Auto Insurance Providers

 

As agreement lawyers who supply a range of realty and mortgage associated legal services, consisting of property closings and dealing with property disagreements, we understand that numerous customers truly do not comprehend personal mortgage insurance. Referred to as PMI, personal mortgage insurance is to benefit the lending institution, not the debtor– although the customer is spending for it.

We spoke with llc and contracts lawyer Jason McGrath and his firm have actually recommended customers about this in numerous contexts, consisting of when a mortgage insurance provider takes legal action against the debtor to recuperate loan the insurance provider paid pursuant to the policy.

PMI is generally needed if the scenarios consist of a personal mortgage in which less than 20% of the list prices/ assessed worth is put down in advance. From the loan provider perspective, PMI is a great thing– the customer needs to spend for an insurance plan which names the loan provider as the recipient, with the loan provider (or whomever winds up owning the loan) possibly having the ability to make a claim on the policy if the debtor defaults on the loan, which default leads to the loan provider not being repaid completely. If you are having trouble like this with your home contract then we suggest getting in touch with a local business lawyer contract attorney charlotte nc.

In a lot of circumstances, the premium payments the debtor needs to produce personal mortgage insurance are rolled into the debtor’s regular monthly “mortgage payment”. The information relating to the initial PMI arrangement, consisting of the payment quantity, are understood in advance of the property closing. Debtors/ purchasers must be asking concerns about PMI prior to closing as compared to after (although much better to ask later on and understand than to not ask at all).

mcgrath & spielberger, business & contracts law, motivate all of our property customers to be or end up being educated ones, and we help because understanding is power.

 

 

 

Regardless of the condition of your car, it is a helpful thing to get a car warranty, and in case you already have one, renew it before it expires.

The concept of car warranty, itself, however, is not simple, since there are multiple factors that come into play, which greatly determine the type, size and use of your warranty. Moreover, if you do not see carefully, you may just end up paying more than you need to for your car.

You must also know about the difference between your car warranty and your auto insurance and see to it that they neither overlap nor leave you vulnerable, so that both your car and your finance remain protected.

What is a car warranty?

A car warranty is a legal document from vehicle dealer or manufacturer, which promises to cover all repair and replacement-related costs which may occur during the specified warranty period.

Usually, said repairs include broken, defective, faulty, or recalled auto parts.

That being said, vehicle warranties don’t cover damages occurred due to reasons such as collisions, accidents, negligence, damage from weather, chemicals or fire, and most importantly, theft.

A car warranty is either time-based (like 3 years), or mileage-based (like 36,000 miles). The exact times, however, vary depending on the dealer and/or manufacturer.

How much do car warranties cost?

For both used and new car warranties, you, the owner, are required to pay a flat fee in order to be eligible to repair or replacement costs.

Deductibles on warranties vary depending on the brand and the type of ownership of the vehicle (i.e. if the car is new or if it is certified pre-owned).

What is an extended car warranty?

If the original warranty on your car expires, you have the option to extend the time or mileage in exchange for a fee. This is also sometimes called a service contract, which provides for repairs and maintenance.

Sold by car dealers and manufacturers, as well as independent providers, extended car warranties only go into effect once your original warranty is effectively over.

As with the cost of a car warranty, the cost of the extended warranty will vary on the basis of past repairs and mileage count – those with less of these will be available at a cheaper warranty price. While extended warranties are offered by independent third-parties, these can often get tricky. mainly due to the untrustworthy nature of said companies.

What is a used car warranty?

Car warranties are not exclusive to owners of new cars. Those with used cars can get a certified pre-owned car (CPO) warranty, which will cover their repair costs.

Much like new car warranties, used car warranties have their criteria and limitations as regards the type and length of coverages. Generally, though, their coverages are lesser than of a new car’s, and last between 3 months and 3 years.

What kind of repairs are covered by a car warranty?

When purchasing a warranty for your vehicle, you must be clear with your dealer on the following points:

– The time period of the warranty

– Point-of-contact for servicing

– The kind of repairs and the car parts which are covered

– Any and all conditions as well as limitations within the warranty

How are auto insurance and car warranties different?

While the two may sound similar at first glance, they are two very different legal documents. While car insurances cover all kinds of damages and risks like collisions, accidents, weather and chemical damage and even daily wear-and-tear, car warranties are simple a guarantee on the car’s quality that is made by the manufacturer and/or dealer.

Overall, one can say that a car insurance is more stable and wide-ranging.

Is it possible to lose one’s car warranty?

In a word – yes. Vehicle warranties may be deemed ineffective or void if it is found that your car is not regularly maintained, does not follow protocols, and/or is otherwise neglected by you.

Regular maintenance includes periodic tire rotations, fluid checks, oil changes, and checking of parts like brake pads and belt replacement, among others.

 A few good practices…

As mentioned before, there are ways to make sure that your car warranty remains active and functional. There are also ways (other than maintenance and upkeep) to get the best out of your car warranty.

– Read your warranty carefully: Doing so will allow you to gain knowledge of the details of your coverage, complete with the warranty period, conditions as well as limitations.

– Keep all records: Receipts for even the most minor repairs performed on your vehicle should be kept safe and separate. One great way to do that is to make a file and keep your repair and inspection-related records, regardless of who covers it. Having these receipts will also allow you to prove your innocence in case your dealer or manufacturer accuses you of being negligent and tries to void your warranty.

– Fight for your rights: If you find that your warranty claim has been unfairly declared void, you must speak with a supervisor. You can also try going to another dealer, contacting the manufacturer, filing a complaint with the FTC.

 

 

If you’re one of those who keeps looking for tips to save on insurance online, chances of you knowing this is very high – if the car you own is an older one, you must have a reduced insurance coverage.

While many people know about this tip (and even follow it if its applicable to them), they are not aware of why and/or how they must reduce their insurance coverage. Which is why we’ve decided to save you the trouble and explain it in a way you can understand and act on!

Getting collision or comprehensive insurance is not a mandatory legal requirement

Generally speaking, “car insurance” is a term that refers to a group of different insurance policies rather than a single one. While it is good practice to have all these policies as a part of your insurance coverage, it is not legally mandatory for you to actually have all of them. The legal minimum in all (bar one i.e. New Hampshire) states in the US is to have a liability insurance at the very least. Without a liability insurance, it is illegal for you to drive at all. Even in New Hampshire, drivers have to prove their ability to have enough funds to cover any damage caused by them.

A relatively cheap insurance, liability insurance protects you against the costs that you would have to pay if inflict any harm on people and/or property while driving. This includes both bodily harm as well as vehicle and property damage.

Ironically, most drivers in the US actually have collision and comprehensive insurance, instead of liability insurance. While collision insurance protects you against damage to your own car if it hits (or is hit by) another, comprehensive insurance protects you against losses that were indirectly caused by your collision, such as property damage, flooding or property etc.

If your vehicle is old, you’re probably paying much more than what is needed

If the vehicle you’re driving is an older one, you’re probably paying way to much for your insurance policy – which is basically pointless! By leaving out comprehensive and collision coverage from your insurance policy (which is not a legal requirement anyway), you will be able to save up hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars.

Saving up on money? Don’t go on that spending spree!

Now that you’ve dropped all those unnecessary coverage, you’re saving up on quite a bit of money. It is only natural to want to spend it on something you’ve always wanted. That’s not the smartest idea, though. Even if you’ve dropped the coverage, you’ll need to make repairs and/or pay should you ever be involved in collision. You’re better off making an “emergency fund,” which can act as your own personal insurance plan should you ever need to pay for vehicle repairs out of your own pocket.

How old is too old (your car, that is)?

Typically, there’s not criteria or bar you can use to classify your car as an “older” model. That being said, there are certain guidelines you can keep in mind, and certain questions you can ask yourself.

Here’s one such question: If your car needed multiple repairs all of a sudden, would it be more feasible for you to replace the vehicle? If your answer is “yes,” you’re better off doing away with collision and comprehensive insurance. Check the Blue Book value and see how much your vehicle is worth

Classic cars aren’t “older” cars

Believe it or not, if your car is a “classic,” you’ll have to do with a special kind of insurance called classic car insurance. These are used for older, but collectible vehicles, so long as they’re being used as a secondary vehicle. One car that fits this bill is the 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air.

 

 

When you get married, several things cross your mind. Car insurance, however, is generally not one of them. Truth be told, the effect of your marriage on car insurance premiums is something that probably didn’t cross your mind at all.

That being said, you must put your car insurance policy on your to-do list – at least once wedding and honeymoon is done with. Believe it or not, your marital status has a huge bearing on your car insurance policies, and a combined one usually is more effective and less expensive for both of you – bar a few exceptions.

Combining Insurance Policies Will Help You Save Money

Even without changing your car insurance policy, chances are that your ‘married’ status itself will reduce your rates once your current policy is reviewed. Even with other factors being the same, your premiums are bound to go down by around 10-12 %. This usually happens because married couples tend to file a lesser number of claims as compared to single drivers.

When Is It Idea to Combine Policies?

If you’re really looking forward to getting a better discount on your car insurance premiums, you will benefit from combining the separate car insurance policies of you and your spouse’s into a single one. Even better if you are both in possession of good driving records and no coverage gaps.

Furthermore, when you combine your car insurance policy, you get more than one vehicle insured on a (later) single car insurance policy, which often allows you to avail multi-car discount from car insurers. Although you are still eligible for discounts if your family has a single vehicle.

Last but not the least, if you combine your car insurance policy with that of a homeowners or renter’s insurance policy – and from the same insurance company, you can get an even better rate of discount, which will only lead to your saving.

Insurance Quotes for Married Couples

While driving records are a major factor affecting insurance premiums, they are only one of several equally important factors. For instance, in some states, the car insurance company will determine your determine premiums by keeping your credit score in view as well, making your and your spouse’s financial history an equally important factor.

In order to get the best idea as to how your premium will get affected, you must make sure to quotes – both for adding yourself to your spouse’s policy and vice versa. You should also try out other insurance companies to get a good view of comparative rates.

When NOT to Combine Policies

Even with the general benefits, there are certain situation when combining policies is not ideal at all and will in fact do more harm than good. For instance, if any one of you has a low credit score or less-than-ideal driving record, it is best for both of you to keep your policies separate. The combination of a high risk and low risk driver will only serve to increase the car insurance rates of the low-risk driver. Furthermore, the insurance company may decide to not combine a high-risk driver regardless of the price you and/or your spouse may be willing to pay.

In most cases, combining your car insurance policies when you’re married is a great idea. If one spouse does have minor violation on their driving record, these can be mitigated by the combination of policies. That being said, if any one of you is indeed a high-risk driver, you are better-off keeping your records separate.

Before combining your policies, make sure to get proper quotes from multiple companies and work out a policy that functions well with your current requirements and your budget.

 

 

When provided with an internet marketing service or product, it might appear appealing on the outside however, is it actually worth it or are you being deceived? In this short article, we inform you about the horrible techniques utilized by lots of other internet marketing businesses to make the most of unwary organizations.

False information: Fallacies, mistakes, deceptiveness, misconceptions, or lies … Incorrect info by any name is still incorrect and it has actually ended up being generously applied in today’s digital world. Services ought to bear in mind that quaint discussions and included reports are not proof of a business’s capabilities due to the fact that figures might be formatted and controlled providing a falsified picture of success or development when there is truly none of this taking place at all. Prior to hearing a pitch, its best to understand a little about exactly what the numbers imply and exactly what reasonable outcomes are.

They might state something like a company has 1,000 keywords ranking on the leading 2 pages of Google, which can sound terrific. Let’s use a plumbing professional as an example, the expression “finest plumbing professional in the Southside of Charlotte at 1111 SE 1st AVE” must not be part of a ranking report nor must an organization be paying to rank for it. Be cautious if the business is reluctant to share a list of the keywords associating to their report numbers.

Like with lots of markets– there is a lot you can understand prior to going into a product and services. Often that implies putting a little faith in a business. At Leads Internet Marketing, we understand in our hearts that every day we do exactly what is finest for our customers since their success is our success which these kind of relationships can not be based on.

Google has constantly stated that sites need to have “appropriate, quality material” to rank in its search. This is why it is so crucial, now more than ever, for a company to produce quality material throughout the web beginning with the primary site and blog site.

Surefire & Immediate Outcomes: When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), results take time. This waiting duration can be nerve racking for some distressed organization owners who are paying a month-to-month costs for marketing, and it’s naturally so.

Of course the business you work with for your service online marketing requires has to be able to do the task they guarantee to do. In some cases for example, a site supervisor or handling service supplier requires to team up with the SEO expert in order to accomplish the finest outcomes for their shared customer. If one is not responsive or declines to work together, it will be your company that suffers the many.

We hope this post can assist organizations huge and little to prevent losing their important time and cash on items and services that “appearance” assuring at very first however, end up being useless. If you would like us to have a look at your present marketing programs make sure to check out our website leadsonlinemarketing.com and forward us an email.

 

Thanks to contemporary motor oil mixtures, you probably don’t need to switch to a special mixture for the summertime anymore, however there are definitely a things you will need to do in the spring to prep your vehicle for the warm weather. Some of them pertain to the weather, others you ought to do every so often no matter what, but all them are essential. Make sure to check with you your closest auto repair facility to learn more, we spoke to our local car dealership in Matthews NC

Inspect the Coolant System

Depending on how far north you live, your automobile’s coolant system doesn’t need to work as hard during winter as it does in the summer season. A vehicle engine runs much hotter than the outdoors temperature no matter how warm the weather condition gets, just a few degrees of change can actually make a huge difference. You must make sure the coolant system in your vehicle is performing up to task so you are ready for the coming seasonal changes.

Examine and Include Fluids

Aside from inspecting the coolant system, you ought to also examine all the fluids in your automobile to make sure absolutely nothing’s leaking, the fluids aren’t breaking down, and absolutely nothing’s filling up with dirt or metal shavings. You might or may not need to change your oil based upon what kind it is, what type of car you own, and for how long it’s been because your last oil change. A spring inspection is a good time to learn.

Re-inflate Your Tires

Not only does the air pressure change throughout a storm, it likewise varies with the temperature level. This impacts your tire pressure, and in any case, air is always dripping out slowly but gradually. That’s why it’s a great idea to re-inflate your tires a minimum of two times annually. If you utilize winter and summertime tires instead of one set of all-weather tires, spring is certainly the time to change them out.

Wax Your Vehicle

A layer of wax secures the clear coat and paint layers. Once they’re gone, they are much harder to use off but likewise much harder to replace. The length of time car wax lasts depends on a couple of elements like just how much you own and whether you park outside or within, however the guideline is that you ought to wax your car once per season.

Examine the HVAC System

One feature you probably do not use during winter season is the a/c unit. When you run it for the very first time in spring, make sure you leave it going for an excellent 10-15 minutes so the system can get rid of any weird smells and begin working right once again. If that’s inadequate to get rid of any odors or something does not appear to work right, you must have a mechanic check your cars and truck’s AIR CONDITIONING and air ducts.

Just like how you have to shower routinely and see a medical professional every now and then, you have to make certain that your automobile is tidy and working properly. You must remember to bring it to the store routinely so they can perform regular maintenance in accordance with the schedule in the owner’s manual. Make sure to research your vehicle specifically and if necessary consider that it may be time to purchase a new or used car.

Automobile owners frequently spend a great portion on auto maintenance, consisting of fuel, insurance coverage, repair works, and other necessities. So it’s appealing to attempt to conserve some cash by carrying out upkeep yourself. While this is certainly a good option for a few of the basic things, it is very important to take your automobile to a pro for these maintenance jobs.

Replacing the Spark Plugs.

This might look like a basic job, but almost anything that involves poking around in or near the engine isn’t a terrific idea for a newbie. You may observe that your engine is sluggish to begin or sputters when you’re driving, and these signs show that you might need a brand-new set of spark plugs.

Consult your owner’s handbook, especially if you are purchasing a used vehicle, to see the length of time they need to last. The typical copper spark plug will carry out well for approximately 30,000 miles of owning. Having a professional change them will assist to keep your engine running efficiently and reduce the threat of breaking down.

Repairing the Transmission.

Your transmission permits the engine to change in between equipment and operate effectively at various rates of speed. It’s an essential part of your car, to state the least, and if it’s not working effectively, you put yourself and those around you at threat. Instead of trying and popping the hood to revamp the system yourself, you need to constantly take your automobile to an expert mechanic for any transmission work.

Your transmission could require a restoring service, which includes taking it apart and examining each part thoroughly. The technician will know which parts may need to be replaced, switch them for new products, and change other things like the gaskets, clutches, seals and bands prior to completing the job. This is a complicated task, so find a mechanic that you depend manage a transmission restore service.
Fixing the A/C.

When the a/c unit in your vehicle is blowing out warm air, you may require a cooling system repair. But this task is hard and requires a great deal of different steps. It’s also tough to even access the system, given that the hoses, tubing, and other parts are probably hidden behind the control panel. A lot of vehicle cooling systems also consist of Freon, an aerosol refrigerant that just experts ought to handle.
Anything In close proximity an Air bag.

You probably understand the threats of unintentionally releasing an air bag when you’re working on your automobile. If you have a problem that includes the control panel or guiding wheel panels, arrange a visit for service with your local dealer, ours is Scott Clark Honda Charlotte NC. Experienced professionals know how to handle these sensitive areas and can keep the airbags from going off. If this occurs to you, you might get seriously injured, especially if you’re close to the release zone. This circumstance will likewise usually overall your vehicle, so it’s unworthy the risk.

Discovering a car repair shop that you can trust in your area is a crucial aspect of car maintenance. Unless you are a professional mechanic, it’s always best to leave these and other complicated automobile repair work jobs to those who understand what they are doing.

Auto Insurance can contain so many different types of coverages in so many different amounts that it can be hard to pin down any exact policy that will work for every person out there looking to insure their vehicle. Your rates can change drastically based on factors like your living area, your driving history and your specific provider. When making the important decision to obtain auto insurance you will not only want to think about the types of coverage you would select but also many additional factors which can also impact your overall premium; we are going to run you through the top choices so you can make a informed and accurate decision that you will not regret.

Your Driving History

Depending on your past experience out on the road and what may show up on your driving record your available auto insurance rates could be either decreased or increased. It is a simple equation here, if you do not have a poor driving record or a whole bunch of tickets and accidents (more than the average individual in your area) then chances are that your rate will be lower than you may expect. On the other hand, if your driving record is scarred heavily then you should expect to pay more for the same coverage.

Available Discounts and Deductibles

When seeking to maintain a low rate on your auto insurance there are two very important things you should be aware of and those are any available discounts and deductibles through your provider. One good piece of advice is to choose a higher deductible to help lower your premium, although this does affect how much you will have to pay out of pocket given an accident scenario. You are going to have to pay up to the amount of your policy deductible out of your own finances if and when a damaging event should occur. There are usually also other ways to save on your premium amount by taking part in various available discount programs, most times these discounts go even deeper if you bundle up your coverage for something like your vehicle and your home or apartment. Often there can also be opportunities to save money by taking additional training courses, make sure to check with your provider to see what you qualify for before making your final decision.

Vehicle Type and Typical Usage

Another factor that can define your insurance rates is the amount of time you spend driving on the road. In most cases, the longer you commute to work or the more time you spend driving (and the longer the distance) the more likely that something could happen out on the road, so your insurance provider would raise your rates depending on your answers for that information. Additionally, you may not have thought about this but the vehicle you are driving also can make a big difference in the insurance rates that you will pay for it. In the same respect and distance and time on the road causing higher chances of an incident, an insurance provider will also look at the make and model of your vehicle and include information about the safety and reliability of your vehicle in their decision making process for your premium.

Where and How You Live

There are still more factors that come into play with your insurance rates that you should be aware of and the next one on our list is where and how you are living. You may ask… how does my living situation have any impact on my car insurance premiums? But the answer is that where you reside and the surrounding areas can play a significant role in your coverage rates. This is another statistics game your insurance provider will have to play as they leverage information about the amount of crime, traffic, level and rate of accidents and much more. It is also likely that if you live in or near a large sprawling city that you may have higher insurance rates to consider but keep in mind that rates can also drop if you own your own residence.

Your Age, Gender and Marital Status

Another factor for consideration in your policy rates are your age, gender and marital status. Oddly enough, it turns out that the statistics say that married drivers are less likely to get into some sort of accident than people who are not married; I personally find that hard to believe as after listening to my wife in the car for an hour I am ready to drive into a wall! Just kidding folks, my wife is a wonderful human being and I love her very very much (Hi Honey!). Additionally younger more inexperienced drivers that may be new to the road or just haven’t had the time to practice very much are more at risk, while female drivers in general pose a lower accident risk than male drivers.

Your Credit Score and History

It can be tough enough to deal with building and establishing a solid credit history but rest assured that once you do it can help you with your auto insurance rates as well! There is a successful correlation made here between people who have higher credit scores and those people encountering lower levels of accident experiences across the road. We suggest staying on top of your credit and its history for many reasons but also because it will help you save money with your policy. This information is not allowed to be available for policy rate consideration in some states.

Your History of Coverage

Insurance providers want someone who is reliable and who has a history of taking care of their vehicle by maintaining auto insurance for it. If you have a lapse in your insurance coverage for your vehicle at any point in your past or if you at some point carried a very low amount of coverage (lower than recommended) then you may have the experience of higher auto insurance premiums.

 

There are so many different factors that go into addressing, assessing and creating the perfect policy for your car insurance coverage; once all of your information is collected and you state your desired coverages then a trusted insurance provider can help you review your available options. One or more of these various factors could be effecting your current auto insurance rates as well so make sure to gather your information and contact your local representative to learn more about how you can lower your premium or get the absolute coverage you deserve.

 

 

There are some necessary jobs that will help extend its life and keep it running efficiently when it comes to taking good care of your automobile. Routine washes and routine maintenance are just a few of the things you should do to look after your automobile. But upkeep jobs and service can vary depending upon where you go, so prevent the potential nightmares and bring your car to a local dealership. We visited our local dealership Scott Clark Nissan in Charlotte NC to learn more and here is what they had to say.

We Use Real OEM Components

Some automobile service center use low-grade parts and tools to conserve cash, but this can have negative results on your car. When Nissan engineers designed and manufactured your car, they utilized parts that would work well together and manage the stress put on the automobile. However when you take it upon yourself to start updating your vehicle with unknown elements, it is possible that your automobile could have a bad reaction to the updates. At Scott Clark Nissan, we are constantly utilizing genuine parts from the initial equipment maker (OEM), guaranteeing that your car will operate effectively after the upkeep or repair work service.

We Understand Nissan Vehicles

Whether you drive a truck, sedan, or suv , Nissan automobiles have some unique elements that set them apart from others. You may not get the outcomes you want if you take your Nissan into a store staffed with professionals who aren’t familiar with the inner workings of this type of automobile. It could also cost more than you anticipate, since technically Nissan vehicles originate from Japan. Service on imported automobiles has the tendency to cost more at little repair shops, given that the professionals don’t constantly know the best ways to get the parts or manage even basic repair works.

However, when you bring your Nissan to us at Scott Clark Nissan, you can feel confident in our abilities. Our service department consists of certified technicians who have actually been through strenuous courses and exams to make those accreditations. Each of our staff members understands Nissan cars and can detect and fix problems with ease. We can also assist keep your vehicle on the suggested maintenance schedule to extend its lifespan and keep it running for years.

We Have State-of-the-Art Devices

At Scott Clark Nissan, we have the best devices and tools readily available to offer outstanding service to every automobile that comes through. We continue to buy our service department to deliver on our pledge to be the very best in the location.

We Will Develop a Relationship

Some motorists just take their cars to the shop that uses the cheapest price for a particular service. This typically results in jumping from location to place and never ever developing a relationship with your vehicle’s supplier of service. When you bring your Nissan to us at Scott Clark Nissan, you can establish a relationship with our personnel and have a relied on partner when it comes to your car. Lots of people don’t truly understand the inner workings of their vehicles, so it’s useful to have someone they depend diagnose issues and advise solutions.

Bring your Nissan to us at Scott Clark today to experience the distinction on your own. We pride ourselves offering the very best customer experience for everyone who visits our location.

As a young adult, beginning to drive for the very first time alone can be very exhilarating. It is seen by most teens and parents as a symbol of adulthood and the starting step to independence. Parents of teens get ready for this day long before the young adults do by building trust and communication. Driving by yourself can be scary but for both parents and young adults it is an exciting process if managed carefully. When your loved one is out driving for the first time you are still able to monitor their actions from home. Many services are accessible and tools available that help to aid in observing your child’s tendencies while on the road. These tools can be purchased at an auto store or many vehicles have them standard nowadays.

Dangerous Driving Begins With Teens

Some parents feel that monitoring your child’s driving habits may be a waste of time, especially if you trust them, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in 2014 as many as 2,000 teens from ages 16-19 died in vehicle accidents and 200,000 teens were reported to have injuries. It is no coincidence that young drivers are rated to have the highest accident hazard per mile. This is in part because teens have little experience driving and can be immature and brash. It is with the help of each state and the driving laws that enable young adults to begin driving slowly and grow their familiarity on the road. Some states have it so that teens are constrained to driving at certain times and in certain areas. When they are able to gain a driver’s license, it is the parents hope that they will be responsible and not drive preoccupied or under the influence.

It is important to note that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that 1 out of 4 vehicle accidents resulted in death for underage drivers with alcohol. Most parents have confidence in their sons and daughters, but keep in mind your kids may not tell you everything. Young drivers are steadily becoming more distracted with the use of cell phones. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety examined almost 2,000 videos of distracted teen driving crashes involving cellular devices. The study showed that 60% of those vehicle accidents ended up being severe. Another statistic shows that young drivers using a cell phone had little or no reaction in half of the rear end collisions reported.

By establishing open communication at an early age with your child, they will know the proper and improper behaviors while driving. It is important to explain driver safety when teaching them to drive, and also reinforce safe driving habits hereafter. This will ensure that not only your family will be safe, but your car insurance bill will be too.

Drive Tracking Services

New cars are starting to be sold that have tracking devices already installed. Buying a car that’s only a few years old for your teen may help you keep an eye on their driving habits, and below are some features that you might see installed in newer vehicles.

GeoFencing – Sends alerts through text message or email when the vehicle enters or exists a border.
Destination Alerts – Sends alerts through text message or email when your vehicle reaches one of your preprogrammed destinations.
Speed Limit Alerts – Parents are able to limit the cars maximum speed. Drivers may try to speed up but will be unable to do so.
Volume Limit Alerts – Parents are able to limit the cars speaker volume from home. There are some services that allow you to prohibit unappropriated radio stations as well.
Do Not Disturb Mode – While your teen is out driving, this service forwards all incoming calls to voicemail and keeps all messages hidden until your vehicle is at a complete stop.

When shopping for a new car, especially for your teenager, keep in mind that newer vehicles may or may not have tracking devices. This is something to consider when purchasing the car, or trying to add onto your vehicle afterwards. Many services and tracking tools utilize a monthly fee or require a subscription.

After Market Tracking Services

There are some tracking devices that can be purchased at an auto shop and installed into your vehicle. The diagnostic port for your car is normally under the drivers dash and to the left. A study done by Consumer Reports suggests that cars manufactured after 1996 should have this technology available for aftermarket purchase. After the report was published, many more companies began to create different types of tracking devices. Many of these tools such as Zubie, Mastrack and MotoSafety all work similarly but have a few differentiating qualities.

All driving tracking tools can be controlled from a home computer and edited to preference. Parents have the ability to set geographic boundaries that lets the driver see on a map. Parents can also monitor the vehicles destination and course. If your vehicle crosses a limit such as speed, borderline, or volume, a notification will be sent to you directly through either text message or email alert. Almost all driving tools can also be viewed on a mobile device or tablet and not just from at home.

Alerts are also sent to the parents if your child decides to disconnect the tracking device or reconnects one in the vehicle. Drive Cam is an alternative tool that parents can use to video monitor their teens driving from inside the vehicle. A video camera is attached on the inside of the vehicle behind the rear view mirror to record young drivers on the road. This device can be helpful as it films any dangerous driving and notifies the person driving with a series of changing lights. This device makes it easier for parents to review driving habits with their teens and have video examples.

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute states that teen drivers that utilize driving tracking devices along with constructive criticism from parents change their dangerous habits almost immediately. Teens were less likely to change their behavior if they were notified by the tracking device, but there was no follow up and review from the parents. These Tracking devices can be very helpful when teaching your child how to drive safely, however it must be coupled with education and pointers to be truly effective. Tracking devices can also be installed and utilized in other family member’s cars such as Grandpa or a nanny.