The Truth about Active Safety Systems

One of the most valuable assets to come out of our technological renaissance can be found in the active safety systems in newer automobiles. Not only are these safety systems valuable because they prevent injuries and death by reducing accidents, but they’re also valuable in that they can help to reduce both Colorado auto insurance premiums and overall driver expenses.

How Active Safety Systems Help

Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2008 showed that forward collision warning systems could potentially prevent 2.3 million crashes in the United States annually. They also found that 143,000 crashes per year could be prevented with adaptive headlights that help drivers see better around corners and 417,000 accidents could be prevented with emergency brake assistance, a system that applies the break for a driver when it senses a forward collision is imminent.

The Possible Downsides

One concern that the Institute’s safety report mentioned was regarding how drivers would adapt to utilizing active safety systems—especially since many drivers weren’t even aware of their existence. In a May 2006 report ordered by the European Commission, researchers found that safety equipment did not play a major part in the sales process as auto sales professionals felt that their customers weren’t necessarily interested in the topic. A 2011 report delivered by European company, eValue, mentions the problem of creating a rating system for active safety technology in order to improve what they describe as the, "low awareness" of car buyers.

If you purchase a vehicle with an active safety system, it's important that you understand how the system works and how you need to interact with it for maximum efficiency. Without truly understanding your system, its notification method may produce anxiety while you drive and you may not fully benefit from the technology.

Retaining the Driver’s Personal Safety System

Even more important, perhaps, is learning to utilize the technology without relying on it completely. In 2011, Wired magazine discussed the occasional failure of active safety systems. In their piece, they mentioned the importance of active driving at all times so that drivers can be prepared to react appropriately to a dangerous situation when their active safety system unexpectedly fails.

Your vehicle’s active safety system is a supplemental product that can help lower your insurance premiums, but it’s not infallible nor is it a miracle cure for bad driving. Learn how to work with it and how to work without it in the event of failure.

Commercial Auto Insurance and Your Future

Knowing whether or not your need commercial auto insurance is a question asked by nearly all business owners.

Not having this policy is usually justified by the fact that only the owner drives the company vehicle, or that the business doesn’t even own a vehicle—while employees using their own vehicle for errands are typically overlooked.

The truth of the matter is this: if you have a vehicle that is used for business or if you have employees that use their own vehicles for company errands, then you need commercial auto insurance.

Insurance serves to protect your finances and your future. Having auto insurance means you care about being insured after an accident. But when you try to stretch this same policy to a company vehicle, you’ll find your claims denied and your policy dropped in the event of an accident. Having your claim denied can hurt your business, hinder your finances, and be devastating in general.

There’s no need to risk the future of your business and your family when there are so many ways to have a commercial auto insurance policy that covers everything you need. With drive-other-car endorsements and non-owned coverage, cover yourself, your family, and your employees.

In this economy, it’s easy, and sometimes necessary, to cut corners and save money for your business. But if cutting those corners exposes you to more risk than it’s worth and more than you can afford, it will only lead to bigger problems. So don’t take unnecessary risks with your Colorado Car insurance. Speak to a trusted agent at Premier Group Insurance to get the kind of coverage that will protect your family, your business, your employees, and your future.

Steer Clear of Expensive Car Insurance Mistakes

As the economy continues on its downward spiral, consumers across the nation are tightening their belts and trying to save money wherever they can. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that they're losing untold amounts of money by overpaying on car insurance.

If you're looking to save on auto insurance, steer clear of these common car insurance blunders:

Blunder #1: Not shopping around for the best car insurance quoteIf you go with the first car insurance company that comes your way, you could be losing hundreds of dollars each year. It's worth your while to shop around and try to find the best deal out there. When it comes time to renew your insurance, it may be easy to stick with the same insurer you've had for years-but you won't save any money that way. Car insurance companies will calculate your rates differently, so you may be able to find a much better deal from someone else.

Blunder #2: Choosing your state's minimum coverage requirements
Although you may be tempted to choose the bare minimum coverage amounts required in your state, this could cost you in the long run. Just because you are in compliance with state laws doesn't mean that you're fully protected. If you're underinsured, a major car accident could wreak havoc on your personal finances. Everyone's situation and budget is different, so talk to your financial advisor to discuss how much coverage you need.

Blunder #3: Opting for the lowest car insurance deductible
In the car insurance world, the deductible is the amount of money you'll have to pay out of pocket on car repairs before your insurance company starts covering costs. Many consumers make the mistake of assuming the lowest deductible will save them money. However, this is not always the case.

Generally, if you go with a lower deductible, you'll have to pay a higher premium. In the long run, you may be able to save more money by choosing a high deductible insurance plan with a lower premium. Do your homework to figure out what makes the most sense for your unique situation.

Blunder #4: Choosing car insurance based only on cost
While you should definitely shop around for a great price on car insurance, this isn't the only factor you should consider. As you compare car insurance, look at the various benefits each insurer has to offer. Choose the coverage that best suits your needs and then compare prices.

Blunder #5: Missing out on major discounts
If you're a safe driver or if you insure your car and home with the same company, you may be eligible for a discount. Take some extra time to look into what discounts are available from various insurers. You could save hundreds of dollars this year.

Make sure you're paying the best price for your Colorado Car Insurance with Premier Group Insurance today.