Minnesota Auto Insurance

The Reality of Drowsy Driving

Posted on by Martinson Agency

The Reality of Drowsy Driving

November 1st, 2018 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

It was 8:00 PM on a Friday night in Chaska, Minnesota. Chad had just finished working a 70 hour week. He was exhausted and couldn’t wait to get home and get some sleep. He was about three blocks from home when he pulled up to a red light. Next thing he knew a police officer was tapping on his window telling him he sat through a green light. Chad had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Sleeping while driving is becoming more of an issue and is garnering more national attention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that 100,000 police-reported crashes per year are caused simply by driver fatigue. This results in roughly 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and more than $12.5 BILLION in monetary losses. Crashes related to drowsiness are most common in young men and adults with children.

Certain states have started to pay more attention to sleepless driving. New Jersey has even stiffened their laws with regards to dozing and driving. A driver that has gone without sleep in 24 hours is considered to be driving recklessly. It is a little known fact that depending on your insurance carrier, this could be thought of as worse than drunk driving.

Preventing a sleep-related crash is actually pretty simple. Don’t drive if you’re sleep deprived. If you’ve been up all night or feel exhausted, it isn’t the smartest idea to get behind the wheel. Next, try to avoid driving late at night. This is when a large portion of sleep-related crashes take place. Finally, if you’re going to be on a long drive, consume some caffeine. A coffee, soda or even an energy drink can help keep you alert.

Sleep-related crashes are becoming more and more common. Make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel. Not only will driving safely save you money on auto insurance, it could save your life!

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

Website: www.martinsonagency.com

Can You Still Pass Driver’s Education?

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Can You Still Pass Driver’s Education?

July 21st, 2017 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

We all think we know the rules of the road. But you might be surprised to learn that even common driving habits can be unsafe. So take this simple quiz to ensure you’re utilizing the safe driving essentials:

  1. What is a good way to avoid cell phone distractions while driving?
    1. Call your friends to tell them you are driving
    2. Turn your phone off until you are parked
    3. Only answer important calls and texts
  2. A car is in front of you. What is the minimum safe following distance?
    1. 3 seconds
    2. 3 car lengths
    3. 10 feet behind
  3. You are driving on a two lane road with a double solid line. You may pass when:
    1. A vehicle has hazard lights on
    2. You may not pass or change lanes at any time
    3. A vehicle is going 10 MPH under the speed limit
  4. When a driver tailgates you, you should:
    1. Lightly apply brakes
    2. Slow down and move to the right
    3. Speed up
  5. Two cars reach an intersection with stop signs at the same time. Who goes first?
    1. Driver on the right
    2. Driver on the left
    3. Driver turning left
  6. When confronted by an aggressive driver you should:
    1. Gesture for them to slow down
    2. Avoid eye contact
    3. Pull over and stop
  7. You are driving on a multi-lane road and see a stopped emergency vehicle ahead. You should:
    1. Come to a complete stop
    2. Shift lanes and slow down
    3. Slow to half the posted speed limit

Following these driving tips will make the roads a safer place and can also keep your insurance rates in check. If you think you are paying too much and are interested in a free policy review, please give Martinson Agency a call today!

 

ANSWERS:

  1. B
  2. A
  3. B
  4. B
  5. A
  6. B
  7. B

Should You Fight A Speeding Ticket?

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Should You Fight A Speeding Ticket?

October 13th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

It’s what everyone hopes to avoid while driving: the dreaded “flashing blues” in their rearview mirror, an indication that someone’s about to be pulled over. Hopefully it isn’t you.

At one point or another, just about everyone drives faster than the posted speed limit. Generally speaking, traffic enforcement officers give motorists some latitude – allowing motorists to drive between 5 and 10 miles per hour faster than what’s allowed for – but anything more than that and a ticket is probably in your future.

There’s no denying that speeding is a significant safety issue. In a poll conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of motorists said that they considered speeding to be a problem on the country’s roads. In 2013, nearly 10,000 people died in speeding-related highway accidents, accounting for almost 30% of all crash fatalities. And in most of these incidents, motorists were traveling faster than 55 miles per hour.

The overriding concern as it relates to speeding is that fellow motorists’ safety is threatened when exceeding the posted limit. To discourage the behavior, police officers issue traffic tickets. Usually costing at least $100, the overall amount typically depends on the state and how egregious the offense was, as driving 20 mph over the limit usually carries a more significant fine than going 5 mph over.

A speeding ticket has lasting effects. It can cause auto insurance premiums to increase for motorists who are convicted and attaches points onto one’s driving record. Accumulate too many, and it could result in a license suspension.

Every ticket lists what a driver’s options are should they be cited for speeding. The question is whether you should contest a ticket’s legitimacy or accept the punishment.  Here are a few things to consider:

Have The Facts

If you can establish proof that you were within range of the posted speed limit, then it’s worth your while to put up a fight. Occasionally, a police officer’s radar may be faulty or their memory may be different from yours. If you have corroborating evidence that demonstrates your side of the story, contesting a citation is worthwhile.

Consider The Consequences

When it comes right down to it, the validity of a traffic ticket is your word against theirs. Generally speaking, most courts decide in favor of the police officer, typically because they have proof that confirms their observation. Furthermore, even if you think you have a compelling argument, there’s no guarantee that the judge will decide in your favor. Thus, you can wind up spending hours in court hearings and paying legal fees if you hire legal counsel, on top of the cost of the original ticket citation.

Objectively Assess Your Situation

Most people who speed don’t have a good reason for it. But occasionally, the ends justify the means. For example, you may have been in a situation where you or a family member required immediate medical attention at a hospital. Alternatively, the flow of traffic may be faster than the limit, requiring you to exceed the limit, such as on the highway, for example. Generally speaking, though, there aren’t many excuses for speeding.

It’s in your best interest to adhere to the speed limit as closely as possible, both for the good of your safety and your auto insurance premiums. To learn more about how being a safe driver can lower your auto insurance costs, speak with an agent at Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today!

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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The Worst Driver Behaviors

Posted on by Martinson Agency

The Worse Driver Behaviors

October 6th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Weather conditions, construction and vehicle breakdowns all present dangerous situations to even the keenest drivers. Perhaps the worst – and most preventable – hazard is another driver taking part in irresponsible activities. Bad driving behaviors can cause serious damage and not only put the perpetrator at risk but everyone else on the road as well.

Here are some examples of risky driving behaviors:

Cell Phone Use

The National Safety Council estimated that the following cellular device activities are among the most damaging in the country:

  • Texting: The group stated that texting accounts for 330,000 accidents annually in the United States, or roughly one-quarter of all calamities on the road.
  • General cell phone use: The NSC also reported that general cell phone use while operating a vehicle accounts for roughly 1.6 million accidents annually. This can include anything from making a call to using all sorts of apps, including games.

A separate study from the group found that attempts to take pictures, videos and other multimedia while driving are contributing to even quicker increases in automobile accidents across the country.

Tailgating

The Texas Department of Insurance cited a study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that revealed just less than 25 percent of all accidents are rear-end collisions, accounting for around 950,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths annually. Not surprisingly, tailgating is an extremely common cause of these accidents.

Interestingly, the Myth Busters researched “drafting” as it impacts automobile efficiency. They proved that following closely behind a large 18-wheel truck can indeed help to improve fuel efficiency, but that it is incredibly dangerous to do so. According to those scientists, you have to be within 100 feet for it to really work, and 150 feet or less is a very dangerous following distance.

Driving Under The influence

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that alcohol-related accidents account for more than $44 billion in annual damages on American roads, as well as nearly 10,000 deaths. This is the most dangerous of all driver behaviors.

Drivers who never partake in these activities still need to drive cautiously and defensively to stay safe.  A huge part of driving responsibly is making sure that you are properly covered in the event of an accident. The Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN would be happy to review your current policy to be sure that you do not have any gaps in your auto insurance coverage.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Some Common Insurance Misconceptions

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Some Common Insurance Misconceptions

August 10th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

According to numerous sources, a majority of individuals actually never read the entirety of their personal insurance policies. The fact is, if you do not know your insurance policy well, the risk of experiencing a personal financial loss rises. On the flip side, when you know your coverage, you will be better positioned to avoid a big financial mess.

Here are some matters to keep in mind when evaluating your policies:

  • Education is necessary: Insurance Journal, a publication dedicated to consumer and commercial insurance news, states that 52 percent of U.S. adults do not actually know how to best insure their homes.
  • Ask questions BEFORE you make a purchase: Many think that flooding is covered by their homeowners insurance, but this is not true in most cases; a separate flood insurance policy is normally required for this coverage to apply. This is just one example of a common mistake a consumer can make when making an insurance purchase. Make sure you understand your policy, including both what it does and does not cover.
  • Use replacement cost, not market value: Bankrate, a financial services publication, argues many homeowners will think they should base their home coverage limit on the market value of their homes. Experts suggest acquiring coverage in accordance with the cost of rebuilding the house from scratch, in the event of a total loss. This amount is often quite different from the home’s market value, which is dependent on market factors, location and more. A home’s rebuild value is determined based on features, construction materials, labor costs and more.
  • Know where responsibility falls in automotive accidents: The Insurance Information Institute, an insurance research organization, found car owners will often think their policies do not apply if drivers other than themselves get into an accident while driving their vehicles. In most states, it is the owner’s insurance that would apply, not the driver’s.
  • Do you know the meaning of “comprehensive coverage”?: Insurance Journal also noted that nearly one-third of adults believe comprehensive coverage actually protects them against any and all damages in auto insurance, but this is not true. A range of risks, such as a common collision, are usually not covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto policy.

These are just a few of the many misconceptions, myths and complexities involved in insurance that so many consumers fall victim to every year. Don’t wait for an unwelcome and expensive surprise – speak to your independent insurance agent at the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today!

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Buying a Car with Resale in Mind

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Buying a Car with Resale in Mind

March 24th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

While looking to purchase a new vehicle, resale is something that you need to consider. What factors will help you sell your vehicle? Consider these things as you are shopping for a new or used car.

Purchase a popular model:

Buy a vehicle that is well known and popular among the masses. This will give you a wide range of people to resell the car to when that time arrives. Buying a very unique vehicle seems like a cool idea at the time, but will drastically limit the people who consider purchasing it down the road.

Choose a standard color:

According to Kelly Blue Book, black, white and silver are the most popular colors for car buyers. By purchasing a vehicle with one of these plain colors you will once again broaden your range of potential buyers. Let us say it this way: You do not need that “sick” blue Range Rover.

Avoid manual transmission vehicles:

You’ve probably noticed, but times are changing quickly. Manufacturers are not building as many stick shift vehicles anymore. Why? Because fewer and fewer people are driving them. DUH! Look for a vehicle with an automatic transmission…trust us.

Cost of repair:

Purchase a vehicle that doesn’t break the bank to repair. Foreign vehicles like BMW and Mercedes can be very costly for even the smallest repair. Vehicles like Ford and Honda are known to be less costly when something goes wrong and this will benefit you in the long run.

Try to save some warranty:

In most cases warranties will transfer over to the new buyer. If your vehicle still has a warranty, selling it before it runs out may be a good idea. Buyers will find that to be appealing and may even pay more for the car.

Keep these five factors in mind while purchasing a vehicle, as they may prove to be crucial in order to max out your resale value. Please contact Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today with any questions that you may have!

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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