Marriage, Work and Safety: Three Big Changes that Could Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs

Did you know that changes in your life and upgrades to your vehicle could save you money on your auto premiums? Here’s how:

Marriage
If you add your spouse to your insurance policy, the rates you both pay could go down. Insurance companies view married couples as more stable and likely safer drivers.

Job Changes

Your insurance rates depend in part on how much you use your vehicle. If a job change means you commute fewer miles each day, or take public transportation, let your insurance company know.

Safety Upgrades
If you add a security system or update a safety feature (anti-lock brakes, airbags) on your vehicle, your insurance company may offer a discount.

Smoking Cessation

Insurance companies rate smokers as higher risks (yes, this applies to vehicle as well as health and life insurance). Notify your insurer if you stop smoking, and be prepared to offer evidence, such as a certificate from a smoking cessation course or nicotine patch prescription.

If you’d like to save more money on auto insurance, be sure to keep your insurer informed about

The amount of discounts can vary depending on your age, location, vehicle and driving history. An independent insurance agent can help you explore available discounts, and choose the best coverage for your needs.

All Nevada Insurance can help Las Vegas residents with their car insurance needs. To learn more, contact us.

Las Vegas Police Change Fender-Bender Policy

Beginning March 3, 2014 Las Vegas police changed the policy on fender-bender accidents to free up Metro’s police force.  Per Sheriff Gillespie, Metro’s force continues to be "stretched to its limits". By changing the fender-bender policy, it is estimated that 250 hours per week will be available for officers to perform essential duties.

 

There are now 30 fewer traffic officers than there were just 18 months ago. Metro reported that minor traffic incidents/accidents are consuming excessive amounts of time when severe crashes and fatalities deserve urgent attention.

 

With the change, police are no longer required to respond to minor property-only incidents. Drivers involved should still exchange information.  They should also file an accident report within 10 days of the incident.  Metro’s police force will now have more time to apply their efforts in reducing traffic fatalities.

 

Do you need auto insurance? Contact All Nevada Insurance for full coverage and low rates. We have over 70 years of experience and have complete knowledge of the industry. We are one of the most trusted brokers, providing a full range of insurance and financial services. All Nevada Insurance cares about you and your family and we maintain excellent communication.  As a full service agency, we are fluent in Spanish and are prepared to find the best protection for your situation.

 

Spring Is the Best Time to Update RV Insurance Coverage

Travel plans are being developed months before departure.  As part of the preparation, RV owners are wise to evaluate the existing RV insurance policy.  Consideration must be given to the differences between auto insurance and RV insurance.

  • Specialized vehicle – A recreational vehicle requires coverage for personal belongings and more expensive towing services.  RV insurance offers services that are designed to assist policyholders with various problems that arise on the road.
  • Avoid cheap insurance – Affordable RV insurance includes the insurer’s strong reputation for paying claims and providing assistance.  Policyholders trust the insurance company to respond regardless of the RV’s location.
  • Sufficient liability coverage – Your property must be protected against loss when you cause damage to property belonging to another person.  Liability limits must be sufficient to pay for these losses.
  • Applicable discounts – Savings on RV insurance is possible when the policyholder asks for the Exclusive Storage Option that suspends unnecessary insurance when the RV is not in use.
  • Annual destinations – Driving into Mexico, or Canada, might fall outside the acceptable risk of your current RV insurance.  Contact the insurance company early to make appropriate adjustments.

For more information about RV insurance in Nevada, contact All Nevada Insurance located in Las Vegas.

What to Do If You Have a Car Accident in Nevada

All it takes is a slippery road or a moment’s inattention to cause a car wreck. A car accident can happen very quickly, and it may be one of the scariest moments of your life. Every driver should know what to do if there is an accident. However, the protocol may differ depending upon the state in which you are driving. In Nevada, this is what drivers should do if there is an accident.

Move Out of Traffic and Call the Police

First, if the vehicles are able to be moved and no one is seriously injured, move the vehicles out of the way of traffic. Next, call law enforcement. If no one is injured, you may just want to call the police without using the 911 number. If law enforcement shows up to work the accident, he or she will fill in the proper paper work. However, if a policeman is not available, you must take it upon yourself to get the correct information.

Paperwork Necessities

Make sure that you get the other driver’s full, legal name, phone number, and address. Additionally, you should get their driver’s license number and license plate number. Be sure to record their car information, like the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Also in Nevada, paperwork requires the Social Security numbers of both parties. Write down the approximate location of the wreck, the weather conditions, and the exact date and time of the accident. Be sure that you supply the other driver with the same information for yourself.

File Papers

In Nevada, you must file a Report of Traffic Accident within 10 days of the wreck. This form is available on the Department of Motor Vehicle website. It will include all of the above information and will not be accepted without it. You will also need to include a copy of your insurance card and medical reports if someone was injured.

Insurance Claims

Be sure to notify your insurance company of your accident as soon as you can. They will walk you through the steps of getting your vehicle repaired and making any claims against the other driver.

If you have questions about your auto insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada, contact All Nevada Insurance today.

Special Programs for Young Drivers in Las Vegas

Teen drivers have accident rates up to three times higher than the rest of the population. If your teen is learning to drive, you may be interested in these resources:

Adam’s Place, a counseling center focused on teen issues offers a driving education course tailored for young beginners. The course was developed by concerned parents and traffic safety experts. In addition to teaching driving skills, the course places strong emphasis on safe driving, accident avoidance and injury prevention. The 30-hour course will prepare a teen driver for licensing, but more importantly, build awareness of the responsibility drivers accept for the safety of themselves and others. For dates, times and registration information, call (702) 339-0848.

Driver’s Edge is a unique safety course for drivers under 21. The course appeals to young drivers with sessions on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway course. During the session, drivers are taught how to control their cars in difficult situations and learn methods of avoiding collisions. As part of the course, every student will have a chance to get behind the wheel with a professional race driver or performance course driver. Dates vary, call (702) 896-6482 for details.

All Nevada Insurance is dedicated to protecting Nevada drivers, especially teens, with the right insurance. To explore your auto insurance options, contact us.

Spring Is Here: Insure All of Your Summer Toys

The owner of a motorcycle, dirt bike or ATV should never assume that existing auto insurance policies would cover these toys.  Summer activities offer fun and excitement for all participants.  Sufficient insurance is required to prevent loss when accidents happen.  Start today to protect your assets from loss.

  • Property insurance – Damage to your motorized vehicles, RVs, boats and golf carts would be covered under this component.  Repairs, or replacement, of your property is important since few people can afford to pay for these expenses out of pocket.
  • Liability insurance – Property belonging to other people would be covered under this component.  In addition, injuries incurred when other people are involved in an accident with you would be covered.  Liability limits should be set high enough to cover lawsuit awards if another person sues you following an accident.
  • Injury coverage – The liability component will pay for injuries sustained by third parties.  Medical coverage is important if you and your family are not covered under another major medical insurance policy.  Health expenses can add up quickly if multiple people are injured in an accident.

For more information about insuring your toys in Nevada, contact All Nevada Insurance located in Las Vegas.

Has Your Vehicle Been Declared a Total Loss? Here’s Why…

Auto accidents that cause extensive damage to your vehicle may be considered a total loss. If you have auto coverage and the accident was your fault, you may receive compensation for the loss of your vehicle. If you were not at fault, the other party’s insurance is responsible for paying for your vehicle. There are several things you should know about vehicles that are declared a total loss.

What Is a Total Loss?

Most vehicles are considered a total loss when the cost to return the vehicle to its pre-loss condition exceeds the value of the vehicle. The structural integrity and the overall condition of the vehicle are taken into consideration before declaring it a total loss.

How Much Will I Get for a Total Loss?

If your vehicle has been declared a total loss, many insurances’ will pay the actual cash value (ACV) or market value of the vehicle based on its age, mileage, features, and pre-loss condition.

For more information on insurance or auto coverage in the Nevada area, please contact All Nevada Insurance.

Bad Practices in a Business Equal a Raise in Insurance Premiums

A company that makes poor decisions regarding facilities and employees will typically experience an increase in insurance premium costs due to these decisions. Avoid putting your business, clients or employees at risk by maintaining good methods when it comes to the follow situations.

If you ignore employment laws, you are putting your business at risk. In addition to following procedures regarding these laws, you should choose to do business only with other businesses who follow employment laws and regulations. You are responsible for insuring your business appropriately, and that includes reporting risks that may cause you to need additional coverage, such as high crime rates or flood zones. Make sure you purchase and maintain insurance coverage for your personal property, your health, your business and for inventory so to protect your company in earnest.

For your employees, maintain a professional working environment by mandating employee training on a regular basis. Additionally, make certain that you are providing a safe and secure environment for employees and customers. Here at All Nevada Insurance in several locations throughout Nevada, we hate to see bad practices result in a raise in premiums for business owners and employees. Contact us today to find out how you can prevent such a situation from happening to you.

Back to School: Update Your Child’s Auto Insurance

It’s back to school time and for parents, that means more than ensuring their child has all of their supplies and books. Whether your child is in high school or in college, if they are driving it is definitely time to update their auto insurance policy.

For high school students who drive the family car, or even those who have their own car, they are likely on your insurance policy. To maintain the same monthly premium or possibly lower the premium, ask your agent about possible discounts. Many insurers offer good driver programs that lower monthly premiums and many also offer discounts for good grades or for being on the honor roll. If your child has not been involved in an accident or has not had any traffic violations, and they also have maintained good grades, it’s time to lower your bill.

The same can be done with college students. Some insurers allow students living on-campus to remain on their parent’s policy. If this is the case, check to see if the same discounts are available to them.

For more information on what to do to update your child’s auto insurance, visit the All Nevada Insurance Blog.

Tips for RV Roof Maintenance

Summer vacation’s over, so, it’s time to put away the RV until next year’s travels. One important thing you can do to make sure that your RV is ready to go when you are is to keep up with proper RV roof maintenance. To keep your family’s home away from home in tip top shape:

  • Clean thoroughly about four times a year. This will keep dirt, sap and leaves from causing excess wear. If you park under a tree, clean more often and debris can accumulate more quickly.
  • Check all the seams twice a year. Inspect the RV thoroughly to avoid leaks. If your RV’s roof’s seams are damaged, consult a professional to avoid costly water damage.
  • If your roof is made out of rubber, apply a protective treatment after your vehicle is washed and inspected. This can help extend your RV’s life and avoid costly repairs.
  • Check the refrigerator and holding tank vents regularly. They should be undamaged and free of obstructions.

Are all of your household’s vehicles covered? Contact us at the All Nevada Insurance Blog to make sure.