Higher Premiums And Taxes For Floridians

According to a February 17, 2012 article in the Florida Times-Union, families in Florida are paying on average over $110 per year in a so-called fraud tax. This may be a direct result of the increase in fraudulent insurance claims filed by those involved in traffic accidents.

It is assumed by many that a great number of these accidents are staged in an effort to take advantage of the high minimum amount of PIP insurance that Florida residents must carry in order to legally operate a motor vehicle.

A dozen states have a requirement that vehicle owners carry PIP in addition to the standard liability auto coverage. This means that emergency medical treatment is available for those injured in an auto accident. It does not matter who is at fault, and after the medical costs for injuries have been paid out, insurance companies representing both the at-fault driver and innocent victims have the opportunity to adjust the claim and reimburse the appropriate party.

Florida law requires drivers to carry only coverage for PIP and personal property damage. The law requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in PIP. Most accidents do not result in personal injury costs approaching this figure.

Staged Accidents And Treatment Clinics

One of the culprits in the Florida auto insurance fraud conspiracy may be the medical industry itself. Those who stage accidents may be conspiring with emergency treatment centers in an effort to receive unwarranted emergency settlements. Massage therapists, chiropractors and insurance claims lawyers may all be benefiting from the current PIP regulations in Florida.

Recent statistics show that the number of lawsuits concerning automobile accidents with sustained injuries has more than tripled in the past two years. The amount paid in PIP claims has risen by more than 40 percent since 2007. Law enforcement officials estimate that staged traffic accidents have more than doubled in number since 2008.

Everyone Pays Higher Premiums

Florida is now one of the most expensive states in which to insure a passenger vehicle. A typical policy that covers the owner with PIP now costs over $1,000 per year. This has resulted in an alarming increase in the number of uninsured motorists in Florida, meaning that the cost of UM protection has also skyrocketed.

Legislation In Progress?

Both the Florida House and Senate are concerned with this problem, but until recently there has been little in the way of active legislation aimed at cutting down on insurance fraud. Capping of attorney fees is being considered, and new laws are being proposed that would allow only hospital emergency rooms to admit patients who have suffered injuries in a car accident.

The proposed legislation would require victims to seek medical treatment within 72 hours, and would also bar certain diagnostic tests deemed unnecessary to the treatment of accident victims.

The team at DiscountCarInsuranceQuotes.net provided this article where drivers can find auto insurance discount tips and obtain free quotes from top companies.

How do we keep our teen drivers safer?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drivers between the ages of 16-19 are four times more likely to be involved in an injury causing accident as older drivers.  Studies around the world have shown that perhaps as many as one in four accidents in which personal injury is caused, was the fault of drivers under the age of 25.

It’s difficult enough to learn to drive for many young people; for a lot of them this is by far the most dangerous activity they’ve ever tried.  Young drivers are known for being impetuous, easily distracted, and impatient.  None of these qualities make a great driver.  The instances of teen accidents seem to be on the rise, and with that the instances of personal injury go up.

Graduated License Systems

Some personal injury lawyers are even pushing for graduated license systems in more states across America, forcing young drivers to earn the right to be on the road.  Though many people would see personal injury lawyers as “ambulance chasers”, most agree that any measures that could reduce the number of senseless accidents and tragic injuries should be taken.  The goal of most of these types of lawyers is to help the families involved in accidents, rather than to exploit them.

One of the acts that some personal injury lawyers are promoting would require teenaged drivers to spend a minimum of 30 hours supervised driving with an adult older than 21.  Another provision would put restrictions on the licenses of young drivers involved in DWIs, DUIs, speeding, driving without seatbelts, reckless driving, and other moving violations.  Some other potential limitations could be placed on night driving, use of cell phones, and number of passengers accompanying a teen aged driver in the car.

Attention Deficit Concerns

Another legitimate concern is the higher instance of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.) in teenagers.  Some of them grow out of it to some extent as they age, but in their teens the condition may affect them the most.  A teenager with A.D.H.D. may be drastically handicapped as a driver without even knowing it.  It can be difficult enough to pay attention to your surroundings, particularly if you live in a metropolitan area with high traffic, but having A.D.H.D. is a huge disadvantage.

Drivers who are unable to focus will not be able to pick up on the signals that other drivers give, will not be able to closely understand the flow of traffic around them, and may not see any signs of trouble at all until it is too late.  Fortunately, recent advances in medicine make it easier to control A.D.H.D. and similar disorders, bringing a measure of focus into the lives of those affected, and thereby increasing the chances that they will be able to avoid injury causing accidents.

Ultimately, the burden of responsibility is placed on older, more responsible drivers for two reasons: one, to keep a lookout for young drivers and to practice safe driving techniques to protect themselves against potential accidents, and two, to educate younger drivers on ways in which they can be more responsible in their driving.  Most teenagers learn by example, and seeing other drivers who are cautious and safe should increase the motivation for them to copy what they see.  Reducing the number of accidents caused by young drivers reduces the risk of personal injury causing situations, and keeps the roads safer to drive on.

Written by Jessica Stambaugh for the law firm of Katz & Phillips, P.A. where a dedicated Orlando DUI lawyer is committed to assisting you through the legal justice system.

As miraculous as this technology is, it should be no surprise that it also comes with a high price tag, meaning that a huge segment of the population is simply not going to be able to afford vehicles with collision avoidance systems. Does this mean that everyone without a huge chunk of change to spend is doomed to more collisions and accidents? Not if app developers have any say in the matter.

Two promising applications have been developed that can work in the same way as a collision avoidance system for a much smaller price tag. Augmented Driving, available for the iOS, and iOnRoad, available for Android, both have features that can help drivers avoid collisions and warn of dangers in the road ahead. Neither of these apps should be considered a substitute for safe driving. Avoid driving while distracted and keep your eyes on the road at all times.

Augmented Driving

For a mere $2.99, iPhone users can purchase a two-year subscription to this fascinating app. Augmented Driving app has also been recently upgraded, and the current version has a large number of new features as well as improved functionality, making it much more effective than the original.

Some of the features available on this app include:

• Lane highlighting along with distance detection
• Detection and highlighting of vehicles in your vicinity to help you track their movements
• Audible warnings and signals to notify you of both your own movement within your lane and the movement of vehicles around you
• Mount ‘n’ Go technology that helps calibrate your iPhone regardless of its location

iOnRoad

This app for Android systems is available for free. iOnRoad is also won a number of awards, including the 2011 Best Android Augmented Reality App, Gizmodo’s App of the Month and the CES Design and Showcase Award for 2012. Once mounted and calibrated, the app uses the camera already available on your phone to detect oncoming hazards and give you as much advance warning as possible.

Using both visual and audio alerts, you will receive warnings about such hazards as:

• Lane departures, especially useful if you are driving while tired
• Speeding
• Vehicles and other objects ahead of the driver

Additionally, this app features a parking spot locater, which automatically photographs your parking spot so you can find your car later. It also immediately directs incoming phone calls to speaker mode while you are driving, keeping your hands free and on the steering wheel.

Driving safer and avoiding accidents is one of the best ways to lower the cost of car insurance. Depending on whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, try using one of these apps for safer driving.

Parking – One of the advantages of living in your parents’ home was their handy garage and parking spaces. What you may not know about living in apartments and in cities is that you are going to have to pay for parking.  Not just for your apartment, either.  You are going to need to pay to park on campus, at work, and in most other places that you are going to go.  When you are doing your calculations, don’t forget that all those little parking tickets can really add up.

Daily Distances – Life on campus can be pretty hectic.  You’ve got work, classes, and even the occasional party to attend.  The last thing you need is to be caught without enough time to get around.  The only thing that you might be misjudging has to do with travel time over distance.  Campuses are mostly designed for poor students without reliable transportation. They will have everything close enough that you could easily walk it.  With the craziness of traffic and parking, it might just be faster to bike or walk between classes and work than to drive.

Fuel Expense – Admit it, college is way more expensive than you expected it to be.  Whether it is just the shock of the price of milk, or the horror of purchasing that 500 dollar textbook, college has a way of throwing expenses at you one way or another.  Don’t let a car be another of these things.  With gas prices going up at an astronomical rate, it may come down to filling your car or buying groceries.  If you are going to be working with a tight budget, it’s worth it to decide if a car is worth the expense.

Public Transportation – Some cities and towns have them, some do not.  This is something that you are going to have to look into.  The last thing that you want to do is to find yourself stranded because you had banked on a steady bus system.  Or, you might find yourself stuck behind a streetcar, wishing that you were on it rather than behind your own wheel.  This is something that is different in every town, so look into it when you look into apartments and arrangements for your schooling.  Take into consideration what is already there before you decide if a car is something that you need.

About the Author

Jerry A. is a writer for MyCriminalJusticeCareers.com.If a salary is attractive to you, takea look at this site to find the best forensic psychology programs.

Extra Tuition

Completing your CBT and your motorbike test is mandatory depending on what motorbike you want to ride, but taking extra safety courses is a great way of lowering your insurance costs. If you’re under 25 years old this can make a huge difference as insurance companies believe that you’re more likely to have an accident.

Ride Responsibly

Any speeding tickets or worse infractions on your driving license will cause you to pay higher premiums for the next five years at least. Ride your motorcycle safely, responsibly and carefully, and you will be able to enjoy paying less for your motorbike insurance.

Protect Your Asset Carefully

Having a secure storage area to keep your pride and joy is a great way of lowering your insurance premiums. If you aren’t sure, then call an insurer and see what they feel is the best way to store your bike in their eyes. If you have a locked garage, an alarmed bike and other security enhancements then your bike will be safer and be less-likely to be stolen.

Consolidate Your Insurance Policies

If you have more vehicles in your household then try and add the motorcycle to the policy. Some insurers will allow both cars and bikes on the same policy and as you’re buying in bulk, effectively, you can save money on your policies.

Cheap Motorbike Insurance or Not?

As your pride and joy is at risk, it’s worth checking that motorcycle insurers will cover you for all eventualities. If you buy the cheapest you might not be covered and that could land you in hot water. If you have a particularly expensive motorcycle, then you might need extra insurance for any add-ons or modifications.

Suspended Insurance Policies

If you think you will only use your motorcycle, moped or scooter during the summer then see which insurers will give a discount for less mileage or monthly insurance for the warmer weather. However, you might find that you want to take a jaunt out on a sunny afternoon in November so it’s important to know exactly when you want to be insured so you’re covered at all times. If your bike is being stored for most of the year, then make sure it’s secured and locked up appropriately.

As you can see, there are many ways you can lower your insurance premiums for your motorcycle. No matter if you have a moped, scooter or a larger bike following these tips will help you reduce the payments you pay. After all, owning a motorbike is meant to be far cheaper than a car so why not make the most of it and make it cheaper again.

Jon Warren has owned 50cc motorbikes all of his life and knows the ins and outs of insurance and making the running costs as low as possible.

The best way to understand what each insurance company will cover is to call their customer service line and ask, since each company does business differently. It should also be considered by the consumer what kind of vehicle they’re using. If they’re using a hybrid, the costs may be different as opposed to using an alternative energy source which doesn’t change the vehicle itself, like certain flex-fuel systems, or bio diesel.

The Safer Driver Argument

Some insurance companies elect to supply cheaper rates and premiums to drivers because they’ve chosen an alternative energy source vehicle. They make the assumption that the driver is safer because they’re choosing a more energy efficient vehicle. While this point of view serves the consumer well, it’s not necessarily correct to assume this. A vehicle can be driven in any number of at-risk manners, no matter what kind of fuel source the vehicle drives with.

This kind of view is risky. While insurance companies may elect to provide up to a ten percent discount on insurance rates and premiums, and have done so since 2005, is the logic behind that application reasonable? The argument suffers from an ad-hoc fallacy. Just because a person is driving a hybrid, doesn’t mean they will have no inclination to punch it while going down the interstate. However, for consumers, this opportunity is great if they’re highly focused on environmental conservation, and while not every alternative energy vehicle saves money for its owner, saving on insurance is something any driver can appreciate.

The Expensive Vehicle Component Argument

Other insurance companies elect to charge higher premiums and rates for alternative energy source vehicles. These vehicles are a new form of technology. The cost associated with it being new technology becomes evident when you look at component costs for parts of hybrid vehicles. Replacement parts for the electrical system can be very expensive, and since these engines are non-standard, it may not be something any mechanic can repair. This can cause prices to elevate for services rendered, as well as replacement part costs.

Insurance companies take notice of factors like that, which make it more difficult for the owner of a hybrid vehicle to get affordable insurance. However, some may elect to say the increase in price is offset by what you save in fuel costs with alternative energy. This is a check and balance which needs to be carefully examined on a case by case basis, and typically that responsibility falls on the shoulders of the consumer.

Miles Walker writes about where to buy car insurance online over at CarinsuranceComparison.Org.

CarCheckUp

This simple device plugs directly into the car’s computer. It tracks the highest speed traveled, hard braking, fast acceleration, distance and time traveled, and several other useful facts about the car’s usage over a specific period. Whenever you want to find out how the car has been driven, all you have to do is take the device out of the car and plug it into your computer. CarCheckUp will even tell you if a check engine light has triggered and why so that you can provide appropriate maintenance.

Speedbump

The Speedbump service is an app that can be downloaded directly to a teenager’s smart phone. Parents can set a specific speed limit for different types of roads and the app will sound an alert if the teenager exceeds the limit. This monitoring system gives the teen a little more privacy while it still offers parents some level of control of their teen’s driving behavior. One of the nice things about Speedbump is that it monitors your teen’s travel speed regardless of the car they are in, so you can be aware of speeding that happens in a friend’s car even if your teen isn’t driving.

MyKey from Ford

Ford has outfitted its cars with a system that allows parents to control almost every aspect of a teen’s driving experience. Once the MyKey chip is installed, parents can establish a maximum speed of 80 mph that the car will not exceed. The chip can also set a volume level for the radio, and it can be programmed to sound a seat belt alarm continuously until the belt has been fastened. These safety features do not track how fast the car is being driven or any driving patterns, but they do make the car a little safer for a new driver.

AllTrack

Finally, there is AllTrack, a device installed in your car that keeps tabs on your teens. Known as CarChip, the technology is essentially a black box for your car. Installation includes three wires to connect. The box and its antenna can be hidden beneath the dash, so it will not be a distraction. Parents can monitor teen driving in real time, seeing where they are and how fast they are going. Apps like these do more than ensure your teens have a better chance of surviving their formative years without a car accident. They also help you both maintain more affordable car insurance.

This article was provided by Cure car insurance. If you live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania and want car insurance with no credit check, try Cure.com.

The last thing a person needs to do is aggravate an already aggressive driver. This creates a volatile situation where an accident is more likely to occur, and one where a person may actually assault another person. Ever heard the phrase violence begets violence? It holds just as true for driving; aggressive driving begets aggressive driving.

Keep in mind the majority of accidents are avoidable. While many are caused by negligence, fatigue or alcohol use, aggressive driving is a major factor in the daily increase of accident statistics. All drivers have the responsibility of knowing how to properly handle roadway hazards. Not only does this include driving on snow, in the rain and during periods of limited visibility, but also how to handle aggressive drivers.

Knowing and practicing defensive driving skills are the key to successfully dealing with aggressive drivers and unexpected road hazards. All drivers should have some level of familiarity with defensive driving. However, it is a perishable skill and needs refreshing from time to time. With that in mind, here are three defensive driving tips to stay safe on the road.

3. Abide By the Golden Rule

Drivers should treat other drivers with the same respect they want for themselves. This is a pretty simple rule. Don’t tailgate, don’t speed, don’t cut other drivers off and treat them with respect on the roadway.

It’s not realistic to expect everyone else to always do this. That is why there is a second part to this tip; turn the other cheek. Don’t reciprocate disrespect with disrespect. This will only make a bad situation worse. Instead, follow the next tip.

2. Get Out of the Way

The best thing to do when dealing with an aggressive driver: get out of their way. There is no point being the focus of another driver’s rage. Slow down, pull over or take a turn to lose a tailgater. If someone is swerving all over the road, stay clear of them. Give speeders room to go by. If another driver feels they have the right of way, let them have it. Staying clear of aggressive drivers means not having to deal with them.

1. Situational Awareness

Maintaining situational awareness on the road means staying safe. Put down the cell phone, don’t put on makeup, don’t eat your meals in the car and focus on driving. Too many accidents are caused by drivers not paying attention. Texting is the last thing a person should be doing when operating a 2000 pound chunk or rolling steel.

Conversely, keep track of other drivers who are busy texting or are otherwise distracted. Revert to the second tip of this article and get out of their way. Even the safest driver in the world can’t predict when a distracted driver may swerve into his or her lane.

Use Common Sense

This isn’t so much a defensive driving tip but something all drivers should be doing anyway; using common sense. All three of these defensive driving tips are derived from common sense approaches to safe driving. A good driver always stays calm and uses his or her head.

While a person can’t control everything on the road, following these three simple tips will make him or her a much safer driver. Treat others with respect. If another driver isn’t returning the respect, get out of his or her way. Maintain situational awareness. It’s better to spot dangerous drivers early and stay clear of them.

Pete Wise is a Content Marketer working with AAMCOColorado.com.They are the leaders in Transmission Repair in Colorado because each car they service is looked at by a certified Expert Car Mechanic. If you liked the article, follow Pete on Twitter: @MySEOHeadache

What’s the Cost?

Determining the cost of car insurance is a complex process that is often opaque to the drivers who actually have to shop for the policies. Important components of the cost calculation include a car’s make and model, theft rates, and safety and security features.

In general, car insurance companies charge higher premiums for more expensive cars because they cost more to repair in the event of an accident or replace in the event of theft. For example, annual insurance costs for a BMW 535i can be more than 25 percent higher than for a similar-sized Ford Fiesta SE.

Safety and Security Considerations

Safety and security features play a critical role in the cost calculation as well. Vehicles with features that increase driver safety, like side curtain airbags, roll bars and front crumple zones tend to decrease premiums because their drivers are less badly injured, and are thus saddled with less-expensive medical bills, in the event of an accident.

Anti-theft devices like engine immobilizers and car alarms, both of which greatly reduce the incidence of theft and break-ins, are also useful cost-reduction tools that quickly pay for themselves.

Coverage Needs

Nearly every insurance company makes the low cost of its coverage a major selling point, but not all auto insurance policies are created equal. High deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage can quickly negate the value of any perceived cost savings. For example, a policy that costs $1,500 per year with a $1,000 deductible for covered repair costs is a poor deal compared to a $2,000 per-year policy with a $0 deductible even though it might seem cheaper at first.

Coverage and discounts also vary considerably between policies. In addition to standard coverage like body injury, property damage and uninsured motorist protection, good policies will cover extra things like the cost of a rental car, outstanding lease payments in the event of a total loss, and replacement costs for certain aftermarket accessories. Of course, some of these covered costs will eventually return in the form of higher future premiums, but they can still be net money-savers.

Service and Responsiveness

In recent years, established auto insurance companies have faced growing cost pressures from upstart outfits that provide similar coverage at discounted rates. While this has helped keep annual premiums from increasing much, it also means that drivers must carefully read the fine print on their policies.

Many low-cost providers lack the customer service infrastructure and responsiveness of established national companies, meaning more time can pass without vehicle repairs and claim payment that should have be handled promptly. Take the time to investigate companies, evaluate your coverage needs and make a smart auto insurance purchasing decision.

This article was contributed by Jason Nelson for BestCarInsuranceCompanies.net where drives can get auto insurance savings tips and obtain free quotes from leading insurers.

A Discount Culture

Auto insurers these days offer dozens of discounts for things only tenuously related to driving: good grades, home ownership, online filing, and more. Fortunately, more companies are coming around to the idea that the steepest discounts should be reserved for drivers who demonstrate a commitment to safety on the road.

Insurance companies offer a slew of discounts for drivers of vehicles equipped with devices designed to protect their occupants. Most major American insurers now offer insurance discounts for safety devices as varied as anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft systems like car alarms and kill switches.

New Technology Can Help Drivers Save

In addition, new technology has emerged to help drivers drive more safely and may even lower insurance costs. New features involving safety include tire-pressure monitoring, rearview cameras, larger control panel screens, and advanced vehicle control devices like the lane departure warning systems offered by a growing number of automakers.

Many of these devices are relatively new to the automobile market and thus their precise effect on driving habits and passenger safety is not yet known. As insurance companies conduct more studies and tweak their actuarial formulas, the discounts associated with a particular safety feature may increase or decrease over time.

Check With Your Insurer on Discounts

Nowadays, you often don’t even have to tell your insurer which safety features your vehicle has as they can find this out through the vehicle identification number (VIN). Your insurer may automatically make rate adjustments for airbags, anti-theft devices, and anti-lock brakes based on the VIN. However, it is a good idea to verify you are receiving all applicable safety discounts.

Sales of aftermarket anti-theft equipment have been booming for years even as the overall rate of car theft has declined. Cheap, popular devices like steering wheel locks and car alarms can save drivers money on their annual insurance premiums, especially if they live in neighborhoods where car theft is a problem.

Manufacturer Theft Prevention Devices

Many cars now come standard with elaborate theft prevention and safety features like VIN numbers inscribed in window glass and other car parts, engine kill switches that cut off the vehicle’s fuel supply in the event of unauthorized entry, and remote communication systems like General Motors’ OnStar®.

Window etchings are inexpensive and can be cost-effective, rendering many stolen car parts worthless and thus reducing the vehicle’s appeal. OnStar® and similar systems can be pricier, but potential customers must weigh this against the value of the features and the potential savings they can receive in the long run from a system that is able to remotely call for help and provide highly useful data.

Finding insurance discounts for safety devices can be an exciting process provided drivers know where to look and do their homework. In addition to saving money on policies, these features can also save lives!

Jason Nelson authored this article for DiscountCarInsuranceCompanies, where you can get more insurance savings tips and obtain inexpensive car insurance quotes from leading brands.