By Aaron Crowe
car_trunkIf you’ve ever had the bad luck of being hit on the head by the trunk of your car, jammed a finger in a closing car door, or fell while getting out of your truck, you’re not alone.
An estimated 647,000 people were injured each year in 2011 and 2012 in non-crash car injuries, according to a March 2015 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA.
Some people may shake off these injuries as nothing and won’t seek medical attention. Others will go to their doctor or a hospital emergency room and have their health insurance pay for treatment.
If a vehicle led to the injury, even if it’s not involved in a crash, car insurance will often pay for the treatment — a consideration many injured people may not think about because their first inclination is likely to go to their health care provider.

Personal injury protection may help

Many non-crash injuries should be covered if your auto insurance policy has personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage.
PIP generally covers bodily injuries from the ownership, maintenance or use of a vehicle. MedPay typically covers injuries that happen while someone is in the vehicle, including entering and exiting it.
State laws and an insurance company’s own rules can cause policies to vary. Contact your insurance agent for definitions of bodily injury under PIP and MedPay coverage.
In Massachusetts, for example, PIP coverage applies to the following individuals, says Ramsey Bahrawy, a lawyer in North Andover, MA:

PIP doesn’t cover motorcycles or their passengers and isn’t payable if workers’ compensation benefits are available to the claimant, Bahrawy says.
Personal injury protection is required by law in Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon and Utah. MedPay is required as part of car insurance coverage in Maine and New Hampshire.
Most other states offer PIP or MedPay as optional coverage’s.
MedPay will pay directly to the injured if the injuries are directly related to a crash, in, upon, exiting or entering a vehicle, Bahrawy says. The person must occupy the insured vehicle with consent.
There’s also the issue of if your car insurance company requires its coverage to be primary or secondary to health coverage.
“So many carriers want to be secondary if there’s a primary” health insurer, says Dan Young, senior vice president of insurance relations at Carstar, an auto body repair service.
One of the main benefits of MedPay is that there isn’t a deductible, whereas most health insurance requires a deductible, Young says. That’s less money out of the injured person’s pocket.
If you don’t have health insurance, PIP or MedPay can help pay for medical treatment when it’s needed the most.

Common non-crash auto injuries

Here are some of the most common ways to be injured by a car, most of which don’t involve the car being in an accident, and if auto insurance will cover the related medical treatment:

woman_driving


If you were to ask just about any random person on the street, they’d probably say that men tend to be better drivers than women. It’s not clear how this misconception began, but there’s plenty of evidence out there to refute it.


While few people would argue with the fact that men tend to be more mechanically inclined – and, as such, more knowledgeable about how cars work – the truth is that in terms of safety, female drivers have male drivers beat by a considerable margin. Not convinced? We’ve culled the darkest depths of the Internet – including some very prominent sources – to bring you 13 definitive reasons why women are better drivers than men; check them out below.

1. Men feel like they “own the road”

According to a New York City traffic study, a participant is quoted regarding the tendency of men to feel like they “own the road.” While there is no definitive way to quantify how many men feel this way, virtually anyone who has been a passenger in a car driven by a guy can attest to this fact.
MORE: 10 Reasons Why Men Are Better Drivers Than Women


Many of the aggressive behaviors that men exhibit while behind the wheel could very well stem from their belief that the road is “theirs.” In turn, disregard for other drivers results in higher numbers of accidents and fatalities. Women tend to be more comfortable with the concept of sharing the road with others, and don’t tend to be possessive or territorial about their driving habits.

2. Motherly instincts are a plusmother_driver

In an article about a New York City traffic study that generally shows 80 percent of all serious pedestrian accidents were caused by male drivers, the New York Times quotes a respondent who cites motherly instincts as being a major advantage that women have over men.
Most people would agree that the majority of women are born with innate, nurturing instincts. Those instincts could make women more conscientious about being safe drivers. Most women have a natural tendency to want to protect those around them.
Therefore, they are more likely to be defensive drivers and to steer as clear of accident-causing behaviors as possible.  Being a caring mother may pay off to becoming a caring, and therefore safer, driver.

3. Scantily clad women are a distraction

During the summer months, women are commonly seen walking around in decidedly skimpy attire. Some drivers tend to have a more difficult time keeping their eyes on the road when scantily-clad women walk by – and it’s fairly easy to surmise who they are. ABC News highlighted a study by the British car insurance agency Sheilas’ Wheels* that reports some very interesting facts about male drivers’ focus on the road during the summer.
According to the study, approximately 29 percent of men report having trouble keeping their attentions on the road when skimpily-attired women pass them by. Needless to say, female drivers don’t tend to have the same issue. More tellingly, men file about 16% more insurance claims during the summer than women do.

4. Women have fewer accidents

Male drivers often insist that they have more skill and finesse on the road than female drivers do. This may be true, but proving or disproving such a claim is virtually impossible. What can be quantified, though, are accident statistics. According to Quality Planning (an insurance statistics company), their study shows that male drivers are significantly more likely to cause accidents than female drivers are.
MORE: Should You Wait Until Age 18 to Get a License?


Most people would agree that accidents are definite signs of being not-so-skilled behind the wheel – after all, accident-prone drivers put all other drivers at risk every time they hit the road. As popular as the stereotype of the fender-bender-causing female may be, the stats show that men have a lot more problems in that area.

5. Women have longer attention spans

Recently, a whole lot of attention has been giving to the dangers of texting while driving. Prior to that, a huge movement about the dangers of talking on cell phones while driving was conducted. Taking your attention away from the road is definitely a recipe for disaster, and it stands to reason that those with shorter attention spans are more likely to experience problems in that department.


The University of Bradford study suggests that estrogen tends to give women much longer attention spans than men. Despite the popular stereotype of female drivers who apply makeup and perform other frivolous tasks behind the wheel, it is clear that women tend to be able to focus more carefully on important matters.

6. Women are better at following road rules

According to the same study above, women have a much better ability to learn rules than men do. This fact is also attributed to the hormone estrogen, and could explain why female drivers tend to be cited for far fewer traffic violations than men. The fact that women have a natural tendency to absorb and obey the rules could make them safer, and better, drivers.

7. Women break fewer traffic laws than men

According to the same study by Quality Planning*, women tend to break fewer traffic laws than their male counterparts. The fact that male drivers are more like to wave away traffic laws as being silly or superfluous is undeniably dangerous. Such laws are in place to maintain order and safety on the road. The study shows that statistically, men are much more likely to be cited for a litany of traffic violations.
A few top examples include reckless driving, DUIs, speeding, failure to yield and stop sign/signal violations. If you see a guy driving around, it’s a lot more likely that he’ll cause a serious accident by disobeying traffic laws than it would be if he were a female driver.

8. Women outlive men in generalold_lady_driving

The fact that women tend to outlive men is pretty much common knowledge. According to the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University*, 85 percent of those who live beyond the age of 100 are women. The article highlights several reasons for this; one of them involves the famously dangerous and aggressive behaviors of teenage males and guys in their twenties.
The so-called “testosterone storm” that occurs during that age period surely has a significant impact on male driving habits. Women, of course, don’t have to cope with testosterone-fueled behavior shifts. As a result, they are much more likely to live through their teenage and young adult years; safer habits and behaviors, including those behind the wheel, help women outlive men by 5 to 10 years, on average.

The Insurance Information Institute* brings additional information to light regarding the driving habits of men versus those of women. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, male drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in fatality-causing accidents than women are.
Aggressive driving habits tend to be at the center of this phenomenon. Risk of fatalities between both sexes tends to go down as drivers’ ages go up, further reinforcing the concept that aggressive and risk-taking behaviors – which tend to be the provenance of the young and unskilled – trigger more deaths than anything else on the road.

10. Men aren’t the only race car drivers

NASCAR fans will attest that the fact that the vast majority of race car drivers are men signifies that men are more skilled behind the wheel. You’d have to be living under a rock, though, to be unaware of the fact that there is one glaring exception to this rule. Her name is Danica Patrick, and she’s proven to be one of the most skilled race car drivers out there.
MORE: Which Car Insurance Company Offers the Best Deals?


In addition to participating in NASCAR/ARCA racing, Patrick has been a prominent fixture on the IndyCar Series for some time, and the first woman ever to win an Indy race, and recently placed 3rd in the Indianapolis 500. While some would argue that one female driver amid hundreds of guys doesn’t mean a whole lot, the fact remains that men do not hold a strict monopoly in the world of auto racing.

11. Women are more likely to wear seatbelts

While buckling a seatbelt isn’t necessarily a sure sign of driving prowess, it does indicate a more conscientious approach to operating a motor vehicle. Several studies, including the one from SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) notes that about 12.5% of male students admit to rarely or never using seatbelts. That’s compared with about 7.8% of female students.
Having the wherewithal to use a seatbelt is a clear demonstration that a driver takes safety on the road seriously. Most would agree that safety on the road is a clear indication of skill behind the wheel.

12. Men are more likely to drink and driveno_to_drinking

Drinking and driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and fatalities* according to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). The aforementioned NYC traffic study touches upon the fact that men are more likely to take drugs and drink before getting behind the wheel. A huge amount of evidence exists, such as the Michigan Drunk Driving Audit, to support the fact that men are much more likely to be arrested and convicted of DUIs than women.
Again, this concept could be tied to men’s sense of power and control over the road, and to their more aggressive tendencies in general. The fact that women are more reluctant to drive while impaired reinforces the concept that they are safer, more conscientious drivers than men.

13. Testosterone can lead to aggression

Despite the widespread belief that an overabundance of testosterone may lead to aggressive behavior, many recent studies, such as one by the New York Academy of Sciences*, suggest that a deficiency of the famous male hormone may be behind more aggressive behavior.
Evidence about such a link is still unclear, but there is definitely a fundamental difference in the way that men and women behave in many scenarios. Since aggressive driving tends to be a higher problem among male drivers, there’s a very real possibility that testosterone is somehow to blame.

Conclusion:

Do the preceding points definitively prove that women are better drivers than men? Not necessarily. When considered on a case-by-case basis, it’s easy to refute or downplay those points. When taken as a whole, though, they present a very compelling argument for the fact that women tend to be safer, more conscientious – and better – drivers. Regardless of how much evidence exists – and continues to crop up – there’s no doubt that the never-ending battle between the sexes will continue. As long as men and women exist, that battle will never be definitively won. If you have a choice between being driven around by a woman or a man, though, you should probably hedge your bets and stick with the female driver.
Do you agree or disagree? Let your thoughts be heard in the comments area at the end of this page:

* Sources:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/pedsafetyreport.shtml
http://www.alphagalileo.org/
http://www.qualityplanning.com/
http://www.sheilaswheels.com/
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/life_sciences/report-51251.html
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/pedsafetyreport.shtml
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/29773.php
http://www.iii.org
http://www.sadd.org/stats.htm
http://www.madd.org/Drunk-Driving/Drunk-Driving/Statistics.aspx
http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1645_3501_4626-27728–,00.html
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1196/annals.1330.016/abstract

Putting a “For sale” sign in a car’s window and leaving it near a busy intersection for a weekend may be the easiest way to sell a used car.
Social media negotiations such as text messages, however, are quickly gaining ground.
Swapalease.com, a middleman between sellers and buyers of car leases, has found that about 25% of its customers use text messages to negotiate their deals, up from about 5% in 2010.
Text messages are a quick way to negotiate factors such as financial incentives offered by sellers, how the buyer will get the car, if the car’s still available and current mileage, for example.
Texts are usually responded to quicker than phone calls, says Brad Rogers, a Swapalease customer in Ohio who sold a car lease.
“Everyone checks their texts and emails all day long, so we communicated very well,” Rogers says of the 10 or so texts and emails he and a buyer sent to each other during the process.
With 82% of people using smartphones to browse the Internet, according to Nielsen’s 2013 Mobile Consumer Report, text messages are a natural way to negotiate a deal, says Scot Hall, executive vice president of operations at Swapalease. One in five digital auto buyers used their tablets or smartphones to research their vehicle purchase, according to a J.D. Power study.
“Texting is just another form of email” that’s quick and easy, Hall says.
People want out of car leases for all kinds of reasons, he says, including lifestyle changes such as moving or having children, or not be able to afford the car anymore. After a virtual handshake on a deal online, buyers must undergo a credit check and sign paperwork from the leasing company.
While face-to-face or at least phone conversations may be best for both sides, they’re not always possible, Hall says. With text and emails, negotiators should be wary of being scammed as they would with anything else online.
“With any type of online transaction you have to have your guard up,” he says.
Rogers, the car lease seller, says it was something he thought of. “That’s always in the back of your mind,” he says. “Is this a legitimate person, can they afford this car?”
The chance to negotiate with someone in person isn’t going away, but it’s slowly becoming less common.
“As people become more and more accustomed to doing things in an online environment, that does take out some of the personal side of that, and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad,” Hall says.
For Ron Stern, who sold a truck lease in Michigan, texting is part of his daily worklife as a contractor, and is as natural as any other way of working with people.
“I’m used to texting for business every day,” Stern says. “It’s just sort of natural for how I do business.”
At a time when the Internet is changing jobs and how people communicate, text messages can be the most modern way to get a deal done.
“With today’s technology it’s par for the course. It’s a part of doing business,” he says.
Aaron Crowe is a journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area who covers the auto industry for CheapCarInsurance.net.

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By Aaron Crowe

Reading a car dealer’s invoice or purchase order for your new car can make you feel as though you’re reading a foreign language. There are a myriad of things to consider when you are purchasing a new vehicle, from finding an affordable car insurance policy, to reading the fine print on the list of extra surcharges.
The terms can be confusing, and unless you question them before you drive your vehicle off the lot, you may be stuck paying extra dealer fees for something you don’t really want or need. Before asking for dealer fees to be taken off your bill, you have to understand what they are.
People are often faced with many fees when buying a car, not to mention sales tax. A dealer’s invoice will list some fees, but it mostly shows the dealer’s cost to buy the car from the manufacturer. However, that cost won’t include discounts and incentives that dealers get when buying from manufacturers, making the car dealer’s cost cheaper than it appears on the paperwork.
Instead of relying on the invoice to reveal dealership fees, car buyers should ask for the purchase order for the car they want to buy, says LeeAnn Shattuck, chief “car chick” at Women’s Automotive Solutions, a car buying service. And do it long before you write a check to purchase a vehicle.
“You do not want to see those fees when you’re ready to sign on the dotted line,” Shattuck says.
The purchase order will list the buyer’s total price to get the car out the door, she says.
“Most dealers are pretty good about advertising the full price,” she says, including fees and tax information.
Some fees are a part of doing business and should be paid by the dealer, and others usually fall to the customer, such as sales tax. But there are some car dealer fees to avoid if you plan to purchase a vehicle. Here are some dealer fees to look out for, and question, on that order:
Destination Charge. Also called a shipping charge or delivery charge, this can be about $800 and is what the manufacturer charges to deliver a car to the dealership. It’s a fee that can’t be avoided and is simply part of the price of every new car, Shattuck says.
When advertising a car’s price, some dealers will subtract the destination charge from the advertised price and then add it later, making the car look less expensive than it is, she says. Or it will be in the fine print of the dealership ad.
Dealer Add-Ons. Also called dealer accessories, these don’t have to be disclosed line for line, and can range from $50 to $250 per item, and $600 total, Shattuck says.

They’re things added by the dealer to your car, which you can sometimes get the dealer to remove, she says, though some are too difficult to take off of the vehicle. They include pinstriping, wheel locks, mud guards, and nitrogen in tires. Nitrogen doesn’t expand or contract under extreme temperatures, and it is meant to provide more stable air pressure when it’s extremely hot in the summer or cold in the winter, she says.
Other dealer add-ons include rust, paint and fabric protection — all things you probably don’t need and may be able to remove during car negotiation prior to buying.
Documentation Fee. Also called an administrative fee, it can go from $500 to $800 and covers a dealer’s paperwork costs. Some states cap this dealership fee, such as $100 in New Jersey, Shattuck says, while others don’t have a limit.
“All it is is dealer profit,” she says.
California has a flat rate of $65 for documentation fees, while they can range from $359 to $800 in Nevada where they aren’t regulated, says Sarah Lee, owner of My Carlady, a car buying service.
The doc fee can’t be negotiated because anti-discrimination laws require that it be the same fee for everyone and that one class of people, for example, can’t be charged a lower fee than someone else, Shattuck says. Either everyone pays the same fee, or they don’t pay it at all.
Buyers can try to get around it by either shopping around at different dealers for the lowest doc fees, or asking a dealer to deduct the amount of the doc fee from the price of the car, Shattuck says.
Market Adjustment Fee. Mostly used on limited production cars as a way to mark up a car’s price so they have more negotiating room, car dealers use this to get thousands of dollars more for a popular car, Lee says.
Popular cars such as the Dodge Viper or Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 are in limited production and can be sold for $10,000 more than their suggested retail price with this fee, she says. The cars can become antique collectibles and can gain value.
To fight this, some manufacturers don’t allow cars to be sold for more than the MSRP — their suggested retail price — and may hold back dealer inventory if such fees are charged, Lee says.
Title/Tag Fees. These can sometimes be tied in with the doc fees at a dealership. They can save you a trip to the DMV and may be worth the expense, and some dealers may charge exactly what the DMV charges for title and license tag fees, Shattuck says. Some dealers may charge a little more money than the DMV does, so comparing costs among dealers may save you some cash when buying a car.
Dealer Prep. Also called reconditioning fees on used cars, these can run from $200 to $500, Shattuck says, and are simple things dealers do to get the car looking good and in running shape. They can include detailing, washing the car, and adding oil and other fluids. If you have to pay extra to have oil put in your car so you can drive it off the lot, you’re not getting much service from your car dealer — and that’s why this is one of the top used car dealer fees to avoid..
Desert Protection. Like the dealer add-ons listed above, this costly fee can sometimes be avoided by making sure it isn’t added to your car if you don’t want to be buying the service. It can cost from $400 to $1,900, Lee says, and is a “finish on a finish” so that you don’t have to wax or clean your car as often. It’s meant to protect a car’s finish from acidity from bird droppings and acid rain, for example.
Vehicle Theft Registration. This is another dealer add-on that can be put on a car before it’s sold, and it is difficult to remove. It costs about $400 and is an identification number that’s usually etched on the driver’s side window as a way to deter thieves, Lee says. It’s different than the VIN number and is supposed to make it easier to find the car’s owner if the stolen car is found. The etching isn’t done at the car factory, making it an easy fee for a car dealer to add at the lot.
When running into such dealer fees, the best advice may be to shop elsewhere. At the very least, ask for fees that you think are unnecessary to be removed prior to buying a vehicle. In the end, a lower price will save you money not only on what you pay for the car but also on the final amount you owe in sales tax.
“You just need to look at things upfront, ask questions and shop around,” Shattuck says.

By Aaron Crowe
Finding a great auto mechanic can be as good finding the perfect babysitter for your children. Once you find one you like, you’ll want to keep them for as long as you have small children — or a car.
Like the babysitter who naps while your children are watching TV, you may occasionally get ripped off by a mechanic or auto repair shop. Whether it’s high prices, problems not fixed properly or repairs that don’t hold up, there are some auto repair shop scams that consumers should be aware of. Some may be innocent and may just be overzealous salesmen trying to make sure your car is extra safe, while others may be simple fraud.
Here are nine auto repair scams to avoid:


1. Buying new tires for a flat. If your tires are in good condition and you get a flat, think twice before buying a new tire or a new pair of tires, recommends Stan Markuze, founder of PartMyRide.com, a used parts marketplace. “As long as your tread is in good shape, most punctures can be fixed with a patch,” Markuze says.
A tire patch usually costs less than $20, compared to $100 or more for a new tire or more than $200 for a pair. Don’t let a repairman convince you to buy a new tired when a patch will do the job, as long as the tread is still good.


2. The upsell. This is common at many businesses. Ever buy a drink and fries at a fast-food restaurant when you first asked for just a hamburger? That’s an upsell. Auto repair shops do the same thing, adding services that you may not need, Markuze says. Going in for a routine oil change is a typical time when an upsell is offered.
“A common technique used by auto mechanics is to tell car owners they need to replace the coolant in the radiator,” he says. “In reality, coolant doesn’t go bad or wear out the way oil does. While it might make sense to replace your coolant after 100,000 miles of driving, it’s not necessary for routine maintenance.”
If you’re told that more work is needed than what you came in for, go get a second opinion if you can drive away without it being a safety problem.


3. Dirty air filter that isn’t yours. This can be another upsell while your car is in the shop for another repair or regular maintenance. According to Angie’s List, a mechanic may bring out a filthy air filter to show you that isn’t from your car, but is kept to trick unsuspecting customers. Always make sure the filter you’re seeing is from your car, and know when your filters need replacement, Angie’s List recommends.
There are two types of air filters. The engine air filter keep dust and debris away from essential moving parts. You can buy one at an auto parts store and can likely install it yourself. It should last a year or about 15,000 miles.
The second air filter is the cabin air filter that’s attached to the car’s HVAC system and cleans air coming into the car to cool the driver and passengers. It’s usually found in the glovebox or under the dash of the front passenger’s seat, and most car owners should be able to replace it themselves every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.


4. Dirty fuel injectors. A repair shop mechanic may tell you that fuel injectors need to be cleaned every 15,000 or 20,000 miles. Not true. Gasoline contains detergent to keep fuel injectors clean. Someone may show you a dirty fuel injector, but don’t believe that it’s yours. Check your owner’s manual, but most fuel injectors are recommended for replacement once a year or at 35,000 miles, and even that may be too often.


5. Used parts passed off as new. If you’re paying for new parts, you should get new parts. Ask to see them before they’re installed. Check that they’re new, brand-name parts approved by the manufacturer, called Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, parts.


6. Engine flush. Spending $200 on an engine flush is wasted money on a service that’s not part of normal maintenance unless you’ve neglected your engine and don’t change the oil when needed. An engine flush gets rid of sludge in an engine, which is something your engine won’t likely need if you’ve taken care of your car. Look in the oil filler lid for deposits and other gunk. A flush could break loose such sludge that could get into the engine, though you’re unlikely to see such sludge buildup.


7. Nothing lasts a lifetime. Don’t pay extra money for transmission fluid, filters, brake pads or anything else that is supposed to last for the car’s lifetime. A “lifetime” transmission fluid is only good for 35,000 miles, so don’t fall for the hype.


8. Frequent oil changes. If you go to a shop that specializes in oil replacement for your car, you’ll likely get a reminder sticker to return at 3,000 miles. That may have been accurate 20 years ago, but cars now run better and don’t need oil changes as often. Most manufacturers recommend 5,000 miles for an oil change. Check your owner’s manual for details. Also make sure you’re getting high quality oil that’s recommended by your car’s manufacturer.


9. Broken axle boot. These can be expensive, and should be repaired if it happened from normal wear and tear from driving. However, some mechanics will cut the rubber boots that cover your axle. Ask to see the damage before approving the work. A legitimate tear will be jagged and dirty with grease. If it’s not, then the mechanic may have cut it and the auto shop should pay for it.


Whatever work you get done on your car, get a written estimate and be sure that no work is done before you approve that it proceed. In the meantime, go look for a good mechanic who you can trust. It will be a relationship you’ll never regret.

living_in_carBy Aaron Crowe
2020 has been a year full of challenges for many Americans. Not only have we all been trying to stay healthy, we have also been faced with extreme choices tied to our economic circumstances. Many people this year have been at least threatened with the prospect of losing their home, or getting evicted, leading us to wonder where we would go. One possibility, though temporary, is always to live in your car. This may sound horrible, but reading some success stories may just get you through, and remember, living in your car will require a current auto insurance policy.
It’s impossible to know how many of the more than half a million homeless people in the United States live in their cars or have done so for a period of time. While living in your car is usually not ideal, it can be necessary for survival, and those who resort to it are often thankful to have at least a semblance of shelter from the elements.
Sutton Parks, now the owner of an office cleaning business in Franklin, Tennessee, lived in his 1993 Chrysler New Yorker for much of 2005 when he was 37-years-old after being evicted from his foreclosed home in Spring Hill, Tennessee. He had lost his job as a computer operator, and his life took an abrupt turn for the worse that left him living in his vehicle.
Just having a roof over his head — even a car roof — kept him safe and out of the rain, giving him something he says he was thankful for as he focused on survival for the time being and tried to find work.

“My mindset was, ‘I’m not doing this for the rest of my life. I’m just doing this tonight,’” says Parks, who even wrote book about his nine-month-long ordeal.

Limited storage space, no way to prepare food, and finding a place to park his vehicle were all challenges Parks faced. And while Parks says he wasn’t harassed by police or anyone else while parking overnight in parking lots at a truck stop diner or Walmart, he realizes he could have been told to move along.
Anyone whose life takes them to survival on the road can benefit from knowing how to live in your car. If the time comes when living in your car is your only option, the following information and survival tips may come in handy.

Don’t Trespass When Living in Your Car

Is it legal to live in your car? Yes, but it all depends on whose space your vehicle is occupying.
While there was a time when living in your car was difficult to accomplish legally, a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a Florida municipal vagrancy law due to vagueness resulted in most cities abolishing their general vagrancy laws. Now a life on the road can be easier to live, so long as you understand the laws around it.
Living in a car is legal if it’s parked in your driveway or if the owner of the private property where you have parked your vehicle has given you permission to do so. But a private lot owner, such as the owner of a grocery store or shopping mall, can have the person arrested for trespassing if they spend too much time off of the road and in the lot.
Parking on a public street or in a neighborhood is subject to a jurisdiction’s parking laws. Even if there isn’t an hourly limit, a car parked for too much time could still get the attention of police, which could at minimum lead to parking tickets.
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Even when you have permission to park, some cities have specific laws against “vehicle vagrancy,” or people living in cars. The city council in Palo Alto, California, passed a law in August 2013 that makes living in a car illegal, citing safety concerns over too many vehicle dwellers in a community center parking lot. Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Vagrancy laws may no longer be around, but even changing clothes in your car could lead to an indecent exposure citation. Also, anti-loitering laws could be enforced, meaning it’s illegal to be in one public place for too long.

Adequate Sleep, Safety a Concern for Car Dwellers

After being evicted from a house he could no longer afford, Parks’ first plan was to sleep in a tent in a state park, but the park he wanted to stay in was closed for the winter. Instead, he moved into his car, showered at a county recreation center, and spent many afternoons at a library, reading and applying for jobs.
One of the most difficult parts was falling asleep in the car, he says, even with ear plugs and a sun shade to block out light from the windshield. It was always too cold, Parks says, and he kept waking up.

“The thing with sleeping in your car is you don’t really sleep in your car,” Parks says. “You take naps.”

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When visiting a local book store, he’d sometimes fall asleep in the big, comfortable chairs.

“You’re always tired during the day,” he says. “You just can’t get a good night’s sleep.”

But is it legal to sleep in your car? A lot of the same laws mentioned above can apply. Some highways have a designated space for drowsy drivers to catch some sleep, but it can be different when you’ll be sleeping in your car for an indefinite period of time.
Survival is another concern. For safety, Parks would often park near a restaurant at a truck stop where salesmen or others would spend the night in their cars. “There’s always people sleeping in their cars in truck stops,” Parks says.
Another safe option was the parking lot at Walmart, which allows RVs to park overnight on its property.
For Parks, one of the best attributes to have while living in a car is having a positive attitude. He knew he’d get through it and would get back on his feet, and he kept being thankful that he at least had a roof over his head.

“If you’re going to be homeless in a car, the U.S. is the best place to be,” he says.

Assessing Your Needs When Living in Your Car

If you’re going to be living in your car, it’s important to know what you’ll face and need in terms of gear, food, space and storage to stay safe on the road.
Food, shelter and water are the basic staples of life and survival. Living in your vehicle means you won’t have access to kitchen gear like a refrigerator, stove or microwave to keep food fresh and prepare meals. Eating at fast food restaurants can be expensive. Have a food plan in place to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need to live a healthy life. Likewise, it can be difficult to have adequate space and storage to have lots of clean water on hand, which is also necessary for survival. Make sure you invest in the gear you’ll need to carry a clean water supply with you.
When it comes to shelter, it’s important to your survival that you avoid extreme temperatures. Your life can be in danger if your vehicle becomes too hot or cold while you’re sleeping in it. Make sure you have an alternate place to stay if inclement weather puts your life at risk.
Finally, make sure that while your basic life needs are being met, you’re also staying safe both on the road and off of it. Keep your vehicle in good repair. Park in safe places where you’re not alone. Organize your car so that it isn’t obviously you live on the road, otherwise thieves are more likely to break in when you’re away. Make sure that someone knows where you are and how to get in contact with you, and that you have the means to contact someone if you need help.
Preparation can be necessary to your survival, so make sure you take care of yourself out on the road.

 
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By Aaron Crowe
If you spend more money customizing your car than on anything else, you’re not alone.
A recent report by J.D. Power found that more young drivers are buying cars, and that they want to personalize their vehicles with options to make them stand out from the crowd.
“There is a lot of discussion today about many young consumers not having the resources, interest or even passion to own a new vehicle,” says Arianne Walker, a senior director at J.D. Power, in a statement.
“However, this age group really is passionate about vehicle ownership, their driving experience and the image associated with the vehicle they buy,” Walker says. “Not only do they enjoy driving, but they also see their vehicle as a reflection of their identify.
“They want to personalize their vehicle with options and features, and tend to view it as an extension of their personality.”
The report found that 27% of drivers 25 and younger say they “completely agree” that they want to equip their vehicle with options and features to personalize it, compared with 20% of all new-vehicle drivers. Nearly twice as many (19% vs 10%) of the younger drivers “completely agree” that others can tell a lot about them by their vehicles.
Pimping your ride can get expensive. Some customization methods are more expensive than others, and the costs may not be recouped if the car is sold. With that in mind, we gathered nine smart — meaning affordable — ways to customize your car without breaking the bank:

Lights

For about $70, an HID lightbulb conversion kit can turn a car’s headlights into a light show on the road. Your headlights can be purple, yellow, or various shades of blue or white.
Another way to use lights to customize a car is with small, bright LEDs, such as lighting the carmaker’s logo. A recent listing on Panjo, a marketplace for car enthusiasts, had a lighted letter “T” for the Tesla for sale for $185. While not cheap (and neither is a Tesla), Panjo also lists many other automotive items for more common cars that are cheaper.

car_shiftShift knob

Just like adding new knobs to doors or cabinets around the house can help give a home a personal feel, so can a unique shift knob to your car. While you can plunk just about anything on the shift without having to spend anything, you could go a little wild with a customized skull for about $30. They come dressed as clowns, illuminated chrome skulls, pirates and Uncle Sam.

Steering wheel

An inexpensive steering wheel cover for $10 to $50 is one option, but we’re mainly talking about replacing your steering wheel with one that has some personality to it. For $40 to $150, an aftermarket steering wheel can give your car the look and feel of a racecar. But be forewarned: You won’t have an airbag if you install one, so be sure to buckle yourself in safely.

Decals

Like a tattoo, having too many decals on a car can look tacky. Or at least not too creative if you don’t know where to stop. But they can be a unique way to pimp your ride, and are a lot less money than a custom paint job.
We’re not talking about window decals that let people know how many people are in your family or what college you went to. We mean car body decals such as racing stripes, flames, bullet holes or scratch marks — something to make your car stand out from the crowd for $20 to $70.

car_rimsWheels

Rims and wheels with things such as spinners inside the hubcaps can turn a boring car into something worth looking at, but they can get expensive. Starting at $50 per wheel, they can quickly cost hundreds of or a thousand or so dollars each. To find something affordable, start at a wreckage yard and look for hubcaps from classic cars.

Vanity plates

For $100 or so, depending on your state, you can buy a combination of letters and numbers that are clever but not offensive. If your state’s motor vehicle department issues vanity plates, it will prohibit obscene plates, so don’t try to go there.

Seats

We’re not recommending aftermarket seats, which can easily cost $700 or more. If you’re going for inexpensive but still customizable to bring out your personality, try slipcovers for as low as $30 for a pair in a color that matches your car. If you want to make the match look complete, add matching floor mats for about $50 more.

Personal fridge

This may not exactly “pimp” out your ride, but a 12V personal refrigerator, such as one for $37 at Walmart, can be a custom device that will make driving a lot more enjoyable. Small fridges can fit in a car’s front and rear console to keep food and drinks cold. Storing beer in them while driving, however, is illegal in some states if the driver can access them.

window_tintWindow tints

This is another cheap way to customize your car, though your car’s windows won’t look especially different from the many other cars on the road with tinted windows. Prices vary by location, but can cost about $90 for two front windows.
Tinted windows can reduce heat and glare, and make driving more comfortable. Check with your state’s highway patrol to see how much tinting is legal, since some states prevent extra tinting that prevents police officers from seeing into the front seats.
Remember that not all of these will increase the value of your car, or make it easier to sell. One man’s pride in his pimp ride is another man’s shame. Just remember you’ll need to get additional coverage to protect some of your improvements you make. Shop and compare your insurance rates today!
Aaron Crowe is a journalist who covers the auto industry for CheapCarInsurance.net.

Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars
You’re on a summer trip with your family and the rental car salesman asks if you’d like to add insurance to your rental. You kindly decline and, three days later, get in an accident on your way to the beach. Will your car insurance be enough to cover the accident? Read on to learn how your insurance policy will work in a rental car and everything you need to know about rental car insurance.
Car rental salesman typically relies on the fact that you don’t know what your policy covers when it comes to rentals. But most car insurance policies will extend to a rental car being used for personal reasons in the case of an accident or theft. If your policy doesn’t cover damages to a rental or you don’t have personal insurance, there are still other rental car insurance options besides those the rental company offers.

Understanding your Policy

You might be thinking “does my insurance policy cover rental cars?” In order to know what your best options are, you need to understand what your insurance policy will cover first. Below is a breakdown of the most common policy types.

Liability insurance

This type of policy covers another person’s medical bills or property damage if you cause an accident. Liability insurance is required by most states, so you probably have at least liability on your policy.

Collision insurance

Collision policies cover repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident. This covers accidents with another vehicle or object such as a fence. Collision insurance is most likely required if you are leasing or financing your car.

Comprehensive insurance

This covers any other damages to your car caused by theft, weather, or other covered disasters. It does not cover any collision damage. This policy is also likely required by the lender if you are leasing or financing.

Homeowners/renters insurance

Your auto policy won’t cover any of your personal items that may be stolen from your car, but a homeowners or renters insurance will. There are many types of homeowners and renters insurance policies, so make sure you know what your policy includes.
These policies will most likely extend to your rental car, but it’s always important to check your specific policy. Deductibles will still apply to an insurance claim made on a rental car.

Understanding Rental Car Insurance Options

Understanding Rental Car Insurance Options
Before making the choice to insure your rental car through the rental company, make sure you understand what each of their policies covers in comparison with traditional insurance.

Liability coverage

Just like normal liability coverage, rental car liability insurance is meant to cover the other person involved in an accident should one occur. If you have liability coverage, you won’t need the rental company’s coverage.

Loss Damage Waiver

Sometimes known as a CDW or LDW, it technically isn’t insurance. An LDW covers damages to the car while typically excluding any damages done from speeding or offroading. Comprehensive or collision insurance would cover you in this case, so the LDW wouldn’t be necessary.
What won’t be covered by your insurance is a “loss of use” charge. Some companies will charge you for not being able to use the car while it’s being repaired from the damages you caused. This will have to come out of your own pocket as no policies cover it.

Personal effects coverage

This covers your personal items if they are stolen out of the rental car. If you have a renters or homeowners policy with “off-premise” coverage, your belongings will be covered without the rental car insurance coverage.

Personal accident coverage

Personal accident coverage covers medical bills for you and any passengers in your car while there is a wreck. Your personal health insurance policy will cover any medical bills you have after an accident. PIP, or personal injury protection, is also required on your policy in some states and is meant for paying medical bills in the case of an accident.

Using a Credit Card for Rental Car Insurance Coverage

If you are using a credit card to pay for the rental car, there may be insurance provided through them. Insurance provided through the credit card company is secondary insurance meaning that they will only provide coverage after your primary insurance has been used. Some companies will provide coverage if you don’t have auto insurance, but make sure to confirm with your credit card issuer before assuming they will provide coverage.

Buying a Policy on Your Own

There are companies who sell standalone rental car insurance for cheaper than the rental car company will sell you. Most policies they’ll sell you at the counter range from $10-30 a day while buying from another company will typically run less than $10 a day. These policies are primary insurance, so they will pay out before your personal coverage and work even if you don’t have auto insurance. Check with your personal insurance provider to see if they offer a rental car policy before shopping around.
There’s typically no reason to buy insurance from the rental car counter. Your coverage should be enough, and if you don’t have auto insurance, there are still cheaper options. Still need help understanding if you need rental car insurance? Take a look around our site to learn everything you need to about cheap car insurance and reach out to an agent today!

Insurance Claims

Car accidents, fires, earthquakes, floods, vandalism, and theft can happen to anyone at any point, and these disasters can leave you with lost or damaged property and a mountain of costs. That’s where insurance comes in. When you get insurance, you make a contract with the insurer that you will pay a premium amount of money in exchange for the guarantee that the insurer will cover the costs specified in the policy. So when an accident that’s covered by your policy occurs, the insurance company will cover the expenses, up to the amount in the policy. But how does an insurer know when there’s been an accident and when to cover costs? They can only know if you tell them, and that’s where insurance claims come in. What is an insurance claim and how do they work? And most importantly, how do you file an insurance claim?

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What is a Claim?

The most basic insurance claims definition is that the claim is a formal request for the insurer to cover something. An insurance claim will need to prove that it is a legitimate claim for damage covered by the policy and that the accident did occur the way you say it did. This proof can include police reports, photos, and any other documentation of an accident or disaster. Your insurance claim will also include a request for the insurer to do something to cover the costs, as agreed upon with the policy.

Once you submit the insurance claim, the insurance company will review it to determine if the claim is covered by the policy. This can take some time, but if the accident is covered, the claim will almost always be approved. Once the claim is approved, the insurer will work to determine how the accident will be covered. If a claim is denied, the insurer is required to provide an explanation of why the insurance claim was denied.

Will a Claim Cause Rates to Increase?

One of the questions most people have about insurance claims is whether or not filing a claim will cause premium rates to increase. The answer to that depends on the situation. Rates might not increase, but they could, even if you’re not at fault. Usually, if you’re at fault for an accident or other types of damage, then filing an insurance claim will cause your insurance premiums to increase, even if it is your first claim. If you’re not at fault, it can depend.

When it comes to property or causality insurance, the more insurance claims you file, the higher the likelihood of a rate increase, regardless of who’s at fault. There are other situations when you aren’t at fault, but your rates could still increase. The number of claims you’ve filed, your driving record, and even the number of natural disasters in your area can all cause your rates to increase when you aren’t at fault.

If filing insurance claims can cause your rates to increase, why file a claim at all? Doesn’t it just cost you more money later? It can sometimes, but the costs of accidents, medical issues, natural disasters can be extensive and impossible to cover on your own in some situations. In these circumstances, filing an insurance claim is the best thing to do. After all, you are paying insurance premiums to be able to have the insurer cover auto accidents and disasters, so you should use the coverage when you need it. If a cost isn’t very much, you can consider paying for it yourself to avoid an increase in premiums, but you must notify your insurance company of the accident even if you don’t file a claim.

Important Tips for Insurance Claims

If you decide to file an insurance claim, there are some important tips to keep in mind to help get the best options:

By filing your claim quickly and staying on top of your payments, you will be able to make stronger insurance claims that are more likely to be approved.

How to File an Insurance Claim

Knowing the benefits of insurance claims will help you, but to get the benefits, you have to know how to file an insurance claim. Here are the typical steps for filing insurance reports:

  1. Call your insurance provider.Whether the accident was your fault or not, you’ll need to notify your provider of the accident. They will let you know the next steps you’ll need to take to get the insurance claim process started.
  2. Provide required documentation.Your insurance agent will provide you with a list of forms you will have to fill out and documents you will have to provide to prove the loss or damage to your vehicle. These typically include a police report, images from the accident, a written explanation of what happened, and medical documentation. Make sure to keep copies of all documents for your records.
  3. Complete inspections.If damages are minor, you’ll probably complete this step on your own. Insurance agents will ask you to take your car to a body shop or mechanic to get quotes to fix the damages. If things are more complicated, an insurance adjuster will come take a look at the car. Adjusters investigate the claim to determine if the car is a total loss and how much the insurance company should provide.
  4. Pay the deductible.Insurance companies don’t provide coverage for free. You’ll have to pay a deductible in full before any money is paid out on your claim.

Once you’ve completed your end of the insurance claim process, it could take some time to be paid out on your claim. There are many factors that go into approving the claim, so there is no definite timeline. Your best option to get things done quickly and efficiently is to file ASAP and keep in constant contact with your agent.

Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

No one is a perfect driver, and bad driving records are more common than you’d think. With a bad driving record, it gets a little more difficult to find an insurance carrier that won’t break the bank. But finding affordable auto insurance isn’t impossible if you are a high-risk driver.

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What is High-Risk Auto Insurance?

High-risk car insurance is reserved for drivers with a less than ideal driving history and who pose more risk to the insurance company when they are on the road. Insurers will deem a driver high-risk if they meet any factors such as past driving violations, inexperience, or poor credit.

Who Is Considered a High-Risk Driver?

High-risk doesn’t always mean you’re a bad driver. There are multiple factors that can go into determining the risk you pose – both driving or non-driving. Before an insurance company will insure you or decides what your premium is, they look at the following factors:

If a driver needs an SR-22 certificate, they will be deemed a high-risk driver, but most high-risk policies provide at least the minimum coverage needed to satisfy the filing.

How to Get High-Risk Auto Insurance

Getting high-risk car insurance can be a little more difficult than getting regular car insurance. There are some insurance companies who will not provide coverage to you – no matter the cost. Shop around with multiple insurance providers for different rates before making your decision and make sure you are honest and upfront about your driving history. The best way to get the most accurate quote is to be as accurate as possible about your driving history. You also avoid wasting time with a company who won’t insure you.

If you’ve reached out to multiple carriers and still haven’t found a company who cover you, you might qualify for Assigned Risk Insurance where a provider will be assigned to you. You’re best bet to find insurance quickly and trouble-free is to work with a high-risk insurance agent. These agents deal with high-risk drivers daily and know how to handle the situation efficiently.

Cost of High-Rish Car Insurance

Car insurance can be expensive when you pose more of a risk to the provider. You might be wondering “How much does insurance go up after an accident or other driving infraction?”. There is no straight forward answer to the cost difference you’ll see when you are a high-risk driver as prices can vary by state and other components. Typically, insurance increases by 30% after an at-fault accident, at least 50% after a DUI, and around 20% after two speeding tickets. Many factors go into determining your premiums and the price will vary by circumstance.

Ways to Make Insurance for High-Risk Drivers Cheaper

You won’t be considered a high-risk driver forever, but, in the meantime, there are a few ways to make insurance cheaper.

  1. Take a Defensive Driving Course

    The best time to take a defensive driving course is before a ticket is reported to your insurance provider, but taking a course at any time in your driving history could be beneficial. Driving courses can teach you how to be a safe driver which will help you avoid crashes and citations in the future.

  2. Trade-in Your Car

    Trading in your car for a car with a better safety history and features will reduce your insurance. If you are driving a safer car, you could also lower your coverage. Getting rid of full coverage insurance and replacing it with a cheaper liability car insurance could save you money until your record improves. Another option is trading in your car for public transportation. If you go car-free for a while, you won’t have to worry about having insurance coverage and, in turn, won’t have to pay the expensive premiums that come with being high-risk.

  3. Improve Your Credit Rate

    As previously stated, insurance premiums aren’t determined solely by driving factors. Improving your credit score by one bracket can result in saving over $1,000 a year.

  4. Shop Around

    No two insurance companies are the same and that means no two insurers will charge the same despite your violations. Compare multiple insurance providers to find the best rate possible. Different companies also offer different discounts. Make sure to ask about the discounts each carrier offers to see if you qualify for any of them.

Deciding on the Best Car Insurance Company

While comparing insurance companies, there are a few factors you should consider before picking a company to cover you. Examine the company’s financial strength and complaint history.

Compare the number of complaints to satisfactory reviews for a company. If there are far more complaints, it typically means the company has had a majority of unhappy customers. The most common complaints are due to delays in claim processing or claim denials.

The financial strength of a company determines how likely they are to pay out on a claim. If a company’s financial strength is strong, you can be confident in their ability to pay out and do it quickly.

Contact us today for help determining your needs as a high-risk insurance policyholder and get a quote to find the cheapest car insurance.

Rideshare Insurance for Uber, Lyft, and Other Rideshare Drivers

Driving for a ridesharing company can be a great way to bring in a little extra money, but your normal insurance coverage won’t be enough when you’re using your personal vehicle to transport paying passengers.

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How Insurance Works for Uber And Lyft

While you’re using a rideshare app, your personal auto insurance is suspended. Rideshare companies provide insurance for your vehicle from the time you accept a ride until you drop your passengers off. During this time period, there are different stages in which their insurance coverage kicks in.

During stages 2 & 3, your employer will provide comprehensive and collision insurance, but there will still be limits on these. Both Uber and Lyft’s policies are contingent on your personal auto insurance having at least the same limits as them. Both companies offer the following limits:

Deductibles vary by company, but Uber has set theirs at $1,000 while Lyft’s is set at $2,500. Some rideshare insurance will cover you while you are in periods 2 and 3 and will help pay deductibles in the case of an accident.

What is Rideshare Insurance?

No passengers in your car means no coverage for you or your vehicle. That means you will have to pay out-of-pocket for any damages or injuries sustained if an accident occurs during that time.

Rideshare insurance covers you during that lapse in coverage. It extends your insurance policy and options chosen for your personal auto policy while you’re working for companies like Uber or Lyft but haven’t accepted a ride yet. Once a passenger is in your car, your employer’s policy takes over. Rideshare insurance doesn’t replace your personal insurance policy. It ‘s simply an add-on feature of your existing policy.

Do You Need Rideshare Insurance?

Majority of insurance providers will exclude coverage for any incident that happens while ridesharing. Rideshare insurance provides you coverage during that lapse in coverage. An insurance company could cancel your policy at any time if they discover your car is being used to transport paying passengers without their knowledge.

Having ridesharing insurance makes sure they know the intended purpose of your car and so they can’t cancel your policy. Uber and Lyft insurance requirements don’t require you to have rideshare insurance, but it is your best option to stay covered at all times.

There are other options, like commercial insurance, that replace your normal policy and ensure coverage at all times, but the premiums and deductibles can be a little pricier. Commercial insurance might be your only option if rideshare insurance options aren’t provided where you live.

How Much Is Rideshare Insurance?

Until recently, many insurance carriers didn’t offer rideshare insurance, allowing those who did to charge significantly higher premiums. With more and more companies offering rideshare options, rates are becoming more affordable. Policy rates will vary by state and company, however.

Typically, rideshare insurance will increase your premium by $15 a month, but there are cheaper options. A few insurers offer rideshare insurance as cheap as $15 a year. Many insurance companies offer estimates on their sites, so shopping around is your best bet to find the perfect option for your needs.

How Do You Get Rideshare Insurance?

Since driving for rideshare companies is becoming more and more popular, rideshare insurance is also becoming more easily accessible. Many insurance companies, including even the most well-known providers, now offer rideshare insurance options making it simple to find a policy that will work for you. It is important to note that rideshare insurance isn’t a stand-alone policy and you will have to use the same company for both your personal and rideshare insurance.

While shopping for insurance, make sure you disclose that you are driving for a rideshare company. Ask for quotes for both rideshare and commercial insurance to determine the best price and option that will work with your company’s policy.

Cheap Car Insurance provides free car insurance quotes to help you find the cheapest options. Get a quote today to find the best rideshare insurance coverage and stay covered at all times.

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP insurance, is an auto policy that covers medical expenses and lost wages no matter who is at fault in an accident. Personal Injury Protection can cover both the policyholder and others in the car. It differs from traditional auto insurance in these ways. PIP is offered as an additional policy option in some states while it is required in the 12 “no-fault” states and others.

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What PIP Covers

If you’re involved in an accident and have PIP coverage, you will receive benefits as well as any other passengers involved in the accident. Medical expenses are covered regardless of who caused the accident. PIP insurance also covers any expenses related to recovery from the accident such as:

Coverage provided can vary by state. If expenses for rehabilitation exceed your maximum PIP coverage, health insurance may cover the remainder of the costs.

PIP Insurance vs Health Insurance

PIP insurance offers many benefits that health insurance does not like those listed above because it is specific to car injuries. Some of the injuries and expenses caused by accidents are not covered by health insurance.

In no-fault states that require PIP coverage, you’ll need to make a claim with the insurance company that holds your policy before going to your health insurance. If your family doesn’t have a health insurance policy, Personal Injury Protection is a great alternative. Even if you do have health insurance, the extended benefits of PIP coverage can make it worth the additional cost.

Benefits of PIP Insurance

Personal Injury Protection removes the question of blame that usually holds up insurance companies from paying out on a claim. Traditional insurance can take months to pay for medical bills. With PIP, medical expenses, and any other expenses covered, will be made available as soon as possible.

Personal Injury Protection mitigates the need for lawsuits after accidents as expenses will be paid no matter who is at fault in the crash. It will also cover you if you’re injured by an uninsured driver or are involved in a hit and run. You will also only have to interact with your personal insurance company, which can sometimes make things easier in such a stressful time.

Personal Injury Protection by State

PIP coverage is sometimes referred to as “no-fault insurance” because it is required in no-fault states. It is also required in four additional states making it required in 16 states.

Personal Injury Protection minimum requirements vary by state. Insurance companies typically only allow a maximum coverage of $25,000. What is covered also varies state-to-state. For example, acupuncture is covered in Utah but not in California.

SR-22 Insurance

When a driver’s license is revoked or suspended, they have to do a few things in order to get driving privileges back. One of those things is usually filing an SR-22 form with the state proving they have the minimum required coverage. Thus, there technically is no such thing as “SR-22 insurance”. So what is an SR-22?

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What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 certificate is a document required for “high risk” drivers. It’s a form your insurance has to file with the Department of Motor Vehicles offices to prove you have the minimum car insurance coverage required by the state. As long as you hold an SR-22 form, the insurance company will keep the state updated on any changes in your policy, including cancellation. Obtaining an SR-22 can help get your license reinstated and get you back on the road after you have a run in with the law.

When an SR-22 is Required

An SR-22 isn’t required for everyone. If you’ve had a driving violation, an SR-22 filing will be required before driving privileges are reinstated. Common reasons an SR-22 is required include:

Your state might also require an SR-22 for other reasons such as not paying court-ordered child support. If you don’t have any traffic violations, however, you will not need to worry about an SR-22 form.

If an SR-22 is required, you will find out one of two ways. If it is court-ordered, you will be told by the judge during your hearing. If it is state-ordered, you will be notified by mail from the DMV.

Is an SR-22 Insurance?

There is a common misconception that an SR-22 is an insurance policy. It is not. There is an additional cost to the certificate, but it is technically an additional plan with your insurance company rather than a separate policy. The SR-22 verifies that you hold the minimum auto insurance required by your state and the insurance company notifies the state of this coverage.

How to get an SR-22

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 is as simple as calling them. They can add the SR-22 certificate to your current policy and file the document with the state for you. Simply notifying them of your need for an SR-22 is all that you should have to do.

If you need to buy an insurance policy in order to get your document, things might get a little more difficult. Some insurance companies will refuse to cover high-risk drivers. It is best to notify the provider of your need before getting started so you don’t waste your time getting more information or a quote. Once you select a policy, your work is done and the insurance provider will take care of filing the SR-22 with the state.

In some cases, you may no longer have a car while the SR-22 is required. You will still need insurance coverage to meet the requirements of the state. Look for a non-driver insurance policy to meet the requirements of you SR-22. Essentially, non-driver insurance is liability insurance coverage for when you do operate a vehicle. This might also be a more financially sound option to get through the time period you’ll need an SR-22.

SR-22 Certificate Cost

A filing fee, typically $25, is charged at the time of getting your SR-22 set up. This is all the document will cost you. State filing fees can vary by state. If there is a lapse in coverage, due to provider change or any other reason, you will have to pay the filing fee again.

People usually think the cost of an SR-22 is high, but it is typically the cost of your insurance that is high. Due to the high-risk nature of the driver, insurance providers typically charge more to cover you. How much your policy increases depends on the infraction that causes you to need an SR-22. If your infraction is from a DUI, you are likely to pay much more in a premium than you would from multiple traffic infractions.

How Long Do SR-22s Last?

The length of time you will be required to hold the SR-22 varies by state. Typically it is required for three years. It’s important to know how long your SR-22 is required because any lapse in insurance will result in your license being suspended until coverage is reinstated and your required time could start over. To find out the exact length of time, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

When you no longer need the certificate, it may or may not fall off immediately. It is best to notify your insurance provider when you no longer need the form. Policy rates will most likely recover when the violations fall off.

Contact your insurance agent to receive more information on SR-22 requirements specific to you. Get a car insurance quote today and get one step closer to getting back on the road.

Umbrella Insurance

Most states require some type of liability insurance, and many people have liability insurance for cars, homes, and even boats. But what happens after an accident when the liability coverage isn’t enough for all the costs? This situation can happen to people, usually those who own property and have a large amount of assets, and it’s important to be prepared. The best way to prepare for excess liability costs is with an umbrella insurance policy. Read on to learn more about what umbrella insurance is for, what it covers, and who it’s for.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is often called excess liability insurance, and it covers damages that exceed the limits of a liability policy. It’s a way to protect your savings and assets from excessive liability costs and lawsuits. This extra layer of personal liability insurance covers all the other policies you might have such as home, auto, boat, and motorcycle. The minimum amount of coverage is $1 million, with each policy typically increasing by a million more in coverage. The premiums for umbrella insurance are most often extremely affordable for the amount of coverage provided. At Cheap Car Insurance, we get you free quotes—including umbrella insurance quotes—to find the cheapest insurance, including the cheapest umbrella insurance policies.

What is Covered by Umbrella Insurance?

While umbrella insurance covers most things outside the limits of a liability policy, there are some specific things it covers.

It’s important to remember that umbrella insurance only needs to cover anything if a liability policy has been exhausted.

What is Not Covered by Umbrella Insurance?

Personal umbrella policy insurance covers many situations, but there are some things that the policy specifically won’t cover and an insurer won’t accept, in most situations.

The Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides unique and beneficial protection. Some of the key benefits to remember are:

To understand the benefits of umbrella insurance, it is helpful to think of a real-life example. If you are at fault in a serious car accident where several people were injured and property was damaged, you have to cover the costs of the medical bills, car repairs, and repairs for things such as telephone poles and trees. Also, one of the injured people was a highly paid doctor who sues you for the wages lost for the months they have to take off of work. You might have $300,000 in liability coverage, but the total costs end up being $550,000. Your insurer will pay the $300,000, but you’re still responsible for the $250,000 left. That’s where umbrella insurance can come in. That policy will then cover the remaining $250,000, protecting your savings and assets and preventing the use of credit.

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance isn’t required for anybody, but it is encouraged for people who have these circumstances:

Though umbrella insurance isn’t required, it is encouraged for most people. Since the premium rates aren’t very high for the amount of coverage, umbrella insurance is a great way to protect your savings and assets without spending large amounts on insurance coverage.

The Bottom Line for an Umbrella Insurance Policy

Insurers provide many different options for an umbrella insurance policy to help protect your assets and cover any damages covered by your policy. The best way to determine the amount of coverage is to assess the savings and other assets you need to protect with your umbrella insurance policy. Contact us today for your free umbrella policy quote to determine the right amount of coverage and find the cheapest umbrella coverage.

Common Roadside Emergencies to Be Prepared For

Nobody expects an emergency, but everyone should be prepared for some of the most common roadside emergencies. That way if your car ever sputters to a stop or if your tire blows out on the highway, you know what to do and how to handle a roadside emergency. Read on to learn more about emergency kits, how to jump-start a car, how to change a tire, how to get unstuck, and other ways to prepare for a roadside emergency.
roadside emergency

Prepare With an Emergency Kit

To be prepared for a roadside emergency, you will need to have an emergency kit in your car. Here are some of the essential items for your kit:

Here are some other ideas that would also be beneficial for your emergency kit:

Store the emergency kit somewhere in the vehicle that is easily accessible in an emergency, like the trunk. The kit will be essential to be able to perform some of the emergency techniques discussed later.

How to Jump-Start a Car

One very common emergency is a dead car battery. Jump-starting a car is a necessary skill, but it can be dangerous. It is best to have someone who has done it before walk you through these steps before attempting it in an emergency situation.

  1. Park the vehicle with the good battery nearby the vehicle with the dead battery. Do not let the vehicles touch.
  2. Ensure that both vehicles are off. Each auto can be in park or neutral, and both should have the parking brake on.
  3. Connect the positive jumper cable (usually it’s red) to the positive remote terminal of the car with the dead battery.
  4. Connect the positive jumper cable to the positive remote terminal of the car with the good battery.
  5. Connect the negative jumper cable (usually it’s black) to the negative remote terminal of the car with the good battery.
  6. Connect the negative jumper cable to any unpainted metal under the hood of the car with the dead battery. Make sure that you choose a spot that’s at least 18 inches away from the dead battery. Never attach the negative cable to the negative terminal in the car being jumped.
  7. Start the car with the good battery. Let it run at idling speed for about 5 minutes.
  8. Try starting the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start, try letting it charge for a few minutes more.
  9. If it does start, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were put on. Remove the negative cable from the unpainted metal, the negative from the good battery, the positive from the good battery, and the positive from the dead battery.
  10. Remember to let the jump-started car run for 30 minutes. You can let it idle or drive it for 30 minutes to help recharge the battery.

If the car still won’t start after going through these steps, call a tow truck and have your car looked at in the shop. And if you are unsure of how to jump-start a car and you are stuck somewhere, don’t be afraid to call roadside assistance.

How to Change a Tire

Changing a tire is one of the most common forms of emergency car repair, and in some situations, it can require roadside assistance. If you have a flat tire on the highway or a narrow road and the flat is on the driver’s side, call roadside assistance. The chances of being struck by an oncoming vehicle are too high to risk trying to change the tire. If you’re on the highway and there is a nearby exit, it can often be the best choice to drive off the highway, but be warned that you will destroy the tire and could potentially damage the wheel. Still, safety should be the priority, and driving farther is safer than changing a tire on the shoulder of a busy highway.
How to Change a Tire
Here are the steps on how to change a tire.

  1. Make sure the car isn’t moving and that it’s on a level street without a lot of bumps. You might want to put a brick behind the opposite tire to prevent the car from rolling. Ensure that the parking brake is on.
  2. Remove the hubcap. You’ll be able to see the lug nuts. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lugs slightly, but make sure the nuts are still attached to the tire.
  3. Position the jack. Many cars have a mark where a jack should go, but be sure to check the owner’s manual for the specific instructions for your car. Raise the car with the jack.
  4. Remove the lug nuts and pull the flat tire off.
  5. Replace the flat tire with the spare.
  6. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Start at the top and move diagonally to the lower lug then back toward the top, like drawing a star. If there aren’t five lugs, tighten opposing lug nuts.
  7. Lower the car with the jack, and tighten the lug nuts one more time to make sure they’re secure.

What to Do If You Run Out of Gas

No matter how it ends up happening, if you run out of gas, it can be scary. What’s important is how you handle this emergency, so here are the steps of what to do if you run out of gas.
What to Do If You Run Out of Gas

  1. Pull over immediately. If you have already run out of gas completely and can’t pull over, turn on your hazards and shift the car into neutral. Once the road is clear and safe, push the car to the side. Your hazards will signal that you need help.
  2. Determine your location. A smartphone, nearby signs, or even walking a short distance to a landmark are all ways to determine where you are.
  3. Find gas. If you are near a gas station, walk to the station and buy some gas. If you’re unable to get yourself gas, call roadside assistance.

That’s all there is to handle this emergency. Running out of gas is a common emergency, and it can be prevented. Refuel your car when it is down to ¼ of a tank to prevent an emergency and to get better gas mileage.

How to Get Unstuck

Whether it’s in snow, sand, or mud, you might find your vehicle stuck. There a couple of different approaches to getting unstuck, and here are a couple of methods to help you have options in an emergency.
Rocking Method

  1. Shift into “1” or “low.” Do not use reverse and drive because that can cause transmission damage.
  2. Press the gas to move forward a little bit, never exceeding 15 mph on the speedometer. Release the gas and let the car roll backward a little.
  3. Continue this until you build enough momentum to get out.

The Traction Method

  1. One of the biggest problems with a stuck car is a lack of traction. To fix this, use something to create traction. Small rocks, kitty litter, and—in an emergency—a car math can all be placed on the ground in front of your vehicle and under the front tires.
  2. Drive forward on the traction you’ve created until you reach solid ground.

The Cleared Path Method

  1. Sometimes the easiest way to get unstuck is to clear whatever is causing the trouble. Store a shovel in your car to move snow or slush away from the wheels of your car.
  2. Drive forward if you’re able.
  3. Otherwise, push the vehicle (you’ll probably need help to do this) until you clear the spot that you were stuck in. Make sure the car is in drive if you’re pushing forward and reverse if you’re pushing backward.

Sometimes your car is stuck, and there’s no good way to get it unstuck, or the only options to get it unstuck could damage your car. It is often a good idea to call roadside assistance or a tow truck to get unstuck and prevent any expensive damage.

What to Do After an Accident

An accident can happen to anyone and is a common roadside emergency. Here are the steps for what to do after an accident.

  1. Check if anybody is injured. If somebody is injured, call 911 immediately.
  2. Stay at the scene of the accident. Driving away from even a minor accident is illegal. If there are signs of a fire, move to safety but stay as close to the scene of the accident as possible.
  3. Determine your location using road signs or a smartphone. The police and your auto insurance provider will need to know the location.
  4. Call the police. Even if it isn’t a major accident, you might need to call the police to file a claim with your insurance company. The police may not respond to the accident if it’s minor, but they will make a record of it.
  5. Take photographs and write down the details of the accident. Photos and written records of the damage to both cars, skid marks, and even weather conditions will be useful when filing an insurance claim. Photograph any visible injuries as well. If it’s dark, make sure you are using a flashlight to find damage. To warn other drivers that there is an accident, protect the area with road flares from your emergency kit.
  6. Typically the police will gather the information for all those involved, but if the police don’t respond to the accident, you should make sure you gather information. Write down the name, phone number, address, and insurance information for everybody involved. If there are witnesses, gather their names and information as well.
  7. If your vehicle is too damaged to drive, call a tow truck and make arrangements to get home.
  8. Report the accident to your insurance provider. Even if you aren’t filing a claim, most policies require you to report an accident. If you don’t have insurance or would like to find a cheaper insurance provider, Cheap Car Insurance provides free car insurance quotes to help you find the cheapest options.
  9. Seek medical attention unless you are absolutely certain you’re uninjured. Many accident-related injuries aren’t noticeable until a day or two after the accident, so it is beneficial to see your doctor.
  10. Keep a record of all of the accident-related documents. This will include the information from the scene of the accident, a copy of the police report, your claim information, and the receipts from all repairs and medical expenses.

The Bottom Line for a Roadside Emergency

Roadside emergencies are scary and can happen to anyone. Luckily, with preparation, you can be ready for 5 of the most common emergencies. Remember to stay calm and make sure you get the appropriate help if you need it.

Used Car Buying GuideThere are a few important factors to consider when buying a car. Should you get a new or used car? How do you avoid being pushed around by car salesmen? Should you buy an extended warranty? This car buying guide answers each of these questions and more to help you get the best deal.

Why Buying a Used Car Is the Way to Go

Buying a used car is always considerably cheaper than buying the same year, make, and model new. And just because you’re choosing to buy a used car doesn’t mean you have to buy an old car. Cars made just two or three years ago are often on the market for a very reasonable price. Buying a used car can be a smart financial choice, but it does require you to do more research and be more prepared.

The First Steps

Before you even start looking at cars, it’s best to figure out exactly how much you can afford to spend on a car. Money Under 30 suggests the following guidelines when deciding how much to spend:

Unless you’re planning on paying with cash, it’s also helpful to research auto loans to get an idea for what you qualify for. Check your credit score and use online resources to get a ballpark idea of what your loan options are.

What to Look for When Buying a Car and How to Look for It

Once you dive into the ocean of used car listings and dealerships, get familiar with the following used car buying tips:

Getting the Right Price

Out of all the advice we give in this car buying guide, this is probably what you care about the most. For one, make sure to compare prices. Check for other used cars of the same year, make, and model from other sellers. You can do research online, compare between dealerships, and check the prices for people selling their own cars.
You also want to make sure that you brush up on all of the tips in this guide before going to buy. If you go in unprepared, car salesmen could take advantage of your ignorance. And even if you do go in prepared, try to leave the dealership without negotiating. Take a night to think it over, and then negotiate over the phone or email. This will keep you from feeling too much pressure from the dealership or situation.
You can also time your purchase to get a good deal. The best time to buy a used car can depend on the make and model. For instance, four wheel drive vehicles are priced highest in the cold season, so you’d want to avoid that time of year. Aside from that, keep an eye out for dealerships that have good deals during holidays.

How to Pay

You have a few different options when it comes to paying for your used car. Since they aren’t as expensive as new cars, it’s more feasible to pay everything up front. You can also go to your bank and take out an auto loan. Or, you can finance the car through the dealership.
While it can take more preparation and feel like a sacrifice, paying with cash is often the best option. However, this isn’t always possible, and in some cases it can be smarter to finance or take out a loan. If you do enough research you can usually find a decently low interest rate on an auto loan.

Should You Pay for an Inspection?

Yes, you should. Even if the seller or dealership has already had an inspection done, it’s worth getting an inspection of your own. They usually cost a little over $100 and will help you catch any issues that would be much more pricey if you hadn’t caught them. It can be a red flag if the seller doesn’t let you get an inspection. Consider a different option if that happens.
When you get the inspection, ask for a written report. This will give you proof of anything the mechanic finds. The inspection is useful because it can prevent you from buying a car with big problems. But it also can help you get a better deal on your car. Sometimes the mechanic will catch issues that are easily fixed, but will still come at a cost. You can use those repairs to bargain with the original price.

Should You Pay for a Warranty?

Warranties can be a difficult choice. You’re already paying a lot for a car and it can be difficult to dish out more money. Warranties can be a smart choice, but it does depend on your personal circumstances, the car, and the warranty.

  1. First of all, consider if you can afford the large payout if something does go wrong with the car. If you would probably be able to afford the bill, it might be best to stay away from a warranty. It’s speculated that unless you have a notoriously unreliable vehicle, the warranty isn’t worth it.
  2. That being said, if you have to buy an inexpensive, less-reliable car, a warranty could be smart.
  3. The kind of warranty changes things as well. Third-party warranties are usually less trustworthy than manufacturers’ warranties.

Conclusion

Hopefully you feel more prepared for buying a used car. Now you can focus on the excitement that comes with picking out a car. Glance over this used car checklist one more time before you head into the dealership and you’ll feel confident picking out your new (for you) car.

DIY Car Maintenance

How Keeping Up with Car Care Saves You Money

It isn’t news that keeping up-to-date with car maintenance can save you the large costs of future repairs. Simply filling up your oil regularly, for instance, can save you from your entire engine seizing. If you use the car maintenance checklist in this article, you’ll see quite a few benefits. Such as:

Car Maintenance Checklist and Instructions

It’s not enough to know the benefits of routinely checking a vehicle, we want to make sure you know how to maintain a car. Here are a few DIY auto repair tips to help you keep your car running smoothly.

How to Check Tire Pressure

The right tire pressure can make a big difference in your car’s health. Overinflated tires cause more stress on the suspension, are more likely to skid, and wear down tread faster. Underinflated tires are more susceptible to potholes, have lower grip, and can cause structural issues. To check your tire pressure:

  1. Learn the right tire pressure for your car. You can find this in the owner’s manual, by searching the web, or checking a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door.
  2. Get a pressure gauge. You can get a gauge from most gas stations or any auto store.
  3. Place pressure gauge over tire valve. You’ll want to make sure that the gauge’s measuring stick is pushed inside before doing this. When you place the gauge in the valve, the measuring stick will pop out showing you the pressure.
  4. Adjust tire pressure accordingly.If the pressure is too high, you can use the point inside the cap to push inside the valve. This will release the air pressure. If it’s too low, than you can use an air pump at a gas station to fill the tires.

How to Check Tread

Your tire tread is important to give your car traction. If your tires wear down, your car is more likely to skid when you brake. It’s especially important to have good tread during rain and snow. For average tires, the tread should typically be greater than 2/32 of an inch.

  1. Find a tread gauge.You can get a gauge at most gas stations or auto shops. If you can’t find a gauge, you can use a penny.
  2. Insert gauge in the tire groove. Or the penny if that’s what you have.
  3. Check the measurement. Many tread gauges will be color coded, so you’ll know that the green section means your tires have a good tread depth. If you’re using a penny, your tread is good until you can’t see Lincoln’s head anymore.
  4. Get new tires when needed.You’ll need to get new tires once your tread is too low. Getting frequent tire rotations will also keep your tire tread wearing down correctly.

How to Check and Fill Your Oil

A car’s motor oil seriously affects the health of its engine, making this one of the most important pieces of car maintenance. Running out of oil, like we previously mentioned, can leave you needing an entirely new engine. And without regular oil changes, your engine will build up with sludge.

  1. Find a tread gauge.You’ll want to make sure that the engine is turned off. You don’t need to wait a long time for the engine to cool down completely. But you should wait a little while before touching anything under the hood.
  2. Wipe off the dipstick. Typically your dipstick will have a yellow handle. Pull it out and wipe off any oil on it. You might want to look at the dipstick while it’s clean to notice the markings that indicate where the oil level should be. This isn’t the same for each dipstick, but each one will have some indication of where the oil should reach.
  3. Push the dipstick back in the tube. The dipstick will go back down the tube you pulled it out from. Make sure to push it all the way in.
  4. Check the level and color.When you pull the dipstick out, you’ll notice the oil level. Make sure it’s above the low level. You should also take not of the oil’s color. It should be closer to a golden brown than a black. Dark oil means dirty oil. If your oil is dark, you don’t just need to fill up your oil, you need to get an oil change.
  5. Buy the right motor oil.If your oil level is low, the first step is buying the right oil. Check the owner’s manual or the internet for which grade of oil (should look something like 5W-30) your car needs. If you’ve ever put synthetic oil in your car, make sure you keep using synthetic.
  6. Top off the oil.You won’t pour the oil into the tiny opening where you used the dipstick. You’ll need to find the oil fill cap, which should have a label to help you. Once you start pouring the oil in, only add a little at a time. In between adding more oil, check with the dipstick to see how full the oil is.

How to Replace Windshield Wipers

You don’t have to guess why it’s important to see well through your windshield. But it’s easy to be lazy when it comes to replacing your windshield wipers. It might help once you know how easy it is.

  1. Buy the right wipers.This is probably where drivers run into the most hassle when they go to replace their own windshield wipers. But you can check your owner’s manual or even just search the internet to find out which size wiper your car needs.
  2. Get rid of the old wipers.Once you have your new wipers in hand, you can get rid of the old ones. Pull up the wiper so that it stands perpendicular to the windshield. Feel around the underside of the wiper where the blade (the part that can come off) meets the arm (the part that stays attached to the car). You should find a piece that you can press down on. Once you press down, you’ll be able to slide the wipers off the arm when you pull down.
  3. Place the new wipers. Hook the new wiper blades onto the arm and pull until you hear a click. Make sure that you’re putting the correct blade on the correct arm. One of your windshield wipers is usually longer than the other. You may need to check which one was longer by looking at the old wipers.

How to Replace the Air Filter

Your air filter has a lot to do with your fuel efficiency. So, staying up-to-date on getting a new filter will pay off. This is a project you might normally have a mechanic tackle, but it’s actually quite simple.

  1. Buy the right air filter. It’s always discouraging when you take up a DIY project and have to make multiple trips to the store. Avoid that by checking the owner’s manual or internet to find out which air filter is right for your car.
  2. Remove your old air filter.Your air filter is housed inside a black box under the hood of your car. Remove the casing on top and it will reveal an accordion shaped filter which you should proceed to take out. Pay attention to how the air filter is currently placed, this will make it easier to put the new one in correctly.
  3. Place your new air filter. Make sure the right side is facing down.
  4. Close the casing. Place the lid back over the air filter and secure the fastenings.

These are some of the most basic and important car maintenance projects that you can do yourself. Don’t forget to reference car maintenance calendars to make sure that you’re checking off all the car care items, such as replacing your battery, filling your coolant, and checking your lights. Don’t forget to use these tips to save money on repairs and get the most affordable car insurance.

hit and run carIt’s a sound no one wants to hear, the “thump” when you accidentally bump your car into a vehicle parked along the street or in a crowded parking lot. But what happens after that “thump?”
If the owner of the vehicle is in the car or nearby, you and that owner exchange contact and insurance information. You should also call the local police. That’s simple. But what if the owner of the vehicle is no one to be found? That’s when things can get complicated.
But what you shouldn’t do is drive away. Fleeing the scene of an accident, even a minor bump with a parked car, could net you financial and legal pain.
Resist the urge to drive away. Instead, write a note explaining what happened and including your contact information. Then notify your local police department.
Randolph Rice, an attorney and owner of the Law Offices of Randolph Rice in Baltimore, said that every state has some requirement for drivers who are involved in an accident with an unattended or parked vehicle. Your job as a motorist is to know these requirements and act accordingly.
Rice points to his home state of Maryland. Here, drivers are required to notify the owner of the parked car of the accident.
“This can be difficult if there is no one around to notify,” Rice said.
So what happens if you hit a parked car and no one else is around? Rice says that motorists must leave contact information with the vehicle they hit, perhaps by taping a note to the car’s window or tucking it securely under its windshield. Rice recommends including your name, phone number and email address in the note.
He also advises drivers to take a photo of the damage to the other car and a photo of the note they leave behind. The picture of the damage could protect you if the owner of the other car wants to charge you too much for repairs. The photo of the note is proof that you complied with the law, Rice said.

No note could lead to criminal charges

If you hit a parked car and don’t leave your contact information, you could be charged with a traffic offense or misdemeanor criminal offense, Rice said. If you’re found guilty of failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving a parked car in Maryland, you could face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, Rice said.
You might also be required to report the accident to local police, depending on where you live. Glenn Kurtzrock, an attorney in Hauppauge, New York, said that in New York state leaving the scene of an accident in which there is property damage is punishable by up to 15 days in jail. The law here requires that after an accident drivers stop and show their license or identification and provide insurance information and their address.
Kurtzrock said that if the owner of the damaged car is not on the scene, drivers must report the accident as soon as possible to the nearest police station. Kurtzrock also recommends, as does Rice, that drivers leave a note with their contact information with the damaged car.
“Not only is it the right thing to do, but you are opening yourself up to civil and even criminal penalties if you leave without identifying yourself,” Kurtzrock said.
Jesse Cunningham, owner of Mountain View Insurance Solutions in Bel Air, Maryland, said that you should always contact the local police if the owner of the other car is not on the scene, even if the damage to the other vehicle is minimal.
“If you hit a parked car, then you need to treat it as a car accident, because that is what it is,” Cunningham said.

Police officers may not respond to accident

police car lightsReporting the accident to the police might not always result in officers arriving on the scene, said David Reischer, attorney and chief operating officer of New York City-based LegalAdvice.com. That’s because police officers might not respond to such accidents unless there are serious injuries or a threat to public safety.
“Most parking lot accidents involve only minor injuries and property damages,” Reischer said. “These types of accidents occur frequently and pose little danger to public safety.”
Because the police are often not involved, it’s important for you to take photos of the damage to the other vehicle Reischer said. There might not be any police reports recording this information.
Once you contact your local police department, the officers there will be able to guide you through the next steps. And once the owner of the car contacts you, you can decide whether you’ll pay for the damage to the car out of your own pocket or whether you’ll file a claim with your insurance provider.
This will depend on a variety of factors, including the cost of the repairs and your insurance policy’s deductible, the amount you’ll have to pay first before your insurance coverage kicks in. Say the damage to the vehicle you hit will cost $2,000 to repair and you have a deductible of $500. You’d have to pay $500 before your insurance provider pays the remaining $1,500.
Sometimes, you decide not to file an insurance claim when you hit a parked car, choosing instead to pay for the repairs yourself. This can be a positive: Filing a claim usually causes your auto insurance premium to rise. By setting on a price with the owner of the parked car and paying for this with cash or check, you can avoid this premium hit.
Just make sure you’re satisfied with the price. Make sure the owner of the car provides a written estimate from a mechanic for how much the repair will cost.
Kevin Foley, owner of PFT&K Insurance Brokers in Freehold, New Jersey, once took this option. Years ago, Foley was driving out of the parking lot at his local library when he bumped the car parked to his right. It was not, Foley said, a little ding.
Foley pulled back into his parking spot, surveyed the damage and called his local police department on his cell phone. He then went into the library and asked the front desk to page the owner of the car he hit. A high schooler working in the library was driving the car, which was owned by her father.
The police showed up and interviewed both Foley and the student who was driving the car, taking their license and insurance information. Foley gave the driver his phone number and asked her to have her dad call him. The father did, and he and Foley settled on $500 to cover the damage instead of filing an insurance claim.
Eventually, the father sent a check for $100 back to Foley with a note saying how impressed he was with Foley’s honesty.
Of course, that won’t always happen. And there will be times when filing an insurance claim is the right choice, usually depending on the severity of the damage done to the parked car and the price of repairing it.
But whatever you do, never flee the scene of a fender bender, no matter how minor. It could result in bigger headaches in the future.

Woman crossing street in front of car.Walking on America’s roadway may be more hazardous for your health than at any time in the past two decades.
That’s because, according to a recent report, pedestrian fatalities in the United States have hit the highest levels in 2018 since 1990.
This is a big deal because it is happening at a time that roadways are generally getting safer. During the past 10 years, pedestrian fatalities have gone up 35 percent while other roadway fatalities have fallen by 6 percent.
“The alarm bells continue to sound on this issue,” said Jonathan Adkins, executive director for the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. “It’s clear we need to fortify our collective efforts to protect pedestrians and reverse the trend.”
So, what’s behind this growth in pedestrian fatalities?
For one, there are just more people walking and biking now than there were in the past. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 3 percent of people get to work by foot, which translates to about 4 million people.
Walking is most common in walkable communities, such as Boston and Portland, as well as in college towns. But people all across the country rely on their feet for transportation.

States with declining pedestrian deaths

A glimmer of good news is that pedestrian fatalities were not evenly spread across the country, with 23 states seeing a decline in pedestrian fatalities.
Of the states that saw a decrease in fatalities, six states saw a double-digit fall in the number of walking deaths — Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
New Hampshire reported only one fatality in 2017.
Five states — Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, New York and North Carolina — accounted for about half of all pedestrian deaths in the country.
The typical pedestrian fatality happens at night and typically not in a marked intersection. Unsafe habits were involved in many of the pedestrian traffic fatalities.
Among those dangerous habits were speeding, drowsy driving and distractions, such as using phones. And it isn’t just the drivers who might be distracted. Distracted pedestrians was also a significant factor.
Another common factor was alcohol. In about half the cases of pedestrian fatalities, either the driver or the pedestrians were impaired by alcohol.
The size of vehicles on the roadway also comes into play here. While passenger cars kill the most people, fatalities involving SUVs have risen 50 percent in just four years. Experts point out that when a pedestrian tangles with an SUV, there are often more deaths.
One factor weighing in here is that while technology inside the vehicle has grown by leaps and bounds, technologies to protect pedestrians are still in their infancy.
It is tempting to think that the typical pedestrian death was someone wandering out into the interstate, but that is far from the norm. About 35 percent of all pedestrian deaths happen on local streets, while 25 percent are on state highways. Less than 10 percent of all fatalities happen on interstates.
Preventing pedestrian fatalities is a threefold process, which should include educating pedestrians, as well as drivers, but also should emphasize infrastructure improvements, such as crosswalks, sidewalks and other pedestrian-friendly improvements. Law enforcement officers also should be involved to uphold pedestrian-friendly laws, such as slower speeds around schools and pedestrian-heavy areas.

Engineering, education and enforcement key to pedestrian safety

Policymakers call this a “3 E approach” — engineering, education and enforcement.
Richard Retting of Sam Schwartz Consulting wrote the report for the GHSA, and he said that with some work, pedestrian fatalities can be prevented.
“Crossing the street should not be a death sentence,” Retting says. “We have a range of proven infrastructure, engineering, and behavioral strategies that we know can reduce pedestrian deaths. Critical improvements to road and vehicle design are being made, but take significant time and resources to implement.
“It is also important to conduct law enforcement and safety education campaigns now to ensure drivers and pedestrians can safely coexist. It’s crucial to do everything we can to protect pedestrians utilizing a broad approach.”

Car Salesmen Confessions Header
 
Of all the professions that entail hawking products, those who sell cars have earned a particularly poor reputation for deceiving customers with slick tricks and tactics. Unfortunately, industry experts attest that this perception is rooted in reality, with dealerships fudging the truth about everything from vehicles’ accident histories to customers’ credit scores. In some particularly egregious cases, consumer protection watchdogs crack down on dealers that consistently defraud their buyers. But most dishonest car salespeople continue their schemes without consequences, hoping consumers won’t catch on.
 
In this project, we set out to get the inside scoop on the methods that car salespeople use to convince their customers. To do so, we surveyed 223 current and former auto sales professionals, gauging just how dishonest they get to close a deal. Moreover, our data reveal how these salespeople size up customers, assessing their ignorance and income. If you fear getting taken for a ride next time you’re in the market to buy, you won’t want to miss what we uncovered.
 

Deceit at the Dealership?

Frequency of Salesmen Lying
If you had any doubts that car salespeople are frequently dishonest, our data should dispel them. Among car salesmen, nearly three-quarters admitted to lying to customers. Deception among saleswomen was only slightly less common: Nearly two-thirds said they told untruths to potential buyers. Of course, one might forgive the occasional fib, but our findings suggest many employ dishonest tactics as a matter of habit. More than a fifth of car salespeople admitting to deceiving more than half of their sales, indicating that their livelihoods depend on lies. Additionally, this tendency doesn’t necessarily fade with age: Baby boomer salespeople lied nearly as much as millennials and even more than Gen Xers.
To be fair, these statistics likely stem from the nature of the industry. The stakes of a single sale are high, and the opportunities for skullduggery are endless. As consumer advocates note, dealerships have a host of misleading tactics to choose from, from fudging forms to “forgetting” to mention certain fees. Yet, some experts say these tactics may one day contribute to the decline of dealerships across the country. When salespeople practice customer deception rather than customer service, there’s plenty of incentive to buy your car online instead.

Customer Characteristics

Opinions on Ideal Car-Buying Customers

According to our respondents, certain kinds of potential customers are particularly desirable. One might guess that salespeople prefer to work with women. Some studies suggests that female shoppers are regularly presented with higher prices than their male counterparts. Yet, our findings suggest that married men are actually the preferred customer demographic for those who sell cars. If they hold a manager or mid-level position at work, all the better.
The desirability of these characteristics may relate to the economic privilege they imply. On average, white men earn more than any other demographic, and married men earn more than single men. But when we asked salespeople why they preferred this profile, they cited slightly different reasons. Twenty-nine percent reported that this group was easiest to close, and the same percentage said it was more pleasant doing business with them. Then again, these reasons might reflect financial realities as well: When you have more money to spend, you may be more likely to agree to a deal – and stay pleasant while you’re at it.

Selling to the Opposite Sex?

Most Desirable Customers

One might imagine that the preference for male customers reflects the composition of the industry itself. Just 19 percent of dealership employees are women, so it’s no surprise that a male-dominated industry would feel most comfortable serving men. Indeed, when we surveyed saleswomen specifically, 37 percent preferred female customers, and 46 percent expressed no gender preference. In purely financial terms, there are good reasons one might prefer female buyers. Studies have shown that women tend to pay more than men for the same vehicles, a trend that experts attribute to differences in negotiation styles.
Thirty-six percent of salesmen and 40 percent of saleswomen felt that married individuals made the best customers, although female respondents were equally likely to say relationship status didn’t matter. Yet, the greatest agreement concerned the career standing of ideal customers. Salespeople were most likely to prefer selling to mid-level employees rather than senior managers or executives. Corporate leaders might be higher earners, but that doesn’t mean they’ll spend loosely on luxury vehicles. Among those who earn more than $200,000 a year, the most popular rides are made by Ford, Jeep, and Honda.

Susceptible to Schemes

 
Descriptors for Easily-Taken-Advantage-Of Customers
Car salespeople may lie with concerning regularity, but that doesn’t mean that they regard most consumers as easily duped. In fact, 23 percent of salespeople said they never take advantage of their clients. Experts note that certain traits do correlate with susceptibility to scammers, but some of our respondents felt nearly everyone was vulnerable to underhanded tactics. Twenty-five percent of salespeople said they take advantage of their clients more than half of the time.
In describing those who could be easily taken advantage of, salespeople used the term “young” most often. Millennials have suffered mightily at the hands of scammers in other domains as well, falling for counterfeit check ploys and other digital tricks. Salespeople also said “single” people were especially vulnerable, perhaps because they can’t consult with a partner to discern a bad deal. Conversely, there seemed to be no consensus about which gender was easier to deceive: “Woman” and “man” were our third- and fourth-ranked terms respectively.

Price and Principles

 

Percentage of Lying Car Salesmen

Our data suggest that salespeople trying to move bargain inventory are particularly likely to play it fast and loose with the facts. Among salespeople who sold cars for $5,000 or less, 90 percent said they lied to their customers. Fibbing was also quite common at the other end of the price continuum, however: Sixty-nine percent of respondents selling cars for $30,001 or more lied to potential buyers. Moreover, it seems used car salespeople get an unfairly bad rap because respondents who sold exclusively new cars were actually the most likely to lie. The price range in which lying was least common was $20,001 to $30,000, a span that includes the average price of a new compact car or SUV.
Of course, the opportunities for deception differ with various vehicles. When selling cars worth $5,000 or less, salespeople were the most likely to tell untruths pertaining to maintenance history. Customer worries in this area have prompted the rise of the “certified pre-owned” designation, which typically denotes warranty protections against unexpected problems – and a heftier price tag than the average used car. For cars worth $30,001 or more, salespeople were the most likely to lie about accident history. Although vehicle history reports are designed to prevent this kind of duplicity, accidents can be left out if a body shop decides not to document its work for the recording companies.

Untruthful Topics

Most Frequent Lies Told by Car Salesmen
Overall, car salespeople were the most likely to lie about the maintenance performed on vehicles in the past. Nearly as many admitted to lying about the potential for negotiating the price, telling customers they had no flexibility to charge less. Some particularly bold maneuvers were also disturbingly common: Thirty percent of salespeople admitted to altering a vehicle’s odometer. This finding resonates with NHTSA data on this rampant form of fraud: Every year, roughly 450,000 vehicles are sold with doctored mileage counts.
Naturally, salespeople tended to avoid lies that customers could easily disprove. Just 12 percent of respondents said they tried to deceive someone about the fuel efficiency, perhaps because the windows of new cars must be clearly labeled with miles-per-gallon statistics. Similarly, only 16 percent had the gall to lie about a car’s feature set, a lie that could easily be revealed through a basic internet search. Fourteen percent of salespeople lied about their customers’ credit reports, ostensibly to drive a harder bargain in financing discussions.

Screening Shoppers

Perceived Reasons Customers Couldn't Afford Cars
Salespeople have good reason to steer clear of those unqualified to buy. While payment structures can be complicated, their incomes are mainly commission-based. In deciding that a potential customer probably couldn’t afford to buy a car, 52 percent said looking too young was a major tipoff. Another 49 percent said someone’s way of speaking could indicate a lack of funds. That judgment could relate to yet another top screening factor: how educated the would-be buyer seemed.
Some assessments concerned a person’s current ride. Thirty-six percent said they could tell if someone could afford a new vehicle by judging the condition of the car they arrived in. Similarly, 30 percent said they dismissed some shoppers based on the brand of their current vehicle. Some industry insiders claim to make even more precise judgments to gauge the odds of a successful sale. If a customer arrives low on gas, for example, there’s a good chance they’re motivated to trade in their car and buy a new one.

Protecting Your Purchase

Our results indicate that car salespeople justify their profession’s notoriety, lying with striking regularity. But if this deceit seems consistent with public distrust of car salespeople, our findings of their preferred targets are certainly surprising. Moreover, the sheer range of their duplicity is unnerving: From dealer fees to fuel efficiency, virtually any subject can be massaged. We don’t mean to impugn all car salespeople unfairly by painting with too broad a brush. But for consumers, our data are undeniable. When buying a new car, keep your wits about you – and do plenty of your own research.
Because buying a car is no small expense, you’ll need to obtain insurance coverage that truly protects your investment. Just as with purchasing your vehicle, you’ll need to assess your options before accepting any offer. CheapCarInsurance.net provides personalized quotes from a wide array of companies, so you’ll never have to rely on a single source. Our information empowers you to make the best decision – so you can skip the sales tactics and purchase the right coverage with confidence.

Methodology

We surveyed 223 people in the U.S. who are currently or have been car salespeople. Sixty-five percent of our respondents identified as men, and 35 percent identified as women. Twenty-four percent of respondents exclusively sold new cars, 28 percent exclusively sold used cars, and 48 percent said they sold both new and used cars.  
Participants who indicated they were not or had never been a car salesperson were excluded from the study. In addition, if respondents demonstrated that they were clearly not paying attention (failed an attention-check question or if they were clearly not entering accurate data), they were excluded from the final analysis.

Limitations

In this survey, we relied on respondents to honestly answer our questions, also known as self-reported data. There are known issues with self-reported data, such as selective memory, telescoping, attribution, and exaggeration. Future studies should be done on the topic of car sales to explore further the conclusions made in this project.

Sources

 

Fair Use Statement

With apologies to all the car salespeople out there, we hope this content will reach the widest audience possible. So if you’d like to share our work for noncommercial purposes, you’ve got the green light from us. Just link back to this page when you do to credit our team for our research.

By Michael Giusti
Dad and daughter buying a car.Buying a new car is exciting — so exciting that it can be easy to forget about auto insurance as you are heading out to the dealership.
And while it often isn’t required that you let your insurance company know you are about to buy a new car, giving them a heads up before you sign on the dotted line may save a headache and several hurried phone calls — and maybe even some cash — in the end.
In some cases, such as if you are buying your first car, and you are doing it on a weekend, it may be impossible to drive off the lot that day if you haven’t already secured your insurance coverage. That’s because most insurance agents work weekdays, and if you don’t already have an auto insurance policy, you may just be out of luck.
On the other hand, if you already own an insured vehicle, you may be OK if  you forget to tell your agent you are about to buy a new ride. That’s because different companies have different policies, with some offering a clause that lets you take as long as 30-days to report a new purchase to your insurance company while still enjoying the same coverage.
But don’t count on that grace period. Some companies require you report the purchase much sooner than 30 days, and some don’t automatically transfer your coverage at all, so make sure to talk to your agent or read your policy before you start shopping.

Insurance agents need a heads up when car shopping

But even if your policy does automatically transfer, there is still good reason to give your agent notice that you are about to shop.
One reason is that your agent can give you a glimpse into how much that new set of wheels is going to set you back to insure. Don’t just assume that you are going to pay the same amount for your new vehicle as you did for your old one.
In general, more valuable cars cost more to insure, and cars with more advanced technology, such as hybrids or electric vehicles, tend to cost even more still.
Another reason to talk to your agent before you start to shop is GAP insurance. Guaranteed Auto Protection insurance covers you for the months, or years, that you are “upside down” on your loan, or rather, while your car has depreciated so fast it is worth less than the value of your loan.
Buying your GAP policy from your insurer, or from your bank, is most likely going to be less expensive than what the finance manager offers you in the huge stack of papers he is shuffling in the back office. Plus, having a few minutes to sit back and think about your policy before it is time to sign takes that much more stress out of the purchase process later.

New car may mean new insurance coverage

Talking to your agent before you go shopping also makes sure that you are properly covered. Sure, you may have insurance on your previous vehicle that you hope will transfer to your new policy, but do you have enough?
If you just have a liability insurance policy, you may be fine with the law, but  you will likely be short of what the bank or lease company expects you to have.
Plus, this would be a good time to do an overall insurance checkup. How are your liability limits? How about your uninsured motorist coverage? Do you need that roadside assistance, or are you good with your automobile club’s coverage?
And while you are examining your policies, it might be a good time to shop around to different providers to make sure your policy is the best deal available.
“Talking with your insurance professional before your new car leaves the showroom simply means you can drive it as of day one worry-free,” said Lynne McChristian, a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute. “The goal is to have customized coverage to match the new car you plan to drive.”
Worst case, just cool your heels, talk to your agent and come back Monday — insurance card in hand. You may not have that new car smell right away, but making sure you are properly insured is worth the wait.

By Michael Giusti
Woman in car accidentIt’s common to look at  your auto insurance bill and feel that what your insurer is charging you it isn’t fair, but in fact, there are actual laws on the books that define what is fair and what is price discrimination.
Each state’s laws are different, and every state has an insurance commissioner enforcing the rules of the road and looking out to make sure that the price you are charged isn’t discriminatory, but instead based on your perceived risk.
For example, in every state it is illegal to set a price based on your race or religion. But beyond that, the details vary.
In general, insurance is priced based on a number of factors that the company believes will represent the risk you pose of getting into an accident, and by extension, costing them money.
That process of determining your risk is called underwriting. This is when the insurance company examines all your personal information and all the historical information it knows about you and decides how risky you are.
ALSO: Feeling Drowsy? How to Stay Alert While Driving
The most common and largest contributor to your rate is your driving record. If you get into wrecks, you cost them money, and they then raise your rates. And if  you got into a wreck in the past, you are more likely to get into a wreck in the future, so up your rate goes.
OK, so that’s fair.
The next big factor in how much you pay is how much insurance you need. Obviously if you get full comprehensive and collision insurance, which would protect you from nearly any calamity, you will pay more than if you opt for the state minimum liability policy. Again, if they are more likely to pay more, they will ask you to pay more as well.
Again, that’s obviously fair.

Insurance factors beyond your control

But, beyond your actual driving record and policy choices you make, they also look at several other factors that might feel a bit like discrimination. Those factors include your:

Each of these factors are largely choices you have made that the insurance companies’ statisticians say reflect the risk you pose.
So, if you are driving in a densely populated city where fender benders are common, you will pay more. If you are driving a fancy imported luxury vehicle, it would cost the insurance company a lot to replace it if you crashed. If you drive a lot of miles through stop-and-go traffic, there are more chances to get into a wreck than someone who just drives a few blocks to the store and back.
Again, all that seems pretty fair.

Insurance factors you control

Then there are factors that are still in your control, but that might not be as obvious why they matter. Those include your:

While it may not be immediately obvious what your relationship status or how you pay your bills have to do with your driving, the actuaries say that statistically it matters. And if you lived dangerously enough to let your insurance lapse in the past, that might be a reflection of how risky you may live in the future. So, while these may or may not seem fair, the insurers and the regulators tend to agree that they point to your general riskiness.
Fair? Maybe.
Then there are some factors that are not in your control but still weigh into your pricing. The easiest one to wrap your head around is age and driving experience. Even though it isn’t your fault that you are under 25, or that you have a teenager in your house driving your car, statistics show that less mature drivers have more accidents than more experienced drivers. Drivers who are new behind the wheel might panic in a tough situation and may be more likely to hit a guard rail. So, younger and less experienced drivers pay more than people with years behind the wheel.
Fun? No. Fair? OK, fine.
Then there is a controversial factor that plays into pricing in some states — gender.
Obviously you can’t change the way you were born, but some statistics show that women tend to have fewer accidents, tend to drive under the influence of alcohol less often, and tend to have fewer serious accidents than men.
On the other hand, some insurers have found the opposite and claim that female drivers posed a higher risk than men.
With that dichotomy in mind, a handful of states have put their foot down and said that since gender isn’t a choice, and is out of the control of the driver, it shouldn’t be used as a factor in setting an insurance price.
California is the latest state to say that setting price based on gender is discrimination. When their law went into effect in early 2019 they joined the likes of Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina and Pennsylvania in saying that pricing insurance based on gender is discrimination.
So, next time you look at your insurance bill, just know that the insurer didn’t just pick a number out of thin air to charge you. They are basing your cost on what they think they know about you. And while it might not seem fair, at least you can rest assured that the pricing isn’t arbitrary.

Teen Driving Header
Sadly, most Americans have heard this story at least once: A teenager-related car accident results in a tragic death that might have been preventable. Car crashes are the leading cause of death among U.S. teens and, in the last five years, more than 13,500 of these young people have died in accidents.  
But why are teen car fatalities so common – and what can parents or public safety experts do? In search of insight and answers, we analyzed data collected by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) between 2012 and 2016. In the process, we examined how gender, seat belt use, substance use, driving speed, geography, and other factors intersect with fatal teen car accidents.  
Read on to learn more about what could be causing such senseless deaths across America’s youths, plus what takeaways public health and safety advocates can gather from recent key data on teen auto-related deaths.

Fatal Teen Car Crashes


As new drivers, teenagers are unfortunately notorious for making mistakes on the road – insurance agencies know them as some of the riskiest drivers. Yet teenagers aren’t the only ones getting into dangerous accidents across the United States. Surprisingly, they’ve demonstrated the lowest percentage growth in fatal car crashes out of all other age groups, according to our analysis. There was around a 3 percent growth in car crash fatalities among teenagers – children aged 13 to 19 – between 2016 and 2015. Compare that to fatal car crashes involving senior citizens aged 65 to 79 – an 8.8 percent growth in the same time period – and it becomes clear that teenage driving, albeit risky, is not experiencing a deadly rise compared to other age groups.

Deadly Driving Months

Total Fatalities (A2)
At times, a teenager’s world can revolve around certain life events, like prom, graduation, or summer vacation. However, these moments are often associated with risky behaviors like drinking or pulling all-nighters.
We wanted to see whether or not more fatal teen car accidents are occurring at specific times of the year, days of the week, and hours of the day. According to the data, that’s very much the case: Teen car crash fatalities rose steadily starting in February, peaked in July, then dipped significantly in September. At least 9 percent of all teen car accident fatalities were in the summer months, compared to around 6 percent of teen accidents in February. While we don’t know the cause, it’s possible that the freedom of summer vacation enables teens to participate in riskier behavior and therefore riskier driving. The warmer weather, being more pleasant for cyclists and pedestrians, creates more opportunities for road incidents. The  American Automobile Association (AAA) found that the summer months are most deadly for teen drivers – and journalists have speculated that it’s because of increased traffic for summer vacation trips coupled with smartphone distractions. By that logic, perhaps fewer people are on the roads in January.
The deadliest day of the week last year for teenage drivers? Saturday. Also, the hours between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM saw the highest number of fatalities for teenagers. Though it’s hard to speculate as to the cause, this takeaway could help educators, police, and emergency responders prepare for peak fatal car crash times.

Drivers vs. Passengers

Teen Crashes(A3)
We examined how many fatal car accidents involved teenage drivers and passengers. We found that not all teenagers are equal when it comes to fatal accident risk. Out of all fatal teen car crashes involving the death of the driver, boys accounted for around 70 percent of them. This may be unsurprising, for teenage boys are often associated with more reckless driving behavior. Teen boys are also twice as likely to die in car accidents than teenage girls, according to our analysis. However, some researchers in the U.S. have also linked reckless or risky driving to teenage girl drivers in recent years. Our work suggests that, while both genders are at risk for fatal car accidents, teenage boys are still riskier on the road.

Most Recent Snapshot of Seat Belt Use in 2016

No Seatbelts (A4)
Starting around the 1980s, state governments began urging drivers to use seat belts. Laws requiring these restraints were quickly passed in sweeping safety reform and the famous “Click It or Ticket” campaign encouraged many to buckle up. Though there are numerous technological safety features a consumer can now choose from, a seat belt is one of the most basic safety features available in cars. But after examining 2016 data on fatal car accidents, we found that nearly 51 percent of all teenage passengers who died in a car accident were not using a seat belt. Unfortunately, 38.4 percent of all teenage drivers who died in car crashes in 2016 were also not wearing seat belts. In other words, it’s possible that these deaths could have been prevented.

Fatal Factors of Teen Driving

Substance Use (A5)
We examined fatal teen car accidents between 2012 and 2016 to investigate the prevalence of some risky behaviors in teen drivers and how they might vary between teenage boys and girls compared to adult drivers.
Here’s what we found: Teenage boys who died in fatal crashes were generally more likely to have been drinking, doing drugs, or speeding than teenage girls. Also, teenage boys and girls involved in fatal accidents were more likely to speed than adult drivers. Fatal crashes involving adult drivers had higher rates of alcohol involvement compared to teenagers, who showed a slight decline in alcohol-involved crash deaths since previous years. Perhaps a doubling and tripling of rates in some cases and tougher laws on drunk driving have led to a slight decline in teenage boy fatal crashes involving alcohol between 2012 and 2016 – the biggest drop was between 2015 and 2016. This information could be key for educators and public health experts, who might be able to better target their preventative programs.

Fatal Factors by State

Top States (A6)
Teenagers could be at higher risks of dying in a car accident depending on where they live. Our analysis suggests that Wyoming, Alaska, Mississippi, Alabama, and New Mexico had the highest number of teen car accident deaths per 1 million residents in 2016. Still, the role of alcohol or drugs in fatal car accidents can change these risk rankings. For instance, the five worst states for drug-related teen driver fatalities included New Hampshire, Montana, and Colorado. At the same time, Montana had the second-highest number of alcohol-related teen driver fatalities, though it had dropped to second place from it’s first place position in 2015. Perhaps one of the biggest changes came from Colorado, which ranked at third place for drug-related fatal crashes for teenagers, a considerable jump from it’s ranking in 2015.

Teens on the Road

There is no one singular cause of teenage deaths resulting from car accidents. However, understanding this could potentially improve millions of lives – and, most importantly, stop thousands of teens from dying each year. Our analysis of 2012 to 2016 FARS data provides important insight into the risks that our teens could be taking on the roads plus what factors could be addressed to increase safety on America’s roads. Not only does our data show that gender, alcohol, drugs, and speeding have complex effects on teen auto-related fatalities, but other age groups are also at risk. To find out more about problems affecting America’s drivers and the ways you can protect your teen drivers on the road, please visit cheapcarinsurance.net.

Methodology

To analyze teen driving and fatalities associated with teen car crashes, we used data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from 2012 to 2016. We used factors such as alcohol or drug involvement, speeding, and restraint use to analyze any risky behaviors, and we examined fatalities across the months of the year. We compared the teenager group to other age groups to see if there were differences in behaviors or risks. We also analyzed the differences between fatalities in 2016 and previous years to understand changes in fatal crashes across all fatal accidents. In our asset examining restraint use, we only analyzed 2016 data. For our asset examining state rankings for fatal teen crashes, we calculated fatalities per one million residents total, and not fatalities per one million teenage residents. We did not perform any statistical testing on this data, and this study is exploratory.

Fair Use Statement

Think the roads would be safer if you shared this study? Share our analysis with your fellow drivers for noncommercial purposes only, but don’t forget to link back to give us credit for our work.

Everyone knows that a new car depreciates the moment you drive it off the lot. And savvy car buyers know that if you opt for a new car but don’t plunk down a huge down payment, a product called GAP insurance can save you from disaster.
But not everyone knows that GAP insurance eventually outlives its usefulness, and if you cancel your policy, you could save yourself some real money.
First the basics: Guaranteed auto protection insurance, more commonly known as GAP insurance, covers the difference between what you still owe on your vehicle and the actual cash value of the vehicle.
This is important when you buy a new car, but could also save you if you are buying a used car and get “upside down” on your loan and owe more on your loan than the car is worth, such as when you use an especially long loan, or if you roll the cost of  your previous loan into the new loan.
For example, if you buy a new car for $30,000 with a five-year loan, it would immediately depreciate after you drive it off the lot – let’s say 20 percent. Then each year it will depreciate further.
“You bear the biggest brunt as far as depreciation goes in the first two years. Then there could be another drop if another new fancy model comes out, but normally, you are hit hard for the first two years and then it is more gradual after that,” says Matt Jones, senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds.com.
If you get into an accident a month into owning the car and total your car, the actual cash value of the car may only be $24,000 because of that initial depreciation, but you may still owe $29,100.
That means that after all is said and done, you would still owe $5,100 toward the car, plus more for your deductible, even though you no longer own the vehicle.
That’s where GAP insurance comes in. GAP picks up that difference, and even picks up your policy’s deductible in some cases.
Even if you bought a pricy gap policy from the dealership for $800, that is still a pretty good deal for you.
Now, the tricky part comes in after your payments catch up to what your vehicle is worth, say in year three of owning the car.
By that point you will have paid off a substantial portion of your loan – more than half of it – and your car would likely have only depreciated by much less than half, meaning you are no longer upside down on your loan.
If you total your car after your car is worth more than your loan balance, the GAP policy wouldn’t pay you anything, but you are still paying for that policy.
This is when canceling it starts to make sense.
Each contract spells out how to properly cancel the policy. In many cases you can just call the company and cancel it over the phone. In other cases, you need to write a letter or call the insurance provider to get a cancelation form that you can sign and return.
According to Philip Reed, an auto writer,  you should expect a little push back when it comes time to cancel the policy.
“You might have to wait on hold or go through a phone menu,” Reed says. “Naturally, they want to make it as difficult as possible to cancel.”
Part of why they don’t want to make it easy to cancel your policy is because, depending on how you bought that policy, you may get a refund for part of that policy.
“Be prepared and vigilant,” Reed says. “Think ahead of time about what you are going to say, because they will try to scare you. Be clear on the figures, but don’t get drawn into the discussion as to why you want to cancel. Just say you don’t need it anymore and that you have made up your mind.”
If you cancel within a few weeks of taking out the policy, you may get a full refund. But after that,  you have “used up” the portion of the policy for the time that protected you, even if you didn’t need to use it by filing a claim. That means your refund will be prorated for the portion you have not yet used.
If you financed the GAP insurance and are making payments toward it, you wouldn’t get a refund because you haven’t yet paid for the portion that you are canceling. However, if you cancel it, you probably won’t owe the rest of the payments.
If the cost of the GAP insurance was rolled into the cost of your loan, then the insurer may send the refund to the lien holder, rather than to you, knocking off interest and payments at the end of your loan, but not necessarily knocking down your monthly payments.
In any case, you must contact the GAP provider in order to get the a refund – they aren’t automatic.
According to United Policyholders, a nonprofit group dedicated to informing people about insurance products, it is important to shop for your GAP policy just like you would shop for any insurance product.
If you buy the policy directly from the dealer, United Policyholders says you are likely to pay between $500 and $700 or more for the policy, but that is likely to be less if you shop it around to several insurance companies.
Reed said, if you shop well for your GAP insurance, the policies could be as inexpensive as $200.
If you didn’t pay much for it up front, it may not in fact make sense to cancel it because your refund might be pretty insignificant, Jones said.
“If they bought it for $400 and they are 3.5 years in to a four-year contract, and they cancel it, they might only get a few bucks back,” Jones says. “In some cases to open yourself up to a risk to save an insignificant amount, it may not necessarily be worth it.”
The best way to see if GAP insurance has outlived its usefulness is to go to one of the online price comparison sites, such as Edmunds, Kelly Blue Book or NADA.
Put in your vehicle’s details and it will give you a range of what that vehicle is worth. To be on the safe side, tell the site your vehicle is in “good” shape and look  at the “trade in” value, which will be the lowest value.
Then go check your remaining loan balance with your bank. If the value is higher than the loan balance, a call to the GAP insurance company may be in order.
One time when you should always cancel GAP Insurance is if you pay off your loan early, refinance your loan, or if you sell the car. That’s because GAP insurance is only for the specific loan you initially took out, and once that loan is no longer in force, the GAP insurance is worthless.
By the same token, if you refinance and still need GAP insurance, you should shop around and take out a new policy after canceling the old one.
Jones said that if you are going to consider cancelling your GAP insurance, you should also look at the other things you might have purchased when you were sitting in the finance director’s office at the dealership – extended warrantees, prepaid satellite radio, service contracts, etc. If you sell the car, all of those can get you refunds.
“It breaks my heart is when people sell or trade in a car that still has an extended warrantee and they forget to cancel it, and they could leave $1,000 or more on the table,” Jones says.


Most people wouldn’t dream of getting behind the wheel if they had too much to drink, but few people give driving a second thought if they had a bad night’s sleep. And that is a problem according to highway safety advocates.
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, about 7 percent of all crashes, and more than 16 percent of fatal crashes each year can be attributed to fatigued driving. That translates to about 6,000 people dying in drowsy driving crashes each year.
Those numbers are estimates, and likely underestimates because, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, precise counts of crashes caused by drowsy driving are not yet possible. That’s because crash investigators can look for certain clues that drowsiness was likely to have contributed to driver error, but these clues are not always identifiable or conclusive.
And while drowsy driving is only illegal in New Jersey and Arkansas, it is a problem all across the country, according to the National Sleep Foundation, which says that missing a night of sleep renders drivers unfit to operate a motor vehicle.
According to the Sleep Foundation’s official definition, people who sleep fewer than two hours in the previous 24 hours are too sleep deprived to get behind the wheel.
“Sleep-deprived drivers cause more than 6,400 deaths and 50,000 debilitating injuries on American roadways each year,” said Dr. Charles A. Czeisler, chairman of the Consensus Panel and Chief of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
And just because two hours of sleep is their minimum, that doesn’t mean that it is enough. The sleep foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep before driving.
According to the Sleep Foundation’s statistics, adults 18-29 are the most likely to drive drowsy, and men are more likely to drive drowsy than women.
Where you drive matters, too. The Sleep Foundation said that people tend to fall asleep while driving on high speed, long or rural highways.
Although sleepiness can affect all types of crashes during the entire day and night, the NHTSA estimates that drowsy-driving crashes most frequently occur between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late-afternoon – both times when there are dips in your internal clock that regulates sleep.
Many drowsy-driving crashes also involve only a single vehicle, with no passengers besides the driver, running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking.
The Sleep Foundation estimates that nearly a quarter of adults in the U.S. say they know someone personally who has fallen asleep at the wheel. So, aside from making sure you get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel, what else can you do to stay safe?

Tips to keep you alert and awake

The NHTSA warns that even caffeine isn’t always enough, though. That’s because caffeinated drinks might help you feel more alert, however, the effects last only a short time, and you might not be as alert as you think you are. If you drink coffee and are seriously sleep-deprived, the NHTSA warns that you still may have “micro sleeps” or brief losses of consciousness that can last for four or five seconds. This means that at 55 miles per hour, you’ve traveled more than 100 yards down the road while asleep — an entire football field.
If you start to get sleepy while you’re driving, drink 1-2 cups of coffee and pull over for a short 20-minute nap in a safe place, such as a lighted designated rest stop. This has been shown to increase alertness in scientific studies but only for short time periods.
Pushing through and driving a few more miles while sleepy isn’t worth your life, your family’s lives or the lives of the drivers around you.

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buying-a-car-header
Buying a car is supposed to be an exciting experience, trading in the old for the new. But oftentimes, it becomes a hassle we dread. Stepping into a car dealership, being swarmed by salespeople, trying to finding the right car, and being hit with a price way over budget isn’t exactly ideal – not to mention extremely time-consuming. But of course, the experience of buying a car is different for everyone. There is a belief among some that women get treated unfairly when it comes to car loans and deals and should therefore bring a man to negotiate on their behalf, but is that just a myth? Does gender or age really affect the deal you can get on a car, or are savings based on the tactics people employ? We surveyed just over 1,000 Americans to get the details on their car-buying experiences.

Cutting Costs

negotiating-car-cost
You might expect some negotiation of a car’s sticker price at the dealership. However, not everyone is keen on negotiating with a salesperson. Eighty-six percent of men have negotiated the cost of car, while only around 78 percent of women have done the same. However, age had less of an effect on whether or not one negotiates: Millennials were the most likely to haggle, but baby boomers were not that far behind.
Of the three generations, Gen Xers were the least likely to negotiate, but when they did, they were the age group that saved the most. The middle generation saved an average of $2,893, while millennials saved an average of $2,343. There was not a large discrepancy between how much money men and women saved when they negotiated – men only saved around $100 more – but when neither haggled, women ended up paying an average of around $300 more than men.
women-stress-car-buy

Skills to Savenegotiation-skills-used

 
Negotiating can take on many forms. Whether you’re haggling for a better sale price or skipping out on the extras, every penny counts. Over 50 percent of men rejected extended warranties in order to save money, which is a recommended tactic when buying new cars since the manufacturer’s warranty will usually cover any problems you may have. Baby boomers were also the most likely to skip the extra warranty, but regardless of gender and age, this tactic saved buyers an average of $1,287.
Women, on the other hand, were more likely to bring someone more familiar with cars and dealerships along with them in hopes of getting the best deal. Forty-six percent of millennials also brought someone along when buying a car, perhaps due to their age and lack of experience. Buyers across all demographics saved an average of $1,091 using this approach.
Which negotiating skill saves you the most? Mentioning a competing dealer’s lower offer earned all demographics the best deal on average. Only a third of women and 38 percent of men negotiated this way, but both saved an average of $1,610 when they did.

Who Saves the Most?

amt-saved-with-negotiation
Mentioning a lower offer from a competing dealer saved buyers the most money, but it actually saved men twice as much as women. On average, women who used this approach saved $1,050 on average, while men saved $2,102. Compared to their male counterparts, women saved more by bringing along someone more familiar with cars and rejecting add-on features, but the difference was slim.
The negotiation skill that saved buyers the most money also varied based on generation. Baby boomers and Gen Xers saved the most, an average of around $1,400, by rejecting add-on features, while millennials saved a whopping $2,032 by mentioning a lower offer by a competing dealer. Aside from rejecting add-on features, baby boomers saved the least across all negotiation skills.
men-money-saved

Do Your Research

avg-amt-saved-research
Walking into a dealership knowing what you’re looking for and understanding the value of the vehicle is the best way to know whether or not you should accept the dealer’s offer.
Conducting research can be tedious and confusing given thousands of search engine hits, but 97% of our survey respondents said they did it. Certain resources helped buyers save more than others. Those who used Jalopnik saved an average of $7,454 – more than any other resource. Coming in second, buyers who used Reddit to gather information saved an average of around $3,060. Every other resource saved our respondents an average of at least $2,000. Not conducting any research, however, resulted in the least amount of savings, with an average of only $1,444.

Save, Don’t Stress

The experience of buying a car may present inherent stresses, but there are certainly ways to ease the process and even get yourself a better deal. Next time you’re in the market for a new car, do your research first so you know how much you should be paying, and which features you don’t need. Don’t be afraid to haggle with the salesperson and decline any extras they may offer.
Once you’ve got your car, take a breather and relax – finding the right insurance won’t be nearly as stressful. With Cheap Car Insurance, you can browse the lowest possible insurance quotes, customized for you and your family, for free. Visit us online at CheapCarInsurance.net to compare coverage options and ensure that you’re getting a good deal on the perfect policy for you.
Methodology:
We surveyed 1,001 people who have purchased or leased a car from a dealership, in order to gauge their experience with negotiation and savings on the price of their vehicle. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 82 but for sample size purposes, we only analyzed millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers for assets exploring generational differences. The average age of the respondent in this survey was 37 with a standard deviation of 11.7 years. Fifty percent of our respondents were male and 50 percent of respondents were female. In the asset, “Average Amount of Money Saved, by Doing Research …” there was a sample size of 12 respondents for those who consulted Jalopnik, and the next lowest sample size was 13 for those who used a car-savvy friend. Data were not statistically tested, and this is an exploratory study of car-buying or leasing experiences at the dealership.
Fair Use
No need to negotiate with us. We grant you permission to share this project’s images and content for noncommercial purposes. Just don’t forget to link back to this page to give the authors proper credit.

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car prototypeBy Michael Giusti
Cars are getting smarter. They can help you out of a jam. They can make driving less tedious. Or their suite of capabilities can be an overwhelming source of anxiety.
But before you throw up your hands and pine for the good old days of the ’57 Chevy, it might make sense to explore some of the capabilities wrapped in the accessories package of your new vehicle.
Most manufacturers these days are offering a suite of safety features designed to lend a hand under certain situations. Ford offers its Co-Pilot360, Acura has it’s Acura Watch Plus Package. Audi has Driver Assistance and Honda has its Honda Sensing Package, just to name a few.
Each of those are simply bundles of features that let your vehicle step in and do its part to help you get to your destination.
No matter what they are called, the new driver assistance packages rely on a suite of sensors mounted to your vehicle. Some rely on radar, some lasers, and some just use cameras, but they are all actively watching the road, even when your mind wanders.
One of the best-known features is the automatic emergency braking feature. These watch the road ahead of you. When it looks like a crash is imminent, it steps in and does its best to avoid the crash by slamming on your brakes, even if you didn’t see the crash coming.
These braking features have been so successful, 20 automakers have come to an agreement with the National Highway Safety Administration to begin making automatic braking standard on their fleets of new vehicles by 2025. As of 2018, four automakers have already done so, and another five have included it in a substantial portion of their fleets.
But stopping your car isn’t the only way your cars are getting smarter. Another popular feature gracing new vehicles is the adaptive cruise control system.
Everyone knows what cruise control does, but the adaptive versions add a new layer of convenience. In addition to keeping your speed set without you adjusting the gas, adaptive cruise control systems use their sensors to watch the traffic around you. If the vehicle in front of you slows, it automatically adjusts your speed to keep a set distance away.
The newest versions even come to a full stop when the vehicle ahead comes to a stop. Then, when the vehicle picks up and starts going again, the adaptive cruise control gets you going as well, making stop-and-go traffic a little less stressful.
Another twist on cruise control is the lane-assist versions. These add the capability of keeping the vehicle in the center of the lane as it travels down the highway. As the lane shifts, the car automatically shifts with it.
Turning on both lane assist and adaptive cruise control ALMOST makes you feel like your car is driving for you, but each automaker is quick to point out it is up to you to keep your vehicle safe and to not get lulled into a false sense of security.
Other sensor suites help watch your blind spots so you don’t accidentally shift lanes into another vehicle, and some even scan for passing pedestrians or for cross traffic as  you are backing up.
And everyone has seen the commercials that show the parallel parking assist features.
Each of these features has a varying level of sensitivity that is up to the driver to set. That means that you tell the vehicle whether you want to follow the car ahead of you at a close, medium or far distance, and then set what level of tolerance you want it to use as it keeps you in the center of the lane. Is a little drift OK, or do you want it hugging the center?
When things begin to outstrip the vehicle’s ability to control things, such as when the road conditions change or when the weather gets bad, the vehicle start sending you warning signals. First, they typically flash a request for help, such as a warning to steer or brake. Then comes an audible warning, such as a beep, and finally, the car may step in and apply the brakes or vibrate the steering wheel to force you to act.

Semi-autonomous features or not?

And that reliance on the driver is an important point. These features are there to help you, relive some stress and reduce the tedium of driving. Automakers for the most part are all very careful not to call them semi-autonomous features.
That’s because the Society of Automotive Engineers has established a strict set of criteria defining what constitutes an autonomous or semi-autonomous feature on a six-point scale. Zero means it is not autonomous at all – think a steering wheel. A level-one feature would be something like these features we are discussing here.
Level two would be considered semi-autonomous where they system operates in some capacity without human intervention. Level three is conditional automation. Level four is highly autonomous, and Level five is fully autonomous.
Most car makers are careful to claim their features are Level 2 or lower to make sure people don’t start relying too heavily on these assistance packages and come to believe the car can drive itself.
Part of that is to limit liability as these features are maturing, but it is also a way to get drivers gradually more familiar and thus more comfortable with letting the car take over some or all of the driving duties. While adaptive cruise control and lane assist isn’t a semi-autonomous function, it does help people begin to trust allowing vehicles as they head down the road toward more autonomy.

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