Driving in the rain or during a thunderstorm can be pretty nerve-wracking for most people. Worrying about having an accident or being stuck on the side of the road can be very overwhelming. It can also be very dangerous. However, a few tips and adjustments can take away some of the anxiety and help you stay calm during your commute.

Driving in the rain and thunderstorms

If you happen to get caught driving in the rain or thunderstorm, don’t panic . There a extra precautions you can take to make your trip a safe one.

A few tips to keep in mind:

1. Turn on your headlights, wipers and defroster to increase visibility.
2. Drive in the tracks of vehicles ahead of you and reduce your speed.
3. Allow for increased space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
4. If you hydroplane, hold the steering wheel straight and remove your foot from the gas.
5. Do not use cruse control during inclimate weather.
6. Pull off the road in an open area away from trees to avoid a lightning strike.

Helping you to avoid claims is just one of the many value-added services we provide. In the unfortunate event you do have an accident, we will help you through the process. Give us a call during business hours or click here to view our after hours claim contacts. 

The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This event is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists like you to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel. Review the following article for more information on distracted driving and ways you can help prevent it.

Distracted Driving Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving refers to any activity that may divert a motorist’s attention from the road. There are three main types of distractions that can interfere with drivers’ attentiveness behind the wheel, including:

1. Visual distractions—These distractions involve motorists taking their eyes off the road. Some examples of visual distractions include reading emails or text messages, focusing on vehicle passengers, looking at maps or navigation systems, and observing nearby activities (e.g., accidents, traffic stops or roadside attractions) while driving.
2. Manual distractions—Such distractions entail motorists removing their hands from the steering wheel. Key examples of manual distractions include texting, adjusting the radio, programming navigation systems, eating, drinking or performing personal grooming tasks (e.g., applying makeup) while driving.
3. Cognitive distractions—These distractions stem from motorists taking their minds off driving. Primary examples of cognitive distractions include talking on the phone, conversing with vehicle passengers or daydreaming while driving.

Regardless of distraction type, distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that contributes to a significant number of accidents on the road. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 2,800 people are killed and 400,000 are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver each year—equating to approximately eight deaths and 1,095 injuries per day. Considering these findings, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Prevention Tips

Whenever you get behind the wheel, keep these distracted driving prevention measures in mind:

• Put away your phone. Silence your phone and store it in a location that is out of reach while driving to lower the temptation to check it.
• Plan your trip before you leave. Program your navigation system prior to hitting the road to get familiar with your journey and feel confident in your route.
• Don’t fumble with your playlist. Select a radio station or plug in a predetermined playlist before driving to limit the need for music adjustments.
• Secure passengers. Ensure kids are properly situated in car seats (if needed) with seat belts fastened. Keep pets stationary in the back seat.
• Avoid multitasking. Never complete additional tasks—such as eating or personal grooming—behind the wheel.
• Stay focused. Concentrate your mind on the road by keeping distracting conversations to a minimum and looking straight ahead.

For additional driver safety tips, contact us today.

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Though state laws may not require you to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage for your policy, doing so can protect your financial well-being. Read on to learn more about these types of coverage.

The Basics

Collision and comprehensive coverages provide financial safety nets in the event that your vehicle is physically damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced. Although these coverages are generally not required by state laws, they can reduce your financial hardship during a loss.
Also, if you are financing a loan for a car, your lender will most likely require both collision and comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance policy.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for the cost to repair damages to a vehicle due to an accident, either with another vehicle or an object. Typically, you will collect only the actual cash value of your car versus the replacement cost value. Gap insurance protects you in the event you owe more than your vehicle is worth.

• Collision coverage is generally the most expensive portion of a car insurance policy.
• Premiums are based on a number of factors, including your deductible, driving record and the type of car you drive. If your driving record is fairly clean (no or very few tickets or accidents), your premiums will be lower because you are less likely to have a collision.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle that is caused by theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters or hitting an animal.

• Comprehensive coverage comes with a deductible and the insurer will only pay as much as the vehicle is worth at the time of the incident.
• To calculate how much your car is worth, look up the Kelley Blue Book value or the National Automobile Dealers Association’s Official Used Car Guide value. If your car is low in value, the yearly premiums for comprehensive coverage may not be a sound investment.
• Comprehensive coverage has many limitations, so it’s best to review your policy carefully to make sure you are properly covered.

We’re Here to Help

Call our office today at 419-522-9892 to learn more about collision and comprehensive coverage. Ask how we can protect you against losses.

4 Ways to Save on Your Auto Premiums:

1. Consider raising your deductible.
2. Maintain a clean driving record.
3. Establish a solid credit history.
4. Install an anti-theft device in your vehicle.

You’re away at college, finally “on your own” and enjoying your freedom. It’s been a long day of studying at the library and your driving back to the dorm when out of nowhere, a car runs a red light and it heading straight towards you! You swerve to avoid getting hit, jump the curb and hit a tree. Mom and dad are 2 hours away so you’re left to figure this out on your own. Luckily before you left home, your parents scheduled an appointment with their insurance agent to have the conversation about what to do after an auto accident. You rack your memory and remember the steps you went over.

Stay Calm

Accidents happen quickly and can be upsetting. Take a deep breath and use a clear head when talking with other drivers or passengers involved in the accident. It may be tempting but do not argue. 

Prevent additional accidents

If you are able, move damaged vehicles to the side of the road. Warn oncoming traffic with a light, flag or similar device.

Help the injured

Do not render first aid unless you are trained. Call 911 if anyone is injured and provide the dispatcher with as much detailed information as possible. 

Call the police

Even if there is not much damage, you should call the police. Don’t discuss what happened with anyone except the police.

File a report

In the event that the police are unable to respond to your call, you’ll need to go to the nearest police station and file an accident report.

Take pictures or write down accident information

Make a note of what happened, when it happened and where it happened while it is fresh in your mind. A couple days after the accident you may need to answer questions and be unsure or unable to remember each detail. 

Call you auto insurance agent

Call you agent as quickly as possible so they can assist you with the claim. They can help with recommending an auto repair shop, scheduling a rental car if needed and review coverage with you so you have a complete understanding of what you will need to pay for out of pocket

Because of the time you spent with your parents and their insurance agent, you were able to keep a clear head, not get into a disagreement and handled the task at hand with ease. Accidents are stressful enough as it is. By taking the time to understand what you need to do just in case you can make things much easier on yourself. Annual appointments with your insurance agent are beneficial by helping to ensure you not only understand what you need to do but to ensure you have the coverage to fit your individual needs. 

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