January 31, 2012 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

If Teenager Got a Car for the Holidays, It Is Time To Update Insurance

This past holiday some families may have chosen to give one of the family vehicles to a teenage child to spare the expense of buying a new car.

Many families choose to give an already-paid-for automobile to one of the children as a holiday gift. This tells the child that they have earned trust and proven that they are responsible. It can be a touching moment when a teenager takes the keys of their very own car for the first time.

But it is important to remember that re-examining an insurance policy is a part of that step. Whether mom got a new car and the teenager becomes the primary driver of the old station wagon or dad bought a new truck and gave the old sedan to the teenager, it is important to go back over the Florida auto insurance quote after the holidays to make sure everyone has sufficient coverage.

“We see a lot of people who get a car as a Christmas gift and they want to give their old car to their teenager,” said Vincent Payne of AGIC Insurance, Inc. “This can work out easily but it is important to have the Florida car insurance filed correctly in case something happens.”

Teenagers in cars need to be closely monitored to make sure they are not using electronic devices while they are driving. Many states outlaw using smartphones while behind the wheel, but some other states are even stricter when it comes to teenagers and mobile phones.

Florida does not have any laws restricting mobile phone use, which makes it even more important that parents keep a close eye on driving teenagers.

To learn more about how to get a great Florida auto insurance premium, visit http://www.agicinsurance.com or call AGIC Insurance at 1-877-854-0123.

January 25, 2012 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Donate a Car or Boat to Charity? Do Not Forget to Adjust the Insurance Policy

Nonprofit organizations, recognizing the cash-strapped times, have recently started offering an alternative as a tax-deductible donation to their cause: giving them an old car.

Sometimes public radio stations will offer a pick up service and allow supporters to donate a car or boat as a donation to the station. Groups like Boat Angel allow you to make tax deductions by giving them your boat of any size or make. Many of these donations happen at the end of the year so that the donation counts toward that year’s income tax cycle.

It is important to remember to change your insurance policy after the donation. If someone gives away an old car or an old boat, the insurance company can adjust the policy so that the old vehicle is no longer being covered.

“Donating an old car or vehicle is good for you twice,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “You get the tax deduction from the donation and you most likely will get a reduction in your insurance policy, too.”

In many cases, the boats, personal watercraft and cars are disassembled for parts, but in some cases, the vehicles are rehabilitated and sold.

“You want to get the car or boat off of your insurance policy as soon as possible after the transaction not only because it will likely save you money, but also because it removes you from being liable for the vehicle,” Rogers said.

The policy can be altered on the same day as the donation if possible, he said.

To learn more, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

January 3, 2012 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Car Features Should Focus on Safety and Not as Much Infotainment and Multitasking Safety Advocates Warn

New vehicles come with many bells and whistles, but for many auto safety advocates, new cars are coming with too many infotainment gadgets and not enough safety features. Bluetooth devices and voice commands allow for hands-free communication, but these features can still create distractions they say. Add to that social networking technology and video screens in dashboards, and it can make for a driving experience that is focused on convenience and entertainment versus just getting to your destination safely.

With pressure mounting on automakers, they are starting to include more state-of-the-art safety features. Some are still optional upgrades, but advocates hope many of these features become standard. Items such as backup cameras and electronic stability control can help drivers prevent accidents. New lane-keeping systems are being developed to trigger a steering wheel to vibrate if a driver has drifted outside a lane. And for those who get too tempted to use their phone while driving, some automakers are offering a feature that blocks phone calls through the vehicle’s phone system – this is a “Do Not Disturb” feature for the modern era.

“Safety features are getting better and more intelligent as auto technology progresses,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “They also help cut down your auto insurance costs, so it benefits you in many ways.”

Parents will like to hear that automakers are including features that prevent speeds of more than 65 miles per hour and a control that keeps the sound system low until the front seat occupants put on their seatbelt.

To learn more about Orlando auto insurance and the Florida Insurance Group, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

December 30, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Florida Drivers Heading North for the Holidays Should Double Check Their Auto Insurance For Peace of Mind

For many Floridians, the winter holidays are a time to see relatives up north. It is important to remember that it takes a different mindset to safely drive in snowy and icy conditions. Florida drivers should check with their relatives to see if there are any precautions they suggest, and call their Florida auto insurance agent to make sure their coverage is current and addresses any concerns they might have.

“For native Floridians who have never driven in snow, let alone dealt with icy roads, the family trip up north can be a stressful one,” said Vincent Payne of AGIC Insurance, Inc., a Florida car insurance company. “Get peace of mind by having a chat with your insurance company and learning more about how to drive in cold climates.”

Sometimes the most basic tips are helpful to arrive at the family’s snowy holiday destination. Trips can take longer in wintry conditions, so make sure to give the driver extra time to drive safely. Driving slower is important when it is sleeting, icy, or snowing, as it does take longer to brake, turn, and even accelerate in these conditions. Make sure to not ride the bumper of any cars in front, as braking can get tricky in winter weather.

“Make sure your cellphone is charged and the gas tank is full if you know you will be heading into dangerous weather,” said Payne. “Having properly inflated tires helps too and buy a scraper to use up north to get frost or snow off your automobile.”

Other basics to know are to be extra careful when driving over bridges or areas that do not get much light. Cruise control should also be avoided when the road is slippery as sudden braking or accelerating can cause hydroplaning.

AGIC Insurance, Inc. makes it easy for drivers to be prepared for holiday driving. Over the phone or online, drivers can get assistance and learn more about their affordable Florida auto insurance quotes. To learn more, click on http://www.agicinsurance.com or call 1-877-854-0123.

December 28, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Efforts to Lower Auto Insurance Premiums and Fraud Increase in Florida

Florida’s no-fault accident laws have caused costs to skyrocket for personal injury protection. Florida auto insurance fraud is at all-time highs, and staged accidents, bogus pain clinics, and excessive claims are causing auto insurance premiums to go higher and higher. A new campaign called “Gear Up Florida” has begun to fight against these types of fraudulent activities to ultimately protect consumers and their wallets.

“The Florida Legislature and the campaign are going to focus their solutions on how to curb fraud and rein in insurance costs in the next year,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group.

Claims from Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Hialeah had the most questionable accidents statewide. State legislators want to focus their efforts in these big cities to see how improvements can be made. Governor Rick Scott is zoning in on preventing fraud, limiting auto accident lawsuits, and reforming auto-medical clinics and accountability. These issues are costing taxpayers close to $1 billion a year.

Floridians pay more than 50 percent higher rates on auto insurance than other states’ residents. Concerned individuals want to find out how other states with personal injury protection and no-fault laws have been able to keep fraud and premiums in check.

“Each year it is good to review your auto insurance premiums to make sure they have all the protection you want and need,” said Rogers. “This is a time when we can shop your policy around to see if there is a more competitive rate.”

To learn more about the Florida Insurance Group, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

December 26, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Florida Auto Insurance Provider Notes State Efforts to Curb PIP Fraud

In the 2012 Florida Legislature, personal injury protection laws in the state will get a big overhaul. With auto insurance fraud a big problem in the state, Governor Rick Scott is looking to the state’s biggest cities for ideas to overcome this issue. Miami and Tampa have the largest number of staged car wrecks, according to police and insurance investigators.

“The issue not only affects the area’s residents and emergency resources, but it drives auto insurance premiums up,” said Vincent Payne of AGIC Insurance, Inc., a Florida auto insurance provider. “The state’s efforts to crack down on this issue are needed to make auto insurance more affordable and protect people who have been truly injured in an accident.”

Hillsborough County has improved its PIP fraud rate and noted more than 123 arrests, 150 criminal charges, and 273 unique cases that investigators have analyzed during the last 15 months. The county’s sheriff’s office is looking for people who stage crashes and get kickbacks from bogus medical clinics. They are also investigating clinics that overtreat patients to bilk the system.

“PIP insurance is required by law and coverage must be at $10,000 at a minimum,” said Payne. “If you are looking for ways to save money on your insurance, we can look at what the requirements are and what areas can save you more, such as deductibles and optional parts of your policy.”

Tampa Bay, specifically, has seen an 81 percent rise in PIP premiums. But for drivers who have a good driving record, drive autos with safety features, and have a low-risk vehicle, they can still get affordable Florida auto insurance quotes.

AGIC representatives will help drivers shop around for the best Florida car insurance coverage. To learn more, click on http://www.agicinsurance.com or call 1-877-854-0123.

November 28, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Distracted Driving Mishaps Can Affect Auto Insurance Rates

Distracted driving causes many auto accidents. As laws begin to ban texting throughout the U.S., cellphone providers are also starting to provide apps to help prevent the problem.

“These apps help prevent the temptation to answer an email, text, or call,” said Vincent Payne from Florida auto insurance company AGIC Insurance, Inc. “People won’t have to interrupt their driving to pay attention to what their cellphone is doing.”

For example, AT&T has launched a BlackBerry app called DriveMode that tells the person trying to reach the driver that he or she is driving and cannot respond. Users can customize the message or have the auto-response message get sent. As a free app, it is a no-brainer for drivers to start using much like an out of the office message.

“This is not only smart for everyday use, but will also help cut down on accidents that you could get in,” said Payne. “Distracted driving can cause an accident within seconds, which will hurt your driving record and affect your Florida car insurance rates.”

Before driving, the driver must turn on the app that will then disable web browsing, calls, emails and texts. Emergency 911 calls can still be made. The CTIA, an association of the wireless telecommunication industry worldwide, says that using a cellphone while driving can distract a person longer than other activities like eating, grooming, or turning the radio station. If a person must use a cellphone, hands-free options are far safer.

“Do not even be tempted to use a cellphone while at a red light, stop sign, or waiting for traffic to move,” said Payne. “It can cause an accident that can hurt you or another driver. The risks are not worth it.”

A vehicle’s safety features and an individual’s driving history can influence a Florida auto insurance quote. To learn more about how to get a great auto insurance premium, visit http://www.agicinsurance.com or call AGIC Insurance at 1-877-854-0123.

November 21, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Improvements Noted In Latest SUV Safety Study Should Help Auto Insurance Rates

The latest news from auto safety experts is that sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are becoming safer. Electronic stability control (ESC) has lessened SUV deaths and crashes. This comes as welcome news to not only SUV drivers, but insurance companies who know how popular these vehicles are.

“We are glad to see these improvements and be able to offer auto insurance clients even better rates with these new developments,” said Vincent Payne, of Florida auto insurance provider AGIC Insurance, Inc. “This will make an impact on injuries, deaths, and damage that some of the crashes have caused on the roads.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported earlier in the fall that SUV deaths dropped by two-thirds in the latest year of reporting data. Besides ESC, SUVs are starting to incorporate front-end energy-absorbing structures that cars have used for many years. This means there are decreased chances that a SUV could override another vehicle in an accident and prevent the crash from affecting the front seat areas. Head-protecting side airbags have also been used in many of the new SUV models.

“The IIHS noted that from 2007 and beyond, SUV models come with many of these features as standard items in their vehicle lineup,” said Payne. “Safety features and a good driving record can help lessen your Florida car insurance premium too.”

Since SUVs have come more in line with car safety standards, the IIHS reports that pickups now cause more deadly accidents. Some cite their auto body weight, and the fact that trucks often carry heavy loads in the back for the cause of serious accidents. The IIHS said that pickups were slow to use ESC features, but in due time will become a feature that everyone wants in their vehicle.

Individuals and families who want to find out more about how to get the best value on their Florida auto insurance quote should contact AGIC Insurance, Inc. To learn more, click on http://www.agicinsurance.com or call 1-877-854-0123.

October 31, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Interstate 75 Drivers in Florida Need to Take Precautions on Busy Highway

A father and son were thrown from their SUV in a rollover crash on I-75. Apparently the dad lost control of the vehicle and everyone was not wearing seatbelts. The two are dealing with serious injuries as they recover at St. Petersburg’s Bayfront Medical Center.

“There is no excuse for not wearing your seatbelt,” says Vincent Payne of AGIC Insurance, Inc. “This cannot only affect your life but make an impact on your Florida auto insurance policy. You don’t want to risk it over what takes less than a minute to buckle.”

Another incident further south on I-75 did not turn out so well. When a vehicle merged into traffic it hit the back of trailer. The auto with the trailer rolled over to the shoulder and ejected a man who was not wearing his seatbelt. He was pronounced dead at Lee Memorial Hospital. The driver and other passengers also went to the hospital for minor injuries.

“Unfortunately accidents like this are a reality and remind drivers that they need to protect themselves with smart driving practices and adequate insurance,” said Payne, who helps drivers obtain Florida auto insurance policies. “It is too late after an accident to get insurance or modify it to cover your concerns.”

Interstate 75 is more than 470 miles long in the state and covers most of the north-south route throughout Florida. As a main artery for drivers, it allows 70 mile per hour driving. As such, it is the site of many auto accidents. From accidents involving rollovers to merging incidents, driving at such a high speed with many lanes of traffic can prove deadly. I-75 has been the scene of wrong-way driving, accidents involving tire blowouts, and even incidents in road work zones.

“Drivers need to get in their car every day and make sure the tires are filled, that they are alert and able to drive, and have a game plan to get to their destination,” said Payne.

AGIC Insurance, Inc. helps drivers shop for the best Florida car insurance at a great value. They will take the time to explain a Florida auto insurance quote and what is needed to ensure a driver’s safety on the road.

Melissa DeAngelo is with Florida auto insurance company and Florida car insurance company, AGIC. To get a quote or learn more visit www.agicinsurance.com.

October 25, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Teen Driver Safety Week Celebrated in Florida

The third week of October is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Teen driving injuries and deaths are a tragic reality in Florida and nationwide. Parents are a big part of the solution and should help their teen after he or she finishes the driver’s education course. Moms, dads, and even older siblings can ride along with the teen to help them make smart decisions. Studies show that teens living in households with driving rules and supportive parents to help them correct driving mistakes are less likely to get into an accident.

“The first six months after getting your license are the most important,” said Vincent Payne of AGIC Insurance, Inc. “Getting adequate insurance and having your parents ride along in different road conditions will help you feel more comfortable and approach situations proactively.”

The top three driving errors that teens make are: not knowing how to detect or react to hazards; speeding around curves and merging too quickly on highways; and, being distracted. Distractions include texting, talking on a cell phone, changing dashboard controls, paying attention to friends riding along, and grooming. By grade 11 in high school, four out of five teens drives a car during the week a minimum of two hours.

“Driving for school, work, or errands can be a great way for a teen to learn how to drive safely,” said Payne. “Parents also need to be good role models – a parent must wear their seatbelt, don’t drink and drive, and stay focused on driving if they want their teen to follow their lead.”

Adding a teen to a parent’s Florida auto insurance policy is a great reminder to sit down and talk with them about how accidents and driving violations can increase an insurance premium. Speak to a qualified Florida car insurance agent to ensure the policy has enough coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured motorists. AGIC helps parents and teens find the best Florida auto insurance quote that has reasonable deductibles.

Melissa DeAngelo is with Florida auto insurance company and Florida car insurance company, AGIC. To get a quote or learn more visit www.agicinsurance.com.