The Allstate Blog » Auto Insurance

Do You Know What to Do After a Car Accident? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Melissa — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:54 +0000

You're driving in bumper-to-bumper, stop-and-go traffic during rush hour on a Tuesday evening. Just as you glimpse your long-awaited exit, the car in front of you slams on the brakes. You stop just in time -- but then the car behind you slams into your back bumper. Oh no! You've been in an accident! Would you know what to do if this happened to you? There are a lot of things to consider after a wreck on the road, and knowing what steps to take can help ease the stress of an already nerve-wracking situation. Check out the infographic below for some helpful information: Looking for more information about car accidents and insurance? Check out the Tools and Resources section of Allstate.com.

Beyond Texting: Avoid All Distractions While Driving [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:00:47 +0000

Driving distracted--even for a moment--can lead to a catastrophe. While texting is one thing that can take your eyes off the road, it's not the only way drivers can become sidetracked. Eating, interacting with passengers, adjusting the radio and of course, engaging in multimedia interactions can all contribute to a less-than-focused driver...and that can be a very dangerous situation. Consider taking the proper steps to reduce or eliminate these situations, and avoid common driving distractions. [infographic]

Auto Insurance Mega-Quiz

Sean — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:57:02 +0000

[slickquiz id=3]

Caregivers: Choose the Right Car for the Job

Brendan — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:00:21 +0000

The American Association of Retired Persons estimates that 44 million Americans are currently caring for a relative. For today’s older drivers, that can mean caring for a spouse, sibling, parent, adult child or grandchild. Since caring for someone else usually involves taking them to doctors’ appointments and other activities, as well as bringing them along on regular outings and errands, having a car that supports your caregiving efforts is important. Here’s what caregivers should look for.

Basic Features

When you’re looking for a car to support your caregiving efforts, think about what your needs are now and what they’re likely to be in the next few years. If you or the person you’re caring for has limited or diminishing mobility, look for cars that are easy to get into and out of. Minivans tend to have a low step-in but high seating position, so occupants don’t have to stoop or climb to get in them. The same is true for crossovers, which look like SUVs, but ride lower to the ground, like cars. A chair-like seating position is easier to get in and out of than the low-slung seats you see in many sports cars and sedans. Make sure that the doors can open wide enough to make getting in and out easy and to accommodate any equipment you may need to carry. If you think you may need a modified vehicle, check with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association to see what modifications are available on various cars. In addition to ensuring that any car you consider works for your passengers, make sure it also works for the gear you usually carry. This not only means making certain your stuff will fit in the cargo area, but also seeing how difficult loading and unloading it is. Before you buy a new vehicle, take the things you usually carry to the dealership and practice loading and unloading it. Finally, make sure the gas mileage of any vehicle you’re considering fits with your budget. If you drive a lot of miles heading to appointments with specialists, going for something with good gas mileage could save you a lot of money in the long term. Though the small cars and hybrids that get the best fuel economy may not fit your caregiving needs, you can still find something that can comfortably fit your loved ones and your gas budget.

Helpful Car Technology for Caregivers

Having the right high-tech tools in your car can improve the quality of care you give. If you care for children or adults that are easily bored, a good entertainment system can help keep everyone happy. Rear-seat entertainment systems can play DVDs, video games and, in some cars, even show live TV. These systems, though pricey, are available in almost every type of car on the market now. If you don’t want to spring for a built-in entertainment system, a portable DVD player can make a lot of sense. Most cars on the market today have 120-volt electrical outlets, just like the ones in your home, or power sources that can keep electronics charged with an adapter. Before committing to passenger entertainment, make sure it won’t distract you while you’re trying to drive. When you’re in an unfamiliar area, a navigation system can be a godsend, giving you directions while your eyes stay on the road. Many navigation systems, including aftermarket models you can buy at any electronics store, go beyond giving directions. You can use these systems to find the nearest hospital or pharmacy. Lots of navigation systems also offer real-time traffic updates and can route you around backups. That can help you make appointments on time and limit aggravation. Telematics systems, which use satellite technology to pinpoint a car’s location and connect it to help centers, are becoming increasingly common on new cars. You can also purchase an aftermarket adapter to get a telematics system on an older car. Though these systems usually require a monthly subscription fee, in an emergency, it can be worth it. Telematics systems can connect you to emergency services at the touch of a button and transmit your exact vehicle location to first responders. They also can alert emergency services that you’ve been in a crash even if everyone in the car is incapacitated. If you get locked out of your car, a telematics service can unlock the doors for you remotely. Most of these services also provide vehicle location services. That’s handy if the car is stolen, but some of the latest systems will call or send you a text or email if the car is driven beyond parameters you set. If the car is driven after a time you specify, over a certain speed or outside of a certain area, you’ll know about it. It’s helpful if you have a hired caregiver using the car, or if the person you’re caring for is at risk of wandering or driving away. It’s also a good tool for keeping tabs on your teenagers.

Little Comforts

Even if you don’t want to spring for the latest high-tech systems, some seemingly insignificant features can help make caring for others easier. Going for a car with heated and cooled seats can make people who need help regulating their body temperatures more comfortable. Heated seats can also soothe aching muscles and joints while you’re on the road. A remote start system can get the car heated up or cooled down before anyone gets into it, making everyone more comfortable. Most importantly, however, make sure that you’re happy with the car you buy. You may feel like you need a large van or SUV, but if you’re intimidated at the thought of driving one, a crossover may be easier to drive and still fit your needs. Though you need to make your loved ones comfortable, don’t forget to make sure you have the space, comfort and features you need, as well.

Bedtime Stories: Cinderella Needs Carriage Insurance [VIDEO]

Brendan — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:00:50 +0000

Classic fairy tales seem to resonate with every successive generation. The concepts, themes and lessons taught are timeless. But, children are always looking to change things a bit and create their own world with their unique imagination. This version of Cinderella illustrates that clearly, because as the father reads the story to his little girl at bedtime, she interrupts with no-so-subtle changes to the story...maybe even making it better. It seems the father gets caught up in the creativity, injecting his own tweaks to the story that address his fatherly concern for safety and preparedness.

The Right Way to Road Trip [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:00:11 +0000

While the "high season" for road tripping is obviously summer, road trips can be successful virtually year-round. Going sight-seeing to the Grand Canyon or Mt. Rushmore is often the first thing that comes to mind (thank you, National Lampoon), but people are making road trips to all sorts of autumnal destinations from college football games to apple orchards, pumpkin patches and scenic areas to take in the colorful foliage. In the end, it seems that road trips often fall into three common types based on the vehicle: car (the family heading to the 'Mouse House' in either Florida or California); RV (the extended family seeing all the tourist sites the country has to offer); and motorcycle (the 'pack' heading off on a bonding trip for some revelry). Follow each of our iconic vehicles down the board game of road tips and learn some tips to consider when planning your next adventure. click image below to enlarge [infographic] Recommended by the Editor:

5 Eco-Friendly Luxury Cars for Commuters

Melissa — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:00:10 +0000

You care about protecting your car, and you should. Buying it caused quite a bank account dip— no matter what make or model you chose — and you depend on it to get you from home to work and everywhere in between. You figure if you're good to it, your car will be good to you. But, is your car being good to the environment? And will you still be able to afford gassing up if oil prices rise? If the answer is no, maybe it's time to think green. Many drivers think they'll have to sacrifice luxury for fuel economy, and comfy seating for fewer carbon emissions. Not so. There are countless options for the environmentally conscious commuter who needs a smooth ride as they battle the merciless evening rush. We've compiled a list of five luxurious, efficient and economical rides to prove it.

Audi A3

Boasting an impressive miles per gallon estimate of 21 in the city and 30 on the highway, the Audi A3 is certainly within the realm of "green" cars, but that's not the thing that blows us away. The A3's crown jewel is its price tag: It starts at $27,270 (reasonable for a luxury car) and comes equipped with a CD player, mp3 audio integration and a pretty powerful 4-liter engine that blasts from 0-60 mph in just over 7 seconds. The good package is made better when you consider it's born from the assembly line of one the world's most elite automakers.

Lexus CT 200h

A hybrid in every sense of the word, the CT allows drivers to choose whether they want to drive in a faster, less fuel-efficient mode or go for a more efficient and moderately paced ride (like those you might take home from the office). It's a weekday and weekend car all in one. If that doesn't win you over, its 42 mpg average fuel rating (according to Motor Trend) is the most efficient of any vehicle in its class, and it starts at $29,120.

BMW 335d

Those drivers willing to spend a bit more, but still concerned about their potential effect on the ozone layer, may consider BMW's 335d diesel engine sedan a fantastic choice. While not technically a hybrid, the 335d will get drivers a more than respectable 23 mpg in the city, and 36 mpg on the highway. Because it runs on diesel, drivers will spend less at the gas station, and fuel will burn cleaner than the usual premium-grade does. And for the luxury piece? Well, BMWs are called the "ultimate driving machines" for a reason: 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds, premium audio, concierge service and almost anything else you could want. But, it'll cost you -- $44,150, to be exact. And that's the absolute floor.

Lincoln MKZ

Anyone who's sat in the back of a Towncar knows Lincolnis synonymous with silky, smooth luxury. Now, we can add "fuel efficient" to the list of its attributes. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ hybrid boasts an impressive mpg rating of 41-city, 36-highway. Its $33,888 sticker isn't cheap, but considering the dough you'll save on fuel, that number starts to look a lot more justifiable — especially over a five-year period. True toLincoln form, reviewers give the MKZ a big thumbs-up on cabin comfort. Good news for commuters...and their back spasms.

Acura ILX

Small, efficient and very nice to look at, the Acura 2013 ILX hybrid's $28,900 starting price is not the most expensive of the bunch, and its 39-city, 38-highway mpg rating will do more than its part to help save the atmosphere. With a robust suite of standard options, the Acura will not disappoint the luxury-minded. Full disclosure, though: the 1.5-liter engine was not built with adrenaline junkies in mind. Once you buy your new, luxurious, environmentally friendly ride, you'll need auto insurance to protect your investment. Visit Allstate Personal Quote to get a fast and secure auto quote.

Photos courtesy of:

audiusa.com

treehugger.com

bmwblog.com

beloveedcars.com

autoguide.com

Your Car: Which Parts do ‘Chop Shops’ Want?

Brendan — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:00:31 +0000

If you’ve ever had your car broken into or stolen, you know there is nothing worse than the feeling you get when you return to the spot where you left your car and you don’t find it. Having your car stolen, or even finding that someone left your car but took your wheels or radio, is usually a hassle and time-consuming process to report the crime. Thieves often sell these parts to chop shops, where they strip cars for parts to sell or strip cars down to sell as scrap metal. If you don’t want to see your car or car parts stolen, make sure you know what parts thieves commonly go for.

Catalytic Converters

The catalytic converter is an essential part of your car’s emission system, eliminating many of the harmful pollutants that would otherwise come out of your car’s tailpipe. Catalytic converters are made out of coveted metals, like platinum, that fetch a high price when sold for scrap, and can be expensive to replace. According to RepairPal.com, the cost to replace the rear catalytic converter on a 2010 Cadillac Escalade ranges from $710 to $1,227, including parts and labor. SUVs and pickup trucks are in the most danger, according to Bankrate.com, because they sit up higher off the ground, which makes their exhaust systems and catalytic converters easier for thieves to access. Plus, they can be stolen very quickly, in as little as a few minutes. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to keep thieves’ hands off your catalytic converter, so your best bet is to park in a well-lit, well-trafficked area or in a parking garage with security cameras in order to discourage criminals from touching your car.

Entertainment and Infotainment Systems

Car thieves are also interested in entertainment systems, like combined navigation systems and radios, CD players or DVD players. Aftermarket stereos and in-dash systems are made to be easy to install, which means they’re usually fairly easy to remove as well. These kinds of aftermarket audio systems can sell for a lot of money. Crutchfield, a company that sells vehicle and home audio systems and electronics, lists new 2,500-watt audio amplifiers for as much as $1,600, and a set of two video screen headrests for as much as $600. Although factory-installed systems are a bit more expensive than buying aftermarket systems, it may be a better idea to opt for a factory-installed entertainment system if you’re worried about your player getting stolen. “There isn't as huge of a market for the factory car systems,” Michael Calkins, manager of approved auto repair with AAA inHeathrow,Fla., said to Bankrate.com.

Wheels

Car wheel theft has been around for a long time, and according to The New York Times, it’s not on its way out anytime soon. Thieves can put your car up on blocks and steal your wheels faster than they used to, thanks to the easier availability and lower price of cordless power tools. Your tires and rims can be sold separately, garnering even more money for the chop shop, which can make upwards of $500 per wheel on new wheels made out of alloy. Adding locking wheel nuts or big, boot-looking tire locks to your rims can make it harder to steal your car’s wheels, but in the end, it’s hard for chop shops to resist stealing something that can garner so much quick cash.

Need to know more about preventing vehicle theft? Check out Allstate.com!

The Distraction Epidemic: Does Anyone Just Drive Anymore?

Sean — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:00:16 +0000

Just a couple decades ago, it would have been impossible to take a phone call while driving down the road – just imagine how long the phone cord would have been! However, that’s not the case today. Between phone calls, text messages, emails and social media, we’re more connected to the world around us than ever, and that connectivity is largely due to our cellphones and smart phones. Still, there’s growing concern that the distraction caused by smart phones is making our roadways increasingly dangerous. Does anyone just drive anymore?

The Basics of Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration describes distracted driving as any activity that takes your attention away from “the primary task of driving.” Distractions behind the wheel can endanger you, your passengers and others around your car. The NHTSA says there are three types of distraction that you face as a driver:

Manual: A distraction that takes your hands off the wheel.
Visual: A distraction that takes your eyes off the road.
Cognitive: A distraction that takes your mind off driving.

The NHTSA reports that text messaging, using a cellphone, eating or drinking, reading, talking to passengers, grooming, adjusting your stereo, watching a video and using a navigation system are all examples of distracted behavior. Of these distractions, texting is particularly concerning because it requires your manual, visual and cognitive attention.

How Distracted Driving Causes Accidents

In a survey conducted in 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 25 percent of drivers in the U.S. admitted they talk on their cellphones “regularly or fairly often” while driving. Additionally, 9 percent gave the same response when they were asked how much they text or email when they’re behind the wheel. The CDC reports that distracted driving is even more prevalent among younger drivers, noting that almost 40 percent of drivers ages 18 to 29 say they talk on the phone “regularly” or “fairly often” while driving. In addition, more than 25 percent of respondents in that age group say they text or email “regularly” or “fairly often” while operating a motor vehicle. According to the NHTSA, the average driver takes his or her eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds when sending or receiving texts. In that amount of time, you could travel the length of an entire football field if you’re driving 55 mph. As a result, the likelihood of a crash is “23 times worse than driving while not distracted.” Additionally, NHTSA reports that using a cellphone or portable electronic device behind the wheel makes you four times as likely to get into a crash in which you’ll sustain injuries. In 2010, distracted driving was linked to 18 percent of crashes that resulted in injury, according to NHTSA. Additionally, crashes that involved a distracted driver resulted in 3,092 deaths, while about 416,000 people were injured.

How to Prevent Distracted Driving

Because distracted driving is so dangerous, it’s important to take preventative steps to help keep our roads safe. The National Safety Council encourages us to stop using our cellphones while driving, and to share information about the dangers of distracted driving with friends and family. If someone calls you while they’re driving, the NSC also recommends telling them “that you’d be happy to continue the conversation once you have reached your destination.” By avoiding distracting behaviors behind the wheel, you’re taking positive steps to help keep yourself and your passengers safe. The phone calls and texts can definitely wait until you’ve parked the car. For more on distracted driving prevention, check out the Tools and Resources section on Allstate.com

The Glitzy Lives of TV and Movie Characters. Could They Afford It?

Brendan — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:00:32 +0000

Flying cars. Talking dogs. Dogs talking in flying cars. There's nothing like good, old-fashioned Hollywood magic to thwart our conceptions of reality, and no element deludes us more than the portrayal of upper-crust lifestyles lived by ostensibly middle-class characters. In TV and movie land, writers wear $1,500 high heels and CIA agents drive $100,000 cars through the streets of Milan, but what kind of cash do these sorts of professionals pull down in the real world? Choosing a career path is serious business, especially for those of us thinking ahead toward retirement. Let's examine how our favorite TV and film characters' paychecks really read, entertainment value aside.

Don Draper, "Mad Men"

No one is smoother than Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce's brooding creative director. Always impeccably dressed and known to enjoy all the finest elements of 1960s life, from cars to clothes to abodes (whether in Westchester or Manhattan), it seems like Don Draper's making the big bucks. But how would his modern-day, off-screen counterparts fair? According to GlassDoor.com, not too shabbily. The site estimates New York-area creative directors make an average of $80,000-$250,000 per year. Assuming someone of Draper's caliber is at the upper end of that spectrum, members of this field would be well-heeled, if not entirely carefree.

James Bond, 007 franchise

With another 007 installment just around the corner, we can't help but wonder: Do all intelligent agents and spies live a life that's so...Bond-like? Well, we're not sure about the Agency's budget for cool gadgets, cars and impeccably tailored tuxedos, but we do know the site CIAagentsalary.com reports experienced agents' salaries as being in the less-than-glamorous $78,000 range. So, a real-life agent probably wouldn’t cruise the streets in an Aston Martin – but as for being pursued by gorgeous women, friend and foe, who knows?

Carrie Bradshaw, "Sex and the City"

What freelance columnist makes enough to live in a beautiful Manhattan brownstone, eat dinner out whenever and wherever she wants and buy bank account-shriveling couture on a whim? Carrie Bradshaw of "Sex and the City," that's who. While her character lured many an aspiring writer toward a keyboard, Carrie's imitators probably didn't encounter the level of success she "achieved." Indeed.com reports the average writer's salary is $59,000. PayingNew York City rent, that's not even enough to order Chinese food more than one night a week, let alone live like a socialite.

Jerry Seinfeld, "Seinfeld"

In real life, comedian Jerry Seinfeld is as rich as they come, but how about on TV? Seinfeld's old sitcom character's presumed earnings were probably true to form for a successful New Yorkcomic. With frequent “Tonight Show” appearances and consistent gigs as a featured touring act (such performances can garner up to $1,000 or more per appearance), Seinfeld certainly made enough to maintain a rented Upper West Side one-bedroom and drive a Saab. That said, most other pro comics don't do nearly as well: SimplyHired.com reports an average salary of just $30,000. In other words, your everyday funnyman probably isn't quite as unflappably jovial as Jerry was.

Rachel Green, "Friends"

Lessee of one of the most notoriously gorgeous TV apartments of all time, chances are "Friends" sweetheart Rachel Green wouldn't have made enough in three months to cover one month's rent – especially after cutting up her credit cards. Over the course of the series, Green worked her way up from a waitress at the Central Perk coffee shop to a buyer for Ralph Lauren. Unfortunately, her upward climb still didn't yield massive financial security — GlassDoor.com estimates a Ralph Lauren assistant buyer's yearly salary to be between $48k-$60k. So, if you’re a real-life Carrie Bradshaw, don’t feel bad about living without the Christian Louboutins. Sometimes our favorite TV and movie characters are a little overpaid. Whether you’re Don Draper living the high life or Rachel Green living without Daddy’s credit cards, you could always use a helping hand managing your finances.

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Photos courtesy of eworld-musiclove.blogspot.com, www.Adamecker.com, www.highsnobiety.com, www.apartmenttherapy.com