Teen Drivers and Marijuana: A Dangerous Trend

A growing number of teen drivers don’t see smoking marijuana as a problem. A recent study found that nearly one in five (19%) admit to driving after smoking the drug. Only 13% reported driving under the influence of alcohol.

With the recent legalization of marijuana in Washington state, many teens think it’s “no big deal” to smoke a joint or eat marijuana-laced candy or brownies, since it’s only considered a recreational drug. A study of nearly 2,300 11th and 12th graders across the U.S., commissioned by Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) found that 70% of teens now say marijuana use is “very” or “extremely” distracting to their driving abilities, down from 78% in 2009.

These and other surveys reflect "A dangerous trend toward the acceptance of marijuana and other substances compared to our study of teens conducted just two years ago,” says Stephen Wallace, senior advisor for policy, research and education at SADD.

The new study's findings are disturbing "both in terms of the increased use of marijuana and from the perspective that many think this is not a danger," Wallace says.

Among teens who have driven after using marijuana, 36% say it presents no distraction when operating a vehicle. But other teens have experienced the negative effects of driving after smoking pot.

"It was the scariest thing ever." That's how 16-year-old Ashley, a high school junior in Nevada, describes her experience driving high. It was the first time she had ever smoked pot, and the friend she was with pressured her to drive home. "My vision kept going in and out, and I couldn't focus," she continues. "It was so hard, and we didn't get very far."

As 18-year-old Madelyn explains, "When you're high, you're supposed to be relaxed. But when you're driving, you technically can't be! I went numb. I wasn't sure if I was pressing the gas or the breaks or if I was moving at all. It was really intense, and the colors from the cars and the headlights were all blurring."

In fact, a recent review in medical journal BMJ found that high drivers are twice as likely to get in a serious accident than sober drivers, debunking anecdotal evidence and prior research to the contrary.

Even though marijuana is legal in Washington, if you are convicted of a DUI, whether it's from alcohol or pot, you will lose your drivers license, get fined and be sentenced to jail time. It's also on your record forever. Is it worth the risk?

Sources: USA Today, Teen Vogue, KIRO TV

Auto Theft is a Big Problem. Are You Protected?

There were nearly 700,000 motor vehicle thefts nationwide in 2013. Although 2014 showed a slight decrease, it continues to be a real problem. It is estimated that $4.5 billion is lost on motor vehicle thefts.

According to the FBI, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States every 44 seconds!
Making the problem more aggravating is that for every 10 vehicle thefts, only slightly more than half (56%) are recovered, and about one is successfully prosecuted!  In 2012, for example, only 11.9 percent of auto thefts were cleared, either by arrests or by exceptional means, compared with 20.4 percent for arson and 19.0 percent for all property crimes. To make matters worse, many of the vehicles recovered are damaged or destroyed. Source: Insurance Information Institute

Be careful where you park your car, and what you leave in it. If you don't have a garage, make sure to have motion lights that will deter a would-be thief. When you're not at home, park in a well-lit area, and always lock your car. A survey of American drivers conducted in April 2007 on behalf of the National Insurance Crime Bureau found:

• One-third admit they have left their car while it was running, which makes the vehicle an easy target for theft.
• 47% don't always park in a well-lit area.
• 40% don't hide their valuables. In fact, nearly half leave mail in their vehicle, a quarter have left a purse or wallet, and almost a third have left bank statements, all of which can put them at risk for identity theft.

It Costs You!

Although 75% of respondents know that there are costs associated with vehicle theft in addition to paying the insurance deductible and the cost of replacing the vehicle that are not covered by insurance, virtually none knew that there are additional costs such as:

• Insurance premium increases
• The cost of time spent dealing with police
• Vehicle rental costs
• Cost of time off from work.  

The survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation.

Make Sure You're Adequately Protected!

Auto theft is covered by the optional comprehensive coverage on an auto policy. Without it you're on your own if your car gets stolen or vandalized. Don't take that chance! You can choose from a range of deductibles that will affect your premiums. The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your rates will be. SAV-ON Insurance agents are happy to help you figure out the best rate for your vehicle and save you money, too. Call us today at 888-867-2866 for a free estimate, or come in to any of our offices.

Driving in Inclement Weather Takes a Different Approach

Now that Western Washington is entering the rainy – and occasionally snowy – season, driving a car is much more difficult. Driving down dry pavement in summer, with lots of light during the day and dry conditions that make it easier to see at night, makes for a less stressful situation. This changes drastically when the days are dark and cloudy, the rain pelts against your windshield, and the pavement is slick.

And, contrary to popular opinion, it doesn’t much matter if you’re driving a four-wheel drive vehicle or not when the weather turns nasty. The amount of tire rubber that actually touches the road is miniscule (less than 10 percent). It's what is called the "tire-road interaction", and the interaction actually decreases at higher speeds. So having four of them activated is only marginally better than having two.

Car Care

All the skill in the world will not help much if your car and its equipment aren’t functioning properly. It’s important to have all your car’s functions checked by a certified mechanic before you get stuck, but there are some simple things you can do to prevent a breakdown or a collision due to faulty equipment.

Check your tires for wear. During the dry season, you may have had no problems driving and stopping with worn-out tires, but the minute the rains make the roads slick, you will find cornering and stopping is much more treacherous. You can easily check tread depth by inserting a quarter into a tire's deepest grooves, head pointing down. If you can see the top of George Washington's head, you have 1/8 of tread or less, and it's time to start shopping for new rubber.

Tire hydroplaning: left at 20 mph, center at 40 mph and right at 60 mph.

You probably won’t notice the worn tires until you need to brake suddenly and your car goes into a skid on wet pavement. If the tread is too worn, the water on the pavement is not channeled away by the tire, and your tires slide on a thin sheet of water that gets between your tire and the pavement. This is called “hydroplaning”, and will usually result in loss of control. Your stopping distance will increase, which can mean slamming into the car in front of you or running off the road. Either way, you’re in trouble!

Check your windshield wipers. Your wipers, which have probably been tucked safely away below the windshield most of the summer, are now suddenly called into action trying to keep your windshield from streaking with rain. After a summer of the sun beating down on the rubber blades, they may have become cracked or brittle. Check them now, before you get hit by a rainstorm while driving down a crowded freeway and find out they can’t keep the windshield clear anymore!

Driving Skills

Increase your spacing. When driving in bad weather, always give yourself more room to maneuver than you normally would. Your ability to stop on a rain-slicked roadway is greatly diminished. Leave more room to the car in front of you, and always give yourself an “out”. If something suddenly happens in front of you, where will you go? If you are near the road’s shoulder, you can turn off the road and onto the shoulder. If you’re in the fast lane, there might be a little bit of room between the lane and the barrier separating the oncoming lanes. Always be prepared for the worst, and you’ll give yourself a better chance of avoiding disaster.

Slow down. Not only is braking adversely affected by rain or snow on the road, but the ability to maneuver is diminished. Changing lanes, speeding up quickly and making turns are all more treacherous. Doing everything more deliberately and slowly is the best answer. Any quick maneuvers can cause your vehicle to go into a slide and you can easily lose control. Once the vehicle has lost its grip on the road, it is difficult for it to reestablish any control until the vehicle comes to a stop.  If your vehicle does begin to slip, pump your brakes -- don't slam on the brakes -- and turn your wheels into the skid. This can bring the vehicle’s front end back into alignment with the back and end the slide.

Stay focused at all times. With all the distractions that drivers have, it’s more important than ever to keep your eyes constantly on the road. Turn off your phone, don’t fumble with that cup of coffee that spilled, don’t try to change that CD that just ended! Every instant you take your eyes off the road is an instant that could cause a serious accident!

By being alert and focused while driving this winter, you’ll be safer and so will the drivers around you.

How to Choose an Auto Insurance Deductible

When quoting auto insurance for clients, we frequently discuss how to choose the right deductible.  We'd like to take a few minutes to share this information here on our blog, too!

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you have a claim.  For example, if you have a $500 collision deductible and have an accident, then you would pay $500 towards repairing your vehicle and insurance would cover the rest.

The deductible you choose directly relates to the amount of money you spend on premiums each month. The higher the deductible ($250, $500, $1000), the lower your monthly premium cost. 

So how do you choose?  Cheaper premiums or lower out-of-pocket expense?

First, look at your emergency savings. Do you have enough cash available to cover a higher deductible if you had to pay it if you had an accident? If the answer is no, then you’re better off paying a little more each month to avoid a big deductible.

Compare the cost savings. When your SAV-ON agent runs a quote, they can show you several different options. Ask your agent to run the premium based on several different deductibles so you can see the actual dollar cost savings. Then figure if the dollar savings is enough to offset any deductible you might face.

You can always change your mind. If you’re short on cash now, but know you could afford more out of pocket next year, you can always change your deductible at that time. Keep your deductible in a comfortable range and you’ll always be well protected! 

Call us at 888-867-2866 for more information and a personalized quote It's free!

How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record?

We get this question a lot. Tickets and accidents can cause expensive spikes in your car insurance rates and no one wants that.

The good news is that the higher premiums eventually drop off and your rate will go back down -- as long as you avoid any further trouble or accidents. The bad news is that it typically takes 3 years for that to happen.

If you get a traffic ticket, you may be able to avoid having a surcharge on your policy by taking a defensive driving course and getting the ticket removed from your record. This will depend on your past record and what the court offers, but it is a good option, since it will keep your rates from skyrocketing.

If your rates do go up, make sure you are taking advantage of all other discounts to offset the increase.  Bring all of your insurance to SAV-ON Insurance so you take advantage of our multi-policy discounts. Raise your deductible for awhile so you pay more out-of-pocket if you have an accident, get a lower monthly rate.

Have questions?  We're always available to help!  Just give us a call at 888-867-2866 and schedule a free review to see what is available and how we can keep your rates manageable even after an accident.

Are You Driving a Used Vehicle That Isn’t Safe?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released figures showing that many teen drivers are behind the wheel of vehicles that don’t offer good crash protection and lack important safety features. To help guide parents and teens to safer choices, it has compiled a first-ever list of recommended used vehicles for teens.

There are two tiers of recommended vehicles with options at different pricing areas, from less than $5,000 to nearly $20,000.

The IIHS has these recommendations to consider when buying a used vehicle for a teen:

• Young drivers should stay away from high horsepower. Vehicles with more powerful engines can tempt them to test the limits.
   
• Bigger, heavier vehicles protect better in a crash. There are no minicars or small cars on the recommended list. Small SUVs are included because their weight is similar to that of a midsize car.
   
• ESC is a must. This feature, which helps a driver maintain control of the vehicle on curves and slippery roads, reduces risk on a level comparable to safety belts.
   
• Vehicles should have the best safety ratings possible. At a minimum, that means good ratings in the IIHS moderate overlap front test, acceptable ratings in the IIHS side crash test, and four or five stars from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).

IIHS Ratings (Top 3 rated vehicles in each category.
For the complete list go to www.sav-on.com/used-vehicle-safety-ratings.html )

Best Choices: Recommended Used Vehicles Under $20,000

Large Cars....Price*
Saab 9-5 sedan (2010 and later)....$17,500
Lincoln MKS (2009 and later)....$15,500
Buick Regal (2011 and later)....$13,500
Midsize Cars....Price*
Toyota Prius v (2012 and later)....$19,100
Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan (2009 and later)....$16,000
Honda Accord (sedan 2012 and later; coupe 2013-14)....$14,400
Small SUVs....Price*
Honda CR-V (2012 and later)....$18,100
Kia Sportage (2011 and later)....$13,800
Hyundai Tucson (2010 and later)....$13,100
Midsize SUVs....Price*
Volvo XC60 (2010 and later)....$18,000
Saab 9-4X (2011-12)....$17,800
Toyota Highlander (2008 and later)....$17,100
Large SUVs....Price*
Buick Enclave (2011 and later)....$19,900
GMC Acadia (2011 and later)....$17,800
Chevrolet Traverse (2011 and later)....$16,600
Minivans....Price*
Chrysler Town & Country (2012 and later)....$18,100
Honda Odyssey (2011 and later)....$17,100
Toyota Sienna (2011 and later)....$16,400

Good Choices: Recommended Used Vehicles Under $10,000

Large Cars....Price*
Acura RL (2005 and later)....$9,700
Mercury Sable (2009)....$9,700
Kia Amanti (2009)....$9,500
Midsize Cars....Price*
Subaru Legacy (2009)....$9,900
BMW 3-series sedan (2006 and later)....$9,300
Mazda 6 (2009 and later)....$8,900
Small SUVs....Price*
Nissan Rogue (2008 and later)....$9,800
Ford Escape (2009 and later)....$8,700
Mazda Tribute (2009 and later)....$8,100  
Midsize SUVs....Price*
Mazda CX-9 (2007 and later)....$9,800
Ford Edge (2007-10)....$9,600
Hyundai Veracruz (2007 and later)....$9,600
Minivans....Price*
Volkswagen Routan (2009-11)....$8,600
Dodge Grand Caravan (2008-11)....$8,200
Chrysler Town & Country (2008-11)....$8,100


*Prices, rounded to the nearest $100, were taken from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com on July 1, 2014, for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year based on the following criteria: vehicle in good condition, typical mileage and private party purchase in Arlington, Va.

Note: Some listed models include a “built after” date. This applies when a manufacturer makes changes to improve safety in the middle of a model year. Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured can be found on the certification label typically affixed to the driver door or near it.

--> For more information, go to www.iihs.org

The Top 10 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance

Looking for ways to keep your auto insurance premiums manageable? Today we'll
share 10 ways you can save on your insurance without sacrificing coverage.

1. Driving Record
Your driving record plays a big role in how much you pay for insurance. By keeping a
clean record for 3-5 years, you can save hundreds of dollars! Be a cautious driver, don't speed, and you'll lower your premiums. SAV-ON's 'Smart Driver' program is tailored to helping you get preferred rate insurance. Call us to find out more.

2. Defensive Driving Programs
Defensive driving courses are an easy way to achieve an extra discount. They can also help keep a ticket from showing up and messing up your clean driving record. Make sure to call us before taking the class if you're using it for a discount so we can verify that your policy qualifies.

3. Get Good Grades
If you're a high school or college student, keeping your grades up can earn you substantial savings on your insurance. Being a responsible student usually means being a responsible driver, and insurance statistics back that up.

4. Anti-Theft Devices
Installing an alarm or other anti-theft device can lower premiums on your vehicle. Make sure to discuss all features with us, sometimes even power locks and a remote can count!

5. Your Credit Score
While insurance uses a different formula then the credit bureaus, your credit still affects
the rate you pay. Good credit can save you hundreds -- or even thousands -- on your
premiums! Make sure to review your credit report on a regular basis and have any mistakes
corrected.

6. Where You Live
Rural areas pay less for insurance than the big cities do. It's all about risk and with a
large population, there is more chance for an accident. Therefore, where you choose to live can impact your rates. Consider visiting with us before purchasing a home if you're concerned about the costs (it is based on the zip code).

7. Your Vehicle
The vehicle you choose to purchase also makes a difference! Some vehicles cost a lot
more to repair than others, such as luxury cars, which drives up their rates. Easy way to avoid buying a money-sucker? Call us first and let us quote the vehicle before you sign on the dotted line.

8. How Often -- and Far -- You Drive
If you take public transportation and only drive on the weekends, you'll pay less than
someone with a long commute. Make sure to review your annual mileage and daily
commutes with us (especially if they change) so that you can receive the extra savings.

9. Raise Your Deductible
A higher deductible (your out-of-pocket cost in a claim) means a lower monthly rate. If
you have $1,000 in savings and could afford to use it if you had an accident, then you'll
save on your insurance cost by having a $1,000 deductible instead of a $250. We can
help you review the costs and benefits in your specific situation.

10. Your Agent
And the best way to save? Work with a local agent! You'll get the coverage you need
plus you'll have an advocate working on your behalf to find the best rate, all the
discounts, and an easy explanation of any gaps in your coverage. It's the best way to control your risk, maximize your savings, and protect your family.

We want to be your insurance agency. Call us at 888-867-2866 to discuss your policy today. We'd love to save you some money!