Tag: cheap car insurance in Chicago

Does Shopping for Car Insurance Have to be Hard? Of Course Not!

We’ve all heard just how difficult shopping for car insurance is. But does it have to be? At Pronto Insurance, we want what’s best for all drivers, so know these steps to make insurance shopping easy!

What You Should Know Beforehand

It’s important to know the following before beginning the search for insurance:
 Your car’s value
 Your driving records
 It’s age
 It’s mileage
All of these and more can play important roles in how much you’ll pay, how much coverage you’ll get, and more!

Know What You Need

Once you have a better idea of your car’s value and your own driving habits, you’ll realize exactly what type of coverage you’ll need. For instance, if you tend to drive on highways where broken windshields and dents happen often, you’ll likely want better protection that will cover what you’ll put your car through.

Shop Around (But Consider the Coverage)

Shopping around is where the real fun begins, but you must be observant. While one insurance company may offer you a better overall price, it may not provide the exact coverage you need. Getting multiple quotes is important, but remember that it’s not all about the lowest prices.

Get to Know the 3 Most Common Forms of Distracted Driving

Over the last few decades, vehicle safety has skyrocketed and made cars much safer compared to the vehicles of old. However, while vehicle safety has improved, distracted driving remains one of the most dangerous and common issues. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,000 lives were lost due to distracted driving in 2019 alone. If you or someone you know needs help minimizing the number of distractions at the wheel, we can help.

Using Your Phone

Smartphones are lifesavers when it comes to certain situations, but they’re dangerous if used while driving. Texting, calling, or simply surfing through multiple apps can take your eyes off the road for more than just a few seconds – enough time to cause devastating accidents.

“Multi-Tasking”

Perhaps you feel safe eating while behind the wheel or even holding a conversation as you drive to work. The reality is, even when you think you’re effectively multi-tasking, you’re not giving your complete attention to the road.

Discomfort in the Driver Seat

We recommend setting your seat, radio, mirrors, and everything else to the right adjustments before heading out on the road. Discomfort will probably cause you to make these adjustments while driving, which could distract you from what’s ahead.

Sharing the Road with Aggressive Drivers if You Must

Millions of drivers hit the road each day. While most are respectful and tolerant, it isn’t uncommon to run into aggressive drivers. If you find yourself in an exchange with an aggressive driver, it’s important to know exactly what to do.

Don’t Respond

To keep yourself and others safe, it’s best to avoid responding to an aggressive driver. Doing so can escalate their behavior and lead to even more dangerous actions. We recommend avoiding eye contact, letting them pass, and resuming your drive.

Be Understanding

Aggressive behavior has no excuse, but it’s impossible to know what the other driver may be going through to react in an antagonistic manner. Perhaps they’ve had a tough day or are dealing with a medical emergency that has them feeling anxious. Whatever the case, make sure you maintain your composure and avoid reaching their level of hostility.

Pull Over

If the aggressive driver is way too close to your vehicle for comfort, then it’s a good idea to pull your car over safely. Once you do so, simply let them drive off, wait a few moments, then continue. Please remember to not exit your vehicle. The other driver can
potentially interpret this as an act of defiance which can be met with more hostility.

Contact the Authorities

If you’ve followed these steps but the driver’s aggressive behavior insists, then it’s best to contact authorities to deal with the issue.

Summer isn’t far off, meaning that the sun will hit a bit harder with heat. As you look ahead, it’s important that you keep your vehicle in mind. After all, it’ll need your undivided attention as you prep it for the hotter weather. Don’t know where to start? Pronto Insurance can help!

It’s All About the Coolant

Picture being stranded on the side of a road with an overheated car and no help in sight. Stay on top of your car’s coolant level to ensure that it runs in top shape. We strongly suggest keeping an additional container of coolant in your trunk if you have an older vehicle.

Battery Woes

As the temperatures rise, the toll on your car’s battery does as well. To avoid the headache of a malfunctioning battery, we suggest having yours checked occasionally to avoid being stuck with a dead car and little-to-no options for help.

Prioritize Your AC

There are a few things as frustrating as driving around on a hot summer day with no AC, sweaty, and in an overall foul mood. One very important thing you can do before the days get much hotter is testing your AC! If it’s not cold enough, then get it checked ASAP.

Replace Your Wipers

Cold weather has a habit of wreaking havoc on your wipers with cracks, tears, and other damages. We suggest that you replace them now before the summer rainfall begins. After all, it’s an affordable upgrade that can really make a difference.

Homeownership is the landmark of the American Dream. But as is the case with most major purchases, your home will come with some not-so-evident responsibilities like obtaining homeowner’s insurance. If you’re new to the game, then it’s important to familiarize yourself with a few things to do when filing an insurance claim in the event your home suffers damages.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The first step in successfully filing an insurance claim is to contact your insurance company to report the incident that resulted in damage to your home. If you fail to do so, the claim process could potentially become prolonged or ineffective.

Assess Damages and Don’t Make Repairs (Yet)

Obtaining photographic evidence of your home’s damages is a must. It’s the reason why it’s so pivotal to photograph or video record damages to your property. Remember that it’s just as important to leave all damages as they are if possible until your home is inspected by an insurance adjuster.

Be Honest with the Adjuster

Once your insurance company sends an adjuster to assess the damages to your home, be sure to be transparent and as forthcoming as possible. Answer all questions honestly and don’t be afraid to join him/her when they do their inspection to ask questions.

Keep Your Receipts

Once you’re given the go-ahead for repairs, we suggest keeping all receipts for purchases or hired work. This is so that your insurance company has the documentation needed to effectively and correctly complete your claim.

All insurance companies work differently and have varying types of coverages. Despite this, it’s important to secure a policy as soon you can so that you’re fully covered in the event of a car accident. Failing to do so can cause plenty of headaches down the road due to having to handle repairs and such on your own. Avoid this by getting covered today. If you ever find yourself in an accident, then you should never neglect to inform your insurer. Here are a few reasons why.

Your Car May Have Suffered Unseen Damages

Let’s say you get into a minor accident with no noticeable damages and don’t feel the need to get the authorities or your insurer involved. What happens if, a few days later, you begin noticing your car making weird noises? Many insurers require you to report a car accident even if no damages have occurred. Be sure and do so as soon as possible.

The Other Driver May be Uninsured

If you get into an accident with an uninsured driver and fail to report it to your insurance company, then all expenses like car repairs, hospital bills, and even lawyer fees may be left to you to pay for. By contacting your insurer immediately after an accident, you will receive the support you need to get through the situation.

It’s in Your Agreement

It’s an almost universal fact that insurance companies from around the nation require clients to report accidents. If an accident goes unreported, then it can mean potential insurance issues for the client.

We’re Here to Help

When push comes to shove, it’s important to remember that your insurance company is here to help you. Whether your accident was a minor fender bender or a serious crash, know that we’re here to help you move forward in an effective, professional, and hassle-free manner.

In this day and age, doing anything online is the way to go. You can order food, get your groceries, and even find all the entertainment you’ll ever need with a simple finger swipe. So, what about buying car insurance on your smartphone or computer? As you can imagine, if you’re not doing it online, you’re not doing it right!

It’s Fast

Gone are the days of calling an insurance company only to be placed on hold for what seemed like hours. You don’t even have to drive to their office for the deal that best fits your insurance needs! When you shop for car insurance online, it can be done in only a few minutes!

It’s Easy

Sure, insurance can be overwhelming for anyone to take on. After all, with terms like deductibles and all kinds of percentages and rates, you’d be crazy not to get confused! However, when you shop for car insurance online, it’s all made easy. You can look at all available policies and options and pick the best one!

You Can Weigh Your Options

Imagine shopping for car insurance just a few years ago. You’d have to call or visit countless companies to figure out which one is best. Now you can weigh all of your options from the comfort of your couch! You can also read reviews to see what others are saying about their policies!

Anywhere, Any Time

Let’s say you’ve spent all day at a dealership negotiating. You’ve been there so long that, by the time an arrangement’s been reached, it’s way past closing time and you still need coverage to drive off with your new set of wheels. Luckily for you, with online insurance shopping, you can find the best rate anywhere, any time!

If you’re anything like most people, then you’re probably not a fan of tax season. And why would you be? Arranging forms, looking over your expenses, and filing paperwork is far from a fun experience. But then there’s your tax return and the many possibilities it comes with. Will you spend it on lottery tickets? Dump it all on a vacation? If you’re not
exactly sure, then we have a few ideas that can benefit you financially and emotionally.

Invest It

Sure, you could take your tax return to Wall Street and invest in stocks and bonds, but that’s not exactly what we’re talking about. We mean investing in your retirement! Whether it’s an IRA, a work-based retirement plan, or any other type of portfolio, putting
some money away for the future is never a bad idea.

Tackle Some Debt

2020 was a year where many were forced to take on some debt as they tried to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic. We strongly suggest you make the right move and decrease your debt and lower your interest with your tax return.

Rainy Day Funds

If last year taught us anything, it’s that things can go bad when you least expect it. It’s the reason why putting some money away into an emergency fund is more important than ever. Calculate your tax return and put enough money away to help you through several months in case you ever need it.

Enjoy It

Being responsible is great but living a little can be just as important. Once your tax return comes in, put some money on the side to invest it in yourself. It can be a simple vacation, a new pair of shoes, or just a delicious dinner. Whatever the case, it will surely
make a difference.

When it comes to taking a quick road trip with your child in tow, it’s all pretty simple, right? You just sit them in their car seat, strap them in, and you’re ready to go! But, while this is something most parents are familiar with, there are additional steps you can take to be extra safe. After all, your child is your priority, and you’ll take every step
necessary to keep them out of harm’s way.

Never Leave Your Child Unsupervised

Let’s say you’re taking a quick trip to the gas station, your AC is on, and your car is parked under a nice, cool shaded area. Your child should be okay in your car for a couple of minutes alone, right?

Not at all.

As you probably already know, children are curious and waste no time exploring, touching, pressing, and so much more. This could mean bad news if your little one was to do something they’re not supposed to in your vehicle. Avoid this issue and make a habit of never leaving your child alone in your vehicle.

Keep Horseplay to a Minimum

Giggling and laughing is music to any parent’s ears. However, it can become distracting and dangerous in a car. The last thing you’ll want is to get into an accident because you were trying to keep your rowdy children calm and collected. Set some rules, enforce
them, and keep your family safe at all times.

Choose Toys Wisely

If there’s anything your child needs, no matter the time or place, it’s their favorite toy. However, evaluate the toy’s safety as it relates to your vehicle. Will it become a choking hazard with all the movement on the road? Can it cause injury if an accident were to occur? If the answers are concerning, it may be time to choose a safe road toy for your
little one.

Over the last few years, electric vehicles have climbed in popularity and become an appealing option for drivers looking for a new set of wheels. What were once boxy and somewhat unattractive vehicles have become luxurious, fast, and advanced machines that turn heads. Now that you’re looking for a new car, will you make the switch to electric? Here are a few things to consider before a decision.

Average Mileage

If you’re commuting for hours on end between home and work and live a busy lifestyle that has you running errands in your spare time, then an electric vehicle is a no-brainer. Just think of the money you’d save on gas! However, if you’re currently working from home or are blessed enough to live close to everything you need, perhaps electric should be a second option.

Charging It

Sure, electric vehicles mean little-to-no trips to the gas station, but you’ll still need to charge it. With that said, do you have easy access to electricity at home? If you live in an apartment complex or home with more vehicles than driveway space, then charging your new electric car may be next to impossible. And that’s definitely something to consider.

What Do You Want Out of Your Vehicle?

If you’re looking to go electric, then you more than likely care about saving money on gas and your carbon footprint. However, it’s important to evaluate what you need out of your vehicle. For instance, if you’re accustomed to a truck to make heavy hauls, then it may be difficult to make the switch.

Long-Distance Travel

If you’re a weekend warrior who hits the road for long-distance adventures, then consider this. Many electric vehicles are not exactly the best when it comes to long travels because the range of their power source is just not there. Of course, you could pay a few extra tens of thousands of dollars for an electric vehicle that will fit your travel
needs, but that may not be within your budget.