Wise Up When It Comes to Auto Theft
Wise Up When It Comes to Auto TheftIn 2006, almost 1.2 million vehicles were reported stolen in the United States, according to the annual Hot Wheels study from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The 1995 Honda Civic topped the most-stolen-vehicle list, followed by the 1991 Honda Accord. Car thieves continue to prefer imports to domestic brands, and vehicles that are 10 or more model years old over newer models. That’s because these cars have been consistent top sellers for many years and some of their parts are interchangeable. Thieves steal these cars for their parts.
www.south-riding-insurance.comAnyone can be a potential car theft victim, even here in Fairfax & Loudoun Counties (South Riding, Ashburn, Sterling, Stone Ridge, Leesburg, Brambleton, Aldie, Arcola & Chantilly). Since just 59% of stolen vehicles were recovered, according to the study, all car owners have a strong motivation to do what they can to protect their vehicles. To help consumers lessen their risk of auto theft, the Council of Better Business Bureaus and the Insurance Information Institute have joined forces to create the “Wiser Drivers Wise Up” program. Here are some of the tips from this program:
· Don’t rely solely on manufacturer-installed vehicle theft protection. Experienced thieves can disable these devices, as well as unlock a Club and other such anti-theft deterrents. Aftermarket vehicle anti-theft systems are usually more sophisticated and are worth paying a professional to install.
· Don’t think your old clunker is safer than a new model. It is also a myth that a luxury sedan is more attractive to thieves than a less expensive model. Older vehicles are usually stolen for their parts, which are no longer being manufactured; newer cars are stolen for their popularity.
· If your car is stolen, contact the police immediately, preferably while still at the scene of the crime. Speed is essential to recovering stolen cars, since any delay means your car is more likely to be in a chop shop or driven out of town. In addition to knowing the make, color and model of your car, you should also know the license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). Keep a copy of these identifying numbers and your insurance card in your wallet, and keep a photocopy of your registration and insurance card at home, so you can provide information quickly to both law enforcement and insurance claims agents.
· Don’t assume your insurance covers you for all the costs associated with having a vehicle stolen. Review your policy to see if you are covered for a replacement rental car after a theft, and if there’s a waiting period before you’re allowed to rent a car. Many people waive the rental car coverage, even though it costs only a few dollars a month.
· Make sure you have roadside assistance. Your insurance company will likely offer this for a few dollars per term, or you can go through an outside company such as AAA or even your automaker. Be sure you understand the terms of the coverage.
· Don’t overlook simple theft deterrents. Park in well-lit areas. If you park in a lot, resist the temptation to park near the exit, because it makes your vehicle a more likely target for thieves. According to the FBI, more than one-third of all vehicle thefts occur at a home or residence. Always lock your car, even in your own driveway.
Following these simple tips can help you avoid being an auto-theft victim, and minimize your damages and inconvenience in the event that you are one.
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Learn to Safely Navigate Winter's Driving Conditions
Learn to Safely Navigate Winter's Driving Conditions
The hazards of the road increase in winter, as the weather becomes less predictable. To avoid these conditions, you might be able to cut down on your driving, but you probably can't eliminate it altogether...and maybe you wouldn't want to. Therefore, it's essential that you take steps to lessen your risk. Even in moderate weather areas of Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Northern Virginia (South Riding, Chantilly, Ashburn, Sterling, Aldie, Arcola, Brambleton etc.), one must exercise caution.
As with many things in life, preparation is the key to managing winter driving hazards. The following tips can help to keep you safe on the road, regardless of the weather:
Check tire pressure monthly. Keep your vehicle's tires inflated at the manufacturer's recommended pressure for maximum performance on icy roads. It's important that you perform a pressure check monthly because a change in temperature of 10 degrees Fahrenheit changes the tire pressure about one pound per square inch. Added benefits of keeping tires properly inflated include better gas mileage and increased tire life.
Have your battery checked. Cold slows down the chemical reaction in a car's battery, which decreases its power output. In fact, starting power drops dramatically below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure your car's battery is fully charged to compensate for the drop in output.
Know what your car is capable of handling. Your vehicle may have all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes and all-weather tires. However, don't be fooled into thinking that these features are a panacea for all the problems associated with winter driving. Becoming too complacent about the car's ability to handle tough road conditions is a sure fire way to find yourself in a bad situation.
Learn to stay focused. When you drive, focus all of your attention on the road so you can anticipate hazards. Keeping your mind on the road ahead allows you to plan for areas that usually remain icy even when roads are clear, like bridges, overpasses and heavily shaded spots. The more aware you are, the better your ability to respond.
Exercise extra caution when necessary. Intersections with stoplights or stop signs can become deceptively treacherous when the weather is bad. Because so much traffic slides to a halt in the same location, the snow tends to become packed, and develops a slick icy surface. Drivers who spin their tires when starting up from a stopped position compound the problem. To compensate for these conditions, begin braking sooner when approaching an intersection. This will allow you more time to make necessary adjustments.
Plan when and how you will travel. Travel during daylight hours and wear sunglasses that provide UV protection to shield your eyes from snow and ice glare. Take the most direct route possible to your destination, and allow extra travel time in case you encounter unexpected problems.
Keep your vehicle stocked for an emergency. Be sure to have blankets and snacks in your car or truck to tide you over if you are stranded or stopped by bad road conditions.
Labels: Ashburn Auto Insurance, Ashburn Car Insurance, Centreville Auto Insurance, Centreville Car Insurance, Leesburg Auto Insurance, Leesburg Car Insurance
Maintaining Your Home's Fire Alarm System
Maintaining Your Home’s Fire Alarm System
One of the most important household safety techniques you can implement is the purchase and proper installation of an adequate number of smoke alarms in your home. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers the following facts regarding smoke alarms and fires.
www.south-riding-insurance.com* One-half of home fire deaths occur in the 6 percent of homes without smoke alarms.
* Homes with smoke alarms typically have a death rate that is 40 to 50 percent less than the rate in homes without alarms.
* In three of every ten reported fires in homes equipped with smoke alarms, the devices were not operational.
The NFPA offers safety tips regarding smoke alarms for you to consider.
* New batteries should be installed in all smoke alarms annually or when the alarm chirps to warn that the battery is weak.
* Smoke alarms should be tested monthly.
* Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on each floor of the home, including the basement.
* Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so if one goes off, they all go off.
* Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
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Labels: Aldie 20105 Homeowners Insurance, Aldie 20105 Property Insurance, Brambleton Homeowners Insurance, Brambleton Property Insurance, Stone Ridge Homeowners Insurance, Stone Ridge Property Insurance
