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Archive for December, 2010

 
Originally printed at http://www.wltz.com/news/local/10-Tips-for-Safe-Holiday-Driving-112307144.html
December 22, 2010
Here are a few useful tips for safe holiday Driving.
1. Reduce your Chances of Dangerous Drowsy Driving. Get at least seven to nine hours sleep the night before your trip. If you become fatigued, stopping every two hours and stretching or walking around can recharge and revitalize your inactive body.
2. Stay on the Road Rather Than On the Side of It. Check your vehicle’s tire pressure, oil level, battery, windshield wipers, etc. before traveling any great distance. While on the road, be sure your vehicle always has plenty of gas especially as some service stations my have limited holiday hours. Your holiday memory should be of you schussing the slopes, not schlepping the gas can!
3. Be A Defensive Driver. This applies to both longer trips where you might be traveling to a holiday destination as well as shorter trips to the mall. Safety technologies in certain vehicles can help drivers avoid potentially dangerous crash situations by using radar to detect other vehicles. Ford is now equipping its vehicles with technology that warns the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts on both highways and in parking lots.
4. Pack Emergency Equipment. Whether heading to the mall or the slopes, don’t forget to pack an emergency kit that includes first aid items, flashlights, water, warm blankets, etc.
5. Don’t be Caught off Guard By Bad Weather. If you’re traveling to higher elevations where sudden snow storms can occur, or to the coastline where fog can quickly set it, be sure to check the weather before heading out. In snowier areas where roads can get slick, newer vehicles, such as the 2011 Ford Explorer, are actually equipped with terrain management systems that provide appropriate traction for any driving conditions. Some Ford vehicles also feature SIRIUS TravelLink, which allows people to check real-time weather data, five-day forecasts, detailed storm cell information as well as local wind speeds and even ski resort conditions!
6. Avoid Distractions. If you need to communicate with family and friends while driving, use a hands-free headset. Even better, if your vehicle is equipped with a built-in hands-free mobile phone system, use it. Some manufacturers, like Ford, have even equipped their vehicles with smart technology features that allow you to use voice commands to make calls, check the weather, change your music selection, and more.
7. Make it a “Green” Roadtrip. If you’ll be away for a few days, don’t forget to turn off your home thermostat and if you need to leave some lights on, be sure to put them on a timer. Bring reusable water bottles for the trip so you don’t have to buy bottles of water when enroute. To save fuel, accelerate gradually and use cruise control when possible.

Of course, driving a fuel-efficient vehicle is your best defense for maintaining your “green” while on the road. Ford has developed one of the most fuel-friendly fleets in the industry and has incorporated many green elements into interiors such as soy foam seats and recycled materials.
8. Heading to Snow Country? Carrying a bag of cat litter in your trunk provides great traction when sprinkled in the path of a spinning tire. If you find yourself caught without an ice scraper, a plastic card, like a credit card, can be used to do the work. Plan ahead and if an ice storm is imminent, cover your windshield with an old blanket or some trash bags that you can peel off in the morning.
9. Keep the Carpet Clean and Dry. If you’re in an area with lots of snow, place disposable diapers or puppy mats under the floor mats of your car to absorb melting snow and ice.
10. The Anti-Boredom Kit. Traveling with youngsters is always a challenge. Being in a car for hours on end can seem like emprisonment – for adults and kids alike. If you’re sick of hearing the “are we there yet?” chorus, then be prepared with plenty of games, MP3 players, movies, and more. In fact, today’s vehicles offer a variety of options for keeping your sanity when traveling with kids. Ford’s smart technology even includes daily horoscopes, sports, and news delivered via voice command! Safe and smart. That’s the best way to travel this holiday season.
(SOURCE: FORD MOTORS)
For more information and quotes on auto or home insurance in Colorado, contact us at 303-423-1498. You can also visit us aw www.coautorates.com.

Choosing auto insurance that fits your needs and the needs of your family is important, so get to know the basics. Here you’ll find information about auto insurance and answers to some common questions. If after reviewing this material, you still have questions, use our handy “What’s Your Question” button on the right.
What is auto insurance?
Auto insurance is meant to protect you if you cause injuries to others or damage their property in an auto accident.

It can also provide protection if your car is damaged in an accident or is stolen. What protection you have is spelled out in your auto insurance policy.
An auto insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurance company. You, the customer, pay a certain amount (“premium”) to the insurance company in exchange for a set of coverages you selected. Your policy sets forth what the insurance company will or will not cover.
What does auto insurance cover?
At a high level, auto insurance typically provides four basic things—liability coverages (for injuries to others and damage to their property), coverage for damage to your car or cars, coverage for medical expenses and uninsured motorist coverages (for situations where someone without enough insurance injures you or a family member). There are a variety of coverage options available; they may vary by state and company.
What are the common auto insurance coverages?
Below are some simplified descriptions of common auto insurance coverages. All coverages are subject to the limits, terms and conditions of the actual policy you purchase.
Bodily injury liability coverage generally pays damages for bodily injuries to the driver and passengers of the other vehicle when you are responsible for an accident. It also provides coverage to defend you if you are sued because of an auto accident.
Property damage liability coverage generally pays for damages to another person’s property (e.g. their car) when you are responsible for an accident. It also provides coverage to defend you if you are sued because of an auto accident.
Medical payments coverage generally covers you, household relatives and your passengers for medical expenses that result from injuries sustained in an auto accident. It also covers you as a pedestrian if you are hit by a vehicle.
Some states have personal injury protection (PIP) in place of, or in addition to, medical payments coverage. This is also known as no-fault coverage. PIP can generally pay for medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of income and other expenses for injuries or death due to bodily injury sustained as the result of a car accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage generally pays for damages for bodily injury to you and your passengers when caused by another in an auto accident and the person legally responsible either has inadequate or no insurance. This coverage varies greatly by state. In some states it may be a combined coverage, while other states may offer it as two separate coverages (e.g. one for uninsured motorists and one for underinsured motorists).
Collision coverage generally pays for damage to your car if it hits another car, object, or overturns. A deductible applies to this coverage.
Comprehensive coverage generally pays for damage to your car if it is stolen or damaged by certain causes other than collision, such as fire, theft, hail or vandalism. A deductible applies to this coverage.
What should I consider when purchasing auto insurance?
When purchasing auto insurance, make sure you find coverage that fits your needs. Think about you and your family’s specific circumstances, including your risk tolerance and your budget. If you aren’t sure what type of things you should consider, read below. Or, get help by working with an insurance agent or by calling an insurance company directly. You could also use our Better Coverage Basics tool. Below are a few simple questions to help you start evaluating your needs.

1. What is my household salary? What are my assets? How much in savings and equity do I have? Generally, the higher your salary and net worth, the more you stand to lose if you are ever found liable for an accident. The more assets you have, the more coverage you might want to consider.
2. How old is my car and how much is it worth? Do I own my car outright or is it leased or financed? The model year and original cost of your car helps determine the approximate value of your car today. If the value of the car is low and you own it outright (i.e. no loan or lease), you may want to think about whether you really want comprehensive or collision coverages. On the other hand, if you lease or finance your car, your lender or car dealership probably requires comprehensive and/or collision coverage.
3. How much am I willing to pay out-of-pocket? Deductibles are applicable to certain coverages, such as comprehensive and collision coverages. In the event of a loss, a deductible is the amount that you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. A higher deductible could lower your premium.
4. Do I have health insurance? Auto insurance can include medical payments coverage for you and your passengers. If you don’t have your own health insurance, you should consider purchasing some type of medical payments coverage on your policy.
5. Do I have children of driving age? Children are generally more inexperienced drivers and can present a greater risk on the road. If you have children of driving age, you might want to consider purchasing higher limits of liability coverage.

What does an auto insurance policy consist of?
An auto policy generally consists of three main parts, which together, form your auto policy:

1. Declaration page – the declarations page (or “declarations” or “dec page”) displays information specific to you and your policy. This will usually include the name of the policyholder, your policy number, the policy term, limits of liability and deductibles you selected and the policy premium. It can also display other items such as discounts applicable to your policy, other drivers on your policy and specific vehicles insured. In addition, it will show the other documents that form your policy (in other words, it will tell you what base policy and endorsements make up your policy). The declarations page is usually longer than just one page.
2. Base Policy – this document spells out the basic provisions of the insurance coverage and the responsibilities of the insurance company. It also sets forth your responsibilities, which include paying your premium and telling the company when you are in an accident.
3. Endorsements – endorsements alter the base policy, just like an amendment alters a contract. Endorsements can add, broaden, limit or delete coverage or change the base policy in any other way.

It is important to read your declaration page, base policy and any applicable endorsements together, as they collectively form your insurance policy.
Note, auto ID cards, which generally arrive with your policy, do not actually form part of the policy. Rather, they provide a convenient way to show that you have insurance. They contain some basic details about your policy, such as your policy number, policy effective date and the specific vehicle insured. Some states require that you keep these in your car as proof of insurance.
Group Insurance Analysts Inc., GIA Risk Management LLC, 9195 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, Co. 80033.  PO Box 1246, Arvada, Co.  80001. 303-423-0162, 888-423-3232 ext 100. 
Serving clients in Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Lakewood, Denver and throughout Colorado for auto and car insurance, homeowners, life, dental business, health and Medicare insurance plans.