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Tips for New Driver Car Insurance and Keeping Rates Low

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Web Dev

Most parents know that when you add a new, less experienced driver to the insurance plan, the rates go up. Since a car crash can cost so much money for both parties, most states require car insurance in some form, even if it is the lowest coverage option. Having car insurance protects you and your teen driver in case of a crash.

The Reason for Increased Costs

Insurance companies work off a system of probabilities for who will cost them more money in payouts and who will not. A new driver of any age does not have a lot of experience and is viewed as a bigger risk for insurance companies. Since there is a bigger risk, the cost to insure a new driver is more than an experienced driver.

According to the CDC, the group that has the highest risk of motor vehicle crashes is teenagers aged 16 to 19 years old. They are nearly three times more likely to get into a fatal car crash than drivers aged 20 or older. Male drivers are twice as likely to crash than females and all teens increase their chances of risk with each teen passenger added to the car. For these reasons, insurance on new teen drivers will be the most expensive.

Practical Tips for Insurance

If you have a new teen driver, there are several tips that experienced parents and insurance brokers recommend.

Shop around. Just because you have always had the same car insurance company does not mean they are the best option for you now. See if there are less expensive rates with a different company.
Coverage options. Read up on what types of insurance your state requires. Providing minimal coverage for your new teen driver may be a more affordable option. Be warned though that less coverage can mean more costs for you in case of a crash because of gap coverage.
Find discounts. Some insurance companies will offer discounts for good grades, completing defensive driver courses, or using a driver monitoring device, like an app. There are also multipolicy discounts for adding homeowner’s insurance, military discounts, and family policies.
Use less conventional insurance. Some insurance companies will offer a pay-per-mile option. While many new teen drivers are excited and look for opportunities to drive, there are also many who do not like to drive a lot or just don’t have the opportunity.
Consider the car. Expensive cars cost more money to insure because they are stolen more often and have higher repair costs. Research cars that are less expensive to insure for your new driver to use.

The best way to decrease insurance costs is by driving well over time. The more experience over time that your new driver gets where there are no car crashes, the less they will cost to cover. Be sure to set an example of good driving and remind your teen about the importance of following all driving laws and the dangers of distracted driving.

Sources:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/car-insurance-new-drivers
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/car-insurance-tips-2021/

The Best Apps for Monitoring Your Teen Driver

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Web Dev

A teen driver earning their driver’s license means they are no longer required to have a parent in the car. For some parents, they want tools to make sure they know where their children are and if they are driving responsibly. There are plenty of devices and apps that are available to parents to help make sure their teen is safe. Once friends are allowed in the car, these tools are also nice to keep tabs on the speed of the vehicle. If you are looking for apps that can help you monitor your teen driver’s behavior, here are six great apps to consider.

AT&T Drive Mode

This free app is available to everyone on Android and iOS, even if they are not AT&T customers. The app turns on automatically when a teen is driving faster than 15 mile per hour. The main feature of this app is that it will silence incoming text messages and phone calls while the teen is driving and send an automated message back letting the person know they are unavailable right then. If the teen turns it off or disables any of the safety features, the app alerts the parents with a notification.

Life360

If you are looking for an app that gives you more detailed reports on your teen’s driving habits, this app is a good one and is available on Android and iOS. Each week, it sends a weekly driving report that includes phone usage, hard braking, fast acceleration, and speeding so you can monitor behaviors and discuss them. The app also has roadside assistance and a crash and emergency response system so you can rest easier knowing that your teen can get help if needed.

Mama Bear

For parents who want more immediate notifications for driving plus monitoring tools for safety and awareness, the Mama Bear is a great tool. It is available on Android and iOS. This app allows parents to set a speed limit and alert you if they exceed that speed whether the driver or a passenger. Parents are also able to set locations in the phone and get notified when the teen arrives at that location and when they leave it. Plus, if you want an app to help monitor text messages and social media use, including tracking followers, pictures, and mentions.

TrueMotion Family Safe Driving

Another app that helps parents monitor driving habits is this free app, available on iOS and Android. This app helps track phone use while driving, speeding, aggressive handling, and other driving habits. The best feature of this app is that it helps encourage safe driving by ranking users in the family against each other. It rewards points and helps drivers break bad habits by being more aware of their driving.

Automatic

Another app that gives a driver a score is Automatic, available on iOS and Android. It has a customizable dashboard that provides drivers with suggestions on improving their driving. It works to be more of a car assistant to help all drivers be safe. It monitors driving habits, has crash detection, and location monitoring.

Hum by Verizon

Hum is only available to Verizon Wireless customers but works on Android and iOS phones. It has multiple features to help protect drivers, including sending speed alerts, location sharing, and contacting emergency services if it detects a crash. Other benefits of this app cover common pain points for drivers like vehicle diagnostic and maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance.

Get Started Today

The best place to start with having a safe teen driver is providing them with a great new driver training. Taking a defensive driving course can help teach skills on being safe behind the wheel.

The Top Risks and Safety Tips for the Holidays

Posted on November 21, 2020 by Web Dev

The holidays are a time of fun and family, but it is also a dangerous time of year to drive. There are unique dangers that are on the roads during the holidays. Whether you are a new driver who just got their license or a driver who has navigated the roads for years, it is important to know the risks. Here are the top four risks, in no particular order, and how to navigate them safely.

Increased Traffic. During the holiday season, more drivers are on the road. From holiday shoppers to those taking road trips to visit family, there are more reasons to be on the road during this time of year. When there is heavier traffic, drivers become impatient and do risky maneuvers. To navigate the roads safely, plan extra time to get to your destination and stay calm behind the wheel. Remember that getting there safely is the most important goal.
Bad Weather. Most of the United States deals with bad weather during the winter. Combine that with less daylight hours and the roads can become hazardous. Staying safe during the winter is best done by planning your schedule around storms. If the roads are slippery, you get caught in a storm, or there are any conditions that lead to reduced visibility, slow down.
Drunk Drivers. With so many holiday parties comes an increase in drunk drivers on the road. Make sure you are always using defensive driving techniques like watching other drivers on the road, leaving extra space around your vehicle from other cars, and keep an escape plan in your mind. Be extra mindful of drunk drivers as the night goes on. Equally important is making sure that you are not driving drunk. If you are going to a party and plan to drink, arrange ahead of time to have a ride home with a designated driver or ride service. Never try to convince yourself that you are okay to drive.
Distracted Drivers. Since the holidays are generally a busy time of year for people, they have a lot on their minds and to-do lists. For many drivers, it means trying to multi-task or feeling extra stress and driving distracted. The best ways to stay safe around distracted drivers is to use those defensive driving techniques mentioned before. Avoid being a distracted driver by putting away your phone, not multi-tasking while driving, and just focusing on the road. Pull off the road and out of traffic if you need to do anything other than drive.

For a safer experience on the road, always stay focused on driving. With so much going on during the holidays, it is important that everyone does their part to keep the roads safe. If you can avoid the most common risks on the road, your holidays can be safe and enjoyable, however you spend them.

Safety Tips for Driving at Night

Posted on September 28, 2020 by Web Dev

Driving in the dark is a necessity for most drivers. From mid-autumn to mid-spring, the daylight hours decrease, and many people are commuting to work and school in the dark. Driving in darkened conditions can be dangerous, adding another layer of complexity to navigating the roads. To help keep you safer on the road, let us look at why it is more dangerous and tips on driving in the dark safely.

The Dangers of Driving in the Dark

The most obvious difficulty the dark gives to driving is limited visibility. When the sun is up, it is easier to see obstacles up ahead and off to the sides of the roads. In the city, pedestrians are harder to see and in stretches of undeveloped areas, deer and other animals are a concern. This isn’t the only limiting factor to vision though. Eyes do not accurately recognize color, have depth perception, or use peripheral vision as well as in the light.

Nighttime Driving Tips

Some simple adjustments to your vehicle and behaviors can help keep you safer.

Clean your headlights to increase their effectiveness
Be sure that headlights are adjusted correctly
Adjust dashboard lights to be visible enough to use in the dark, but not so bright that they are distracting
If you wear glasses, make sure you are wearing them. Buy a pair or two that are anti-reflective to decrease problems from dashboard lights and headlights around you.
Keep the windshield clean and free from streaks
Do not look directly into oncoming headlights
Drive slower

It is also extra important to stay focused on the road and limit distractions. This includes not touching your phone, eating messy foods, or engaging with passengers in the back seat.

Combating Drowsy Driving

A big problem with driving in the dark is that our brains are programmed to feel sleepier when the lights are off. Incidents of drowsy driving are more common in the dark than during daylight hours. Seeing the glare of oncoming headlights also causes the eyes to feel sleepy because they are constantly being blinded.

Aside from the tips already listed for driving in the dark, it is important to stay awake and alert behind the wheel. Drowsy driving has been shown to be as dangerous as driving under the influence of a substance because it has similar affects like decreased reaction time, slower thinking, and less focus on the task of driving.

To decrease the risk of drowsy driving, consider some of the following ideas:

Drive well rested by getting enough sleep each night
Pull over and take a nap in a safe place if you find yourself getting drowsy. Even a quick 15- minute nap can make a big difference.
Avoid driving during times when you typically sleep

There are also some common ways to stay alert like drinking caffeine, eating crunchy snacks, listening to music, and having a conversation with a passenger. While none of these things should be distracting your attention from the road, they can help keep fatigue away.

Driving at night is an important skill to acquire which is why driver’s education requires nighttime practice hours. With some practice and smart tactics, driving in the dark does not have to be intimidating. Stay safe and use precautions.

Navigating Top Driving Challenges

Posted on September 1, 2020 by Web Dev

Driving school will teach student drivers a myriad of skills. There are only so many situations you can prepare for before being in the situation and having to put those skills into practice. While driving teachers try to prepare students, there are still common driving challenges that require extra experience before feeling comfortable. Here are some of the most common challenges and how you can deal with them.

Bad Weather

One of the hardest driving situations is extreme weather. Driving in bad weather is always scary because of limited visibility and intense driving conditions. Whether you are driving through a blizzard, extreme hail or rain, fog, black ice, or dust storms. These types of situations all require the same driving tactics to keep you safe.

Reduce your speed. When major weather conditions hit, they all come with decreased visibility. When you cannot see as well, the best thing to do is drive slower. If conditions are too scary, pull off the road in a safe place.
Limit distractions. The most important time to stay focused on the road is when you can’t see as well and you’re feeling tense. Turn down the radio, ask your passengers to be quiet, and make sure you are keeping your eyes on the road.
Keep emergency supplies in the car. Having a blanket, some snacks, and water in the car so that if you ever need to pull off during extreme weather, you can be safe. Consider keeping an extra phone charger, tools, and a spare tire in your car too.

Drive Around Large Trucks

Large trucks on the road intimidate a lot of people. Truck drivers have a harder time merging because of their size, but they have bigger blind spots on both sides, the front, and the back of the truck. The best way to navigate around trailers is to avoid lingering in those blind spots. Be mindful and watching to see if they are attempting to merge and stay out of the way. Avoid trying to race past them or cut in front of them.

Heavy Traffic

Heavy traffic is common during rush hour and construction zones. These times are terribly inconvenient and usually happen when you are in a hurry. Remembering your basics during these times are important.

Use your blinker. Letting others know if you are trying to switch lanes or merge is important. Always use your blinker and proceed with caution.
Plan ahead. Do not wait to move across four lanes to exit until ¼ of a mile away from the exit. Start moving over when you know your exit is coming up.
Keep your distance. Even in slow traffic, you need to leave some room between your car and the one in front of you. If you are following too close when traffic starts moving, you need to have space for fast braking, if needed.
Obey all signs. Always obey road signs but pay extra attention to construction zone signs. These signs are often letting you know about new traffic patterns and changes to speed limits. Driving slower and more carefully will help keep everyone safe in construction zones, but it also prevents a traffic ticket, which are more expensive in construction zones.
Slow down. Try to remember that everyone is frustrated and impatient in these situations. Remember to slow down and remember that speeding and being impatient will not get you anywhere faster and the circumstances are beyond your control.

Aggressive Drivers

Avoid getting aggressive on the roads. Keep a level head and obey the driving laws. Do not race around drivers, engage in racing on the road, or slamming on brakes. Most people do not do things on purpose to make other drivers angry.

If an aggressive driver is pursuing you, ignore them. If they are relentlessly bothering you and putting you and others on the road in danger, it is important to call the police. Too often a situation will escalate and can turn dangerous. It is better to stay safe and call the police than end up with a physical confrontation.

Focus on the Road

In all these situations, there are basic driving skills every driver can fall back on in driving school. Even if you forget all the information you learned in class, remember to use your training. Do your best to remain calm and control the car. If you are remembering the basics, you can trust your instincts.

The Most Common Mistakes by New Drivers

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Web Dev

Both adult driving lessons and teen driving school programs teach drivers how to drive a vehicle on the road safely. They focus on the basics and teach how to navigate tough situations. While the basics are covered, they are also the items that most drivers go on to forget after driving classes are done. To help keep the roads safer, it is important to review these basics every few years. Here are some of the most common mistakes new drivers make on the road.

Not Making Adjustments First

When a driver first enters a vehicle, they should immediately fix the settings for their height and preference. Adjusting the seat is critical to reaching the pedals, gear shifts, and viewing the road. Mirrors should be adjusted to give the driver an optimal view around and behind the car. These adjustments should be made before pulling out of a parking spot or driveway, not while the driver is going down the road.

Driving Too Fast or Too Slow

It seems that new drivers are either driving too fast or too slow. It is important to not drive over the speed limit because it is too dangerous, but it is also dangerous to drive too slow. Without going too fast, drivers should keep up with the flow of traffic. Both extremes can cause problems, so be mindful of driving the right speed.

Following Too Close

No matter what speed you are going, it is important to leave enough distance between your car and the one in front of you. This way, if there is a need for a sudden stop like a blown tire, car crash, or something running in the road, you have enough time to stop without crashing into the car in front of you. While some people want to know how many feet they should leave, the current standard is leaving a three-second following distance between your cars. This standard allows you to adjust the distance based on speed for the most safety.

Not Using Turn Signals

Turn signals are used to alert drivers around you about what you are intending to do. This helps cars know when you are passing them, merging in front of them, or slowing down to make a turn. When other drivers know your intentions, they can adjust their speed and actions to avoid a crash. It is important to always use your turn signal, even if you are in a turning lane.

Driving Distracted

Since cell phones have become a widespread problem with drivers, it is covered in almost every driving school. Even though most people acknowledge they are a problem, drivers still admit that they use them behind the wheel. Distracted driving isn’t limited to cellphone use though. Passengers, eating, and picking something up off the ground are all forms of distracted driving. Remember to always keep your eyes and mind on the road to keep you and all the other drivers safe.

New drivers need a little extra guidance on driving safely, but they are not the only ones. Remember to review the basics and practice them. Getting too comfortable behind the wheel of a car can lead to lazy maneuvers and over-confidence on the road. Take time to commit to mastering the basics and helping new drivers master them too.

Tips for Improving Gas Mileage

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Web Dev

Part of owning and driving a car is paying for all the expenses that go along with it. There are some costs that have little variation, like a car payment or insurance. One of the most variable costs that a driver can control is the gas budget. Each vehicle has a specific gas mileage estimate that is given when it is manufactured that is influenced by other factors. If you are looking to improve the gas mileage in your car, consider making some of these changes.

Accelerate Slowly. When the light turns green, are you the type of driver that slams on the gas? If yes, this will burn up a lot of gas over time. Instead, accelerate slowly to gradually use the gas and extend the life of the fuel in the car.
Brake slowly. Pushing on the gas pedal and then needing to brake quickly burns up all the gas in the system without using it. Instead, do not push the gas pedal and let the vehicle slow down naturally as long as it is safe before braking.
Keep tires properly inflated. Physics show that slack on the tire can slow the car down, giving it a bit of drag. When the tires are properly inflated, the surface area on the ground is optimal for driving and getting more roll. The amount of tread on the tire can also make a big difference since manufacturers try to give a good grip on the road while also allowing it to not slow down the vehicle.
Use the right fuel. When manufacturers test drive vehicles and determine gas mileage, they use the most premium type of fuel for the car. If you still have the owner’s manual in the car, it should say what the recommended fuel type is for gas mileage and optimal performance.
Avoid idling. One of the worst things for burning up gas is idling. Whether you are sitting in traffic not moving or just your driveway, try to limit the amount of time spent idling. This uses gas but does not contribute to miles driven, decreasing the amount of mileage you get from your tank of gas.
Limit stopping and going. Choosing a route that has a lot of stop signs, intersections, tolls, or construction can mean you are stopping and starting a lot. This uses up more gas than if you were to find a route that allows you to keep driving once you are going, like a freeway. Use a little planning by looking ahead for the best routes or adjust the settings on your GPS unit.
Use Cruise Control. Driving for long stretches of street can involve a lot of increasing and decreasing of speed. As mentioned before, the best way to increase mileage is to keep the car moving once it is rolling. Using the cruise control setting keeps the car moving at an optimum pace without the driver paying as much attention to speeding up and slowing down.

Being aware of small changes can help a driver pay more attention to their overall driving. Developing better driving habits helps improve driver safety and extend the life of the vehicle too. Using less gasoline is also great for the planet and the wallet. Getting better gas mileage might only save a few dollars at the pump, but over time, those savings add up to make a big difference. When a driver uses all these tips, they become a more responsible driver overall.

Using a Learner’s Permit to Prepare for Your Driver’s License

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Web Dev

Before you can get a driver’s license, new drivers are required to apply for and use a learner’s permit. This small piece of paper entitles a new driver to operate a vehicle with a licensed adult driver in the passenger seat. There are many advantages to this situation, but gaining experience is the most important. Using this time to prepare the best you can for a driver’s license is important.

Rules of a Learner’s Permit

New drivers must take a driver’s education course and pass a test on rules of the road. This will help prepare drivers before they ever get behind the wheel. This gives a great foundation, but the real learning takes place actually driving. Having supervised driving practice with a licensed adult helps to provide feedback and guidance in any given situation.

Most states require that a certain number of hours be driven during the daylight and nighttime hours. A record is kept and shown during the licensing process. This rule was made because it helps drivers get in a variety of experiences before they are driving alone.

Other rules that may apply to learning permits are the number of passengers in the car. Some also limit the number of peers in the car to help remove distractions and risk-taking behaviors. See your local laws for specific requirements on driving with a learner’s permit.

Practice, Practice, Practice

To help a driver feel confident, they need a lot of practice. While most new drivers prefer to stick to less busy roads and avoid heavy traffic, eventually they have to drive on the main roads. As a parent, guardian, or friend, it is important to help encourage the permit driver to learn to drive in heavy traffic. A great tactic is slowly increasing traffic levels for experience until driving on a freeway. Having a chance to learn these roads with an experienced driver is ideal for everyone on the road.

Even though most situations and laws are taught in a driver’s education classroom, they are not usually remembered until they are applied in real life. If you are the licensed driver in the car, be encouraging and remind about what should be done only when necessary. Making mistakes will happen, but this will help with the learning process. Your job is not only to teach, but also to build up their confidence.

Applying for a Driver’s License

Most states give ample amount of time to fulfill the required driving hours. Keep a record, if required, and bring it to get your license. Be sure to check the driver’s licensing division’s website for what paperwork is required. No one likes getting to their appointment and realizing they cannot get licensed because of forgetting something.

Once you have fulfilled all learning and testing requirements, enjoy getting a driver’s license. There are few things that provide as much freedom as driving. It is the threshold of adulthood and carries a lot of responsibility. With all the extra driving practice and new driver’s feeling experienced and confident, everyone is safer on the roads.

Staying Safe on Your Next Road Trip

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Web Dev

As the weather warms up, many people start planning road trips. There are so many things to do and see around the country and a road trip helps hit up a lot of things that are on the way to a final location. The best way to have a great trip is to be safe. Here are some basic safety tips to help you have a safe road trip no matter where you are going.

Prepare for Emergencies

The best way to avoid a vehicle emergency or break down is to have the car checked out before leaving. Prevention is a great place to start. There are some basic things you can check to give your vehicle the best chance to run well on the trip, including:

Oil and fluid levels
Belts, caps, hoses, and filters
All lights including headlights and blinkers
Tire pressure
Brakes

While preparing the basics, include other items that may be necessary on a road trip, like blankets, and everything to change a flat tire (including a spare tire). Keeping a little bit of money in cash, water bottles, and maybe even extra snacks are all good things to put in the trunk too.

Let Someone Know Your Plans

Arrange to have someone be your check-in contact. Give them a rough idea on the route you will be taking, stop you may take, and check in each night when arriving at the hotel. Service can be spotty on road trips because of long lengths of undeveloped road between cities. If something were to happen like a problem with the car or you get lost, you may not be able to call for help. Having someone who is expecting a check in call and knows your approximate location gives helpful information when looking for you.

Road trips are often known for unexpected detours and fun, random stops. Having a route mapped out doesn’t have to kill that feeling. You can still have a rough plan while adding in extra fun stops that come up. If something bad were to happen, the possible locations you could be would still be narrowed down.

Avoid Drowsy Driving

Being well rested is essential for a road trip. When the brain is tired, cognition and performance are impaired, much like being drunk. In 2017, drowsy driving claimed 795 lives. While many people will try to push through their fatigue, it is better to address it before it gets serious. Some ideas to avoid drowsy driving are:

Keep a caffeinated drink in the car. That way you have something if in between cities with no gas station around.
Talk to a passenger in the car to stay active and alert.
Roll down the window or blast some music. Having cold wind hit your face or music filling your ears can help provide cognitive stimulation.

If none of these strategies are working, switch drivers or pull off the road in a safe location to take a quick nap. Usually only 15 to 30 minutes is needed to get a good enough rest to get back on the road safely. This is important to keeping yourself and others on the road, even if it makes you reach your destination for the night a little bit later than planned.

Be Extra Vigilant

While roads are generally the same throughout the country, there are subtle changes to watch. Changing speed limits, different types of interchanges, and varying road hazards are all differences you may see on your trip. Not paying close enough attention to these small differences can lead to a car crash. While every driver should be paying attention to the road, it is especially important in a new and unknown area.

Small Steps Create Big Differences

Whether you are a new driver heading out on your first road trip or a road trip veteran, taking some simple steps for safety can help a lot. You can even brush up on your knowledge on our driving resources page.

Everyone wants their road trip to be memorable because it was fun, not full of problems. While the preparations may seem like a pain, they will pay off in the end.

Managing Tech Safely While Driving

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Web Dev

Most car manufacturers are trying to make cars with more safety features for technology use. Drivers use all kinds of technology including GPS apps, music players, and making phone calls. There are many safety features built into cars now including lane drifting warnings, automatic braking systems, and even automatic parking. To help with technology use, other features have been built into cars too. Here are some ways you can be a responsible driver and manage technology better in a car.

Program before you go. One of the main reasons people like to use their phones while they are driving is because of the GPS capabilities. Trying to view a map, look at directions, or put in an address while driving is distracting. When a driver cannot focus on the road, they are putting themselves, their passengers, and others on the road at risk. Using technology responsibly means putting the address into the phone before going and then turning on audible directions so that you do not have to keep looking at your phone. If you need to do anything with your phone, pull completely off the road.
Use the features on the phone. Many phones have a “do not disturb” setting that can be used while driving. Some are automatic settings when in a car and others are turned on manually. Find how it works on your phone and it will prevent alerts from coming through. This keeps your focus on the road. Don’t worry though- people can still get through in an emergency. For some systems, calls can still come through if someone calls more than once or an alert is given that tells the caller to press a certain number to push the message through.
Use the features in the car. Another thing that cars have is the ability to sync your device to the car’s system. This helps you keep your hands off your device by allowing you to use voice controls. When a call comes through, pushing a button on the wheel can bring the call through the speakers so it is as if you are talking to a passenger. Voice controls also allow making calls and reading texts to you.
Recommit yourself to not text and drive. There are so many things that can distract a driver from focusing on the road. Even with all the safety features built into phones and cars, drivers are still choosing to text and drive. Even with all the driver’s education, campaigns, and reminders to not text and drive, people still do it. Recommit to not texting and driving.

People have become so accustomed to having technology assist them. Using technology to help combat the problems technology brings may seem ironic, but it is the best of both worlds. It helps everyone use their devices but in a way that keeps everyone on the road safer. However, there is no adaptation or technological advancement that can make people act responsibly. In the end, the best way to be responsible behind the wheel is to choose to focused.

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