Will My Car Accident Report Stay on Record Forever?

A Lesson in TimeThe amount of time an accident stays on your driving record depends on which state you reside in. For instance, an accident in California can remain on your record for 39 months, yet offenses like DUIs and hit-and-runs can stay for 13 years. However, in Texas, accidents are listed on your driving record for 15 years while intoxication- and alcohol-related accidents stay forever.

Avoid Permanent Records

You can avoid having a negative record by practicing safe driving. Our insurance group wants to remind you to respect the road.

Always remember to:

Avoid distractions

Obey the speed limit and traffic laws

Avoid driving when tired

Never drive while intoxicated

Avoid interactions with other drivers that keep your eyes off the road

The Most Stolen Vehicles in the State of Texas

Did you know that, on average, it takes just three minutes for a thief to steal a vehicle? In many cases, that number is even lower since most thefts happen when drivers leave their keys inside the car!
Even modern cars with chip keys and push-start technology can pose little resistance to car thieves. At Pronto Insurance, we want to help protect you and your vehicle, which is why we want to share some valuable information about the most stolen vehicles in Texas.

The Usual Victims

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the most stolen vehicles in Texas are Ford and Chevrolet pickup trucks in the first and second spots, respectively. When it comes to national rates, Honda’s Civic and Accord models are vehicles that are most stolen.
According to Flex Fleet, there were about 4.2 million trucks in Texas in 2020. That means all of these vehicles have a high risk of becoming another statistic, which is why it’s so important that you take the necessary steps to keep thieves at bay.

Don’t Become a Statistic!

Whether you’re indoors running a short errand or leaving your vehicle in your driveway for the night, there are steps you can take to help prevent a theft. Stay vigilant, make smart decisions, and keep these tips in mind:

Park your car in well-lit areas when possible.

Double-check to make sure the car is locked.

Always leave your windows up.

Never leave your keys inside.

Always have the alarm activated.

Labor Day 2021: Enjoy Your Long Weekend with the Utmost Safety in Mind

Each year, people from around the nation count down the days for that weekend that allows us rest, fun, and relaxation. These special occasions include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Labor Day. But, while most people know the significance behind most of these days, Labor Day can often be a mystery. At Pronto Insurance, we like history, especially when it gives way to the joys of a three-day weekend!

The Beginnings

In the late 19th century, trade and labor unionists became more active, seeking rights and recognition for the many laborers of America who had a tremendous impact on the way the nation developed.
The Labor Day holiday (to be celebrated on the first Monday of September) as we know it today, was initially proposed in the early 1880s, although the exact origin is subject to debate. However, one thing is certain: the purpose of the holiday was to recognize and celebrate the contribution that America’s laborers had on the developing nation of the time.

Celebrate Responsibly

Today, families across the nation celebrate the occasion by taking trips out to their local parks, the beach, or any other destination that offers the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the day. Of course, this often means more vehicles packed with anticipating passengers hitting the road!
At Pronto Insurance, we want to remind you that safety is just as important as fun, which is why we suggest following these simple tips to make sure your Labor Day is as safe as it is exciting:

Follow the rules of the road, no matter your destination.

Ensure that your passengers have fastened their seatbelts.

Be respectful to other drivers and avoid distractions.

Never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

What Should I Do If I’m the Victim of a Hit-and-Run?

Car accidents, no matter how minor, can be as stressful as they are frightening. However, few are as rage-inducing as a hit-and-run accident. You see, in most situations, drivers involved in accidents can navigate their crashes in a respectful manner.

They can exchange information, determine the well-being of their passengers, and find a conclusion to their situation. By driving away, culprits in hit-and-run accidents deny this opportunity to their victims. So, what should you do in the event of a hit-and-run accident?

Pronto Insurance has the information you need!

The Dos and Don’ts
At Pronto Insurance, we strongly suggest you follow this list:

Do:

Contact emergency personnel if there are any injuries at the scene of the accident.

Contact us.

Gather as much information as you possibly can, including license plate numbers, vehicle info, photos of the scene and damages, and the location, date, and time.

Ask witnesses if they’re willing to provide any additional information about the accident (get their name and contact info for future reference).

Don’t:

Pursue the vehicle that hit you.

Leave the area.

Wait to contact the police.

Wait to contact us.

Protection You Can Count On

If you’re ready for the protection you deserve against hit-and-runs or any other types of car accidents, then contact Pronto Insurance today.

Baby’s First Road Trip: How to Survive the Road With Your Little One – Part 2

In a previous blog we brought you some helpful information that will make your baby’s first road trip a breeze. Fingers crossed. Now, as we gear up for the year’s top vacationing period, we want to share even more advice that will make your parental road trip a breeze!

Open Minded Wins the Race

In a baby-less situation you’re very likely to race to your destination, but things are different when you’re hauling a little one. One of the best things you can do for your baby’s first trip is to be flexible when it comes to your schedule. Come to terms with the fact that you may need to make your stop significantly lengthier and you may need to turn your one-day trip into a two day one. It’s really okay!

Learn to Enjoy the Backseat

As much as you or your spouse want to ride shotgun, it’s definitely best that one of you ride in the back seat with the baby. It will make life just a little easier when the baby gets fussy, starts to cry, spits up, or just needs someone to hang out with. Additionally, having someone in the backseat means you won’t need to pull over every few minutes to check on your little one.

Take Time to Enjoy Everything

When you have a destination in mind it’s easy to forget to live in the moment. However, that’s exactly what you should do, especially during your baby’s first trip! Sure, you’ll get some crying, some fussiness, and a few dirty diapers, but it’s not always you’ll get to give your baby his/her first road trip experience. So, take your time, get your snacks ready, and enjoy the open road with your new copilot!

Baby’s First Road Trip: How to Survive the Road With Your Little One – Part 1

Life with a brand-new addition to the family is amazing and full of firsts. There’s the first smile, the first giggle, and the first few steps, which all send you over the moon as a parent. But with all the happiness that “firsts” bring, there are some that make parents extremely nervous. We’re talking about your baby’s first road trip. If your baby’s first road trip is coming up, make sure you follow our tips to make it as smooth as possible.

Preparation Is Key

As you already know, leaving your house ill-prepared is a big no-no when it comes to parents. This rule of thumb is especially important when it comes to road trips and we’re not just talking about a fully stocked diaper bag either.

You have to make sure the bag is in an easy-to-reach spot, there has to be a designated area for the changing pad, and you need to pack a change of clothes for the little one AND yourself. Also, since not all babies are fans of car seats, make sure you pack plenty of toys to keep your child entertained.

Snacks are a Must

It’s almost as if babies get hungry when it’s least convenient for you, right? When on your trip, you have to realize that your usual stops for food or a nice stretching session may not coincide with your baby’s needs to feed.

Of course, you’ll need to stop to feed your baby, but since you’ll likely have to avoid stopping to get yourself some food, snacks are a no-brainer. We’re talking PB&J sandwiches, fruits, nuts, and every type of snack that will keep you running but won’t leave you feeling gross.

Avoid Night Driving

You may be thinking you could put in a good amount of miles while your baby sleeps at night. However, it’s important that you consider every scenario. What happens if your baby decides to scream his/her head off while you drive? Or what if your car breaks down and you find yourself stranded with an unhappy spouse and an unhappier baby? So, take the high road and limit your driving to the day time.

4 Tips to Help Make Your Summer Trip a Bit Less Stressful and Tiring

Traveling for business or pleasure can leave you stressed and exhausted. After all, the amount of planning that goes into it makes it almost impossible to focus on anything else! To make things a little less stressful, we have a set of tips to make sure your next travel day goes as smoothly as possible.

Prepare Your Body

Whether you’re driving or flying, cramped spaces will make your body feel like garbage if you don’t prepare. The last thing you’ll want is to board your flight or climb into your car feeling groggy, bloated, and overall gross. It’s why we suggest getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet in the days leading up to your departure. And remember, hydration and supplementation go a long way as well.

Double Check Everything Beforehand

Imagine arriving at your destination to find your hotel room was never reserved due to some mistake. To help you, we suggest that you prepare, prepare, prepare! Start by checking your flight schedule all the way up to the moment you leave for the airport. The last thing you’ll want is a delayed or canceled flight! If everything’s in order, then read up on the airport’s security protocol to help your boarding process go smoothly. Additionally, double-check your hotel room status before your arrival to avoid any issues.

Prepare Your Bag (The Right Way)

If you’re the type who tosses anything and everything into a suitcase, then you’re doing it wrong! By making a list of essentials and checking it off as you pack, you’ll avoid overloading your bags. In fact, avoid last-minute packing altogether! When you give yourself a few days to pack your bags, you allow yourself the opportunity to remember things you may have forgotten.

Prepare Your Travel Wardrobe

Travel is often uncomfortable when you don’t dress for it, so do yourself a favor and dress the comfiest you can! Whether you go for a comfy sweater, jeans, and sneakers, or a t-shirt, basketball shorts, and sandals, make your comfort a priority.