What Driver’s Ed Does Not Teach Kids About Tires

Teach Kids About Tires

Tread carefully! Here’s what to teach your kids about keeping tires safe.

While Driver’s Ed classes do much in the way of teaching your teen how to drive safely, it tends to neglect the very real side of being a motorist – car maintenance. Many teen drivers today don’t know where to begin when it comes to checking the safety of their vehicle, but they can drive impeccably. To help your child feel confident on the roads, teach them about the importance of tires!

Pressure

A car’s tire pressure constantly fluctuates, but it’s important that they are at the right psi (pounds per square inch). The sticker in the doorjamb will list the manufacturer’s recommended limits for tires, but it’ll be up to you to inform and instruct your child on how to check and top up the pressure. Maintaining good tire pressure can improve the fuel economy and safety for drivers of all ages.

Tread

The traction that the tires maintain with the road is vital to road safety, especially in adverse weather conditions. When tires age and wear, their tread decreases, making for slick tires that could be dangerous. It’s easy enough to grab a penny or buy a tire check kit – but teach your children why it’s important and what to do if the tread is flat. It can be extremely dangerous to drive with bald tires, so getting them replaced before they reach the red is imperative.

Flat

Getting a flat tire is all part of life. Even for the safest of drivers. Make sure that your teen knows how to change a flat tire roadside so that they are prepared.

Part of keeping your teenager safe on the road is insuring them with reliable coverage. Visit All Nevada Insurance today to secure auto insurance for your teen driver. We serve Las Vegas and beyond!

Your Step-by-Step Guide for Buying a Boat

Guide for Buying a Boat

Your guide to buying your dream boat.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a boat, there’s a lot to consider first. A boat is a big purchase and an ever bigger responsibility. But, where do you get started? Check out this handy guide that briefs you through each process of buying a boat.

Assess Your Needs (and Wants)

Evaluate your needs by asking the following questions:

  • Who will use the vessel?
  • How will you use the boat? (Day trips, week-long excursions, water skiing, or just cruising?)
  • Will you use the boat year round?
  • How much can you afford?
  • Where will you use the boat?

Once you’ve asked yourself these questions, you’ll have a better idea of the type of boat you want and what you’re looking for.

Do Your Homework

In this digital age, it’s smart to make the most of it! Head online to research boats that fit your specifics, read up on terminology, and sign up for classes on how to handle a boat. Once you’ve found the vessel you’re looking for, check out the reviews online to see how other captains like it.

Get Involved

If you can, attend a boat show and start reading boating periodicals. It’s likely that sailing is your hobby, so why not learn the ins and outs of it!

Make the Purchase

When you’ve found the right boat, be sure to inspect it carefully. If you’re spending thousands of dollars on a boat, new or used, you may want to have it professionally inspected by a surveyor. If you’re borrowing money, your bank may require a surveyor to appraise your boat. Then you’re ready to take the plunge!

Insure It

Your new boat was a big investment, so it’s wise to insure it! Basic insurance coverage includes physical damage to your boat, bodily injury, property damage liability, and medical payments. You may also consider optional coverage for things such as personal effects, emergency services, and trailers.

When you’re ready to get started on securing boat insurance, visit the team at All Nevada Insurance, serving Las Vegas and beyond.

How and Why to Check Your Tire Tread

Checking Your Tire Tread

Check your vehicle’s tire tread to steer your way to safety.

Are you one of those motorists that only gets the tires checked when the car is in for a tune up? If so, it’s time to start checking tire tread more regularly. Tire tread ensures that we stay safe on the road by gripping the surface. In short, tires allow us to steer accurately, prevent hydroplaning on wet roads, and brake effectively. Without safe tire tread, the chances of accidents, incidents, and vehicle damage skyrockets.

In the United States, tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. When your tires reach 2/32”, the U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing them. Before you get out the tape measure, the simplest trick in the book is to perform the penny test that allows you to check whether you’ve hit the 2/32” threshold.

  • Place a penny between the tread ribs on your tire. (The rib is the raised portion of tread that spans the circumference of your tire.)
  • Turn the penny so that Lincoln’s head points down into the tread.
  • Look at eye level to see if the top of his head disappears between the ribs. If it does, your tread is still above 2/32”. If you can see his entire head, it may be time to replace your tires as the tread is no longer deep enough.
  • Check each tire and various places around each tire. Pay special attention to areas that look the most worn.

Another indicator of a worn-out tread already lives in your tire themselves. Every commercial tire comes with an indication bar embedded between the tread ribs at 2/32”. If the tread is flush with the indicator bars, it’s time to get a new set of wheels.

Along with correct tire pressure and tread comes reliable auto insurance. Skip the search of finding the right insurer for you – visit All Nevada Insurance today! Get started on securing a reliable auto insurance policy in Las Vegas, Nevada by giving us a call.

New Year, New Smarter Insurance Resolutions

Insurance Resolutions

Next year, make your insurance plans work for you!

The impending New Year is a time when many people pledge to lose weight, save more money, and be more organized. However, mid-year (or mid-January, depending on how strong-minded you are), exercise equipment gathers dust and bank savings are depleted. These are familiar signs of the way New Year’s resolutions are quickly abandoned.

There are a few resolutions that you’ll not only want to make but be prudent about, all revolving around insurance! Maintaining insurance policies suited for you allow you to save money, be protected, and have peace of mind.

To make 2017 your best year yet, here are some New Year’s resolutions to help you fine-tune your insurance policies:

See if you’re eligible for discounts
Premiums are calculated on the level of risk an insurance company must take to provide you with coverage, but there are steps you may be able to take to reduce those risks. For example, even the simple task of installing burglar alarms in your home means that your house is better equipped for breaking and entering, thus lowering your homeowners insurance premium. Also, if you have teenage drivers who are in school, they may qualify for a Good Student Discount on their car insurance.

Update your home inventory list
A comprehensive home inventory catalog allows your home and belongings to be recovered, rebuilt, and replaced after a loss. Therefore, a full home inventory can help you replace your belongings after a loss, and accurate records make it less likely that there will be a dispute between you and your homeowners insurance company during the claims process.

Repair gaps in coverage
One of the quickest ways to make your heart sink is to file a claim after a loss, then find out that you don’t have the right coverage. Certain high-value items exceed homeowners insurance coverage. This means that if damage or loss occurs, you would be left footing the bill. To cover your items, you should ensure that their value doesn’t exceed the monetary limit on your homeowners insurance policy or add additional insurance.

A New Year is a new start and a time to start over. Committing yourself to these resolutions can help provide you with peace of mind, protection, and save you money! To get started in securing the right insurance policies for your New Year ahead, visit the Las Vegas professionals, All Nevada Insurance today.

Common Car Seat Questions – Answered!

Car Seat Auto Insurnace

What you need to know about car seat safety.

New parents have a lot on their mind. With new responsibilities and tasks that come with newfound parenthood, some of us feel completely overwhelmed when it comes to the important things, such as car seat selection, installation, and proper usage. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this instance.

To cover what you need to know about car seat queries, we’ve compiled a list of common car seat questions, along with the answers!

Where is the safest place to install a car seat?

Typically, the center rear seat is the safest place for a car seat. If possible, use the lower anchors and tethers to attach the car seat. If your car doesn’t have a latch connector for a middle seat, you can use the middle seat belt to secure the base properly. When installing, press down firmly on the car seat base and tighten the belt to ensure that it does not move more than an inch from side to side.

How can I be sure that my child is secure?

It’s important to keep the harness snug around your baby when in the vehicle. You can perform the ‘pinch test’ to determine if you’ve tightened it enough: if you can pinch the harness straps at the shoulder and can gather material, it’s too loose. Make sure to cinch it down.

How long can I keep a car seat?

Believe it or not, but car seats expire. This is a particularly good reason not to hang onto a car seat for too long. Similarly, it’s a compelling reason not to buy a second-hand car seat. Check the expiration date to confirm that the seat is safe for your child. You can typically find this date on the back or the side of the car seat.

With a brand new bundle of joy comes new responsibilities and priorities. To ensure that your insurance policies cover your loved ones, assets, and finances, contact the team at All Nevada Insurance. We serve Las Vegas, Nevada with the quality coverage that you need and deserve.

Safe Driving Tips for Winter Roads

Winter Driving Safety

Adverse weather, dark days, and cooler weather – handle driving through it all with these safety tips.

Driving in the winter is very different than in other times of the year. The weather and reduced visibility make it much harder for the motorist to commute without any trouble. Sometimes conditions can be extreme, as we have found over the recent winters. Because of this, we need to adapt the way we drive and how we maintain our vehicles.

Read on for the essential safety tips for this year’s winter roads!

Prepare Your Vehicle

It’s a good idea to have your vehicle fully serviced before winter starts and have the antifreeze tested. If you can’t have it serviced, do your own checks.

  • Make sure the lights are clean and in working condition.
  • Charge the battery if necessary.
  • Check that the tires’ tread and pressure are in good condition.
  • Be sure that the brakes are working well.
  • Test the windscreen wiper blades.
  • Top up fluids, such as antifreeze, oil, and windscreen wash.

Driving in Winter Weather

If you find yourself driving in hazardous weather, adapt your driving with these tips:

  • Reduce your speed. The chances of you skidding are much greater and your stopping distance increases dramatically when you speed.
  • Only travel at a speed at which you can stop promptly. Speed limits are the maximum in ideal conditions. In difficult conditions, they can often be too high to travel.
  • Avoid hard braking and acceleration, or sharp steering.
  • Road surfaces may be wet. Take care when driving after it has rained, as oil can lie on the surface.
  • Use your headlights during dusk and dawn to see and be seen by other vehicles on the road.

Don’t wait until you have a seasonal disaster to find out that your auto insurance coverage doesn’t cover the incident. Talk to the professionals at All Nevada Insurance to secure a reliable policy to suit your needs and budget.

How to Handle a Hit and Run Accident Without Losing Your Cool

hit and run auto insurance las vegas nv

Are you the victim of a hit and run? Here’s how to handle the situation.

You always hope that there are no injuries in the event of a car accident. Even so, there are a lot of emotions that can exacerbate the situation. That’s why a hit and run accident can leave you feeling physically and emotionally debilitated. If the driver that hit you speeds off, learn what you can do to minimize further damage.

Do not chase after the vehicle. While it’s tempting to hunt down the driver that left you roadside, driving after him or her can be dangerous. It’s best left to the professionals to take care of that situation. If you’re able, note down any information about the vehicle and which direction it was heading.

Record eyewitness information. If there are any witnesses at the scene, or if there were other people in your car at the time of the accident, ask if they remember anything about the vehicle and situation. The more information that you can gather for the police, the better.

Gather information. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and record the date, time, location, and whole incident.

File a police report. The police need to have all of the information on record to assist in finding the guilty party in the car accident. Be honest with the investigating officers and if you’re not sure of any details, let them know. Furthermore, a police report will help you to file an insurance claim.

Contact your insurance agency. Let your insurer know that you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident. Information and the police report will help in compiling your claim together.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you against both financial and non-financial losses sustained as a result of an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. Does your auto insurance provide this basic coverage that protects you? Visit the professionals at All Nevada Insurance for your auto insurance coverage in Las Vegas and surrounding cities in Nevada.

Shopping for a Safe Car? Use These Tips

Life Insurance Mistakes Las Vegas NV

A car can keep you safe for many years to come. Purchase the right one.

Whether you’re making the most of the end of year sales or buying a car for your new teen driver, you’re likely to shop around at dealerships. When a new car is on your wish list this festive season, you’ll want to keep safety in the forefront of your mind.

Not only do vehicles vary in size and color, but they also differ in safety! There are important safety differences, and some vehicles are more protective than others. Many automakers offer safety features beyond the required federal minimums.

Keep these signs in mind when shopping for a safe car!

  • Size – The laws of physics dictates that larger and heavier cars are safer. While Smart Cars (those tiny cars!) are great for island driving, they could be at risk of complete destruction if they were involved in a freeway crash with SUVs. However, bigger isn’t always better! Big cars guzzle more fuel, are inconvenient to drive, and tend to be more expensive than smaller cars. Aim for the size that you need – not what you want.
  • Performance – High-performance cars can tempt you to drive faster. Before buying your teenager a nifty sports car, you should consider the likelihood of them going above and beyond the speed limit.
  • Structure – Ask the dealer about a car’s safety cage. The crumple zone should be sufficient and the materials used shouldn’t be flexible or cheaply constructed. If the front and rear crush zones are inadequate, the likelihood of severe injuries increases rapidly.
  • Restraint systems – Belts, Airbags, and restraints all work together with a vehicle’s structure to protect passengers in serious crashes. In some cars, there will be a simple belt and passengers and driver airbags. More and more cars are now installing multi-way belts for added protection for children and babies, as well as side airbags. Look for the car with more added restraint systems!
  • Daytime running lights – By having low beam headlights on during the day, the visibility of the car is increased. In turn, a crash is less likely to happen to those with daytime running lights.
  • Anti-lock brakes – These prevent brake lock ups and allow you to keep the car in control!
  • Crashworthiness – See how cars faired up in crash ratings here.

The price of safety doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Once you have secured the ideal, safe car for you and your family, receive a reliable and protective auto insurance policy! Contact the team at All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada for the coverage that you and your vehicle deserve.

Am I Covered If I Drive Someone Else’s Vehicle?

Drive Another Vehicle Auto Insurance Las Vegas NV

Borrowing someone else’s car for the day? Know if you’re protected!

Occasionally, you may need to borrow your friend or neighbor’s car to run an errand, go to work, or soberly drive your tipsy friend home. Before getting into the driver’s seat, consider the impact of driving unprotected. You should know if you’re protected if you drive someone else’s vehicle.

Here are a few things to consider before you borrow a friend’s car!

How often do you use the vehicle? If you only borrow your friend’s car once a month, most likely your friend’s policy will cover you when you drive the vehicle. An auto policy will define who it covers. An “insured person” may include “any individual with respect to an accident arising out of that person’s use of a covered auto with the permission of you or a relative.” Under this definition, if someone else gives you permission to drive his vehicle, you’re covered by his insurance policy.

How long do you borrow the car? If you use the car for a day or two, it’s most likely not considered regular and frequent use. However, if you borrow the vehicle for several weeks, you may not be covered by his auto policy. If you are a regular driver of his car, you should consider adding yourself to your friend’s insurance policy!

What is the purpose of using the car? If you’re using the car to conduct business, like delivering pizza or hauling equipment for a landscaping business, you’ll need to make sure the vehicle is covered under a commercial auto insurance policy. Personal auto policies typically don’t cover anyone for conducting business with their vehicles!

Be sure to check what and who is covered before you drive someone else’s vehicle! Visit the professionals at All Nevada Insurance for the secure auto insurance coverage to suit you and your vehicle in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Warm Up Your Car Up for the Fall Season

Fall Driving Auto Insurance Las Vegas NV

Car care tips to keep your vehicle purring through fall and winter.

The Nevada winter brings all sorts of weather. From rain, snow, sleet, and possible subzero temperatures, the desert can be a chilly place come the winter months. Because of this, it’s no surprise that leaving your car out in this weather can cause some serious damage and put it under strain. Not only are the roads that much more dangerous, but your vehicle will need a bit of TLC before the fall weather.

Complete these then tasks before the cold snap hits so that you have safe (and reliable) winter transport:

  1. Get the engine check for performance and drivability problems.
  2. Replace dirty filters such as air, fuel, and PVC.
  3. Add a bottle of fuel deicer in your tank once the temperature drops.
  4. Change your oil and oil filter.
  5. Check that the heater and defroster are in good working condition.
  6. Replace wiper blades to wipe away the fall rain.
  7. Have your battery checked! This is usually the first to suffer in the cooler weather.
  8. Inspect all lights and bulbs to ensure that they are clean and in working order.
  9. Examine tires for tread life, damage, and wear & tear. Consider purchasing a new pair to keep your grip on ice, snow, and wet roads.
  10. Always carry an emergency kit with you! The emergency kit should include a car repair kit, first aid kit, blankets, non-perishable food, plenty of water, flashlight, a hand-cranked radio, small change, and more emergency essentials!

If you have ever found yourself stranded because your battery died or hydroplaned from rain water, you’ll know how important it is to prepare your car for fall.

While you can prevent your vehicle from failing during autumn, ensure that you have the protection to see you through! Contact All Nevada Insurance for a customized auto insurance policy to suit your needs and budget in Las Vegas and neighboring cities in Nevada.