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Will Roadside Assistance Really Benefit Me?

Posted on by Active Insurance

Car breakdowns happen when you least expect them, and, boy, do they happen often! How many times have you found yourself stuck on the side of the road or in a parking lot waiting for a friend to come to give you a jump or a tow truck to pull your car away? It’s extremely inconveniencing, and if you’re considering utilizing roadside assistance as a feature in your insurance policy, then read on to learn more!

Your Safety

Believe us, there’s nothing safe about being stranded on the side of the highway, but with roadside assistance, your issues will be dealt with promptly to keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible.

Getting You Moving

A car breakdown can cost time and money. Roadside assistance is designed to get you quick help and back on the road even quicker! Whether you’re out of fuel or out of options, assistance will help you faster than the time it’ll take you to convince any of your friends to rescue you.

It Gives You Peace of Mind

Driving with the fear of a breakdown is no way to drive at all! That’s why you should consider roadside assistance as an add-on to your insurance policy. It gives you peace of mind in knowing that you’ll be taken care of if your car sputters and shuts off.

How Well is Your Insurance Company Taking Care of You?

Posted on by Active Insurance

We count on our insurer to do the right thing for us when we need them most. If we’re ever in a vehicle accident, we expect them to be by our side to help us get back on our feet as fast as possible. However, this isn’t always the case for everyone.

There are plenty of recorded cases where insurance companies have gone out of their way to avoid their responsibility. This begs the question: is your insurer taking care of you?

Five Red Flags

Here are a few red flags when it comes to knowing if your insurer is doing what it can to take care of you:

  • Getting in touch with them by phone or email is virtually impossible
  • They offer the deal of a lifetime only to change their prices shortly after you sign on
  • It takes anywhere from two to five days to receive a quote
  • They provide endless excuses for not getting in touch with you
  • You get the sense you’re just another number to them and they’re not there to protect you

    • Weigh Your Options

    Choosing the right insurance company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a vehicle owner. Make yours a good one by doing your research. Search websites for internal information and take to forums to read reviews other customers leave. Above all, know that Pronto Insurance is here to watch your back when you need it most.

    Keeping Your Car in Great Condition During the Cool Weather

    Posted on by Active Insurance

    Cooler weather is upon us to give us some much-needed relief from the hot summer. While you may feel the urge to update your winter wardrobe immediately, you may want to make sure that your car is ready to take on the cold first.

    Watch Your Tires

    Colder weather means your tires will likely lose some much-needed tire pressure. It’s the reason why you should check your pressure regularly, especially if you’ll be taking a lengthy trip. If your tires are looking a bit bald or worn, replace them.

    Visibility is Important

    Brisk mornings with fog and dew will be much more prevalent for the next few months. It’s the reason why it’s so important to keep your visibility to a maximum. Remember to replace your worn windshield wipers and top off your wiper fluid tank with non-freezing windshield fluid instead of water.

    Change Your Oil

    Regular oil changes are important for your vehicle’s longevity. However, it may be a good idea to start the season off with new oil and a new filter as well. Doing so will ensure that your car runs efficiently through the changing seasons and leaves you with one less thing to worry about.

    Top Off Your Antifreeze

    Antifreeze is the fluid most of us forget about year-round. Do yourself a favor and check your antifreeze levels now to help keep your car in top shape.

    Familiarize Yourself with 3 Types of Distracted Driving

    Posted on by Active Insurance

    There are many distractions that can impair your driving ability. Although many vary in seriousness, there are three that are very common, and each can pose a significant hazard to your driving. Read on to learn what they are.

    Visual Distractions

    Visual distractions occur when you take your eyes off the road to focus on other things. This can include looking at your phone to answer a text, reaching into the backseat to grab something, or even observing a roadside accident.

    Manual Distractions

    Manual distractions occur when a driver removes one or both hands from the wheel. This happens when you do something like fix your hair or even change your radio dial.

    Cognitive Distractions

    It isn’t uncommon for your mind to wander while driving. Sometimes, you’ll find yourself thinking about whatever happened at work or fuming at another driver’s reckless driving. In either case, not paying attention to the road in this instance is a cognitive distraction.

    Always be Cautious on the Road

    It’s easy getting distracted while driving. Be cautious with what you’re doing at all times and never take your eyes away from the road or your hands off of the steering wheel. Be careful out there!

    Does Your Insurance Policy Offer the Right Coverage?

    Posted on by Active Insurance

    Does Your Insurance Policy Offer the Right Coverage?

    If your vehicle lacks insurance, then you’re setting yourself up for some potentially hefty fines if you’re pulled over. You might even have to deal with even bigger headaches if you end up in an accident. Luckily, there are plenty of coverage plans out there that will surely fit your needs. There are so many, in fact, that you may just feel overwhelmed! But don’t worry, Pronto Insurance is here to help you make the right call.

    What to Consider

    No two drivers are the same, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all insurance policy. Factors like the type of car you drive, how much you paid for it, and your driving history may contribute
    to the coverage you get.

    Fortunately, identifying these factors is easy, and after you’ve recognized them, you can begin mulling over the following insurance considerations:
     Liability – This is required by almost every state in the nation.
     Uninsured/underinsured motorist – If you end up in an accident with a driver that lacks
    insurance or whose policy doesn’t cover damages or medical expenses, then this will
    ensure that you aren’t fending for yourself.
     Personal injury protection – This can protect your family, friends, and other passengers.
     Collision and comprehensive – If your vehicle is declared a total loss, then this coverage
    can help you.
     Rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, mechanical breakdown – Unfortunately, cars break down when you least expect it. If you have a flat tire, leaking radiator, or other breakdown, then this coverage makes sure you aren’t left stranded or with out-of-
    pocket expenses.

    Your Guide to Parking Lot Vehicle Safety

    Posted on by Active Insurance

    Your Guide to Parking Lot Vehicle Safety

    Finding out your vehicle has been broken into or stolen can feel like a punch to the gut.Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

    What You Drive Says a Lot

    There are certain vehicles that thieves tend to target quite often. CBS News revealed the 10
    most stolen vehicles in the U.S.:
     Cadillac Escalade
     Ford F-250
     Chevrolet Silverado 1500
     Ford F-450
     GMC Sierra 1500
     Chrysler 300
     Ford F-350
     Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
     GMC Yukon

    Now, while it isn’t realistic to purchase a different vehicle to prevent a break-in or theft, it’s smart to take a few precautions.

    Pick the Right Spot

    Always make sure to park in a well-lit area at night. Additionally, you’ll want to park close to entrances or security cameras whenever possible.

    Always Lock Up

    In many cases, vehicles are stolen because the owner simply forgot to lock it. There’ve even been instances where keys were conveniently left inside! Do yourself a favor and avoid giving thieves an invitation by locking up.

    Hide Your Valuables

    This may go without saying, but thieves are often more inclined to break into a vehicle if valuables like electronics, purses, or other items are left in plain sight. Do the smart thing and hide them under your seats if possible.

    4 Ways to Save Money on Gas During a Time for Saving

    Posted on by Active Insurance

    4 Ways to Save Money on Gas During a Time for Saving

    They say money can’t buy happiness, but it can certainly keep your mind at ease! This is especially true in 2020 when so many people are trying their best to keep money in their pockets. While you may save by eating out less or limiting your shopping sprees, there are a few ways to save when it comes to gas.

    Slow and Steady Saves You Big

    Whether you’re a speed junkie or simply running late, putting the pedal to the metal is bad for your gas consumption. Simply put, by driving faster, you’re burning fuel at a higher rate. The best way to stop this is to watch your pace. It’ll help you save cash.

    Don’t Neglect Your Tires

    If we’re being honest, no one checks their tires as often as they should. However, it’s something you should make a habit. This is due to your tire pressure’s effect on your gas consumption. The less tire pressure you have, the more resistance your tires are producing, which, in turn, means more gas spent. To avoid this issue, simply check your tire pressure regularly.

    Tune Ups Save You Money

    How you treat your car will help it conserve gas. This means:
     Oil changes
     Air filter replacements
     Spark plug checks
     Other regular tune-ups

    Plan Things Out

    Let’s say you have to take your dog to the vet this week, you need some groceries, and the kids need some school supplies. Instead of spreading these errands out through the week, be smart and plan them all on one day. You can even allot some time in the trip to fill up at the station with the most reasonable prices. This approach will keep you from
    driving around mindlessly and wasting gas.

    If You’ve Been in an Accident, What Happens After?

    Posted on by Active Insurance

    If You’ve Been in an Accident, What Happens After?

    Car accidents happen when we least expect them. It’s a sudden situation and one that can send you into a panicked frenzy. But what you decide to do after can be the most important factor in overcoming this unfortunate situation.

    Get to Safety

    After your accident, the first thing you should do is access your person. If you’re uninjured, move your vehicle to a safe area, but only if it’s safe to do so. If it’s impossible to move your car, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If you’re
    injured, try your best not to move. If you’re alone, then do your best to contact 911.

    Remain Calm

    The suddenness of an accident can lead to panic or anxiety. However, it’s in your best interest to calm down as much as possible. Make sure to exit your vehicle carefully and begin the next steps in the process.
    Check on Other Drivers In moments like these, it isn’t uncommon for tempers to flare up, but this is counterintuitive. Instead, after exiting your vehicle, walk over to the other car to make sure everyone is okay. If there are injuries, call 911.

    Contact Law Enforcement

    If there are no injuries at the scene, you should still contact law enforcement to assess the situation. Remember, if you’re to file an insurance claim, then a police report will be extremely beneficial.
    Gather Important Information You’ll need a police report, the other driver’s information, and photos of the vehicles and scene. Make sure to get all vehicle makes and models, license plate numbers, location
    details, and even contact information from any witnesses that may be willing to cooperate.

    File Your Claim

    Once you’ve followed these steps, it’s then time to file an insurance claim. Simply contact Pronto Insurance and let the pros take it from there!

    5 Reasons why your steering wheel feels shaky

    Posted on by Active Insurance

    We always expect our vehicles to get us from points A to B in one piece, to make every last drop of fuel count, and to run smoothly at all times. This is probably why we get into such a panic when we feel something irregular like a steering wheel shaking. We immediately wonder if it’s really that bad, if it can be fixed, and if it’ll be expensive. If your steering wheel shakes when you drive, it could be due to one of the following reasons.

    Tires

    Tires that are out of balance will inevitably cause your steering wheel to shake and wobble. If your tires have different pressures or worn out treads, there’s a big chance they’re unbalanced. Keep in mind that the faster you drive on unbalanced tires, the more shaking you’ll feel.

    Brakes

    If you try to slow down with malfunctioning brakes, you may feel strong vibrations moving up the steering wheel. These malfunctions could potentially mean your brake pads are worn out or your rotors are malfunctioning. Whatever the case, it’s extremely important that you get them checked to avoid further problems.

    Wheels

    Your wheel bearings should last years but will eventually wear out or get damaged. If this occurs, you’ll experience some shakiness in your steering wheel. If your vehicle shakes while driving in a straight line, it could potentially mean your ball joints are faulty.

    The Axle

    Although somewhat uncommon, there’s a chance your axle could be bent or damaged, especially if you’ve been in a car accident recently. If your car abruptly jerks to either side, your driveshaft may be broken. If you spot these problems, stop driving immediately and get your car looked at.

    Engine

    Your engine could potentially cause vibrations if it’s malfunctioning. It’s important to note that, even if this is the cause, you’ll likely feel the shaking throughout the entire vehicle. If you suspect your engine may be failing, it could potentially be issues with fuel delivery or air induction.

    3 Great Ways to Care for an Old Car After You’ve Purchased a New One

    Posted on by Active Insurance

    3 Great Ways to Care for an Old Car After You’ve Purchased a
    New One

    Has the time come to purchase a new car? Is the one you currently have already showing signs that it’ll come to a permanent halt soon? If so, then you’re probably scouring the market for a new one. How exciting! However, if you’re the type of person who just can’t part ways with your old one out of sentimentality, then you should know that there are a few ways you can take care of it.

    Keep it Covered

    This goes without saying, but it’s best to keep your older model vehicle covered with a tarp or soft-fabric cover and indoors in a garage if possible. The one thing you don’t want to do is keep it outdoors all the time uncovered since rust might result. Another thing to do is wash it often if you’re going to keep it outdoors. And also be sure
    to prevent sunlight from always shining into the car since long-term exposure can cause damage to the upholstery and dashboard.

    Check Up on It

    Not many people may know this but the longer you go without driving a car, the faster it will run into problems. These problems can include poor performance, flat tires, etc. Be sure and run routine maintenance on the car at least once a month. Also, be sure to drive it around for about 15 to 20 minutes so that the battery doesn’t lose charge.

    Keep it Clean

    Going off of what we said earlier, if your car will remain outdoors, wash it periodically, even if you keep it covered with a tarp or sheet. Even if it’s covered, it can still collect dust and other particles that can harm the paint job. Even a simple rinsing can help if you’re not really in the mood to bring out the buckets and bottles of soap.