Category: Safety

Driving With a Cracked Windshield

You were driving along when all of a sudden a stone was kicked up by a passing truck. Now you have a tiny star-shaped crack in the windshield. Sure, that crack might be harmless right now, but it can quickly go from being a swift repair to a total windshield replacement very fast. If you’re thinking about driving with a cracked windshield, don’t. There are too many risks involved.

If your vehicle has a chipped or cracked windshield, it is best to get it repaired as soon as possible. We’re going to explain why.

Factors Affecting How Long You Can Drive With a Cracked Windshield

You might see others driving around with cracked windshields, but they probably don’t understand how unsafe cracks can become. The size of the crack is certainly a factor in this, however. Smaller chips and cracks may be safe for a while, but larger cracks, particularly those that go from one end of the windshield to the other, may be illegal in your state.

The other factor is location. Cracks can spread then hinder your view of the road while you drive. In this case, you should get the crack repaired immediately. A small crack located on the passenger side, on the other hand, is less dangerous. You can drive for hundreds of miles and never even notice it.

Interestingly, newer car models with front-facing cameras mounted near the rear-view mirror could also be affected by a chip or crack. Damages to the windshield that are close to these cameras could throw off their accuracy or affect other safety features, like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, collision avoidance, and more. If you have to get a total windshield replacement, those camera systems will also need to be recalibrated.

Why Repair Windshield Cracks Immediately

Even the tiniest of cracks should be repaired as soon as you can. Yes, the cost of a windshield repair can be expensive, but the price of a whole replacement is even more. You could potentially save hundreds by repairing the crack soon after it happens rather than waiting for the damage to spread.

Additionally, if your car is up for a state inspection, or if driving with a large crack is illegal, you don’t want to risk being penalized. That is even more costly. As long as you have less than three cracks that are less than six inches long, you can get the windshield repaired.

Why Do Windshield Cracks Grow Over Time?

There are a couple of reasons why a windshield crack grows rather than staying isolated. First, going down a bumpy road could widen the crack or make it spread deeper into the glass. Dirt can also get into the fissure, weakening the structural integrity of the windshield. Next, leaving your car in the middle of a parking lot on a hot summer day could worsen the crack. The heat will force the crack to grow wider as it tries to escape. The same is true for fluctuating temperatures or extremely cold weather.

This is why you shouldn’t go driving with a cracked windshield. Anything you do could potentially make the chip or crack worse, leading to a full windshield replacement.

Tips to Prevent Windshield Cracks From Spreading

Can’t get to the auto glass repair shop right away? Don’t worry. There are a few things you can do to make driving with a cracked windshield slightly less problematic:

1. Buy a windshield kit

You can find a high-quality windshield repair kit at your local hardware or auto parts store. To do this correctly, you are going to need to bore a hole into the top layer of the windshield with a 1/16-inch drill bit, right over the chip or crack. Take the special resin from the kit and use it to seal the hole in the glass. This helps reduce the stress on the windshield and prevents cracks from forming. Sometimes, this does the trick and you don’t have to worry about further repairs.

2. Pick a shady parking spot

Since glass expands in the heat and contracts in the cold, you want to avoid sudden temperature changes. For example, if you direct the heating vent towards the windshield when it’s freezing outside, you’re going to see the crack widen. Whenever possible, park your car in the shade and away from inclement weather. Avoid using the defroster, too.

3. Try clear acrylic nail polish

There are some auto repair hacks that claim you can use superglue and masking tape to cover the crack, but that could lead to a windshield repair. Instead, you can try putting clear acrylic nail polish over the crack instead.

The solution is temporary, though it does a great job at keeping the crack together and dirt-free long enough for you to schedule a windshield repair appointment. Plus, if you mess up, you can easily wipe away acrylic nail polish with an acetone nail polish remover. It’s safe for glass.

Wrapping Up

Whatever you do, avoid letting a windshield crack get too large. Driving with a cracked windshield might not seem treacherous, but the situation could worsen rapidly. Rather than getting slammed with a fine or an expensive windshield replacement, get your windshield chips and cracks repaired immediately.

Elmer’s Auto Body is qualified for a number of repairs, including windshield repair and replacement. Our I-CAR Gold Class rated facility has state-of-the-art technology, and we employ only professionally trained and certified technicians. Don’t drive with a cracked windshield. Call us to schedule your repair today.

Social Distancing Tips After Getting into an Auto Accident In Gloucester County

Since restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic are easing, many more people are starting to hit the road. However, with all those vehicles, it does increase your chance of having an accident. In any case, you need to be extra vigilant on the road, or you could end up in a car accident. COVID-19 is still a concern for many drivers. From exchanging information to getting your car repaired, here are a few ways to stay socially distanced after an accident in Gloucester County.

Before You Leave the House

There are a few things that you can do before you hit the road. Whether it is the summer or winter, you need to make sure your vehicle is in working order. Your tires should be properly inflated with good tread. Along with that, always make sure to have a full tank of gas.

Keep Those Safe Distance Priorities

After an accident, you need to collect information and abide by several steps when dealing with a motor vehicle accident. You never want to leave the accident scene until the police resolve the situation. If anyone was injured, make sure to call 911. Pull your vehicle off to the side and turn on your hazard lights. You don’t want to cause another accident on the road.

Typically, you want to collect any accident-related information from the driver. This information should include their name, driver’s license number, phone number, and license plate number. Since COVID-19 is a concern, you could always use a mask when interacting with the other person. You should also maintain a six-foot distance between you and the other driver.

If you are concerned with the hand-to-hand exchange of information, you can verbally exchange numbers with witnesses, involved parties, and the other driver. Make sure to send a text to verify the number. In addition to that, you can send a photo of your information and their required information.

After an accident, it is vital to get all of this information. You might have to get closer to the other driver in some cases, especially if the driver doesn’t have the technology to send the information to you. If you are concerned about the transmission of germs, you can take some precautions. Once you receive the information from the other driver, rub your hands with sanitizer to remove any germs.

If you don’t want to leave the vehicle, you can always wait for the law enforcement officer to come to the scene. The officer will obtain all the information that you need to file an insurance claim for your car.

Document the Scene

There are a few things that you can do that don’t require any interactions with others. When you are out of the car, make sure to document the accident scene. You can take your mobile phone and snap a few photos of the vehicle’s damage. The road conditions should be documented, and you need to make detailed notes with pertinent information about the accident.

Don’t Put Off Medical Attention

Unfortunately, many people have avoided seeking medical help during the pandemic. If you have been injured in an accident, you need to seek help. Even if the injuries do not require emergency treatment, you always want to schedule an appointment with a doctor. Many medical clinics have COVID-19 procedures in place that will protect you, other patients, and their staff. It is entirely safe to visit the doctor’s office to get checked out after an accident. In some cases, you may be able to schedule a telemedicine appointment or video call to avoid an in-person visit.

You never want to delay in seeking any type of medical attention. If you plan to file a claim, you need to contact your doctor right after the accident. Your injuries need to be documented. Along with that, your medical providers can determine the right course of treatment for your injuries. In some instances, if you don’t seek help, the insurance company can argue that your injuries were not serious or related to the accident. As a result, you might not be able to seek compensation for these medical bills.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

After you have obtained the other driver’s information and visited the doctor, you can contact your insurance provider. Many of the most popular companies have tools where you can submit information on an app. If not, you may be able to send all the information digitally to your insurance agent. You don’t want to overwhelm them with unnecessary information, but you need to stick to the facts. All these steps can help you to avoid in-person contact with your insurance company.

Get a Repair Quote

If your vehicle needs repair, you should ask your auto body shop if they will accept digital photos of the damage. Some shops can give you an estimate based on clear images. However, until you get your car into the shop, you will not know the full extent of the damage.

Prepare for Delays

From insurance claims to ordering parts, COVID-19 has caused delays in many different industries. You should prepare yourself for these delays. If you take your claim to court, the legal system is still catching up from the closed courthouses dating back to last year. Even non-emergency procedures are taking longer than usual. You might have to wait to get checked out by your doctor, especially if you don’t need immediate medical assistance.

Unfortunately, many insurance companies are taking advantage of these delays and pressuring the claimants into early settlements at lower costs. If you are experiencing issues like this, it may be time to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Let Elmer’s Auto Body Help You

If you want to find an auto body shop that practices safe health procedures for its clients, make sure to schedule an appointment with us. We are keeping our waiting rooms clean and offering no-contract services. Your health and safety are our primary concerns. Want to find an auto body shop near me in Gloucester County? Call our office at (856) 218-0202 to set up a consultation.

Is My Car Safe To Drive After An Accident?

If your car has suffered damage in an accident, you may be concerned about its safety. External damage is often apparent, but you may not be able to see all the damage caused by the collision. These tips can help you determine if your car is safe to drive on the road. If your vehicle is damaged, you need to schedule an inspection at a professional body shop.

Law Enforcement Can Determine Road-Worthiness

If you are involved in a collision, local law enforcement often responds to the call. For those insurance claims, you need to contact the police to obtain an accident report. The officer is also trained to assess a vehicle’s damage and can determine if it meets the legal standards to drive on the roadways.

A law enforcement officer can tell if your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are operational. If the tires or turning mechanisms are damaged, you cannot control the car. Police can even determine if minor problems will prevent your vehicle’s safe operation on the road. In most cases, if all safety mechanisms and mechanical features of the car are operating, the vehicle will be determined safe to drive.

Look Out for These Danger Signs

If there is smoke coming from your vehicle, it may not be the result of a fire. Smoke is often caused by fluids hitting those hot areas of the engine. At this point, you want to check for any fluids leaking from the car. If fluids are dripping, this is a major safety issue. You might have antifreeze or coolant leaking, and that can cause your engine to overheat. After an accident, oil can also leak out from your car’s engine. When that happens, you are risking the chance of major engine failure or a fire. Finally, brake fluid is an essential part of your safety system. A brake oil leak runs the risk of a catastrophic brake failure on your car. If smoke or steam is coming from your engine, it is unsafe to drive as it could obstruct your view.

All of these leaks could be potentially harmful to yourself and others on the road. If you notice leaking fluid from your vehicle, make sure to contact a tow truck. You can have your car towed to an experienced body shop or repair center. These professionals will inspect your vehicle to determine if it is safe to drive. You don’t want to take any risks when you get behind the wheel.

Although it may seem like common sense, you should never drive on a flat tire. You can quickly lose control of the vehicle and crash. Proper wheel alignment is important after a collision. If your wheels are aligned, then your car is drivable. However, if your wheels are misaligned, you will notice that your vehicle pulls to one side. When that happens, the car can swerve into traffic and cause an accident. If the engine is making strange noises or pulls sharply to one side when driving, it is not safe on the roads and should be parked until you can bring it into a repair shop.

You should never drive a vehicle without tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, or headlights. Before you hit the road with your damaged car, you want to take a look at your lighting systems. Broken lights may also indicate other issues that you cannot see. For example, a hidden electric component short could lead to a fire. Driving with a broken headlamp, lens, or tail light is dangerous. It is also illegal in almost all states. If you are heading down the road with broken safety equipment, you will likely be pulled over and ticketed. In any case, you never want to drive your car until you can get those broken or missing light fixtures fixed.

Your side mirrors are essential safety features, and you want to make sure they are intact. If the driver side mirror is in place, but your passenger-side mirror is missing, then you will still be able to drive the car. You will have to use the rearview mirror to compensate for that lost mirror. However, with two mirrors missing, you might be pulled over by law enforcement for operating a vehicle without the proper safety equipment. Along with that, it is hazardous to drive without these mirrors. You will increase your chance of causing another accident if you cannot see the traffic around your vehicle.

Finally, make sure to check out your hood. If the hood can be locked and closed, you are safe to hit the road. After an accident, the locking mechanism can become damaged, and your hood will not stay shut on the car. A damaged hood can cause air pressure to build up from the engine, and the hood can pop open as you drive down the road. As you can imagine, the hood will completely block your vision. In this nightmare scenario, you are a danger to yourself and other drivers on the road. You never want to risk the chance of an accident. If your hood or other components are broken, make sure to take your car to a reliable auto body shop.

Driving After an Accident Checklist

In short, here is a review of the parts and components you need to inspect before hitting the road. This checklist will ensure that your vehicle is ready to drive. If any parts are broken or failing, you need to tow your car to a repair shop before driving.

Make sure your lamps are functioning.
Check to ensure your mirrors are intact.
Make sure there is no leaking fluid.
Ensure your wheels are in proper alignment.
Make sure your hood is not broken.

Repair Your Car

After an accident, there is going to be damage to the vehicle. In some cases, the damages are minor. You might even consider hitting the road without the proper inspection. However, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration.

Depending on the severity of the accident, you might be able to drive the car without any issues. If there is significant damage to your vehicle, and you drive it without an inspection, you could face some severe consequences. In some cases, the damage is not visible to the driver. When you drive the car, it could be causing more damage to essential components. In turn, your insurance company might deny your claim since you never had an initial inspection of the vehicle. After driving a car in an accident, you can cause more vehicle problems. In some cases, the car might be damaged beyond repair.

Without a proper inspection, your car is an unsafe vehicle. Your brake fluids might be leaking, or the wheels are misaligned. When you take your vehicle on the road, you run the risk of another accident. If you cause an accident with your damaged vehicle, you can get into serious legal trouble. Anyone injured in this accident can sue you for damages, and your insurance company might deny your claims. You don’t want to take the risk and cause injuries to other drivers and passengers because you neglected to have your car inspected.

Looking for an Auto Body Shop Near Me?

If your car has been in a collision, contact Elmer’s Auto Body to set up an appointment. We can get your vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible. You can schedule an inspection by calling (856) 218-0202.

How Important Is An Air Bag To Car’s Safety?

When you are driving your car, you are probably not thinking about all the ways it can protect you in a car accident. Increasing speeds and more cars on the road have led to manufacturers coming up with more innovative ways of protecting you in the event of an accident. From materials that crumple, transferring momentum, to seat belts, there are dozens of safety features crammed into your vehicle. Yet, the airbag remains a feature in question. Is the airbag really that important? Or is it an uneasy feature?

Today, we’re going to explore how important an airbag is to a vehicle’s safety rating.

History of The Airbag

Airbags have been around for a long while, though the designs have been revised throughout the years. It is believed the first airbag designed for a vehicle was created in 1941, but it wasn’t until August 18, 1953, that American inventor John W. Hetrick received credit for his work. That same year, German engineer Walter Linderer received a patent for his work on the airbag.

Both Hetrick and Linderer’s model ran on a compressed air system that were released from the bumper or by the driver. However, in 1960, such airbags were deemed ineffective and impractical.

In 1967, Allen K. Breed brought about a breakthrough in modern-day airbags. He established a mechanically based ball inside a tube for crash detection that allowed for airbag deployment in less than 30 milliseconds. Sodium azide was used for airbag deployment.

During the early years of the 1970s, Ford experimented with airbags while General Motors fitted government-only vehicles with the technology. It wasn’t until 1973 that airbags were available to the masses.

Structure of an Airbag

There are many kinds of airbags—side airbags, curtain airbags, center airbags, and even seat cushion airbags—that are designed to prevent jostling and other major injuries to the most vulnerable parts of your body.

Most airbags followed the same design: cushion, inflator, and propellant.

Cushion – The airbag itself is made of nylon and coated with cornstarch or talcum powder. The powder prevents the fabric from sticking together during inflation. In some newer car models, the nylon has been replaced with silicone and urethane. The combination is stronger than nylon and doesn’t require any coatings to shield you from heat burns.
Inflator – Made of either stainless steel or cast aluminum, the inflator contains a filter of ceramic and steel wire that limits propellant contamination.
Propellant – This is how the airbag transforms from folded fabric to a massive balloon. The propellant is located within the inflator and is a solution of sodium azide and oxidizer. Combined, it forms nitrogen gas.

How Do Airbags Work?

The airbag is controlled by the ACU, a tiny crash sensor that also monitors things like brake pressure and speed. If the sensor hits a certain number, the system deploys the airbag. The impulse from the crash sensor transfers to the airbag’s inflator, which releases the propellant, producing nitrogen. This inflates the airbag at a speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).

The airbag prevents your body from hitting things that could cause fatal damage, such as the windshield, the sidewall, or the steering wheel.

But are airbags important? Consider Newton’s First Law of Motion, which says that an object in motion stays in motion unless a force of equal or opposite velocity interacts with it. When you are in a vehicle, you are not sitting still—you’re moving at the same speed as the car itself. So, when you get into an accident, the car (and you) decelerates rapidly. Your body and brain will want to stay in motion. If this momentum isn’t stopped, your brain will slam into your skull, resulting in brain damage. Or, your chest wall could collapse against the steering wheel, impacting your heart, lungs, or other organs.

Studies About Airbags

This raises a question: Are airbags as effective as seat belts in stopping forward motion in an accident? Or do they need to go hand-in-hand with seat belts?

There are several studies to consider. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 1987 to 2017, airbags saved 50,457 people. Furthermore, airbags lower the severity of head injuries.

Of course, we can’t overlook that some people have been severely injured or even killed by airbag deployment, particularly at lower speeds. One study from 2005 found that, when not wearing seat belts, occupants involved in accidents at low speeds have an increased incidence of death by airbag—about 4 times higher. This is particularly true for small children and petite women.

Now, some people might assume that this directly contradicts the idea of safety. However, you have to look at the conditions. Most deaths happen when people are not wearing their seat belts. In other words, the effectiveness of airbags is directly correlated to the effectiveness of your seat belt. No seat belt, less momentum control.

This was detailed in a 2016 crash test on Indian car models. Only one of the cars (Renault KWID III) had a driver airbag, and it was one of the few that actually had a green rating for protecting the driver’s skull.

How Important Is An Airbag To Car’s Safety?

These days, almost every vehicle is fitted with airbags, so knowing how they work and how to ensure you and your passengers’ safety is crucial. You know now that airbags work in conjunction to seat belts to dispel the shock of an impact in a motor vehicle collision. Without airbags, seat belts could save your life, but you still could get severe injuries. With an airbag and seat belt, your risk of injury or death is significantly reduced. Therefore, airbags are important to safety but are only optimized by using your seat belt, too.

Elmer’s Auto Body can help keep your car safe throughout the years with expert maintenance solutions and collision repairs. For more information on our services, contact us by filling out the contact form or giving us a call.

Your Car Could Have Hidden Safety Issues After Collision

Did you know that there are over 2 million rear-end collisions every single year in the United States? Car accidents happen a lot, and you can never be 100 percent prepared for them. No one wants to be caught up in a motor vehicle collision, either; and you may be too shaken to really take in the full impact even a minor bump could have on your vehicle.

Even if the damage does not look too serious, you could be riding around with hidden safety issues after a collision. Instead of risking another unfortunate accident on the road, it is important to determine if your vehicle has been appropriately repaired and whether you should have your car inspected by a professional auto body repair shop.

Here is everything you need to know about hidden safety hazards in your vehicle:

Why Cars May Have Hidden Damages Even After Repair

Technology has improved a lot of things and has made driving a car safer than ever—but it also complicates matters. Modern vehicles now have something called the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). In the past, the only thing that had a sensor was the airbags. Now, automobiles are fitted with lane drift alerts, blind spot cameras, back up monitors, and more.

While the essential pieces of a vehicle have an assigned dashboard light that tells you when something is wrong, the ADAS does not.

Most drivers don’t even know that the ADAS exists. On top of that, there are few auto body shops that automatically check for malfunctions within the ADAS. If your car has yet to be scanned for ADAS problems after an accident, those issues are going to be ignored until something happens.

But it’s just not the ADAS, either. Many auto body repair shops continue to use methods that were ideal in the 1960s or 70s. Yet, even though cars haven’t changed that much, they have evolved, and the same methods for repair no longer catch all the issues that could be going on, invisible to the naked or inexperienced eye. Some may even overlook the whole computer system in a car because they don’t understand it.

In some cases, it is merely pressure from an insurance company keeping auto body technicians from being able to locate hidden damages. Insurance companies want to reduce the time of repair to the bare minimum. The repair shop often complies with the demand—but at the cost of getting the time they need to sniff out any unseen damages.

Hidden Damages Caused by Rear-End Car Collisions

Cosmetic damage is easy to spot and may even be disregarded if it is not too terrible. But even a fender bender or rear-end collision can cause a web of other damages beneath the surface, including:

Electrical Damage

Even a slight bump can loosen connections to brake lights, starters, and the battery. A loose wire in the engine could end up stranding you in the middle of nowhere if not caught in time; disconnected brake lights make you a hazard.

Transmission Damage

Similar to above, if you get into a collision, it could affect the machinery. Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) have components of the transmission system set near the rear. If you are in a fender bender, those components could be damaged or transmission fluid may start learning.

Car Frame Damage

Did you know that bumpers are not really designed to protect anything? They are meant to crumple and disperse momentum from an oncoming vehicle. But that doesn’t mean that a little fender bender won’t cause damage. There are plenty of sensors and other pieces that could be affected by a collision and cause problems down the line, like onboard warning systems not operating.

Alignment Damage

Has your car recently sustained front-end damage? You may find that the vehicle begins pulling to one side of the road or the steering wheel shimmies and shakes while you drive. This means wheel alignment could be off. Get it checked before other sections wear abnormally.

Trunk Damage

Water seepage, sticking trunk, or even a truck that pops open while driving all usually stem from unchecked damages. Obviously, none of these are going to be considered safe, especially since a loose trunk can distract you or block your vision.

Diagnostic Coding

Remember that ADAS system mentioned earlier? Well, this where it comes into play. There are over 100 sensors onboard a modern motor vehicle. Any little impact could damage a large percentage of them. That is why you need to visit an auto body shop with specialized equipment to check and recalibrate any system.

How to Deal With Hidden Damages

The only way to deal with hidden safety issues in a car that has suffered from a collision is to take it to a trustworthy body shop for repairs. Without specialized tools of the trade, you will not be able to figure out where the problems are located. A professional technician will be experienced and tend to the issue.

Tired of auto body shops that rush to finish the work and don’t even do a good job? Elmer’s Auto Body is different. We believe in taking the time to locate any issues that could impact you down the line. We’re here for you, so why not fill out the contact form and tell us how we can help?

How Long Will I Be a High Risk Driver?

Have you been labeled a high-risk driver by insurance companies? It is certainly frustrating to have to pay more for some things that cannot be controlled, like your age or location. The good news is that some factors that determine your high and low-risk status do not last forever. In fact, you may be a low-risk driver sooner than you think!

First, you need to know that remaining on your best behavior while behind the wheel is going to be the best way to chisel down the years. After that, consider the following factors that influence how long you will be a high-risk driver:

You Have Had No Insurance For Years, If Ever

First-time drivers and those who have had lengthy lapses in auto insurance are going to have much higher rates than those who have been covered continuously and never missed a payment. Fortunately, if this is the only thing against you, then your high-risk status can be voided within 6 months.

You will have to practice safe driving habits and pay your insurance bills on time. Otherwise, your high-risk status will be extended.

Also, once you have signed up for a policy, do not immediately look for a new one. You must stick with an insurance policy for at least 6 months before you decide to switch. If you switch too soon, any progress you made on reducing the high-risk period is going to be returned to square one.

You Accumulated a Number of Violations Rapidly

Typically, a minor infraction will take about 3 years to disappear and for your insurance rates to lower. However, if you are considered high risk because of multiple at-fault accidents or tickets, then you can return to a preferred insurance carrier once the oldest violation is 3 years old. That said, you will have to compare the cost of different carriers to see who offers the best rate.

Discuss your options with an insurance agent. If you switch to a preferred carrier on the day the oldest violation falls off, you can save a lot of money.

Keep in mind that not every preferred carrier is the same. Some only count tickets that were received in the past 2 years while multiple tickets extend the high risk term for 3 years.

Those Violations Were Severe

As noted above, minor violations take about 3 years to vanish. But what about major violations, like a DUI? In that event, it could take up to 5 years to get removed from your record. Not only that, but most states require you to take an extra step if you have a major violation. You will need to fill out something called an SR-22.

The SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility guarantees you have the appropriate amount of liability coverage for your state.

You may need to file for an SR-22 if you have the following:

A moving violation, such as an DUI or DWI
An at-fault accident while driving without auto insurance
Repeated traffic offenses
Many offenses received in a short amount of time
Suspended or revoked license

You will need to keep the SR-22 insurance for about 3 years, but it depends on your insurance provider and the severity of the offense. After those 3 years are up, you can start shopping for car insurance, but the cheapest estimates will only show up after 5 years time.

Tips to Avoid Being a High-Risk Driver

Putting everything you have learned together, here are some ways for you to reduce the duration of your high-risk period or to avoid returning to high risk:

Make payments on time
Keep continuous insurance coverage
Avoid cancellations for non-payment and do not let your policy lapse
Get a driver’s license as soon as you can—the sooner you get it, the sooner you can add to your driver’s history
Make sure you pay all of your tickets and taxes
Avoid tickets and violations, because they stay on your record for many years
Avoid filing small insurance claims, since this will cause premiums to skyrocket

Bottom Line

Dealing with higher rates as a high risk driver is only temporary. The main struggle is maintaining insurance coverage. Every time you miss a payment or your policy lapses can set you back. That is how easily your actions can affect your insurance policy. If you want to decrease the years you spend as a high risk driver, start behaving like a low risk one, and soon you will have more affordable auto insurance!

Are you a high risk driver in need of car repairs? Have questions about your status? Get in touch with us! Fill out the contact form, and a representative will get back to you.