How to Choose the Right Car for You: Winter Safety Features

When choosing which car you may want to purchase, be sure to consider the weather. Walking in the cold is not usually fun, and driving in it can be dangerous. If your region gets snow and/or ice during the winter (not to mention the wind and rain of this cold season) there are some features you may want to consider that will make driving safer not only for you but for others on the road as well.

Electronic Stability Control (“ESC”)

ESC uses sensors and a microcomputer to monitor your steering. It will apply brakes or modulate engine power to help you keep control of the car. They are very effective in reducing crashes.*

Antilock Brakes (“ABS”)

This feature has been around for a while so you may already know what it does and how important it is. Your ABS keeps your brakes from locking up which is needed on black ice or wet roads. Think of it like an umbrella. It is better have one and not need it than need one and not have one.

Adaptive Headlights

It is very hard to drive when you cannot see the road during winter. Adaptive headlights help to solve the problem. They have small motors that adjust the headlights, moving them to light up where you need them most like around curves, and helping in fog and rain.

Forward Collision Warning and Auto-Braking

Sometimes reaction time is everything — the sooner you react, the more chance you can involve a crash. This feature helps you have a faster reaction time. If its sensors detect something is getting to close to the car, it will auto-brake to aid in avoiding a collision. This may be very helpful especially for older people or when a person gets distracted.

LED tail lights

LED lights are not only brighter but they also last longer. With LED tail lights, you can be seen easier during heavy snow, rain or fog.

Snow chains

Snow chain are not actually a “feature” per se, but they should still be considered for a car in winter. They fit on your tires to make driving easier in the snow. They also help you maintain control of the car, and you may find it easier to drive up and down hills.

January 22, 2017March 23, 2017

Protecting Contents of College Students Away From Home

College is expensive enough without finding out too late that an accident or theft isn’t covered under parents’ current policies.

Coverage of personal property

Most homeowners policies provide 10 percent of Coverage C (Personal Property) for property owned by an insured while it is at a residence other than the insured residence. That means if the contents of a policyholder’s home are insured for $100,000, a student’s property up to $10,000 would be covered if living in a dormitory – provided the damage is caused by a covered peril and the student meets the definition of a insured. Certain items, such as jewelry or expensive electronics my require special coverage or insuring it as a “scheduled item”.

Liability coverage

There usually is an exclusion for damage to property rented to an insured, so generally damage to a dorm room or apartment would not be covered.

Renters insurance

If a student’s needs can’t be met under their parents’ current policy, don’t forget about the asking for a Renter’s Insurance quote.

January 15, 2017May 26, 2017

What Should You Do If Stranded During a Blizzard

What to do if you are Stranded in a Blizzard

Imagine for a moment, you’re stranded in your car in the winter and the snow is piling up. There could be many causes. There are things you could have done to prevent getting stranded, but you don’t have time to dwell on those. You have to stay warm and wait it out. What should you do?

Make sure the exterior exhaust of the car is clear of snow. If the exhaust gets plugged up, carbon monoxide can build up. It’s odorless, colorless and tasteless. It could kill you if you are exposed to it for too long. Keep that exhaust clear.

If there is shelter nearby, go there. However, if there is nothing around, the best thing to do is stay put to avoid getting lost. If it’s night time, not only can you not see, but it’s also colder which makes it even riskier to go on foot. While you are in your car, it’s good to have some blankets with you and and possibly put on some extra clothes. You need to save gas, so only turn on the car to heat it up and then turn it off. You don’t know how long you will be there.

Make sure you have water around to keep yourself hydrated. If water is not available, you can get some snow and melt it. Don’t eat the snow itself as it will drop your core temperature. Also, if you have a flashlight and some batteries those will be useful for other people to spot you. Flares can help in the same way. Finally, keep your hazard lights on to make it easier for people to spot you.

Hopefully you will never have to deal with being stranded like this, but it is always good to be prepared for such an event. Drive safe everyone!

January 9, 2017March 23, 2017

Travelers Enhanced Auto Options

Travelers Has Enhanced Their Auto Options

Deeper Account Discounts Are Available!

Travelers policyholders can receive an account discount by combining Boat, Homeowner, Personal Article Floater or Umbrella policies with their existing Auto policy.

Safe Driver Discount: Customers who are clean — no accidents, violations or major comprehensive claims ($1,000 plus) for five years in their households — could see better rates.

Annual Auto Policy: We offer the convenience of choosing either a 6- or 12-month auto policy.

Checking multiple companies to find the one that offers a feature like this one is a great benefit of having an independent insurance agent. Click here to contact Bob Johnson Insurance, Inc., or call us at 865-922-3111.

January 2, 2017May 26, 2017

Tips for Driving During the Winter

Staying safe on the road is always important for you, your family who may be with you and also for other drivers. Many winters offer driving challenges such as slippery roads and other instances that can cause accidents. Here are a few tips to help you win the challenge of the wintery roads.

Sleep

It is important to get enough sleep to avoid driving while fatigued. You need the extra focus during the winter months to keep an eye out for hazards like black ice (which can be tricky to spot) or other cars that may lose control. Getting plenty of sleep will also sharpen your reflexes so you can react fast enough to prevent an accident.

Make sure you have enough gas

Consider having at least a half full of tank of gas before driving out during the winter. If you get stranded , it can be your life saver to keep you warm until help arrives.

Keep your eyes on the road

Don’t let distractions divert your attention from diving. Just keep your focus on the road. Phones are a frequent diversion. Don’t text and drive! If your kids noise or actions are sidetracking you from driving, it is best to pull over, deal with the situation then move on.

Seat belts

There is a reason why wearing your seat belt (and having your passengers wear them too) is urged so often. Aside from the law which requires us to wear them when driving, seat belts work most of the time. They save lives! Winter months get cold and roads can (1) stay wet longer due to the lack of heat or (2) become icy so having a seat belt on while driving on ice can be a lifesaver.

Properly inflated tires

This is another recommendation that most people know all know but is easily forgotten. We get gas but sometimes we don’t think about our tires.

You should know the information about your tires, such as its size and especially your max PSI (how much air should be in your tires). Having a tire gage will help you know what psi is in your tires. When your tires are inflated properly, they perform better, and it helps them last longer.