Auto Magazine

Teen Drama: How to Keep Your Kid Safe behind the Wheel

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/09/17 in On the Road with Comments Off

Your child won’t be young for long. Before you realize it, they will be out the door and on the road, driving a car, and spending time with friends instead of family. There are some easy things you can do as a parent that will help keep your child safe while driving.

Set Time Limits

Post a limit on the refrigerator door or on a wall for everyone to see about how often the car can be driven and what times it should be home. Most states limit the hours that teenagers can drive anyway, so this shouldn’t be much of a surprise to them. Nine or ten in the evening is a good curfew to have, even on the weekends.

Passengers in the Car

Until your child has some driving experience, there should not be any passengers in the car, unless it is another adult. Teens should not have siblings or friends for at least the first six months of driving alone. You can monitor this by talking with your child’s friends so that they know not to ask for rides. After the probation period is over, you can evaluate your child’s driving skills to determine if you feel like it’s safe to have other passengers.

No Phones

Some states now have laws that limit the use of cell phones while driving. Regardless of any laws, make it clear that there is to be no texting while driving, and no talking on the cell phone while driving unless it’s an emergency. If there is an emergency, your child needs to find a parking lot, or safe location that is well lit to make the call so that there is no danger of being distracted. The no phone rule should also apply to hands-free devices.

Driving Lessons

This is something that is often taught in high school before your teen gets a learner’s permit. Valley driving school suggests you find other driving courses that will give more experience behind the wheel until you are both comfortable on the road. Instructions at Delta driving schools will be given on how to properly make driving maneuvers like three-point turns and parallel parking. Teens will also learn how to use turn signals and how to pass on the highway.

Driving is a big responsibility for teenagers. They need to feel comfortable behind the wheel, and feel safe and in control. Set limits on the time your child can be in the car, and how many people can be with your child while driving to have a good starting point.

Buying A Used Car? Six Tips To Get You The Best Deals

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/09/11 in Auto Buying Tips with 1 Comment

Finding a good deal on a used car can seem like a daunting task. These six tips can help you find a car that should stay problem free for as long as you need it.

1. Set Your Price And Expectations

Consider brands and models you might like, how much you’re willing to spend and what features you need a car to have. When you go to a dealership or car owner it’s easy to get talked into something that doesn’t truly fit your needs or budget if you aren’t prepared before you show up. Be sure you don’t go over your budget no matter the circumstances.

2. Research At Home

Most dealers list the cars they have on a website now. Search for cars you want in your area over the Internet before you go anywhere. When you go into the dealership to look at something in person, be prepared with how much that car is actually worth before negotiating.

3. Check Out The Car’s History

Check out a car’s vehicle history before you buy. With a car’s history you’ll be able to find out if it has been in any accidents or had any ongoing issues. You can get instant access to a car’s vehicle history by using a site like InstaVIN.

4. Be Prepared To Walk Away

If you want a specific car more than the dealer wants to make a sale, you will always walk out with a bad deal. Look at cars before you buy, and be prepared to go home empty handed. When you negotiate a car’s price you can stay in control by remembering that there are other cars you can choose.

5. Secure Financing Options

Getting financed in the dealership can be a great deal for new cars, but used cars aren’t often bundled with low interest financing options. Secure financing offers from banks, credit unions and Internet sources before you talk to the dealer. Having options available will help you avoid spending too much on interest.

6. Bring A Knowledgeable Friend

Some mechanical problems are easy to spot on a test drive if you bring a friend who knows cars. Pay attention to warning signs like rust, water damage and signs of a leak under the car. Make sure the tires don’t look damaged, and let your friend check under the hood.

With these simple tips, you can find a used car that will live up to your initial expectations. Simply shop with care and you’ll end up with a car you love.

How To Cover Your Bases After an Auto Accident

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/09/03 in On the Road with Comments Off

In the most recent year in which statistics are available, Transport Canada reports that nearly 167,000 people were injured in auto accidents in the Canada. In addition to the injuries, over 2,000 people were killed in automobile accidents across the country.

The reality is that a person who travels in a motor vehicles is likely to end up involved in a car accident at some juncture in his or her lifetime. There are certain steps that need to be taken in the aftermath of an auto accident, particularly if injuries are involved.

Contact Law Enforcement

A basic step following an auto accident is contacting law enforcement. A surprising number of people involved in car accidents do not take this step for one reason or another.

The reality is that many automobile insurance policies require that a police report be made in the aftermath of a car accident in which a claim is filed with an insurer seeking compensation. In addition, in theory law enforcement can prepare an unbiased evaluation of the accident scene, information which can be helpful in pursuing a claim for compensation for injuries or damages.

Document the Accident Scene

With the ubiquitous availability of cameras and video recorders (both included in the standard smartphone), fully documenting an accident scene has never been easier. Of course, the documentation process should not occur unless and until a determination is made that it is safe to proceed.

Identify Witnesses and Gather Information

A reality is that third parties witness most auto accidents. Consequently, following a car accident and in order to cover all the bases after such an incident, a person needs to identify witnesses. After witnesses are identified, a person needs to collect contact information from these witnesses. If possible, concise and accurate statements should be collected from any individual who witnessed an auto accident.

Obtain Legal Advice

If a person is faced with injuries or property damage in the aftermath of an auto accident, retaining the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best course to take to ensure that an individual’s legal rights are protected. Attorneys specializing in car accidents focus their practice on representing individuals who suffer injuries as the result of automobile accidents caused by the negligence of someone else. These firms assist an injured person on a number of levels, including pursuing claims directly against an insurance company and filing lawsuits should a reasonable settlement not be forthcoming

Being in an auto accident can be a nerve racking and scary experience. If you find yourself in this situation, then be sure to follow these steps in order to protect yourself legally and financially.

The Six Most Common Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Current Vehicle

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/08/27 in Auto Buying Tips, Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

When your car begins to age and deteriorate, it can be easy to hold onto the vehicle due to attachment or the savings that are involved. Although older cars can still be reliable and make for easy transportation, they can still be a headache to own with the maintenance and repairs that are needed. If you’re considering upgrading to a new car, there are a few signs that it’s time to make the change.

1. Frequent Repairs are Needed

When you’re investing more money into the vehicle than the car may be worth, then it may be time to upgrade to a new model. Older vehicles can easily become a money pit and make it difficult to have an affordable vehicle to drive. Once one thing is fixed, another part breaks, and it seems like a never-ending cycle. At this point, it’s much more expensive to keep fixing the vehicle.

2. It’s a Gas Guzzler

Older models of cars are known to have low fuel efficiency, making it expensive to travel in the car and possibly costing more than the expense of upgrading to a new vehicle. You may notice that your gas mileage has gotten a lot worse, even with higher quality gas. This could also be a sign that the car has other problems.

3. Your Safety is at Risk

If the car is damaged or the seat belts don’t work, then it’s time to sell the vehicle and find something that will offer protection in the event of a collision. It’s important that all seat belts, airbags, breaks, steering and more work properly to protect everyone in the car.

4. It was in a Flood

If your car was submerged in water during a flood, it goes without saying that it’s time to upgrade to a new vehicle. Although the car may run well after the water dries, the damage to the engine and upholstery won’t be worth the cost needed.

5. The Car Failed Emissions Tests

Vehicles that continuously fail emissions tests likely have underlying problems with the vehicle that will easily take most of your paycheck. Avoid using a car that has a negative impact on the environment and has frequent issues that you may not be aware of.

6. It’s Held Together with Duct Tape

If your car is in one piece simply because you’ve secured it with duct tape, then it’s time to move on to a new vehicle. With parts that are falling off or breaking on a consistent basis, it makes for a car that is no longer functional and not worth the energy to repair it.

By trading in an old vehicle and obtaining a new model that has good insurance, it means having peace of mind when on the road. You’ll know you’re safe in an upgraded vehicle and can enjoy the benefits of more luxury and convenience with a car that runs smoothly.

Informational credit to Steers Insurance Limited.

5 Tips to Saving Money on Car Insurance

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/08/25 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off

No one like to spend money on car insurance, but it is a necessary evil that everyone must buy into on some level. Every state requires that everyone carries minimum car insurance, but keep in mind that it doesn’t have to break your bank accounts. If you understand certain strategies, you can save money on car insurance. There are five ways to reduce overall car insurance costs.

Compare Quotes

Failure to comparison shop is one of the worst mistakes that most people make. Many people either take the insurance that comes the most recommended to them or claim they can save them the most money. According to a study, many individuals overpay nearly $368 each year on auto insurance. Make sure you get quotes from a lot of different companies and then compare each quote side by side. This way when you are comparing companies like State Farm, Geico, or Anthony Clark Insurance Ltd., you will be able to find the best insurance plan for you and for the best price.

In addition to comparing quotes, keep in mind that auto insurance companies measure risks in several ways. For example, if you move several miles from your current location, the cost of your policy will increase. This is why you must check auto insurance rates every year. In addition, you should comparison shop each time your location, marital status, or traffic violations change. Each factor affects insurance costs, and you will only get a good deal if you find rates that you qualify for.

Discounts

Most insurance companies do not advertise each specific deal that they offer. For example, if your insurance policy includes a college or high school student, find out if your insurer provides discounts for good test scores. Some companies also offer discounts to military officers and to people who have good driving records. Discounts are also offered to individuals who completed a defensive driving class and drivers who have certain safety features in their vehicles.

Bundle the Coverage

Bundling your car insurance coverage with your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance is a simple way to reduce your insurance costs. Most major insurance companies provide this particular discount.

Insurance companies offer a bundle discount so that they customers will not shop around. However, you should always compare rates with your current provider’s rates each year.

Try to Drive Less

The most overlooked discount is the low-mileage discount. Insurance providers calculate their rates based on your chance of having an accident. The low-mileage rates for each insurance company varies, but it is usually between 7,500 to 15,000 miles every year.

Walking, biking, and using public transportation can reduce the miles that you drive every year, which will lower your car insurance rates.

Maintain Good Credit

When insurance companies determine the cost of a premium, employees review a lot of information, such as credit. To boost your credit score, pay off your current bills and debts. These changes will improve your interest rates on loans and will lower your insurance premiums.

Overall, there are many other ways to reduce your insurance costs, such as driving an older car or dropping a coverage. You should never drive a vehicle without auto insurance, and you should never let your coverage lapse.