Recently in Auto and fleet Category

Consumer Reports issues a guide for the 25 best deals on American-made cars for the Presidents Day Weekend. In addition to using its customary rating criteria on reliability and safety, safety tests, if evaluated, Consumer Reports adds another dimension to the ratings:

But for this car-sales holiday, we scrutinized the recent leads secured through our Build & Buy service, reflecting not just potential discounts, but real-world pricing. The retail price and savings are based on the average configured vehicle at consumerreports.org. In other words, these are cars as popularly equipped with real price quotes from dealerships bound to high customer service standards.

In addition, we point you to some great consumer resources for car shopping we've covered before:

Looking at Presidents Day car sales? Do your research now - lots of links to ratings and safety resources

New fuel labels on 2013 cars will help consumers save - learn how to use this information in your favor when shopping

Car shoppers: Watch out for flood-damaged cars - buyer beware!

News reports from various states are warning car-buying consumers to be alert for vehicles that were damaged by Superstorm Sandy. In states directly affected by the flood, authorities are issuing alerts and consumer guidance - New Jersey state officials remind us that Sandy-flooded cars can be resold, but they must be properly been titled as such.

Car-buying consumers in other states should also be wary because damaged cars are often professionally refurbished and shipped to other parts of the country to be sold where consumers are unlikely to be on alert. We've noted before that even when cars "clean up nice," they may well have electrical or engine damage that will surface later - this is particularly true of salt-water damage.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offers the following sensible steps that used car buyers should take before making a purchase:

• Check the vehicle's title history and be wary if the vehicle has been titled multiple times over a short time period.
• Obtain a vehicle history report from the dealer, or get one yourself from a reputable source; this will let you know if the car has been damaged in the past.
• Look for an insurance company's name on the title history, and contact the company for vehicle information.

The NJ MVC also offers ways to spot a flood damage car:

• A musty or moldy smell or the strong scent of a deodorizer all over the car
• Rust on metal parts where water would not normally touch
• Water-stained upholstery or water damage on the door panels or seat belts
• Mildew, silt or debris in areas around the engine compartment, under the carpeting or in the trunk.

For more tips on avoiding flood-damaged cars, see our prior Consumer alert: don't buy a flood-damaged car which we issued after the 2010 floods in Rhode Island.

New England is experiencing the kind of weather that is challenging to car batteries. Are you adequately prepared for emergencies when you're on the road? In this weather, being stuck on a public highway for 20 or 30 minutes while waiting for emergency help to arrive can be a hardship. Being stranded on a remote road late at night can be a nightmare anytime and life threatening in frigid weather.

Keeping your car maintained is rule number one but it's also a good idea to keep a winter car survival kit in your car for the season because you just never know. Emergencies by their very nature take us by surprise. The state of Wisconsin, which has it's share of cold weather and remote roads, offers a good one page sheet on How to make a winter survival car kit - it's one of the best we've seen. They also offer a video version - below.

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You've just had a relatively minor fender-bender ... do you file an insurance claim or pay out of pocket? In this short video, Renaissance Alliance agent Geoff Gordon walks you through the pros and cons to help you make a decision. It's just one example of the many ways that an experienced agent can help you save money and protect your assets. Find a New England Renaissance Alliance insurance agency near you.

It's inevitable - the first substantial storm of the year sees vehicles slipping and sliding all over the road with fender benders galore and a few cars off in snowbanks. By the end of the winter, we New Englanders have some pretty good driving skills, but it's almost as though we all need to re-learn every year.

Here's a fun way to brush up on your seasonal skills and maybe even learn something new: visit Michelin's fun and informative Winter Driving Academy. It includes videos, games, quizzes, and tips on preparing your car for winter; vehicle handling basics, such as turning and braking; tips on driving in ice, slush, snow, and black ice; and information about winter tires.

Whether you need tires or not, there's a lot of other good information on the site about tire maintenance, tire storage, and driving and safety tips.

This is a guest post by Gordon Insurance Agency, a Renaissance Alliance member agency. It is a post that was previously featured on the Agency's Personal Insurance Blog.

Insurance can be puzzling- the more you know, the better. As surprising as this may sound, insurance is not entirely about the price. Thus, we've created a list of things-to-know about insurance for your convenience.

1. Amount of coverage
What do you want to protect? That's the overall question for deciding the amount of coverage you need. The best advice we can offer you is for you to think about all the things that could potentially happen. Or consult a professional agent who will ask lots of questions to uncover areas you need to pay special attention. Although you might want to push these thoughts to the side (i.e. "that could never happen to me!"), someone has to think of these situations. Nobody plans for a car accident or a guest being injured at his/her house, yet these sorts of things happen all the time. A good way to cover a lot of these is by running down a prepared list such as this checklist for your homeowners insurance.

2. Risk level
The amount of risk you take sometimes depends on one aspect of your life: money. If you have available money, then choosing a policy with high deductibles is probably the best option for you. Remember, "Insure only what you can't afford to lose."

Obviously, this part of our list is also going to discuss risk. Some policies cover more than other policies do, so be informed on what risks you can afford to take, as well as what is the cost of transferring that risk (via insurance)? An example of this is would be a dog with a biting history. The only company that will offer coverage after a dog has bitten someone (resulting in an insurance claim) is the Massachusetts Fair Plan (MPIUA). But they might do so with a $25,000 limit of liability for dog bites. So you have to ask, is the dog worth that much to me that if he/she bites someone and it results in a $100,000 claim (we've had one here that exceeded that, and not even from a dog 'on the list'), are you prepared to pony up the next $75,000? Make sure you know what is covered on your policy, and be careful with what chances you take where insurance doesn't go.

3. Insurance company
People often assume that the insurance company will be able to handle anything and everything- you should never assume. If the company goes under, or even if the company stays around but has poor finances, then you won't get what you need. The best way to make sure that your company will be able to provide for you is to check a credit rating agency. We recommend A.M. Best Company for this. Other credit rating agencies include Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor's.

4. Discounts
Everybody loves saving money; discounts can be available all around you, and you might not even know it! For a list of most prevalent (MA) auto insurance discounts, click our video and list. For homeowners discounts, visit our short video on homeowners discounts here. Account discounts, where you have two lines or more (such as home and auto), are often the most compelling.

Always ask your agent questions, he/she is there is serve YOU.

5. When do I need to look at new insurance?
Certain life changes will cause you to look at new insurance. These changes include:

• Starting a new business
• Buying an additional home
• Adding a driver to the auto policy
• Changing jobs (especially if you leave a rich benefits plan for a bare bones benefits employer)
• Volunteer work (such as serving on the board of a non-profit organization)

This list just helps prove a very important point: insurance is not only about the price. For a few extra dollars, you can have all sorts of things protected. Think back to the dog example- imagine how expensive it would be to defend a bad dog bite without insurance! When it comes to insurance, price is important, but it's not the only thing that matters.

If you have an older driver in your household - or if you are an older driver yourself - you may be wondering what your state law is about when and if you need to be tested. Some states have no special requirments based on age. Some require older drivers to renew in person. Many require vision tests or proof from an optometrist that vision has been tested.

Few, if any, states require road tests for aging drivers. Several states have looked into laws to impose manadatory tests after a certain age (often age 75), but these have generally been defeated, either because there was not sufficient evidence that they would reduce collisions, or because they were viewed as discrimantory. However, most states will accept reports of potentially dangerous drivers from police, family or other observers and may require tests based on such reports. Some states also allow tests to be required at renewal based on observations of potential impairment by registry of motor vehicle employees. Selective tests based on reports or observations aren't necessarily restricted by age! Some states will revoke licenses based on any problems that turn up, while others impose restrictions, such as driving only in daylight hours.

There's no consistency state to state - here's a handy State by State Look at Driving Rules for Older Drivers.

Aging drivers should be aware that there are many new safety tools that can help reduce risks commonly associated with aging, such as diminished vision. See the Top 10 Car Technologies For Mature Drivers, as well as 10 Vision Safety Tips for Older Drivers.

It would be ideal if everyone could self-assess and make the decision to limit or stop driving as they feel abilities diminish - some peopel do indeed do that. But because giving up a car is so tied with independence, many are reluctant to give up driving. And some may lose objectivity - they may "feel" like they are still driving safely. It often requires intercession of a caring family member or friend. See our prior post on Helping senior drivers to make a tough decision: hanging up the keys.

If you are one of the 5 million people who has the misfortune to be involved in a car accident over the next year, you may not be sure exactly what steps to take to protect yourself. Car accidents are rare enough events that most people don't have top-of-mind awareness about what information needs to be exchanged. Plus, the stress, confusion and high emotions of the event can be a recipe for problems. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) conducted a survey to find out if consumers know what to do, and they learned most people don't. Here were some common misconceptions and associated risks:

• Nearly 40% of respondents felt they should share their driver's licenses, some allowing the other driver to photograph their licenses. The risk is that many retailers accept driver's license information as a common way to verify identity over the phone.
• 25% of consumers would share their home addresses. The risk: this information gives potential identity thieves the physical location of one's mail or garbage, a place often searched for further financial information; It also means potential criminals know where you live, putting your personal safety in jeopardy.
• Almost 30% of drivers think they are required to share their personal phone numbers. This is not necessary.
• Close to 20% believe the only reason to call the police after an accident is if someone is injured. However, filing a police report can help facilitate the insurance claims process.

Car Accidents: there's an app for that!
NAIC offers a WreckCheck mobile app that takes the guesswork out of a post-accident information exchange. When you download the app, enter your vehicle information and info about your agent and insurer. If you are in an accident, launch the app, which will guide you through a step-by-step process to create an accident report. It also offers tips for staying calm, safe and smart on the road, and makes it easy to capture photos and document the necessary information to file an insurance claim. Additionally, the app lets you email yourself a completed accident report directly, as well as to your insurance agents.

The app is free and available for both iPhone® and Android® smartphone users.

This is a guest post by Ross Insurance Agency, one of the insurance agency members of Renaissance Alliance.

The introduction of new cars every spring and summer is an annual rite of passage.Potential buyers eagerly watch for new models, makes, technologies, and innovations - as well as for the new price tag. Increasingly, one of the important features that consumers look for is good fuel economy and "green" technologies that help to minimize the vehicle's impact on the environment. This year, consumers will have a helpful new tool to help with these concerns when buying a new car.

Beginning with 2013 models, all new vehicles will feature a revamped fuel economy and environmental impact label. The new labels were developed by the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. They represent a major change designed to give consumers actionable information, more comparison tools, and better benchmarks for potential savings.

The big number in the label's upper left is combined mileage, while city and highway mileage is included in smaller type. There is also information about the mileage range for all cars of that class so if you are buying a mid-size car,you can see the range of options and how this specific car stacks up. Another useful feature on the upper right of the label is an estimate of the additional money you will save or spend on fuel over a five year period. The label also includes an estimated annual fuel cost,and rates the vehicle for environmental impact. Finally, the label also includes a QR Code which will launch much more detailed information and additional tools if you have downloaded a scanner app on your smartphone.

There are also new labels for hybrids and electric vehicles that offer additional information specific to those vehicles, such as driving ranges. And for skeptics who think that these alternative fuel vehicles are a passing fad, a quick glance at a sample label for the electric vehicles is pretty eye-opening: An annual fuel cost of $600? Wow.

If you buy a new car this year, make sure you get the best coverage for your auto insurance in Massachusetts - look for a Renaissance Alliance Agency!

The Wall Street Journal features a fascinating article on Unlocking the Secrets of a Car Thief (may require site registration). It reminded us of a similar article on Edmunds.com: Confessions of a Car Thief, which interviewed a reformed professional thief.

According to the WSJ article, here's the good news: The FBI reports that car theft has been declining for the last seven years. In 2010, the last full year f data, auto theft declined by 7.4%. But that still represents nearly three-quarters of a million cars stolen in 2010. Experts think that new technology has made it harder to steal cars than it was in the old "screwdriver theft days" of yore.

But here's the bad news: Professionals can almost always find a way. The article notes that "It can take less than 19 seconds for a reasonably strong, savvy car thief to break through the security systems that are supposed to stop someone from shifting or steering a luxury SUV." And Robert Hartwig of the Insurance Information Institute points out that recovery rates are dropping. Theft rings use flatbed trucks and high-tech tools to swiftly seize cars and move them for resale or to chop shops for parts.

The best thing you can do to prevent theft is to make things less appealing by providing obstacles. There are a variety of theft devices and technologies ranging from inexpensive steering wheel locks to alarms to subscription based vehicle tracking systems.

Here's another relatively inexpensive way to protect your car that is touted by law enforcement professionals: VIN etching, or permanently etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the windows of your automobile. Many states offer free programs or you can order a variety of inexpensive kits online that you can find with a simple search for "VIN ETching." Many insurers offer discounts on auto insurance for cars that have VIN etching -- check with your local insurance agent to find out about this and other available discounts for auto theft prevention devices and measures.

We looked at the VIN etching program available through the Massachusetts Governor's Auto Theft Strike Force, which offers the service for $10 - you can learn more at 781-393-1201. And another anti-theft measure we noted in Massachusetts: If you give information that leads to the arrest of a car thief, or the location of a chop shop, you could receive a confidential cash reward of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00). All you need to do is call 1-800-HOT-AUTO.

For more tips and ideas, see the Insurance Information Institute's article on Preventing Carjacking / Theft

"Lemon" is the generally accepted term for a defective car or a car with recurring mechanical problems that interfere with use. While many experts say that contemporary car manufacturing quality standards make it less likely that you would buy a new lemon, it's certainly not out of the question. Edmunds has a good article on what to do if you think you've been stuck with a lemon.

Consumers are in luck today with the wealth or resources online. First, research can and should start in the buying process because preventing problems is always better than dealing with them after the fact. Buyers can research car reviews, dealerships, consumer complaints. For used cars, buyers should do a VINCheck and a vehicle history search and in the case of used cars. (See our post on avoiding flood damaged cars).

If problems do occur after purchase, your warranty and your dealer is the first place to turn. Document your attempts to have things fixed, including any out-of-pocket costs and time that are involved. If problems continue, it's much easier to research things online today to see if your problem is common and to check with manufacturers. There are also a variety of ways to learn about vehicle recalls. But if all else fails, most states offer some type of consumer remedies under what is known as "lemon laws."

State laws vary as to whether they cover both new and used cars, and most require that the car was purchased in that state and with a warranty. Cars that are purchased under an "as is" agreement would generally not be covered. Plus, states have various gating issues before any remedies would kick in: the buyer must have tried to resolve the issue in various ways before being eligible for consumer protection. According to Edmunds:

State laws vary in what constitutes a "persistent" problem or the "reasonable" number of repair attempts that would get you over the border into lemon territory. In Connecticut and New York, for example, four repair attempts is the state standard for "reasonable," according to Connecticut attorney Sergei Lemberg, whose site, Lemon Justice, can help determine if you've got a lemon. But in Massachusetts, the law requires three attempts to repair the same problem in the first 15,000 miles -- and one last attempt to get the manufacturer to address the defect after that.

Here are links to state lemon laws for New England states.

Connecticut Lemon Law Program

Maine Lemon Law and State Arbitration

Massachusetts Lemon laws

New Hampshire Lemon Laws

Rhode Island Lemon Law

Vermont's Lemon Law

This is a guest post from Renaissance Alliance member agency Encharter Insurance.

The weather is getting warmer and summer is finally here! If you own a motorcycle, summer is definitely your favorite time of year, your sunglasses on and the wind blowing through your hair on the open road. Before you hit the road however, you may be asking: what kind of coverage do I absolutely need for my motorcycle insurance policy?

The amount of coverage you are required to have varies by state, but a standard policy requires that you have at least property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. Typically, those two will cover you in the event of an at-fault accident. Comprehensive and collision coverage can usually help you replace or repair your bike in the event of an accident or a theft. Something like medical payments coverage may be worth asking your agent about--for motorcycles, there is typically no personal injury protection, so if someone doesn't have health insurance, they would not have coverage for medical payments without medical payments coverage.

Motorcycle riders also often ask if they can only have coverage on the months when they drive their motorcycle. While this is an option, be aware that it could leave you unprotected against things like vandalism, theft, and fire during the uninsured time. Who knows, you might even be tempted to take the bike out on a warm, winter day and you wouldn't want to be without coverage!

When making decisions about your insurance coverage, it is always best to talk with your agent. For more information about the right motorcycle coverage, or other insurance coverage, contact your agent.

This is a guest post by Geoff Gordon, principal at Gordon Insurance Agency, a Renaissance Alliance member agency. It is a post that was previously featured on Geoff Gordan's Commercial Insurance Blog.

This coverage is used to provide liability protection for autos used in your business that are not owned, leased, hired, rented or borrowed by the business. This includes autos of employees and subcontractors that are used on your business's behalf.

Here's an example. A salesperson is on his or her way to an appointment. They drive their own car, not a company car. But on the way to the appointment there's an accident. Somebody was hurt, and the employee was at fault.

Whether your employee has lots of personal insurance or not, the chance of the business being dragged into the lawsuit that is bound to follow is high. Even if you had checked your salesperson's personal auto insurance, but especially if they don't have high limits, the business is probably going to be sued.

Non-owned auto liability is the name of the insurance that will defend the business.

You don't need a fast driving salesperson to need this coverage: in our business there are no company cars. The president drives a personal vehicle, as does every employee. Thus it is for when employees are out there doing bank runs, picking up mail, dropping off papers to customers and other business tasks, while using their own cars and trucks. That is, in non-employer owned vehicles.

Because employees really are your business, and especially while they're driving on business, their driving can be your risk.

Hired Automobile Coverage is its cousin. This coverage is used to protect against liability claims arising out of the use of vehicles leased, hired, rented or borrowed by you, or your employees, while in the course of business. Bear in mind this is liability coverage, and distinct from coverage for damage to the rented or leased vehicle itself. (That is called hired and non-owned physical damage).

This coverage is generally included on a business auto policy when there are company-owned vehicles, but it can be added to most 'package' policies when no business auto policy exists. It is not needed for sole proprietor business owners with no employees, because the business owner is the vehicle owner, and there are no non-owned vehicles.

This coverage is commercial insurance and not available on a personal auto policy. The cost runs from $50 to $125 annually, depending on limits, number of employees, and whether it's part of a business auto policy or a package.

For more on arranging your insurance so that the little things aren't lost in the details, contact your independent agent!

This is a guest post from Renaissance Alliance member Ross Insurance Agency based on a post that was previously featured on the Ross blog.

Car accidents are a dangerous and unpleasant fact of modern life. Even the best driver will probably be involved in a car accident at least once during their driving years; statistically, one out of sixteen Americans will be in an accident each year, with the odds somewhat higher for young drivers. Even when accidents don't involve injuries, you don't want your insurance rates to go any higher. The last thing that anyone wants is to be involved in a car accident, or so you would think.

Unfortunately, that just doesn't hold true for criminals. The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud warns about staged car accidents - a common form of car insurance fraud. These faked accidents have been taken to a new level in Florida, where faked accidents often come complete with fake medical claims filed at fake clinics. Florida, a no fault state, seems to be particularly plagued with this kind of scam activity. As a result Florida drivers pay up to 65% more than drivers in other states for their car insurance.

We aren't immune to staged accidents happening here in New England, either - last spring, the Attorney General's office busted a Massachusetts auto fraud ring. A lawyer, a chiropractor and another person were convicted of working in cahoots to commit insurance fraud and larceny after staging several accidents. .

Avoiding Staged Auto Accidents

• Know what to look for. The Coalition link above has an article that describes the four most common types of scams - get familiar with them
• Keep alert. Most scams rely on you being distracted either right before the accident or at the point of the accident.
• Call police if you are in an accident. It can be tempting to ignore minor fender benders, but better safe than sorry.
• Don't trust your memory. With mobile phones, it makes it easy to document the scene of an accident. In addition to exchanging information, take photos of the accident scene, any vehicle damage, and the passengers in the other car.
• Report suspicious events. If you suspect fraud, call your state insurance fraud bureau (here's a link to the Massachusetts Insurance Fraud Bureau) or report it to the National Insurance Crime Bureau if you suspect a scam. The toll-free number is 1-800-835-6422 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).

This is a guest post from Renaissance Alliance member agency Encharter Insurance.

Memorial Day is around the corner and pretty soon the kids will be out of school. Where will your summer vacation plans take you and your family this year? If a rental car is part of your plan, let us help answer a common question people ask their insurance agents: Does my car insurance cover my rental car?

When renting a car, you are given the option of purchasing insurance from the rental company, but you may not need it. Your car insurance policy may cover your rental car, so before your trip, it's a good idea to speak with your agent. Ask your agent if your policy covers a rental car, and if it doesn't, inquire about the cost of adding that to your current coverage. Depending on the price of the insurance from the rental company and how often you travel, it may be a good addition to your auto insurance policy. If you don't own a car, ask your insurance agent about a non-owner auto insurance policy that provides benefits in addition to rental car coverage. Lastly, talk with your credit card company and see what coverage it may provide if an accident were to occur while you're driving a rental car.

If you're ever in doubt about the coverage your insurance policy offers you, it's always best to call your agent. Each policy is different, designed specifically for the needs of you and your family.

Cell phones have become ingrained in our culture in an amazingly short time. As a nation, we've become accustomed to being available to make or take calls 24/7, no matter where we are. Although the convenience of a cell phone cannot be understated, it's time to step back a little and be more careful with our phones. 99% of the time, there really isn't any reason to use your phone while you're driving. If the call is that important, pull over, stop and take it then.

Studies show that using a cell phone while driving is just about as dangerous as drinking and driving, as shown graphically in this video from 20/20. Yet states have been slow to ban their use outright, with only nine states currently banning the use of hand held phones while driving and 35 more banning texting while driving. That may be changing, as the National Transportation Safety Board has recently released a FAQ sheet on the dangers of distracted driving (PDF) and is calling for a national ban. The idea of a nationwide ban is gaining traction, due partly to a study recently released by California, where traffic deaths have declined by 22% in the two years since hand held cell phone use while driving was banned.

If the ban is passed in all fifty states, how will it affect car insurance rates? Since policies vary so much from state to state, it's difficult to say. Currently, in New York, being ticketed for cell phone use results in three violation points on your driving record, and a fine up to $100, along with other mandatory fees and surcharges up to $85. The penalties are the same for texting or e-mail use while driving, except the maximum base fine goes up to $150.

Here's a chart of current State Cell Phone Use & Texting While Driving Laws.

Car rental companies have been around about as long as cars have. The model is very simple: the rental company owns a fleet of cars and drivers rent them from the company. When you rent a car, a combination of your own insurance and the insurance carried by the rental company covers you for any accidents that may happen. Incidentally, many experts recommend against buying the supplemental insurance that rental car companies peddle at the counter. (Check out our prior post: Renatl car insurance - do you need it?)

However, while they're still no big threat to traditional car rental companies, there's a whole new car borrowing game in town. The first major player in the new car sharing world was Zipcar, which is now available in most urban US and European centers. Zipcar, like a traditional rental company, owns its own vehicles. The difference between Zipcar and Avis or Hertz is primarily in technology and convenience. With Zipcar, you sign up for the service online and then can pick up a car in your neighborhood more or less whenever you want. Zipcar is convenient but now there's a new paradigm out there that promises to be even more groundbreaking.

Companies like RelayRides, Getaround, JustShareIt and Wheelz don't own their own fleets of cars. Instead, they use yours. In a business model that's like couch surfing for autos, a car owner can opt to rent out their car to previously vetted drivers. At first glance, it seems like genius. Owners are delighted by the idea that instead of their cars sitting idle all day, they're out there working and making money. The renters get all the convenience of owning a car without the hassles and daily costs. And the environment heaves a sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, not all the kinks have been worked out yet - you might risk your auto insurance, or more. There are also many unanswered issues which the article raises, such as: What if a catastrophic accident results in a claim of more than $1 million, are you liable? What if you haven't been taking good care of your car and that contributes to an accident?

Traditional car insurance is not set up for this kind of car sharing and major insurance companies are strongly recommending against participation. Most insurance agencies feel that renting out your car is a violation of the terms of your car insurance policy. The New York Times reports that the Insurance Institute of America, in an emailed statement, said "If the 'renter' were involved in an accident, most likely the insurer would non-renew or maybe even rescind the auto policy," USAA, quoted in the same NYT article, says that "We would inform them (the car owners) that participating in such a program will generally result in non-renewal."

Still, it may be too soon to write off these companies completely. Given the convenience and undeniable appeal of these nontraditional car sharing programs, insurance companies may figure out some way to keep everyone happy.

Presidents' Day weekend is traditionally a big car buying time. Manufacturers and dealers roll out incentives and discounts galore to lure buyers into a purchase. Is it really a good time for consumers to buy? The best time to buy is when you can afford it and when you've done your research. Rather than acting impulsively on any of the deals, you should plan your budget, your purchase goals, and do your research in advance - then, if any deals coincide with your pre-established budget, criteria, and goals - terrific!

Step by Step: Buying a new car - a good guide from Consumer Reports that covers choosing a car, what to expect at the dealership, getting the best price on your new car and your trade in, financing tips, closing the deal, and post-sale tips.

Safercar.gov Vehicle Shoppers - Consumer resources from the U.S. Department of Transportation, including 5 Star Ratings, which measure the crash worthiness and rollover safety of vehicles. Five stars is the highest rating, one is the lowest. The site also offers information on child safety, tire safety, safety technologies, and other topics.

Watch out for scams
One other thing to watch out for: The head of Consumer Affairs in Boston says to be on the alert for questionable fees. "NewsCenter 5's Susan Wornick obtained the results of a new state surveyin which state regulators, posing as consumers, called 180 car dealers across the state and found 130 charged some questionable fees that can drive up the final cost by hundreds or even more than $1,000."

Just another reason not to rush into things!

Other car-buying research tools
Consumer Reports: Step-by-step: Buying a used car

Edmunds True Cost to Own Vehicle Calculator

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Picks for 2012 Autos

Myths and Truths About Timing Your car Purchase

Here in the Northeast, it's been a mild winter so far -- if you exclude the freak Halloween storm that caught us all by surprise. But the roads are slick today so you may need a refresher in winter driving and car care.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation offers a great page of safe winter driving tips - including everything from preparing your vehicle, supplies you should have in the car, safe driving pointers, and advice for what to do if you are stranded while driving. One of the things that always seems difficult is sharing the road with plows and snow clearing equipment - to pass or not to pass? So the common sense tips for driving near plows offers some good guidance. The graphic that accompanies the tips is excellent so we are reprinting it below.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced its Top Vehicle Safety Picks for 2012. There are 18 new picks for a total of 115 winners in the following categories: 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings, which cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes, help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection.

Here's a handy list of the 2012 Top Safety Picks with links to the ratings.

If you will be shopping for a new vehicle, you may also want to consult this list: Insurance Losses by Make & Model. And you will also want to talk to your local insurance agent.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has weighed in on the safety risks of driving hybrid and electric vehicles. Their conclusion was that hybrid and electric vehicles are more hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists. Electric engines are near silent compared to combustion engines and don't give the same audible warning as previous cars, especially when traveling at low speeds. Children and the visually impaired are often cited as being the most at risk, and the low noise engines are reported to be putting many pedestrians at higher risk of an automobile collision.

Although new technologies can usher in new risks, moving vehicles have always posed dangers to pedestrians. In 1899, Henry Bliss was run over by an electric cab, giving him the dubious distinction of being the first US auto fatality. But in the same era, horse drawn carriages were taking quite a toll: In New York in1900, 200 pedestrians were killed by horse drawn carriages.

Car manufacturers are reacting to the new threat by adding artificial sounds to hybrid vehicles to warn pedestrians. The Nissan Leaf EV now makes "wooshing" sounds despite its near silent engine, and Ford held a Facebook poll for users to vote on which artificial engine noise their new car should make, having posted a series of potential noises on YouTube. The noises ranged from more traditional engine sounds to futuristic spaceship noises. These fake engine noises are still being rolled out so they may not stick around since reactions appear to be mixed.

While the ostensible danger of silent vehicles is to pedestrians, drivers can also be at risk of not hearing a hybrid, increasing the potential for collisions. Plus, responsible drivers need to be hyper vigilant about the safety implications for pedestrians. Striking a pedestrian is a highly traumatic event that can result in injury or death. Depending on fault, it can also result in criminal charges or lawsuits. The liability portion of your auto insurance offers some financial protection should you strike a pedestrian. According to the Insurance Information Institute, liability insurance is compulsory in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Only New Hampshire does not have a compulsory auto insurance liability law. The chart on this page offers a breakdown of minimal liability limits for auto insurance by state.

If you live in New England and have questions about your auto insurance coverage, why not connect with a Renaissance Alliance insurance agent near you?

The Edmunds True Cost to Own Calculator is a handy tool that will help inform you of the true cost of your next vehicle purchase. The purchase price is not the only indicator of which car is the better deal as sometimes the cheaper car will hit you with other costs down the line. The True Cost to Own Calculator helps reveal those hidden costs.

Here's how it works. Based on your area and the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, it then factors in estimates about depreciation, taxes, fees, financing, fuel, maintenance, repairs, and the purpose of this blog, insurance. All estimates are based on a 5 year period with 15,000 miles driven per year. Although these are just estimates it's educational and often surprising to compare the charts of different makes and models to see what the estimated "True Cost to Own" is.

It's also good for comparing whether or not that hybrid car you've been eying is finally worth it, since in theory the higher purchase price will save you gas in the long run. You might be surprised. The True Cost Calculator helps determine this and reveal other hidden costs.

Insurance is already figured into the tool, but here is a list of the Most and Least Expensive Cars to Insure for 2011. Another factor you might want to consider is susceptibility to theft. Here is a list of the Top 10 Most Stolen in 2010.

Before you purchase your next vehicle be sure to check this tool out - it pays to do a little advance research!

The east coast is still recovering from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and other heavy rain events. The succession of storms and hurricanes this season have resulted in fleets of vehicles being inoperative from flood damage. Unscrupulous car dealers are notorious for turning around these flood damaged vehicles and selling them to unsuspecting buyers. As a result the National Insurance Crime Bureau has released this list of Flood Vehicle Fraud Prevention Tips.

Here is what they recommend:

• Select a reputable car dealer.
• Inspect the vehicle for water stains, mildew, sand or silt under the carpets, floor mats, headliner cloth and behind the dashboard.
• Check for recently shampooed carpet.
  Inspect the interior upholstery and door panels for fading.
• Check for rust on screws in the console or areas where water normally doesn't reach.
• Check for mud or grit in the spare tire compartment, alternator crevices, behind wiring harnesses, around the small recesses of starter motors, power steering pumps and relays.
• Check inside the seatbelt retractors by pulling the seatbelt all the way out and inspect for moisture, mildew or grime.
• Check door speakers as they will often be damaged due to flooding.
• Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to purchasing it.
• Ask about the vehicle's history. Ask whether it was in any accidents or floods.
• Inspect the title and ownership papers for any potential or questionable salvage fraud.
• Conduct a title search of the vehicle.
• Look under the hood for signs of oxidation. Pull back rubber boots around electrical and mechanical connections for these indicators: Ferrous materials will show signs of rust, Copper will show a green patina.
• Aluminum and alloys will have a white powder and pitting.
• Trust your instincts: If you don't like the answers or the deal sounds too good to be true, walk away!

Even if you aren't shopping for a vehicle you should be concerned about the aggressive flooding this year. According to The Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory the Atlantic Hurricane Season lasts until November 30th, meaning there is still a chance of even more flooding that could affect your car your home.

Take steps to protect your property. Your car insurance may cover more than you think but homeowners beware: flood damage is not covered by most homeowners policies, you would require special flood coverage. Contact your insurance agent to ensure that your vehicle and your home are protected against any future flood damage before it's too late.

• Drive at a moderate speed
• Drive smoothly
• Reduce unnecessary drag
• Don't use premium fuel if you don't have to
• Minimize driving with a cold engine
• Keep tires properly inflated
• Buy tires with lower rolling resistance
• Avoid idling for long periods

Two common insurance questions we hear: "What's an umbrella policy?" and "Do I need one?"

An umbrella policy is an added layer of liability insurance protection that goes above and beyond your policy's stated coverage limits. This coverage is designed to kick in once any other coverage has been exhausted. Umbrella policies can extend your liability coverage for personal policies, such as your homeowners and auto, and they can also add a layer of liability protection for commercial and business policies. In the commercial arena, umbrella policies may also be referred to as "umbrella liability" or "excess liability" policies.

Your standard insurance policies should provide adequate liability coverage for most situations that would arise, but in today's lawsuit-happy age, an umbrella policy can provide an added layer of protection. Should a problem arise, this secondary coverage would pick up where your primary coverage stops.

The Insurance Information Institute talks more about personal umbrella coverage: Should I purchase an umbrella liability policy?

Financial Web offers more on business liability umbrella insurance: Commercial Umbrella Insurance: is it indispensable for your business?

Just a reminder that this is only a brief informational overview. As with any insurance issue, coverage specifics will vary by policy and by insurer. If you think that you or your business might benefit by umbrella coverage, pick up the phone and have a talk with your independent agent. Be it personal or commercial matters, your agent can help you to plan the best combination of coverages to meet your specific and unique needs, and can also shop around to find the best available coverage at the best price.

Enjoy your New Year's Eve celebrations, but you may want to keep your wits about you on New Year's Day. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), in 2009 New Year's Day was the highest day for auto theft. In 2009, the following holidays were ranked by the volume of thefts:

• New Year's Day 2,760
• Halloween 2,325
• Independence Day 2,207
• Memorial Day 2,207
• President's Day 2,204
• Labor Day 2,202
• New Year's Eve 2,189
• Valentine's Day 2,090
• Christmas Eve 1,851
• Thanksgiving 1,620
• Christmas Day 1,336

Curious about which car models thieves favored in 2009? Check out the NICB's report on Hot Wheels report. Select your location from a drop-down list to learn the 10 most frequently stolen cars in your state. You can also view the nation's top 10 car theft hot spots.

To minimize the potential for car theft and to increase the likelihood of vehicle recovery if theft does occur, NCIB recommends a layered protection approach. This layered approach combines common sense, a warning device, an immobilizing device, and a tracking device.

Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) assessed 72 kids' booster seats to check for the ones that offer a good fit, one of the most important safety criteria. They designated 21 booster models as "Best Bets" and 7 as "Good Bets." That's a marked improvement over last year's list, when only 9 models earned the highest grades. They have also rated 8 models as "not recommended." See the full list: 2010 IIHS Booster Evaluation Ratings.

These ratings are important because they offer guidance on fit. While there are other tests and ratings for boosters - such as crash performance tests and ease of use - there are none that address fit. IIHS says, "Belts do the main job of keeping kids in boosters safe in crashes, but belts along with vehicle seats are designed for adults, not children, so it's important for boosters to lift kids into position for lap/shoulder belts to provide proper restraint. Children 4-8 who ride in boosters are 45 percent less likely to sustain injuries in crashes than children restrained by belts alone."

Photos used with permission of IIHS.

If you're planning to buy a new car for your college-bound student, your first thought might be to shuffle the vehicle deck to give them grandma's car or your car, and then purchase a replacement. But experts say you might want to think twice about a strategy like that. Newer cars have all the latest safety features, a very important consideration four younger, less experienced drivers.

Before making any decisions, you might want to check with recent recommendations from Consumer Reports. On their Car Blog, they feature a video and a post talking about considerations when buying cars for teens and seniors. They offer their recent picks for the best car options in various classes for each population. Also see their picks for Small drivers and Tall drivers).

In their post, they make some other important points about teen drivers:

Many states have graduated licensing programs that progress teens through a series of steps to achieve the full freedom of driving, by restricting driving hours, passengers, and cell-phone usage. Even if your state doesn't have such a program in place, you can implement one at home. Studies have shown that there are biological risk factors that diminish as your teen becomes a young adult, signaling immaturity as a significant concern. Limiting risks when the teen is 16 and even 17 years old can increase the chances of responsible, accident-free driving.

What season is most dangerous to drive, winter or summer? If you said winter, you join about 83% of surveyed Americans. But the reality is that the three months of summer have the highest auto accident rates, accounting for about one in three fatalities. And as we've discussed before, Saturdays in August are some of the most dangerous days to drive.

When it comes to summer driving safety, there are definitely some spots that are hotter than others. The Daily Beast crunched the numbers on data 5 years of data from the National Highway Safety Administration to come up with a list of 100 U.S. interstates most likely to generate a fatal crash.

For another take on unsafe roads, you might turn to SafeRoadMaps, which offers a variety of interactive maps to tracks fatality data . See their report on states with the most rural summer hotspots (PDF).

Jon Burner of Forbes recently wrote an interesting article about America's fastest roads - highways where speeds often exceed 90 mph. While many of these roads tend to be long, straight highways in desolate areas, but the article cites some notorious urban areas too:

"The fastest road near an urban area is California Route 73, a six-lane freeway in Orange County that connects Santa Ana and San Juan Capistrano through the San Joaquin Hills. While the speed limit on that stretch is 65 miles per hour, the fastest 5% of drivers average speeds around 82 miles per hour over 17 miles of roadway.

Inrix's statistics also show that New Yorkers really do drive fast. The Westchester County suburbs of New York City are home to the fastest road in the eastern U.S. — and one of only two East Coast roads that made the list. Drivers on the winding, heavily traveled Saw Mill River Parkway frequently reach speeds of 78 to 85 miles per hour between the towns of Elmsford and Hawthorne, despite the 50-mile-per-hour speed limit.

Connecticut has the fastest stretch of Interstate highway in the country, according to Inrix. Over a one-mile distance on Interstate 84 northeast of Hartford, the fastest 5 percent of drivers routinely flaunt the 65-mile-per-hour speed limit by driving 85 miles per hour."

For more on deadly roads, see our prior post about the deadliest US roads - which includes a bonus breath-taking video on Bolivia's death road, called the most dangerous road on earth.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has just announced that driver's license road tests can now be scheduled online. This should prove a welcome service to the 2,500 hundred people who take road tests in an average week - no more waiting on hold on the phone. It's good timing because the folks at the RMV say that there is higher demand for road tests over the summer.

If you haven't visited the MA RMV site lately, you might be surprised at all the things you can now do online. The site has experienced a 39% growth in traffic over the last year, making it the "busiest branch" office, which helps to relieve enormous pressure from the 30 branch locations. The MA RMV serves more than 4.6 million drivers a year.

Here are just some of the services that you can now do online:

• Apply for a learner's permit or for a first-time license
• Convert an out of state license
• Renew a license, MA ID and registration
• Sign up for a license renewal reminder
• Enroll as an organ and tissue donor
• Order a driving record, police crash report
• Register for Fast Lane transponder
• Pay tickets and citations
• Access forms and publications
• view license, registration, and title status

MA RMV adds more service representatives
The announcement about new online service follows a recent RMV announcement that it would be expanding customer service by adding 42 customer service representatives in front-line service positions and training 37 college interns to handle license and registration renewals in branches. As part of its ongoing partnership with AAA, it will also permanently open three new branches in AAA Southern New England offices - Worcester, Plymouth and Framingham. This will bring back Saturday service hours by July 1.

Follow news and updates from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation at Mass DOT on Twitter or on the MA DOT Transportation Blog.

In this day of road rage and road rudeness, it seems a little crazy to take issues with drivers who are polite -- but in an article by Joseph Younger entitled When Courtesy Turns Dangerous, CarandTravel reminds us that there are times when politeness can inadvertently get you into trouble. This is generally at intersections or right of way situations. "Drivers who cede their legal right of way out of courtesy, thinking that they’re doing you a favor, might actually put you at risk." They offer a handy list of "Dos and Don'ts" - if you are in the "courteous driver camp" it might make you think twice about the error of your ways; and if you are a recipient of such courtesy, it explains why a traffic favor may not be such a favor after all.

Rules of the Road Refresher
Safety Blog at Consumer Reports comments on this article, and says that the right thing to do in a "right of way" standoff is to follow the rules of the road. They post a handy list of "right of way" rules from New York.

Massachusetts right of way rules can be found in the driver's manual beginning on page 17. We've excerpted the main rules, but the manual offers a handy refresher for these and other traffic laws.

Intersections not controlled by signals
You must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that has entered the intersection from your right or is approaching from your right.
Look for any traffic approaching from the left. Even though you may have the legal right-of-way, make sure that the other driver is yielding to you before you proceed.

Four-way stops
At an intersection controlled by stop signs in all directions, you must yield the right-of-way to...

• Another vehicle that has already come to a full stop at the intersection
• A vehicle on your immediate right that has stopped at the intersection at the same time as you

Confusion can develop at four-way stop intersections. You should try to make eye contact with the drivers of other vehicles at the intersection to better judge their intentions and avoid accidents.

Turning Left
When making any left turn, you must first yield the right-of-way to any:

• Oncoming vehicle
• Vehicle already in the intersection
• Pedestrians or bicyclists crossing your intended path of travel

Through-ways
If you approach a designated through-way, you must yield the right-of-way to traffic on the through-way before you turn.

Intersection of Single or Two-Lane Road and Multiple-Lane Road
If you are traveling on a single or two lane road and come to an intersection with a larger road, you must yield the right of way to vehicles driving on a divided highway or a roadway with three or more lanes.

Rotaries
Traffic moves in a counterclockwise direction around a rotary. You must always yield the right of way to vehicles already in the rotary (unless directed differently by local signs or police officers) and to pedestrians. You should use your turn signals in the same way as any other intersection: travel through the rotary and, when you are ready to exit, use your right turn signal.

Other situations that require you to yield the right-of-way

• Pedestrians who are walking in or crossing a roadway
• Any animal that someone is leading, riding, or driving
• Funeral processions (in MA, it is against the law to disrupt or cut through a funeral procession)

On average, about 98.7 million fans tune into watch the game on Super Bowl Sunday. If you're going to be hosting or attending a Super Bowl party this weekend when the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts, you should plan in advance for your safety and that of your guests.

The Insurance Information Institute (III) suggests that designating a driver should be at the top of everyone’s super bowl party list. They note that:

"According to the most recent figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, alcohol-impaired-driving crashes accounted for 32 percent of total motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday (February 3 to 5:59 a.m. February 4), 49 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher. Overall, more than 13,000 Americans died that year in crashes involving an impaired driver."

Whether you plan to be a party host or a party attendee, III offers a list of tips and suggestions to help you stay safe. Plus, party hosts have a particular imperative to protect guests. It's the right thing to do - plus, it may protect you from liability.

Here are some additional tips from the Natioanl Highway Transportation and Safety Administration's Fans don't let fans drive drunk program.

Tips for party hosts
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired driving crash. To protect both yourself and your guests:

• Make sure all guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Serve lots of food—and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come get you; or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Research and use a local Sober Rides program.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
• Always buckle up—it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers.

Additional resources
Drunk Driving Laws by State

In these tough times, everyone is looking to save money where they can - yet many insurance buyers are leaving money on the table in the form of discounts that they could be realizing, but perhaps just don't know about. Renaissance Alliance member Wayne Wiersma of Wiersma Insurance brought to our attention a recent national survey conducted for Trusted Choice and the Big "I."

The survey revealed that more than 34% of the respondents said they were not taking advantage of homeowners discounts or didn't know that that such discounts were available and 20% either didn’t know about or said they were not maximizing all the car insurance discounts available to them. That translates to about 53 million U.S. households. Are you one of those households?

Have you checked with your agent about what discounts might be available to you? You can often earn discounts by consolidating policies with one insurer. There are many other potential discounts available - although discounts may vary by insurer or by state. The IIABA offers a Tip Sheet on various insurance discounts that may be available. (Note that this link is to a Microsoft Word Document download.)

Don't spend more money than you have to in 2010 - call your agent to talk about potential discounts!

To buy or not to buy? That is the typical consumer conundrum when renting a car and faced with the issue of insurance. This short podcast from the Insurance Information Institute (III) helps you to understand the choices. Also, see the III article to help you determine if you need separate rental car insurance. III suggests that, before you do anything, check to see what your current auto insurance policy covers - your agent can help you with that, or you can call the insurer directly. Also, check with your credit card company because there may be some insurance benefits associated with your card.

Halloween is one of the nation's most popular holidays. We love the annual ritual of scaring ourselves and our favorite kids silly, all in the spirit of good-natured fun. But as much fun as it can be, when you tally up the associated risks to kids, pets and property, the holiday can truly earn its nickname, "fright night."

Potential problems
Unfortunately, kids experience a lot of injuries at Halloween. While the media can play up the dangers of poisoned candy and predators, the most common injuries to kids at Halloween are more pedestrian: eye injuries, burns, and being hit by cars. Other Halloween dangers include an increase in fatalities related to driving while under the influence; a high rate of fires, vandalism, and property crimes; and a spike in incidents of animal cruelty. For the property owner, there's a veritable witches' brew of liability issues. Any injuries that occur on your property can be considered your liability - whether it's a little Cinderella who trips on her gown or a vandal who breaks his leg while egging your house. If partygoers drink too much alcohol while at your house, you may be held liable for any injuries that occur when they drive home. And if your teen's Halloween "pranks" result in any property damage, you might have parental liability for the cost of that damage, depending on your state law. Other risks you may encounter include vandalism to your home or your auto and home fires triggered by candles and decorations or overloaded electrical outlets.

Most people enjoy a fun, safe Halloween and odds are in your favor that you will too. But there are simple steps you can and should take to minimize your risk and keep things safe. One thing you can do in advance is to check with your insurance agent to be sure your homeowners or rental insurance is up to date and that you have adequate protection. Find out your deductible (how much you have to pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) and the extent of your liability coverage.

Keeping kids safe:

• Equip kids with flashlights. Add day-glo or illuminating trim on their costumes.
• Make sure costumes are fire-safe and flame-resistant.
• Ensure costumes don't impair vision or present a tripping hazard.
• Masks can limit visibility - colorful face paints are a cute, creative, and safer alternative.
• Make sure kids are dressed warmly enough and have comfortable, non-slip footwear.
• Costume accessories and props should be short , pliable, and soft - no hard, long, pointy, or sharp objects
• Inspect all candy before kids eat it. Be alert for choking hazards and watch for anything that is loose or unwrapped.
• Don't let kids walk while eating candy on a stick - very dangerous if they trip.
• Don't let kids eat homemade treats unless they were made by someone you know very well
• Stick to familiar neighborhoods and familiar houses
• Kids shouldn't enter any homes unless they know the neighbors well
• Kids without adults should keep in groups
• Walk on sidewalks. Complete one side of the street, cross carefully, and complete the other side.
• Use cross walks and crossing lights whenever possible.
• Drive with great caution over the weekend, particularly after dark - excited little goblins may dart out from anywhere.

Other safety matters

• When decorating, avoid candles - use LED lights and battery-powered lights instead.
• Take care not to overload electrical circuits with lights.
• Paper and dried plant decorations can easily ignite. Keep them away from flames, lights, and electrical cords.
• Keep porches and walkways well lit and free of debris and clutter that might be tripping hazards; Put reflective tape on your steps and along your walkway.
• Don't forget about your pets - they could be upset by the unusual activity and may be skittish. Keep them inside and away from the door so they don't frighten or nip at your guests.
• Be careful not to let your pets eat candy, which can be toxic to them.
• Park your car in a garage, if possible. Mischief makers may egg your house or car.
• Lock up bicycles, gas grills and other outdoor valuables.

Halloween vandalism can range from "mild" pranks to more serious and willful property damage. A well-lit house and motion-activated lights may help to protect your property. If you have a garage, keep you car locked up. If you don't, you might want to check your car before bed or very early in the morning - that way, if your car has experienced any "mischief" such as a dousing of shaving cream, silly string, eggs, or other food matter, you may be able to hose it away before the sun bakes it in. Some of these substances can cause scratches or dents; others can be corrosive to your paint. Pressurized water from your hose is your best clean-up ally.

Call your agent
If you should suffer any damage to your property or have any accidents during Halloween weekend, file a claim as soon as possible to get the claim process in motion. Be ready with the details of where and when the event occurred, along with the names and addresses of any injured parties or witnesses to the event. If there is damage to your property, report it to the police, take photos, and record the details so you won't forget them later.

Other helpful resources
Safe and scary: Tips for home decorating and costumes
Tricks for making your Halloween party safe
Driver safety tips for Halloween Eve
Halloween Car Cleanup Guide - how to remove eggs, shaving cream, silly string, and more.

It's that time of year again: peak deer-car collision season. More than half of all vehicle-deer crashes annually occur in October through December, with November being the peak month. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 150 fatalities each year are caused by vehicle-deer collisions. Deer are fast, unpredictable and can appear out of the blue. A police camera caught this startling video clip of a near-miss with a deer.

But deer aren't the only four-legged danger - moose and elk are serious road hazards, too. Larger, taller and with more body mass than deer, a bull moose can reach up to 1500 pounds. And because they are tall with long legs, they often come right in through the windshield when hit, a serious danger to car occupants. See this mammmal size comparison illustration to get an idea of how big moose, elk, deer, and other wildlife can be.

IIHS has issued a chart of state fatalities from crashes with animals, tracking the years 1993 to 2007. They note that many of these deaths were preventable:

"Most of the crash deaths occurred after a motor vehicle had struck an animal and then run off the road or a motorcyclist had fallen off a bike. Many of these deaths wouldn't have occurred with appropriate protection. The study found that 60 percent of the people killed riding in vehicles weren't using safety belts, and 65 percent of those killed riding on motorcycles weren't wearing helmets."

Driving tips to avoid colliding with deer and moose

• Wear your seat belt
• Be particularly cautions at dawn, dusk. Most collisions occur between 5 and 10 pm.
• If you see one deer, there may be others - deer travel in herds
• Heed posted signs warning about wildlife - they are there for a reason
• Avoid speeding. Slow down around curves
• Scan the sides of the road - watch for movement.
• Be particularly alert on roads with woods, farmland, and water
• Be cautious and slow down at night. You may see deer eyes reflected in your lights, but moose eyes don't reflect light.
• Watch other traffic - if you see cars stopped or slowing, it may indicate an animal
• Flash headlights to warn other drivers
• Don't try to outrace or beat a crossing animal
• Use high beams when you can
• If you see an animal, honk your horn. Your lights may freeze or confuse an animal.
• Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable - a cyclist may even be charged by a large animal

What to do if you hit a deer or a moose
Stop your car, put on hazard lights. You want to be visible so that no other car will hit you, your car, or the animal. Avoid approaching an injured animal, which can be very dangerous. In some states, if there are no injuries and your car is drivable, you would not be required to report the collision to the police. If you are unsure of the state law, call police. They will alert game wardens or the appropriate authorities to handle the animal. Some states will let you keep an animal for the meat, but you may need a permit. Report the accident to your insurance agent as soon as possible.

Drivers should be aware that not all auto insurance will cover deer or moose collisions. Comprehensive insurance is required to pay for damage incurred from an animal collision. Some people only have collision coverage and don't carry comprehensive.

Pop quiz: what car do you think was the most stolen car in 2008? The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) just released its list of the top 10 stolen vehicles for 2008. You can also find out the top 10 most stolen vehicles by state. If you think having an older car is any protection, think again - older models are popular for their parts. Plus, newer models are getting harder to steal since they are more likely to be equipped with anti-theft devices.

The good news is that auto theft continues on its 5-year downward trend, with 2008 being the lowest annual total in over 20 years.

To avoid theft, NICB recommends four layers of protection:

Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys.

Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device.

Immobilizing Device: "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.

Tracking Device: A tracking device that emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen is very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.

View or download a brochure with more tips on how to reduce your chances of auto theft.

The economy is taking its toll in many ways - one of them being that states are looking to tighten budgets and streamline state services. The budget is taking a toll on Mass Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) services that many drivers have come to rely on. For example, the RMV no longer mails license renewal notices - it will be up to drivers to keep track of license expiration dates and to renew at least seven days prior to expiration. Your license renews on your birthday.

In addition, the RMV recently announced the closure of 11 MA RMV offices and a shift to 5 additional "mitigation" centers. The branches that closed or are closing include: Lowell, North Attleboro, Cambridgeside Galleria, New Bedford, Springfield (Eastfield Mall), Southbridge, Framingham, Falmouth, Eastham, Beverly, and Boston (Chinatown).

New new full and express mitigation offices will be located at: MTA Charlton Turnpike Center (full), MTA Natick Service Plaza (express), MHD Canal Visitor Center (express), MHD Peabody (express), and a location in Boston to be announced.

See a map of the new MA RMV

RMV reminds drivers that 18 transactions are now available online in the Express Lane. The RMV plans to partner with libraries to offer ways to help those people who aren't yet taking advantage of online services help in earning how to navigate online. Online services include:

• Change Your Address
• Free FAST LANE sign up
• License Inquiry
• Permit Inquiry
• Mass/Liquor ID Inquiry
• Order Special Plates
• Organ and Tissue Donor
• Pay Citations (Tickets)
• Registration Inquiry
• Renew Your Driver's License
• Renew Your Mass ID
• Renew Your Registration
• Replace Your Driver's License
• Replace Your Mass ID
• Request a Driving Record
• Request a Duplicate Registration
• Title/Lien Inquiry
• Verify Your Driver's Ed Certificate

Plymouth Rock Assurance has a consumer information blog that offers tips on safe driving, saving money, and understanding auto insurance. Recently, they featured posts on the value of independent agents when it comes to purchasing auto insurance. We couldn't have said it better ourselves! The following are links to their posts, along with a excerpts highlighting a few points that we think are important.

The Value of the Independent Auto Insurance Agents - Part 1
(excerpt)

Independent agents are local businesses located in the community where insurance shoppers live and work. Independent insurance agents offer the convenience of one-stop shopping for a full range of insurance products - auto, home, boat, business, life and disability - since they typically represent multiple insurance companies and products.

Independent insurance agents also bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and helpful resources to selecting the correct level of insurance for each customer's individual needs. They are licensed under rules set by the state(s) in which they do business, and are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their knowledge of industry trends and regulations.

The Value of the Independent Auto Insurance Agents - Part 2
(Excerpt)

An independent insurance agent has a broader perspective on the insurance marketplace in a local area. He or she can provide helpful insights about a policy, from discounts that apply to a given situation, to unique service programs that can save time or money, to extra savings by bundling more than one type of insurance (auto and home, for example) with a single company. Independent insurance agents not only help with shopping but also provide valuable advice to help make a more informed decision.

Additionally, most independent insurance agents provide services that online companies don't, such as complimentary paperwork and fee processing with your state Department of Motor Vehicles. They also provide an annual coverage review and personal assistance in the event of an accident or claim. An independent insurance agent can advocate for the consumer in ways that an insurance company cannot, such as facilitating settlement of a claim or acting on the consumer's behalf to resolve a problem with a insurer.

June 7-13 is Tire Safety Month, an event organized by the Rubber Manufacturers Association to promote safety and to raise awareness about proper maintenance and care. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 600 deaths and 33,000 injuries per year are due to under inflated tires. And in addition to being a safety hazard, tires that are improperly inflated also lower a car's fuel efficiency. Consumer Reports offers tips on tire maintenance.

Conventional wisdom has been to use a penny to measure tire tread for safety, but Consumer Reports notes that based on driving performance in a battery of tests, using a quarter would be a safer gauge:

"It has long been the standard that tires are worn out when their tread depth reaches 1/16 inch (or 2/32 inch as found on standardized tread-depth gauges). The easiest way to measure this, if you didn't have a gauge, was to hold a penny upside down in the tread. If the top of Lincoln's head was visible, you needed new tires. See test results of foul weather comprises with worn-out tires.

But CR's tests show that using a penny is too stingy and that most consumers should consider replacing their tires when the tread reaches 1/8 inch."

Experts at the Tire Rack, an independent tire tester, suggest that measuring tire tread via the quarter method can improve braking distances up to 24 percent. See a quick tutorial for using coins to measure tire depth.

In addition to maintaining good tire pressure and tread, the age of your tires can be a safety factor - rubber breaks down over time. Many safety experts suggest replacing tires that are more than 5 years old to avoid the potential for a blowout or tread separation.

One side effect of the worsening economy? Experts predict that there will be more and more uninsured motorists on the road. A recent study (PDF) from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) says that within the next year, we can expect that approximately one in six drivers across the country may be driving uninsured. The report found a strong correlation between the percent of uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate: "An increase in the unemployment rate of one percentage point is associated with an increase in the uninsured motorist rate of more than three-quarters of a percentage point. Based on current unemployment rate projections, the percentage of uninsured motorists is expected to rise from 13.8 in 2007 to 16.1 in 2010."

Depending on which state you live in, the problem may be more or less severe. The five states with the highest uninsured driver rates in 2007 were:

• 29% - Mexico
• 28% - Mississippi
• 26% - Alabama
• 24% - Oklahoma
• 23% - Florida

The five states with the lowest uninsured driver rates in 2007 were:

• 1% - Massachusetts
• 4% - Maine
• 5% - North Dakota
• 5% - New York
• 6% - Vermont

Page 3 of this report from the IRC includes a chart depicting the percentage of uninsured drivers in your state. (PDF)

Paying the price
Driving uninsured can be costly. It's against the law to drive without liability insurance in all states but Wisconsin and New Hampshire, which both require drivers to have what is in effect self-insurance, or proof they can pay a minimum level of damages. Penalties for driving uninsured may include fines, license or registration suspension, impounded vehicles, and the potential for imprisonment. For example, here in Massachusetts, penalties for driving without insurance can include a fine of between $500.00 $5000, up to 1 year in jail, or both. Your license can also be suspended. FindLaw offers links to state laws for driving without insurance or with insufficient insurance.

Check your own coverage
In good economies and bad, the cost of an accident with an uninsured driver can be steep. IRC estimates the average payment on claims in crashes with an uninsured driver is about $11,000. Your chances for recovery will depend on your own coverage and/or the financial assets of the uninsured - which may be poor, given that is the most likely reason for not having insurance in the first place. It's a good idea to evaluate your coverage level with your independent agent to ensure that you have adequate coverage. If you don't already have it, you may want inquire about uninsured and under insured motorist coverage. These types of coverage would pay for injures or damages if you are in an accident with an uninsured or under insured motorist or if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

A new Not-in-Traffic Surveillance study sheds light on the numbers and types of injuries that occur as a result of non-crash related accidents, statistics that hadn't previously been tracked. Annually, auto-related non-traffic accidents are estimated to cause 1,747 deaths and and 841,000 injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which conducted the study.

Here are some of the study findings, as reported by the Consumer Reports Car Blog:

• More than half of the non-crash fatalities in the study occurred when a vehicle fell on a person who was under it or from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning
• About 20 percent of the non-crash injuries involved slamming fingers or other extremities in a car door or trunk, or resulted from overexertion when loading or unloading a vehicle or pushing a disabled vehicle
• Across all types of tragedies, about one-third of those injured and about half of those killed were not inside the vehicle at the time
• Other common hazards included vehicle fires, anti-freeze and battery-acid burns, and falling from a vehicle
• A significant 221 deaths, and 14,000 injuries resulted from pedestrians being backed over by a vehicle

Backovers killed nearly 100 children and injured 2000 in 2007
About twice a week, kids are killed by being run over by a vehicle that is being backed up. Tragically enough, this often occurs in the home driveway with a parent or a relative at the wheel of the car. In 2007, nearly 100 children were killed and 2,000 injured when they were backed over by cars. In fact, one of the primary reasons for the new mandate to track non-traffic related injuries and deaths stems from a 2008 law requiring the tracking of data for incidents in which children are backed over, strangled by power windows or killed from being left in hot vehicles

A child safety advocacy organization called Kids and Cars says such accidents are predictable and preventable. The following video highlights the issue and shows Consumer Report studies on blind zones, which vary by vehicle, ranging from about 12 feet for a sedan to as much as 30 feet for a pickup-truck.

For additional information on back-up blind zones, see The danger of blind zones by Consumer Reports.

A word to the wise: keep to the speed limit. While that's always good advice from both a safety and an economic perspective, it may be even more significant in the light of a recent study:

"A new study to be published in next month's Journal of Law and Economics finds statistical evidence that local governments use traffic citations to make up for revenue shortfalls. So as the economy tanks, motorists may be more likely to see red and blue in the rearview."

The study, which controlled for demographic and economic differences in the sample, included an analysis of data from 96 North Carolina counties over a 14 year period. The study authors stated, "Specifically, a one percentage point decrease in last year's local government revenue results in roughly a 0.32 percentage point increase in the number of traffic tickets in the following year."

Other news reports seem to indicate that the volume of traffic tickets has risen in some states. For example, Connecticut police issued 78,000 speeding tickets in 2008. This 16% increase over the prior year added $327,000 in revenue to the state. And as a way to offset budget shortfalls, some other states are looking to increase fines for traffic violations. Florida basic traffic fines recently went up by $10, with some fines increasing by as much as $35 to $60.

Now many public officials would deny any link between the municipal budget and traffic tickets. Officials in Denver attribute last year's 20% spike in parking ticket revenue not to the economy, but to increased fines, a spate of special events such as the Democratic Convention, and an increase in the number of personnel writing tickets.

It may well be true that any increase in local revenues from traffic-related tickets is coincidental. On the other hand, cash-strapped states and municipalities may see enhanced enforcement as a win-win that increases public safety while helping with a budget crunch. So next time you consider putting more pressure on the gas pedal or pulling into that illegal parking space because "you'll only be a minute," consider the fact that the odds might be working against you. And remember, a moving traffic violation is not just the matter of a one-time fine - in terms of your insurance rates, tickets can be a drain for several years to come since your rates are partially based on your experience.

Related reading
State Traffic Laws from FindLaw
Traffic Tickets, A to Z from FindLaw
How Traffic Tickets Work from How Stuff Works

If you are risk averse, avoid driving on Saturdays in August. According to a recent article in Forbes, those are the most dangerous times to drive. The article is accompanied by a short slide show filled with interesting accident and fatality statistics.

But as Mark Twain was fond of saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." In reader comments about the article, several people point out that it is not the sheer number of fatalities that is significant but the relative risk. If numbers alone were significant, then motorcycles would be the safest means of transportation since the sheer number of fatalities is low in comparison to autos. As the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety notes: "Risk is characterized by the bad outcomes for a given level of exposure." To determine the risk, it would be more significant to determine the fatality rate in relation to the number of cars on the road at a given time or in relation to the number of miles driven.

That being said, the Forbes article sheds light on an important topic and notes one indisputable and sobering fact: auto accidents kill upwards of 40,000 people each year or about 110 per day, far too many by any yardstick one might care to use. And most accidents and related injuries are attributable to human error: distractions, speeding, drunk driving, failure to use a seat belt, driving too fast for the weather conditions, and failure to keep a safe stopping distance from other vehicles.

If you want to delve into the statistics yourself to learn the relative risk for specific factors such as geography, demographics, or day of the week, try Traffic STATS, an interactive website developed for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety by the Carnegie Mellon Research department. If that is more involved than you would like to get, John Tesh has collected some interesting data points on relative driving risks from Traffic Stats analysis:

• A cautious 82-year-old woman is more likely to die in a car crash than a risk-taking 16 year old boy. Why? Because the 82 year old is more fragile
• The second most likely group to die in a car accident, after little old ladies, young male drivers between the ages of 16 and 23. Their fatality rate is 4 times higher than average
• Drivers in New England are the safest. They get in the fewest crashes of any region
• The safest passenger in the car? A baby or toddler secured in a car seat during morning rush hour traffic
• The safest vehicle is a school bus
• The most dangerous vehicle is a motorcycle
• The safest driving day is Wednesday. There are the fewest crashes and fatalities
• Saturdays are the deadliest days on the road
• The safest driving month: February
• The deadliest month: October
• And the drivers with the lowest risk of death are adults between 40 and 50 years old

How much do you know about auto insurance? The Insurance Information Institute checks conducts a pop quiz on passers by. See how well you would do with these questions.

For three decades now, auto insurance rates in MA were set by the Division of Insurance, meaning there wasn't much difference from one insurer to the next. But all that is suddenly changing, add according to the Patriot Ledger, rates could drop by an average of 7.8%. Some consumers will see even greater savings, although some drivers may see a pricing uptick - it will largely depend on risk factors, driving history, and demographics. While we're all happy to save money, it's important to remember that insurance has a purpose of asset protection. It's important not to buy the wrong insurance to save a few dollars now and then be inadequately covered in the event of an accident or a theft. Instead, ask your agent about available auto discounts and the possibility of grouping several policies together. Your agent can help you find the best price/value for you unique situation and needs.