Women’s Independent Press

by Anne Fleming

With the growing number of online resources and car dealer reviews, it’s never been a more empowering time for women to buy a car. However, the years in between a purchase can result in neglecting to review their insurance coverage to match their current driving reality.

Life circumstances are dynamic and changing, and our paperwork needs to keep up. Just like many other things over time that need periodic upgrading, proper insurance coverage on your vehicle for you and your family couldn’t be more important. Reviewing and updating your auto insurance might be seen as an inconvenient errand to put off another day, but have you considered that your policy might be outdated with inadequate coverage, or potentially costing you money?

Women often only review their car insurance needs when purchasing a new vehicle. However, when annually renewing their insurance policy on the same vehicle over several years, they can overlook important factors and cost-saving changes that are needed to match their present lifestyle, driving habits and any vehicle equipment upgrades. It’s wise to consider some key factors to ensure you and your passengers are protected, and you’re not caught by surprise if the worse happens.

Auto Insurance Updates to Consider

Lifestyle Changes:
Review any changes in the past year(s) or mid-way through your policy term, such as:
• a different route and mileage to/from work
• or not driving to work at all anymore and pleasure use only
• the number of passengers that travel in your car vs. driving alone
• a move to a new geographical location with different weather (more snow), heavier traffic or increased crime
• new equipment in your car that could result in discounts (see below)

Vehicle Safety Discounts:
Along with equipment that already comes with a new purchase, if you’ve also added new safety devices or equipment to your car, talk to your insurance provider to take advantage of the available discounts that could apply to you, which can bring substantial savings on your premium payments:
• anti-theft devices, which in some states can result in a 25% discount on your comprehensive premiums
• back-up rear view monitor/sensors/camera
• front and side air bags, passenger or back seats
• day-time running lights
• keyless starter;
• wireless tracking devices that monitor driving behavior – these are installed by the insurance company themselves at your request and gauge actual mileage and speed driven
• alcohol sensors that do not allow a car to start if the driver is under the influence

Driver Discounts
• your gender - although varying by state, the average car insurance rate for women is around 9% lower than for men
• a safe driving record, for every year that you’ve had no accidents or tickets;
• low mileage
• retiree, generally for drivers aged 55 or older
• women as head of the household
• college student who lives 100 miles away from home that does not have a car on campus
• taking adult and student driver education courses

Other Discounts:
• insuring multiple vehicles from one household with the same provider, or bundling your auto, life and home insurance with the same carrier
• cost paid, or estimated to be paid, for your car
• VIN, Year, Make, Model, Body Style of car
• safety equipment standard on car

Don’t wait until after an incident to learn what you’re covered for or not. There are many benefits and wise precautions in having updated coverage. Take the time to review your auto insurance policy so it accurately reflects your current lifestyle, driving habits and vehicle enhancements. You’ll be glad you did!

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Have Dog, Will Travel…Safely

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or just driving around with daily errands, an increasing number of pet owners are opting not to leave their other family member at home alone.  Pets live in an estimated 58% of American households, and almost 80% of families with children have pets. But perhaps it’s time for a review of safety tips and innovative products to help you make the journey safer for all.

Pet-friendly car travel is a surging trend in the auto industry, and the right gear and new vehicle modifications offer pet owners plenty of options, so there’s no more excuse for unsafe and reckless pet travel.   

It’s Time for Safer Pet Travel

Perhaps you already take your dog in the car but are in the habit of letting “Rover” roam freely in the back.  It’s time to incorporate the same precautions we give to buckling up our children to include our pets. The top danger is driving with unrestrained pets, and this should be your main consideration when choosing to bring along your canine companion.  A dog roaming freely in the car is a safety hazard to everyone, causing distractions to the driver and potentially being catapulted forward with braking.

Pet Travel Products

It just makes sense to ensure your pet is secure in a moving vehicle.  We’re spoiled for choice with today’s array of safety products for pets of all sizes:

•Travel Booster Seats: Yes, booster seats aren’t just for babies anymore, and the creative designs of restraining pet seats will allow a comfortable and safe ride for smaller dogs, either in the front or back by connecting to the seat belt.   •Travel Barriers: Great for larger dogs or more than one, to separate the back and front of the vehicle.  As a nylon mesh style, metal or steel, barriers are fitted for small cars, mini and full size vans, and SUV’s.  By creating a safe area in the back, it keeps your dog safely restrained yet comfortable to move and stretch.•Travel Crates and Carriers: Ideal for small dogs, puppies and cats, there are many styles and sizes to safely transport your pet.  Many are foldable and easily assembled, for easy storage.•Safety Car Harness: You strap you and your family in; why not the dog?  Today’s dog seat belts are designed with comfort and safety in mind, and are handy for larger dogs who like to sit or stand.  Check to see if the seat buckle has been strength tested and better yet, crash tested, for quality assurance.•Other handy items include window screens to prevent dogs from jumping out open windows, travel water bowls, seat covers and cargo liners and door bibs. 

Pet Friendly Vehicles

Some technology and safety features that make a car ‘pet-friendly’ include:

·         Rear assist camera and back up warning signals

·         Dual and three way temperature control

·         Roomier cargo space in rear

·         Cargo dividers act as a barrier

·         Tether and anchors in the back seats

·         Full length vehicle side curtain air bags

·         Fold flat rear seats

Being safety smart on the road is part of being a responsible pet owner.  Be informed and make the most of all that’s available for a pet-safe vehicle, and enjoy the ride.  This article is written by your friends at

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