Deer mating season means more collisions for drivers
Although Bambi had everyone believing that deer wore chastity belts until each Spring, the mating season for them is actually in the Fall, and for the next few weeks, randy little deer will be looking for dates all over the forest.
Unfortunately, those dates are sometimes across roads, which means this is the most dangerous time for deer collisions when driving in wooded areas.
According to State Farm, both October and November account for one third of all vehicle-deer collisions.
But just because the accident is classified as a “collision,” simply having collision coverage in your car insurance policy doesn’t protect you from frolicking fawns.
In order to be protected against jaywalking deer, you must have comprehensive coverage, which differs from collision in that it covers against accidents that are not caused by colliding with another vehicle.
Get an insurance quote for comprehensive coverage by filling out our quote form, and keep your eyes peeled.
NOAA releases report on weather related insurance claims for 2011
According to a new report issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the total damage so far in 2011 due to weather in the U.S. is $35 billion—that does not include hurricane Irene.
But while most of that is made up of infrastructural damage due to floods and wind, a significant portion represents auto insurance claims.
Unfortunately, only drivers in regions that were hit by severe weather who carry comprehensive insurance policies were able to recoup any money back.
Comprehensive policies are not mandated by any state, but are the only lifeline if your vehicle sustains weather-related damage. Unlike collision coverage, which only protects your car in the event of an accident with another vehicle, comprehensive coverage covers hail damage, downed tree limbs, and water damage.
NOAA estimates that Irene will cost approximately $5 billion, and with hurricane season upon us, that number could increase substantially before the year is over.
So if you are uninsured, underinsured, or just plain curious, please fill out our quote form and get covered before the next event.
AAA Survey Shows More Motorists Gambling with Insurance
A survey recently released by AAA shows that more and more Americans are taking a gamble on their auto insurance policies to try and save some cash in these tough economic times.
The results of the survey revealed that almost 50 percent of motorists are opting for a higher deductable on collision and comprehensive coverage, while the number of motorists who are simply dropping the valuable coverage is still on the rise.
At the same time, the survey showed that more than 50 percent of drivers are avoiding the expense of buying a new car by holding onto their older vehicles, and one in four motorists said they have put off vehicle repairs and maintenance in the past year to cut costs.
"Economic conditions have taken their toll on many Americans, resulting in them neglecting their cars and leaving them at increased risk for very expensive repair bills," Marshall L. Doney, AAA vice president for automotive and financial services, said in a press release.
Unfortunately, this practice can come with serious consequences for motorists already struggling to make ends meet. Without adequate insurance to cover the costs of repairs, consumers are being forced to pay out-of-pocket.
According to the survey, when asked if they could afford a $2,000 repair bill, 38 percent of respondents said they would use savings to cover it. Another 20 percent said they would pay by credit card, and 13 percent said they would be forced to borrow from friends, family, a bank, retirement or home equity. The results weren't much better for a $1,000 repair bill.
Overall, the survey is just another stark reminder that the road to economic recovery for a majority of the nation is a bumpy one, and is only getting bumpier.
The catch 22 is that without the ability to get to work, families’ incomes are grinding to a screeching halt.
Consumer advocates say motorists should consider both short-term savings and the risk of major costs down the road when choosing an automobile insurance coverage plan.
—AJ Register