Auto Insurance Archives - O'Connor Insurance Agency

Put the top down and hit the road in St. Louis

August 17, 2017 Karen O'Connor

The call of the open road is at its strongest during the summer – and so is the call of the convertible. If you’re one of those drivers who has long dreamed of dropping the top and heading across Missouri and beyond, we have some buying tips for you.

And before we forget, make sure you’ve got plenty of sunscreen!

Safety considerations

Of course, you want to be safe when driving your new car, so here are a few things to look for in a convertible, according to Edmunds.com.

Roll bars: Generally, convertibles offer some sort of roll bar to protect passengers should the car roll over.
Airbags: Side airbags that deploy from seats can be an optional feature on less-expensive convertibles and something you should consider. Some of these airbags offer extra protection for the head.
Rear-view cameras and sensors: When the top is up, it can be difficult to see out of the rear window. Cameras and sensors can provide added safety.

Hard or soft top?

You have two main choices when it comes to tops: Soft, which can result in more road noise and may be more susceptible to damage, and hard, which often look better but add weight and take up more trunk space when down. (A third option is a completely removable hard top, such as those found on some Jeeps.) This choice is largely a matter of personal preference, though cost can be a factor.

You’ll also want to test the top for leaks – regardless of whether it’s a soft or hard top. Spray water where the roof connects with the windshield and where the glass meets the roof along the sides. You’re looking to make sure no moisture gets inside.

Everyday issues

If you’re planning to drive your convertible frequently (and why wouldn’t you?), there are some practical things you should take into consideration:

Wind noise: When you have the top down at highway speeds, you might find it difficult to hear the stereo system. If you’ll be driving a lot with the top down, getting the upgraded stereo might not be worth it. Then again, a better stereo can have more power, allowing you to actually hear your music.
Putting the top up/down: A motorized top, of course, makes everything easier. But they are more complex. Be sure to test out the top and how long it takes you to put it up or down, especially if it’s a manual process. After all, if it starts raining suddenly, you want to be able to get the top up as quickly as possible!
Luggage space: Most convertibles aren’t large to begin with, but trunk space is even smaller when the top is down. If you plan to take your convertible on vacation (or pack golf clubs or other bulky items), it’s a good idea to really take a hard look at the trunk space before you buy.
Passenger space: Do you need to take more than one passenger on many of your drives? If so, a roadster (two seats) isn’t an option. But even if the convertible you’re eying has four seats, hop in back and check the comfort level. If you aren’t comfortable, your passengers probably won’t be, either.

Special features

According to Edmunds.com, there are certain features that truly make a difference in convertibles, such as wind deflectors, heated/cooled seats and sun-reflective upholstery. Certain features, such as heated seats, can make your convertible much more comfortable to drive on cooler days when they come.

Above all, you’ll want to choose the convertible that best fits how you’ll use it. If you’re lugging golf clubs (and golf buddies) around in the summer, you probably don’t want a roadster. Conversely, if your idea of a great weekend is to toss a duffle bag in the passenger seat and hit the road, smaller may be better.

One of the great – and annoying – things about buying a car is the sheer number of options out there. But if you get frustrated, remember one thing: You’re buying a convertible. Your friends are probably envious!

And when you buy that convertible, give us a call. We’ll make sure you’ve got the right coverage – and we’ll probably be envious, too!

Get the Most Out of Your RV This Summer

August 10, 2017 Karen O'Connor

There’s nothing quite like taking a road trip in an RV. Whether you’re headed to somewhere nearby (like Lake of the Ozarks) or somewhere across the country this summer, we want you to get the most out of your travels.

But before we get to travel tips and how to find the best places to stay, we want to remind you about safety. As with any vehicle, maintenance is important. After all, even though you can hang out in your RV if it breaks down, who wants to spend their road trip on the side of the road? We encourage you to visit www.safeco.com and click on the “Insurance 101” tab. The “Consumer Tips” section has a wealth of information on RV safety.

With that said, it’s time to hit the road!

General travel tips

Have a plan (and maps or a GPS). One of the reasons you’re traveling in an RV, no doubt, is for the adventure. But while the freedom to go wherever you want can be exciting, getting lost isn’t (at least for most people). You’ll cut down on frustration if you know where you’re headed.

Pack the right things. We’ve all forgotten to pack something while going on vacation. And buying new items at your destination can add up. So make a packing list, and remember that it’s not all about clothes and toiletries. Don’t forget your favorite road music or DVDs to watch at night. If you’ve got kids with you, be sure to pack games and other things to entertain them.

But don’t pack everything. Of course, just because you have an RV doesn’t mean you should bring all of your possessions on vacation with you.

Be prepared for anything. You should have a first-aid kit in the RV, as well as some tools for smaller repairs. And if you’re traveling a long distance, why not bring some local items from your hometown to give as gifts when you make new friends?

Limit the driving. It’s tiring enough driving a car hundreds of miles a day, let alone an RV, so give yourself plenty of rest and don’t overdo the driving.

Want to bring your car?

Taking a car along with your RV can give you a lot more flexibility on your vacation. But it can also make the driving more stressful, so keep that in mind. According to towingworld.com, there are three main options to bring your car with you:

A trailer: This of course, allows you to raise the car completely off the ground. They’re generally more expensive than other options, but keep wear and tear to a minimum for your car.

A tow dolly: This lifts the front wheels of the car off the ground. They’re useful if you can’t tow your car with all four wheels down, and can be easily used for front-wheel drive vehicles without another device to make it towable.

A tow bar: The most popular choice, because of its convenience. It’s the option with the least amount of equipment, and usually the least expensive; it also takes up less space than dollies and trailers. Note that not all cars can be towed with four wheels on the ground, so check your manufacturer’s recommendations.

Where to stay

If you’re looking for a campground or RV park, you’re in luck – there are seemingly endless options across the country. But how do you know which ones are good or safe? Plenty of online resources have information on various parks, including the ones below:

http://www.rvparkfinder.net/

http://findarvpark.com/

http://www.gocampingamerica.com/

http://www.trailerlifedirectory.com/

http://www.rvingusa.com/

Wherever you stay, you’ll want to take some steps to prevent crime. RVs can be inviting targets for thieves, because they usually contain more valuables than cars. Always lock your doors when you’re away from the RV and keep valuables out of sight or locked away. If you’re parked for the night in a non-camping area, such as a parking lot, try to stay in a well-lit area and keep the door facing the light. Finally, try to make fuel or convenience store stops during the day, if possible.

You’ve got a summer full of fun ahead in your RV. We wish we were coming with you! Here’s hoping for smooth and safe travels.

Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Safety

August 4, 2017 Karen O'Connor

Whether you’re taking your Harley and heading across country, or just hitting the Great River Road in Illinois, we want you to be safe on the roads this summer. Here are a few top tips:

No one’s too old to wear a helmet

A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is forty percent more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider with a helmet. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study reports that “helmets saved 1,658 motorcyclists’ lives in 2006, and that 752 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.” Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots.

In a crash, the SUV wins

When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car failed to see the cyclist. With more SUVs on the road, it’s even more critical to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps—both night and day—and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility.

For drivers? Be extra cautious during cycling season, and double check when switching lanes. The popular bumper stickers have a point: “Watch out for motorcyclists!”

Training saves
One out of four motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2006 were driving with invalid licenses. Safeco offers discounts to riders who attend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s safe riding courses or are active in one of 10 approved groups that promote safe riding. Do both those things and you can reduce your premium.

New Gear? Update your policy

Some companies offer special coverage for custom parts and equipment—but you have to make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your policy. Any time you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, call your independent insurance agent at O’Connor Insurance before you head out on the highway.

Rage on St. Louis Roads? Not With These 5 Tips

May 26, 2017 Karen O'Connor

Good manners when you’re behind the wheel – not everyone has them. But, that doesn’t mean you have to get caught up in the rush and the fury. Instead, use these tips to help keep road rage incidents out of our local headlines and, most of all, help keep you safe.

Manage your expectations and reactions. When you expect courteous or traffic-free roads, you set yourself up for disappointment and aggravation. Instead, realize that you can’t control other drivers, and you certainly can’t control traffic. You can, however, control how you react to those things. So, do so calmly. Don’t take the actions of others personally, even if they do seem deliberate.
Remember, driving is not a race or a contest. Give yourself plenty of time for your trip so you’ll be less frustrated when traffic backs up or a driver cuts in front of you.
Be a good example. Sure, other drivers do annoying and even dangerous things. But, what about you? If you engage in any of these behaviors, it’s time to stop.
- Weaving in and out of traffic.
- Passing someone and then hitting your brakes immediately.
- Making obscene or frustrated gestures.
- Excessive honking.
If you see road rage, steer clear. Move away from drivers acting aggressively or dangerously, particularly if they’re angry at you. Don’t pull over to have a confrontation with the other driver, and call the police if you feel the situation warrants it.
Can’t manage your anger? Get help. Anger management resources, such as classes, books or podcasts, can help you decompress. It may make your time on the roadways more peaceful for everyone.

The dangers of road rage are real, as you may have experienced for yourself. So, do your part to help keep anger off of our roads. You’ll be a happier driver – and person – because of it!

Staying Safe on the Road During Prom and Graduation

May 19, 2017 Karen O'Connor

High school is full of defining moments for teens and two of the highlights for most are prom and graduation. However, this time of year often sees other, more tragic defining moments – serious car accidents involving teens who are distracted or even under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

We want to help make this season one to celebrate for you and your teen. So, with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some tips that can keep your teen safe.

First, encourage your teen to follow these general safe-driving rules:

Absolutely no alcohol

Always use seat belts

No cell phone use (including texting) while driving

Special circumstances

Of course, special events such as prom and graduation often present special circumstances. There may be dinner with dates before the dance, and parties before or after either event. It’s a good idea to discuss your expectations well before each event, putting some guidelines into place before your teen heads out for the night. Here are some ideas:

Make sure you know the itinerary of the evening, as well as who else will be with your teen. You should have contact information for everyone.

Have a way to contact your teen at all times. You may want to require them to check in with you once or twice over the course of the evening.

Set a curfew, whether they are coming back to your home or staying with a friend. If they are staying elsewhere, make sure the curfew will be enforced by a responsible adult.

Discuss with your teen how to handle difficult situations, such as facing pressure to drink, or accepting a ride with someone who shouldn’t be driving. It’s a good idea to provide your child with money for a taxi just in case.

Offer a “no-questions-asked” ride home, should they need one during the evening.

If you’re worried about your teen driving, consider alternate transportation. A car service or limousine will provide a responsible, experienced adult driver. You also will be able to limit changes to the itinerary and contact the driver.

Prom and graduation should be special times in a teen’s life, and just a little common sense will go a long way toward making sure your young adult is around to enjoy the other milestones that are sure to come.

Insurance Tips for Millennials

April 29, 2017 Karen O'Connor

You keep your car filled up with gas so you don’t get stranded on the side of the road, and your phone charged so your loved ones can reach you. But, what kind of safety measures do you have in place for more extreme scenarios?

What if you lost everything you owned in a fire at your house or your apartment? What if your car was stolen? These situations are scary, but your insurance can help you through them, and much more, so long as you have the right coverage in place.

So, what’s right for you? Whether you’re starting out on your own or starting a family, these tips can help you begin to understand the level of insurance you may need.

Consider What You Own – And What It’s All Worth
Could you imagine having to replace all of your personal belongings at once? What about having to do so from memory and on your own dime? It would be both a difficult and a costly task. So, make an inventory of your belongings and their value to minimize the former – the free Safeco Home Inventory app can help. And, be sure you have enough insurance coverage, whether you rent or own a home, to minimize the latter. It’s known as “personal property coverage,” and you want enough of it to replace all of your belongings if it were to come to that.

Take Your Lifestyle Into Account
Drive an expensive car? Repairs are likely costly, so be sure to carry full coverage. Own a home with a lot of custom features? Be sure your homeowners policy takes them into account. The way you live can help you save, too. For example, if you take public transportation to and from work even though you own a car, you may pay less for your insurance.

Talk to Your Independent Agent for Ease, Choice and Advice
As an independent agency, O’Connor Insurance offers a choice of carriers and options, plus personalized advice to help make sense of it all. Plus, we make it easy by doing the research and the work for you.

Remember, we’re here to help. Contact us today with your insurance questions and needs.

Steering Clear of Wildlife

April 21, 2017 Karen O'Connor

America’s roads are full of cars — but often, they’re also full of wildlife. That’s why an estimated 2 million vehicle-animal collisions happen each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Fall and winter constitute the most dangerous periods for these incidents, but you should be vigilant year round. Visibility is reduced, thanks to the shorter days and inclement weather, and it’s also migration and mating season for many animals. But, you can still take steps to decrease the chances you’ll hit an animal. Here are five things to do:

Be particularly alert at dawn and dusk. Visibility is low at these times, and animal activity is high.
Keep an eye out for signs. If you’re in an area where wildlife is common, you may see posted warnings.
Watch your speed. Avoiding any kind of collision is easier if you’re travelling at an appropriate rate of speed. It’s not just about the speed limit – in certain conditions, driving under the speed limit is more optimal.
See an animal? Look for more. Missing one animal doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods, so to speak. There are probably others around.
Don’t swerve. If possible, don’t make any wild maneuvers. You could end up hitting something worse than an animal — like another car — or going into a ditch or down an embankment. Use your brakes, use your horn, and use your good judgment.

Sometimes, though, collisions just can’t be avoided. If you do hit an animal, here’s what to do next:

Call 911 for assistance, especially if there are injuries to you or passengers.
Don’t touch the animal. They can be dangerous, even when hurt.
Document the accident scene and the damage to your car.
Get in touch with your insurance carrier or with us.

Keep in mind that the same attributes that make for safe everyday driving can also help you avoid animal collisions: Remain alert, maintain a safe speed for conditions and avoid distractions. Also, be sure to carry adequate car insurance in case something – animal-related or otherwise – does happen.

Looking for a Car? Keep These 7 Safety Features in Mind

March 14, 2017 Karen O'Connor

Color, price, body style, gas mileage – there’s a lot to consider when picking out a vehicle for your daily commute or weekend road trips. One area not to overlook? Safety features.

With more advanced technology than ever, today’s cars are helping to keep us safe. Here’s how:

Electronic stability control: Helps detect and reduce loss of traction. Now standard on 2012 cars and newer.
Forward collision warning: Alerts you if you’re about to collide with something ahead.
Automatic emergency braking: Slows or stops your car when forward sensors detect an impending collision.
Backup camera: Provides visibility behind your car when you are in reverse. These are especially useful for less-than-perfect parallel parkers.
Lane-departure warning: Sounds an alarm if you start drifting out of your lane.
Blind-spot detection: Senses when another vehicle or object is in your blind spot on the driver or passenger side, triggering a light or other alarm.
Adaptive headlights: Shift to provide better visibility as you make turns or go around curves.

As impressive as these features are, keep in mind they’re not a substitute for all of the things you need to do as a responsible driver, such as staying alert, driving at the right speed, and routine maintenance. But, they can help make our commutes and journeys safer, and they may even help you save on your car insurance. To check the safety rating of a car you’re considering, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you are looking to rent, rather than buy, avoid renting trucks, open-bed vehicles, exotic cars, large vans, or full-size SUVs. Many rental car insurance policies of major credit card companies will not cover those or many other caveats, reveals a recent CardHub survey. Additionally, they found that about 40% of cards only cover domestic rentals for up to 15 days; more than 60% of policies don’t cover rim or tire damage; and drivers have a 6% chance of being penalized for driving on dirt or gravel roads. No matter how you get your next car, give us a call to update your coverage.

Five Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Driving Habits

January 10, 2017 Karen O'Connor

Even if you’re a good driver, you might be costing yourself extra money every time you get behind the wheel. How? By doing things that can increase wear and tear on your car even things that seem perfectly normal.

You may not even realize you’re doing them (most habits are unconscious behaviors), but these driving behaviors may be at least partially to blame for your frequent repair shop visits. So, help keep your car in better shape by asking yourself a few questions about your driving:

Is my gas light always on? Regularly driving on a nearly empty tank can increase wear on your car’s fuel pump. It’s best to keep your fuel level at a quarter-tank or above.
Do I shift too quickly? Shifting your car into drive while you’re still rolling backward is one sure way to increase stress on your car’s transmission. Always stop before shifting.
Am I always on the brakes? Maybe you aren’t leaving enough following distance between you and other cars. And, when you’re going down a steep grade, consider shifting into a lower gear. That can help you slow down more naturally, without putting unnecessary wear on your brakes.
Is my car usually packed with stuff? Additional weight means additional stress on many different parts of your car, including your transmission, your brakes and your suspension. So, unless you really need it, don’t pack it.
Do I have a lead foot? Putting your foot to the floor might be exhilarating for you, but it’s not so great for your car especially if it’s still cold and oil hasn’t reached all the different parts of the engine yet. It can wear out your tires more quickly, as well.

If these behaviors fit your driving patterns to a T, it’s time to form new habits behind the wheel. Ones that won’t take a toll on both your car and your bank account over time. That’s something both you and your vehicle can be happy about!

Seven Tips to Help You Handle Rainy Days Behind the Wheel

October 18, 2016 Karen O'Connor

At some point, every driver has to deal with rainy weather. But many don’t know what to do, so they just drive as they normally would.

However, with slick roads, flooded streets and reduced visibility, that mentality can be a recipe for disaster. So instead, follow these simple tips for safer rainy day travels.

Stay visible. Turn on your headlights so you can see and be seen more easily.

Be patient. Give yourself more time to get where you’re going and give people more room. Increase your following distance two to three times.

Expect slippery conditions. Rain often combines with oil and grease buildup to create slick roadways. Not to mention you can hydroplane meaning your tires are riding on water instead of pavement at speeds of as little as 35 mph. If it happens, slow down, gently apply your brakes and keep steering straight ahead.

Check your car’s systems. How are your wipers? Do your blades need to be replaced? What about your defroster? Driving in the rain is hard enough – don’t do it with fogged-up windows, too.

Inspect your tires. Are they inflated properly? Do you have enough tread? Put an upside-down penny into the tread. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, you probably need new tires.

Never drive in flooded areas. In a flood, it won’t take much water to sweep you away, believe it or not just 12 inches for a smaller car or 24 inches for almost any vehicle, according to the National Weather Service, which advises, turn around, don’t drown.

Get (or stay) off the road. When conditions are really bad, pull over and take a break. Or, if you can, just stay home. You’ll probably be happier to stay out of the weather anyway! And you’re certainly likely to be safer.

With a little extra care, you can help keep your car on the road and your rainy day blues to a minimum even while traveling in wet conditions. And, as always, if something does go wrong, we’re here to help guide you through it.