Author Archives: Tony Moreno

California Aims to Eliminate Gas-Powered Vehicles by 2050

If you live in or around large Californian cities, you know just how bad smog and pollution can be in these parts. Well, there’s a bit of good news for those who wish the air was a little cleaner here in the golden state. California along with 7 other states recently signed a pledge to virtually eliminate gas-powered vehicles from their streets by the year 2050. The other states who also signed the pledge are Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. They all have chosen to follow the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates which have previously been issued by an organization known as the California Air Resources Board (CARB). You may be wondering how Californian officials plan to nearly eliminate gas-powered vehicles by 2050, so here is a look at what we can expect here in the next 30 years or so.

Provide Incentives
One way the state of California plans to drastically reduce pollution throughout the state is by offering car buyers hefty incentives for buying zero-emission cars and trucks.

Invest in ZEV Technology
Our state also plans to invest in zero-emission technology in order to help manufacturers bring down the costs and make these cleaner vehicles more affordable for all Californians.

Implement New Policies
California has been leading the way when it comes to ZEV sales thanks to our already established Zero Emission Vehicle Program. The program currently requires auto companies to produce a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles to be sold to Californians. They plan to implement even more policies in the upcoming years that will help make the state a healthier place to work and live.

This really is really great news for those who live in California or one of the other states mentioned! So, do you plan on purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle anytime soon? If so, owning one of these zero-emission vehicles is about to get a whole lot more affordable thanks to this new pledge.

Tips to Help You Get Insured in the State of California After a DUI

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There really is no way around it. Getting a DUI in the state of California usually leads to higher premiums and escalated deductibles. Many nationwide insurers will not insure a driver who has been convicted of a DUI, but there are a few things you can do to get yourself insured. Check out these 3 tips that can help you get insured in California following a DUI conviction.

File an SR-22 – If your driver’s license has been either revoked or suspended, you will need to file an SR-22 before you can get on the road again. This certificate is to confirm that you meet the state’s minimum requirements for liability coverage. Some insurers do not offer SR-22s and in this case, your policy will be canceled. The document can be obtained from your insurer who will then submit it to the California DMV once you have filled it out completely. Once filed, you will then be marked as a “high risk driver”.

Enroll in the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan – Most national insurers don’t offer coverage for high risk drivers, but many smaller auto insurance companies do. If your policy has been canceled or you can’t afford the higher premium, there is a bit of luck thanks to the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan. This program is designed to match those with DUI convictions with companies that will insure high risk drivers.

Compare Rates – To get yourself the best possible deal, it’s best to compare rates among those insurers who will work with DUI convictions. Just remember to be completely honest about your situation when requesting a quote from auto insurance companies in order to avoid disappointment or confusion.

If you have been convicted in the state of California, there is no need to panic just yet. Use these tips to help you get insured so you can get back on the road in no time!

Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays

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The holiday season is finally upon us and many Americans will be hitting the roads here in the next few weeks to visit their loved ones, attend holiday parties and partake in exciting festivities. If you plan to be out and about this holiday season, here are a few safe driving tips to keep in mind in order to make sure you and your family arrive at your destination safely.

Inspect Your Vehicle Before Departing
Before you load up the kids, make sure you inspect your car, truck or SUV to ensure it is safe for the road. Start by checking your battery, brake fluid, antifreeze and oil. Then, check your lights and and turn signals to make sure they are properly working.

Check Weather Conditions
It’s also recommended you take a look at weather conditions along your travel route to make sure you are prepared. The weather could be sunny and bright where you live but then quickly change as you get closer to your destination. If rain or snow is in the forecast, it’s important to inspect your windshield wiper blades to make sure they are working correctly. If not, you need to replace them before you hit the road.

Pack An Emergency Kit
Wintry weather can cause some dangerous road conditions, so you definitely want to pack yourself an emergency kit that contains everything you could possibly need if a problem were to arise. Your winter weather emergency kit should include things such as a blanket, an extra pair of gloves, a flashlight, traction mats and tire chains.

NEVER Drink and Drive
Many people enjoy sipping a cocktail or two at those fun holiday parties, but it is never a good idea to get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. It’s best to make sure you have a designated driver, take public transportation or call yourself an Uber if you are planning to be drinking during the holidays.

An accident could ruin your entire holiday season. All you have to do is follow these simple tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while traveling during the holidays!

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for Winter Weather

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Most of the state of California has fairly mild winters but there are some parts that can occasionally see a bit of sleet, snow and ice. These wintry weather conditions can make the roads a little more dangerous than usual and we all know that getting into an accident could mean a rise in your auto insurance premium or deductible. This is why it is incredibly important to do everything you can to make sure you are safe when traveling in your vehicle during the winter months. Here is a brief checklist of all of the things you should do in order to ensure that your car, truck or SUV is prepared for winter weather conditions.

Check Your Tire Pressure – Cold weather can impact tire pressure, which is why you’ll want to check your tires more often during the winter. You can determine the proper pressure level for your tires by locating the sticker located on the side door jamb of your vehicle.
Replace Wiper Blades – If you live in or are traveling to a region that is frequently impacted by snowfall, you will want to replace your vehicle’s windshield wiper blades with ones that are equipped to handle snow and ice build up.

Inspect Lights – Visibility can be drastically minimized during snow storms, so you’ll want to make sure that your brake lights, headlights, taillights, turn signals and reverse lights are all operating properly. If any bulb is not working or seems dim, you should replace it as soon as possible in order to avoid an accident.

Refill Washer Fluid – Did you know that there are certain types of washer fluid which are specifically formulated to reduce ice and snow buildup? It’s true. Refilling your washer fluid reservoir with this kind of solution can help you keep your windshield free of ice and snow all winter long.

Once you have completed our short vehicle maintenance checklist, your car, truck or SUV will be ready to get you safely through the winter. If you are curious about other ways you can increase the safety of you and your passengers while on the road, it’s recommended you contact your auto insurance agent.

Why Auto Insurance Is More Expensive for Electric Vehicles

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If you live in the state of California, you have likely seen quite a few electric cars and small SUVs making their way onto the roads within the past few years. With gas prices on the rise here in California, many people have been looking for vehicles that operate without the need of gas. Are you currently considering making an investment in an electric vehicle in order to save money on gasoline? Well, believe it or not, you could be paying a little more for auto insurance if you own an EV and here is why.

Vehicle Value
We all know that the more a car, truck or SUV is worth, the higher the auto insurance will be. Electric vehicles tend to cost more than traditional gasoline vehicles, which is one of the reasons why auto insurance will be slightly more expensive.

Repair Costs
Since electric vehicles are generally more valuable than ones that operate on gas, any repair is typically also more expensive. As a matter of fact, the battery systems alone in an electric vehicle can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Not to mention, if a repair is needed, you will likely have to seek the advice of a mechanic that has been trained to work on electric vehicles and this could increase the cost as well.

While auto insurance might be a little more expensive for an EV, it’s still not at all a bad idea to make the switch. In fact, the federal government actually offers a substantial tax credit for those who purchase an electric vehicle. This credit could definitely offset the higher price tag and more expensive auto insurance. When shopping around for auto insurance for your electric vehicle, it’s recommended you ask if the insurance company offers any discount for those who own an EV. Chances are you might even get a discount that will make the cost of owning an electric vehicle more affordable.

Top 10 Most Common and Costliest Small Business Insurance Claims

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Not many small business owners are aware of their risks when it comes to general liability coverage. Once they become aware of the most common and costliest claims, small business owners can then focus their time, energy and resources on the aspects of their company that can save them the most money in the long run. This is why the Hartford, a Connecticut based insurance company, recently performed a national study in order to determine the most common and the most costly general liability claims filed by small businesses. While conducting their research, the team at the Hartford analyzed small business claims from over a million property and liability policies spanning a five year period. The majority of small business owners who have reviewed the statistics provided by the Hartford are actually a little surprised by the findings of the study. This is because you’ll notice that their research has found that the most common claim is actually the least expensive. Burglary and theft is by far the most common small business claim making up nearly 20% of all filed claims, but it typically only costs the company around $8,000. On the other hand, reputational harm is less likely to occur but carries the largest price in terms of numbers.

If you’re curious about the most common and costliest small insurance business claims, take a look at the findings of the study below. It’s important to point out that this study was conducted nationwide and costs are estimated averages, so it may vary for small businesses from state to state. As a matter of fact, the Hartford study has discovered that claims are more costly in the western states due to the higher cost of legal representation and the litigation process.

MOST COMMON:

1) Burglary and Theft – 20%
2) Water and Freezing Damage -15%
3) Wind and Hail Damage – 15%
4) Fire – 10%
5) Customer Slip and Fall – 10%
6) Customer Injury and Damage- Less than 5%
7) Product Liability – Less than 5%
8) Struck by Object – Less than 5%
9)Reputational Harm – Less than 5%
10) Vehicle Accident – Less than 5%

MOST COSTLY:

1) Reputational Harm – $50,000
2) Vehicle Accident – $45,000
3) Fire – $35,000
4) Product Liability – $35,000
5) Customer Injury or Damage – $30,000
6) Wind and Hail Damage – $26,000
7) Customer Slip and Fall – $20,000
8) Water and Freezing Damage – $17,000
9) Struck by Object – $10,000
10) Burglary and Theft – $8,000

The Hartford group has also provided a few tips for small business owners in order to minimize their risk of liability. For instance, it’s suggested you perform vigorous background checks on all of your employees prior to hiring, install security cameras and take extra measures to secure your assets to cut back on theft. When it comes to reducing water damage, ensure the utilities of your business location are in good shape. Also, take the appropriate steps to protect your pipes when there’s a freeze in the forecast. Another thing you can do to reduce your costs in case of an unexpected fire is install a high quality fire detection and sprinkler system.

7 Things That Affect Commercial Auto Insurance Premiums

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Businesses that rely on the transportation of goods, customers or equipment to operate definitely need to insure all company vehicles. Whether you own or rent the vehicles your company uses, you need to have them covered with adequate commercial auto insurance. Some business owners are shocked to find out just how much their premiums are when it comes to insuring vehicles for business use. This may be because they’re not fully aware of what determines the rate they pay. If you’re a business owner, check out these 7 things that can affect your business’ commercial auto insurance premium.

1. The Driving History of Employees – The biggest thing that will impact your commercial auto insurance premium is the driving history of your employees. If there is an employee of yours who will be using one of the company’s vehicles and they have a lousy driving history, this could surely raise your premium. This is why it’s important to check the driving history of any employee who will be driving for the company prior to hiring them.

2. Vehicle Use – Of course what the vehicle is used for can impact insurance premiums for the company. If the vehicle is primarily used to just deliver food or general items, the insurance premium will understandably be lower as compared to vehicles which are used to transport hazardous materials or customers.

3. The Vehicle Itself – Another thing that is considered by insurance companies when determining commercial auto insurance rates is the actual vehicle itself. For example, if the vehicle is a newer model with the latest safety features, it’s very likely that your rate would be lower than if it were older. Larger vehicles are generally safer than smaller compact ones, so you may also want to look into purchasing or renting spacious sedans, trucks or vans for company use to cut insurance costs.

4. Where the Vehicle is Parked – Similar to personal auto insurance policies, where the vehicle is usually parked can impact premiums. Businesses who store their company vehicles in a garage or secure covered space can save a bit on insurance because there is less risk of theft. Vehicles with alarm systems or GPS locator devices installed in them also usually save business owners a little on their premiums.

5. The Number of Claims Previously Filed – As with any type of insurance, the number of claims that have previously been filed by your company can definitely impact the premium you pay.

6. Location of the Business – As with all commercial insurance policies, the location of the business can definitely have an impact on premiums. Companies who are located in or will be doing business in areas of town with high crime rates are almost always subject to higher auto insurance premiums that those located in better neighborhoods.

7. Coverage Limits – The type of coverage limits you choose also affect commercial auto insurance premiums. You may want to consider a higher liability limit to protect both your business and the driver’s personal assets in the event of an accident.

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