Auto Tips

Discounts

As a wise consumer, you should be aware that many of the Insurance Companies we represent, offer certain discounts on home, tenants, condominium and auto insurance that can significantly reduce the cost of your premiums.

As a service to you we have listed the various discounts available on home, tenants and condominium insurance policies. This summary is for information purposes only.

Remember, NOT ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES OFFER ALL OF THESE DISCOUNTS. In addition, the companies often limit the maximum discounts they will grant per policy.

• MULTI-VEHICLE DISCOUNT
  Private passenger automobiles and drivers over 25 with 5 years of more accident free experience are eligible for a discount for 2 or more automobiles on the same policy. Typically, the discount is applied to coverage's common to both or all vehicles. Discounts can vary from 10% to 15%.
• AGE DISCOUNT
  The age at which an insurer will offer a discount will vary from market to market depending on their target client. Discounts are available.
• AWAY AT SCHOOL DISCOUNT
  Male students under the age of 25 years and residing away from home are considered occasional drivers as long as the auto is not driven to school. Insurers will discount the occasional driver premiums up to 50%.
• ANTI-THEFT DISCOUNT
  Private passenger automobiles equipped with anti-theft devices (alarm, steering blocking bar) may be eligible for discounts on the comprehensive coverages from 5% to 10%.
• FARMERS DISCOUNT
  A special scale of rates has been developed for farmers with no other gainful employment and who reside on the farm. The discount applies to the liability, direct compensation, accident benefits, collision and comprehensive/specified perils in varying amounts up to 40%
• DRIVER TRAINING CERTIFICATES
  In order to qualify, the program much meet certain minimum requirements and prescribed by your insurance company."

The Safety Cushion

A safety cushion can be determined very quickly and easily by using the time interval method. The time interval method is a formula for determining the distance between your vehicle and other traffic ahead. It is superior to other systems because it is self-adjusting for vehicle speed. To use it select an object ahead - an overpass, a traffic sign, or even a crack in the road.

Driver Improvement

When the vehicle you are following passes this object begin timing yourself by counting "one thousand and one, one thousand and two", until you pass the same object.

Under ideal daylight driving conditions, never follow any closer than two seconds. Driving during less-than-ideal conditions will require an increase in this time creating a larger safety cushion. Extra attention and caution must be exercised if light, weather, road, traffic, vehicle or driver conditions are adverse.

Special Situations Loading

Whenever a vehicle is towing an object, like a trailer, add 1 second following distance for every three metres (10ft) of additional length.

Traction and Visibility

When driving conditions become adverse, increase the following distance. rain and fog can make roads slippery and reduce your ability to stop. so add more seconds to the original following distance, giving yourself enough time to react to other highway users. One of the most dangerous times to drive is when ice is at 0 degrees C (32 degrees F). For this condition keep especially alert and maintain a long following distance, as much as 12 seconds, behind the vehicle ahead. Or better yet, avoid driving altogether. While you may be able to handle your vehicle, allowing for other drivers' errors becomes next to impossible.

Tailgaters

Slow down, make it easy for any tailgater to pass. If the driver does not pass, at least you have created a safer following distance for yourself.

Fatigue

You may become increasingly tired when driving long distances. This slows perception and reaction time. In this case increase the following distance from 4 to 6 seconds. And remember, pull off the highway and stop for a rest break every hour.