Thirteen area drivers are now just a little bit safer when they hit the roads.
These drivers participated in a driver safety class sponsored by AARP Monday morning. The motorists, who are all over 50 years of age, learned about new driving laws and reviewed the Driver’s Handbook put out by the Department of Motor Vehicles as well as learning a little about defensive driving through observation.
According to Bill Lundy, the instructor for the course, those over the age of 50 should take the class once every three years. It is offered four times each year in Surry County either at the Jones Family Resource Center where Monday’s class met or at Central United Methodist Church which will host a class in September.
“It’s designed primarily to remind older drivers that their driving abilities are not what they used to be,” he said, referring to reaction time, vision problems and hearing problems. “The laws have changed quite a bit since they started driving. The highways have improved and the speed limits are faster. It’s just a different ball game.”
Participants in the class Monday learned about the cell phone usage laws in North Carolina as well as the seat belt laws, both of which have changed in recent years.
Participants decided to sign up for the class, which costs $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members, for different reasons. In many states, including Virginia and South Carolina, insurance companies are mandated to offer a discounted rate to drivers who complete the course. In North Carolina, it is optional whether or not a discount is offered.
Grace Adams encourages everyone to take the class, saying that she learned a great deal from it.
“I took it to make me feel better. I think we all need to keep trying to educate ourselves, no matter how old we are,” she said.
Oscar Fain is one of those hoping to see a reduction in his insurance rates.
“I signed up to better my driving ability and maybe get a reduction in my insurance,” he said, noting that he learned about new signs, new laws and different regulations. “More people should take the class for their own good.”
Another of the participants attended the class for a unique reason. She just moved to Surry County from New York and had never driven a car. She relied on public transportation such as subways and buses to get around in New York. Once she moved to Surry County, she had to learn to drive a car to get around. So, she called her insurance company to get a new policy and learned that it would cost $552 each month to cover her because of her age and the fact that she has only been driving for a year.
She has since gotten her insurance down to $192 per month and hopes to see it drop even farther.
“I’m hoping and wishing nothing happens to my driving. That’s why I’m here taking this class,” she said. “We need more public transportation in this town.”
Source
Monday, September 14, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Allstate study ranks Buffalo as less safe for accidents
Drivers in Buffalo are more likely to experience an accident than in other cities of upstate New York or other parts of the country on average, though not as much so as in New York City or Yonkers, according to a new study by insurer Allstate Corp.
The study found that the average driver in Buffalo will suffer a car collision every 8.5 years, making drivers here 17.5 percent more likely to experience an accident than the national average. Nationwide, the average driver has an accident every 10 years, according to Allstate data.
That ranked Buffalo 126th in driving safety out of the 197 largest U. S. cities served by Allstate. By contrast, Rochester drivers have an accident every 9.4 years, while in Syracuse it’s every 9.8 years. And while Rochester and Syracuse drivers got better, Buffalo drivers got worse, with accidents occurring more often than in 2005.
However, Buffalo is the third-best Northeastern city out of 15 metropolitan areas. Syracuse was first, followed by Buffalo and then Pittsburgh. Hartford, Conn., was last in the Northeast, and ranked 190 nationwide.
“We don’t want drivers in Buffalo to be discouraged by their ranking,” said Allstate spokeswoman Krista Conte. “Instead, we want the report to challenge drivers in Buffalo to make positive changes to their driving habits that will in turn make the city a safer place to live, work and raise families.”
The fifth annual “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report” ranks the cities based on car collision frequency. The company’s actuaries analyzed company claims data over a two year period from January 2006 to December 2007, to ensure external factors like weather or road construction didn’t affect the results, and then computed a weighted average. The data reflects where drivers live, not where the crashes occurred.
The nation’s “safest” city, based on the data, is Sioux Falls, S. D., where crashes occur every 13.5 years, and drivers are 26.1 percent less likely to be in a crash than the average driver nationally. That was followed by Fort Collins, Colo.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Knoxville, Tenn.
Drivers in large cities with populations of more than 1 million are more likely to experience collisions. Phoenix was the safest of those, with collisions every 9.2 years, followed by San Diego and New York. By contrast, Philadelphia was the most dangerous big city, with crashes every 6.4 years and drivers 57.1 percent more likely than average to have an accident.
Among the 10 most improved cities — those that most improved the number of years between accidents — five were in Virginia.
Source
The study found that the average driver in Buffalo will suffer a car collision every 8.5 years, making drivers here 17.5 percent more likely to experience an accident than the national average. Nationwide, the average driver has an accident every 10 years, according to Allstate data.
That ranked Buffalo 126th in driving safety out of the 197 largest U. S. cities served by Allstate. By contrast, Rochester drivers have an accident every 9.4 years, while in Syracuse it’s every 9.8 years. And while Rochester and Syracuse drivers got better, Buffalo drivers got worse, with accidents occurring more often than in 2005.
However, Buffalo is the third-best Northeastern city out of 15 metropolitan areas. Syracuse was first, followed by Buffalo and then Pittsburgh. Hartford, Conn., was last in the Northeast, and ranked 190 nationwide.
“We don’t want drivers in Buffalo to be discouraged by their ranking,” said Allstate spokeswoman Krista Conte. “Instead, we want the report to challenge drivers in Buffalo to make positive changes to their driving habits that will in turn make the city a safer place to live, work and raise families.”
The fifth annual “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report” ranks the cities based on car collision frequency. The company’s actuaries analyzed company claims data over a two year period from January 2006 to December 2007, to ensure external factors like weather or road construction didn’t affect the results, and then computed a weighted average. The data reflects where drivers live, not where the crashes occurred.
The nation’s “safest” city, based on the data, is Sioux Falls, S. D., where crashes occur every 13.5 years, and drivers are 26.1 percent less likely to be in a crash than the average driver nationally. That was followed by Fort Collins, Colo.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Knoxville, Tenn.
Drivers in large cities with populations of more than 1 million are more likely to experience collisions. Phoenix was the safest of those, with collisions every 9.2 years, followed by San Diego and New York. By contrast, Philadelphia was the most dangerous big city, with crashes every 6.4 years and drivers 57.1 percent more likely than average to have an accident.
Among the 10 most improved cities — those that most improved the number of years between accidents — five were in Virginia.
Source
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A growing problem: More risking driving uninsured
Rose Roper said she has finally resolved issues over a wreck she and her daughter had in March 2006.
By the numbers
Citations for violation of proof of insurance written by area police
Departments: 2008; 2009*
Florence: 1,623; 494
Muscle Shoals: 304; 64
Russellville: 706; 407
Sheffield: 404; 200
Tuscumbia: 112; 75
*From January 2009 to July 2009
Source: Area court clerks
Their car was totaled, and the man driving the vehicle that struck it did not have insurance.
Authorities expect that kind of problem to increase as more people drop their insurance coverage in a bad economy.
Roper said the situation surrounding their accident wasn't settled until she hired an attorney.
"We had to pay out of pocket and then had to use an attorney to get our money back," said the Muscle Shoals resident. "Insurance is expensive, but I'm glad I had full coverage. I don't know what I would have done without it."
John Heid, an official with Allstate Insurance in Atlanta, said that in 2007, 26 percent of Alabama drivers were uninsured.
"It stands to reason that the increase in the percentage of uninsured drivers will result in a greater likelihood that if you're involved in an auto accident, it will be with someone who has no auto insurance," Heid said.
Alabama is among 49 states that require drivers to carry insurance, and it requires drivers to have at least liability insurance.
Still, uninsured drivers are a problem.
"We continue to write citations for no insurance," said Florence police Lt. Tony Barnett.
Carolyn Gorman, an official with the Insurance Information Institute in New York, said the problem is not limited to a few states.
"It's a national problem and one that is growing," he said.
Officials with the Insurance Research Council noted that in 2007, 13.8 percent of drivers nationwide had no car insurance. That percentage is expected to increase to 16 or higher by 2010.
Gorman said research reveals that several hundred thousand motorists are expected to drop their insurance as the unemployment rate climbs.
In a recent study by Direct General, a Nashville-based automobile insurance provider, 36 percent of drivers say they will continue to drive even if they are unable to keep their car insurance.
"Our company wants people to think twice about driving without adequate automobile insurance coverage," said Direct General CEO Dan Tarantin. "Driving without insurance is illegal in most states, and yet consumers do think that many are willing to risk getting caught if it means continuing to be able to drive."
Gorman said when people lose their jobs, they could eventually be forced to make a decision on paying bills or feeding their families.
"And because of those kinds of decisions, they let insurance premiums lapse," Gorman said.
"It's really a tough decision. You have to work - most people have to drive to get there - so there's going to be a lot of general lawbreakers who are driving without insurance because they feel they have no choice."
Gorman said nearly all insurance carriers have something written into their comprehensive coverage plans to cover an accident with an uninsured driver, "which costs the consumer extra."
Alfa insurance agent Terry Oakley, of Florence, said that in Alabama, comprehensive policies include "uninsured, underinsured motorists."
"And if someone does not want that, they must sign a waiver for it to be excluded from their policy," Oakley said.
He said the uninsured, underinsured motorists policies cover personal injury to the driver if there is a collision with an uninsured driver.
"If I don't have the underinsured insurance and the driver that hits me doesn't have insurance, I'm up the creek," Oakley said.
"Most people are buying insurance to protect themselves if they hit someone, but with comprehensive coverage, which has the additional underinsured coverage, you are buying protection in case you are hit by an uninsured driver."
Oakley said generally $25,000 of coverage for the underinsured protection would cost $31 every six months. For $100,000 coverage, the premium would be $54 every six months, per vehicle.
"People who are living from day to day, they see (insurance) as an unnecessary expense. I see it as a part of my budget and a necessary expense," he said.
Barnett said some drivers have insurance, but let the premium default and don't renew it.
"They have to have insurance to get their vehicle tags, and a lot of people will pay the premium for a couple of months to get the tags, then when it's time to renew they just don't," he said. "So they're riding around without, insurance and that's the problem."
Some think the problem can't be corrected until the economy improves. Others think stiffer penalties could be the solution.
Violation of Alabama's insured drivers law can be costly.
According to the state statute, the first violation of failure to have proof of insurance can cost up to a $500 fine plus court costs. A second violation can mean a fine up to $1,000 and the suspension of the driver's license for up to six months, plus court costs.
Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray said impounding vehicles could be another possibility.
"Then make them provide proof of insurance before the car is released back to them," Ray said. "I don't know if that's the answer, but I agree something needs to be done. We still write a lot of noninsured citations and it doesn't look like it's going to get any better."
Source
By the numbers
Citations for violation of proof of insurance written by area police
Departments: 2008; 2009*
Florence: 1,623; 494
Muscle Shoals: 304; 64
Russellville: 706; 407
Sheffield: 404; 200
Tuscumbia: 112; 75
*From January 2009 to July 2009
Source: Area court clerks
Their car was totaled, and the man driving the vehicle that struck it did not have insurance.
Authorities expect that kind of problem to increase as more people drop their insurance coverage in a bad economy.
Roper said the situation surrounding their accident wasn't settled until she hired an attorney.
"We had to pay out of pocket and then had to use an attorney to get our money back," said the Muscle Shoals resident. "Insurance is expensive, but I'm glad I had full coverage. I don't know what I would have done without it."
John Heid, an official with Allstate Insurance in Atlanta, said that in 2007, 26 percent of Alabama drivers were uninsured.
"It stands to reason that the increase in the percentage of uninsured drivers will result in a greater likelihood that if you're involved in an auto accident, it will be with someone who has no auto insurance," Heid said.
Alabama is among 49 states that require drivers to carry insurance, and it requires drivers to have at least liability insurance.
Still, uninsured drivers are a problem.
"We continue to write citations for no insurance," said Florence police Lt. Tony Barnett.
Carolyn Gorman, an official with the Insurance Information Institute in New York, said the problem is not limited to a few states.
"It's a national problem and one that is growing," he said.
Officials with the Insurance Research Council noted that in 2007, 13.8 percent of drivers nationwide had no car insurance. That percentage is expected to increase to 16 or higher by 2010.
Gorman said research reveals that several hundred thousand motorists are expected to drop their insurance as the unemployment rate climbs.
In a recent study by Direct General, a Nashville-based automobile insurance provider, 36 percent of drivers say they will continue to drive even if they are unable to keep their car insurance.
"Our company wants people to think twice about driving without adequate automobile insurance coverage," said Direct General CEO Dan Tarantin. "Driving without insurance is illegal in most states, and yet consumers do think that many are willing to risk getting caught if it means continuing to be able to drive."
Gorman said when people lose their jobs, they could eventually be forced to make a decision on paying bills or feeding their families.
"And because of those kinds of decisions, they let insurance premiums lapse," Gorman said.
"It's really a tough decision. You have to work - most people have to drive to get there - so there's going to be a lot of general lawbreakers who are driving without insurance because they feel they have no choice."
Gorman said nearly all insurance carriers have something written into their comprehensive coverage plans to cover an accident with an uninsured driver, "which costs the consumer extra."
Alfa insurance agent Terry Oakley, of Florence, said that in Alabama, comprehensive policies include "uninsured, underinsured motorists."
"And if someone does not want that, they must sign a waiver for it to be excluded from their policy," Oakley said.
He said the uninsured, underinsured motorists policies cover personal injury to the driver if there is a collision with an uninsured driver.
"If I don't have the underinsured insurance and the driver that hits me doesn't have insurance, I'm up the creek," Oakley said.
"Most people are buying insurance to protect themselves if they hit someone, but with comprehensive coverage, which has the additional underinsured coverage, you are buying protection in case you are hit by an uninsured driver."
Oakley said generally $25,000 of coverage for the underinsured protection would cost $31 every six months. For $100,000 coverage, the premium would be $54 every six months, per vehicle.
"People who are living from day to day, they see (insurance) as an unnecessary expense. I see it as a part of my budget and a necessary expense," he said.
Barnett said some drivers have insurance, but let the premium default and don't renew it.
"They have to have insurance to get their vehicle tags, and a lot of people will pay the premium for a couple of months to get the tags, then when it's time to renew they just don't," he said. "So they're riding around without, insurance and that's the problem."
Some think the problem can't be corrected until the economy improves. Others think stiffer penalties could be the solution.
Violation of Alabama's insured drivers law can be costly.
According to the state statute, the first violation of failure to have proof of insurance can cost up to a $500 fine plus court costs. A second violation can mean a fine up to $1,000 and the suspension of the driver's license for up to six months, plus court costs.
Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray said impounding vehicles could be another possibility.
"Then make them provide proof of insurance before the car is released back to them," Ray said. "I don't know if that's the answer, but I agree something needs to be done. We still write a lot of noninsured citations and it doesn't look like it's going to get any better."
Source
Monday, July 20, 2009
An Overview of New York Auto Insurance Requirements
Insurance laws and requirements can be complicated and vary from state to state. New York auto insurance is no exception to this statement. There are several different types of coverage that fall into the auto insurance category. Some of the coverage types are optional while others are required by state law.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is required in nearly every state. car insurance laws in New York require $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 in coverage. These amounts cover bodily injury liability per person/total bodily injury per accident/property damage per accident, respectively.
New York State is unique in that it requires double the bodily injury liability limits in the event the accident results in death, taking the limits to $50,000/$100,000.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection or PIP is required in NY, as well as several other states. It is an extended type of auto coverage that assists with medical costs and can cover lost wages and other miscellaneous charges.
Medical Coverage
New York is what is referred to as a "no-fault" state. All individuals that have auto insurance are required to have this coverage. This covers the insured's medical costs, regardless of fault. There is some controversy over this type of coverage as it is generally expensive and is thought to create redundant coverage when the insured also has regular medical insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in some states but, required in NY. This coverage will cover the insured, up to the limits they have purchased, if they are in an accident caused by another driver and that driver is not insured or does not have sufficient insurance to cover the full liability. Another common case that this type of insurance is helpful is in the event of a hit and run.
Other New York Car Insurance Requirements
New York State requires that auto insurance remain in effect while a vehicle is registered, regardless whether or not the vehicle is being used. If a vehicle is not being used, New York State requires that plates are returned to the state to cancel the registration.
New York auto insurance law requires that New York drivers have insurance in the state, out of state insurance is not acceptable. This state also requires that the insurance must be in the same name as the registered owner. Neglecting to follow this requirement will result in a lapse of insurance and the registration will be suspended; the owners?driver's license will also be suspended if the lapse exceeds 90 days.
Source
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is required in nearly every state. car insurance laws in New York require $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 in coverage. These amounts cover bodily injury liability per person/total bodily injury per accident/property damage per accident, respectively.
New York State is unique in that it requires double the bodily injury liability limits in the event the accident results in death, taking the limits to $50,000/$100,000.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection or PIP is required in NY, as well as several other states. It is an extended type of auto coverage that assists with medical costs and can cover lost wages and other miscellaneous charges.
Medical Coverage
New York is what is referred to as a "no-fault" state. All individuals that have auto insurance are required to have this coverage. This covers the insured's medical costs, regardless of fault. There is some controversy over this type of coverage as it is generally expensive and is thought to create redundant coverage when the insured also has regular medical insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in some states but, required in NY. This coverage will cover the insured, up to the limits they have purchased, if they are in an accident caused by another driver and that driver is not insured or does not have sufficient insurance to cover the full liability. Another common case that this type of insurance is helpful is in the event of a hit and run.
Other New York Car Insurance Requirements
New York State requires that auto insurance remain in effect while a vehicle is registered, regardless whether or not the vehicle is being used. If a vehicle is not being used, New York State requires that plates are returned to the state to cancel the registration.
New York auto insurance law requires that New York drivers have insurance in the state, out of state insurance is not acceptable. This state also requires that the insurance must be in the same name as the registered owner. Neglecting to follow this requirement will result in a lapse of insurance and the registration will be suspended; the owners?driver's license will also be suspended if the lapse exceeds 90 days.
Source
Monday, July 6, 2009
New York Car Insurance Offer Exceptional Service!
If you are an American native residing at the New York City, you do not have any reason to worry about where to purchase insurance quotes at affordable rates and conveniently. If you have decided to purchase New York auto insurance quotes, then you are not only at the right place but you are on time to receive an exceptional tune-up.CarInsurance.com is at your service and they are popular for providing strong, unfailing carriers.
Nonetheless, the buying decision is left to the careful scrutiny of the customers although it is best if they consider purchasing and selecting the best competitive corporation with their needs at heart. Receiving a quote is uncomplicated and you also have the chance to evaluate the rates from various companies so you recognize you are receiving a fine deal with the accurate coverage. The only way to accumulate on car insurance is to shop for car insurance at the market rate which could be better that the one in the past year.
New York car insurances are well stipulated on this state's law and it requires minimum Bodily Injury Liability limits of twenty-five thousand dollar per every injured person up to a totality of fifty thousand dollars for each accident, and Property Damage Liability coverage with a minimum perimeter of ten thousand dollars. This is what forms the New York coverage. This state makes payments of one's injury regardless of whether you are at fault or not up to a specified amount. On average, you misplace completely a number of your rights to bring a claim under a No-Fault system whose details vary from one state to the other.
New York state law requires a minimum Personal Injury Protection coverage of fifty thousand dollars on Personal Injury Protection. This in your coverage assists you to pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses for you and your passengers. To facilitate protection adjacent to damages caused to you and your passengers by an uninsured driver, New York state law oblige a minimum Uninsured if you like Underinsured Motorist coverage, of twenty five thousand dollars for each person up to a total of fifty thousand for every accident for any bodily injury caused by the uninsured and/or underinsured driver.
The average New York car insurance premium for New York residents rates are not that bad though some people consider that the state and insurance companies fix the rates, so they by no means shop around for better rates later. You should however expect that different companies will set their rates differently too and it is up to you to go by the ones you can afford. You have to shop around to see if by doing so you have a cutback on your money or not. CarInsurance.com again will be of great assistance to you when finding the competitive rates and discounted prices available in New York. these price though must enable the average residents of New York to get a better-than-average low rate on their car insurance.
Rates also vary over the years and especially in a state like New York, if you are not cautious you could end up paying too much for your car insurance. Avoid wasting your money paying elevated insurance premiums; most of these New York car insurance sellers provide the low cost quotes and rates for all the states in America. To get a quote for another city or state, type in your zip code online and find out how much you can save.
Source
Nonetheless, the buying decision is left to the careful scrutiny of the customers although it is best if they consider purchasing and selecting the best competitive corporation with their needs at heart. Receiving a quote is uncomplicated and you also have the chance to evaluate the rates from various companies so you recognize you are receiving a fine deal with the accurate coverage. The only way to accumulate on car insurance is to shop for car insurance at the market rate which could be better that the one in the past year.
New York car insurances are well stipulated on this state's law and it requires minimum Bodily Injury Liability limits of twenty-five thousand dollar per every injured person up to a totality of fifty thousand dollars for each accident, and Property Damage Liability coverage with a minimum perimeter of ten thousand dollars. This is what forms the New York coverage. This state makes payments of one's injury regardless of whether you are at fault or not up to a specified amount. On average, you misplace completely a number of your rights to bring a claim under a No-Fault system whose details vary from one state to the other.
New York state law requires a minimum Personal Injury Protection coverage of fifty thousand dollars on Personal Injury Protection. This in your coverage assists you to pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses for you and your passengers. To facilitate protection adjacent to damages caused to you and your passengers by an uninsured driver, New York state law oblige a minimum Uninsured if you like Underinsured Motorist coverage, of twenty five thousand dollars for each person up to a total of fifty thousand for every accident for any bodily injury caused by the uninsured and/or underinsured driver.
The average New York car insurance premium for New York residents rates are not that bad though some people consider that the state and insurance companies fix the rates, so they by no means shop around for better rates later. You should however expect that different companies will set their rates differently too and it is up to you to go by the ones you can afford. You have to shop around to see if by doing so you have a cutback on your money or not. CarInsurance.com again will be of great assistance to you when finding the competitive rates and discounted prices available in New York. these price though must enable the average residents of New York to get a better-than-average low rate on their car insurance.
Rates also vary over the years and especially in a state like New York, if you are not cautious you could end up paying too much for your car insurance. Avoid wasting your money paying elevated insurance premiums; most of these New York car insurance sellers provide the low cost quotes and rates for all the states in America. To get a quote for another city or state, type in your zip code online and find out how much you can save.
Source
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