto warranties. Here is a quick breakdown of the various types of extended warranties in the marketplace:

What You Need to Know

Extended warranties are binding legal contracts so it is imperative that you understand all terms and conditions have a complete understanding of the contract before you sign. Look for these items when comparing extended warranties:

What Auto Warranties Cost

The cost of an extended warranty will vary greatly and is based on the mileage and year of the vehicle. Prices can run from $500 up to  $2000 and the average is around $1000. Older, higher mileage vehicles will be more expensive and once a car has over 125,000 miles on it the policy will be often be too costly.

While few people will choose a car based solely on how well it holds its resell value, it is a factor that you should consider when shopping for new wheels. Depreciation, in simple terms is the amount of value that a car loses over time. Over the life of a vehicle this can amount to thousands of lost dollars. Choosing a vehicle that holds its value can really pay off when its time for a new car.
If you plan on driving the vehicle into the ground there is no point in giving its resell value a second thought but if you want to resell it in a year or three choosing a car that holds its value will be the best investment. A new car loses ten percent of its value as soon as it leaves the dealers lot and by the end of year one, your car will be worth twenty percent less than you paid for it.  Choose a car you love but if you are torn between a few different models, buying based on resell value is not a bad idea.
There are a number of things that affect resell value. Everything from the color of the car to brand reputation will make a difference in the depreciation value so knowing what to look for will help you make a smart decision.

Where to Find Resell Values
Every year a variety of websites publish lists of vehicles that hold their resell value well. One of the most respected is the KBB list. KBB looks at how vehicles will hold their value over the first five years of their life. These lists are broken down by categories and an overall Top 10 is named. The results for 2012 are:
Highest Resell Value Vehicles
1. 2012 Jeep Wrangler
2. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
3. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
4. 2012 Hyundai Tucson
5. 2012 Audi Q7
6. 2012 Infiniti FX
7. 2012 Honda CR-V
8. 2012 Lexus RX
9. 2012 Nissan Frontier
10. 2012 Chevrolet Camaro
The Jeep Wrangler is expected to be worth a whopping 68 percent of its original cost after three years while the 10th place Camaro comes in at 57 percent.
While KBB does not release a worst resell value list, other publications attempt to nail down the poor performers. These lists are often filled with vehicles that are popular with rental and fleet companies which tend to resell the vehicles at a big discount, driving down prices. Certain luxury models make frequent appearances as well, the Mercedes S class often show up alongside Crown Victorias and base model Town and Country Mini-Vans. Luxury models have a limited resell market so they don’t hold their value well. Cars.com named these 2011 cars and trucks the worst for holding their resale value.
Worst Resell Value Vehicles
1. Nissan Titan (2WD) King Cab S
2. Mitsubishi Endeavor LS
3. Cadillac DTS
4. Ford F-250 (2WD)
5. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL65 AMG
6. Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600
7. Ram 2500 (2WD) Outdoorsman
8. Chevrolet Impala LTZ
9. Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL65 AMG
10. Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe GT

Getting the best possible rates on insurance premiums is the goal of every car owner. For that reason, it is extremely important to keep abreast of the factors used to determine what you pay. There are obvious contributors to cost, but some may not be as evident.
Consider the following possible ways to reduce auto insurance costs:
1. Add a second insured to the policy – Drivers under age 25 are seen as extreme risks by insurance companies because they have the most accidents. If you are a parent of a young driver, adding yourself to the policy may lower premiums, especially if you have a good driving record. While this is not always true, it may be worth taking the time to get a quote.
It is completely legitimate to add yourself to a policy even if you don’t drive a vehicle that often; however, you cannot place yourself as the primary driver. To do so will put you at risk of having your policy cancelled. Law enforcement and insurance companies view this tactic as fronting and fraud.
2. Park your vehicle in a safe place when it is not in use – Both accidental damage and theft inflates insurance premiums substantially. A vehicle that is parked in a homeowner’s driveway or garage is less likely to be the object of vandalism or theft or of being struck by passing vehicles. If your car is not as likely to be stolen or hit by another vehicle while parked, it can amount to savings of up to 7%.
3. Decrease the use of your vehicle – All policies are based partially on how many miles you drive annually. Lying about how much you drive is not the proper approach, but taking alternative forms of transportation whenever possible will lower the mileage and your operating costs. If you drive your vehicle for business, be sure to declare that because failure to do so can result in the policy being voided.
4. Keep your vehicle in factory condition – Specialty designs and changes to the manufacturer’s installed packages can increase premium rates. This does not apply to safety or security changes you make, which can save on your insurance costs.
All these factors are not taken into account by every insurance provider, so be sure to ask when getting a quote.

Some drivers feel that they are paying too much for their car insurance premiums even when they have very good driving records. This is because millions of people are uninsured and there are millions of drivers who have driving records with a lot of blemishes on them.
 
A man or woman who has a clean driving record and will be insuring a small compact car such as a sedan can expect to pay around $1,000 per year for their basic liability car insurance coverage. When a person is classified as a low risk driver, this means that they have not amassed more than one traffic ticket and they have never been involved in a car accident.
Many drivers who fall into this classification pay very high insurance rates. More than 30 percent of drivers pay more than $1,500 per year for coverage and almost 60 percent pay more than $1,000 per year for insurance coverage.
In many places, the same female driver with the same driving record will pay between $730 and $3,300 for her car insurance coverage. This is mainly due to the fact that all car insurance companies assess a driver’s level of risk differently.
Insurance adjusters have a formula in place that they use. For example, a female driver may have a clean driving record but may have a bad credit score and live in an area where there is a lot of crime. This will increase her insurance rates. Another car insurance company may look at the same woman and give her much lower premium rates because they place less bearing on a credit score.
 
There are so many car insurance companies for drivers to choose from that the market has become a very competitive one. Another issue is that each state has different definitions of what their minimum liability coverage entails. This can increase the insurance premium rates that drivers have to pay. Car insurance companies are trying to be profitable and they benefit from the mandated minimums.
Drivers who have clean driving records should consider shopping around for a different car insurance coverage provider if they feel that their rates are too high. It takes just a few minutes to get several insurance quotes online. Insurance companies want to lure policy holders away from their competitors so drivers may be able to secure some insurance discounts and lower rates so that they can save money.

California is a state that has had its share of car thefts occur. Many drivers are stunned, angered, and emotional when their vehicles get taken by car thieves. Prevention is key and across many states, the number of car thefts has declined every year for the last few years which shows that times are changing.
Fresno, California is where a majority of cars are stolen in California. This has forced many residents in the state to have to buy comprehensive car insurance coverage to protect their financial investments. Here are some excellent tips to help drivers reduce their chances of being a victim of car theft.
The first tip is to have a car with electric locks. Older vehicles have manual locks which can make it more likely that the car gets broken into. Car thieves know how to easily jimmy the car door locks so that they can steal a vehicle. If you have a car with manual locks, then you may want to trade it in for a newer model of vehicle such as one with remote locks that you can lock even from a distance.
The second tip is to buy a steering wheel lock. A steering wheel lock costs less than fifty dollars and will lock your steering wheel so that thieves cannot steal your vehicle. It is a great investment to make and can give you peace of mind.
The third tip is to not leave any money or personal belongings in your car. Some people think that trunks are very hard to break into but in reality they are not. Many thieves frequent malls and store locations to look for vehicles that have bags or expensive items in them.
The fourth tip is to make sure that your vehicle is in plain sight at all times. Never leave your car in a dimly lit area because it is more likely to be taken by thieves.
The fifth tip is to never lend your car to people. Many people who borrow cars forget to lock them and they wind up being stolen. It is better to be safe than sorry and keep your keys in your pocket at all times.
The sixth and final tip is to consider getting a car alarm installed in your vehicle. This will help to alert you or others to the possibility that someone is trying to steal your vehicle so that they can be stopped.
 
 

A number of recent reports have shown that U. S drivers have been slow to warm up to electric vehicles (EVs). While sales of hybrids are skyrocketing, EVs like the Nissan Leaf are seeing declining sales. Despite these sales issues, carmakers are jumping on the EV bandwagon, with Audi, Mini and Smart getting into the market. Despite the low sales reports, many experts still predict that electric cars have a very rosy future.
The issues with electric cars
Most people like the idea of an electric car but want a gas engine as a back-up. Toyota is selling Prius’s as fast as they can build them while sales of the Leaf are down almost 70 percent from a year ago.
Many consumers cite their fear of running out of juice in the middle of nowhere as the reason they would not consider an EV. Nissan claims that the Leaf will go about 75 miles on an overnight charge, which could push the limits of many drivers commute. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that around 11 percent of commuters are driving more than 30 miles each way, exceeding the range of many electric cars.
EVs tend to be more expensive, both upfront and over the lifetime of the vehicle. A study by Paris-based International Transport Forum found that over the vehicles lifetime an electric vehicle would cost the owner about $5,000 to $6,000 more than an equivalent fossil fuel car.
EVs tend to have a high sticker price than traditional models. The Nissan Leaf sells for around $35,000 which is pretty pricey for a compact car. As technology improves and more electric vehicles enter the market sticker prices are expected to drop, but as it stands EVs are an expensive option.
Huge advances in fuel efficiency in traditional gas engines have made EVs less attractive as well. Vehicles today squeeze every MPG out of a gallon of gas in some cases coming close to the fuel efficiency offered by electric cars.
Carmakers enter the market
Despite falling sales automakers are stilling getting into the EV game. At least 10 automakers have an EV model in their 2012 lineup with more getting involved next year. In addition to manufacturer support, EVs enjoy wide approval in federal and state government plans for the future of transportation. While a recently released report by Pikes Research called into question President Obamas goal of getting 1 million plug-ins on the road by 2015, it also acknowledged that EVs are here to stay.  According to the research director, John Gartner, “Automotive companies have made a strong commitment to electric vehicles, and their viability as transportation platform is no longer in doubt.”
Federal and state governments are anxious to get started. Boston has three charging stations outside of city hall and many more scattered around the city. They are just one example of local governments preparing for the growing number of EV’s they expect to see in the future. The federal government has made the adoption of EVs a top priority, helping fund research on charging stations as well as kick in to help build chargers around the country. As the EPA continues to tighten emissions standards EVs will look more attractive to consumers.
While consumers have been slow to the party, there is no doubt that EV’s will have a major impact on the future of transportation.

Most of us know that teenagers present an increased risk for driving crashes, but many people aren’t aware that elderly drivers are just as likely to have an accident as their adolescent counterparts.
Studies show that accident rates begin to escalate as soon as drivers turn 65, which means that the burgeoning increase of aging Baby Boomers has dire repercussions for road safety.  By 2030, when 71 million Americans will be over the age of 65, it’s expected that this demographic will cause 25% of all auto related fatalities. People who get behind the wheel from age 75 to 84 have roughly the same accident rate as teenagers, but because their bodies are frailer, their fatality rate is four times as high.
The decrease in driving ability as we age is attributed to poor vision, slower reflexes, a decrease in motor skills and memory loss.  Medications can also impair driving skills, because they often cause drowsiness and an inability to focus. Reduced hearing ability as we age means that sirens and car horns often go unnoticed. Eye diseases like glaucoma can reduce peripheral vision and the ability to see at night.
Assessing our driving ability as we age is the responsible thing to do, but many people fear that giving up their car keys will severely impact their freedom and refuse to do so.  Some elders won’t admit that their driving ability is impaired, even after an accident. If you or someone you love is reaching an advanced age and is still behind the wheel, you should take precautionary steps to avoid becoming another accident statistic.  Here are some warning indicators of driving impairment:

If you have an elderly loved one who exhibits some of the above signs, it might be a struggle to get them to give up their car keys.  One step you can take is to have them tested at your local motor vehicle department.  If they fail the vision or driving test, they will have to surrender their driver’s license on the spot. Another way to get them to stop driving is to stage an intervention with family and close friends to talk with them about your safety concerns. Always offer to arrange for alternative transportation so they don’t feel stranded. If none of the above gets them to relinquish their driving privileges, you might have to force the issue by taking away their car keys or vehicle.  No one wants to have a confrontation of this kind with an elderly loved one, but if they’ve become a danger to themselves or others every time they get behind the wheel, it’s the responsible thing to do to prevent a driving disaster.

Known as Proposition 33, California’s 2012 Automobile Insurance Discount Act could dramatically alter the price of auto insurance for people living in that state, as well as for people in other states around the U. S. if they follow suit. While automobile insurance agents and brokers who are the main groups supporting the bill claim it will save drivers money, others, such as Consumer Watchdog, argue the bill could cause premiums to increase by one-third.
First, let’s look at what both sides do agree about. As in all 50 states, California requires drivers to purchase car insurance but not everyone does. To urge more people to buy and maintain coverage, insurance companies give discounts to their customers who do this. However, those discounts only applied when customers stayed with the same auto insurance company. Proposition 33 would allow consumers to transfer that discount from one auto insurer to another. However, it would also allow insurance companies to penalize individuals who do not maintain continuous auto insurance coverage by charging higher premiums.
It’s this last provision that has upset some people. In part because it overturns a California law that had been on the books since 1988 that prohibited the financial penalizing of uninsured drivers who were attempting to obtain insurance. The original law came about following a 1987 court case challenging California’s auto insurance requirement. According to the state’s Court of Appeal, insurance companies at the time were essentially excluding uninsured drivers from the market by making the costs of getting insurance unaffordable or by outright denying them coverage.
While Proposition 33 may reward consumers who maintain coverage, it could also cost consumers who do not – sometimes through no fault of their own – more in the long run. For example, an individual who has not owned a car for the last five years would be penalized if he purchased a car and attempted to insure it even though he previously had no reason to have car insurance. Some consumer groups argue that such a penalty would be unfair and that these penalties would, by and large, target those most unable to pay higher premiums, such as low income workers.
However, Proposition 33 does offer some protection to consumers who cannot continue their insurance coverage, at least for limited periods. People who lose their job, are sent overseas for the military, or who face unexpected financial hardships will not necessarily be penalized. Those who lose their job will not lose their discount for up to 18 months while those experiencing a hardship only have 90 days. Members of the military will not lose their discount as long as they are stationed overseas.
Unfortunately, one of the unintended consequences of the bill may be that more uninsured drivers are on the road. With drivers being penalized as much as $1,000 or more for not carrying coverage continuously, those who want to get coverage may find it impossible and may resort to taking the risk of driving without insurance. That outcome may not be good for anyone.

For most of us, our car is second only to our home when it comes to the largest monetary investment we’re likely to make.  For that reason, it’s important to take good care of it so it stays in excellent condition and lasts as long as possible.  Here are some tips to extend the life of your vehicle:
During the break-in period when your car is brand new, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the top operating speed.  Many vehicles need to stay under 55 MPH for the first 1,000 miles.
Don’t let your car idle for long periods of time.  Oil flow isn’t maximized at idling speed, so parts of the engine might not be getting adequate lubrication, causing damage that’s costly to repair.  Incomplete fuel combustion during idling also results in oil contamination and damage to car components.
Don’t rev up your engine when you first start out driving, especially during cold weather.  Keep RPMs under 3,000 until your car is fully warmed up to maximize the life of your engine.
Most vehicle wear and tear takes place during the first few miles of driving, so avoid taking lots of short trips.  Your car will last longer – and you’ll save fuel – by consolidating those short treks into one longer trip.
Most people don’t know that your transmission is working even when you’re stopped. Shifting into neutral at red lights saves wear and tear on your transmission and lessens repairs.
Buy gas from reputable sellers.  Inferior fuel that’s watered down, improperly mixed or inadequately filtered can damage your fuel system.  Don’t buy gas when a tanker is refilling the pumps at the station, as this process stirs up sediment that will clog your fuel injectors and filters.
Make your tires last longer by avoiding hitting potholes and curbs, as well as by having them properly inflated and rotated on a regular basis.
Take proper measures when storing your car for long periods of time.  Keep the gas tank full to avoid condensation, wash and wax the exterior to protect the finish and put a rag in the tailpipe to prevent corrosion from moisture.
Protect your car’s upholstery by avoiding eating and drinking while driving.  Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent stains.  Vacuum regularly to keep your car interior from being damaged by dirt and spills.
If you can’t park in the shade, cover your dashboard with a windscreen to keep your interior from fading and cracking from harsh UV rays.  Wipe down the dash and other hard surfaces with a protective cleaner to keep them looking like new.
Use rubber mats to keep car’s floors pristine.  Dirt, mud, oil and slush are easily tracked into your car and will soon leave ugly marks and stains on your floors, if not protected.
Have your oil changed regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tune-ups and servicing.  Keeping your car in top notch running condition will make it last longer.

Summer is finally here and for many families its time to hit the road for their summer vacation. If you are loading up the mini-van and driving to your vacation spot you want to make sure that your ride is safe and ready to go. Family road trips can be hard enough without adding the additional stress of a breakdown. Sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck is not only boring, it can be dangerous so make sure your vehicle is up to the task. Here are just a few things to have checked out:
Tires – This is probably the most important thing to have checked before you hit the open road. The National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA) found that nine percent of U.S passenger cars have at least one bald tire, which dramatically increases the odds of a blowout. A blowout at highway speeds can have a devastating result.
Check both tire pressure as well as tread depth. You can pick up a pressure and tread depth gauge at most auto supply stores. Consult your owner’s manual for proper tire pressure and check that all tires including the spare have at least 2/3” of tread depth. You should replace any tire that does not meet these requirements. Verify your jack is in the car and in good working order.
Fluid Levels – Checking all fluid levels is key. You may want to have a professional handle this work. Make sure the oil and coolant levels are topped up and if your vehicle is almost due for an oil change this would be a great time to get it done. Coolant is just as important as oil so make sure the reservoir is full and check for any sign of leakage. Power steering, brake, transmission and windshield wiper fluid levels should be checked as well. Have any leaks repaired before your journey starts.
Air Conditioning – Summer road trips often involve soaring temperatures so be sure that your air conditioning is up the task of keeping everyone cool. If your system is not blowing cold air you will want to have it checked out and repaired before you get on the road. You A/C system is one thing that you don’t want to break down in the middle of your trip so deal with any problems now.
Lights – Road trips involve driving all hours of the day or night so make sure other drivers can see you. Verify that all the lights on your car are in proper working order, including interior lights, brake lights and turn signals. If any of them are burned out or not working have them repaired before you leave. If you will be towing a trailer check all trailer lights and connections.
Emergency Kit – Every car headed out for a long trip should have a well-stocked emergency kit in it. You never know when an emergency will happen and being prepared is always the best policy. A small tool kit is recommended, as is plenty of drinking water. If you are headed into remote areas be sure to pack survival supplies.
A summer road trip can be an unforgettable experience but a breakdown or blowout can put a big damper on your trip so make sure your vehicle is safe before you pull out of the driveway.

The world is evolving and many states have allowed gay individuals to enter into same sex unions. Some car insurance companies are now offering discounts to same sex couples. Currently, 25 states recognize these unions in the eyes of the law.
The average couple would be able to receive a ten percent discount on their car insurance coverage. This is very similar to the discount that has been offered for many years to couples who are married.
It is important for these couples to understand that they will be added to their partner’s car insurance policy. This means that their driving record, credit score, and other risk factors will be taken into consideration to determine the insurance premium rate that will be offered.
Another thing that couples need to carefully think about the pros and cons that are associated with this type of insurance policy. For example, the models of cars that are being insured and the driving histories of each driver can impact rates.
In one situation, a man or woman might own a new car and have a terrible driving history and they want to be added to the policy of a partner who has a perfect driving record and a used car. By being added to the insurance policy, the premium rates for the driver with the perfect driving record would soar. This is due to the fact that a newer vehicle which is more valuable and would incur much more of a financial loss if it was stolen or seriously damaged or totaled after an accident.
If couples were paying their own insurance policy premiums then they might be shocked to see their premium rates for the first year if one of the spouses has a driving record that has blemishes on it. It is a good idea for couples to shop around for car insurance quotes. This will allow them to see which policy options are right for their particular cars and needs.
If you are planning a civil union in the future, then it is important to contact insurance agents in your area and see what their company’s policies are on giving a “married” status to same sex couples. If they do allow the status, then take some time to find an insurance company that has the lowest premium rates and the best discounts possible. Times are changing and many states and car insurance companies in the future may allow civil unions to be legal and on car insurance policies.

Watermelon has long occupied a space at the top of the list when it comes to a favorite cooling treat on a hot summer day. Now alternative fuel specialists say the juicy melon might also be pumped into our gas tanks to power our automobiles.
Experts at a USDA Research Center in Oklahoma say the juicy fruit can be made into ethanol, the renewable, clean burning fuel that’s become the staple of the alternative energy movement.  Estimates show that every year roughly 20-40% of the U.S. watermelon crop is deemed unfit for grocery stores because it’s misshapen or otherwise cosmetically imperfect.  Even the smallest bite out of the rind by a bird or insect is enough to turn melons into rejects. Thus about 360,000 tons of watermelon annually are left to rot in the fields and eventually plowed under.  Farmers have long rued the waste and wondered if they could find some use for the imperfect fruit.  Now researchers have shown that the juice from the melons can help boost the production of ethanol, the bio-fuel made from plant sugars.
Although watermelon contains only has about half the sugar necessary to convert it to pure ethanol, it can be used in combination with corn, sugar cane and molasses to boost productivity of the fuel.  In addition to sugar, the melon also has high concentrations of amino acids that are needed to boost fermentation in the production process.  It also has a lot of water, which can cut down on the amount of liquid used in ethanol production.  Watermelon isn’t going to become a primary ingredient in the fuel, but it can reduce the amount of corn and molasses need by as much as 15%.
So, next time you bite into a slice of the succulent red fruit at a backyard cookout, note that the sugary juice dripping down your chin might soon become part of what’s powering your automobile.

The emerging industry of personal car leasing has raised many questions as to how insurance companies should address the situation of coverage for drivers other than those who hold the policy. Hailed as a way for individuals to make a little extra income from a vehicle they aren’t using, the concept is received with less than enthusiasm by insurance providers. It isn’t hard to understand why.
The Business of Personal Car Leasing
There are several companies attempting to solicit individuals who are willing to allow perfect strangers to drive their vehicles in exchange for rental fees. The first impression might be “what a great way to get money for doing nothing,” but a closer look might bring out the reality of personal liability if something goes wrong.
If you rent to a driver who goes out and runs over someone, who is going to be responsible for the damages?
The organizations that offer this peer-to-peer sharing are expected to have the insurance questions handled through a large umbrella policy. Whether this actually covers the car owner or not may not be clear in every situation, and the limits of that coverage might be exceeded in certain cases.
Even million dollar coverage might not be considered enough when a disastrous mishap occurs. If the insurance provided is exceeded, who is going to pick up the tab for that excess?
What Might Make the Owner Liable
Sharing a vehicle with many different people opens the owner and the vehicle up to scrutiny. A renter might question the mechanical state of a car if he has the misfortune to crash it into a large building. If the tires aren’t brand new, the steering is a little tight, or the brakes don’t stop on a dime, the owner, not the insurance company, might be held accountable.
The Car Owner’s Insurance Company
Insurance companies don’t like the liability that comes from allowing anyone to drive a vehicle they have covered. It is not out of line for providers to drop clients because of the exposure and risk involved. Three states do not allow insurance companies to drop policyholders for renting their cars and these are California, Oregon, and Washington. If you live anywhere else, you might be shopping for another carrier if you are determined to hire out your automobile.
Instead of paying your premiums with the money you make from leasing the car, you may have to add more to it just to get coverage on yourself. Personal car leasing may well turn out to be a money loser rather than a money maker, so proceed with caution.

Car insurance policy shopping can feel like a huge task to have to undertake. It is important for drivers to be able to complete the shopping process in a matter of one to two weeks to make sure that they get the best car insurance policy possible. Here are some tips to help drivers successfully shop for car insurance coverage.
The first tip is to get several online car insurance quotes. Many drivers just get one or two quotes and then choose between them. This is a huge mistake to make because there are many car insurance companies for people to choose from. Drivers can often find a cheaper insurance quote by branching out and requesting multiple quotes.
The second tip is to make sure that your credit history is in good standing before requesting any quotes. Your credit score says how responsible you are with money so make sure to have any delinquent accounts paid up in full and reduce outstanding balances if you can.
The third tip is to find discounts that you might qualify for. If you have a clean driving record, get good grades, belong to an organization, or are an active member of the military then you may be able to get a discount during your quote process.
The fourth tip is to consider being added to another household member’s car insurance policy. Multi car insurance policies can reduce car insurance quotes. If you live with your parents, a spouse, or anyone else then consider getting a multi-car policy. This can reduce everyone’s insurance premiums by at least ten percent if you and others have a clean driving record.
The fifth tip is to print out all of the car insurance quotes that you have requested and read them very carefully. Compare what each quote offers you. You will see shocking disparages between the car insurance policies when you put them all under a microscope.
The sixth and final tip is to talk direct to car insurance agents about the car insurance policies that you are thinking about purchasing. It is important to have an expert’s opinion when shopping for car insurance coverage. Avoid letting yourself be talked into anything though. Many insurance agents try to sell people over extravagant car insurance policies that they probably do not need in the first place. Ask for the information that you need and then follow up with the agent later.

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