12 Must-Have Winter Emergency Car Kit Items

A snow-covered landscape may be a beautiful sight, but icy roads, strong winds and snowdrifts can make winter driving treacherous. It’s wise to have an emergency kit in your car in case it gets stuck or breaks down. Here are some items it should contain:

 

 

1. Ice scraper or snow brush

 

Poor visibility can make driving dangerous. Remove ice and snow from your all your windows.

 

2. Windshield washer fluid

 

Since you may use more windshield washer fluid on snowy and icy days, keep your fluid reservoir full and carry an extra jug of winter-rated fluid in your trunk.

 

3. Foldable shovel

 

Stuck in the snow? It’s smart to keep a small shovel in your trunk to help dig your wheels out.

 

4. Sand, salt, or cat litter

 

Keep a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk. Throw several handfuls under spinning tires for better traction on snow or ice.

 

5. Jumper cables

 

Car batteries take a beating in the winter, so carry jumper cables. Be sure to read directions about how to connect them to a working vehicle.

 

6. Flares or reflective triangles

 

You want to be seen if your car breaks down or is stuck. Emergency flashing lights, flares and reflective triangles can alert oncoming traffic of your plight.

 

7. Flashlight and batteries

 

Always carry a flashlight and fresh batteries. It helps you to see and be seen by other drivers.

 

8. Tow rope

 

A tow rope of proper strength can be used to pull your vehicle out by another. Check your car’s owners manual for how and where to attach the rope and how to proceed.

 

9. Cell phone and charger

 

Be sure your cell phone is fully charged or you have a phone charger in your car. Or consider having a backup phone to contact a towing service or emergency personnel.

 

10. First-aid kit

 

A first-aid kit can save your life in an emergency. Consider purchasing a pre-stocked kit or make sure your DIY version contains bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, antiseptic, scissors, thermometer, safety pins, tweezers and hand sanitizer.

 

11. Blankets and hand warmers

 

Keep a warm blanket, sleeping bag or metallic “space blanket” in your car to help retain body heat and keep you warm if you’re stranded. Hand warmers and an extra pair of gloves are smart ideas, as well.

 

12. Bottled water

 

A person can live for days without food, but our bodies need water. Avoid dehydration by stashing several bottles of water in your trunk.

 

If you live where snowfall is common, a winter emergency car kit is essential, but take precautions to avoid getting into an emergency situation. Have your mechanic give your car a bumper-to-bumper once-over to ensure it’s ready for winter driving.

CHEERS TO 2013!

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION:   Getting Your Insurance Coverage in Order for 2014   There is not a lot of time to think about insurance during the hectic rush of the holidays, but as you ring in the New Year, it is a good idea to evaluate your insurance coverage. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers these tips and reminders to help with your review.

Homeowners/Renter's Insurance This is a great time to update your home inventory and make sure your homeowners or renter's policy is up-to-date. While the decorations are out of storage, take some photos or video of your baubles. Do not forget to make note of any antique items and their value so you can talk with your insurance agent to ensure that they are properly covered. If you are starting a home inventory from scratch, the NAIC's free smartphone app, myHOME Scr.APP.book, takes some of the headache out of the process. Download the app from iTunes or Google Play. You can also download a paper version here.   Now that you have opened all your gifts, remember to add them to your home inventory, too. Include as many details as you can and take a photo of each item. Most basic home insurance policies have standard limits for big-ticket items like electronics, art, jewelry or sporting equipment. You may need special coverage, so be sure to call your agent as soon as possible to discuss changes for your policy.   If you want to review your insurance policy or declarations page before talking with your agent, take a look at this consumer alert to help understand the terminology.   Auto Insurance Winter can be a challenge for all drivers. Whether you are trying to escape the weather for someplace warmer or just preparing for the first drive to work in the snow, there are a few insurance items you should review.   To make sure you are winter-ready, check your auto insurance policy. Here is a quick reference on how to read your declarations page.   Make sure your coverage is appropriate for your life situation. Liability is the part of the policy that pays for any injury or damage if you cause an accident. If your liability insurance is too low, it is possible that you could be sued for any damages above your liability limits.   Also take a look at your deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. This is the amount you will pay if your car is damaged or totaled without fault of another driver. Raising or lowering this amount can affect your premium.   Before hitting the road, make sure you have a copy of your insurance card and your insurance agent or company's number in the car. It is also a good idea to have a way to record details of an accident if you are in one. The NAIC smartphone application WreckCheck walks you through the process of gathering information following an accident. You can then email your notes directly to your agent. Download the free app from iTunes or Google Play.   Health Insurance Many families recently went through the open enrollment process for their health insurance at work or Medicare Open Enrollment, which means you may have new insurance cards and paperwork coming in the mail. It is a good idea to get all this information together before winter illness or accidents happen.   Make sure to check your provider lists to verify visits to your doctor and any specialists are still covered by your policy, as in-network or preferred provider lists change from year to year. Also read through your documents and make note of your copays for in-network and out-of-network providers so you are not surprised later.   When you're planning a vacation away from home, check with your insurance carrier to identify urgent care centers and hospitals that accept your insurance coverage near your destination and along the way. Be sure to ask your carrier about applicable co-pays and deductibles if care is needed.   Click here for the explanation of some of the terms you may find on your health insurance paper work.

Distracted Driving

Mental Distractions Behind the Wheel Are Real and Dangerous

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with researchers at the University of Utah to conduct groundbreaking research on mental distraction, also known as cognitive distraction, demonstrating that hands-free technologies in the car dangerously divert motorist attention.

 

MENTAL DISTRACTION – WHAT WE KNOWMental distractions dangerously affect drivers behind the wheel.  Just because a driver’s eyes are on the road and hands are on the wheel does not mean they are safe – hands-free is not risk-free.

 

MENTAL DISTRACTION – WHAT IT MEANSAttention is key to safe driving, yet many technologies cause drivers to lose focus of the road ahead. Hands-free features, increasingly common in new vehicles, create mental distractions that unintentionally provide motorists with a false sense of security about their safety behind the wheel.

 

MENTAL DISTRACTION – WHAT IS AAA DOINGAAA is dedicated to promoting road safety and reducing driver distraction through research, public education and collaboration with automakers to reduce the impact of mental distraction.

 

 

Winter Driving Tips

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. For more information on winter driving, the association offers the How to Go on Ice and Snow brochure, available through most AAA offices. Contact your local AAA club for more information.

 

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:

 

Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.

Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

Make certain your tires are properly inflated.

Never mix radial tires with other tire types.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.

Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

Always look and steer where you want to go.

Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

 

Tips for long-distance winter trips:

• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

Tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Changing a Flat Tire 101

 

When you experience car trouble, it’s nice to know that help is most often just a phone call away. But a little education about some basic car maintenance and repair will go a long way if you’re ever caught in a tricky situation. Flat tires are a common roadside problem. Unfortunately, since you can’t do much to prevent a flat tire in most situations, they always seem to “pop” up when you have somewhere important to be. The good news is, if you know the basics of how to change a tire, a flat won’t slow you down for long. Follow these six easy steps to change a flat tire and get back on the road in a flash:

 

1. Prepare your car

 

Find a safe, flat area to pull over and change your tire. Try to move away from the flow of traffic. Then, gather the proper equipment. You’ll need a car jack, a lug wrench and a spare tire. Remember, safety comes first. It’s a good idea to consider Roadside Assistance coverage to be prepared for situations like this.

 

2. Loosen the lug nuts

 

Remove the hubcap to reveal the lug nuts. These are what secure the wheel to your car. Use the lug wrench to loosen them, but don’t remove the lug nuts completely.

 

3. Jack up the car

 

Place the jack under the car. If you’re new to this, you’ll want to refer to the owner’s manual, which will indicate correct placement of the jack. Once in place, crank the jack to support (but not lift) the corner of the vehicle where you’re changing the tire.

 

 4. Remove the flat

 

With the jack in place, remove the lug nuts completely and slide the flat tire off. Put the lug nuts in a secure place like your pocket or in an empty cup to make sure they don’t roll away.

 

5. Line up the spare

 

Line up the spare tire with the lug-nut holes. Then, replace the lug nuts, tightening with your hand until you feel resistance.

 

6. Lower the jack

 

Once the lug nuts are back in place, lower the jack, shifting the weight back to the tire. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts securely. Remember, this is what’s holding the tire to your car, so it’s important to tighten the lug nuts as snugly as you can.

 

Though flat tires are the most common cause of roadside trouble, it’s important to have the right tools at hand to get you back on the road in a variety of situations. Check out this post for more tips to be prepared for a roadside emergency.

Smart Insurance Coverage This Summer

Sure, the risk of severe storms and natural disasters increases during the summer months, but there are also plenty of "hidden dangers" you may not always consider. If you're not adequately protected against them, you could find yourself in the middle of an insurance storm.

 

Property Insurance Covers More Than Your Home

Home damage caused by intense thunder storms accounts for many homeowner's insurance claims over the warmer months, but so much more can go wrong in and around your home.

 

Things like bicycles, high-end camping gear, and the cameras you use to record your adventures are expensive items that can be damaged in a catastrophe or fall victim to theft. Luckily, they're often covered by your homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy. But as you accumulate these kinds of goodies over time, it's important to verify that your coverage levels still meet your needs—speaking to your insurance agent is an easy way to make sure your coverage is keeping up with your lifestyle.

 

Should the unexpected occur, you'll want to have all the information you need to file your claim.

 

Going Above and Beyond Your Policy Limits

 

What if a wayward sparkler on the 4th of July caused a burn or set a flammable item on fire? Or how about a backyard BBQ where a faulty grill leads to mayhem?

 

Consider the additional level of protection that comes with a Personal Umbrella Policy. A personal umbrella policy provides liability coverage over and above your standard auto insurance or homeowners insurance. Basically, it offers protection against large and potentially devastating liability claims or judgments, kicking in right where your other liability coverage stops.

 

A personal umbrella policy's added protection is a great safeguard if you own a pool, but don't ignore the other potential dangers lurking around your house.

 

Two-Wheeled Trips Call for Motorcycle Insurance

 

As the weather gets warmer, the open road calls. Unfortunately, so do nearly 100,000 annual motorcycle accidents and injuries. One way to protect yourself is making sure you use the right safety gear every time you ride.

 

Your auto insurance won't help you on a motorcycle. You'll need motorcycle insurance that protects your bike—and also protects you.

 

Your Home on Wheels Needs Fixed Protection

 

If your summer travel plans include an RV or motor home, remember that these special vehicles fall outside the coverage of your regular auto insurance. The good news is that motor home insurance offers specialized protection for you and your family, and even the contents inside.

 

Plan for Your 4-Wheeled Fun

 

Many people don't think to insure their all-terrain and off-road vehicles. While their relative size may be small, they can come with outsized price tags. And with so many dips, jumps, turns, and outdoor hazards (like tree limbs!), there's no shortage of things that can go wrong. Off-road vehicle insurance can help protect your investment whether you're riding on back trails in the woods or on the back.

 

Get Covered Before You Get Drenched

 

When you set out to boat, you've got more than just fueling your tank to think about. Fun on the water also means having the right safety equipment, emergency service plan, and wreck coverage ready in case you need it.

 

Head over to the Boccarossa Insurance Agency to find out how we can provide you with the coverage that fits your needs.

Summer Driving Tips for Teens (and Adults, too)

Summer months, specifically the period between Memorial and Labor Days, are historically the most dangerous for teen drivers, with the highest percentage of motor vehicle collisions. The roads are busy with vacationers, college students home from school and teens as they travel between summer jobs and social activities. We're put together 10 tips to help you beat the heat on the road and ensure a safe and fun summer.

Prepare yourself.

      1.  Watch your speed. While driving through neighborhoods and backing up, watch out for kids playing and oncoming cars. According to SmartMotorist.com, most accidents are caused by excessive speed or aggressive driver behavior. An advantage of taking it slow? A lower speed means better gas mileage, and more money in your pocket. Rapid acceleration and braking also waste gas.

      2.  Don't rush. Allow extra time for you to get to work or meet up with friends. There are more people on the road and speeding is still the number one cause of accidents, and was found by the NHTSA to be a factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes. Defensive drivers get into fewer accidents and crash prevention programs like In Control in Massachusetts can offer you significant insurance discounts.

      3.  Respect trucks. Trucks on the road, especially bigger ones, have significant blind spots to avoid. The general rule is that if you can't see a truck's side mirrors, the truck driver can't see you. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, large trucks and commercial vehicles caused over 5,000 fatal crashes and over 100,000 serious injuries in 2010.

      4.  As the weather changes, your driving should, too. Always use headlights in the rain, and allow even more following distance between you and the next car (more than the general 3-second rule). See SmartMotorist.com's full list of rainy driving tips here.

      5.  Focus on the road. Save your calls and texts for after you are safety at your destination - nothing is that important, and if it is, pull over. Eating, putting on makeup and searching for music all add to the horrific statistics for casualties and injuries. Take a few moments to review these facts from the U.S. Government. For example, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field blindfolded. Distracted driving kills.

Prepare your car.

Rising temperatures can be tough on a car's mechanics so keep your car's owner manual close by. Keep the list for colder months, as many apply.

      1.  Test your car's battery. Hot weather can strain batteries, so if the vehicle's battery is more than three years old, test it at a certified car repair shop.

      2.  Get an oil change. Look for local Living Social or Groupon deals in your area, which often feature discounts on car services like oil changes.

      3.  Tire inspection. Remove snow tires if you have them on (many in NH and Mass. do), and check tire pressure (refer to your owner manual). Ensure that your tires are in good condition as this is critical to the safety of your vehicle; according to the NHTSA, approximately 400 fatalities may be due to tire failures annually. Not sure about your tires? Check out seven steps to determine when your tires need replacing.

      4.  Monitor fluid levels. Too little engine coolant/antifreeze can lead to overheating. Replenish brake, power steering and windshield washer fluid while you're at it. Antifreeze will be your best friend if your car overheats; you can buy it as most gas stations, as well as larger chain stores like Target or Pep Boys.

       5.  Keep a basic roadside emergency kit in your car. This should includs roadside flares (1-2), jumper cables, a flashlight with fresh batteries, paper towels, extra washer fluid, antifreeze and a small first aid kit. Check out Edmunds.com for a more comprehensive list.

Finally, some tips for parents of teen drivers. Take advantage of cheaper GPS prices, and buy one for your teen's car so they won't need to use their smartphones for directions. Or, if they're going to use their smartphones, ensure they've downloaded an app like the free Mapquest app that gives directions verbally and does not require the driver to look at their phone/map. If your children want to head to a summer concert or beach, offer to drive with them before to practice the route. Planning the trip in advance, having directions or knowing your route will ensure the main focus is on driving. While it might not make perfect, practice builds experience and skills that teen drivers desperately need.

Summer Safety Tips

Smart Insurance Coverage This Summer

Sure, the risk of severe storms and natural disasters increases during the summers months, but there are also plenty of "hidden dangers" you may not always consider.  If you're not adequately protected against them, you could find yourself in the middle of an insurance storm.

Property Insurance Covers More Than Your Home

Home damage caused by intense thunder storms accounts for many homeowner's insurance claims over the warmer months, but so much more can go wrong in and around your home.

Things like bicycles, high-end camping gear, and the cameras you use to record your adventures are expensive items that can be damaged in a catastrophe or fall victim to theft. Luckily, they're often covered by your homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy. But as you accumulate these kinds of goodies over time, it's important to verify that your coverage levels still meet your needs—speaking to your insurance agent is an easy way to make sure your coverage is keeping up with your lifestyle.

Should the unexpected occur, you'll want to have all the information you need to file your claim.

Going Above and Beyond Your Policy Limits

What if a wayward sparkler on the 4th of July caused a burn or set a flammable item on fire? Or

how about a backyard BBQ where a faulty grill leads to mayhem?

Consider the additional level of protection that comes with a Personal Umbrella Policy. A personal umbrella policy provides liability coverage over and above your standard auto insurance or homeowners insurance. Basically, it offers protection against large and potentially devastating liability claims or judgments, kicking in right where your other liability coverage stops.

A personal umbrella policy's added protection is a great safeguard if you own a pool, but don't ignore the other potential dangers lurking around your house. Check out our article Is Your Backyard Safe for Summer? to help keep your summer fun accident-free.

Two-Wheeled Trips Call for Motorcycle Insurance

As the weather gets warmer, the open road calls. Unfortunately, so do nearly 100,000 annual motorcycle accidents and injuries. One way to protect yourself is making sure you use the right safety gear every time you ride. For help making smart decisions, check out our Tips for Buying the Right Motorcycle Gear.

Your auto insurance won't help you on a motorcycle. You'll need motorcycle insurance that protects your bike—and also protects you.

Your Home on Wheels Needs Fixed Protection

If your summer travel plans include an RV or motor home, remember that these special vehicles fall outside the coverage of your regular auto insurance. The good news is that motor home insurance offers specialized protection for you and your family, and even the contents inside.

Plan for Your 4-Wheeled Fun

Many people don't think to insure their all-terrain and off-road vehicles. While their relative size may be small, they can come with outsized price tags. And with so many dips, jumps, turns, and outdoor hazards (like tree limbs!), there's no shortage of things that can go wrong. Off-road vehicle insurance can help protect your investment whether you're riding on back trails in the woods or on the back 9.

Get Covered Before You Get Drenched

When you set out to boat, you've got more than just fueling your tank to think about. Fun on the water also means having the right safety equipment, emergency service plan, and wreck coverage ready in case you need it—read our What to Put in a Boat Safety Kit article to get a head start.

Factors To Think About the Next Time You Are Purchasing Insurance

In terms of deciding whether to change personal-lines insurers and which new carrier to choose, price remains the primary —but not the only— factor considered by auto and homeowners’ consumers.

Indeed, when asked about their decision points when placing auto insurance for the Deloitte Research "Voice of the Personal Lines Insurance Consumer" surveys, more than two-thirds of the 1,080 respondents said price was either extremely (54 percent) or very (28 percent) influential the last time they changed carriers. The numbers were similar among the 1,080 homeowners surveyed, although a lower share (45 percent) cited cost as extremely influential, along with 30 percent who said the price was very influential.

Interestingly, among the four age segments surveyed, those 26-34 recorded the largest percentage (71 percent) of those ranking the price of auto coverage as extremely influential but also the lowest percentage (31 percent) among homeowner respondents ranking price as important. This could perhaps be explained by the fact that having the right coverage for a home —most likely a young consumer’s biggest investment— is simply a more important consideration than price.

Another intriguing point is that while respondents cited price in retrospect as the most influential factor in their decision to change personal-lines carriers, when asked prospectively what would influence them, price did not rank nearly as high. Among auto respondents, 58 percent said price would be either extremely (27 percent) or very (31 percent) influential when they next shop for a new policy, compared to about one-third each among homeowners.

Many consumers surveyed indicated they would respond favorably to multipolicy-discount offers. Looking back, four in 10 auto respondents cited the availability of an auto/homeowners’ insurance multipolicy discount as extremely (17 percent) or very (21 percent) influential in their last decision to change carriers. Among homeowners surveyed, the influence of multipolicy discounts was even stronger, with 58 percent citing this factor as extremely (28 percent) or very (30 percent) influential the last time they changed carriers.

Many auto respondents noted that the availability of telematics —technology to monitor driving experience in return for a potential break on the price of coverage— might prompt them to change carriers. Indeed, 3 in 10 said getting a discount for installing such a device would be extremely (12 percent) or very (17 percent) influential in their next purchase decision.

However, about 30 percent said they would not agree to install such a device, while another 30 percent said they would. But about 40 percent said their answer would depend on the premium discount being offered. Nearly half of those on the fence said they would expect more than a 20 percent discount to make such electronic monitoring worth their while, while another 22 percent would want a price break of 16-20 percent. About 1 in 5 would install the device for a potential discount of 11-15 percent. Only 1 in 10 would go along for a 6-10 percent discount, and only a handful (2 percent) would agree for less than 6 percent in savings. Age is a factor here as well, with the two older segments surveyed more likely to agree to have a monitoring device installed, while younger respondents were more leery of the idea.

The amount and type of coverage offered was the second most important decision point among respondents the last time they changed carriers, but not nearly as strong a consideration as price, with only 31 percent of auto respondents citing coverage as extremely influential (compared to 54 percent on price). The same pattern held for homeowners (24 percent on coverage versus 45 percent on price).

Reputation and trust were also key factors. Three out of four auto respondents said brand name, reputation for financial strength and the insurer’s rating were important, including 1 in 5 who considered these elements extremely influential when they last changed carriers. The numbers were similar for homeowners.

Brand-name recognition was a very important decision point among both auto and homeowner respondents. About 3 in 4 bought through an exclusive agent because they represented a widely known insurer, two-thirds bought direct because they prefer to do business with a widely known insurer, and about half would be more willing to buy direct if the insurer had a widely known brand.

The importance of brand recognition and perceptions of integrity spotlight the need for more proactive reputational risk-management efforts by insurers in general and the industry as a whole.

One particular area impacting brand reputation is claim service, which was a significant decision point among both samples queried, with about 1 in 3 respondents indicating that poor claims handling was extremely or very influential in their last decision to change carriers.

In terms of which individuals influence personal-lines buyers in their purchase decisions, respondents indicated they were swayed more by recommendations from family, friends and colleagues than from an agent. However, once again age plays a big part, as younger buyers indicated they were much more heavily influenced by their family and acquaintances.

A significant percentage (41 percent) indicated that an affiliation between their bank and their auto insurer would be extremely (18 percent) or very (23 percent) influential in their decision whether to buy coverage. The numbers were similar among homeowner respondents. However, an affiliation with the respondent’s employer did not score nearly as high.

There was a split when it came to the influence of an endorsement from a group or association to which the respondent belongs. This was cited as a major factor among auto-insurance buyers, with half of the respondents notin g t his as either extremely (17 percent) or very (33 percent) influential. Among homeowners, however, this factor was cited by fewer than half that number—20 percent overall, and only by 8 percent as extremely influential.

About 1 in 4 among both samples said a recommendation from their auto dealer or real estate agent would be influential in their insurance-purchase decision, including about 1 in 10 who said these referrals would be extremely influential.

Interestingly, while about 1 in 5 said advertising was either extremely (9 percent) or very (14 percent) influential in deciding where to buy auto insurance, more than half said ads were not very influential (17 percent) or not at all influential (35 percent). The numbers were similar among homeowner respondents.

When asked what would be their three most preferred ways to shop for a new auto policy, "checking a website offering quotes from multiple carriers" scored the biggest response, cited by 41 percent of those surveyed, including 15 percent who said this would be their most preferred channel (respondents could choose multiple options, in order of preference). Next came an independent agent representing multiple insurers at 36 percent (also including 15 percent as most preferred), followed by agents selling exclusively for one carrier at 31 percent (although this option drew the largest percentage of the top preferred choice at 17 percent).

Among homeowner respondents, about 40 percent chose either independent or exclusive agents among their Top 3, with 1 in 5 citing either one as their first choice. Checking a website offering quotes from multiple carriers made the Top 3 among 1 in 3 respondents but was cited as the first choice by only 13 percent.

These responses indicate that while price is a critical element for personal-lines buyers, there are other factors they consider when choosing a carrier, offering insurers a variety of decision points they can leverage to differentiate themselves and thereby retain more customers and boost new business.

How to Catch Texting Drivers?

Connecticut and Massachusetts Get $550K Grant to Find Ways:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the U.S. Transportation Department, said this month it is providing $550,000 to Connecticut and Massachusetts to help them devise anti-texting enforcement techniques and programs.

Each state will receive $275,000 to develop and train police officers on better methods for spotting drivers who are texting, and also to develop media techniques that alert the public to the perils of texting and driving.

“We have come a long way in our fight against distracted driving, but there is still much work to be done,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Texting behind the wheel is especially dangerous, which is why we’re working with states like Connecticut and Massachusetts to address this important safety issue.”

Authorities say that 39 states currently have laws on the books that specifically ban texting and 10 states have laws that prohibit the use of handheld cell phones while driving.

Not Easy to Detect Texting Behind the Wheel

But despite such laws, prior demonstration programs conducted in Hartford, Conn., and Syracuse, N.Y., found that it is more challenging to detect a driver texting behind the wheel compared to drivers talking on a handheld device.

The vast majority of tickets issued under those programs were for handheld phone use — only about five percent of the citations issued across both communities were for texting violations, according to officials.

“While it is relatively easier for law enforcement to determine illegal handheld cell phone use by observing the position of the phone at the driver’s ear, the dangerous practice of texting while driving is often not as obvious,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.

“These two new demonstration programs will help identify real-world protocols and practices to better detect if a person is texting while driving.”

Watching From Overpasses

The demonstration grants call for Connecticut and Massachusetts to develop anti-texting enforcement protocols and techniques — such as using stationary patrols, spotters on overpasses on elevated roadways and roving patrols — to test their effectiveness in four successive waves of high-visibility enforcement activities over a 24-month period.

The results of these demonstrations will be documented for the benefit of other states which are facing the same challenges.

Letting Your Child Drive Someone Else's Car

Consider several factors before you allow your kids to get behind the wheel of someone else's car — or before someone gets behind the wheel of your car.

 

With school back in session, more students will be driving to and from school during the morning and afternoon hours. Parents know they can't monitor their kids at all times, but they can work with their kids to set ground rules before young drivers hit the road. One of these rules: What cars your kids can drive. Before you let your child drive someone else's car, or before someone outside the family drives your car, consider these factors.

 

Whose Insurance Applies?

If your child's friend drives your car and wrecks it, whose insurance covers the damages? The answer varies depending on the state you live in. In most states, insurance coverage follows the car— not the person driving it — in the event of an accident. However, if damages resulting from the accident exceed the amount allowed by your policy, then the driver's insurance may be considered as secondary or supplemental insurance to the insurance on the car.

 

For instance, let's say your policy has $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. Your daughter lets her friend drive your car to her mom's house 30 miles away. In the process, she causes a three-car collision, which results in $20,000 of damage to the other vehicles and property.

 

In most states, the insurance you have on your car will cover the damage, but since you only have $10,000 of coverage, the friend's insurance policy may kick in and pay for the remaining $10,000 of damage. However, in some states, you could personally be held responsible for any remaining damages beyond your insurance limits if your child's friend doesn't have car insurance, even though you or your child weren't driving at the time of the accident.

 

It's also possible that if your insurance company pays for damage in an accident, they may pursue the friend's insurance company to pay back the damage. They won't attempt to recover any money that you pay out of pocket, though. Again, this is both situational and based on your state's laws, so there's no single answer to the question. Your best option is to check with your insurance company to find out how insurance works in your state.

 

Before your child's friend drives your car, make sure you and your child think about the following:

· Whose insurance will pay for the damage?

· Who will ultimately be responsible for paying any out-of-pocket expenses?

· If your insurance pays, are you willin  to take the risk, including possibly paying more for insurance when your policy renews? If not, you may want to rethink letting anyone outside of your family drive your car.

Should You Update Your Policy?

If you know your child's friend drives your car regularly, it may be best to add that person to your auto insurance policy. Similarly, if your child regularly drives a roommate's vehicle, it may be best to add your child to the roommate's policy.

 

Often, insurance companies may require that you add a driver or car to your policy if the person or car isn't already on it. This helps ensure that proper coverage is afforded in most situations.

See What Auto Insurance Covers - and What it Doesn't

If you've ever been the victim of a vehicle break-in, you know how troubling it can be. Someone has invaded your privacy and stolen your belongings, then left you to pick up the pieces.

You can make a claim on your auto insurance policy to fix the damage as soon as possible, but do you know what items your auto insurance actually covers in these unfortunate situations?

Common Items Stolen From Vehicles
Break-ins often happen when a burglar spots valuable items inside a vehicle. Common items that are stolen include:

· Car stereos

· Cell phones

· CDs

· Laptops

· Small electronics

· Wallets or purses

Of these items, do you know which ones are covered by your insurance policy?

What Auto Insurance Covers
Under most auto insurance policies, damages due to theft will be covered under Comprehensive coverage. If you're the victim of a break-in, first check your auto policy to see if you have Comprehensive coverage. If you do, you can see what items are covered in the event of a theft.

Of the goods listed above, typically only car stereos would be covered by your auto insurance policy — and even those aren't guaranteed to be covered.

All of the other items — cell phones, CDs, electronics, purses, wallets, etc.— would probably be covered by your homeowners (or renters or condo) insurance policy, if you have one.

Some insurance companies will cover sudden, direct and accidental loss to your vehicle and its custom parts or equipment. Custom parts or equipment are items that are permanently attached or installed to your vehicle. The operative word here is "permanently."

Going back to the statement that your stereo may not be covered, here's why: If you have a stereo that's made so the entire unit (not just the face) can be detached from your vehicle, the stereo would not be considered part of the vehicle, nor would it be considered custom parts or equipment. This is also why the other loose items that are not permanently attached to your vehicle likely would fall under your homeowners policy instead of your auto policy.

If a burglar breaks a window, scratches your door, breaks the lock or does other damage to the vehicle itself, that damage would be covered by Comprehensive coverage if you have it on your policy. With Comprehensive coverage, you would pay a deductible that you chose when you purchased your policy, and your insurance company would pay for the remaining related damage.

Deter Thieves From Breaking Into Your Vehicle
You can take specific measures to prevent someone from burglarizing your vehicle, such as installing an alarm system, keeping the doors locked, and closing the windows. But you also can take these preventive steps to deter thieves:

    · Make sure you don't leave valuable items, such as your purse, cell phone, keys, etc., in plain sight — even if you're just running inside to drop off some groceries.

    · Avoid advertising your CD collection by keeping jewel cases hidden or at home or by foregoing the use of a CD case that straps to your sun visor.

· Detach your stereo face if your car is equipped with one.

Following these simple steps can keep your car from catching a burglar's eye in the first place — and keep your possessions in your possession.