Month: January 2021

In an ideal world, safe drivers would pay less for their car insurance and riskier drivers would pay more. Telematics programs help insurance companies work towards that goal.

When drivers take part in telematics programs, they get real-time feedback about their driving habits. The programs generally last at least 90 days, sometimes longer. That gives drivers an opportunity to correct their bad habits and earn a better rate.

As insurance companies get data from the driver’s habits, they can adjust the rate accordingly.

More and more insurance carriers are offering telematics programs to help customize auto rates. These programs vary by carrier, but they will generally monitor your driving one of two ways. They will use either a device that you plug into your vehicle or a mobile app on your phone.

What driving behaviors are monitored by telematics?

Continue reading “Telematics: Pros and Cons of Driver Monitoring”

If you’re the proud parent of a 14 or 15-year-old, you may be counting down the days until they get their license. Maybe you’re apprehensive about them driving, or you’re eager for them to have more independence (no more soccer practice drop-offs, finally!). Either way, it’s a huge milestone in your teen’s life, one that often comes with a hefty price tag.

When it comes to insuring your teen driver, it’s important to know when you have to add them to the policy. They usually don’t need to be rated when they only have their permit. As soon as they get their license, you’ll have to add them to the policy as a rated driver.

Adding a teen driver to your auto insurance will increase the cost of the policy, even if you don’t add an extra car. The simple truth is that teenagers pose an additional risk. Since insurance is all about rating for risk, that generally comes with a higher price.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do NOW to help lessen the financial blow.

Continue reading “5 Steps to Take Before Your Teen Gets Licensed”

Some of the most common questions I hear are: Do I really need Uninsured Motorist coverage? Isn’t that why I have health insurance? For me, the answer is simple. Yes, you do need it.

Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but I wouldn’t take that risk. Sure, your health insurance may cover some of the costs if you’re injured in an accident. But you’ll still have out-of-pocket expenses.

Picture this:

You’re driving home from work and another driver runs a red light and smashes into your car. You’re taken to the hospital by ambulance where you undergo surgery for your lacerated liver and internal bleeding. Luckily, you’re alive and will make a full recovery.

Unfortunately, you’ll be in the hospital for a week and out of work for 3 weeks while you recover from your injuries.

Now what?

Continue reading “Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage If I Have Health Insurance?”