What you need to know about Georgia’s graduated license program

The Georgia graduated license program places restrictions on young drivers.

If you have a teenager who’s about to get their Georgia learner’s permit or driver’s license, there are a few things you need to know about the Georgia graduated license program. See, when your teen gets their license, they can’t just go driving around all hours of the night with as many passengers as they want. Their license has restrictions until they turn 18. As time goes by, those restrictions are loosened until the driver turns 18 and all limitations are lifted. We’ll explain how the Georgia graduated license program works.

Georgia’s Graduated License Program: TADRA

Before we break down each “step” in the Georgia licensing process, let’s talk a little about the program itself.

TADRA, or the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act, is the system that allows drivers aged 15-18 to “graduate” to less restrictive licensing as they gain driving experience. TADRA places limitations on when newly licensed drivers are allowed to drive and how many passengers they can have in the car. It was passed in an effort to prevent accidents and fatalities among young, teenaged drivers. The restrictions placed on these newly licensed drivers are meant to increase their safety and lower their likelihood of being in a crash.

(Note: TADRA is also known as Joshua’s Law.)

The Three Steps of Georgia’s Graduated License Program:

Phase One: The learner’s permit.

The first step is to get a learner’s permit (a.k.a. instructional permit.) In Georgia, a teenager can get a permit when they’re 15 if they successfully pass the written exam. As they’re learning to drive, the teenager must be accompanied by a driver who has a valid Class C license and who is over 21 years of age.

The first step of the Georgia graduated license system is getting a learner's permit.

Phase Two: The Intermediate License (Class D)

Teenagers aged 16-18 are eligible for a Class D license if they’ve had their learner’s permit for 12 months and passed their driving test. If the teenager is 16, they cannot get their license unless they’ve completed an approved driver’s ed class. Seventeen-year-olds do not need a driver’s ed class.

(However, any driver aged 16 or 17 must have completed 40 hours of supervised driving experience, and six of those hours must be at night.)

There are restrictions for drivers who have a Class D license:

  • They cannot drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
  • They can only have a certain number of passengers in the car.
    • For the first six months after getting their license, no passenger that is not an immediate family member can be in the car.
    • For the second six months, only one passenger (who is not immediate family) that is under age 21 can be in the vehicle.
    • After one year, no more than three other passengers (under age 21) who are not immediate family members can be in the vehicle.
  • They have to meet Joshua’s Law requirements.
    • Any sixteen-year-old who gets a Class D license must have completed a driver’s ed class approved by the Dept. of Driver’s Services.
    • They also must have completed 40 hours of other supervised driving with at least six hours of night driving.

Phase Three: The full license (Class C)

When a teenager reaches age 18, they can graduate to a Class C license and the driving restrictions are lifted. Their Class D license must be valid and they cannot have been convicted of any major traffic violations to get a Class C license.

Also, keep in mind that Georgia does not tolerate underage drinking and driving. Any underage (under 21) driver with a blood-alcohol level of .08 grams or more will have their license suspended for 12 months on the first offense.

Teen driver safety.

As a parent, it’s important that you explain these restrictions to your teen and make sure they know to respect them. As we said, the restrictions are to keep the teenager safer and reduce traffic accidents among newly licensed drivers.

The reasoning behind the restrictions is sound. Night driving is a different story than driving during the day. Bright headlights make it tricky to see and react to hazards in time – teens just don’t have a lot of experience with night driving. As for passengers, they’re distracting. They can cause a teenager to lose focus on driving.

Along with ensuring that your teenager follows the restrictions of their license, you as a parent can do the following to keep your teen driver safe.

  • Talk to them about the dangers of texting and driving.
  • Have them practice a lot.
  • Set a good example.
  • Set some rules for driving and using the car.
  • Get them a safe vehicle.
  • Encourage seatbelt use.
  • Make sure they don’t drive tired.

Georgia’s graduated license program (TADRA) is intended to keep newly licensed drivers safe by placing limitations on when they’re allowed to drive and how many passengers they can have in the car. Be sure to talk to your teenager about the restrictions and understand why it’s so important to follow them.

And, of course, it’s important to get great Atlanta teen auto insurance. Our agents can help you shop for quality coverage at a great rate. Yes, teen auto insurance can be expensive, but we can help you save money while getting your new driver the coverage they need. Get started with car insurance quotes by filling out our online form or giving us a call today.

Source:

https://dds.georgia.gov/teen-drivers

14 common Atlanta car insurance discounts you should ask about

Car insurance discounts are a great way to save money.

Car insurance discounts are a great way to save money.

Let’s start out by stating a simple fact: Atlanta car insurance can be expensive. The arrival of your car insurance bill each month might fill you with dread. So, like many people, you’re trying to figure out how to save money on car insurance. One way to get lower premiums is to investigate car insurance discounts. Now, each carrier offers different discounts and different amounts of savings, but below are 14 common car insurance discounts you might want to look into.

14 common Atlanta car insurance discounts.

1. Accident-free/Safe driver discount.

If you’ve gone a certain number of years without an accident, you could qualify for an accident-free discount. The fact that you’re a safe driver means that you’re a lower risk for the insurance company, and they could reward you with a discount that will lower your car insurance premiums. So, being a safe driver can literally pay off!

2. Multi-car discount.

Does your family insure more than one car with your insurance carrier? If so, you could get a multi-car discount. So, if you and your spouse have car insurance from the same carrier, you might want to ask if there’s any kind of discount for that.

3. Good Student discount.

Teen car insurance can be very expensive, but that’s why there are discounts for young drivers. Teens and young adults who have good grades could qualify for a Good Student Discount. If your teenager gets good marks in school, you might want to contact your insurance company to see if they qualify.

4. Bundling.

Bundling is when you get your home insurance and your auto insurance from the same insurance company. Many carriers offer a pretty significant discount on car insurance if you bundle, so it’s definitely worth checking to find out if bundling makes sense for you.

5. Setting up automatic payments.

You could get some sort of discount just for setting up automatic payments, meaning that your car insurance bill will automatically deduct from your bank account each month. (And this is also handy because you don’t have to worry about forgetting to pay your car insurance bill!)

6. Paying in full.

If you pay in full for a year’s worth of auto insurance, you could get a discount. Yes, it’s a big sticker shock up front, but if you’re financially comfortable paying for the entire year when you renew your policy you could get some savings in the long run.

7. Paperless payment.

There could be a small discount if you opt to get your bills and pay them online instead of having them mailed or printed. Who knew insurance companies were so eco-friendly?

8. New car.

You might get a discount if you recently bought your car or if it’s under a certain “age.” So, if you’re getting a brand new vehicle and adding it to your policy or trading in your current car for it, check and see if there are any savings to be had for your new ride.

9. Students away at school.

If your college student is attending a university that’s far away from home (usually 100 miles or more) and they’re not bringing a car, they could get an “away at school” discount. Of course, they’ll need insurance for when they’re home on break borrowing the car, but if they’re not going to be driving while at college this discount could be something worth looking into.

10. Usage/Low-mileage discount.

If you don’t drive that much and you have a relatively low annual mileage, you could get a discount. Less driving means less risk of an accident, which is why insurers sometimes offer a discount.

11. Seniors.

Sometimes seniors can qualify for car insurance discounts. Contact your carrier and ask if they offer this discount, and, if so, whether or not you’re eligible for it.

12. Anti-theft device.

Your car might be super nifty and come with an anti-theft device to prevent vehicle theft. Another cool thing? That anti-theft system could qualify you for a car insurance discount. (But keep in mind that some carriers only offer this discount if the device is factory-installed and not if you choose to add an anti-theft device later.)

13. Military.

If you’re in the military or were in the military, you could save money on your car insurance. The discount could even apply to your family, too. Definitely check into that when you’re getting car insurance.

14. Loyalty.

Insurance companies value loyalty. If you stick with your car insurance company for years, they might thank you by giving you a discount on your rates. Look into it and see how that works with your carrier.

There are a lot of car insurance discounts out there that could help you save money on your rates … just by being you. Do some research about your carrier. Check out their website and see what discounts they talk about. Call your insurance agent and ask them to explain what discounts they offer. You might have to be proactive about it. Your insurance company can’t give you discounts for things they don’t know about.

Looking to save money on your car insurance? We would be happy to help by getting you an Atlanta auto insurance quote. Our agents are pros at helping people get great coverage at a great rate, and we’ll be happy to talk about car insurance discounts with you. Get started with your quotes by filling out our online form or giving us a call today.

What’s the Good Student Discount and how can it help me save on Atlanta teen auto insurance?

The Good Student Discount can help lower teen car insurance rates.

The Good Student Discount can help lower teen car insurance rates.

Discounts are great. Who doesn’t like to pay less money for something just because the powers that be decided it should be so? Whether it’s getting 25% off a new pair of jeans or 15% off a jar of peanut butter, saving money gives you that satisfied, fuzzy feeling. And you know what? That’s especially true for insurance. There’s a super cool discount for young drivers that can help them (or you as their parent/payer of bills) save money on Atlanta teen auto insurance. It’s called the Good Student Discount, and it’s offered by many different insurance carriers. It might sound too good to be true, but it’s a real thing! We’ll explain what you need to know about the Good Student Discount.

What’s the Good Student Discount?

So, here’s the thing about teen auto insurance rates:

It’s often really expensive to insure a teen driver or a young adult (early 20s.) There are a few reasons for this. Teenagers don’t exactly have a ton of experience driving. And teenagers tend to be just a little reckless (not all teenagers, of course, but enough of them.) They might not make the best decisions when it comes to driving and they’re not terribly experienced drivers, and as a result, their age group is involved in a lot of accidents. Age is one of those factors that influence car insurance rates.

But the thing about the Good Student Discount is that it rewards teens and young drivers who have gotten good grades by lowering their Georgia car insurance rates. “Good students” are seen as being less of a risk to insure because they’ve shown that they’re responsible and capable of making good choices. To an insurance company, an A or B student is more likely to be a safe, responsible driver who won’t engage in risky behavior than a student with lower grades. And a safe teen driver is less likely to have an accident and file a claim.

Basically, the Good Student Discount can help offset those high teen car insurance rates if you’re the proud parent of a smart cookie.

Does my teen or college student qualify for the discount?

The requirements to be eligible for the Good Student Discount depend on the carrier, but the following gives you a general idea of the possible requirements.

The student must:

  • Be under the age of 25.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time high school, college, or university student. (However, some carriers extend the discount even after college graduation.)
  • Have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
  • Have a score in the top 20% on the SAT, ACT, or PSAT.
  • Be an honor roll or Dean’s List student.

How do I get the Good Student Discount?

You’ll have to talk to your agent. They’re probably going to ask to see some proof of how amazing your kid is, so get ready to brag on your student! You may have to present one of the following as evidence of your teenager’s Good-Student-status:

  • A transcript or report card.
  • Test scores from a standardized exam.
  • A letter from the school administration.
  • A certificate for honor roll or Dean’s List.

You may also have to provide proof that your student is enrolled in the high school or university that they attend. If your student is home-schooled, you can provide a certification from a homeschool certifying agency, such as the state’s Department of Education.

One more thing:

You may have to continue to show that your student is still succeeding in school. Your agent might be in touch from time to time to ask for the latest report card or transcript so that they know your teen is still in good standing.

What are the savings from the Good Student Discount?

The specific discount amount or savings depends on your carrier – for example, it could be 15%. If your student makes good grades and they’re doing well in school, it’s definitely not a bad idea to investigate further and see if your carrier can help you save some money with this discount. Every little bit counts.

Are you looking for Atlanta car insurance quotes or trying to find out the best way to insure your student? We can help. We can help you get great coverage at a great rate. We enjoy making insurance as stress-free as possible and helping drivers save money on car insurance. All you have to do to get started with your car insurance quotes is fill out our online quote form or give us a call today.

Source:

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/good-student-discount.asp

What happens if my Atlanta car insurance lapsed?

If your car insurance lapsed, you need to talk to your agent.

If your car insurance lapsed, you need to talk to your agent.

Okay, so you have a situation: the car insurance didn’t get paid. Maybe you forgot. Maybe money was a bit tight this month and you couldn’t pay it. And now your Atlanta car insurance has lapsed…and you’re a little anxious. Your main question is what do I do if my car insurance lapsed? And what could happen now that your auto insurance has lapsed? We’re going to answer those questions by explaining what to do if your car insurance lapsed…and why it’s important to get coverage in place.

What do I do if my car insurance lapsed?

Well, the first thing is to stop driving the car if you don’t have insurance. Mooch rides from friends, take public transportation, use a ride-share service…just don’t drive. There are a lot of potential consequences to driving without insurance (and we’ll go over that in more detail in just a second.)

Okay. Moving on.

You need to call your agent or your car insurance company. You might be able to reinstate your policy without too much trouble if you’re not too late with the payment – particularly if you’ve got a good driving record and if you don’t make a habit of paying your car insurance bill late. Your insurance company might forgive a “whoops” moment, and you may just end up paying a surcharge. But if it’s more than just a “whoops” situation, that could be a problem. You’ll have to talk to your agent and see what options they have.

It can be difficult to get reasonably priced insurance if you’ve been cancelled for nonpayment. An insurance company is probably going to be pretty leery of insuring you because they see you as being a risk. To be blunt – they want to get paid.

So, long story short: if your car insurance lapsed, call your insurance agent to find out what your options are.

Pro tip: Set up automatic payments for car insurance. Then the bill will always get paid because it’ll be automatically be deducted from your bank account.

If your car insurance lapsed, you would be responsible for any expenses arising from a car accident.

What happens if I drive without car insurance?

Well, that could get problematic.

In Georgia, you’re legally required to carry liability insurance to drive on the roads. You need $25,000 bodily injury liability insurance per person and $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident. You also need $25,000 of property damage liability. Those are the Georgia state minimums for car insurance. If you’re not covered by those levels of insurance and you get into an accident or get pulled over, that’s big trouble. Like we said, it’s illegal to drive without the right insurance. (Also, the Georgia DMV can find out that you don’t have the required coverage.)

Pro tip: Carry your insurance card with you when you drive. You could get in trouble if you don’t have it with you and you get pulled over.

But wait – there’s more.

If you drive without car insurance, you may be on your own if you’re at fault in an accident.

That means you could have to shoulder the cost of things like…

  • The medical bills/expenses of the driver and their passengers.
  • Repairing/replacing the other driver’s car.
  • Repairing/replacing your car.
  • Legal fees and expenses if the other driver sues you.
  • Etc.

These expenses could be coming out of your pocket. Sure, your insurance premium might seem expensive…but not as expensive as the fallout from an at-fault accident. You don’t want to have to cover those expenses on your own..

So. This is why it’s important to keep valid Atlanta car insurance. Though you may feel auto insurance is very expensive, consider it an investment in your financial security. No one wants to think about worst-case scenarios, but driving comes with a lot of risks. It’s essential to protect yourself financially. If you’re concerned that car insurance is going to be too expensive, reach out to your agent and ask about payment plans, discounts, and coverage options.

And your Atlanta Insurance agent can help you shop for your rates so that you can compare coverage options and pricing – and save money on your car insurance. Get started with your Atlanta car insurance quotes by filling out our online quote form or giving us a call.

Source:

https://www.thebalance.com/avoid-a-car-insurance-lapse-527455

https://www.thebalance.com/policy-canceled-for-non-payment-2645553

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-force-placed-insurance-en-827/

https://www.thebalance.com/penalties-for-driving-without-insurance-in-georgia-527222

What factors influence Atlanta car insurance rates?

There are many factors that go into determining your Atlanta car insurance rates.

There are many factors that go into determining your Atlanta car insurance rates.

When you’re looking at your monthly Atlanta car insurance payment, you might wonder how exactly the insurance company came up with that number. Did they just pick a premium out of the air? We get that it may feel that way, but the truth is that there are many factors that affect the cost of car insurance. These factors can be separated into two categories: details about you and details about your car. We’ll explain how insurance companies set car insurance rates.

What factors affect the cost of Atlanta car insurance?

Insurance companies want to know about you when they’re determining your car insurance rates. They’ll want to know where you live, what kind of driving record you have, your age, and so on. These details matter to your Atlanta car insurance rates because they give the insurance company an impression of how risky you are to insure. For example, they’ll look at the following…

  • Your age- Young drivers often pay more for car insurance because they have less experience on the road and are at a higher risk of having an accident. Atlanta teen car insurance will probably cost more than car insurance for an adult.
  • Marital status- Another problem for hopelessly single people to be worried about. Drivers who are single get into more accidents than drivers who are married, so married drivers could see lower rates if they have clean driving records.
  • Driving record- If you have a history of a series of automobile accidents, you may pay substantially more than someone with a clean record. That’s because you’re seen as being more likely to have another accident and cause another claim. There are many benefits to being a safe driver, and car insurance rates are one of them!
  • Credit score – Your credit score may be a factor in your car insurance rates. If you have a good credit score, you could see lower car insurance rates.
  • Location- Where you live can alter how much you pay. A small, quiet town is going to have significant differences in car insurance prices compared to a loud, sleepless city. Living in a busy urban environment comes with certain risks – such as traffic, theft, and potential damage to your vehicle. That is another component that going to influence how much you are going to pay.

While details about yourself, such as your driving record and where you live, play a part in determining your car insurance premium, there is additional information that insurance companies need to calculate your car insurance rates. They also use details about your vehicle to figure out what your rate will be. The following are some of the more car-related factors that influence your Atlanta car insurance rates:

  • The car itself- The amount of coverage you will want on your car varies greatly depending on the type of car you drive. The size of the vehicle and its engine can also play a part in determining your rates.
  • Purpose- Why is it exactly that you’re using this car? Is it a secondary luxury car you use on weekends or is it used to fulfill job obligations? Or are you using it to drive to your university campus across town? Insurance companies realize that constant use is going to increase your risk of getting into an accident.
  • How many miles you drive – The question of how much you drive matters because more mileage each year increases the probability of a wreck.
  • Safety features- Does your car contain recent vehicle features such as anti-theft protection? Can this vehicle protect you and keep your passengers safe should an accident occur? Your insurance company may inform you that you qualify for certain rewards!

These details are essential to insurance companies when they establish your automobile insurance premium. Details about your driving habits and, well, yourself help them figure out how much a risk you are to insure. And all of these things together factor into your Atlanta car insurance rates. So, no, your car insurance premium isn’t just an arbitrary number the insurance company picks out of thin air. There’s a lot of reasoning that goes into it.

If you’re looking for car insurance in Atlanta, we can help. Our team of insurance professionals can help you shop for the best insurance at the best possible rate. By getting multiple quotes, you can save money on Atlanta car insurance. You can get started with your Atlanta car insurance quotes by filling out our online form or calling us today.

Source:

https://www.moneycrashers.com/factors-affect-car-insurance-rates/

Debunked: The truth about 13 Atlanta car insurance myths

There are many car insurance myths that aren't true.

There are many car insurance myths that aren't true.

Insurance can get a little complicated. If you’re dealing with your car insurance, you might be operating under certain assumptions that are widely believed to be facts…but that maybe aren’t as true as you think they are. It’s important that you’re equipped with all the facts when you handle any type of insurance, so we’re going to debunk 13 popular car insurance myths. Let the debunking begin!

Car insurance myths: Debunked

1. Myth: Red cars are more expensive to insure.

What’s the truth? This one is a classic myth and widely-held belief, but it’s actually not true. Red cars do not cost more to insure than cars of other colors. The logic behind this myth is that the type of person who wants a red car is more of a risk-taker, meaning they’re more likely to speed and drive recklessly, leading to more tickets. But the insurance company really doesn’t care about the paint job your car has – they care about how safe the vehicle is. They want to know the make, model, year, and so on.

So, don’t let this myth hold you back. If you really want that fire-engine red car, go for it. Don’t let car insurance myths get in the way.

2. Myth: Your car insurance will repair or replace your car if you’re in an accident.

What’s the truth? If your car is damaged, your car insurance will only pay to repair or replace it if you have collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage can repair or replace your car if you’re at-fault in an accident. Comprehensive coverage can pay to repair or replace your car if something other than an accident (fire, animal strike, vandalism, falling objects like trees) damages it.

If you only have liability coverage, your insurance will only pay for your legal obligation to the other driver in the accident – their medical bills, lost wages, car repairs or replacement, and so on. You would be out of luck when it comes to the repairs to your own car.

3. Myth: Comprehensive insurance covers mechanical repairs.

What’s the truth? Unfortunately, this is one of those car insurance myths that is blatantly false. Comprehensive coverage will cover losses such as fire, vandalism, animal strikes, and objects that randomly crash from the sky (like trees.) It even covers theft. But a  whacky transmission? Nope. You’re on your own.

4. Myth: Belongings stolen from the car are covered under auto insurance.

What’s the truth? It’s actually your home insurance or renters insurance that might help you out here. But you have to consider your deductible.

5. Myth: It’s less expensive to get insurance online.

What’s the truth? The Internet is useful for a lot of things. Your car insurance? Well, maybe not so much. There are lots of advantages to working with an actual, real-live person. A good, trustworthy insurance agent can help you make sure that you’ve got the coverage you need to fully protect your vehicle and your liability. They can make sure you’re not underinsured, which means that you won’t be diving between the couch cushions for change if you have a claim.

If you buy insurance online but don’t get high enough limits of coverage, you could be facing a huge financial loss if you’re in a bad accident. Besides, that computer can only go so far in understanding your unique insurance situation. Real agents can take the time to get to know you – and another cool trick? They can help you get car insurance discounts. Bonus!

6. Myth: The insurance company only looks at my driving record – my tickets and accidents.

What’s the truth? Insurance companies look at many details about you and your vehicle to determine your car insurance rates. They consider your age, the car you drive, what the car is primarily used for, how many miles you drive, and your credit score. So, as you can see, it’s way more than just your driving record. (Although of course being a safe driver can help you avoid accidents and keep your car insurance rates down.)

7. Myth: Smaller cars are less expensive to insure.

What’s the truth? Well, it depends on the coverage you have on it. If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, it could be a bit pricier because a small vehicle will sustain more damage in an accident than a larger vehicle. Think about what would happen if a two-seater convertible rear-ended an SUV.

Exactly.

8. Myth: If I total my car, insurance will pay the rest of the amount on my loan.

What’s the truth? Not quite. The insurance company will pay the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle at the time of the accident – well, less your deductible, which you have to pay. The problem is that the ACV of your vehicle might not be enough to cover the rest of what’s left on your loan since car values depreciate so quickly. If you owe more on your loan than the vehicle is worth when you have an accident and total the car, you would have to pay the difference. You would need gap coverage to fill this difference.

9. Myth: A car that cannot be driven away from an accident is totaled.

What’s the truth? The insurance company decides if the car is totaled based on the amount of damage it sustained. If the amount for the repairs is above a certain percent of the value of the car, it could be declared a total loss.

10. Myth: An out-of-state ticket can’t follow me back to my state.

What’s the truth? Actually, it can. And it will. Just because you were in Tennessee for the weekend does not mean the ticket you got in Nashville goes away the second you cross the Georgia border. That ticket will be with you.

11. Myth: Newer cars cost more to insure.

What’s the truth? Your insurance rate really depends on the car itself. Your premium depends on the year, make, and model of your new ride.

12. Myth: I shouldn’t worry about my old car getting stolen. No one’s going to take it.

What’s the truth? Actually, old cars are often targets of theft. It seems a bit backward, but car thieves can get more money for car parts coming from older-model vehicles. Who would have thought? And besides, it’s usually easier to steal an older vehicle, and car thieves are looking for the easy take. Your car may have many miles on it and a few scrapes and dings, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps towards preventing a car break-in or theft.

13. Myth: The state minimum level of car insurance is fine.

What’s the truth? This is perhaps one of the most dangerous car insurance myths out there. You will probably want to get more than the state minimum level of insurance. Georgia’s minimum limits of auto insurance are $25,000 bodily injury per person, $25,000 property damage liability, and $50,000 of bodily injury per accident (meaning all people in the accident.) Yes, at first glance that seems like a lot of money. But if you’re in a very bad accident and you end up getting sued, that amount suddenly looks much, much smaller. You will probably want more liability coverage than the state minimum to fully protect yourself financially.

(And Georgia does not require collision or comprehensive coverage, which will pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged. If you only have the state minimum requirement, that’s just liability coverage. Should something happen to your beloved car, you’d be out of luck.)

As all of the above car insurance myths show us, not everything you hear or assume about car insurance is true. It’s important to get all the facts from a trusted insurance agent and advisor. Our team here at Atlanta Insurance would love the opportunity to become that trusted advisor to you. We can answer your car insurance questions and help you shop for the best insurance at the best rate. We’ll go over your coverage options with you so you know you’re getting good intel (and not just car insurance myths.) And we’ll help you save money on car insurance. Get in touch by filling out our online quote form or giving us a call today.

Source:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/chi-car-insurance-myths-201112223-story.html

https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2014/10/21/344167.htm

11 summer road trip tips for Memorial Day Weekend

If you're going on a road trip this summer, check out these tips.

If you're going on a road trip this summer, check out these tips.

School is almost out for the summer for the kids, Memorial Day is coming right up, and it’s time for vacation. You might be planning a road trip for the family this summer. Maybe you’re going sight-seeing, or maybe you’re going to visit extended family. Wherever your destination may be, it’s important to be safe on your trip. Check out the following tips to have the funnest (we may be making up words) and best road trip ever.

1. Get your car a checkup.

If you’re going to be going on a long trip, it’s important that your car is up to the task. You’re kind of asking it to run a marathon, so be sure to take it to a trustworthy mechanic for a quick tune-up. Check over things like your tire pressure, tire tread depth, oil, wiper blades, and fluids.

Your car is a faithful friend. Give it some TLC before you ask it to traverse hundreds of miles. It’s the nice thing to do.

2. Plan your route.

It’s kind of nice to know where you’re going. Plan out your route and have a plan for GPS/navigation. It might be a good idea to go old-school and print out a set of directions so that you have something to go by in case your GPS or navigation conks out. Never hurts to be prepared! Your trip could take a very unexpected turn (literally) if your GPS dies.

3. Consider getting a car alarm.

You can consider getting a car alarm system to protect your vehicle. You’ll probably be visiting a lot of places, so it might make you feel better knowing that there’s an alarm on your car.

4. Have a flat-tire emergency plan.

Flat tires happen. It’s a tenet of Murphy’s Law – anything that can go wrong will go wrong. It’s important to have your spare tire ready to go in case you need it…and to know how to use it. Make sure you’ve got the proper tools to change a tire. And if no one who will be in the car knows how to get the job done, make sure to have the number of a roadside assistance service handy (or get a roadside assistance membership and be sure to bring the card with you.)

5. Bring snacks. Lots of snacks.

Sharing a car with cranky, grouchy, hungry passengers…stressful. Pack plenty of snacks. Try to bring a variety of foods – sweet, salty, and healthy – to keep everyone appeased. Especially the kids. Hungry children are not happy children.

And speaking of snacks – well, fuel…

Don’t forget to be mindful of your gas gauge. If you’ll have to go long stretches without passing a gas station over the course of your road trip, plan accordingly. Know how much mileage your car gets per gallon.

6. Pack a car emergency kit.

You can put together a car emergency kit prior to your trip. It should include car-related items you may need, like jumper cables, but other practical items, too. For starters…

  • Rain poncho
  • Flashlight
  • Reflective vest and reflective triangle
  • First-aid kit
  • Food and water

Of course, there are ready-made kits that you can buy online. You might want to do some research to find out if there’s a reasonably-priced one that will work for you.

7. Bring or plan entertainment for the kids.

Bored, squealing, shouting, or crying children can be a distraction to the driver. Yes, you love your kids, but it’s vital that you have plenty of things to do to occupy them so they’re quiet, calm, and happy throughout the trip. Figure out fun things for them to do. Whether that’s downloading movies on your tablet or playing car road trip games, plan accordingly and let the good times roll.

8. Stay tuned to the weather forecast.

Summer can bring some crazy weather, and things can get so intense that it might be downright unsafe to drive. Heavy rains and storms are common for the summer months, so keep tabs on the weather and adjust your route/plans accordingly. Hopefully, you won’t have any rain on your parade, but use your smartphone or listen to the radio to get important weather updates.

9. Be on the watch for distracted or drunk drivers.

Stay alert and watch the road carefully. Scan your surroundings and be prepared to take action if something happens. Distracted driving is really dangerous, as is drunk driving, so you have to be alert for other drivers who are not behaving safely.

A tip if you’re driving down a highway –

Stay in the middle or right lanes of traffic. If someone traveling the opposite direction crosses the solid yellow lines onto your side of the road, this will give you more time to react and prevent an accident.

10. Get lots of sleep.

Driving while drowsy is not a good idea. It’s downright dangerous. As you get more and more tired, you lose your ability to react fast to dangers, hold the car steady, and make quick decisions. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before the road trip.

But keep in mind that boredom from the road and certain medications can also cause drowsiness. If you need to, take a break. Stretch, walk around, and switch with someone who is not mentally fatigued from driving. (Remember, being a safe driver can help you save money on car insurance.)

Being overly tired can be like driving drunk. Your reaction times and decision-making are that impaired. Making sure everyone gets plenty of rest is generally a road-trip best practice. Tiredness usually goes hand-in-hand with grouchiness…and that’s no fun for anyone.

11. Make sure everyone buckles up.

Seatbelts are a must. Seatbelts help by stopping people from flying forward in the event of a crash. Remember that seatbelts are for the cool kids. Buckle up, everyone.

So, there are our top road trip tips for the summer. And of course, we wish you safe travels to wherever your summer adventures take you.

Are you looking to save money on auto insurance? We can help you get multiple quotes for your Atlanta car insurance. By shopping your rates, you can compare pricing and coverage options. To get in touch, fill out our quote form or give us a call today.

Source:

https://www.safewise.com/blog/road-trip-safety-tips/ 

Here’s what you should know about bundling your Atlanta home and auto insurance

You could save money on your premium if you bundle your home and auto insurance.

You could save money on your premium if you bundle your home and auto insurance.

If you’ve got a home or a car, chances are you’ve heard about bundling your home insurance and auto insurance. Maybe you’ve even heard that bundling can help you save money on your insurance. But is that true? Should you bundle your home insurance and auto insurance? It almost sounds too good to be true. We’ll tell you what bundling is, the reasons for bundling, and some things you should check before you make your final decision.

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Car theft: What do I do if my car is stolen?

If you're the victim of car theft, there are a few phone calls you need to make.

If you're the victim of car theft, there are a few phone calls you need to make.

Picture this: you walk out of the mall, shopping bags in hand. You head over to where you parked…and your car isn’t there. It’s gone. Vanished. And unless your car has learned to drive itself, you realize with gut-wrenching horror that it’s been stolen. So, what now? Is there any hope of seeing your beloved car ever again?

Well, there are a few things you need to do if you’re ever the victim of Grand Theft Auto. Check out our steps below.

1. Stay calm and give yourself a second to think.

Okay, here’s the thing:

Sometimes we tend to jump to the worst conclusion. Before you go into panic mode, think through some other options. Could you have parked on the other side of the mall? (We’re all human and we’ve all been there when it comes to I-forgot-where-I-parked.) Or were you parked in a tow-away spot? Maybe your car was towed. Or is it possible that your car was repossessed? If your car disappeared from your home, is it possible that a family member with access to your keys borrowed it?

Your knee-jerk reaction to your car not being where it’s supposed to be might be panic, but try to take a breath and think through other possibilities if you’re not 100% sure that your vehicle is not where you left it.

2. Call the police.

Okay. So, your deep-breath-and-think moment didn’t lead to any epiphanies. There’s no other possibility – the car has been stolen.

Now it’s time to get the police involved.

The quicker you get the authorities involved with the car theft, the better. File the police report and give the authorities any details you can about the car – year, make, model, color, license plate number, Vehicle Identification Number (if you happen to have your insurance card, it will probably have your VIN listed.)

If your car has GPS, let the police know. It could help them find the car and return it to you.

If you have comprehensive insurance, you should be covered for car theft.

3. Talk to your insurance company.

Once you’ve gotten the police involved, it’s time to contact your car insurance company.

They’ll help you get started with the claim. If you have comprehensive coverage, you’re protected against losses or damages to your vehicle that aren’t caused by a collision, like fire, vandalism, falling objects (i.e. trees) and yes – theft. If you only have liability insurance, you won’t be covered for car theft because liability covers your responsibilities to other drivers that you injure or whose property you damage in an accident – not your own vehicle.

4. Consider contacting your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Your DMV might have a database or record of vehicles that have been stolen. You may want to think about informing them that your car has been stolen.

5. Contact your lender or financing company.

If you still have a car payment and owe money to a leasing company, you’ll need to tell them that the car has been stolen. Much of the time they will work with your insurance company directly to deal with the car theft.

But it’s important to prevent your car from being stolen in the first place.

It’s important to take care to prevent a car theft with the following tips…

  • Take your car key with you
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you leave your vehicle
  • Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas
  • Don’t leave valuables in the car (or hide them before you depart for your destination)
  • Don’t leave your car running and unattended
  • Consider getting an anti-theft device

These tips can also help you with preventing a car break-in. Take precautions to protect your vehicle.

So, that’s the deal with car theft. There are a few phone calls you have to make after you’re sure that the car has in fact been stolen. First, the police. Then, your insurer. And then your leasing or financing company. So, yes, it might mean you have a lot of time on the phone in your future, but hopefully it results in your car coming home.

Need some auto insurance? We would be happy to help you get some quotes so you can save money on your auto insurance. Our agents are professionals at helping people find the best coverage at the best rate. All you have to do to get quotes is fill out our online form or call us today.

Source:

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/what-do-if-your-car-stolen.htm

https://www.thebalance.com/stolen-car-insurance-claim-process-527104

Georgia expected to pass distracted driving bill (updated)

Georgia is expected to pass HB673, which would make it illegal to hold a cell phone while driving.

Georgia is expected to pass a distracted driving bill, which would make it illegal to hold a cell phone while driving.

Update as of June 27, 2018: The Hands-Free Georgia Act (HB673), which is discussed in this article, will go into effect on July 1st, 2018. This means that drivers will no longer be permitted to hold a cell phone while they are driving in the state of Georgia. 

Georgia is expected to join fifteen other states that have passed laws that ban holding a cell phone while behind the wheel. Currently, Georgia law forbids texting and driving, but both talking on a handheld cell phone and dialing are still legal.

HB673 aims to change that as an effort to reduce distracted driving accidents.

What is HB673?

HB673 basically prohibits drivers from holding a cell phone or another electronic device while they’re driving a car. The goal of the distracted driving bill is to make it easier for law enforcement to uphold driving laws. Since holding a phone to talk or dial is still currently legal, it’s difficult for police officers to prove that the driver in question was actually texting (and thus breaking the law) instead of just dialing or holding the phone.

Of course, the bill is also intended to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on Georgia’s roads. The bill will raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and hopefully discourage people from taking their attention off the road by looking at a screen.

If the distracted driving bill passes, it will be illegal to talk on the phone and drive.

What’s not legal?

Under the new bill, the following would be ILLEGAL:

  • Holding a cell phone, wireless device, or another electronic (like an iPod)
  • Writing, reading, or sending text (ex. Text messages, email, IM, or internet data)
  • Reaching for a device so that you are no longer in a proper seated driving position with seatbelt restraint
  • Watching a video or movie (other than navigation)
  • Recording a video

The new distracted driving bill would make these actions while driving unlawful. Again, the goal is to reduce the number of car accidents caused by distracted driving. Under the new law, the first-time offense means a fine of $50, but it increases for each offense after that.

What’s still legal?

Certain things will still be legal and permissible. The following would be allowed while driving…

  • Using hands-free technology to talk or text
  • Using a GPS or navigation app
  • Smart watches
  • Earpieces
  • Reporting an accident, medical emergency, fire, crime, or hazardous road condition
  • Radios, CB radios, subscription-based emergency communication devices, prescribed medical devices, and in-vehicle security, navigation, or remote navigation
  • Using a handheld phone while parked off the road in an area where parking is permitted (NOTE: This does NOT mean being stopped at a traffic light.)

Distracted driving and insurance premiums

Distracted driving has contributed to an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities. And insurance companies look at statistics to determine car insurance rates. The higher the chance of an accident occurring, the higher the premiums drivers are likely to face. That’s why rates are often higher for people who have gotten speeding tickets or who have been involved in accidents. The decision to commit to being safe driver can help you save money on car insurance, so the distracted driving bill might help lower your premiums.

The goal the distracted driving bill is to reduce the number of traffic accidents in Georgia.

That’s the scoop on the distracted driving bill (HB673) that is expected to pass in Georgia. Hopefully, we will see a decrease in traffic-related injuries and fatalities and the roads will become safer for everyone. Take care and drive safe, Atlanta.

If you’re looking to save money on auto insurance, we would be happy to help you with that. Car insurance might seem pricey, but we can help you shop for the best coverage at the best rate. To get started with your auto insurance quotes, just fill out our online form or give us a call today.

Source:

https://www.myajc.com/news/state–regional-govt–politics/georgia-just-passed-distracted-driving-bill-what-legal-what-not/PZXchE0AqAi1H8r7X8XrZN/

http://www.wtvm.com/story/37882063/new-distracted-driving-law-proposed-citations-across-georgia-will-change

https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/highway-safety/hands-free-law/