There are numerous steps to take when buying a vehicle. Today’s buyer needs to consider features, the look of the car, the amount of space, and just how efficient it is. Yet, beyond these components is another, even more important question. How safe is the vehicle? Later, when you purchase auto insurance, you will need to pay a premium based, in part, on how safe the vehicle is. However, you should consider these factors now, before you even make a purchase.

What Features Make a Vehicle Safe?

Today’s vehicles are safer than ever, though that does not mean you shouldn’t put any effort into choosing one. There are a few key factors that will impact how safe your experience is and how much you pay for auto insurance.

Look for Advanced Features

Some of the most modern vehicles hitting the roadways today are safer because of the technology built into them. For example, features such as forward-collision warning systems and headlights that adapt automatically to the road conditions and lights are key among safety features. If you have the budget for these more advanced options, they can be a good fit.

Condition Matters

If you are buying a used car, it helps to have a trained and licensed auto mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before your investment. This may cost you a small amount of money, but it gives you peace of mind that key components, such as the vehicle’s braking system, are in the best condition.

Invest in Tires

The tires on your vehicle are one of the most important safety features. If their condition is poor, they will slip and slide into objects or other vehicles. Look for tires designed to be high functioning no matter what the road conditions are.

Choose an Alarm System

If you buy a car with an alarm on it, you minimize the risk of theft. At the same time, you are also reducing how much you will spend on auto insurance for the vehicle since most insurers offer a lower rate for vehicles with these types of devices.

In addition to these factors, choose vehicle’s that are easy to drive, that have good safety ratings, and that have a long history of safety from their manufacturer. All of this can contribute to how many accidents you are involved in and how many car insurance claims you have to make.

There is nothing like a drive out into the bushveld, to a local park, or just to a friend’s house with the entire family. Yet, as a parent, you know that every time you step into a vehicle with your child, you are putting them into a potentially dangerous situation. Most of the time, parents are very careful drivers, doing everything they can to protect their children. Yet, having a safe car and a high-quality auto insurance policy is not enough. These tips can help you to keep your kids safe on the road.

#1: Keep them busy

Allow your children to bring a few toys with them to keep them busy. The less distracted you are behind the wheel, the more protected your children will be. Your goal is to ensure that 100 percent of your attention is on the road in front of you.

#2: Always use proper seat belts and car seats

Check your local laws to learn what the rules are for safety belts and car seats. However, realize that, until your child is the size of an adult, the belts and fastenings in a vehicle will not fit them properly. For that reason, you may want to keep them in a seat or adjust their belt to ensure they are protected.

#3: Keep your eyes on the road

Parents may find themselves interested in what their son or daughter is doing. This may seem like a great time to have a long conversation. However, even when you are engaging your child in conversation, you are distracted from the road in front of you.

#4: When there’s a problem, pull over

You want to get where you need to be quickly, but driving with a baby that is crying or two children who are arguing is not easy to do. Don’t do it. Pull to the side of the road and try to find a solution instead of just pushing through it. This takes the stress off you and gives you a bit of peace of mind at the same time.

When there is an accident, your auto insurance is here to protect you financially. However, there is no doubt that protecting your child before such an accident occurs is more important. With a few safe driving tips like these, you can reduce those risks significantly.

Something has happened. You are now facing a call to your home insurance provider. Perhaps a fire broke out in your home, leading to the loss of a variety of personal items. You may have had an instance of vandalism or theft. No matter what occurs, one of the most important first steps you need to take is to call your home insurance agent. House insurance is there to protect you in these instances, but it is also wise for you to take action to document any claims you plan to make.

What to Do First

In situations of theft or other activity in which someone else may be responsible for the losses you’ve suffered, the first step is always to contact the police. Your goal here is to ensure you are safe and there is documentation of the event. Then, take these steps to help document your loss.

Take the time to look through all areas of the home. Notice anything that is lost or damaged.
If you have a home inventory, one of the best ways to safeguard your house insurance claims, use it to help verify the items no longer in place.

Use photos to document everything. Do not move anything before actually documenting the scene. Take as many photos as necessary to show what happened, the condition of items, and the missing items in the home.

If possible, don’t move items within your home until your insurance agent arrives to inspect it. They will conduct their own investigation to better understand what occurred and why. Keep in mind that your agent will use your information, photos, and police reports to complete the claim as well.

Work along with your insurance agent to determine what steps are necessary. In some cases, you may need to show documentation of ownership of high-value items. For example, a sales receipt can show ownership of your new television. If you have high-end valuables, be sure to contact your insurer before an incident occurs to list these items on your policy specifically.

The good news is your house insurance agent is there to help you through this process. In nearly all cases, you will find yourself with the support you need in filing this claim if you have a qualified professional by your side. And, if you hope to avoid risks later, be sure to choose a house insurance policy that fits your needs and an insurance company like Alpha Direct, that makes it easy to file such claims.

When it comes to buying house insurance, you likely have numerous options to choose from and the goal of finding the least expensive policy you can. That in itself would be a big mistake. The right home insurance policy for you needs to address all of the risks your property faces and, perhaps most importantly, it needs to focus on providing you with peace of mind. What are the most common mistakes people make when buying house insurance?

#1: Not Having Enough Coverage

Underinsuring a home is a very common and very risky matter. If you do not have a high level of coverage in place, even if you have an active policy when a storm hits, you could be losing out. Do not take out just enough insurance to cover the amount of your mortgage. Most mortgages are only for 80 to 90 per cent of the property’s value, leaving you to foot that remaining 20 per cent yourself out-of-pocket for losses.

#2: Believing You Have Flood Insurance

A secondary risk that’s quite common is assuming you have flood insurance. The average home insurance policy does not cover floods. If you live near an area that may flood, such as a high-risk zone, you likely don’t have insurance if you only have a standard house insurance policy. However, should a flood occur, your home could sustain significant damage. What can you do? Purchase a rider or additional flood insurance policy that shores up any weakness in your current policy to minimise risks and costs.

#3: You Haven’t Found All of the Savings Available to You

You could be missing out on key home insurance discounts if you have not asked for them. Many people do not realise just how many discount opportunities are available for items such as home security systems, installing deadbolt locks on the home, installing a monitored home security system, having a fence around your property, and even just living in a safe city. If you have yet to do so, request that your insurer take a closer look at the potential savings opportunities available to you and adjust your policy (or secure a new one) to keep your costs.

Are you making these mistakes with home insurance? The good news is you can search for a new policy and secure a lower cost offering or update your existing policy for more affordability.

When it comes to filing an auto insurance claim, one thing is for certain. If you can avoid it, you probably will want to do so. The more frequently you are involved in an accident or file an insurance claim, the higher your rates can climb. Take a look at some of the most common types of claims and what you can do to reduce your risks.

1. Fender benders

Small accidents are the most common auto insurance claim today. In most instances, no one is hurt, but damage to the vehicle occurs. The best way to avoid this type of claim is to simply reduce the amount of distraction you have while driving.

2. Whiplash.

Injury to the neck can create serious medical scenarios, but what you may not realize is that whiplash collision claims are quite common. All it takes is a jerking motion to the neck to create this type of risk. To avoid it, dry at a further distance from other drivers and slower. This gives you more time to brake.

3. Back injuries.

After an accident, back injuries can be very common. This is because of the force of impact from behind or the jerking movement forward that strains the muscles in the back. It can also cause a slipped disk to occur. Like whiplash, the best way to avoid this type of claim is simply to slow down and keep more distance between you and the other drivers.

4. Theft.

Though many people don’t realize just how common theft is of vehicles, it continues to be a growing threat to most property owners. The good news is you can often prevent theft auto insurance claims. To do so, install a security system in your vehicle. Keep it stored in an area where there is plenty of light and security.

5. Vandalism.

Vandalism, such as damage to the paint or tires of the car, can be a common risk for vehicle owners. If at all possible, keep your vehicle stored in a garage or within a gated area, which will help to reduce the risk of vandalism.

If you do face one of these or other types of incidents, contact your auto insurance provider. Your policy is in place to help you to pay for these potential losses and to give you the support you need when facing them.

There is no way to control other drivers sharing the road with you. You can only take steps to protect yourself on the road by being a defensive, focused driver. Unfortunately, accidents occur every day because of simple mistakes. Again, you can’t prevent other people from making these mistakes, but you can prevent them from impacting you.

Focus on the Road

Even if you think you can drive just fine and talk on your mobile phone, you can’t. The moment you look away or become a slight bit distracted, someone else can make a mistake. For example, you may reach down to turn the radio channel on your vehicle. In that moment, a driver may swerve into your lane, striking your car. Focus on what is happening on the road all of the time.

Keep Your Distance

Driving at least two car lengths away from other drivers is often recommended. This distance gives you ample time to brake or swerve to avoid an accident. If a driver is being reckless, keep your distance even further.

Don’t Drive Tired

If you are tired, pull over and get off the highway. The longer you drive in this condition, the more at risk you are. It takes much longer for you to respond to accidents and changes in road conditions if you are tired than if you are under the influence of alcohol.

Avoid Passing Other Drivers

If you need to move around another driver, do so cautiously. If another driver views your speeding up and moving in front of them as aggressive, it puts everyone at risk. It is best to remain in your lane as long as possible to avoid conflicts and road rage.

Always Protect Your Assets

Finally, there is no way to 100 percent of the time protect against other accidents and incidents on the road. That is why you simply need to have car insurance in place. It helps to protect your assets when other drivers cause accidents or when a liability matter arises. Don’t overlook the importance of quality auto insurance.

Are you a safe driver? You may think so, but unless you are a defensive driver, one that takes steps to minimize risks like these against themselves, you may need to put a bit more effort into the process.

One of the most expensive claims for home insurance is for the roof. Your insurance company will not pay to replace or repair your roof in most cases. However, when the damage is covered by a covered type of incident, such as hail damage or damage from a falling tree, it may. Nevertheless, it is always best to keep your roof in good, well-maintained condition instead. To accomplish this, most homeowners need to follow a few key tips.

Tips for Keeping Your Roof in Good Condition

If damage occurs to your roof and you have not properly maintained it, this could lead to an uncovered claim. You can avoid this with a few key routine tips:

Have a professional roof inspection at least one time every year. This will ensure any minor damage is taken care of and the overall roof is inspected for potential problems, leaks, or signs of wear.
Look in your gutters. If you have traditional asphalt shingles, over time, they wear down. This allows the exterior granules to wash away in heavy rain or wind. If you notice black spots in your gutters, it could be a key indication of your shingles may need repair.
Have you spotted a leak? If so, it may be time to have a professional out to take a closer look. The problem is, most leaks are hard to spot and even hide in the attic, behind walls, or under insulation. During your roof inspection, your roofer can show you how to spot these areas of concern.
Take action right away if you find mold damage in your home, along the roof beams, or in your attic. In some cases, your home insurance policy will cover this damage, as long as it does not come from the actual lack of maintenance to your roof.
Keep debris off the roof. Trim back tree limbs to ensure they are not overhanging the roof as well. This alone will minimize risks to the structure.
Taking these steps can help to protect your roof from a denial of a claim for poor maintenance. That means if a problem occurs, such as damage after a storm, your home insurance company will have no trouble providing you with proper coverage for it. If you are still unsure of what you can do to keep your roof in good condition, talk to your roofer for additional tips specific to the type of roof you own.

The investment in household insurance is one of the best decisions you can make. Many times, people believe the biggest benefit from this type of property insurance is the protection it provides to the structure of your home. It does provide protection from fires and vandalism, of course. However, it also offers protection for many of the valuables you have within your home. As a new homeowner, it is important to remember what types of coverage you have and what it protects.

Home Electronics and High-Value Items

Many homeowners invest in electronics especially if they’ve purchased their first home. From televisions to computer equipment, you may spend a significant amount of money right from the time you move in. Add to this your home’s appliances and other types of electronics or high valued items and you may be putting a lot of money into your new home. Your property insurance needs to protect all of that value.

Before you agree to a property insurance policy, review it. Be sure that the amount of coverage selected (whether you select the basic policy or a higher level of coverage) needs to be enough to cover all of the contents of your home. Contents insurance will cover your home for a variety of factors. However, there is a limit to this level of protection. Your policy needs to cover the value of all electronics and other content in your home to be fully protected.

Electronics are protected in most cases. Some insurance policies will specifically require a list of the types of equipment or electronics you have as well as information verifying their value, such as a receipt from the purchase of the item. Adding the items specifically to your policy can help to make sure you have protection to cover the value from an incident. This may include theft, vandalism, fires, flooding, and other risks covered by your property insurance.

While you may not think about the value of each piece of clothing or furniture you have, it is important to consider the value of your electronics in comparison to the value of your property and contents insurance coverage. If necessary, it may be beneficial to add additional protection to your policy to safeguard these high valued items. Talk to your insurance agent about the right level of coverage for your specific needs in contents and property insurance.

As a vehicle owner, it is up to you to select the right type of motor insurance for your needs. Each situation is unique. In some cases, the investment in third party motor is enough. For most owners, though, this is not enough protection to keep your investment safe should an incident occur. As you consider your options in car insurance, factor in who is at risk and why you need to upgrade to a comprehensive policy.

What Does Third Party Motor Insurance Cover?

It is important to take a look at your policy carefully to know what specifically is included or excluded. In most cases, this type of insurance policy will cover damage and injury that is brought on to another person. For example, if you are involved in an accident or collision, and your vehicle causes damage to another person’s vehicle or other property or they are hurt, this insurance can step in. It is specifically helpful for protecting other people’s property and well being in a situation where you may be responsible for those losses out of pocket.

Is This Really Enough Auto Insurance?

While third party motor insurance is an important type of coverage that you should not go without, it is not the only product available to you. It does not offer any protection to your vehicle. So, as in the above example, if you were involved in an accident that left damage, this policy would not help to pay for costs related to making repairs on your car.

A comprehensive auto insurance policy is often the better option. You’ll need both, liability protection from third party motor as well as property and collision protection for your own vehicle. This way, should the vehicle be damaged in an accident, burnt in a fire, or even stolen, this coverage can help you to recoup some of the losses you would otherwise have to pay on your own.

Most people need to have third party motor insurance because it keeps other drivers safe. However, it is also important to protect your investment with comprehensive auto insurance. Take a closer look at your current policy. Is it enough to protect your car from an accident? If you are unsure, consider a quote for a new policy that provides you with ample protection in a wide range of instances. It could help to minimize your losses otherwise.

Purchasing a new home isn’t just about finding the ideal layout or amenities. It is also important to consider how safe the property is. As you compare each of the options available to you, take a closer look at a few key elements that can help to make your home safer. Safer homes often require lower home insurance limits and provide lower premiums, too.

Location Matters

Get a good idea of the surrounding area. Is the area safe? What are the crime statistics for the region? If you are unsure of the area, visit your local police department to find out. Your insurance agent can also help you gauge the level of safety in any given region based on insurance premiums in that area.

Consider the Structure

Homes built with safety in mind are always best. Look for those with walls or security gates around them. While these may not keep everyone out, they will deter those would-be thieves looking for an easy target.

Consider Window and Door Access

Even if you are buying a home to fix up, a property should remain stable and secure to you from the first day. Ensure windows are elevated and doors lock. Be sure to change the locks on all doors before moving into the home. Always avoid giving anyone else the keys.

Add a Security System

Whether you buy a home with a security system on it already or you choose to add one later, this is by far one of the best ways to feel safe in your new area. Even if the area is considered safe, a home security system can give you peace of mind. Be sure to let your home insurance provider know about the new system as well. This could help reduce your costs further.

Be Sure the Home Is Well Lit

One of the most basic ways to deter thieves or vandals is to ensure the home is lit. Sidewalks, pathways, driveways, and other areas of the home that provide entrance to it should be lit. Invest in simple lights that ensure anyone in the area can see who is at your front door, too.

Each of these steps ensures that your new home is one that is safe and affordable to insure. It is also a good idea to speak to your insurance agent about additional steps you can take to improve visibility and security.