Eleven Money-Saving Auto Insurance Tips For Senior DriversBy Matt McWilliams
Like all drivers, senior citizens (or as I like to call them “seasoned citizens”) want to get the best rates on their auto insurance policies. What they may not be aware of is that older drivers may present a higher risk than other drivers, usually leading to higher auto insurance rates.
Following a few simple tips and taking these measures will ensure that you are getting the lowest rates possible on your auto insurance policy.
1. Avoid more Accidents, Pay Close Attention at Intersections. Auto accidents involving seniors often occur at intersections. Make sure to look ahead if you plan to quickly change lanes after an intersection. Pay attention to protected left turn lanes with their own arrows, and always keep your tires pointed straight ahead when stopped, so that a rear-end accident doesn't push you into oncoming traffic.
2. Follow the flow of traffic, Drive at the at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially when entering or exiting interstates or freeways. It can also trigger dangerous "road rage" in less patient drivers. You don’t have to be Mario Andretti, but keeping to the right and following the flow of traffic is the safest bet.
3. Many violations include failure to yield right-of-way, improper turning or incorrect lane changes, so keep current on the traffic laws relating to new traffic designs.
4. Sit high enough in your seat so that you can see at least 10 feet in front of your car, advises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your car seat does not adjust to allow this, add a cushion. This will make it easier to see pedestrians and bike riders, and reduce problems from oncoming headlight glare at night.
5. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when driving at night. For many older drivers, night vision is reduced, so safety dictates not driving at twilight or after dark.
6. Make sure you learn how to operate a New Car. Things like Anti-lock brakes, for example operate differently in slippery situations. If you have never driven a car with anti-lock brakes, sure to get training on proper use.
7. Senior drivers can refresh their skills and knowledge -- and get a discount on auto insurance in many states -- by taking a refresher driving course, such as the eight-hour "55 Alive" course offered by AARP. More than two-thirds of states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for such courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily.
8. Look for cars with rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare.
9. Air bag technology has become more advanced, with sensors that deploy air bags based on the weight of the occupant, reducing air-bag-related injuries. Some new cars also have side air bags in the seats or door frame that offer better protection.
10. Consider fit and comfort in your new car. Seat belts that comfortably fit over your shoulder and low on your lap will keep you safer. Automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes require less physical effort.
11. Last but definitely not least, Check to see which companies offer specific ‘Senior Discounts’ While shopping around for the best auto insurance rates is important, which insurance company you choose might depend on how they treat senior drivers. You'll get their best rates if you're healthy and drive a safe, modern vehicle.
|
Accident car cases 'too expensive'
Disputes over the cost of replacement cars for not-at-fault motorists in road accidents in Northern Ireland are too expensive, a High Court judge says.
Autoline relaunch the BRAKE initiative to reduce road deaths
As the number of road deaths in Northern Ireland continues to give cause for concern, a leading insurance company has once again joined forces with road safety charity BRAKE in a bid to educate young drivers of the dangers.
Responsible Younger Twenty-Somethings Unfairly Penalised by Car Hire Firms, says the IAM
Leading road safety organisation the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has expressed concern over car hire firms putting arbitrary and strict age cap limits on users wanting to hire a vehicle. (PRWeb September 11, 2014) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/09/prweb12163271.htm
Ticket to Ride
When Texas Christian University sophomore Kirina Awamoto moved to Fort Worth two years ago, she made the tough choice to leave her car in California. With insurance, parking, maintenance, and gas, the costs would have been too much, she said. She quickly figured out, though, that she still needed wheels for things like grocery shopping. [...]
Is it time for you to switch banks?
People are more likely to switch car insurance or electricity providers but could a bank account switch save you some money?
Family of car death girl devastated
A Renfrewshire school pays tribute to a former pupil who died after a collision between two cars at an Asda petrol station in Linwood.
AA: Family car running costs have fallen
The average cost of running a family car in Ireland has decreased in the last 12 months, according to research from the AA.
Stepping out of the fast lane - relocating from city to country
Jim Connolly never wanted to start Rural Resettlement Ireland. It came to him like an inspired dream, a chance to save the rural Ireland he loved, while also offering Dublin families a slice of life on the wild Atlantic coast. The problem was that, once he started dreaming, he couldn?t stop, reports Andrew Hamilton
Morning business news - August 26
Profit before tax for the first six months of the year at insurer FBD has fallen from over ?19m last year to ?3.2m.
Accident car cases are too expensive, says judge
Litigation around the supply of replacement cars to not-at-fault motorists following accidents in Northern Ireland is cumbersome and too expensive, a High Court judge has declared.
|