Eleven Money-Saving Auto Insurance Tips For Senior DriversBy Matt McWilliams
Like all drivers, senior citizens (or as I like to call them “seasoned citizens”) want to get the best rates on their auto insurance policies. What they may not be aware of is that older drivers may present a higher risk than other drivers, usually leading to higher auto insurance rates.
Following a few simple tips and taking these measures will ensure that you are getting the lowest rates possible on your auto insurance policy.
1. Avoid more Accidents, Pay Close Attention at Intersections. Auto accidents involving seniors often occur at intersections. Make sure to look ahead if you plan to quickly change lanes after an intersection. Pay attention to protected left turn lanes with their own arrows, and always keep your tires pointed straight ahead when stopped, so that a rear-end accident doesn't push you into oncoming traffic.
2. Follow the flow of traffic, Drive at the at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially when entering or exiting interstates or freeways. It can also trigger dangerous "road rage" in less patient drivers. You don’t have to be Mario Andretti, but keeping to the right and following the flow of traffic is the safest bet.
3. Many violations include failure to yield right-of-way, improper turning or incorrect lane changes, so keep current on the traffic laws relating to new traffic designs.
4. Sit high enough in your seat so that you can see at least 10 feet in front of your car, advises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your car seat does not adjust to allow this, add a cushion. This will make it easier to see pedestrians and bike riders, and reduce problems from oncoming headlight glare at night.
5. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when driving at night. For many older drivers, night vision is reduced, so safety dictates not driving at twilight or after dark.
6. Make sure you learn how to operate a New Car. Things like Anti-lock brakes, for example operate differently in slippery situations. If you have never driven a car with anti-lock brakes, sure to get training on proper use.
7. Senior drivers can refresh their skills and knowledge -- and get a discount on auto insurance in many states -- by taking a refresher driving course, such as the eight-hour "55 Alive" course offered by AARP. More than two-thirds of states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for such courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily.
8. Look for cars with rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare.
9. Air bag technology has become more advanced, with sensors that deploy air bags based on the weight of the occupant, reducing air-bag-related injuries. Some new cars also have side air bags in the seats or door frame that offer better protection.
10. Consider fit and comfort in your new car. Seat belts that comfortably fit over your shoulder and low on your lap will keep you safer. Automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes require less physical effort.
11. Last but definitely not least, Check to see which companies offer specific ‘Senior Discounts’ While shopping around for the best auto insurance rates is important, which insurance company you choose might depend on how they treat senior drivers. You'll get their best rates if you're healthy and drive a safe, modern vehicle.
|
Two New Credit Cards from American Express Put More Cash in Canadians' Wallets
Two New Credit Cards from American Express Put More Cash in Canadians' Wallets
American Airlines Group Reports August Traffic Results
FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) today reported August 2014 and year-to-date traffic results. American Airlines Group's total revenue passenger miles ...
Study Grades Credit Card Auto Rental Insurance Coverages
While all four major card networks provide some form of rental car insurance coverage to their customers, types and levels of coverage vary greatly by card, according to the ?2014 Credit Card Auto Rental Insurance Report? by CardHub, an online credit card search and compare tool.
Renting a car? Know whether your card adds insurance
Renting a car can put your credit card benefits into play, but only if you know what's covered and avoid the exclusions
Car & Truck Rental News
Browse the latest breaking news across the automotive rental industry covering fleet acquisition, remarketing, rental software, GPS & telematics, fleet insurance and financing, rental operations, risk management, technological innovations and shifting market conditions.
TrueCar Now Serving Targeted Manufacturer Incentives To Customers Of Insurance Affinity Partners
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- TrueCar, Inc. (TRUE), the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform, today announced that it has launched major enhancements to the auto buying programs for its insurance affinity partners, specifically the integration of exclusive incentives from automakers uniquely tailored to the needs of total-loss customers. Through the TrueCar ...
Ways to Waste Your Money - Slide Show
These dates are just manufacturers' best guess of when food is at peak quality and are not related to safety, according to Emily M. Broad Leib, director of the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic. To learn more, see Confusing Packages Lead to Wasted Food, Money. Paying Checking Account Fees Yes, it is getting harder to find a free checking account with no strings attached. Community ...
30 ways to waste your money
Almost all of us have holes in our budgets that can quickly add up to big bucks.
Two Tradewinds beach resort executives get prison time for embezzlement
At a bustling hotel like Tradewinds Islands Resorts on St. Pete Beach, you need a lot of computers to keep the business humming.
Sprint Cup qualifying order for Richmond
RELATED: Play NASCAR Fantasy Live " Sign up for RaceView today
|
