Published Articles
Stripped in Seconds
In less than ten minutes, a three-man crew can turn a car or truck into an empty shell and a pile of parts.
A car is stolen in the United States every 33 seconds (according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau). There were an estimated 956,846 thefts of motor vehicles nationwide in 2008 (according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report). With a screwdriver and as little as seven seconds, an auto thief can break into a vehicle. They can drive away in less than one minute. Many of the most commonly stolen cars are snatched for their parts – not the joyrides seen on TV or in the movies. For many vehicles, the parts are worth more separately than the vehicle as a whole. Auto theft rates are among the things driving what we pay for car insurance. Here are seven simple steps that could make your car less of a target for thieves:
- Lock your car and take your keys – One out of every five vehicles stolen had the keys in it, and almost half of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.
- Consider VIN etching – Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can easily be etched on windows, doors, fenders and other car parts. This makes it difficult for a thief to market your stolen car parts.
- Don’t hide a second set of keys in your car – Extra keys can easily be found if a thief takes time to look.
- Park in high foot traffic, well-lit areas – This is a deterrent to would-be thieves, and thieves do not like witnesses and often prefer unattended, unlit parking lots.
- Roll up your windows – Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home.
- Don’t leave your car running unattended – Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATMs, etc. Many vehicles are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up.
- Hide your valuables – Don’t make your car a more desirable target for thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.
Broadview Security to merge with ADT Securtity Services
“I’m excited to let you know that Broadview Security (Formerly Brinks) and ADT Security Services – two of the most trusted names in monitored security – will be joining forces over the coming months to serve you better. As we complete the integration, Broadview Security will continue to service its current customers. In the future, the service will reflect the combined strengths of the two companies, and will be provided by the nation’s number-one security company, The New ADT. We are committed to making this a smooth and seamless transition.”
Shawn Lucht
Executive Vice President of Operations
Is your Boat Properly Insured?
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More than 6,419 boating accidents are reported each year.
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Most boating accidents cost at least $4,500 out-of-pocket without insurance.
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Over 1,000 boats are stolen monthly.
Coverage Options: In a sea of possibilities, the right amount of coverage can be a lifesaver. Don’t find yourself permanently docked. With our various coverage options I can help you find protection for you, your family, and your boat.
Discounts & Savings: Safety is your middle name. You deserve a reward–with a Boating Education Discount you could save on your boatowners insurance. Find out about this and other boat discounts.
When you insure your boat with me, you can feel secure—knowing you’re protected while you play, explore or store your boat and equipment. I can help explain basic and optional coverages, evaluate which discounts may apply, provide safety information and review your current policy.
Contact me today for your personal quote. You’ll be sailing in no time. – Rick Dalton
Roadside Assistance Mobile App Released
Allstate Motor Club anounced the launch of a new mobile application that brings its full suite of roadside services directly to drivers with iPhones and selected BlackBerry models. Through this app, which is free to download, Allstate Motor Club is now making many of its services available to non-members for the first time.
“We believe that all motorists will appreciate the added peace of mind that Allstate Motor Club members enjoy today,” said Patrick M. O’Brien, president of Allstate Roadside Services. “Roadside assistance is a service that drivers really appreciate when they need it, because it helps get them back on the road to their destinations no matter where they’re going.” The new app uses global positioning system (GPS) technology, automatically determining a caller’s location to help identify and connect to the nearest available service provider. Drivers can diagnose their roadside need and initiate service in less than a minute.
Allstate Motor Club members can download the app and pre-register their contact information and membership ID. Drivers without Allstate Motor Club memberships can use the app on a pay-per-use basis. When requesting roadside assistance, the app automatically transmits the driver’s location and service details to a nearby service provider. Once service is confirmed, the app provides the service provider’s name and an estimated time of arrival.
“Making roadside assistance available via smartphones is another example of how Allstate is leveraging technology to provide outstanding service for its consumers,” added O’Brien. “The app even includes a convenient survey for customers to provide immediate feedback on their experience, to help us ensure our high levels of customer satisfaction.”
The free download is available here:
http://www.allstatemotorclub.com/mobile.
A demonstration of the application is available here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuNnJd2bjFM
With more than 2.5 million members, Allstate Motor Club was established in 1961 as the first national motor club to offer superior roadside benefits. From its beginning, membership included reimbursement for towing and roadside service, trip planning, arrest bond certificate, theft reward, accidental death insurance and payment for legal services.
New Teen Driver Law in NYS Effective 3/1/10
Under the new law, teens younger than 18 are required to hold a learner’s permit for six months before they can schedule a road test to get a license. The law also increases the number of training hours from 20 to 50, with at least 15 hours of night-time driving; reduces the number of non-family passengers younger than 21 allowed in the vehicle from two to one; and bans teens from using any portable electronic devices, handheld or not.
The new rules are being imposed to improve safety. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics from 2008 — the most recent year available — teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes at four times the rate of adult drivers.
The administration also reported 2,739 drivers ages 15 to 20 were killed in crashes in 2008, and more than 220,000 drivers in that age group were injured in crashes.
Irene Scruton, president of the central and western New York chapter of the National Safety Council, said people ages 16 to 24 make up about 16 percent of all drivers in New York, but they accounted for about 26 percent of all injuries and fatalities in crashes in 2008.
Obtaining a driver’s license is the zenith of teendom for many youths, a rite of passage that many eagerly anticipate. But its inherent responsibilities also are scary for many teens and their parents.
As of last June, Online Defensive Driving Classes also became available.
Safe Winter Driving
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Flashlight and extra batteries
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First aid kit
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Blanket
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Jumper Cables
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Mobile phone charger
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Triangle Reflectors
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Flares
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Tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench
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Duct Tape
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Spare Fuses
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Rags
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Funnel
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Work Gloves
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Sand
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Rock Salt
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Small Shovel
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De-Icer
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Ice Scraper
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Extra warm clothing
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Snack bars, or other non-perishable food, and water
- Check that your spare tire is properly inflated
- Check the weather to be aware of weather conditions
- Consider snow tires or “all-season” tires for your car
- Don’t allow your fuel level to get too low
- Clean all the snow off your car
- Make sure you get the rear windows and mirrors
- Don’t forget about the hood
- Clean snow off your lights so that you can see and be seen
-Buckle your seat belt
- If the weather gets really bad, consider pulling over if it’s safe to
- Drive slower and leave PLENTY of room to brake
- Don’t use cruise control
- Turn on your lights to remain visible to other drivers
- Brake gently to avoid skidding
- Don’t pass snow plows, let them do their jobs
- Turn on your defroster and windshield wipers
- Remember that bridges, ramps, and overpasses are freeze first
- Verify if you have roadside assistance coverage on your automobile insurance policy
- If you should find yourself skidding on ice try to do the following:
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Don’t panic
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Take your foot off the accelerator
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Look where you want to go and turn into the skid
Newly Approved NYS Online Insurance Reduction Course
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It will help refresh your driving knowledge with a review of time-tested safe driving tips and an overview of today’s vehicle and traffic laws.
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You may be eligible to reduce as many as four (4) points on your driving record. The DMV computer will automatically note your eligibility to receive the reduction.
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If you are the principal operator of a motor vehicle, you will receive a minimum 10% reduction in the base rate of your automobile and motorcycle liability and collision insurance premiums each year for three years.
Beginning in 2009, you will have two options for completing the PIRP course. Your options will be the traditional classroom method or an Alternate Delivery Method (ADM), such as the Internet or other DMV approved method. Regardless of the delivery method, each course is at least six hours long. Essential information about traffic safety issues such as driver attitude and behavior, defensive driving techniques, and the Vehicle & Traffic Law must be presented in each course. For both the classroom and ADM methods, additional content, approach, materials and fees vary from one sponsor to the next.
The online course will be a minimum 320 minutes. Once you register with a sponsor, you have up to 30 days to complete the course. During the course, you will be asked to identify yourself with information given at registration. To ensure that you are taking the course, you will also be asked questions regarding the content. It is possible that you will be asked to register in person and/or take an exam at the end to once again ensure you are the one who completed the course. Each sponsor’s method is different, so you should contact the sponsor to determine which course best fits your needs.
The PIRP sponsor will notify the DMV within ten weeks after you complete the course. A notice will then be entered on your driving record, and the DMV computer will automatically reduce your active point total by up to four points.
Completion of a course under the “Point & Insurance Reduction Program” does not remove, delete, subtract, or erase any violation, conviction, or notice of original number of points from your driving record. Even after you complete the course, most violations, conviction and points assessed will continue to show on your driving record for up to four years. Violations and convictions involving drugs or alcohol will remain on your driving record for ten years. “Point reduction” means the DMV will not count up to four points on your driving record toward license revocation or suspension.
Point reduction cannot reduce your point total lower than zero. If your license has already been revoked or suspended, or if a violation hearing has already been scheduled, point reduction will not affect that action.
Point reduction does not prevent or cancel a mandatory revocation or suspension for violations such as DWI, DWAI, or three speeding violations within 18 months.
Points may be reduced only once in any 18-month period. The DMV point system and insurance company “point” systems are separate and not related. Point reduction on your driving record does not affect points assigned by your insurance company for violations and accidents.
For reduction on your insurance premium the course sponsor should mail you a completion certificate within 45 days after you complete the course. If you present your certificate to your insurance company or agent within 90 days after course completion, your liability and collision premium reduction will begin immediately, retroactive to the date you completed the course. If you present your certificate more than 90 days after course completion, the insurer may issue the premium discount effective from the date presented.
Insurance reduction does not prevent general premium increases, or premium increases due to violations or accidents. It provides a 10% reduction for three years, from the base rate of your current liability, no-fault and collision premiums.
The insurance premium reduction applies to all motor vehicles principally operated by the motorist who completes the course. The reduction can be applied to only one driver for each covered vehicle.
Autumn Driving Safety
Now is the perfect time to prepare your car for the winter weather before the snow flies. You’ve probably used your car quite a bit this past summer, and it’s probably looking like it needs a major cleaning. The cooler temperatures provide the perfect weather for the much-needed car maintenance.
Here are some tips to prepare your car for autumn driving and all-around driving safety:
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Clean the interior of your car. Chances are you have some sand or leftover crumbs caught between the cracks of your car seats. In addition to potentially causing your car to smell, dirt and debris can also age the carpet and upholstery of your car. Keeping your car clean will make a big difference when it’s time to sell or trade-in your car.
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Wash your car. If you took a road trip this summer or went to the beach, you should carefully wash your car to protect your vehicle’s paint and tires. Sand and any mud or gunk that accumulates on your car can damage the paint job and eventually cause it to corrode more quickly than it should. After a good washing, remember to give your car a good wax job to protect the paint.
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Check your tires and tire pressure. It’s not uncommon for tire pressure to vary from one season to the next. Checking your tire pressure at least once a month is especially important during the fall and winter months. Because driving conditions can deteriorate quickly during the winter, you want to make sure your tires are prepared and will keep you safe. You should also inspect the tread on your tires for any wear and tear since high humidity can take a toll on your tires during the summer months.
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Check your brakes. As autumn’s leaves begin to pile on roads, they can become driving hazards, by making it more difficult to brake and steer. This can be particularly dangerous if your brakes pads haven’t been changed in a while. Poorly maintained tires will also make driving in winter weather significantly more dangerous and increase your risk of getting into an accident.
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Make a winter emergency road kit. In addition to an emergency road kit with tools like jumper cables, flashlights and first aid materials, you should also keep winter-specific tools in your car, just in case you get caught in a snowstorm. Now is the perfect time to start putting together a winter emergency road kit before the weather gets any colder. Make sure to pack a blanket, ice scraper, de-icer and extra warm clothes.
Driving Safety Tips During Deer Season
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Have a Plan – It’s important to know how to react to a deer popping out onto the road, before it happens. Before you hit the road, have an emergency plan in place. Know how to use your anti-lock brakes, how to steer without swerving and other safe driving techniques. You also should not hesitate in making a decision. Either brake immediately and assertively or step on the gas and accelerate past the deer. You’ll need to choose the best course of action for the particular situation at a moment’s notice.
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Don’t Steer Clear of Deer – While hitting a deer is an experience that most drivers want to avoid, you should never risk your life or the lives of your passengers to save an animal’s life. Many deer-related accidents occur when drivers steer to avoid a deer and end up hitting another car or driving off the road. If you see the deer in time, you can try honking to frighten the deer. You should also learn how to use your ABS steering, which allows maximum steering ability during braking. A little bit of steering goes a long way, so be careful not over over-steer.
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Stay Alert – With deer appearing on the road, with no prior warning, it’s important to stay alert and remain distraction-free. In the time it takes you to pick up your phone, a deer can easily jump onto the road and cause an accident. Also remember that deer often travel in packs, so if you see one, there are probably other deer around.
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Follow the Speed Limit – Your car’s speed can have a big effect on how long you have to react to a sudden obstacle on the road and also the extent of the impact of an accident. It’s always a good idea to follow the speed limit and if you see deer on the side of the road, you may want to slow down below the speed limit. Deer can be unpredictable.
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Wear Your Seat Belt – In the unfortunate event of an accident, your seat belt can save your life. While you should always have your seat belt on, it is a must have during deer season.
Young Drivers – The High Risk Years
Studies have shown that learning good driving habits with a seasoned driver—such as a parent or other trusted authority figure—is an effective way to help decrease the probability of crashes and fatalities during a teen’s first year behind the wheel.
I would like to help ‘put the brakes’ on the number of teens who lose their lives on America’s roadways each year by providing a free driving safety DVD. Although parents and teens may not look forward to spending more driving-time together, the end definitely justifies the means.
The DVD, “Drive It Right”, provides parents with important guidelines to follow before their teenagers get behind the wheel. The free DVD can be picked up at my office at 401 Penbrooke Drive in Penfield. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm.
