Winter is upon us, which means bad weather and dangerous driving conditions are common. It is more important than ever to practice safe driving techniques in typical winter weather conditions such as rain, wind, snow, ice, sleet and fog. It is even more important to practice safety in extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornados, torrential rain/snow and electrical storms. If possible, it is best to postpone a trip and stay home rather than drive if there is an extreme weather system moving through your area.
Here are some tips for driving in bad weather:
Plan ahead. Driving in bad weather usually takes longer and is more stressful. If you did not leave more time to reach your destination and are consequently running late, this will only increase your stress level and could adversely affect your driving. Also, check the weather before you leave. If you can take an alternate route to avoid the brunt of a weather system, do so. You may also want to consider postponing your trip until the weather has improved. If you decide not to postpone, carry a map with you to prevent getting lost when visibility is low, and to show you alternate routes if necessary.
Drive Slowly. This accompanies the above item; you should drive more slowly than usual in bad weather. This decreases the chance of skids and accidents.
Leave Room In Front. Many experts recommend doubling the "cushion" between you and the car in front of you when you are driving in rain, snow, sleet, etc. Brake time is slower in these conditions, and you must allow yourself more room.
Make Sure Your Equipment is in Working Order. Have your tires and brakes checked more frequently in the winter months. Make sure your windshield wipers are in working order and that your headlights are clean. Dirty headlights can significantly reduce visibility, especially in bad weather. Clear your windshield and mirrors of ice or frost before leaving, and keep them clear with your wipers and wiper fluid during the trip. If you need to pull over to scrape ice or snow, be sure to do so in a safe place.
Use Your Low Beams in Fog. Turn on your headlights (make sure to use your low beams, not your high beams) in fog, whether you are driving through it at night OR during the day. Your low beam headlights not only help you to see, but also help other cars to see you. It is also very important to maintain a large following distance in fog and to drive slowly, as you may not see things like another car or a traffic light until it is nearly upon you. Stay close to the right hand side of the road in fog to avoid going over the center line into oncoming traffic.
Listen To The Radio. Listen to a radio station that offers road condition information at a low volume during your trip. The station may offer alternate routes or inform you of road closures and such. Keep it at a low volume so as not to intrude on your concentration; you need to be very focused when driving in bad weather.
Drive Slowly. This accompanies the above item; you should drive more slowly than usual in bad weather. This decreases the chance of skids and accidents.
Buckle Up! Be sure you and your passengers wear seatbelts at all times. Not only is it the law in most states, it can also save lives, especially when driving in bad weather.
Pull Over if You Need to. If you are at all tired, pull over (at a safe spot totally off the road) and rest your eyes. Don't be afraid of the time you may "waste" by pulling over, it's certainly a better risk than that of getting in an accident. Also, if the weather is suddenly particularly bad, it may be a good idea to find a safe place to pull off the road and try to wait out the bad spell. If the poor weather involves deep snow or heavy rain, be sure you are not pulling over into a deep puddle or snow bank.
The above are just a few of the ways of helping you and your loved ones stay safe during the winter months.
Friday 28 March 2008
Changing Addresses? Now Is The Perfect Time To Shop Around For Auto Insurance!
So, you’re moving. This is always a stressful time; lots of money to be spent, information to update, packing and moving trucks to arrange, etc. However, in this expensive period of your life, there is at least one thing you can do to cut some expenses – shop around for auto insurance rates. Are you paying too much for your auto insurance? Your new address makes this the perfect time to find out, as rates can change when you move, and you have to update your policy anyway.
When do I need to update my policy?
It’s a good idea to update your address information with your insurance company as soon as you can. If you get in an accident and you have not updated your information, your insurance company could refuse to pay any claims you’ve had since you’ve moved. And as discussed above, before you update your address and blindly decide to stay with the same company, you might as well shop rates and see if you can save some money at the same time. When you’re moving, every little bit helps!
Why might rates be different in my new location?
It's a fact – auto insurance rates in rural communities are almost always lower than those in large urban centers. Accidents tend to happen much more frequently in big cities, due to the number of cars on the road (AKA: Traffic!)
You may be moving to a new state, and your current auto insurance company may not be a licensed insurance provider in that state, or if they are, the rates they offer may be much higher. Certain states have higher insurance rates than others due to the percentage of claims filed. States like New Jersey, Washington D.C., New York and Massachusetts typically have the highest average insurance rates.
It can also cost more to settle claims in certain areas, and this can add to the cost of your insurance premiums. Expensive cars cost more to repair or replace, and wealthy urban communities will sometimes have higher average insurance rates. Regardless of whether you’re moving to a new state or just across town, now is the perfect time to compare multiple rates and find the lowest one. Rates can differ by hundreds of dollars from company to company.
Another way to save: multiple-policy insurance
If you bought a new home, you are going to have to purchase homeowners insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for insuring your home and your vehicle together. For the greatest possible savings on your homeowners policy, be sure to check our low rates on auto insurance, and mention to your sales representative that you are also interested in a homeowners policy. This multi-policy discount often applies to an auto insurance/renters insurance combination as well. Besides auto insurance, InsWeb also offers competitive quotes for homeowners insurance, condominium insurance and renters insurance.
Remember, saving money on your auto insurance will give you more money to spend on your move or on your new home. Compare rates today and find out how much you can save!
Tips to save money on your move:
Get free boxes. Ask a friend, family member or co-worker who just moved if you can use their boxes, or ask your local grocery, liquor or department stores for their empty boxes.
Shop around for the cheapest deals on moving supplies, such as moving tape, bubble wrap, etc.
Just like you should compare multiple insurance rates, you should also compare rates of several moving companies. Compare rates for just renting a truck and for using a full service moving company before you decide.
If you decide to move yourself, round up as many friends and family members as you can to help. Offer them food and beverages during the move or throw them a dinner party once you are in your new home to thank them for their help.
If you are moving to a location further away than a days drive, research the cheapest places to stay on your trip. You may want to camp along the way (make sure and ask the campground if they allow moving trucks if needs be), stay with a friend or relative, or find the best deal on a hotel or motel. You can also pack a cooler of food to save money on your trip.
When do I need to update my policy?
It’s a good idea to update your address information with your insurance company as soon as you can. If you get in an accident and you have not updated your information, your insurance company could refuse to pay any claims you’ve had since you’ve moved. And as discussed above, before you update your address and blindly decide to stay with the same company, you might as well shop rates and see if you can save some money at the same time. When you’re moving, every little bit helps!
Why might rates be different in my new location?
It's a fact – auto insurance rates in rural communities are almost always lower than those in large urban centers. Accidents tend to happen much more frequently in big cities, due to the number of cars on the road (AKA: Traffic!)
You may be moving to a new state, and your current auto insurance company may not be a licensed insurance provider in that state, or if they are, the rates they offer may be much higher. Certain states have higher insurance rates than others due to the percentage of claims filed. States like New Jersey, Washington D.C., New York and Massachusetts typically have the highest average insurance rates.
It can also cost more to settle claims in certain areas, and this can add to the cost of your insurance premiums. Expensive cars cost more to repair or replace, and wealthy urban communities will sometimes have higher average insurance rates. Regardless of whether you’re moving to a new state or just across town, now is the perfect time to compare multiple rates and find the lowest one. Rates can differ by hundreds of dollars from company to company.
Another way to save: multiple-policy insurance
If you bought a new home, you are going to have to purchase homeowners insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for insuring your home and your vehicle together. For the greatest possible savings on your homeowners policy, be sure to check our low rates on auto insurance, and mention to your sales representative that you are also interested in a homeowners policy. This multi-policy discount often applies to an auto insurance/renters insurance combination as well. Besides auto insurance, InsWeb also offers competitive quotes for homeowners insurance, condominium insurance and renters insurance.
Remember, saving money on your auto insurance will give you more money to spend on your move or on your new home. Compare rates today and find out how much you can save!
Tips to save money on your move:
Get free boxes. Ask a friend, family member or co-worker who just moved if you can use their boxes, or ask your local grocery, liquor or department stores for their empty boxes.
Shop around for the cheapest deals on moving supplies, such as moving tape, bubble wrap, etc.
Just like you should compare multiple insurance rates, you should also compare rates of several moving companies. Compare rates for just renting a truck and for using a full service moving company before you decide.
If you decide to move yourself, round up as many friends and family members as you can to help. Offer them food and beverages during the move or throw them a dinner party once you are in your new home to thank them for their help.
If you are moving to a location further away than a days drive, research the cheapest places to stay on your trip. You may want to camp along the way (make sure and ask the campground if they allow moving trucks if needs be), stay with a friend or relative, or find the best deal on a hotel or motel. You can also pack a cooler of food to save money on your trip.
Does My Credit Affect My Insurance?
We all know that our credit histories will affect whether or not we get the loan we need to buy a house (or car, boat, etc.) or refinance an existing loan, but what most people don't realize is that credit histories can also affect how much we pay for auto insurance. Not only can it affect our rates, but it may even impact whether we can get insurance at all (or whether our insurance company chooses to renew our policy), at least from some companies.
Increasingly, insurance companies are using credit reports to develop credit "scoring systems" that classify consumers based on several factors. As a consumer, how you're classified – whether you fall into a preferred, average, or high-risk class – can impact what rate an insurance company charges you.
The use of credit scores in insurance rating became commonplace over a decade ago with homeowners insurance. It grew out of companies' attempts to create rating plans that would assess risk levels as accurately as possible, in order to predict their own expenses as well as charge appropriate rates. Banks and other financial institutions had long used credit information in determining risk on business such as home loans, and the correlation between those financial records and insurance risks became clear. The trend moved into the auto insurance industry, and as soon as the math was done, insurers realized they were onto something.
The laws and regulations that govern insurance are set at the state level, so where you live determines what information companies can gather and how they can use it, as well as what your rights are. Generally, in states where credit may be used for underwriting and/or payment options, insurance companies use your credit information like this: They plug basic credit information (such as bankruptcies, missed payments, the number of cards you have and how much activity they see) into formulas that also take into account your accident history, years you have been driving, where you live, your age, gender and assorted other relevant facts about you.
The formulas assign varying levels of importance to these based on rather complex data such as the company's loss history and how statistically important the factors have been shown to be for that company. (For example, males are more likely than females to get into accidents. How much more likely depends on still other criteria, such as what kind of cars they drive.) From a mathematical maze of interlocking facts and levels of importance comes a risk level – and corresponding rate plan.
Many states require insurance companies to tell consumers what top factors have been used in determining rates, but your insurer may not even understand the exact significance of some of the numbers, since they often come from outside sources. If you're interested in finding out if credit was used to determine your rates, contact your insurance carrier.
In conclusion, it is very important to stay on top of your credit. Experts recommended that you obtain a credit report at least once a year (see the sidebar on the front page of this newsletter for a special offer for a free credit report). Also, how insurance carriers use your credit differs from company to company, so it’s very important to shop around and compare rates from various carriers.
Increasingly, insurance companies are using credit reports to develop credit "scoring systems" that classify consumers based on several factors. As a consumer, how you're classified – whether you fall into a preferred, average, or high-risk class – can impact what rate an insurance company charges you.
The use of credit scores in insurance rating became commonplace over a decade ago with homeowners insurance. It grew out of companies' attempts to create rating plans that would assess risk levels as accurately as possible, in order to predict their own expenses as well as charge appropriate rates. Banks and other financial institutions had long used credit information in determining risk on business such as home loans, and the correlation between those financial records and insurance risks became clear. The trend moved into the auto insurance industry, and as soon as the math was done, insurers realized they were onto something.
The laws and regulations that govern insurance are set at the state level, so where you live determines what information companies can gather and how they can use it, as well as what your rights are. Generally, in states where credit may be used for underwriting and/or payment options, insurance companies use your credit information like this: They plug basic credit information (such as bankruptcies, missed payments, the number of cards you have and how much activity they see) into formulas that also take into account your accident history, years you have been driving, where you live, your age, gender and assorted other relevant facts about you.
The formulas assign varying levels of importance to these based on rather complex data such as the company's loss history and how statistically important the factors have been shown to be for that company. (For example, males are more likely than females to get into accidents. How much more likely depends on still other criteria, such as what kind of cars they drive.) From a mathematical maze of interlocking facts and levels of importance comes a risk level – and corresponding rate plan.
Many states require insurance companies to tell consumers what top factors have been used in determining rates, but your insurer may not even understand the exact significance of some of the numbers, since they often come from outside sources. If you're interested in finding out if credit was used to determine your rates, contact your insurance carrier.
In conclusion, it is very important to stay on top of your credit. Experts recommended that you obtain a credit report at least once a year (see the sidebar on the front page of this newsletter for a special offer for a free credit report). Also, how insurance carriers use your credit differs from company to company, so it’s very important to shop around and compare rates from various carriers.
Does My Credit Affect My Insurance?
We all know that our credit histories will affect whether or not we get the loan we need to buy a house (or car, boat, etc.) or refinance an existing loan, but what most people don't realize is that credit histories can also affect how much we pay for auto insurance. Not only can it affect our rates, but it may even impact whether we can get insurance at all (or whether our insurance company chooses to renew our policy), at least from some companies.
Increasingly, insurance companies are using credit reports to develop credit "scoring systems" that classify consumers based on several factors. As a consumer, how you're classified – whether you fall into a preferred, average, or high-risk class – can impact what rate an insurance company charges you.
The use of credit scores in insurance rating became commonplace over a decade ago with homeowners insurance. It grew out of companies' attempts to create rating plans that would assess risk levels as accurately as possible, in order to predict their own expenses as well as charge appropriate rates. Banks and other financial institutions had long used credit information in determining risk on business such as home loans, and the correlation between those financial records and insurance risks became clear. The trend moved into the auto insurance industry, and as soon as the math was done, insurers realized they were onto something.
The laws and regulations that govern insurance are set at the state level, so where you live determines what information companies can gather and how they can use it, as well as what your rights are. Generally, in states where credit may be used for underwriting and/or payment options, insurance companies use your credit information like this: They plug basic credit information (such as bankruptcies, missed payments, the number of cards you have and how much activity they see) into formulas that also take into account your accident history, years you have been driving, where you live, your age, gender and assorted other relevant facts about you.
The formulas assign varying levels of importance to these based on rather complex data such as the company's loss history and how statistically important the factors have been shown to be for that company. (For example, males are more likely than females to get into accidents. How much more likely depends on still other criteria, such as what kind of cars they drive.) From a mathematical maze of interlocking facts and levels of importance comes a risk level – and corresponding rate plan.
Many states require insurance companies to tell consumers what top factors have been used in determining rates, but your insurer may not even understand the exact significance of some of the numbers, since they often come from outside sources. If you're interested in finding out if credit was used to determine your rates, contact your insurance carrier.
In conclusion, it is very important to stay on top of your credit. Experts recommended that you obtain a credit report at least once a year (see the sidebar on the front page of this newsletter for a special offer for a free credit report). Also, how insurance carriers use your credit differs from company to company, so it’s very important to shop around and compare rates from various carriers.
Increasingly, insurance companies are using credit reports to develop credit "scoring systems" that classify consumers based on several factors. As a consumer, how you're classified – whether you fall into a preferred, average, or high-risk class – can impact what rate an insurance company charges you.
The use of credit scores in insurance rating became commonplace over a decade ago with homeowners insurance. It grew out of companies' attempts to create rating plans that would assess risk levels as accurately as possible, in order to predict their own expenses as well as charge appropriate rates. Banks and other financial institutions had long used credit information in determining risk on business such as home loans, and the correlation between those financial records and insurance risks became clear. The trend moved into the auto insurance industry, and as soon as the math was done, insurers realized they were onto something.
The laws and regulations that govern insurance are set at the state level, so where you live determines what information companies can gather and how they can use it, as well as what your rights are. Generally, in states where credit may be used for underwriting and/or payment options, insurance companies use your credit information like this: They plug basic credit information (such as bankruptcies, missed payments, the number of cards you have and how much activity they see) into formulas that also take into account your accident history, years you have been driving, where you live, your age, gender and assorted other relevant facts about you.
The formulas assign varying levels of importance to these based on rather complex data such as the company's loss history and how statistically important the factors have been shown to be for that company. (For example, males are more likely than females to get into accidents. How much more likely depends on still other criteria, such as what kind of cars they drive.) From a mathematical maze of interlocking facts and levels of importance comes a risk level – and corresponding rate plan.
Many states require insurance companies to tell consumers what top factors have been used in determining rates, but your insurer may not even understand the exact significance of some of the numbers, since they often come from outside sources. If you're interested in finding out if credit was used to determine your rates, contact your insurance carrier.
In conclusion, it is very important to stay on top of your credit. Experts recommended that you obtain a credit report at least once a year (see the sidebar on the front page of this newsletter for a special offer for a free credit report). Also, how insurance carriers use your credit differs from company to company, so it’s very important to shop around and compare rates from various carriers.
Does My Credit Affect My Insurance?
We all know that our credit histories will affect whether or not we get the loan we need to buy a house (or car, boat, etc.) or refinance an existing loan, but what most people don't realize is that credit histories can also affect how much we pay for auto insurance. Not only can it affect our rates, but it may even impact whether we can get insurance at all (or whether our insurance company chooses to renew our policy), at least from some companies.
Increasingly, insurance companies are using credit reports to develop credit "scoring systems" that classify consumers based on several factors. As a consumer, how you're classified – whether you fall into a preferred, average, or high-risk class – can impact what rate an insurance company charges you.
The use of credit scores in insurance rating became commonplace over a decade ago with homeowners insurance. It grew out of companies' attempts to create rating plans that would assess risk levels as accurately as possible, in order to predict their own expenses as well as charge appropriate rates. Banks and other financial institutions had long used credit information in determining risk on business such as home loans, and the correlation between those financial records and insurance risks became clear. The trend moved into the auto insurance industry, and as soon as the math was done, insurers realized they were onto something.
The laws and regulations that govern insurance are set at the state level, so where you live determines what information companies can gather and how they can use it, as well as what your rights are. Generally, in states where credit may be used for underwriting and/or payment options, insurance companies use your credit information like this: They plug basic credit information (such as bankruptcies, missed payments, the number of cards you have and how much activity they see) into formulas that also take into account your accident history, years you have been driving, where you live, your age, gender and assorted other relevant facts about you.
The formulas assign varying levels of importance to these based on rather complex data such as the company's loss history and how statistically important the factors have been shown to be for that company. (For example, males are more likely than females to get into accidents. How much more likely depends on still other criteria, such as what kind of cars they drive.) From a mathematical maze of interlocking facts and levels of importance comes a risk level – and corresponding rate plan.
Many states require insurance companies to tell consumers what top factors have been used in determining rates, but your insurer may not even understand the exact significance of some of the numbers, since they often come from outside sources. If you're interested in finding out if credit was used to determine your rates, contact your insurance carrier.
In conclusion, it is very important to stay on top of your credit. Experts recommended that you obtain a credit report at least once a year (see the sidebar on the front page of this newsletter for a special offer for a free credit report). Also, how insurance carriers use your credit differs from company to company, so it’s very important to shop around and compare rates from various carriers.
Increasingly, insurance companies are using credit reports to develop credit "scoring systems" that classify consumers based on several factors. As a consumer, how you're classified – whether you fall into a preferred, average, or high-risk class – can impact what rate an insurance company charges you.
The use of credit scores in insurance rating became commonplace over a decade ago with homeowners insurance. It grew out of companies' attempts to create rating plans that would assess risk levels as accurately as possible, in order to predict their own expenses as well as charge appropriate rates. Banks and other financial institutions had long used credit information in determining risk on business such as home loans, and the correlation between those financial records and insurance risks became clear. The trend moved into the auto insurance industry, and as soon as the math was done, insurers realized they were onto something.
The laws and regulations that govern insurance are set at the state level, so where you live determines what information companies can gather and how they can use it, as well as what your rights are. Generally, in states where credit may be used for underwriting and/or payment options, insurance companies use your credit information like this: They plug basic credit information (such as bankruptcies, missed payments, the number of cards you have and how much activity they see) into formulas that also take into account your accident history, years you have been driving, where you live, your age, gender and assorted other relevant facts about you.
The formulas assign varying levels of importance to these based on rather complex data such as the company's loss history and how statistically important the factors have been shown to be for that company. (For example, males are more likely than females to get into accidents. How much more likely depends on still other criteria, such as what kind of cars they drive.) From a mathematical maze of interlocking facts and levels of importance comes a risk level – and corresponding rate plan.
Many states require insurance companies to tell consumers what top factors have been used in determining rates, but your insurer may not even understand the exact significance of some of the numbers, since they often come from outside sources. If you're interested in finding out if credit was used to determine your rates, contact your insurance carrier.
In conclusion, it is very important to stay on top of your credit. Experts recommended that you obtain a credit report at least once a year (see the sidebar on the front page of this newsletter for a special offer for a free credit report). Also, how insurance carriers use your credit differs from company to company, so it’s very important to shop around and compare rates from various carriers.
Does My Credit Affect My Insurance?
We all know that our credit histories will affect whether or not we get the loan we need to buy a house (or car, boat, etc.) or refinance an existing loan, but what most people don't realize is that credit histories can also affect how much we pay for auto insurance. Not only can it affect our rates, but it may even impact whether we can get insurance at all (or whether our insurance company chooses to renew our policy), at least from some companies.
Increasingly, insurance companies are using credit reports to develop credit "scoring systems" that classify consumers based on several factors. As a consumer, how you're classified – whether you fall into a preferred, average, or high-risk class – can impact what rate an insurance company charges you.
The use of credit scores in insurance rating became commonplace over a decade ago with homeowners insurance. It grew out of companies' attempts to create rating plans that would assess risk levels as accurately as possible, in order to predict their own expenses as well as charge appropriate rates. Banks and other financial institutions had long used credit information in determining risk on business such as home loans, and the correlation between those financial records and insurance risks became clear. The trend moved into the auto insurance industry, and as soon as the math was done, insurers realized they were onto something.
The laws and regulations that govern insurance are set at the state level, so where you live determines what information companies can gather and how they can use it, as well as what your rights are. Generally, in states where credit may be used for underwriting and/or payment options, insurance companies use your credit information like this: They plug basic credit information (such as bankruptcies, missed payments, the number of cards you have and how much activity they see) into formulas that also take into account your accident history, years you have been driving, where you live, your age, gender and assorted other relevant facts about you.
The formulas assign varying levels of importance to these based on rather complex data such as the company's loss history and how statistically important the factors have been shown to be for that company. (For example, males are more likely than females to get into accidents. How much more likely depends on still other criteria, such as what kind of cars they drive.) From a mathematical maze of interlocking facts and levels of importance comes a risk level – and corresponding rate plan.
Many states require insurance companies to tell consumers what top factors have been used in determining rates, but your insurer may not even understand the exact significance of some of the numbers, since they often come from outside sources. If you're interested in finding out if credit was used to determine your rates, contact your insurance carrier.
In conclusion, it is very important to stay on top of your credit. Experts recommended that you obtain a credit report at least once a year (see the sidebar on the front page of this newsletter for a special offer for a free credit report). Also, how insurance carriers use your credit differs from company to company, so it’s very important to shop around and compare rates from various carriers.
Increasingly, insurance companies are using credit reports to develop credit "scoring systems" that classify consumers based on several factors. As a consumer, how you're classified – whether you fall into a preferred, average, or high-risk class – can impact what rate an insurance company charges you.
The use of credit scores in insurance rating became commonplace over a decade ago with homeowners insurance. It grew out of companies' attempts to create rating plans that would assess risk levels as accurately as possible, in order to predict their own expenses as well as charge appropriate rates. Banks and other financial institutions had long used credit information in determining risk on business such as home loans, and the correlation between those financial records and insurance risks became clear. The trend moved into the auto insurance industry, and as soon as the math was done, insurers realized they were onto something.
The laws and regulations that govern insurance are set at the state level, so where you live determines what information companies can gather and how they can use it, as well as what your rights are. Generally, in states where credit may be used for underwriting and/or payment options, insurance companies use your credit information like this: They plug basic credit information (such as bankruptcies, missed payments, the number of cards you have and how much activity they see) into formulas that also take into account your accident history, years you have been driving, where you live, your age, gender and assorted other relevant facts about you.
The formulas assign varying levels of importance to these based on rather complex data such as the company's loss history and how statistically important the factors have been shown to be for that company. (For example, males are more likely than females to get into accidents. How much more likely depends on still other criteria, such as what kind of cars they drive.) From a mathematical maze of interlocking facts and levels of importance comes a risk level – and corresponding rate plan.
Many states require insurance companies to tell consumers what top factors have been used in determining rates, but your insurer may not even understand the exact significance of some of the numbers, since they often come from outside sources. If you're interested in finding out if credit was used to determine your rates, contact your insurance carrier.
In conclusion, it is very important to stay on top of your credit. Experts recommended that you obtain a credit report at least once a year (see the sidebar on the front page of this newsletter for a special offer for a free credit report). Also, how insurance carriers use your credit differs from company to company, so it’s very important to shop around and compare rates from various carriers.
Shopping For A Safer Car
Unfortunately, car crashes are a reality of the road. But you can reduce or eliminate the risk and severity of injuries resulting from a car accident by choosing a safer car.
It's impossible to pinpoint THE safest car on the road, but different vehicle characteristics make some cars safer than others. Several factors contribute to a car's safety:
Vehicle Structural Design indicates a car's crashworthiness. Among the factors contributing to good structural design are:
A strong safety cage.
Front and rear "crumple zones" designed to buckle and bend in serious crashes to absorb crash forces.
Vehicle Size and Weight are important characteristics that contribute to crashworthiness. Generally speaking, larger and heavier vehicles are safer than smaller, lighter ones.
Restraint Systems like seat belts, air bags, and headrests work together to protect people in serious crashes. Belts hold you in place, air bags provide additional restraint, and headrests protect your head and neck from being snapped back and injured.
Crash Avoidance Features like brakes, lights, and turn signals are essential, but you may want to consider some other advanced features that may reduce crashes:
Antilock Brakes offer steering control. They prevent a driver from skidding or losing control of the vehicle, and in many circumstances let the driver stop sooner.
Daytime Running Lights increase the contrast between vehicles and their backgrounds, making vehicles more visible to oncoming drivers.
The bottom line:
Even if you drive well, use your mirrors responsibly, and carefully follow your car's maintenance schedule, accidents may still happen. Protect yourself. Choose an automobile with the most important safety features available—those that reduce the risk of death or serious injury resulting from a crash
It's impossible to pinpoint THE safest car on the road, but different vehicle characteristics make some cars safer than others. Several factors contribute to a car's safety:
Vehicle Structural Design indicates a car's crashworthiness. Among the factors contributing to good structural design are:
A strong safety cage.
Front and rear "crumple zones" designed to buckle and bend in serious crashes to absorb crash forces.
Vehicle Size and Weight are important characteristics that contribute to crashworthiness. Generally speaking, larger and heavier vehicles are safer than smaller, lighter ones.
Restraint Systems like seat belts, air bags, and headrests work together to protect people in serious crashes. Belts hold you in place, air bags provide additional restraint, and headrests protect your head and neck from being snapped back and injured.
Crash Avoidance Features like brakes, lights, and turn signals are essential, but you may want to consider some other advanced features that may reduce crashes:
Antilock Brakes offer steering control. They prevent a driver from skidding or losing control of the vehicle, and in many circumstances let the driver stop sooner.
Daytime Running Lights increase the contrast between vehicles and their backgrounds, making vehicles more visible to oncoming drivers.
The bottom line:
Even if you drive well, use your mirrors responsibly, and carefully follow your car's maintenance schedule, accidents may still happen. Protect yourself. Choose an automobile with the most important safety features available—those that reduce the risk of death or serious injury resulting from a crash
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