Don't Drive Drowsy

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In order to better understand the conditions under which drivers experience drowsy driving, drivers who reported having nodded off while driving within the past six months were asked a series of defining characteristics of their most recent experience. We at Dolack Insurance have collected some valuable information for you to consider when you plan your next big trip.

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Time of Day

·        While some hold the perception that drowsy driving occurs mostly late at night or in the early morning hours, just 28% of drivers reporting a recent drowsy driving experience report this experience occurring between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. More than one-third (35%) of drivers who nodded off while driving within the past six months say their last experience occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. An additional 17% report they nodded off between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

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Average Length of Time Driving

·         While slightly more than one in five (22%) drivers who recently experienced a drowsy driving episode report having been on the road driving for five or more hours, nearly half (47%) were driving for an hour or less. [Figure 14-B]

·         On average, these drivers were driving for almost three hours before they nodded off. Males had driven for about an hour longer than females on average (3.2 as compared to 2.2 hours). Drivers age 30 and over became drowsy in a shorter amount of time than younger drivers. [Figure 14-C]

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Type of Road Driving

·         Nearly six in ten (58%) drivers with a recent drowsy driving episode report this occurrence on multi-lane interstate highways, 23% report nodding off while driving on a two-lane road with posted speed limits of 45 MPH or higher, and fewer than one in ten drivers nodded off while driving on non-interstate multi-lane roads (8%) or local city or neighborhood roads (8%). This report of nodding off experience by road type does not match the overall pattern of driving by road type. Just 55% of drivers report frequently driving on multi-lane interstate highways as compared with 83% who frequently drive local city or neighborhood roads. 

Hopefully these statistics are powerful enough to consider how aware you are each time you get behind the wheel.  Not only does it raise your car insurance rates, but it's dangerous for your passengers and other drivers.

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How to Avoid Having Your Car Stolen.

In the United States, a vehicle is stolen an average of every 21 minutes. These thefts result in costs to the victim and it increases auto insurance premiums.  These criminals often use the stolen vehicles to commit other crimes such as smuggling and robbery.  It is common for these thefts occur more often where large groups of cars are parked at any time of day for extended periods of time, such as shopping centers, colleges, sporting events, movie complexes, and large apartment complexes.  But, knowing where to park does not prevent grand theft auto.

Dolack Insurance would like to pass along some tips so you don’t become another victim:

Never leave:

• Your vehicle running and unattended even to dash into a store.
• The keys in the ignition.
• Keys inside a locked garage or a hide-a-key box.
• Valuables such as purses, laptops, etc., in plain view even if your vehicle is locked. Place them out of sight.
• Personal identification documents, such as the ownership title or credit cards in the vehicle.

Always:

• Roll up your windows and lock your vehicle even if it is parked in front of your house.
• Park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas whenever possible.
• Report a stolen vehicle immediately to the police.

Suggestions:

• Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes.
• Think about purchasing a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently-stolen model vehicles.
• When you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, or mechanic, only leave the ignition key.
• Copy your license plate and vehicle information on a card, and keep that information with you and not in the car. The police will need this information if this vehicle is stolen

Car insurance companies discourage the insured from intentionally allowing their vehicle to be stolen, and in some cases have taken their clients to court for fraud.  Thankfully, this a small percentage of car theft claims and auto insurance companies generally only look deeper for multiple cases of grand theft auto.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our blog.  Contact us anytime at 502-333-0577 for an Insurance Quote, and Free Consultation, or visit our website www.DolackInsurance.com for an Online Quote and more information.

Cheap Auto Insurance for Teens

Teen drivers will affect car insurance premiums more than any accident or moving violation.  Put simply, teen drivers are inexperienced.  Mix in a little angst, throw in a cell phone, add some friends, sprinkle some loud music, and this becomes a volatile combination.  To understand why auto insurance rates skyrocket at the whisper of a teen driver, one must understand risk.

Risk is the uncertainty of loss.  A teen driver is an elevated exposure, or a situation that presents a greater possibility for loss.  Insurance companies offset this risk by requiring higher premiums.  In my experience, for every ten young drivers I added to a policy, six had an accident in the first six months.  These accidents stay on the driving record for five years and are chargeable for three, depending on the company.

For affordable car insurance, teens and parents should consider these options:

1.  Keep higher deductibles or consider just liability insurance.  Most of the premium lies with collision coverage, so abandoning that will lower the premium substantially.

2.  Compare insurance companies and see what discounts are available.  All companies offer some type of good student discount and this is the biggest break they offer to young drivers.

3.  Invest in some sort of accident forgiveness program the first year they’re on the road.  This option does require the car to be fully covered but will protect against future rate increases.

4.  Purchase a safe, low profile car that will be easy to replace or repair.  Along with newer cars being more costly to insure, replacement parts aren't as plentiful as older models. 

Usually all it takes is one accident for a young driver to realize how dangerous driving can be and send your rate through the roof.  Inform your own children to drive as defensively as possible, assume that no one is paying attention, and always wear a seat belt.  

We hope this has helped.  Dolack Insurance can assist you in deciphering these issues and make sure you have the right coverage for your needs.  Contact us at 502-333-577 for an INSURANCE QUOTE or FREE CONSULTATION.

Home Insurance 101- Loss Recovery

Would you be able to remember all the possessions you have accumulated over the years if they were destroyed by a fire or other disaster?  Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return, and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.  Dolack Insurance would like to pass on a few key pointers to get the most out of your potential claim and get you back on your feet faster.

1. Keep track of your receipts

Start by making a list of your possessions, describing each item and noting where you bought it and its make and model. Clip to your list any sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals you have. For clothing, count the items you own by category (pants, coats, shoes, for example), making notes about those that are especially valuable. For major appliances and electronic equipment, record the serial numbers, which are usually found on the back or bottom.

2. Don't be put off!

If you are just setting up a household, starting an inventory list can be relatively simple. If you’ve been living in the same house for many years, however, the task of creating a list can be daunting. Still, it’s better to have an incomplete inventory than nothing at all. Start with recent purchases, then try to remember what you can about older possessions.

3. Big ticket items

Valuable items like jewelry, art work, firearms, and collectibles may have increased in value since you received them. Check with your agent to make sure they are properly covered.  It is important that your insurance company know about these items before there is a loss.

4. Take a picture 
You can also take pictures of rooms and important individual items to have a visual record of your belongings. On the back of the photos, note what is shown and where you bought it or the make. Don’t forget things that are in closets or drawers. Use your phone or a digital camera, you may also be able to add a description of the item when saving the photo.

5. Videotape it
Walk through your house or apartment videotaping and describing the contents.  This can be useful for items such as clothing or kitchenware, just open a kitchen shelf or closet and describe the contents. For instance, in the kitchen, it would be sufficient to state that you have a set of dishes for 12 that includes a dinner plate, salad plate,  and mention when they were purchased.

6. Create a digital record
Use your computer or mobile device to make your inventory list. There are many software options and mobile apps that can help you create a room-by-room record of your belongings. Organize it room by room to make recovery simpler.  

Taking steps before a major loss really pays off in the long run.  Make sure there is enough personal property coverage to replace everything of value, otherwise some sacrifices may have to be made.  Also, keep these records preferably away from the property, they could be lost in the catastrophe.

Thanks for taking the time to check out our blog.  Call us 502-333-0577 for an Insurance Quote or Free Consultation. 

Top 8 Factors That Determine Auto Insurance Rates

The average yearly auto insurance premium is about $900, but there is wide variation around this average.  Many factors can affect car insurance premiums.  Not all companies use every one of these factors, and some might use factors not listed here.  Dolack Insurance would like to pass on some factors your insurance may depend on.

 1. Driving record.

The better your record, the lower the premium.  If there are any accidents or serious traffic violations, it is likely more expensive than a clean driving record. New, inexperienced, or drivers that have not been insured for a number of years would also see higher rates.

2. How much you use your car.

The more miles driven, the more chance for accidents.  If the car is used for work, or driven for a long distances, insurance could be higher.  If you driven only occasionally—what some companies call “pleasure use”, companies will charge less.

3. Where your car is parked and where you live.

Where you live and where the car resides can affect the cost of insurance.  Generally, due to higher rates of vandalism, theft, and accidents, urban drivers pay a higher car insurance price than those in small towns or rural areas.  Some areas are also prone to more lawsuits, higher medical care, and car repair costs.

4. Age and experience of the driver.

In general, mature drivers have fewer accidents than less experienced drivers, particularly teenagers.  So insurers generally charge more if teenagers or young people below age 25 drive your car.  This also goes the other way, after a certain age, usually around 70-75, companies start rating by age as most elderly drivers have a slower reaction time.

 5. Your gender.

As a group, women tend to get into fewer accidents, have fewer driver-under-the-influence accidents (DUIs) and most importantly less serious accidents than men. Of course, over time individual driving history for both men and women will have a greater impact on what they pay for auto insurance.

 6. The car you drive.

Some cars cost more to insure than others. Variables include the likelihood of theft, the cost of the car, the cost of repairs, and the overall safety record of the car. Engine sizes, even among the same makes and models, can also impact insurance premiums. Cars with high quality safety equipment might qualify for premium discounts.

 7. Your credit. 

For many insurers, credit-based insurance scoring is one of the most important and statistically valid tools to predict the rate.  Credit-based insurance scores are based on information like payment history, bankruptcies, collections, outstanding debt and length of credit history.  For example, regular, on-time credit card and mortgage payments affect a score positively, while late payments affect a score negatively.

8. The type and amount of coverage.

If you have a new or recent model of car, you likely will also buy comprehensive and collision coverage, which pays if you are responsible for damage to your car.  The higher the deductible, the lower your auto insurance premium will be.  To protect your assets, consider higher than minimum liability limits.

If a DUI is on the record, many companies avoid these customers altogether.  A clean driving record and a defensive style of driving are the best ways to secure affordable insurance.

Thanks for visiting our blog.  Go to our Website to Contact Us for a Insurance Quote or Free Consultation or call 502-333-0577 to speak to us directly.

Exotic Cars and Auto Insurance

If you are going to get auto insurance for an exotic car you are going to have really look around to find it. Regular insurers won't touch it; find a company that specializes in these kinds of cars. You can be sure that your insurance will be very expensive and it will come with all kinds of restrictions.  But, this is just a part of driving an exotic car.

The other issue that insurance companies have with exotic cars is their cost.  Even the cost to repair a minor fender bender can be huge because of the need to get custom parts for the repair.  In fact, the cost of comprehensive insurance is so high that a lot of people only have liability, or the minimum required amount.  However, comprehensive coverage is optional but many exotic car owners find the cost can't be justified, they just pay for any damage out of their own pocket.

For the most part, only a select few cars fit under this category.  All Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, high end Porsches, McLarens, Acura NSX's, Pagani, Maserati, Aston Martin, Bentley, Maybach, Dodge Vipers, Ford GT and Shelby Cobras.  Basically, if James Bond drove it, it looks like it came from the future, an athlete or celebrity drives it, or costs more than most houses, odds are car insurance will be outrageous.   This goes for every car; if you can't afford the insurance you can't afford the car.

Thank you for the gift of your time and the opportunity to serve you. Give us a call (502) 333-0577 or contact us for a Free Consultation or for an insurance quote.

Busting Popular Car Insurance Myths

Have you ever played the game where a group passes along a phrase from one to the next, all the way down the line?  The final sentence is usually far different from what the first person said.  The same principle applies when talking about car insurance.  Below are five of the most common myths along with the truth, courtesy of Dolack Insurance Agency .

Myth #1:  “Auto Insurance Is Cheaper If You Lease.”

This misconception comes from the false notion that car dealers have their own insurance policies on leased vehicles.  There is no such thing.  When leasing a vehicle, the driver is responsible for carrying full insurance coverage just like if they purchased the car.

Myth #2:  “Car Insurance Companies Can Charge Whatever They Want.”

Every state regulates car insurance and requires providers to submit rate information on an annual basis. If they want to raise rates, they must get approval from the state.  There are surcharges for accidents or claims, but these are to be expected.

Myth #3:  “Red or Black Cars Are More Expensive to Insure.”

Insurance companies never ask the color of your car when you get a policy.  Color is as irrelevant as the size of the trunk or the trim of the interior.  All that matters is the year, make, model, body type, engine size and age of your car, as well as drivers on your policy.  An aggressive driver will drive recklessly no matter what color the car happens to be.  

Myth #4:  “If My Friend Has an Accident While Driving My Car, His Insurance Pays for It.”

In most states, the insurance taken out on a specific car is the primary policy. This means regardless of who is driving in an at fault accident, the policy covering that car is the first one to be tapped. The friend’s policy will pay if the primary policy is insufficient.

Myth #5: “It’s unnecessary to get more than the required amount of car insurance.”

The state’s minimum required insurance is almost never enough to cover the expenses incurred from an accident. This problem worsens if the wreck is at-fault.  In this case, lawyers will target personal assets if the other party is injured, or decides to sue.  Carrying higher bodily injury limits eliminates this problem altogether.

Most of insurance is based on common sense.  Keep this in mind and don't over-think a given situation.  Usually, the most simple answer is the right one.

Thank you for the gift of your time and the opportunity to serve you. Give us a call (502) 333-0577 orcontact us for a Free Consultation or for an insurance quote .