Author: Active Insurance

These 3 Insurance Myths Are Not What They Seem

Posted on by Active Insurance

These 3 Insurance Myths Are Not What They Seem

If you find yourself shopping for insurance, you’re likely to hear a few opinions from friends, family, or even the internet. This, along with the overwhelming amount of available information, can make finding the best insurance for your vehicle challenging.
At Pronto Insurance, we want to make your insurance shopping experience a little easier. We want to discuss and debunk some of the most common car insurance myths.

Your Credit Doesn’t Matter

If you’ve bought a house, a car, or simply gotten a credit card, you know how important your credit score is. Things are no different when it comes to your car insurance. Most insurers determine rates by using your credit history. After all, it will disclose just how reliable you are when making payments.

Specific Colors Are More Expensive to Insure

You’ve probably heard people say red cars are almost impossible to insure. However, this is far from the case. The reality is that your car’s age, model, make, and engine size will have a greater say in how your insurance rates play out.

Your Rates Rise Along With Your Age

Nobody wants to get older, but at least find closure in knowing aging won’t raise your premiums. Actually, quite the opposite! In many cases, drivers over a certain age are eligible for age discounts that could decrease their payments.

Let’s Get You Insured

If your insurance shopping journey has been too stressful, don’t worry. The experts at Pronto Insurance are ready to make things easy. We’ll evaluate your needs and tailor an insurance plan based on them, so you get exactly what you need and nothing more. Contact us today if you have any questions about our rates.

Today’s Gas Prices Call for a Guide on How to Save Fuel

Posted on by Active Insurance

Today’s Gas Prices Call for a Guide on How to Save Fuel

Gas prices have skyrocketed over the last few weeks, and there’s no telling when they will normalize. Of course, it would be unfair to suggest you should simply stop driving. However, you can take a few steps to make sure you’re keeping as much fuel in the tank and money in your pocket as possible.

Not Every Hour is Rush Hour

Quick question. Is speeding acceptable when running late to work or simply looking for a thrill? Nope! Speeding is never the right call. It’s dangerous and selfish, and it also wreaks havoc on your gas consumption. The key to saving your fuel is watching your pace and driving steady.

Maintenance Your Vehicle Regularly

If you’re not necessarily one to keep up with tune-ups, it may just be time to change your ways—oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks, are all essential to keep your vehicle in good shape.

Tires are Important

Your tire’s pressure, tread, and overall health are important factors ensuring your vehicle is safe and efficient. Even a poorly-inflated tire will produce more resistance on the road. This means your car will struggle to ride along and, in turn, waste more of your precious gas.

Plan Ahead

Driving around aimlessly is the perfect way to ensure you’re wasting gas. Be smart and plan your trips before climbing into the driver’s seat. Plan ahead and give the insurance agents at Pronto Insurance a call if you’re ready to protect your car. We’ll help you find the protection that best fits your needs.

Keep It Cool and Prep Your Car for Warmer Weather

Posted on by Active Insurance

Keep It Cool and Prep Your Car for Warmer Weather

When the cold days wear off, and the sun starts to sizzle down on us, we tend to waste no time in getting ourselves ready for the new weather. We wear lighter clothes, hydrate more, and even lather our skin with a bit of sunblock. Wouldn’t it be great if we gave our vehicles the same treatment? At Pronto Insurance, we want to help you prep your car and keep it working as it should during the sizzling hot weather.

Your AC is a Priority

Summers can be brutal, and taking on the road without air-conditioning is entirely out of the question. If you want to avoid driving around in a foul mood and soaked in sweat, we recommend you make sure your AC is working properly before the weather gets even hotter. Giving it a test run will let you know if you’re all set or if it’s time to make some repairs.

Check Your Coolant

Your vehicle’s coolant is its natural hydration. Without it, overheating becomes a huge danger that can potentially leave you stranded when you least expect it. We recommend you check your coolant levels even before spring begins. It’s always a good idea to carry an extra container of coolant in your trunk, especially if you drive an older vehicle.

How’s Your Battery?

As you can imagine, the blazing summer heat can negatively affect your car battery. If you wish to avoid any malfunctions while out on the road, it’s always a good idea to have your battery charge checked. Now, doing so allows you to replace your battery before the weather gets even hotter.

Help When You Need It

Did you know some insurance plans come with the added benefit of roadside assistance? At Pronto Insurance, we know this feature can be a difference-maker in unexpected situations. Give our insurance agents a call today for more information about this comprehensive service.

These 3 Signs Could Indicate It May be Time for a New Vehicle

Posted on by Active Insurance

These 3 Signs Could Indicate It May be Time for a New Vehicle

Car payments can be a major monthly headache. It’s the reason why so many drivers keep their cars running for as long as they possibly can. However, no matter how hard you may try, there is always a point when your car just won’t work any longer. At Pronto Insurance, we want to share the 3 most common signs that indicate it is time for a new set of wheels.

Safety Concerns

Older cars tend to have a few quirks in them that need to be done in order to work. Maybe the gas cap needs to be jiggled in order to twist off. Or perhaps the seat reclining lever needs a bit of a shimmy to let you adjust your seat. But, if you find yourself doing these same things to your seatbelt, your brakes, or any other component that’s vital for your safety, it’s time to say goodbye to your car.

You’re Hemorrhaging Money

Sure, not having a car payment is a godsend. And yes, you’re going to have to make some repairs to your vehicle eventually. But, if you’re finding yourself frequently paying mechanics, your gas efficiency is in shambles, or insurance costs are steadily rising, you may be spending way too much on your old car.

Bad Looks

Some older vehicles look great and are full of charm. But it’s safe to say that many other older vehicles have definitely seen better days. Chances are, you can probably tell which category your vehicle falls under. If your set of wheels is an absolute eyesore and you have an opportunity to score a better-looking set of wheels, run with it!

Protection Always

No matter what state your car is in, it’s important to remember the best protection you can give it is car insurance. At Pronto Insurance, we’re ready to help you find the protection that best fits your need, so you can keep hitting the road with peace of mind. Contact us today for more information about our insurance services.

3 Reasons a Used Car May Be the Best Way to Go for Your New Set of Wheels

Posted on by Active Insurance

3 Reasons a Used Car May Be the Best Way to Go for Your New Set of Wheels

Did you know the average cost for a new car at the end of 2021 was over $45,000? That’s up from $40,000 in 2020, according to Kelly Blue Book! Given the latest prices and the chip shortage that has left car dealerships looking empty, buying a used car may be the best way to go. If that doesn’t convince you, Pronto Insurance also has a few factors to share that may make you want to choose a used vehicle instead.

Depreciation

Your car depreciates the moment you drive out of the dealership’s lot. New vehicles depreciate roughly 20 percent the moment they’re driven out of the lot and a further 10 percent during the first year. On the other hand, used vehicles have already significantly depreciated since they first left the dealership. While they will continue to decline, they’ll do so at a slower rate. This all translates to a better loan-to-vehicle-value ratio.

Value for Money

Let’s say you’re ready to purchase that beautiful truck you’ve always wanted but, after looking at the prices for new ones, you find that it’s out of your price range. However, the prices for one or two years older models are well within your means! This means you can get the vehicle of your dreams for a very good price.

Proven History

Getting a brand-new car guarantees you’ll be driving a machine that has never experienced any issues. But this doesn’t mean an old vehicle is the complete opposite of that. Fortunately, with the accessibility of finding car histories, title status, reports, and other past ownership information, you can be sure of what type of vehicle you’re driving before you make a purchase.

Insurance Is a Must

If you’re ready to bring a new set of wheels to your driveway, insurance is a must. The insurance agents at Pronto Insurance are ready to help you evaluate your needs and determine what type of protection best fits your needs and vehicle. Give us a call today for more information about our insurance services.

If There’s a New Driver in Your Home These 3 Steps Are a Must

Posted on by Active Insurance

If There’s a New Driver in Your Home These 3 Steps Are a Must

Getting your “first car” is a milestone in almost everyone’s life. It signifies more freedom, more responsibilities, and an even more important step into adulthood! But before your new driver takes to the road, they should do three essential things. The insurance experts at Pronto Insurance want to share a few steps new drivers need to follow.

Learn About Your Hot Rod

As any seasoned veteran knows, no two vehicles are the same. Pedal positioning varies between cars, the shifter may be in a different spot, and the way it drives can also be unique. It’s the reason why it’s so important that every new driver gets to know their vehicle before even turning it on. They should also become familiar with the concept of regular tune-ups and the frequency of oil changes.

Know Your Roads

Your new driver is likely not going on a cross-country road trip any time soon. More than likely, their commute will probably be limited to just a few miles from your home. With that said, it’s important they know their routes to get familiar with speed limits, street names, and even the odd bump on the road.

Insurance Is a Must

Insurance can be a confusing concept even for the most seasoned drivers on the road. But it doesn’t have to be! Your new driver needs to learn just how important insurance is, especially at their age. It’s why the insurance agents at Pronto Insurance are ready to provide every bit of information they need along with expert advice on coverage, policies, and cost. Contact us today for more information about our services.

Your Car Insurance Costs Are Dependent on these 4 Vehicle Factors

Posted on by Active Insurance

Your Car Insurance Costs Are Dependent on these 4 Vehicle Factors

Time and time again, people are told their car insurance costs are directly related to their age, gender, driving record, and so on. While this is true, it’s important to remember just how much impact your vehicle will have on your insurance costs. In fact, at Pronto Insurance, we want to share the four factors that are most commonly related to your car insurance.

The Size

We can probably all agree small cars are enjoyable to drive. You can zip and zoom around everywhere and fit it into the tightest spots. However, in many cases, smaller cars can speed up quickly, cut people off, and maneuver in a way that can potentially cause accidents. For this reason, bigger cars are considered “safer” and therefore a bit less expensive to insure.

The Value

Value is in the eye of the car owner. It may not be surprising to learn a car worth hundreds of thousands of dollars will be much more expensive to insure than one that costs five grand. This goes for foreign luxury or sports cars, which are pricier to repair than their American counterparts.

The Age

New cars have cutting-edge features and parts that make driving them a good experience. But, for all this technology, you’re probably looking at spending a pretty penny if your brand-new vehicle needs repairs compared to an older car. This, as you can imagine, translates to insurance prices, which will be much higher for newer vehicles.

The Safety Features

Today, some of the highest-ranked vehicles are considered the best due to their safety features and rankings. They often come equipped with warning systems backup cameras and even have the capacity to avoid accidents when you least expect them.

Insurance companies love safety features, and a vehicle that is maintained. It’s possible to even be charged less for protection depending on these additional factors. Contact Pronto Insurance to get started today.

Not Sure Why Your Brake Lights Stopped Working? Check for These 3 Issues

Posted on by Active Insurance

Not Sure Why Your Brake Lights Stopped Working? Check for These 3 Issues

Two truths: your brake lights are extremely important, and there is a chance you can get pulled over if they fail to work correctly. Don’t worry, though, if you have a faulty brake light, it may be a relatively simple fix!

At Pronto Insurance, we care about the maintenance of your vehicle to prevent bigger issues down the road. Learn about the most common problem causing a brake light fixture.

The Bulb

Much like that lightbulb in the kitchen that gives out, a burnt-out bulb could be the cause of your issues. Much like the kitchen light, your car’s bulb is easy to switch out. Simply find the correct bulb at your local auto parts store, disconnect the positive lead from the battery, find a way into your car’s bulb (it varies with every vehicle), and switch it out!

The Fuse

Chances are, if your brake lights have all gone down, your fuse is as good as gone. You can find your car’s fuses in the fuse box, often underneath the hook or on the kick panel inside the passenger’s compartment. Your car manual should tell you which fuse is for your brake circuit.

Once you’ve found it and determined its resistance (with assistance at your local auto shop), you can go ahead and replace it.

The Switch

Your vehicle has a switch that gets triggered whenever you press the brake pedal to signal your brake lights. With wear and time, this switch will eventually give out. While the replacement process is simple, we recommend you visit a mechanic. This is due to the switch’s proximity to the brake pedal and the likelihood of disturbing the pedal’s travel upon installing the new switch.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can potentially save a bit of money when it’s time to get your brake lights in working order. Not to mention, knowing what could be causing your lights to malfunction is a good way to keep your mind at ease.

Squeaky Clean: The Dos and Don’ts of Car Washing

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Squeaky Clean: The Dos and Don’ts of Car Washing

There’s nothing better than hitting the road with a clean and pristine-looking vehicle, ready to make an impression. While you could easily wait in line at an automatic car wash, sometimes it is good to put in the elbow grease and put in the work yourself.
When that time comes to clean your car, you need to know how to do that without causing damage. If you are ready to get scrubbing, follow these tips to ensure you are doing everything as you should.

Not Every Soap Works

If you were to ask anyone what type of soap you should use to wash your car, chances are they’ll say dish soap. It’s advice that has been passed down for years. But it’s surprisingly really bad advice! While dish soap cuts right through grease to leave your pans spotless, the chemicals in it can wear off your car’s wax and even damage the paint. Avoid this issue by only using car-specific soap.

The One-and-Done Rule

No, this doesn’t mean you should wash your vehicle once and then never touch it again. This tip is specific to the items you use to wash your vehicle and the probability of dropping them on the ground: if you drop your wash cloth once, it’s done. If you fail to follow this rule and continue using your cloth, the small stones and dirt particles on it can cause havoc on your paint’s finish. Avoid the trouble, grab a different wash cloth, and move on.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

One of the best things you can do to have your car looking beautiful by the time you’re done is keeping it wet until it’s time to dry. When you wash your car in direct sunlight, you lose the ability to do so. This means you could end up with spotty, blotchy patches where the water and soap suds dried up with the sun.

Microfiber is the Way to Go

We understand it’s easy to use an old t-shirt or kitchen towel to dry your car. However, these items are way too abrasive for your car’s paint and could cause scratches. Do the right thing and get yourself some microfiber towels that will help keep your car looking pristine for years to come.
There are many ways to keep your vehicle maintained. At Pronto Insurance, we can help with the bigger concerns such as your insurance needs.

Running on Empty: How Much Should You Panic When the Gas Light Turns On?

Posted on by Active Insurance

Running on Empty: How Much Should You Panic When the Gas Light Turns On?

No matter how careful, watchful, and responsible you are, there is a good chance you’ve experience the sudden dread that comes with a gas light turning on. Immediately you’ll panic and hope to see a gas station in your vicinity. The stress is real, but is actually validated? Will your car stop running within the next few minutes?

At Pronto Insurance we want to help you prevent and accident and stay safe on the road.

Hey, There’s Still Some Left

While the E indicator is extremely alarming, it doesn’t actually mean you’re out of fuel. In fact, if your car was made in the last 25 years, the E indicator simply means you have reached your vehicle’s reserves. Sure, this doesn’t mean you can go on a road trip and back, but you have plenty of time to fill up.

Surprisingly Plenty of Time

Now that we know what your gas light indicates, you might be wondering how many miles you actually have left. The truth is it depends. As you can imagine, gas mileage and the reserves of each vehicle vary, and when the gas light turns does too. However, in most cases, most vehicles have between 30 and 30 miles once you get to your reserves.

Making It a Habit Is Problematic

You may also be wondering if it’s a good idea to fill up every time you get to that point. The short answer is no. As your vehicle ages, impurities build up at the bottom of your gas tank. This is normal, however, if you let your car get to the point where it has no choice but to suck up that gunk, you may be harming your engine’s efficiency and longevity.