Traffic tickets can end up costing you more than a fine and points on your license. They can also raise your insurance rates and potentially cost you hundreds of dollars every year. However, the precise effects traffic tickets will have on your insurance rates will vary.

Usually, a single, minor, traffic ticket will not seriously impact your insurance rates. Getting two or more in a three year period is another story, however. When you accumulate traffic tickets, your insurance company considers you a higher risk to insure and they raise your rates accordingly. Because your traffic tickets paint a picture of what kind of insurance risk you are, more severe tickets (such as drunk or reckless driving) result in higher increases in your insurance payments.

The good news is, these increases do not take effect right away, and are not permanent. Your insurance company will typically only raise your rates for traffic tickets when they review your driving record and see your traffic violations. Typically, this only happens once per year and/or when your policy gets renewed. After that, your rates will be adjusted back down after three years.

In the meantime, if you want to keep your insurance rates low, you must keep traffic tickets off of your record. The easiest way would be to drive safely. But, if you do get a ticket, you should check what deferment options (such as traffic school) are offered by your state to keep the traffic ticket off of your record.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Okay, you are finally ready for that road trip of the summer but have you gone through safety check lists to ensure you are completely ready?  Take a moment to read below for a few safety tips when planning your next road trip.

Have you completed all the maintenance on the car and checked the following:

• Fluid levels
• Time/miles since last oil change
• Tires (wear, age, signs of deterioration like cracks, etc.) & air pressure…don’t forget the spare tire!
• Windshield wiper blades

I’ve made sure to pack:

• Water in the car
• A warm jacket
• A blanket
• A first aid kit
• A flashlight
• A map or GPS

I’ve got a clear and timely plan:

• I know where I’m going
• I know how to get there
• I am allowing enough time for the trip

Some safety tips for the road:

• Get plenty of rest the night before you leave…a sleepy driver is a dangerous driver
• You drive…let your companion do everything else. Put him/her in charge of:
     o The GPS
     o The radio
     o The Blackberry and/or cell phone
     o The air conditioning
• Plan a rest stop every two hours or so
• Arriving late is better than not arriving. Slow down.

Remember that failing to plan is planning to fail. With proper planning and preparation you can have a safe and successful road trip.   Happy traveling!

Purchasing a new car is often a joyous occasion. You are excited to sign the paperwork and drive your new vehicle off the lot, but, before you do, keep in mind the legal ramifications of your actions. You are legally required to carry automobile insurance. Additionally, it is dangerous and costly to drive without it. We often get asked “am I automatically covered when I drive off the dealership lot with a new car?” The answer is may be no, as the process is not always automatic.

If you are currently insured, you should contact your insurer to find out the specifics of your policy. Many automotive insurance plans have some type of automatic coverage provision in place and they may give you a period of time to add a new car after purchase, however it is up to you to be a knowledgeable consumer and know the specifics of your agreement. You are still responsible for adding the new car within the parameters of your policy, as well as any additional costs that may be associated with your new car make or model. If you hear the phrases “grace period” or “30 days of free insurance” understand that only what is in the written, signed agreement is enforceable by law and you should find out the exact parameters meant by these phrases according to your policy provider. If you have already purchased a new vehicle and have not contacted your current insurance provider, please do so as soon as possible to make sure you are fully covered.

Contact PoliSeek to learn more about low cost automobile policies. If your auto insurance policy is through PoliSeek, we make it easy for you to add a new vehicle to your account.

Finding the right automobile insurance policy can help keep the process of buying a new vehicle enjoyable. Let PoliSeek help you find the right coverage at the right price for you!

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

This is the time of year to get out the watercraft and enjoy the summer. Whether you own or rent, jet skis and wave runners are a lot of fun. Remember however that you are operating a potentially dangerous piece of machinery in a hostile environment. To ensure your safety we recommend you follow a few safety tips:

 Wear a U.S.C.G. approved lifejacket. This is not negotiable or debatable. Remember that it floats…you may not.

 Always secure the engine stop lanyard, if provided, around your wrist. Getting run over by your own boat is both painful and silly.

 Keep your head on a swivel. Be constantly aware of boats, watercraft, surf boards, swimmers and other objects around you. Remember you are in a constantly changing environment.

 Jumping the wake of a passing vessel looks like fun…but is you vision obscured by the vessel passing? Is there another vessel on the other side that you can’t see?

 Alcohol use impairs judgment, do not drink and drive under the influence.

 NO BRAKES!! Maintain a safe distance from other vessels and objects.

 Take a safety course. These are usually offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the local Power Squadron.

These few safety tips will help to insure that when you talk about your experience, it will be about your day on the water and not your day in the hospital.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Non-accident related vehicle damage can occur at any time. It could be malicious, for example the keying of a car resulting in scratched paint or the slashing of tires, or it could be an act of nature like a falling tree branch cracking a windshield. Knowing that things happen beyond your control (and often when you aren’t even in your car) is the first step in preparing for them. The question that is often asked of insurers is “what type of auto insurance covers vandalism and damage to my car?” The answer is comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage encompasses a wide range of non-accident related vehicle damage sources. This may cover damage from theft, vandalism, natural disasters, damage by animals, and more. Additionally, comprehensive coverage policies may allow for windshield replacement due to a covered cause of loss in some states. When researching non-accident related vehicle damage coverage, you should ask if your state includes windshield replacement under comprehension coverage. It is also good to ask about any specific worries you may have about natural disasters that are more likely to occur in your area such as hurricanes in the Southeast United States.

There are many types of auto insurance coverage to choose from. It is very important to understand the different types of coverage in order to make sure you select the right coverage and are properly protected. The following is a list of the main types of auto insurance coverage available in addition to comprehensive coverage: collision coverage, property damage liability, bodily injury liability, personal injury protection (PIP – available in “no-fault” states), and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. There is also ancillary coverage like rental reimbursement and towing and labor.

PoliSeek has extensive information about all of these types of insurance and can help you find the right policy for you. Policies with comprehensive coverage are available. No matter whether you are concerned with vandalism or natural disasters, PoliSeek would like to help you find the right coverage plan, whether it be comprehensive coverage or another policy.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

What is the difference between Roadside Assistance Coverage and Mechanical Breakdown Protection?  Many drivers, whether those with a car, truck, or motor home, are not familiar with the differences between these two options for specialized coverage.  Even savvy drivers may not realize that one includes the other.  

What Is Roadside Assistance Coverage?

Roadside Assistance Coverage is the policy that allows you peace of mind when you and your family travel.  Roadside emergencies can happen anywhere and to anyone and Roadside Assistance Coverage allows you to depart on your vacation knowing that if emergencies come up, you are covered.  Policies with a good amount of coverage will include 24 hour emergency road service.  Minor mechanical work, towing, tire changes, jump starts, and fuel delivery should all be available to you in your time of need.  Households with multiple family members who drive should look into covering all members on their policy.

Coverage is also available for drivers with motorcycles, buses, motor homes, trucks, or RVs.  Additional information about Roadside Assistance for RVers is available on the PoliSeek website.  

What Is Mechanical Breakdown Protection?

Mechanical Breakdown Protection is coverage, available in four different levels, which may offer an extra level of protection over your vehicle’s warranty.  The four levels of coverage are Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze ranging from the most inclusive to the least.  Read more on our recent blog post: Mechanical Breakdown Protection. 

Do I Need To Carry Both On My Vehicle?

Carrying Roadside Assistance Coverage is not only a smart move, but relatively easy and affordable as well.  Knowing that 24-hour Roadside Assistance is included in Mechanical Breakdown Protection may be an added incentive to upgrade to one of the four Mechanical Breakdown Protection policies.  Breakdowns and accidents come without warning and it almost goes without saying that you would be more at ease knowing you have some level of coverage.  If you are looking for the most coverage, look into the Platinum level of Mechanical Breakdown Protection.

PoliSeek has details on the four levels of Mechanical Breakdown Protection coverage and can help you find the right policy for you.  Policies with coverage of roadside assistance are also available.  No matter whether you have an old or new car, or a larger vehicle, PoliSeek would like to help you benefit from being protected and covered in the future.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

When shopping for auto insurance or looking to reduce your payment on your current insurance policy, there are many things you can do.  Below are a few tips that can help you to save some money.

 •             Raise your deductible – If you carry a low deductible such as $250-500, raising it to $1000 can save you on your yearly premium.  Having a higher deductible means you may have more out of pocket expenses if you have an accident. 

•             Buy the right car – When shopping for a new car, doing your research and opting for a less expensive or less powerful model can save you money.  Even buying the less sporty model can be less expensive.  When buying a car, ask yourself if the 15 extra horsepower is really worth the insurance premium increase.

•             Research before you move – If you are moving and have a choice of the area you live in, do some research ahead of time.  State and city lines can be the difference between affordable and high rates.  Cities tend to be more costly than rural areas because more traffic and people, means there is more of a chance of being in an accident.

•             Ask about discounts – When purchasing new insurance or speaking with your current provider, ask an agent if there are any discounts that you are eligible for.  If you are a teacher, belong to a certain group or are a “safe” driver, you could qualify for additional discounts.

The above are just a few ways to save on auto insurance.  For other ways to reduce your costs, please contact a PoliSeek licensed representative at 866-540-7335 or www.poliseek.com.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Usage based car insurance also known as “pay as you drive” insurance, is different than a traditional policy in that you only pay for insurance based on the mileage you drive in a given year. A traditional policy considers your safety record (tickets/accidents) and then calculates your average driving distance to produce a price that you will have to pay on a semiannual basis. A drawback with traditional insurance is that based on the same driving record, a person who drives 5000 miles a year could, due to old information or an inaccurate mileage projection pay just as much as a person who drives 50,000 miles a year.

Pay as you drive insurance can help the person who drives a low number of miles in a year save a lot of money. All things being equal, the majority of state households could save a few hundred dollars per vehicle per year on a pay as you drive insurance plan (according to a report by the Brookings Institution).

How is my mileage determined?

To determine your rates insurance companies must take a reading of your odometer. They are currently using 3 different ways to calculate your mileage:

• Electronic monitoring of mileage

• Submission of maintenance records or

• Regular odometer checks by insurance company representatives

Is it right for you?

This type of insurance is best suited for low mileage drivers who accurately report the number of miles they drive to insurance companies. If you underestimate the number of miles you drive each year, you could pay higher rates compared to a traditional policy.

Other added benefits

Some environmental agencies are supporting the pay as you drive insurance policies because it is helping people to reduce how much they drive which in turn can help the environment. They are also predicting that it can reduce traffic congestion by 10-12%.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

When you own a home and purchase homeowners insurance, your policy will cover damage to the home and it will also protect your family if anyone is injured on your property or if you or your family happen to accidentally injure or damage other people or their property. But what if you decide to rent out your home, or perhaps you have purchased a rental property as an investment? Will your homeowner’s policy cover these two situations? Chances are your policy will not cover all of these situations.

Homeowners insurance typically covers owner-occupied structures, other structures, all your personal property, your personal liability and medical. When you rent out a home, the risk exposure to your home changes. Most owners who rent out their home will have minimal personal property left in the home, usually general appliances such as kitchen appliances, maybe a washer and dryer. Minimal furnishings mean minimal coverage needed. Therefore, coverage on your homeowner policy will offer more then what you may want to carry when you rent your home.

When you rent out your property, you will need to purchase a dwelling protection insurance policy. This form is often referred to as a fire policy, although it covers much more than fire. A dwelling protection insurance policy typically covers your rental unit (the dwelling), and may cover other structures on the property such as sheds, or the garage; the owner’s possessions (but not the tenant’s possessions), and lost rental income if the house is damaged and uninhabitable. Liability protection for the owner in case of injury or a lawsuit may be added to this policy. Your main interest as a landlord would be to ensure that you are covering your home and liability as the owner of the property.

When purchasing a dwelling fire insurance policy, it is important to read all the fine print, as coverage will vary. To get more information about a dwelling fire insurance policy and other insurance coverage, please call PoliSeek at 866-540-7335 or request information at PoliSeek.com.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

More and more people are trying to save money by purchasing a “fixer upper” house, and doing the work themselves. This is a great way to save some money and know that the job will get done to your satisfaction.

Something that may not be on the mind of those fixing up their homes is lowering the rates on their homeowners insurance. There are many things that you can do to your home that can save you some money on your homeowners insurance. Here are a few:

Improve home security – Making sure you have smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks and a burglar alarm can save you some money. Installing a more sophisticated system can significantly reduce you insurance cost.

Make your home disaster resistant – Adding storm shutters, reinforcing your roof or modernizing your heating and cooling equipment can also help shave dollars off of your premium.

For more ways to save on your homeowners insurance, please contact a PoliSeek Representative or visit PoliSeek.com.