How Do Tickets AFFECT Your Insurance Policy Premiums?

Getting a traffic ticket isn’t great under any circumstance, but your insurance company thinks you should be sweating some offenses more than others.

The Insurance Information Institute notes that spending on auto insurance has held remarkably steady in recent years. Though the average annual cost of auto insurance rose from $798 in 2011 to $815 in 2012, according to a December 2014 report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, AAA notes that costs differ based on the driver. The average low-risk driver with a clean driving record for a policy with a $500 deductible for collision and a $100 deductible for comprehensive coverage paid $1,023, down from $1,029 in 2012, according to AAA.

“Auto insurance expenditures have remained relatively stable when compared to other life essentials, such as housing, food and health care,” said Robert Hartwig, economist and president of the institute. “People are spending about the same for auto insurance as they did a few years ago, adjusted for inflation. Meanwhile, other expenses continue to eat up bigger portions of their budget.”

But only if they can keep their driving record fairly clean, or at least avoid the moving violations that insurance companies hate most. Laura Adams, senior analyst for insurance information and pricing site, says that only 19% of Americans who got a traffic ticket in the past five years are paying more for car insurance as a result. That’s down from 31% in 2013, with drivers ages 30 to 49 picking up the most tickets and drivers 18 to 49 the most likely to see their insurance rates increase after getting a ticket.

DWI/DUI
Percentage of average rate increase: 92.49%

While driving under the influence is not a terribly surprising list-topper, it’s incredible how much the insurance penalty can vary by state. For a first offense in North Carolina, a DUI conviction results in an average (average!) rate increase of 337%. That’s closely followed by a 289% uptick in Hawaii and a 184% surge in California. While that rate hike goes down to a surprising 15% increase in Maryland (below the 16.49% average nationwide rate hike for driving without a license), insurers tend to keep a DWI/DUI on a client’s record much longer than any other violation.

“If you get a ticket, it’s not just an increase in one year’s premiums: That violation will stay on your record for up to five years depending on your state law,” Adams says. “DWI and DUI tends to stay on your record for 10 years. That’s in a category all by itself because, when you get that kind of a ticket, the state is pretty proactive in telling the insurance company about it.”

Reckless driving
Percentage of average rate increase: 83.29%

This one doesn’t sound bad enough to be the No. 2 most-costly violation in the country, but just consider what it has to entail.

“With reckless driving, the ticket shows that you had some intent to do something reckless,” Adams says. “You were speeding, you were playing a game of chicken with your friends on the highway.”

If you missed a yield sign and caused an accident, however, it may be in your interest to argue that ticket down to careless driving if possible. While it sounds similar to reckless driving, it lacks the intent and, in insurers’ eyes, merits an average 27% premium increase. Considering that reckless driving can double your insurance rates in Massachusetts, Michigan and Illinois, nearly triple them in California and quadruple them in Hawaii, obliviousness is preferable.

Speeding 31+ miles over the limit
Percentage of average rate increase: 29.26%
Thirty-one is the dividing line between “where’s the fire?” and lapping the firetruck.

On most highways, that’s putting you into 95- to 100-mph territory. In cities, it’s roughly or more than doubling the speed limit. Taking it down a notch doesn’t help either, as speeding 16 to 30 mph over the speed limit boost rates by about 28%.

“A lot of people don’t realize that speeding is as harmful to your driving record and insurance as it is,” Adams says. “It’s pretty serious. If you’re speeding one to 15 miles over the speed limit, it’s still raising your rates by an average of 21%.”

As for the more minor violations, some are more obvious than others. Failure to wear a seat belt, the least menacing ticketable offense in an officer’s arsenal, only raises rates 5.6% on average. Driving without a license, somewhat surprisingly, not only merits only a 16.47% increase, but is deemed a lesser offense than driving solo in the carpool lane (17.91%) and failure to signal (18.55%).

by Jason Notte, Main Street….

FEULING INSURANCE GROUP excels in client service, keeping in touch with our clients throughout the year, shopping the market for the most competitive pricing and best company coverage and being your POINT MAN for all your personal insurance needs (get a claim, call us – got a question, call us – policy change, call us, etc.). No need to ever get put into a phone tree of some massive insurance company. We are insurance brokers who aren’t stuck with 1 company to quote you with. We shop the market to ensure you get the best price and coverage.
To ask questions, get a free insurance consultation and/or receive competitive insurance proposal for your current insurance policies, call us/text us/email us at 
1-858-750-9176 phone/text or Tim@CallTimToday.com 

10 Ways To Lessen The Chance of Getting In A Car Accident!!!

10 Ways to Lessen The Chance of Getting In A Car Accident!!!!

1. Avoid the “fast lane.”By using the center or right lane on multilane roads, you have more “escape routes” should a problem suddenly arise that requires you to quickly change lanes or pull onto the shoulder. Most highway accidents occur in the left lane. Furthermore, you are more conspicuous to highway patrol if you are in the “fast lane.”
2. Keep your eyes scanning the area ahead.Don’t just eyeball the car in front of you but watch the traffic in front of that car as well. This increases your chance of seeing a problem while still having enough time to react to it, and decreases your chance of rear-ending the vehicle in front of you should they make a sudden stop.
3. Beware of blind spots.Yes, adjust your side mirrors and rearview mirror to provide you with one near seamless panoramic scene of the view behind you, but don’t rely solely on them. Actually turn to look directly into the lanes beside you to avoid missing something left undetected by your mirrors. Also consider the blind spots for other drivers around you, especially truckers, and try to minimize the amount of time you spend in them.
4. Drive with your hands in the 9 and 3 o’clock position.Instead of the lazy, typical way people drive with one hand at 12 o’clock or both hands resting at the bottom of the steering wheel, this recommended position facilitates maximum vehicle control when you’re forced into quick maneuvering to avoid a potential car accident.
5. Get racecar driver control of the wheel.Another trick to maintain control of the wheel is to move your seat close enough to the steering wheel so that your wrist can rest on the top of the wheel with your arm outstretched and your back against the seat. This not only ensures your arms won’t easily fatigue but they’ll be in the optimum position for some last-minute evasive maneuvers.
6. Judge a driver by his/her car’s condition.If a car’s condition indicates an inattentive owner because of body damage or dirty windows, it could easily suggest an inattentive driver, too. Also, drifting in the lane often identifies a tired, drunk or cell phone-preoccupied driver — so you should get away from that person.
7. Know your car’s limits.After getting behind the wheel of everything from minivans to exotic sport cars, our editors know the performance limits of the cars they drive. Pay attention to how your particular vehicle reacts in certain situations — if the vehicle leans a lot when you’re rounding corners, this means that wrenching the wheel at high speeds to avoid an accident will be a scary proposition. It’s also key to be familiar with the limits of your car’s brakes and tires. How long does it take to stop when you apply maximum pressure? How much grip do your tires have? If you replaced your car’s stock tires with a cheap set, chances are you’ve reduced its braking and handling capability.
8. Keep your car in good shape. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for long-term cars. This ensures that they’ll accelerate, stop and steer when we need them to. Reconsider the wisdom of “getting another 1,000 miles out of old tires” — if you encounter an unexpectedly slick road, you may find yourself rubbing up against the guard rail.
9. The nighttime is not the right time.Some people like to travel at night to avoid traffic, but with it comes certain hazards. In addition to your own increased fatigue and decreased field of vision, you need to be aware of joyriding teens and drivers who may be tired or drunk. Drive extra defensively around the witching hour, after midnight when some people are leaving bars, parties or sports arenas. And for goodness’ sake, don’t drive down a dark road with burned-out headlights or taillights.
10. Learn how to drive a racecar.It may sound like a frivolous expense, but going to a high-performance driving school is one of the best ways to improve your skill as a driver. Here you’ll learn what it feels like to drive a car “at the limits” and have an opportunity to practice accident avoidance maneuvers and skid recovery in a safe, controlled environment. Understanding how to make your car do what you want it to do in emergency situations could save your life.
None of these are surefire ways to prevent a car accident. You can only control what you do behind the wheel, not what your fellow drivers do. But take responsibility when you drive and focus on the task at hand. It’s not a time to return phone calls or shave or log onto your e-mail. Take it from our editors: Driving isn’t a mindless activity, it’s an exercise in self-restraint, self-defense and self-preservation.

Feuling Insurance Group has been serving families for over 17 years with home/auto/life/professional liability/business insurance. If you have questions or would like to get a quote, please inquire by email at Tim@CallTimToday.com or by phone/text at 1-858-750-9176. We are brokers so we can shop your policy with multiple companies to find you the best coverage for the best price. Our promise to you is exceptional client service and regular reviews of your policy to be sure you are always up to date on your coverage. You’re a PRIORITY at Feuling Insurance Group “Your Insurance Partner for Life!”

Renters Insurance – CRAZY for not carrying this affordable coverage!!!

Pieces of a playground still stand at an apartment complex destroyed by fire Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Middletown, Calif.  (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Middletown California fires this last week have now burned over 400 homes, 2 apartment complexes and 10 businesses.

Those 2 apartment complexes may have housed a few dozen to a hundred families.

Now just imagine the devastation of losing everything you own in a fire like this. The sentimental items that can’t be replaced are painful enough. But what if you were one of these families and didn’t have RENTERS INSURANCE. So many people I run into these days who are renting homes, apartments, town homes, condos, etc. DO NOT carry RENTERS INSURANCE. Everyone in those homes and apartments that DID NOT have RENTERS INSURANCE has $0 to replace everything they own, $0 to pay for hotel for the time it takes to find a new home/apartment to rent, $0 for their precious jewelry, cash that was in home etc.

Renters policies are CHEAP for the peace of mind and the protection you receive when you purchase one.

Most renters policies will range from $100-$300/year depending on how much personal property you want to be insured for and the limits of your personal liability (that protects you if someone sues you from a dog bite, accident at your home, personal activities including sports and your children’s actions etc.).

We are talking $8-$25/month for that peace of mind and protection of all your goods being replaced. And for you being paid the money it costs to stay at a hotel while you find a new place to live. Average price is $16/month!!!

And remember its not just fire, it’s flood, lightning, windstorm, vandalism, smoke and hail.

Get a Quote for RENTERS INSURANCE today:
If you would like to check your current rates on your car while you get a RENTERS INSURANCE quote, you will qualify for a multi-policy discount and be able to get your auto and renters policy for less. Otherwise if you just need a RENTERS INSURANCE policy, contact us today at 1-858-750-9176 or Tim@CallTimToday.com

Detect slow leaks/minor leaks before they DAMAGE YOUR HOME!!!

How to Be a Drip Detective
Don’t be fooled into thinking a minor leak is a minor problem. Even the smallest leaks can turn into costly water bills and result in major damage.

Turn Off the Water and See What Happens
Turn off the main water valve and then check the water meter outside your home. Is it still moving? If so, water is flowing somewhere and it’s time to investigate.

Look at Your Water Bill
A sudden or large fluctuation in your water bill for unknown reasons could be a tip off to one or more water leaks. Even if you don’t see obvious evidence of water damage, a bigger water bill probably means water is leaking somewhere.

Use Water Detection Devices
Water detection gadgets and devices can detect water leaks or failures of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and sump pumps.

Most water sensors are inexpensive and battery-powered with an alarm that sounds when water is detected. They’re easy to install yourself.
More sophisticated devices can automatically shut off water to an appliance or even to your entire house. Plumbers and electricians are usually needed to install this type of sensor.
Check Appliances for Leaks
Appliances are where most water leaks begin. You could prevent thousands of dollars in damage by doing a simple inspection once a year. It only takes about 10 minutes.

Inspect your washer, dishwasher and other water-related appliances for worn or damaged hoses at least once a year.
Replace any suspect hoses before they become a major water damage problem.
Check All Around the House
Just because there is no plumbing in a room doesn’t mean there is no chance for water to find its way in. Water gets in from damaged roofs, seeps in through wet foundations, and can appear where you least expect it – especially following a storm. Learn how to check your home for storm damage to help prevent water leaks.

Understand Where Water Damage Begins
Leaks and burst hoses and pipes are the leading cause of water damage in the home. The most common reasons for leaks and bursts are:

Wear and tear over time
Water pressure that is set too high, putting stress on household plumbing
Learn how to test your home’s water pressure.

Don’t wait until you have water damage and have to file a claim – be proactive and become a drip detective TODAY so you don’t have insurance claims that increase your premiums for the next 5 years…….

If you have any questions or simply want to get a competitive quote, contact Timothy Feuling at Tim@CallTimToday.com or 1-858-750-9176. 90% of every quote we deliver saves our prospective client $200-$3,000/year (depending on how many cars, home, renters, umbrella, etc.) and we provide additional coverage almost 100% of our quotes for a more competitive price.