Auto Insurance | Boizelle Insurance Partnership - Page 10

Tire Chains: When Can I Use Them?

Have you ever driven through steep mountains? If you have, perhaps you’ve noticed signs that ready “chains or snow tires required”.

Such signs are meant to serve as warnings to drivers of potentially hazardous winter weather driving conditions. When lights on these signs are flashing, it means that state traction laws in are effect, meaning that drivers must have the proper tires or equipment in order to safely pass through the steep snow or ice-covered roads ahead.

Tire chains, also known as snow chains or tire cables, are devices that are made of metal links or cables that are wrapped around the tires of a vehicle, typically automobiles or trucks. They serve to provide additional traction and grip on snowy or icy roads, improving vehicle control and reducing the risk of accidents in adverse weather conditions.

Why would you use tire chains?

1. Increased traction: Tire chains provide extra traction by biting into snow and ice, allowing the tires to maintain grip on slippery surfaces where regular tires might slip or skid.

2. Improved handling: With better traction, your vehicle will have improved handling, making it easier to accelerate, brake, and steer safely in snow and ice.

3. Enhanced safety: Using tire chains can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents in wintry conditions, helping to prevent skidding and loss of control.

4. Legal requirement: In some areas with heavy snowfall or icy conditions, it’s a legal requirement to use tire chains on vehicles during certain times of the year. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or penalties.

5. Peace of mind: Knowing that you have tire chains available provides peace of mind when driving in winter conditions, especially if you encounter unexpected snow or ice on the road.

It’s important to note that tire chains are typically designed for temporary use in extreme conditions and should be removed once road conditions improve. Using tire chains on dry or paved roads can cause damage to both the chains and the road surface, as well as potentially impairing vehicle handling and braking.

Why Are We Seeing a Decline In Young Drivers? Is It Changing Interests or a Familiar Trend?

Being a parent to a teenager who is just about to get behind the wheel of a car for the first time can be a very nerve-racking time. As a parent, all you want to do is everything in your power to keep your kids safe. And giving your teenager the keys to the car for the first time marks the period in your life where you are forced to give up that feeling of security because your child’s safety is no longer in your hands. However, what we are seeing nowadays is something rather unusual – or at least something unfamiliar. Young drivers are waiting longer to get their drivers licenses.

Why the Decreased Interest?

In today’s digital world, there is less need to drive. Mobile apps give consumers the ability to order food delivered straight to their door.

Rideshare apps are popular. The younger generation now has the option to use rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft to get from point A to point B which means there’s less need for them to have their own car. According to the Pew Research Center, 51% of Americans between 18-29 have used a rideshare service, while only 24% of those aged 50 or older.

Urban lifestyles. Many people are avoiding moving out of cities. This means there is often less need for a car, as access to restaurants and other amenities are within walking distance of residential areas.

Environmental concerns. As technology improves and gaining access to new information becomes easier, younger generations have become more concerned about their own individual footprints.

Rising costs. Inflation has become a serious concern for a lot of people. As the cost of everyday goods and services continue to increase, consumers are doing everything they can to make ends meet. Owning a car is expensive and includes such costs as maintenance, gas, insurance, etc.

ERIE can over you discounts to help you.

Youthful Driver Discount applies to unmarried drivers under the age of 21 who live with their parents.

For young drivers who participate in accredited driver training courses, ERIE offers a Driving Training Discount

A College Student discount may be available to those living away from home without a vehicle.

Unmarried young drivers may also qualify for a Youthful Driver Longevity Discount, which gives credit for consecutive years spent insured under another’s ERIE auto policy (usually a parent or a guardian).

Why Did My Auto Insurance Rate Increase?

With changing economies, it’s not uncommon to see costs increase. There are several factors that can contribute to these changing costs. From gasoline, to housing, to the cost of your insurance, everything is affected in some way or another.

Inflation: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 4% compared to 2022. What this means is that all of us are paying 4% more for the same goods and services we paid for a year ago.

Vehicle parts: The car industry was even more affected by inflation. The cost of vehicle parts rose by closer to 8.3%. This is a pretty significant increase when typical increases range between 2 or 3%.

Repair costs: Recent supply chain issues such as the car chip shortage as well as labor market pressures have caused repair costs to increase even more, by as much as 14.2% since 2022. On top of that, limited supplies and fewer workers can cause repairs to take longer. Because of this, customers are forced to use rental cars for longer periods of time, resulting in the cost of claims increasing as well.

Vehicle prices: The cost of used vehicles increased more than 27% in 2021. New vehicle costs are up more than 14%.

Driving again (and faster): Drivers are driving their cars faster than ever before, reporting to be driving at extreme speeds of 20 mph over the speed limit or even more.

Accidents: It makes sense that because drivers are driving much faster, that auto accidents have not only increased in frequency but also in severity. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported an increase of 12% in fatalities. That’s the largest increase since reporting began in 1975.

How You Can Save on Your Auto Insurance

Ask about pay plan discounts

Consider ERIE’s Rate Lock option. With this feature, your insurance premium will remain the same year after year, even if you have a claim. The only way your rate will change is if you add or remove a driver to your policy, add or remove a car, or change your address.

Look at your deductibles. If you have a low deductible, that probably means your insurance premium is higher. By increasing your deductible (what you pay upfront before your policy kicks in), your insurance premium will be significantly less.

Review your mileage. Are you working from home more often and driving less than before the pandemic? You could be eligible for a lower rate based upon how many miles you’ve driven in one year.

Bundle your policies. If you only have auto insurance, by adding a homeowners insurance policy or an umbrella policy, your rates will decrease.

How to Handle a Mouse Living In Your Car

The Surprise Tenants: Why Mice Love Cars

Mice are attracted to the warmth and seclusion that a car offers. Add to this the food particles and paper for nesting, and your car turns into a desirable residence for these rodents. But worry not, knowing their presence is half the battle won. Here are some reasons why mice might choose your car as their home:

• Warmth: Mice don’t care for cold temperatures, so they need a warm place to live. Your car’s engine provides the perfect source of heat, especially during the winter months.
• Seclusion: Mice are prey animals, so they prefer to live in secluded areas where they feel safe from predators. Your car’s interior provides a perfect hiding place from both predators and humans.
• Food: Mice are omnivores, and they will eat just about anything. If you leave food in your car, it will attract mice. Even crumbs from a snack or a half-eaten piece of fruit can be enough to lure a mouse in.

Signs of a Four-Legged Freeloader

Although an industrious rodent can make your car undrivable, evidence of a mouse in your car might not always be obvious. You should keep an eye out for signs like:

• Chewed wires: Mice are notorious for chewing on wires. This can damage your car’s electrical system and cause expensive repairs.
• Small droppings: Mouse droppings are small and dark brown. They are often found in corners, under seats, and in other hard-to-reach places.
• Nesting materials: Mice will often build nests in your car. These nests can be made from a variety of materials, such as paper, fabric, and even your own hair.
• Smells: Mice have a strong odor. If you notice a strange smell coming from your car, it could be a sign of a mouse infestation.
• Scurrying noises: Mice are nocturnal, so you might hear them scurrying around in your car at night.

Risks: More than Just a Nuisance

It’s not just the “ick” factor. A mouse infestation in your car can lead to serious problems. They can:

• Destroy wiring: This can cause expensive damage and even lead to a fire.
• Spread diseases: Mice can carry diseases, such as Hantavirus, that can be harmful to humans.
• Damage your car’s interior: Mice will chew on anything they can get their teeth on, including your car’s seats, carpets, and even the dashboard.
  Waving Goodbye: Getting Rid of the Mouse

Waving Goodbye: Getting Rid of the Mouse

The key to ousting these furry freeloaders is twofold: removing their access and cutting off their food supply. In case of a severe infestation, you might need professional pest control services, so an early jump on the problem could save you some money:

• Clean your car thoroughly. Remove all food and trash from your car. Vacuum up any droppings or nesting materials. Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant.
• Seal up any entry points. Mice can squeeze through very small openings. Check your car for any gaps or holes, and seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Use traps. Place mouse traps in areas where you have seen signs of mice. Be sure to check the traps regularly and dispose of any mice that are caught.
• Use repellents. There are a variety of mouse repellents available on the market. These repellents can be sprayed or placed in your car to deter mice.
• Avoid leaving your car unattended for long periods of time. If you must leave your car unattended for an extended period of time, consider storing it in a garage or other secure location.
• Call a pro. If you have a severe mouse infestation, you may need to call a professional pest control company.

Keep in mind: the best method to ensure a rodent-free car is prevention. With a clean, sealed car and no easily available food, you’ll create an environment that’s decidedly inhospitable to mice. If you follow these steps, you’re more likely to keep your car mouse-free, ensuring your vehicle stays in the best possible condition for all your future journeys.