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RMC Insurance Services
10 TIPS TO
AVOID AUTO ACCIDENTS
- Avoid drinking and driving.
- Minimize distractions such as reading
newspapers or talking on the cell phone when
driving.
- Properly maintain vehicles. Tune up
cars according to maintenance schedule, and
especially take note monthly of tire condition.
- Do not encourage aggressive drivers.
Let other aggressive driving behavior roll off
your back, or call the police. Losing your temper
could worsen the situation.
- Leave a safe distance between your cars and
others. For every 10 miles per hour of speed,
leave at least one car length space between your
vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
- Maintain a constant speed. Don’t
continually slow down or speed up.
- Adjust mirrors properly and check the
side and rear-view mirrors every 15 seconds.
- Take defensive driving classes to
improve your ability to drive and be better
prepared for the unpredictable behavior of other
motorists.
- Proceed with great caution through
intersections. Intersections are the center of
most accidents. When entering an intersection,
look left, then right, then left again to ensure
the area is clear.
- Be sufficiently aware of road conditions
and be more visible. Keep your lights on at dusk
and dawn and during rain, as is the law in most
states. Understand basic vehicle dynamics, such as
knowing how to recover from a skid.
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PROTECTING YOUR CHILD WHILE DRIVING
Drive with peace of mind, knowing you're doing
everything you can to protect your child's life when
you're behind the wheel of the family car. Remember –
that's precious cargo you're transporting in your back
seat. Make sure your children are properly secured,
before you start the car.
An insurance trade organization official focused on why
many children die in vehicular crashes. " … Kids
typically die because they were out of position,
meaning that the child in the seat belt, car seat, or
booster was either not properly put into the restraint
or the child got out of the restraint," according to
Dan Kummer, director of personal lines-auto for the
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI,
headquartered in Illinois.
Rader and the American Insurance Association's David
Snyder both emphasized the importance of children
riding in the back seat of a car. Rader identifies the
back seat as the safest spot for young passengers.
"This was true before airbags, and now it's doubly
true. Infants and children riding in back seats cannot
be in the paths of inflating airbags," said Rader. The
back seat generally affords more distance before you
hit anything hard. And, secondly, the child is less
likely to hit the airbag, which can cause injury.
An insurance industry executive explains why booster
seats are important to child safety in automobiles.
Booster seats are valuable because they boost your
children up about four inches, enabling them to
correctly fit into your car seat belts, says Carolyn
Gorman, vice president in the Washington, D.C., office
of the Insurance Information Institute (III).
Make no mistake – using child safety seats in
automobiles won't necessarily lead to a reduction in
your auto insurance premium. Various factors go into
determining what rates you pay for car insurance - type
of vehicle, a driver's hometown, number of miles driven
annually, and driving record, to name a few. Child
safety issues relate to saving lives, and policyholders
who don't become involved in accidents tend to pay less
for auto insurance coverage than those who have faced
tragedy from highway crashes.
Lastly, keep in mind some travel advice from insurance
industry spokesman Tully Lehman. As a case in point,
Lehman singled out section 27365 of the California
motor vehicle code that stipulates that every car
rental agency in California must inform customers that
state law requires all children under 6 years of age
who weigh less than 60 pounds to be transported in the
back seat of the vehicle in a child restraint system.
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10 MOST DANGEROUS FOODS TO EAT WHILE DRIVING
1. Coffee — It always finds a way out of
the cup.
2. Hot soup — Many people drink it like
coffee and run the same risks.
3. Tacos — Food that can disassemble itself
without much help, leaving your car looking like a
salad bar.
4. Chili — The potential for drips and
slops down the front of clothing is significant.
5. Hamburgers — From the grease of the
burger to ketchup and mustard, it could all end up
on your hands, your clothes, and the steering
wheel.
6. Barbecued food — The same issue arises
for barbecued foods as for hamburgers. The sauce
may be great, but if you have to lick your
fingers, the sauce will end up on whatever you
touch.
7. Fried chicken — Another food that leaves
you with greasy hands, which means constantly
wiping them on something, even if it's your shirt.
It also makes the steering wheel greasy.
8. Jelly or cream-filled donuts — Has
anyone eaten a jelly donut without some of the
center oozing out?
9. Soft drinks — Not only are they subject
to spills, but also the carbonated kind can fizz
as you're drinking if you make sudden movements,
and most of us remember cola fizz in the nose from
childhood. It isn't any more pleasant now.
10. Chocolate — Like greasy foods,
chocolate coats the fingers as it melts against
the warmth of your skin, and leaves its mark
anywhere you touch. As you try to clean it off the
steering wheel you're likely to end up swerving.
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TOP 10 WAYS
TO PREVENT AUTO THEFT
Every 27 seconds, another vehicle is stolen. More than 1 million motor vehicles
will be stolen this year. Is it just a matter of time before you become a victim
of auto theft? Not necessarily, if you follow these 10 auto theft prevention
tips:
1. Install an antitheft device
2. Never leave your car running or leave the keys in the ignition when it
is unattended
3. Keep your car door locked at all times
4. If you have a garage, park your car inside and lock the garage door
5. Don't store packages or valuables in plain sight
6. Park your car in a safe, well-lit, or well-traveled area at night
7. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched into the windows and
major parts of your car to make your car harder to resell on the black market
8. When you park on the street, turn your wheels toward the curb, use the
emergency brake, and try to park between other cars (this will make it harder
for a thief to tow it)
9. Avoid parking your car in a long-term parking lot
10. Take out any removable electronic devices (e.g. CD player) when you leave
your car
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THE 10
DEADLIEST DAYS TO DRIVE
There are those who, by reason of deep-seated fear,
won’t get into airplanes. Some people avoid elevators,
others sports stadiums. And even though it’s almost
impossible to stay out of cars, it’s pretty much a
guarantee that a disaster is going to hit a highway
near you as forty thousand people in the United States
die each year on the road.
But for those who are nervous when getting into a
car, there’s good news: we can now tell you which days
to leave the car in the garage. You might have guessed
it from the old truisms and the increased number of
troopers with radar guns at the ready, but now we have
the numbers to prove what we once surmised: holidays
and weekends are no time to be traveling by car.
Top 10 Deadliest Days of the Year To Drive
- July 4
- July 3
- December 23
- August 3
- January 1
- August 6
- August 4
- August 12
- July 2
- September 2
Vacations and driving don’t mix
The 4th of July, sadly, is the day with the highest
number of fatalities on the road. Between 1986 and 2002
there were, on the average, 161 people killed on our
highways and byways on Independence Day. July 3 is the
second deadliest day, followed by a
hurrying-home-for-the-holiday-but-going-to-the-cemetery-instead
December 23rd. New Year’s Day and Labor Day are in the
running as well. Naturally, the increased numbers on
the road are a factor, but as we all know,
holidays=drinking=more deaths.
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12
AUTO INSURANCE FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Auto insurance can be complicated and confusing. Having a claim can be a painful
process, but it doesn’t have to be. Below you’ll find 12 things
you SHOULD know about your auto insurance policy and company. Understanding
these items can save a lot of money, time and heartache in the long run.
1. How your insurance company determine your car's value after it's
declared a "total loss."
Insurers say they use three mechanisms to determine the value of a totaled
vehicle: computerized vendor quotes, value books such as Kelley Blue Book, and
a market search of the local area. However, the local area isn't specifically
defined and an insurer may be unable to locate a replacement car within your
neighborhood. If an insurer finds a replacement car outside of your living area,
the valuation can be affected.
2. You may be entitled to payment for sales tax and registration fees
for a new car.
There are 29 states that require auto insurers
to pay for the sales tax when you replace your totaled vehicle with either a
new or used car.
What you can do: Count on having to make the request; don't depend
on the insurer to offer to pay up front.
3. You may be entitled to a diminished value claim in some states.
Diminished value is based on the idea that any car that has been in an accident,
regardless of how well the repairs are done, is worth less than the exact same
car that hasn't been in an accident.
4. You may be able to "stack" your coverage.
Stacking uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages means you can collect from
more than one auto insurance policy that you hold. Most states forbid this practice,
but 19 states either don't address the issue or allow stacking.
5. How much making a claim could increase your rates.
Many insurance companies follow an industry standard of increasing your premium
by 40 percent of their base rate after your first at-fault accident. So, for
example, if the company's base rate is $400, your premium will go up by $160.
Not all auto insurers play by this rule, though, and some may increase your
individual rate by 40 percent. Regardless of what formula they use, in the majority
of cases, your rates will go up.
6. Your credit history can dramatically affect your auto insurance
premium.
According to a 2001 survey of the top 100 insurers in the country by Conning
& Co., 92 percent of responding insurers use credit information to create
an "insurance risk score," which they then use as a factor to determine
your auto insurance rate. The theory is that there is a direct correlation between
your insurance risk score and the likelihood that you will file a claim. Insurance
scores are intended to evaluate your stability, meaning if you pay your bills
in a timely fashion and have had the same credit accounts for long periods of
time, you're considered more stable than someone who pays late or sporadically
and who opens and closes accounts frequently.
7. You must officially cancel your insurance policy when you switch
insurers.
Most auto insurance companies state in your policy that you can cancel your
coverage at any time by notifying the company in writing of the date of termination.
However, most consumers assume that if they decide to terminate the policy at
the end of the coverage period, all they have to do is ignore the bill. The
insurance companies don't see it that way. They will send you another bill for
the next premium payment, and when you don't pay it, the company will cancel
you for nonpayment, which goes on your credit record.
8. You can wait to add your teenager to your policy until he or she
is licensed.
In most cases, insurance companies don't require you to add your teenager to
your policy until they have their driver's license. The exception may be if
you are in a high-risk pool; you may then have to add your child when they receive
their permit.
9. Paying in installments will usually increase your overall bill.
"Fractional premium" fees are usually charged when you divide your
annual premium payment into installments rather than pay for a year of coverage
all at once. Payments are usually offered on a six-month, quarterly, or monthly
basis, but almost every insurance company charges an administrative fee for
breaking up the payments. It can be as little as $10 per payment, but the more
you break it down, the more it adds up.
10. How much your car model affects your premium.
You won't get these numbers from your insurer; in fact, you may not be able
to get them at all. But the auto insurers do have a premium rating system for
every car model, based on ratings received from the Insurance Services Office.
Cars are rated from three to 27, and the higher the number, the higher your
premium. The ISO says it won't release the numbers to the public because its
employer is the insurance company, not the consumer.
11. You'll pay for your friend's bad driving.
If your friend borrows your car and crashes it, you'll have to file a claim
with your insurance company. You'll have to pay any deductible that applies,
and your rates will probably go up as a result of your claim.
12. Your personal property in your car isn't covered by your auto insurance.
Stolen or damaged items like compact discs aren't covered by your auto insurance.
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HOW
YOUR DRIVING RECORD AFFECTS YOUR INSURANCE RATE
In most states, the motor vehicles department has a "point" system,
which is used to track your driving record. Generally, each type of infraction
(moving violations, parking tickets, at-fault accidents, driving under the influence,
etc.) is assigned a certain point value. When you are found guilty of one of
these infractions, the appropriate number of points is added to your driving
record. The more points you have, the worse your record.
Typically, an auto insurance company has the right to review the driving record
of anyone who applies for an auto insurance policy from that company. However, each insurance company has its own method of evaluating applicants,
so the points on your driving record may or may not have a direct impact on
the rates you pay for auto insurance.
Once you are issued a policy, your insurer probably has the right to review
your driving record at any time (depending on your state). Of course, few insurers
have the resources or the inclination to run daily checks on the driving records
of every policyholder, so the frequency of these checks actually may be quite
low. There are, however, certain times when you can be relatively sure an insurance
company will be checking your record. These include:
- When you initially apply for coverage
- When you request a change to your policy (increased coverage amounts, etc.)
- When you add a vehicle to your policy, or change the covered vehicle
- When your policy comes up for renewal
If a review of your driving record uncovers negative information, there's a
chance your insurance rates will increase. Insurers typically use their own
"point" system to determine the amount of the increase (if any). Although
these systems can vary, most insurers use a system based on the Safe Driver
Insurance Plan, which is issued by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AUTO INSURANCE DISCOUNTS
The most auto insurance discounts fall into one of three categories. Read below
to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto insurance this
year.
1. Policy-Related Discounts:
-
Carefully select coverage - For people who own older cars,
it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and
comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of a car against its current
premium combined with its deductible, it may make sense to drop some coverage.
Another way to lower a premium is to select a higher deductible. The money
saved annually could be significant, especially if the vehicle is never involved
in an accident.
-
Consolidate - Most providers offer multi-policy and multi-vehicle
discounts. Consolidating policies - combining car and homeowners insurance
- offers convenience and can save both time and money. Additional discounts
may also be available for people who have more than one vehicle insured with
the same provider.
2. Vehicle-Related Discounts:
-
Choose a highly rated model - Do some research before
buying a car. Industry agencies assign a rating to every car model based on
historical collision, injury and theft claims, among other factors. The higher
the rating, the more consumers will reduce their premium. Conversely, choosing
a flashy red sports car with a lower rating can significantly raise a premium
because insurance providers associate the model with more risk, due to the
increased probability of theft and fast drivers.
-
Take preventative measures - Many providers award discounts
to customers who take steps to protect their cars from physical damage and
theft. By opting for anti-lock brakes, airbags, alarm systems and other security
devices, consumers often can save significantly on their premiums.
3. Driver-Related Discounts:
-
Drive carefully - A clean driving record can save money.
The more careful and experienced the driver, the less risk insurance providers
take, therefore lowering the premium. Some insurance companies also offer
discounts to policyholders who complete a defensive driving class.
-
Drive a friend to work - The premium also ties to how often
a car is used. Discounts can apply to carpool participants, for example, because
each individual's car is at less risk than if they commuted separately. Commuter
discounts also are available for car owners using public transportation because
their vehicles will have lower annual mileage than if they drove to work each
day.
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SHOPPING FOR AFFORDABLE AUTO INSURANCE
Many insurance companies issue automobile insurance, so there should be little
trouble finding a good one. There are many shopping options when looking for
insurance:
1.) Shop online to compare multiple companies and rates at once. You’ll
save time and probably money as well, if you take the time to shop around. 2.) Contact a local insurance agent. You may want to look for an independent
agent who can explain coverage and give you quotes from several companies.
The best way to find a good agent is by asking for recommendations from people
you know. 3.) You can also purchase insurance from a company that sells directly to
consumers rather than through agents.
Remember that your profile will be a good fit for some companies but possibly
not for others. This can result in quite a big variance in rate quotes. Shopping
around will help you find the policy that’s right for you.
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MY CREDIT
AFFECTS MY INSURANCE RATE?
You probably know that lenders use information in your credit report to determine
if they'll give you credit. But did you know that in some states, insurance
companies also consider your credit history? Good or bad, your credit history
may affect your ability to purchase homeowners or auto insurance coverage and
help determine what premium you'll pay.
For example, consider these scenarios:
- Two years ago, you were unemployed for six months. Before you could find
a new job, you fell behind on several credit card payments. Now your auto
insurance rates are going up, even though you've never filed a claim against
your policy.
- You've always paid your bills on time, and you've always paid cash instead
of applying for credit. Why could this be a problem? Similar to when you apply
for a mortgage or credit card, your lack of credit history means you’re
an unknown quantity – there is no history of monthly credit card payments.
Many people believe that only their driving record is important, but that’s
simply not the case. The majority of auto insurance companies consider credit
to be a very important rating variable.
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PREVENT
YOUR CAR FROM BEING STOLEN
Do you want to keep your car from being stolen? Here
are various tips designed to head off car thieves.
- Close car windows and the sunroof when parking your car.
- Don't leave a spare car key in the vehicle, because, Kelly warns, car thieves
"know where to look."
- Keep in your possession your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, etc.
"Your vehicle pink slip should be kept wherever you keep your valuable
papers - (and) not in your wallet."
- Leave nothing with your name and address, social security number or other
personal information in your vehicle.
- Make photocopies of vehicle registration, proof of insurance and other important
information for other drivers in your immediate family to carry.
- Don't leave your car with the motor running. A car left unattended and with
the motor running is an open invitation to a thief. "Sometimes people
on a cold morning warm up the car then race back inside to gather their belongings
for work, then come out and find there vehicle is gone."
- Your car is safer in your driveway than on the street; but it's even safer
in a locked garage.
- Park your vehicle on a well-lighted street and in well-traveled place if
possible.
- Turn car wheels sharply toward or away from the curb and set the brake.
- Leave your car parked in first gear or in reverse if your car has a manual
transmission. Use the parking gear if you have an automatic transmission.
- Don't tempt thieves by leaving items in plain sight on car seats or on the
floor.
- Burglar alarms and steering wheel locks, such as The Club, may help keep
out thieves.
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RMC Insurance
Services
5627Hwy 90 Blvd.
Katy, Texas 77479
281.391.8787
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