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Following a few simple tips and taking these measures will ensure that you are getting the lowest rates possible on your auto insurance policy.

1. Avoid more Accidents, Pay Close Attention at Intersections. Auto accidents involving seniors often occur at intersections. Make sure to look ahead if you plan to quickly change lanes after an intersection. Pay attention to protected left turn lanes with their own arrows, and always keep your tires pointed straight ahead when stopped, so that a rear-end accident doesn’t push you into oncoming traffic.

2. Follow the flow of traffic, Drive at the at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially when entering or exiting interstates or freeways. It can also trigger dangerous “road rage” in less patient drivers. You don’t have to be Mario Andretti, but keeping to the right and following the flow of traffic is the safest bet.

3. Many violations include failure to yield right-of-way, improper turning or incorrect lane changes, so keep current on the traffic laws relating to new traffic designs.

4. Sit high enough in your seat so that you can see at least 10 feet in front of your car, advises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your car seat does not adjust to allow this, add a cushion. This will make it easier to see pedestrians and bike riders, and reduce problems from oncoming headlight glare at night.

5. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when driving at night. For many older drivers, night vision is reduced, so safety dictates not driving at twilight or after dark.

6. Make sure you learn how to operate a New Car. Things like Anti-lock brakes, for example operate differently in slippery situations. If you have never driven a car with anti-lock brakes, sure to get training on proper use.

7. Senior drivers can refresh their skills and knowledge — and get a discount on auto insurance in many states — by taking a refresher driving course, such as the eight-hour “55 Alive” course offered by AARP. More than two-thirds of states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for such courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily.

8. Look for cars with rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare.

9. Air bag technology has become more advanced, with sensors that deploy air bags based on the weight of the occupant, reducing air-bag-related injuries. Some new cars also have side air bags in the seats or door frame that offer better protection.

10. Consider fit and comfort in your new car. Seat belts that comfortably fit over your shoulder and low on your lap will keep you safer. Automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes require less physical effort.

11. Last but definitely not least, Check to see which companies offer specific ‘Senior Discounts’ While shopping around for the best auto insurance rates is important, which insurance company you choose might depend on how they treat senior drivers. You’ll get their best rates if you’re healthy and drive a safe, modern vehicle.

Reprints of this article are allowed (and encouraged) for your site or newsletter with inclusion of a simple link to hometownquotes.com.

Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is originally from Pinebluff, NC and attended Middle Tennessee State University in 2002. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit hometownquotes.com hometownquotes.com

No Comments » Posted by Matt Cubb / Uncategorized

Over the past few years rising homeowner’s insurance costs in Florida have been showing up in people’s mailboxes and frustrating many homeowners into unsuccessfully seeking lower premiums. Further, rising insurance costs have helped put a damper on the real estate market in Florida also. Worse yet some people are seriously thinking of selling their homes and moving back to the cold snowy north because they say they can’t afford the high premiums.

The state created insurer, Cititzens Property Insurance Corporation, has been the best option for homeowners who found themselves in need of a new policy. Citizens, considered the insurer of last resort, by law charges more than private insurers but has picked up hundreds of thousands of new policies becoming the second largest and soon to be the largest insurer in the state. But due to high hurricane claims in 2005, Citizens was seriously in the red. The Legislature bailed them out but some homeowners are being forced to pick up the difference through assessments to their policies. Additionally, the Legislature has responded by setting aside roughly $250 million in grants and rebates to help property homeowners fortify their homes.

Recently, even better news is on the home front. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the “Government Sponsored Enterprises” created by Congress to provide funding to mortgage lenders have made changes to the insurance requirements that many say will help lower premiums. These GSE’s are now allowing much higher deductibles which will in turn lower the premiums. Historically, they did not allow a deductible to be higher than $1000. But now in many cases they are allowing deductibles as high as $5000 depending on the value of the property.

Also, forecasters have downgraded their initial position of an active 2006 hurricane season for Florida and the Gulf Coast. This can only be good news for homeowners and their insurance rates. Last season was really unusual being the most active season on record. For example between 1995 and 2005, the hurricane season in the Atlantic only averaged eight hurricanes.

Bob Lipply is a top Real Estate Broker Associate in the lipplyrealestate.com Tampa Florida Real Estate area.
He and his team have been helping families relocate to Florida and on the selling end get top dollar for their homes with great success. Lipply Real Estate also specializes in lipplyrealestate.com/clearwater.php Clearwater Real Estate visit his website where you can search the MLS for up to date available homes for sale.

No Comments » Posted by Matt Cubb / Uncategorized