Your first instinct when you see a yellow light is probably to hit the gas, but if there’s a red light camera installed at the intersection, you might end up receiving an unwanted ticket in the mail soon after. How do red light cameras work, and what happens if you get a ticket because of one? Keep reading to learn more, including how much they can cost you! Why Do We Have Red Light Cameras? According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than two people are killed every day on U.S. roads by drivers running red lights. To discourage this dangerous behavior, red light cameras are installed at many intersections. Although you might find them annoying, red light cameras are effective. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), cameras reduced the number of fatal crashes resulting from running red lights in large cities by 21%. Currently, there are over 4,000 red light cameras installed at various intersections throughout the United States. How Do They Work? Red light cameras detect vehicles as they approach a crosswalk or stop light. The camera is connected to a computerized system, which monitors and operates all parts of the camera system. The camera takes a photo whenever a vehicle fails to stop at a stop signal. Unfortunately, computers don’t get it right every time, so trained personnel review every red light photo or video clip before issuing a ticket. As an additional precaution, many red light cameras provide a grace period of up to half a second after the light turns red. If I Run A Red Light, How Much Will A Ticket Cost Me? Depending on where you live, a red light camera ticket can put a major dent in your wallet. These tickets can cost anywhere from $50 to $1,000 depending on a variety of factors, including the state where you receive the ticket, the location of the red light, and your own driving record. In certain states, you can receive points on your driver’s license, which can result in an increase in your car insurance rate. For example, in Alabama, you can pay $100 and receive 3 points on your driver’s license, or you can opt to pay $110 and receive no additional points on your license. In other states, the punishments are less severe. In Georgia, for example, the maximum fee for a red light camera ticket is $70, with no additional repercussions. Whether you have to pay a significant fine or deal with increased insurance rates because of a red light camera ticket depends on your state or local laws. Some places also offer different methods to pay your fine, including online payment options. Regardless of how you pay your fine, make sure you pay it! In some states, vehicle registration renewal is blocked until you pay your red light camera ticket, so don’t take any chances. Even With A Ticket, Get The Coverage You Need! Even the safest drivers make mistakes from time to time. While getting a ticket may be an inconvenience, it’s not the end of the world! If you’ve received a ticket, rest assured that National General will be here to make sure you have the car insurance coverage to keep you safe. If you have questions about your coverage, reach out to your local agent. They are available to help you with your unique situation, including how your ticket might impact your coverage, and will help you get the coverage you need at a price that works for you!

When heavy rains fall, especially in the spring and summer months, homeowners might be most concerned with issues like a leaking roof or overflowing gutters. Sewer backups, although not as common, can often accompany heavy rains, and can easily cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, and even furniture. Learn more about what causes sewer backups, as well as how you can protect against this type of damage in your home. What causes a sewer backup? A number of factors influence the frequency of sewer backups, some of which can be prevented and some that are a result of the state of sewer systems in your area. One of the most common causes of sewer backups is an aging sewer system. The average sewer system in the U.S. is over thirty years old, and in many cases, aging systems can spell trouble for homeowners. Increased input into a sewer system can be a contributing factor. As the number of houses feeding into a sewer system increases through new construction, some systems simply cannot handle it. If an excessive amount of rainwater or melted snow enters the sewer system at once, this can also cause overload the sewer system. Improper maintenance is another common culprit, as many people are not aware of the type of precautions you can take to help prevent clogs and backups. What are the warning signs of a sewer backup? If you see the following warning signs, it’s best to stop using your water and contact a plumber immediately: Multiple drains in the house are clogged Noticeable seepage coming from the basement floor drains Repeated bubbling occurs after you flush a toilet or when a sink is trying to drain Toilets aren’t flushing properly, even after plunging A foul smell is coming from your drains How can I help prevent sewer backups? Although you can’t completely eliminate the possibility of a sewer backup, there are some steps you can take to help prevent this type of damage. Be sure to properly dispose of grease or cooking oil. Never pour these items down the drain, and always dispose of them by pouring them into a heat-resistant container and throwing them away. Many people think that washing grease down the drain with hot water will suffice, but grease tends to solidify as it cools, causing dangerous clogs. Dispose of paper products safely. Paper towels, disposable diapers, feminine products, and hygienic wipes should never be flushed down the toilet, as they do not deteriorate quickly and can contribute to clogged sewer lines. Regularly trim invasive tree roots. Shrubs and trees that are seeking moisture can make their way into cracks in the sewer line, causing extensive damage. Different types of shrubs and trees behave differently, but as they grow, so do their roots and the damage they cause. Consider having a professional inspect and trim these roots to reduce the likelihood that they will grow into your sewer line. Depending on your homeowners' insurance policy, you may or may not be protected from damage resulting from a sewer backup. If you’re uncertain about what’s covered and whether you need to purchase additional coverage, reach out to your local agent. They will be happy to help you get the coverage you need to protect your home and belongings.

It’s a common mistake: you may not have noticed the “No Parking” sign, or you might have thought that nobody would notice that you were parked illegally while you ran into the store for just one thing. Coming back to find that your car is in the process of being towed (or has already been towed) is not fun, but following the correct steps can help you get your car back to you as quickly as possible. Where is my car? It’s natural that panic may set in if you walk back to your parking spot and find that your car isn’t where you left it. The most important first step is to look for any indications that you were parked illegally. If there is a fire hydrant present that you didn’t notice or if you accidentally blocked a driveway, there’s a good chance that you vehicle may have been towed. You should also look for signage indicating parking restrictions, such as “Customer Parking Only.” The small print on these signs may list a towing company’s contact info, which will allow you to call that company ASAP and find out if they towed your vehicle. You can also stop by a nearby business and see if they can give you any useful information about which towing service might have taken your vehicle. Was my car stolen or towed? Before you assume that your car has been stolen and call the police, be sure to consider the whole situation. A parking violation is not the only reason that your car may have been towed. If you missed some car payments in the last month, if your car is at risk of being repossessed or if you have unpaid traffic tickets, that could be the cause. If you have ruled out every other reason and believe your car was stolen, you should call the police. Unless it is an emergency, you should call your area’s non-emergency police line, not 911. What should I do if I know my car was towed? Once you know for sure that your car was towed, not stolen, you need to find out where the vehicle was taken. Consult the signage you found or contact the local police via a non-emergency number to get this information. Once you know which impound lot has your car, call them to determine how much you owe. When you go to the impound lot, you will need to bring your driver’s license, insurance card, vehicle registration information and cash or a cashier’s check for the tow charge. In most cases, towing comes at the vehicle owner’s expense, and many impound lots do not accept credit cards. You may also need to provide proof of insurance to get your car back. It’s a good idea to carry proof of car insurance in your purse or wallet for situations like this, in addition to keeping a copy inside your vehicle. If you don’t have car insurance, your car may not be released from the tow lot until you can provide proof that you’ve got the right type of coverage. If you don’t have proof of insurance handy, you can always reach out to your local NatGen agent for assistance or visit mynatgenpolicy.com to print out ID cards instantly. We’ll help you get the proof of insurance you need to help you get your vehicle back ASAP! Once you have provided the impound lot with the required documentation, they will tell you what to do. If you have outstanding traffic tickets or fines, they will instruct you to pay for them before giving you your car. It’s best not to wait too long to get your car back from the towing company, as many lots charge an hourly or daily storage fee. The longer your vehicle sits in the lot, the more expensive those towing fees can get. And in some states and cities, impounded cars are taken to auction in just a few weeks, or as soon as the tow charge equals the market value of the car. You don’t want to lose your car permanently, so start working to get your car back as soon as you know it’s been towed! National General is here to help Getting your car towed isn’t the end of the world, and everybody makes mistakes. And no matter what auto-related mistakes you make, NatGen is here to help you every step of the way. Whether it’s getting a copy of your proof of insurance, answering questions or helping you figure out complex claim issues, your local agent is here to help you find the coverage you need that fits your budget.

To drive legally, every driver needs to carry their license, registration, and proof of financial responsibility (which is usually your auto liability insurance). What exactly is proof of insurance, and what’s included on your proof of insurance card? Continue reading to learn more. Proof of Insurance: The Basics Proof of insurance, also called an insurance identification card, is the card your insurance company gives you that says you have coverage on your vehicle. Insurance companies usually provide two paper copies of the card, one that should be stored in the vehicle and one that should be kept on hand. You’ll need to show proof of insurance when you renew your license plate, register your vehicle, or if you are pulled over by a police officer. You are required by law to carry proof of insurance in the vehicle whenever you are driving, and in most cases, you can provide either a paper copy or a digital/electronic version accessible via your smartphone. Receipt of payment does not count as valid proof of insurance. What’s included on my card? Depending on your insurance company, the order of info included can vary, but the card always includes the following: The insured’s name and contact information Vehicle information, including year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Policy start and expiration dates Policy number, which is unique to you and will be needed if you file a claim Insurance company name and information How do I obtain proof of insurance? You usually receive your proof of insurance card along with your declaration page and policy information. In most cases, you can download and print your proof of insurance from your online account, in case you lose the paper copy that you originally received. Most companies also offer access to electronic proof of insurance through their website or mobile app. In most states, you can show electronic proof of insurance in place of a paper copy, if you are pulled over by a police officer. If you lose your proof of insurance card or notice an error on your card, you can always contact your insurance agent or customer service to obtain another one or make corrections. For example, if you move, you’ll need to update the address on your insurance card, in addition to updating your driver’s license and registration. In some cases, you may be able to update your information online. If you have any questions about your proof of insurance or your policy coverage, reach out to your local agent. They’re available to help you get the right coverage to protect your vehicle, in addition to making sure you have the proof of insurance you need when you need it most.

Publish Date: July 1, 2022 After an accident occurs, you must take clear photos of the scene. If the accident results in a legal case or insurance claim, you’ll want to make sure you have good photographic evidence. To ensure your photos are as useful as possible, follow the tips below. Take photos of the accident as soon as possible. There’s a lot to handle at the scene of an accident, but it’s extremely important to capture photos of the scene as accurately as possible. Even before the police arrive, you’ll want to document details like the condition of the road, the position of the cars, and other details. Be sure to only take photos of the scene if it is safe to do so! If you are injured, seeking medical assistance takes priority. If you are unable to take photos because you are injured, shaken up from the crash, or otherwise unable to walk around, ask a passenger, loved one, or trustworthy witness to take pictures for you. Photograph all of the details. Because crash photos serve as evidence, you need to photograph every detail before the tow truck pulls away with your car. This includes pictures of broken windows, deployed airbags, scratches, dents, damaged tires and fluid leaks. If there is visible engine damage, be sure to document that as well. Even if you think these details might not be important now, they may be extremely important for legal or insurance-related reasons at a later point in time. Capture the scene from various angles. To be extra thorough, be sure to take photos of the accident scene from different perspectives. Take plenty of close-up photos of dents and scratches to document the damage to your car, and double-check to make sure that the photos are not blurry. After you have your close-up photos, take a few steps back and take some photos from further away, capturing photos of the accident from all sides. Document the surrounding area in your photos. Important details, like skid marks, broken glass, traffic signs, road debris and weather conditions, can be crucial to document at the scene of the accident. This information, when properly documented, can help provide vital information in the investigation. For example, skid marks can help show whether a driver was speeding, braking or sliding. Additionally, photos of traffic lights or signs can help determine who was at fault, depending on the circumstances. If the accident occurred during inclement weather, documenting the conditions where the accident occurred can help determine if a driver had impaired visibility. All of these details can provide supporting evidence in your insurance claim, so be sure to document them properly. Take multiple versions of photos with and without a flash. Depending on the lighting and time of day, some photos may show more detail when you use a flash. If possible, take multiple versions of photos using a flash and natural light. If any of your photos are blurry, unclear or distorted, having additional versions of the same photo may help clear up any questions related to the damage your vehicle sustained. Don’t jot down everyone’s info – take photos instead. Most people tend to write down the information of all parties involved in an accident, including driver’s license info, registration, and insurance details. But during all of the activities following an accident, it’s easy to misspell or incorrectly record these details. Instead, take photos of these documents. It will save you some time, and you’ll help avoid possible errors in your records, which could delay the insurance claim process! If you’re injured, take plenty of photos of your injuries. Soon after your crash, take plenty of photos of any wounds or bruises you sustained. Keep in mind that this evidence may heal or fade after a few days, so it’s best to document it as soon as possible. If you can’t take photos of your own injuries, ask someone to help you. These types of photos serve as important photographic evidence in insurance or legal claims. If you sustain injuries that aren’t visible, be sure to hold onto copies of your medical tests and documents, especially if X-rays or MRIs are required. Always take more photos than you think you might need. Even if you think you might be going a little bit overboard, it’s better to be thorough with the number of photos you’re taking. You can always delete unnecessary photos later to free up space on your phone or camera, but you never know what small detail might be especially important. Accidents happen to even the most careful drivers, and the National General is here to help every step of the way. If you’re feeling unsure about whether your coverage is adequate in the event of an accident, reach out to your local independent agent. They’ll be happy to answer any questions, and will help you get the coverage you need to help you feel safe on the road!

Publish Date: August 1, 2022 The best drivers are prepared for anything, no matter what conditions they’re driving in. Be ready for any emergency by keeping these essential items in your vehicle – you never know what you’ll need when you’re on the road! Stay Prepared With These Critical Items: Emergency Flares: You never know when you might get stuck on a road at night, and handheld flares can help warn other drivers that you’re stopped. They work in all reduced visibility conditions, including rain, snow, or fog. Triangle Reflectors: Regardless of whether it’s day or night, fluorescent orange triangle reflectors help make you visible to other drivers. Utilized along with emergency flares, they provide maximum awareness to other drivers that you are stopped and help keep you and them safe from a potentially dangerous accident. Jumper Cables: If your battery dies, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not a helpful motorist has jumper cables to help get you back on the road. Be sure to pack your own set of jumper cables in your trunk or invest in a jump starter box/booster pack, which can help jump-start your car on its own. First Aid Kit: It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but even a basic first aid kit can come in handy for minor injuries. Whether you cut your finger on a map or bump your head while changing a flat tire, you’ll be glad you packed the right supplies to handle any scrapes or scratches you might encounter. Tire Changing Kit: You never know when you’ll get a flat on the road, and you’ll want to keep a spare tire and tire-changing tools on hand. For extra protection, you may also want a tire sealant like Fix-A-Flat or Slime to quickly patch a tire. Escape Tool: It might sound like an unlikely scenario, but if you become trapped in your vehicle, you need the right tool to help you escape quickly. Two-in-one escape tools, which include a seatbelt cutter and window breaker, should be stored in a nearby glove compartment or console for easy access. Tool Kit: It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but a small tool kit can be extremely useful for small repairs like replacing a tire, changing a fuse, or other small jobs under the hood. You never know when you might need a small screwdriver for a quick repair! Flashlight or Headlamp: Accidents or breakdowns can happen at any time of day, but at night, they’re even more dangerous. Be sure you have the light you need in the event of a breakdown, and remember to pack extra batteries for extended use! Blanket: No matter what season it is, having an extra blanket in your trunk can come in handy for several reasons. They’ll protect your seats from getting dirty, in addition to keeping you warm in the event of a winter breakdown. You might also want to invest in a mylar emergency blanket, just in case of an emergency! Cell Phone Charger: In an emergency situation, a dead phone battery is the last thing you want to worry about. Keep an extra cell phone charger in your car at all times – you never know when an extra charge on your phone could be a life saver! For extra safety, you might want to invest in a solar-powered cell phone charger, which doesn’t rely on your car’s battery to charge your phone. Owner’s Manual: It’s something that we often forget about, but having your owner’s manual handy can provide helpful information quickly, allowing you to troubleshoot common car troubles. You may need to find out what your ideal tire pressure is, what a flashing light on your dashboard means or how to properly jump your car if your battery dies, and your owner’s manual will provide useful info specific to your vehicle! Printed Maps: It might seem outdated, but keeping a printed map in your car can help save the day. Although many people use map apps on their smartphone, in the event that you’re in an unfamiliar area or do not have cell service, having that map in your car can help you find your way! Pen and Notebook: It never hurts to have something to write down information on, so keep an extra notebook and pen in your car. Whether you’re writing down directions or contact info in the event of an accident, a pen and paper is always useful! Additional Helpful Items To Keep In Your Car: Tire Pressure Gauge: Unless your tire is very low, it’s not always obvious that it needs more air. Low tire pressure can cause a tire to pop, as well as lowering your gas mileage. Whether it’s a stick, digital or dial tire pressure gauge, you can check your tire pressure and make sure it’s at an appropriate, safe level. For more info on proper tire pressure, refer to your owner’s manual. Duct Tape: They say it’s good for a million different things, so it makes sense to keep a roll of duct tape in your car! You might need to temporarily reattach a bumper or mirror, and duct tape provides a quick fix until you can get to a repair shop. Non-Perishable Snacks: You never know when you might get stuck in traffic, break down when you’re hurrying to meet a friend for dinner or run out of gas, and it doesn’t hurt to keep some extra snacks available for when you need them most! Things like granola bars, dried fruit, crackers or nuts are great options – just be sure to watch those expiration dates! Loose Change: Toll roads and parking meters make carrying loose change a necessity. Especially if you’re traveling on a highway you’re not familiar with, having loose change on hand can help eliminate issues if you encounter an unexpected toll plaza. Keep a roll of change or some other loose change in a hidden but easily accessible location in your vehicle, like a console or other compartment. List of Emergency Contacts: Many of us rely on the contacts stored in our phones to make calls, but what happens if your cell phone dies? Few of us memorize these numbers, especially for contacts including insurance companies, so it’s better to have a quick reference list of important contact numbers just in case you need them. Rock Salt, Sand or Kitty Litter: In winter months, especially if you live in a severe winter climate, keeping rock salt, sand or kitty litter in your car can help provide much-needed traction if your car gets stuck. Just sprinkle some under your tires, and it will help your tires grip the road and get your stuck car moving again. Fire Extinguisher: It might seem unnecessary, but keeping a fire extinguisher in your car is a great way to help stay safe in the event of a small fire. Car fires can occur due to a short circuit, leaking fluid, faulty fuel delivery system or improperly transported gas cans, among other causes. Having that fire extinguisher stashed in your trunk could help keep a small fire from turning into a large-scale fire that could cause serious injuries. Be sure your fire extinguisher is properly inspected and in good working order for maximum effectiveness. Tow Strap: Used for towing one vehicle behind another, a tow strap can be a lifesaver if your car is nearing a breakdown and needs a tow for a short distance. And if you have a large vehicle, you might be able to help out another stranded motorist! Weather Radio: If you live in an area prone to sudden weather changes, it may make sense to keep a small weather radio in your car. It serves as a helpful backup to your car’s radio and your cell phone. If the radio has battery backup power or an emergency crank, you’ll be able to stay up-to-date on rapidly changing weather, no matter what. Portable Air Compressor: Many gas stations have air pumps available, but if you have a portable air compressor, you can inflate your tires no matter where you are. It never hurts to be extra prepared for any emergency situation, but even the most proactive driver can’t prepare for everything. When unexpected damage occurs, rest assured that National General is here to help you get going again. If you have questions about whether your insurance coverage is right for you, reach out to your local agent. They’re here to help you find the coverage you need to keep you safe on the road!

Publish Date: July 1, 2022 Even with the most diligent car maintenance, an unexpected vehicle breakdown can still catch you by surprise. In the event of a breakdown, make sure you know what to do next to ensure that you stay safe until help arrives. Keep reading to learn more about important next steps to take after your car breaks down. Tip #1: Safely Pull Over Whether you’re traveling on a major highway or a country road, getting off the road safely is an important first step. As soon as you realize there’s a problem, be sure to turn on your hazard lights and safely make your way to the right shoulder of the road, if possible. Unless you have no other choice, you should not pull onto the left shoulder of a highway. Watch for traffic in the lanes you’re trying to cross, and only proceed when you know it’s safe to do so. Keep in mind that if your car is not operating properly, you won’t be able to move as quickly as normal. If you’re on a road that does not have a shoulder, try to find an equally safe place to pull off, like a parking lot. Tip #2: Stay Safe Once You’ve Stopped Once you’re off the road, be sure to turn your wheel away from the road and engage your emergency brake. This is especially important if you’re stopped on a hill, as it will prevent your vehicle from rolling. Be aware of your surroundings, and never get out of your vehicle unless it’s safe to do so. In the event that your vehicle breaks down in the middle of a lane and you cannot move it, contact emergency services and stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on. If you manage to pull your vehicle off to the side of a busy highway and need to exit your vehicle, get out through the passenger side door. It’s always a good idea to pop your hood, as it’s a universal signal to other drivers that you’re having car trouble, and will alert them that your vehicle is stranded. See any signs of smoke or flames? Get out of your vehicle quickly and safely, and immediately call 911 if you haven’t already done so. Tip #3: Call For Help Who do you call if your car breaks down? It all depends on the situation. If your tire blows out and you feel confident that you can safely change the tire to get back on the highway, you may not need to call for help. But if you’re not mechanically inclined and don’t know what the problem is, chances are that you need to call a tow truck. Some insurance companies provide roadside assistance options, so make sure to investigate what your company offers. If you want to be extra prepared, have a list of emergency numbers ready, so you can save time by not having to look them up in the event of a vehicle breakdown. Should your vehicle break down after dark, in addition to turning on your hazard lights, utilize flares or reflective triangles to let other drivers know that your vehicle is stranded. It’s usually recommended that you put one flare around ten feet behind your vehicle, and another further away, up to 200 or 300 feet behind your disabled car. Unless it’s unsafe to do so, you should then stay inside your vehicle until help arrives. Reach Out For More Info Unsure if your insurance offers roadside assistance coverage, or if you have the right coverage to protect you in case of an accident? Get in touch with your local agent with any questions. They’ll help you get the answers you need to feel safe on the road, no matter what your destination may be.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022 Life insurance provides your beneficiaries a death benefit in the event of your passing. This means you can protect your family financially if you die. However, other serious situations could jeopardize your family’s financial security during your lifetime, particularly if they prevent you from working and bringing home an income. Life insurance doesn’t always protect these situations, but other insurance policies do. The following policies can protect your family financially if you face a life-altering condition. Cancer Insurance In many instances, people who are battling cancer find themselves unable to work — as treatment can be very time-consuming and draining. A cancer patient might have to quit their job to pursue treatment, forfeiting his or her employer's coverage. And without a regular income or employer-based healthcare coverage, cancer treatment costs can be prohibitively expensive. With a cancer insurance policy, you can get financial assistance with your medical expenses. Critical Illness Coverage Americans battle with many types of critical illnesses that are not cancer, as well. Some of these illnesses force them to have serious surgeries. Critical illness coverage typically covers medical emergencies, such as angioplasty, paralysis, or major organ transplants. If you meet the conditions of a critical illness policy, you’ll likely receive a lump sum payment from your insurance. A critical illness policy can help you provide for your family and receive the treatment you need. However, it will also likely prevent you from using the living benefit of your life insurance policy. Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance People experience injuries all the time, both at work and in their free time. In some instances, they find themselves unable to return to work due to a permanent disability. In these situations, family members often struggle to make ends meet. Regardless of whether they have a savings account or not, this can easily lead to financial disaster. But there are resources available to deal with this issue. One way to protect your accounts from the effects of disabilities is by purchasing short and long term disability policies. These policies work to ensure your family has at least a portion of your income for a certain number of weeks. This can generally help you meet your monthly obligations without spending your savings. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) is another policy to consider. The policy pays you if you accidentally die or something dismembers you. An AD&D policy will financially secure your family if you die an accidental death. It might add an extra layer of protection to life insurance.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022 Does Your Job Affect Your Car Insurance Rates? When you buy car insurance, you must specify your occupation. This isn't for marketing. And it isn’t just your auto insurance company being nosy. Different jobs have different rates of accidents. So, your rate may vary based on your job. Why Does Your Job Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates? Insurance is a game of probability. The insurance company you’re applying for coverage with is trying to figure out how likely it is you'll get in an accident. Insurers have found that people in certain occupations are much more likely to be involved in an accident than those in others. As with other factors, such as age, applicants get grouped in with people who are similar to them when an insurance company sets rates. There are two main reasons why some jobs have higher accident rates. 1. Some jobs naturally attract people who are more likely to take risks, including speeding and aggressive driving. 2. Other jobs may be high-stress and have odd hours — meaning that you'll be more likely to be physically and mentally fatigued when you're driving. That second factor is likely why people in healthcare often see the highest car insurance rates. What If You Change Jobs Or List The Wrong Job? It's important to give accurate information to your auto insurance company and to report any changes when they happen. If you don't, there are a few things that could potentially happen. One is that your insurance company may go back and bill you for higher premiums than you should have paid. The other is that you could potentially have your policy canceled or a claim denied for providing false information. What About Employer Discounts? Some insurance companies give discounts if you work for a certain employer. This is more of a group discount than a risk factor. If an insurance company can get many employees from a large employer to sign up, they save on marketing costs and can pass on some of the savings. Discounts can be available to both those in high-risk professions (who usually pay higher premiums) and those with lower risk professions (who already see lower rates). The availability of employer discounts depends on what kind of agreements each car insurance company and employer have entered into.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022 Buying home insurance is a key step in protecting your assets. But premiums cost money, and you’ll likely also likely want to limit those costs if possible. Depending on your current policy, you have ways to cut back on the cost of insurance without giving up the coverage you need. 1. Increase the Deductible The deductible is the amount you pay when filing a claim. After you pay this specified, your insurer will likely cover the rest of the costs. The deductible can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on what you set it to. By setting a higher deductible, you might pay less on your monthly premiums. However, it’s important to ensure you have enough funds to pay the full amount if a disaster occurs. So, only increase your deductible to an amount you can easily pay. 2. Increase the Safety of the Property Adding an alarm system, fire detectors or similar safety solutions to your home may cut your premiums. Safety precautions reduce the risk of major damage to your property. Many insurance providers offer discounts for certain safety measures. 3. Avoid Making Claims on Small Problems Avoid making small claims on your policy. Only file a claim when your property has major damage from a covered incident. This may help you to avoid high-cost premiums. The claims you make on the policy generally remain on your insurance record. Because of this, your insurance premium will likely rise when you make claims on your policy. 4. Update the Property Older homes are not always easy to insure for a low rate. These homes have a higher risk of costly issues, so insurers generally charge higher premiums to cover them. Updating your electrical system, pipes and other areas of aging infrastruc ture can help you reduce the risks to the property. Repairs might allow you to obtain a lower monthly rate for home insurance. Home insurance protects your assets and allows you to focus on enjoying homeownership. By taking steps to keep your property safe and up-to-date, you can reduce your monthly insurance bills. Best of all, you can do this without skimping on coverage.