CarInsurance.org http://www.carinsurance.org Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:59:26 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 What are some common mistakes people make with winter driving? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/common-mistakes-with-winter-driving/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/common-mistakes-with-winter-driving/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:59:26 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33501 Read More ]]> Winter driving takes a special set of skills. It also requires preparation and forethought. Unfortunately, not everyone uses these. Some mistakes people make are:
• Not using the defogger – if you can’t see out the windshield, you can’t drive.
• Not clearing the windshield – you’ve seen these drivers, peering through a tiny hole in the ice on their windshield. Their vision is virtually nil and will likely be in or cause an accident.
• Too much gas – hammering the gas when you’re stuck just makes a bigger hole. If you get lucky and the tire catches on something, you may shoot forward with more power than you want.
• Violating a snowplow’s personal space– give the snowplow some room to work. You shouldn’t be tailgating them.
• Thinking all-wheel drive solves everything – all-wheel drive doesn’t make the snow and ice go away. Many people buy the hype and think they can drive as if the snow isn’t there. It is and you still need to be careful.

]]> http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/common-mistakes-with-winter-driving/feed/ 0 Can people really hack into car computers? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/people-hack-car-computers/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/people-hack-car-computers/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:58:26 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33499 Read More ]]> With the current state of technology, people really can’t hack into a car computer. However, certain groups, such as the National Academy of Science, are sending out warnings that manufacturers need to consider the dangers of hackers when they are designing car computer systems. These groups point out that many car computers allow the use of Bluetooth, GPS, and satellite radio. These entertainment functions could be a bridge for hackers to jump to safety computers in the cars. Advanced cars today use electronic components to signal information to the car and can affect acceleration and stability.

]]> http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/people-hack-car-computers/feed/ 0 What states are REAL ID compliant? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/states-real-id-compliant/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/states-real-id-compliant/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:56:50 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33497 Read More ]]> REAL ID was an act passed by Congress that requires all states to reach a certain level of security in their driver’s license issuing process. Those that are compliant add gold stars to their driver’s licenses. States that are REAL ID compliant, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security, are:
• Indiana
• South Dakota
• Delaware
• Connecticut
• Utah
• Alabama
• Ohio
• Florida
• West Virginia

Some other states are getting close, but some states have done nothing to improve their standards. The deadline to be compliant with the standard is January 15, 2013. At that time, no one with a license that doesn’t meet the standard will be allowed to board commercial airplanes.

]]> http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/states-real-id-compliant/feed/ 0 Are tire chains a good idea for winter driving? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/tire-chains/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/tire-chains/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:55:51 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33495 Read More ]]> Tire chains fit over your tire and they can improve traction in bad weather. Be careful though, very few states allow you to use tire chains. Like studs in snow tires, they can lead to badly damaged roads. If you are planning to use tire chains you should put them on when you know a storm is going to hit. Make sure they are the right size for your car and fit on tight. When you have tire chains affixed to your tires, you need to drive more slowly.

]]> http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/tire-chains/feed/ 0 Should I get snow tires? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/should-i-get-snow-tires/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/should-i-get-snow-tires/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:54:53 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33493 Read More ]]> Snow season is accident season. Getting into an accident is a sure way to increase the cost of your insurance premium. If you live in an area with significant snowfall, it may behoove you to pick up snow tires. For those that live in areas with moderate snowfall, you really don’t need to pick up snow tires. If you do get snow tires, pay careful attention to the type you purchase. Some have studs. Studs don’t help with snow, but they do improve stopping on ice. They also damage roads and are banned in some states. States that allow them usually only allow them during certain times of year.

]]> http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/should-i-get-snow-tires/feed/ 0 If I’m out-of-state at college, do I need to maintain my New Mexico car insurance? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/new-mexico-car-insurance/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/new-mexico-car-insurance/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:54:08 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33491 Read More ]]> If you have a car registered in your name, you need to have car insurance in New Mexico. If you don’t have your vehicle with you, then you do have an option to avoid paying those insurance premiums. You can file an affidavit of non-use with the MVD. However, if you do this and are later caught driving, you’ll face the penalties for driving without insurance. You might also forfeit any insurance discounts you were getting for being a long-time customer.

]]> http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/new-mexico-car-insurance/feed/ 0 Can I really lose my license in West Virginia if I misbehave in school? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/lose-license-in-west-virginia/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/lose-license-in-west-virginia/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:52:46 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33489 Read More ]]> Yes, you can lose your driver’s license if you are under the age of 18 and misbehave in school. West Virginia is one of the states that as a part of their Graduated Driver License Program have tied the driver’s license to school. This includes school attendance and your behavior at school. You shouldn’t worry too much about the behavior aspect though. You’ll only lose your license if you are suspended from school. Some actions that can cause this are:
• Assault and battery
• Possession of a deadly weapon
• Sale of narcotic drugs
• Felonies
• Possession of a controlled substance

]]> http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/lose-license-in-west-virginia/feed/ 0 Are they changing the GDL law in Illinois? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/gdl-law-in-illinois/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/gdl-law-in-illinois/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:51:51 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33487 Read More ]]> No, there are no current plans to change the Graduated Driver License laws in Illinois. What you may have heard about was the Secretary of State of Illinois, Jesse White, mentioning concern over the increase in the number of teens that are waiting until they are 18 years old to get a license. By doing this, they are skipping the GDL program entirely. They end up on the road with no driving experience at all. The Committee on Traffic Safety is supposed to discuss the issue and come up with possible solutions.

]]> http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/gdl-law-in-illinois/feed/ 0 What can you tell me about DUIs in Indiana? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/duis-in-indiana/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/duis-in-indiana/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:50:53 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33485 Read More ]]> For most people, you can be tried for a DUI if you have a BAC of .08 or more. Those individuals with a CDL can be convicted of a DUI if they have a BAC of .04 and those under 21 can get a DUI for a BAC of .02. Police officers can request that you take a chemical test to determine your BAC. Refusal will result in a license suspension. Conviction of a DUI can result in license suspension, fines, and jail time. If you have a high BAC, .15 or higher, you will subject to harsher penalties.

]]> http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/duis-in-indiana/feed/ 0 What are the best insurance companies in New Mexico? http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/best-insurance-companies-in-new-mexico/ http://www.carinsurance.org/2012/02/best-insurance-companies-in-new-mexico/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:48:46 +0000 steve http://www.carinsurance.org/?p=33483 Read More ]]> Best can mean many different things to different people. However, with insurance companies this should mean things like financial strength, coverage levels, and customer service. According to “Find the Best”, the following auto insurance companies are the top ten in New Mexico:
• Allstate
• Amica Mutual
• State Farm
• Progressive
• Geico
• AAA
• MetLife
• Travelers
• Liberty Mutual
• The Hartford

While these are rated well, they may not be the correct fit for you. Check out other companies if these don’t have what you need.

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