Drivers in traffic jams normally look to move to the faster lanes to reach their desired destinations. Some drivers keep on constantly changing lanes yet they forget that they are blocking the aligned traffic behind them. These slowdowns often lead to numerous small congestions in the otherwise, free flowing traffic.

The best driving tip to drive safe is to stay in the designated lane. Unnecessary lane changing is often disastrous as more and more people follow, leaving traffic in a spaghetti network. Fast lanes die as a result and most emergency and rescue teams get stuck. The important point to understand with this driving tip is to realize the importance of staying in the original lane since it can ensure constant speed and avoid sudden jitters in the flow.

If at all a lane change becomes inevitable, than observe the speed of the vehicle in the adjacent lane. Wait for the vehicle to pass you if they are at a greater speed because sudden movement would lead to a collision. The basic driving tip in this regard is to wait for the lane to have vacant space for the car to fit in.

Proper indication of turns is often important and at high speeds it becomes a necessity. Most accidents occur because many drivers don’t indicate their turns and as a result more following cars bump in them. Another useful driving tip while at faster speeds means to keep your cognitive senses in check. People with slower reaction times and in stress shouldn’t drive fast because they are ideal candidates for an accident. Seatbelts should be worn at all times and there should be no complacency shown in this regard.

To successfully make the way through heavy traffic, one should be patient and should realize the virtue of being courteous to the pedestrians and other drivers on the road. By adhering to the safety tips while driving through congestion, everyone can reach their destinations safely and in lesser time.

Related tips and tricks on driving safe:

http://auto.erieinsurance.com/Safe-driving-tips.aspx

https://www.drivingskillsforlife.com/index.php?Itemid=35%22

Liability coverage

In the event of a car accident, if you are at fault, liability insurance will pay for fixing any damages to property and also bills. This may include car damages and medical bills for the other party. Liability insurance is typically required in every state in United States. The liability coverage is typically written as three numbers like 25/50/25. If you carry such an insurance policy, this means that you have maximum coverage in the amount of $25,000 for bodily injury damage per person, maximum insurance of $50,000 for bodily injury damage per accident and coverage of $25,000 for property damage per accident.

We have more information on the topic here:

http://mycar-insurance.net/blog/liability-only-ask-your-insurance-company-if-it%E2%80%99s-right-for-you/

Collision insurance

Collision insurance is part of the auto policy you need to repair your automobile. This is assuming you were at fault. If it happens to be the other party, then their Car insurance company will cover the damages. If you have an older vehicle, it does not have makes sense to have collision insurance. Collision car insurance typically carries a deductible. A deductible generally ranges from $250 to $1000. So if you have a deductible of $500 and damages to your automobile is let’s say $2500. This translates into this amount of collision car coverage by your friends at Geico.
$2500 – $500 = $1000

Comprehensive coverage

While collision protection covers repairs to your automobile, if it will not tackle issues like hail damage, stolen automobile, deer in the headlights, cracks on your windshield, etc. This is where comprehensive coverage comes into play. A comprehensive insurance also has a deductible which typically $500 still applies in this scenario just like the collision coverage.

Uninsured motorist protection

The state law states that everyone should have some form auto liability protection, although in the real world that is not always the case. Having uninsured auto protection can be a lifesaver because it will cover you even if the responsible party is unable or unwilling to pay for your damages.

Addition options for Car insurance coverage

Other optional coverage that you can think about include the following:

1. Towing service: if your car breaks down, this car coverage pays for the cost of towing your vehicle to a garage.
2. Auto glass insurance: This insurance coverage is useful for any repair and damage to the windshield or any of the windows.
3. Roadside assistance: This option for the car coverage is useful if you are stuck on the road. It could be a dead battery or a flat tire so this auto policy option can come in handy in those situations.

Upon purchasing auto insurance, your agent will provide you with an insurance ID card for each vehicle covered on your policy.  Generally agents provide a temporary card, and then mail a permanent ID along with your policy within a few days of buying insurance coverage.  Other insurers, however, don’t provide policyholders with instant temporary ID.  In such situations until you receive the proper documentation, keep your insurer’s name and contact information in the insured vehicle in case of an accident. Fortunately, some states are opting to rely on an electronic- database tracking system to verify current insurance coverage.

What’s listed on an ID Card?

Although various companies handle the distribution and the specific information that’s included on car insurance ID cards, the following are basic details that are printed on most ID cards:

•    Name of the car insurance company
•    Name of insurance agency in which coverage was purchased
•    Date insurance went into effect
•    Date insurance expires
•    Policy number
•    Named insured covered by the policy (it’s possible for additional drivers to also be listed)
•    Make, model, and year of the vehicle covered
•    VIN number of vehicle covered.

It’s important to keep in mind that your car insurance ID card may not list every driver included on the policy.  For example if you give your friend permission to drive your car to work, the friend would be covered; however, your car insurance policy is considered secondary to your friend’s coverage.

If you have additional questions about obtaining a car insurance ID card, contact your agent or insurer for more information.

Understanding How Points Impact Car insurance coverage

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) applies a point system to reflect any incurred driver infractions. Car insurance coverage and premiums are based on your driving record, and any traffic violations on record.  Obviously the more points you have on your record, the more you can expect to pay for car insurance coverage.

The point system varies among states and car insurance coverage providers when calculating points incurred from traffic offenses.  In general, however, major infractions carry the maximum amount of points that go against your driving record.  For example, a DUI may carry up to 12 points, whereas a speeding ticket may only rack up 2 points.  Insurance providers typically review your driving record about twice a year or whenever your policy is up for renewal.  Traffic violations remain on your driving record for 3 years, although the duration also varies according to state laws.

Also depending on the state and infraction, it may be possible to attend a defensive driving course to erase points from your record, as well as prevent your car insurance coverage rates from dramatically increasing.  If you accumulate a specific number of points within a certain time frame, don’t be surprised if you find your license suspended.

Tickets Sure to Catch Your Insurer’s Attention

Due to various state motor vehicle laws, there’s nothing set in stone regarding what does or doesn’t affect car insurance coverage, however, the following tickets are almost always a guaranteed to negatively impact your vehicle insurance coverage:

1. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
2. Responsible for an accident
3. Reckless driving
4. Racing
5. Intentionally fleeing the police
6. Leaving the scene of an accident
7. Driving with a suspended or revoked license
8. Speeding  (assuming it’s your first in 3 years)
9. Driving illegally on a one-way street or wrong side of the freeway
10. Driving without insurance.

Tickets that Incur Less Points

While the tickets listed above carry the most points that go against your auto insurance coverage rates, the following infractions have a lesser impact on premiums:

1. First speeding ticket
2. Driving with an expired or restricted license
3. Expired vehicle registration
4. Driving in a HOV lane
5. Failure to wear seatbelt
6. Failure to secure a load on your vehicle
7. Broken tail light or cracked windshield
8. Loud exhaust/muffler
9. Littering while moving.

It’s always a good idea to check with your car insurance coverage provider to review your driving record periodically or if you have questions or concerns.

Related Articles on Car Insurance Coverage:

-Car insurance coverage definitions
-Department of Motor vehicle and auto insurance
-How tickets affect your car insurance coverage

If you have ever been in an auto accident, then chances are you have a greater appreciation of your auto insurance and provider. Yes, auto insurance can be expensive, but so is the alternative. However, as the cost of living continues to rise, perhaps you are considering lowering the amount you spend on auto insurance coverage. While this is a plausible budget solution, be sure that you have made sure your auto insurance coverage includes the basic forms of protection. There are 7 types of auto insurance coverage that you should have. To help you determine if you have the insurance coverage you need, here is a basic description of each type.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

•    Property Damage Liability– This type of insurance coverage protects you if your vehicle causes damage to someone else’s property. Although this is most often their vehicle, it also covers structures, landscaping elements or other property.

•    Bodily Injury Liability – This policy covers other people’s death or bodily injury for which you are responsible. In addition, it can be used to provide legal defense if another party involved in the accident take you to court. Claims that pertain to bodily injury lawsuits include medical bills, loss of income and pain and suffering of the other involved party, not you personally. Liability insurance coverage is required in most states.

•    Collision Coverage – This type of insurance coverage is for vehicular damage caused when your automobile hits, or is hit by, another vehicle or object. It pays to repair your vehicle, less the amount of the deductible you choose. This form of auto insurance coverage is not necessarily required, except in cases where the vehicle is rented or leased.

•    Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury – If the person who hits your vehicle has insufficient insurance coverage to provide for injuries, death or damages to your family and passengers, this insurance policy makes up the difference, up to a pre-set amount.

•    Comprehensive Insurance Coverage – This policy protects your vehicle(s) and occasionally those of someone else (scenario depending) in situations other than a collision. Examples of this are damage caused by flood, fire, animals or theft. While it is not required to have collision insurance, if you rent or lease a vehicle, most of these companies will require it.

•    Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury – When you are not at fault for the accident, but the offender has insufficient auto insurance coverage this policy will cover members of your household and passengers for injuries, damages or death caused by the other driver’s negligence. This is also used in scenarios where the other driver has no insurance.

•    Uninsured Motorist Property Damage – This policy is applied in situations where the offender caused property damage and has none/minimal insurance coverage. It typically pays up to a specific amount (varies by state) based on the policy.

Having sufficient insurance coverage is simply part of being a good driver. Yes, it is an expense but it is not something that you can afford to skimp on. If you are shopping for new auto insurance, do your homework carefully so that you have all the auto insurance coverage you need.

You have likely heard much about this option. From radio to television, magazines and the Web, Insurance companies are vying for your business. One auto insurance provider may offer vanishing deductibles while another company promises to save you 15%, some Insurance companies even offer better rates when you bundle your insured items.

However, if you are planning on purchasing more or swapping Insurance providers, there are some great ways to save money on your auto insurance that you may not be aware of. Here are 6 ways to do just that:

Save Money on Car Insurance

-When you speak to a potential Insurance provider, be upfront about your driving history-especially, if it is one to be to brag about. For instance: What is your accident history? Do you have any points on your license? Are you a responsible driver? If you have a great record, let the Car Insurance company know, as this will save you money.

-What is your deductible? Lower deductibles equal higher auto insurance costs. By raising your deductible from $200 to $500, you can lower Car Insurance costs by as much as 30%; raising your deductible to $1,000 can save you 40% or more. However, do keep in mind, that if you set your auto deductible higher you need to set the money aside in the event that you need to get repair work done.

-Do you have an older vehicle? If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, save on your auto insurance by lowering or totally dropping the collision or comprehensive Insurance. Of course, you will want to have money in reserve for a new(er) vehicle if this is your only means of transportation.

-What type of safety features does your vehicle have? Auto Insurance companies typically offer lower rates on vehicles that have safety features like anti-theft devices, air bags and anti-lock brakes.

-Ask about available Insurance discounts. There is no shame in asking about auto insurance discounts when you contact the Insurance companies. Some of these discounts are being an AAA member, taking a defensive driving class or even “little” things like paperless billing or e-signatures that help Auto Insurance companies save on billing costs.

-Pay upfront. Many auto insurance providers offer lower rates if you pay quarterly, every 6 months or yearly.

Saving money on your auto insurance is a simple way to stretch your budget. With just a little bit of time invested in finding the best auto insurance company for your needs, you can soon have some breathing space in your monthly expenses. For more information on getting the most from your auto insurance, be sure to check out the other pages of our site-you’ll be glad you did!

Advantages of No Fault Auto Insurance

No fault auto insurance does have its advantages. In fact, there are several more pros than cons in no fault auto insurance over fault insurance. These no fault auto insurance advantages are:

1. With no fault auto insurance, you are guaranteed to receive money and that you will receive it more quickly since you deal with your own auto insurance provider.
2. No fault auto insurance means you have a lower medical expense deductible, so your medical bills are paid faster.
3. Your lost wages are covered. This amount varies from state to state for those with no fault auto insurance.
4. With no fault auto insurance, you do not need to prove who was at fault for the accident; nor can you be sued if you are the guilty party.
5. In most cases, there are no auto insurance claim forms to fill out –unless you need to seek additional money.
6. You do not need to hire a personal injury lawyer with no fault car insurance.
7. With no fault auto insurance, your property damage is not covered and you will not receive anything for it unless you file a claim. This can be  a tedious, time consuming and ultimately costly process.
8. No fault car insurance sets a specific amount of what will be spent on medical bills. If your costs exceed the amount set by your no fault auto insurance provider/state, then you may file a claim.
9. No fault auto insurance does not compensate for any pain and suffering due to the auto accident. Rather, you must file an injury threshold claim (big surprise-another tiresome claim form!) However, this is extremely subjective, with each state having its own standard of what is considered extreme pain.

Disadvantages of No Fault Car Insurance

Succinctly put, no fault car insurance may lack when it comes to providing you with what is needed, precisely when you need it most.

While no fault auto insurance does have its advantages, there are also reasons that it is not the ideal solution. So if you are considering a move to a state where no fault auto insurance is the norm, be sure to keep this information in mind as you consider your budgeting needs.