Mostly people do not expect a traffic jam and sudden encounter with it compels them to take actions that cause to elongate the traffic bottlenecks. People usually try to shift their lanes, cut people off, and start honking when they encounter a sudden traffic jam. These actions do not help to get rid of the traffic jams; instead it engages them more in it.

There are some driving tips that are highlighted below that will help you drive better in heavy traffic bottlenecks. First of all don’t try to be a conventional driver, exploiting faster lanes to combat heavy traffic, instead keep moving in the same lane. Most of the time, heavy traffic converts into traffic jam because of these insensible actions.

If you encounter a heavy traffic or traffic jam, instead of honking or changing lanes quickly, try to look for alternate ways. In case if you are not aware of the alternate ways, you can seek assistance from GPS of your mobile phone. It will help you to evade the heavy traffic or a traffic jam a lot quicker than you would evade by engaging in other activities.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to change the lane, thus in that case try to follow the car in front of you.  Change the lane in accordance with the traffic flow and don’t try to go off the pattern. Make sure that your speed is good enough to be maintained with the speed of the other lane to which you are shifting.

Apart from this, another important thing while driving a car in heavy traffics is proper signaling. Proper signaling is the way to communicate with the other drivers on the road. In order to do proper signaling, you must know the language of signals. Dippers, indicators, and horn are to be used properly as to signal the other drivers. If you know how to use them properly, it won’t be difficult for you to evade from the traffic quickly.

These are some driving tips that will help you to drive appropriately and to get out of the heavy traffics and traffic congestion. All you need is to be patient and remember these tips while encountering heavy traffic congestion.

Contact your insurer after contacting the police. You`ll want to get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible. The quicker you get into contact with your provider, the faster you will be able to start the claims process. You can contact your insurer via the toll-free phone number found on your insurance card. Your representative will guide you through the claims process and gather detailed information about the accident and the parties involved.

Some insurance companies also give you the option of filing your claim online, usually through the insurance company`s own website. The online process is normally straightforward and there are plenty of helpful options available if you need a little guidance throughout the process.

Gather plenty of detailed information. What your provider asks for will most likely vary among insurers. Nevertheless, you`ll need to have the following information on hand before you file your claim:

1. Policy number (located on your auto insurance card)
2. Date and location of the accident
3. A description of how the accident occurred
4. Information of the other parties involved, including name, address, license plate and insurance information
5. Name of the police department, if applicable
6. Police report number, if applicable

Take plenty of pictures. Although the claims adjuster will take photos of the damage incurred during the accident, it pays to take pictures of your own, at least for your own records. You never know when you`ll need those pictures during the claims process. If the police have to move the involved vehicles out of the way to restore traffic flow, you`ll need to take as many pictures of the cars as possible from multiple angles before they are moved.

Hold on to your records. You never know when you might need to check your records if something needs to be corrected or if your insurance adjuster simply needs more information. You may also need to share your records with an attorney, if necessary.

Do your homework. Understand how much your car is really worth and if possible, how much it would cost to have it repaired. You can use resources like the Kelley Blue Book to accomplish this. If your insurance provider offers less than fair price for your vehicle, ask them to adjust your claim and provide your own research.

Stick with a shop you trust. Some insurance companies will insist you take your vehicle to an approved body shop, usually due to an existing agreement or because of cheaper parts and labor. If you have the opportunity to pick your repair shop, stick to one that you absolutely trust. This way, you`ll rest easy knowing that your car is being repaired with high quality parts.

These tips can help to make the insurance claims process smooth sailing, which is a bonus when dealing with something as stressful as a claim. Don`t forget to stop by Torque Cars to find out more helpful tips on auto insurance and other car-related matters.

Common Types of Car Modifications

Aesthetic car modifications largely focus on improving a vehicle`s overall appearance. These aesthetic mods range from window tint to custom molding and new paint. When tastefully done, aesthetic mods can even add to a car`s resale value.

Performance modifications focus on improving the vehicle`s current handling, acceleration and braking attributes. The type of performance mods available usually vary depending on the vehicle in question. Sports cars often benefit from handling and engine tuning mods while off-road vehicles benefit from suspension, differential and other mods that improve their ability to navigate tough terrain.

Practical mods are usually much smaller and more sensible in comparison. Drivers often add aftermarket stereos, GPS systems and DVD players for their own comfort and that of their passengers.

How Car Modification Impacts Insurance Rates

Aesthetic mods often attract attention to a vehicle, making it a more likely target for car thieves and vandals. Some practical mods, like GPS devices and aftermarket car stereos, also attract thieves if they`re left in plain view. Other mods make it harder for drivers to safely operate their vehicle. For instance, overly dark window tint actually reduces outward visibility under nighttime conditions.

Performance mods make it more likely that you`ll receive more traffic citations or even get into an accident due to aggressive driving or excessive speed. Performance parts are also expensive to replace, making insurance providers all the more reluctant to follow through with a claim.

Why Does Car Modification Increase Premiums?

There are plenty of factors that often come into play when calculating insurance rates, from the driver`s gender and age to marital status, vehicle make and model, mileage and even the area where the owner currently resides. The presence of car modifications is just one of the many factors that most insurance companies take into consideration when figuring out insurance rates.

As it turns out, there`s a good reason why some car modifications have such a dramatic impact on insurance rates. Most car modifications are made by young men, often seen by insurance agencies as high-risk drivers with higher than average accident rates and moving violations. In most cases, a young single man who drives a highly customized and modified vehicle will either end up paying steep premiums or be refused coverage altogether.

Should I Update My Policy to Reflect Car Mods?

When it comes to insurance, honesty is always the best policy. Nevertheless, many people choose not to inform their insurance providers about the modifications they`ve done to their vehicles, usually to keep their insurance rates from rising. If your provider finds out about an unreported modification in the event of a loss, chances are those mods won`t be covered. In some cases, you might even lose your insurance coverage altogether.

The impact car mods have on insurance rates can vary thanks to a wide range of visible and hidden factors. Therefore, it`s always a good idea to talk to your insurance provider about how
car tuning can affect your insurance rates beforehand.

The cliche is true. While it may be tempting to “shop” among local body shops to get an estimate that reflects the most damage to your vehicle to send to your car insurance company, or conveniently drive your old clunker over a cliff, it can literally land you in a heap of trouble.

Auto insurance companies usually perform inclusive investigations when assessing claims, and if anything proves to be fraudulent, the claim is usually automatically rejected and denied. The insurance company may also decide to cancel your coverage. Furthermore, vehicle insurance fraud is a felony with harsh penalties.

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

Many drivers simply don’t understand their car insurance coverage. The misunderstandings often result in customers attempting to file a claim not covered by specific policies. A common occurrence is accidents caused by a deer striking a moving vehicle. While most drivers assume their car insurance coverage is responsible for paying for damages from the accident; however, unless customers buy comprehensive insurance, such accidents are not covered.

Another example with winter driving, suppose you’re involved in a single vehicle accident caused by hitting a spot of black ice and crash into your neighbor’s mailbox, without collision car insurance coverage you’re responsible for damages.

Missing a Car Insurance Payment

Just as car insurance companies expect you to be a safe driver, they also anticipate to receive monthly or quarterly payments on time. Once you’ve missed a payment, insurance companies send customers a cancellation notification with a grace period when your coverage will be suspended. Although most car insurance companies reinstate coverage once payments are up-to-date; however, the problem arises if you’re involved in an accident during the lapse and suspension of coverage. In such cases, consider yourself solely responsible for paying any damages due to the accident.

Driving Intoxicated

Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs, or both, should be a no-brainer. The consequences of being responsible for an accident caused while intoxicated are quite severe. Not only does it have a negative effect on your car insurance coverage, but the consequences also extend into legal issues including suspension of your licenses and potential jail time.

Being a responsible and honest driver offers numerous benefits for car insurance customers. Always read your policies carefully and ask your local agent if you have questions before accidents happen. Also, to ensure your car insurance covers damages occurred in an accident, be sure to make payments on time and avoid driving while intoxicated.

Insurance References:

http://money.msn.com/auto-insurance/how-to-wreck-an-auto-insurance-claim-insurance.aspx

http://personalinsure.about.com/od/whattoexpect/a/aa071704a.htm

http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/28/how-to-file-an-auto-insurance-claim/

Despite projections offered in 2003 by highway “experts” claiming as the average age of American drivers grew, so would the number of accidents involving mature motorist. In reality, however, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveals 32% fewer fatal traffic accidents occurred in 2009 among drivers 70 and older as compared to data from 1997.

So what does the statistics mean for your aging loved one and insurance coverage possibilities?

Individual Insurance Coverage

The bottom line is there’s no set age that deems a person too old to drive or obtain insurance coverage. In fact, the above statistics indicate that older drivers are involved in less serious fender benders as well as improving their chances of being able to survive an accident. The improvements are in large part to modern technology installed in new vehicles as well as better insurance coverage.

While some drivers may be ready to hang up their keys after the age of 50 due to deteriorating health conditions, others may feel comfortable driving well past 90.

The National Safety Commission offers some signs that may indicate that your aging loved one may be ready to retire from the road and cancel existing insurance coverage. The warning signs include:

1. Difficulty paying attention to road signs and traffic signals.
2. More incidents of close calls and near-misses (indication of slower reaction time).
3. Driving below the normal speed limit.
4. Repeatedly forgetting to pay insurance coverage premiums.
5. Trouble navigating or frequently getting lost going to familiar destinations.
6. Receiving more traffic tickets or verbal warnings.
7. More dents and scrapes on the vehicle.

Proactive Steps to Ensure Safe Drivers and Insurance Coverage

There are some effective proactive steps being taken to ensure aging motorists are still eligible for insurance coverage as well as remaining to be safe drivers. Several states are now shortening the renewal cycle for driver’s licenses of motorists over the age of 65 or 70.

Also, mandatory vision testing is required for drivers once they reach a certain age to qualify for various insurance coverage policies. Programs are also available for mature drivers to improve driving skills.

AAA also offers several online skill assessments and self-rating resources that help to determine whether or not your loved one should renew insurance coverage. When the time does come to have the “talk” with your aging loved one about surrendering the keys, be sensitive and patient when discussing handing over the keys and cancelling insurance coverage.

Related Links to Insurance Coverage for Senior Citizens:

http://www.carinsurancequote.net/senior-car-insurance.html

http://cheapercarinsurance.com/tips/affordable-car-insurance-for-senior-citizens/

Understanding How Points Impact Insurance Coverage

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) applies a point system to reflect any incurred driver infractions. Insurance coverage and premiums are based on your driving record, and any traffic violations on record.  Obviously the more points you have on your record, the more you can expect to pay for insurance coverage.

The point system varies among states and insurance coverage providers when calculating points incurred from traffic offenses.  In general, however, major infractions carry the maximum amount of points that go against your driving record.  For example, a DUI may carry up to 12 points, whereas a speeding ticket may only rack up 2 points.  Insurance providers typically review your driving record about twice a year or whenever your policy is up for renewal.  Traffic violations remain on your driving record for 3 years, although the duration also varies according to state laws.

Also depending on the state and infraction, it may be possible to attend a defensive driving course to erase points from your record, as well as prevent your insurance coverage rates from dramatically increasing.  If you accumulate a specific number of points within a certain time frame, don’t be surprised if you find your license suspended.

Tickets Sure to Catch Your Insurer’s Attention

Due to various state motor vehicle laws, there’s nothing set in stone regarding what does or doesn’t affect insurance coverage, however, the following tickets are almost always a guaranteed to negatively impact your vehicle insurance coverage:

•    Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
•    Responsible for an accident
•    Reckless driving
•    Racing
•    Intentionally fleeing the police
•    Leaving the scene of an accident
•    Driving with a suspended or revoked license
•    Speeding  (assuming it’s your first in 3 years)
•    Driving illegally on a one-way street or wrong side of the freeway
•    Driving without insurance.

Traffic Tickets that Incur Less Points

While the tickets listed above carry the most points that go against your insurance coverage rates, the following infractions have a lesser impact on premiums:

•    First speeding ticket
•    Driving with an expired or restricted license
•    Expired vehicle registration
•    Driving in a HOV lane
•    Failure to wear seatbelt
•    Failure to secure a load on your vehicle
•    Broken tail light or cracked windshield
•    Loud exhaust/muffler
•    Littering while moving.

It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance coverage provider to review your driving record periodically or if you have questions or concerns.

Related Articles on insurance coverage:

-Car insurance coverage definitions
-Department of Motor vehicle and auto insurance
-How tickets affect your insurance coverage

In regions where snow and ice are a common occurrence, it is always important to know how to arrive safely at your chosen destination. This is important to your physical well-being, but also because safe winter driving will equal better auto insurance rates. Accidents happen year round, but during times of inclement weather-especially like ice and snow- they are more common. So what safe winter driving precautions are recommended by auto insurance providers? After all, as auto insurance providers, they have a vested interest in seeing that you are a safe winter driver. Here are some winter driving tips, collected from various auto insurance companies to help you stay safe while driving this winter.

Preparations for Safe Winter Driving

1. Vehicle maintenance- Before you begin winter driving, be sure your battery is fully charged, in good operating condition and that filters, hoses, coolant, etc. are in good shape so that safe winter driving is easier.
2. Make frequent tire checks-Look for any signs of wear, changes in air pressure and perhaps add snow tires. If your tires are not in good condition, then safe winter driving is much more difficult.
3. Take a brake. Be sure your brakes, brake pads and pedal all work smoothly and efficiently. A good brake system is an important element of safe winter driving.
4. Studies show that winter tires are more effective at preventing accidents during the winter than all-season tires. Better traction means safer winter driving.

Safe Winter Driving in Action

Once you have ensured your vehicle is safe winter driving ready, you can load up and begin your assorted trips. Here are some safe winter driving habits that can help you keep you safe and auto insurance rates down.

1. Always clear the snow from your vehicles roof and windows before pulling out of your parking location to prevent causing and accident.
2. Watch for black ice. Sometimes called glare ice, this is one of the most dangerous elements of winter driving.
3. Safe winter driving also includes knowing, when or when not, to use your brakes. For example, hitting black ice is not a time to touch—especially slamming on- your brakes!
4. Safe winter driving requires an informed winter driver. Check road conditions before leaving your home.
5. Adjust your driving based on the road conditions. The safe winter driver is one who is less concerned about always being on time and more interested in arriving safely.
6. Warming up your car before driving it is not just beneficial because it means you have a warm vehicle interior, but it also helps lubricate the engine parts. Less wear and tear equals safer winter driving.
7. Be seen! For safe winter driving be sure that your headlights and taillights are bright and turned on.

Safe winter driving is more than just keeping your auto insurance rates down, it is about keeping you and others out of danger. Take the time to do these preventative maintenance suggestions and to implement these safe winter driving tips, so your winter driving memories will bring smiles to your miles.