Americans willing to consider purchasing hybrid vehicles, says survey

As efforts to become more "green" and environmentally friendly continue to gain popularity across the country, a new study has found that Americans seem to be warming to the idea of purchasing plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and supporting initiatives related to them.

According to a survey released by Ernst & Young's Global Automotive Center on Thursday, 10 percent of U.S. drivers - or approximately 20 million Americans - said they would consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle.

Additionally, 34 percent responded that they would support the subsidizing of local charging station in order improve the popularity and ease-of-use of the vehicles.

"Electric vehicles have long been touted as the future technology of the industry and subsequently, we saw a real appetite in the market for additional insights into the public's reaction to plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles as a new means of transport in the U.S.," said Mike Hanley, the Global Automotive Leader of Ernst & Young.

In addition to their environmentally friendly benefits, consumers who decide to purchase plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles may stand to benefit from lower auto insurance premiums as well.

Numerous insurers offer discounts of up to 10 percent on some policies for hybrid car owners because they often fall into "preferred insured categories" and are regarded as mature drivers who will not be reckless and find themselves in an accident.

Allstate: Fort Collins earns award for safe driving

quotes, as a recent report from Allstate named it as the safest driving city in the United States.

The seventh annual Allstate America's Best Drivers Report, which lists the 200 largest American cities in the order of safest drivers named the city number one, as the average person in Fort Collins can expect a car crash of varying severity once every 14 years. The national average is every 10 years.

"Allstate's Best Driver's Report was created to boost the country's discussion on safe driving. Each year we hope the report will increase awareness on the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel," said Mike Roche, executive vice president, Allstate's Claim Organization.

This is the second year in a row that the city was given such recognition, Allstate noted.

Boise, Idaho, and Lincoln, Nebraska, were second and third, and were followed by Chandler, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama. These cities averaged between 13.4 to 12.3 years between collisions for the typical driver.

Allstate: Consumers don’t understand auto insurance policies

A new survey shows that many people don't really know what their auto insurance covers.

The survey, which was commissioned by the Allstate Insurance Co., noted that 64 percent of respondents thought that personal items taken from a car would be covered by their auto insurance, when in reality it is covered by a person's renters or home insurance.

"These survey results underscore the need for consumers to be better educated about their policies and what they mean," Steve Sorenson, senior vice president of product operations for Allstate, said.

The poll - which was entitled Don't Hope So, Know So - showed that 40 percent of consumers thought that damage from a pothole would be covered by the comprehensive portion of their auto insurance, when it's actually a part of collision insurance.

Of respondents, only 34 percent said they had read through their auto insurance policies. According to Allstate, one of the ways consumers can be better educated is by looking through their insurance policies.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, a number of different things are covered in a basic auto insurance policy. Those would include liability for bodily injury and property damage.

Allstate will turn more toward internet for auto insurance sales

The internet has become a powerful force for consumers as more people turn to it in order to buy things.

And along with holiday gifts and groceries, the number of people who look for auto insurance online is increasing. A recent story from the Dow Jones Newswire quoted Thomas Wilson, the chief executive of Allstate Corp., who recently spoke at a Goldman Sachs conference. Wilson noted that the prevalence of people looking for auto insurance online will drive his company to change how it does business.

"Our goal is to have fewer, larger agencies that provide a more consistent experience for our customers," Wilson was quoted as saying.

Wilson said that around half of new auto insurance clients come to the company through its website rather than through an agent. However, he also said about 87 percent of the company's website visitors end up completing the transaction with an agent.

One of the main benefit that shopping for auto insurance online offers consumers is the ability to compare and contrast the services offered by different companies. Furthermore, online shopping can lead to consumers getting a better deal on their insurance through price comparisons.

Allstate increasing insurance rates for Illinois homeowners

Allstate Insurance will be raising Illinois homeowners insurance costs by 8 percent beginning in July, the Chicago Tribune reported.

However, it will also be offering a 5 percent discount on auto coverage to certain customers who switch carriers, the Tribune said. They are also advertising 7 percent off car insurance to people who pay off their full bill.

Allstate's auto insurance premiums decreased 4.6 percent recently, and the insurer is now creating more incentives for consumers to purchase both homeowners and auto coverage with them, the Tribune said. Customers insuring two vehicles and a residence will be offered a preferred package discount with up to 15 percent off car premiums, the Tribune said.

Allstate spokesperson Shaundra Turner told the Tribune that "although homeowners rates will increase between $67 and $82 a year … with the new and deepened discounts Allstate is introducing, current homeowner customers that don't have their auto with Allstate can get discounts of up to 54 percent (on auto) by bringing their auto to Allstate."

It's not uncommon for insurance carriers to offer discounts to customers who purchase multiple types of insurance with them. This is one way that many consumers are able to save money on their monthly bills.

Aging motorists need to reassess skills

As America's population continues to age, the number of elderly motorists rises. Older drivers may have more experience on the road, but their reflexes and mobility may not be what they once were.

In conjunction with National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is urging people to discuss driving with elderly motorists. According to PennDOT data, more than 16,000 motor vehicle accidents involved an elderly driver last year.

PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler says it's important for loved ones to have an ongoing dialogue with older drivers.

"It's a conversation that most people are not anxious to have, but striking the right balance between safety on our roadways and the mobility of older drivers is a very important subject," says Biehler.

Some elderly drivers may benefit from taking a driver's education course. Such programs are offered at a variety of locations around the country. Adapting a vehicle for a senior driver may also be helpful. It's important for elderly motorists to know their limits to help prevent accidents and higher auto insurance rates.

Adults advised to openly discuss driving safety with elderly parents

It's not just teen motorists whose aren't always the safest motorists. Elderly drivers, too, can struggle to navigate the road. Those who get into car accidents frequently end up with higher auto insurance premiums as a result.

While younger motorists typically make mistakes while driving because of their lack of experience, older drivers may do the same because they have difficulty seeing. It's important for adult children to discuss driving safety with their elderly parents.

Liberty Mutual Insurance has a program, the National Conversation Drive, which encourages people to pledge to have a conversation with elderly loved ones about their driving.

Dr. Vick Rosebrook, executive director of the Macklin Intergenerational Institute, says many elderly people expect their children to have such a discussion with them.

"When it comes to having these critically important talks, there is nothing like having context - and there is no better context than to experience first-hand the challenges faced by our aging population on the road," says Rosebrook.

It's important to note, however, that just because a person is elderly doesn't mean they will necessarily get into an accident. In fact, research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveals that while more older drivers are on the road, the number of fatal accidents involving the elderly declined 20 percent between 1997 and 2008.

Additional auto insurance may not be needed for rental cars

Some consumers may be scared into picking up extra auto insurance when renting a car.

However, if they live in Minnesota, they don't need to listen to a rental agent who says they need the additional auto insurance coverage. In a recent posting on the Deal Spotter blog from Minnesota's Star Tribune newspaper, writer John Ewoldt noted that he refused to get additional auto insurance from a car rental agency, coverage which would have cost him $10 to $15 a day.

"Why? Because we have auto insurance from the state of Minnesota," Ewoldt said. "All rental car claims come from the property damage coverage."

The minimum for the state for coverage is $35,000 for a rental car. The only thing consumers should consider is the fact that amount may not be enough if they end up wrecking more than one car in an accident.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, consumers who have car insurance are probably covered when they rent a car. The same coverage they have through their provider may apply to their rental car.

Adding a teen driver to an auto insurance policy can more than double premiums

A recent study found that adding a teen driver to an insurance policy can cause auto insurance rates to rise. While this is hardly surprising for most parents, many will be startled by just how much rates can skyrocket.

Quotes from various insurers across 25 states for the same fictional couple were compiled for the study, reports Cars.com. The rates included liability, full collision and comprehensive coverage for two vehicles, a 2009 Toyota Camry and 2004 Ford Expedition. The couple was given a clean driving record, and once initial insurance rates were gathered, the study added a teenage boy with a clean record to the policy.

When the teenager was added to the policy, the site says premiums increased in Seattle, Washington, 132 percent, from $847 to $1,963. While this seems extreme enough, there were far larger increases in other areas of the country. For instance, rates in Midvale, Utah increased from $539 to $1,440 when the teenager was added, an increase of 167 percent. In Hartford, Connecticut, rates soared 200 percent from $1,053 to $3,163. Scottsdale, Arizona had the highest increase of all, an enormous 243 percent jump from $483 to $1,659.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 have the highest average annual traffic violation and crash rates of all age groups.

Accidents more likely on December 15, research shows

With all the festivities surrounding New Year's, many people would assume the holiday is the most dangerous day of the year for motorists. However, data from Allstate Insurance refutes the idea.

Research by the insurer reveals that December 15 is the most dangerous day of the year for California motorists. The number of car insurance claims rises more than 20 percent in comparison to the rest of the year, according to the four-year review of claims data by the insurer.

Allstate subsidiary agency owner Robert Feldman says there are a number of factors that could be fueling the trend.

"This spike in crashes could be related to weather, holiday shopping, travel or other distractions," says Feldman. "What's important for drivers is that we stay focused while at the wheel whether on the highway or in the driveway on December 15 and every day of the year."

Those who are involved in a motor vehicle accident are likely to see their auto insurance premiums rise. Abiding by traffic laws will help reduce a person's chances of being involved in a collision.

Accidents impacting auto insurance costs, public safety

One state has been promoting public safety and trying to hold down average auto insurance costs with a policy that is starting to gain attention elsewhere.

According to a recent Boston Globe article, New Hampshire has a law requiring drivers over age 75 to take a road test every five years in order to keep their licenses. The report comes at a time when Massachusetts and other states have seen a large number of high-profile traffic fatalities that were caused by seniors behind the wheel.

A licensing officer in New Hampshire, Jeff Oberdank, told the newspaper that "the first two minutes of the test is tell-all," and that he "absolutely" believes the state's policy results in safer roads.

About 900 senior drivers are said to fail the test in any given year, some of whom are considered highly likely to have caused accidents otherwise.

The issue of safety and senior drivers is likely to only become more pronounced in the coming years as millions of members of the Baby Boom generation begin to prepare for retirement. Some states are already eyeing possible legislative solutions with that trend in mind because of the ramifications it could have for public safety as well as auto insurance costs.

AAA: Ban texting nationwide

In a move that could help consumers hold down auto insurance prices in the coming years, the American Automobile Association is calling on all 50 states to ban texting while driving by 2013.

So far, major industry groups, including those representing wireless communications and others, have come out in favor of a nationwide ban on texting. The current AAA effort only adds additional momentum to the cause of a nationwide ban, even if this particular drive is focused more at the state level.

So far, 18 states have enacted texting bans, while a number of others are weighing such measures.

"AAA will lobby nationwide to pass laws in states that lack them and improve existing laws against texting while driving. We'll also continue our work through public education, driver training, and other safety programs to discourage motorists from engaging in the broad range of other distractions that tempt them while behind the wheel," said AAA official Tom Frymark.

The organization is also citing new research which found that driving while texting tends to drop when a ban is enacted, with this particular study focusing on California's law.

AAA unveils its favorite fuel-efficient vehicles in honor of Earth Day

ith gas prices at the top of many motorists' minds, fuel-efficiency is the watchword for many people trying to save money. But with Earth Day approaching, saving the environment is the top priority at AAA.

John Nielsen, national director of auto repair, buying and consumer information at AAA, said it's never been easier for consumers to take part in the green movement.

"There has been an influx of 'green' technologies by automakers into the market, which is great for consumers looking to make a more environmentally conscious choice for their next vehicle purchase," said Nielsen.

AAA put together a list of some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles available in an array of categories such as electric power, plug-in hybrid electric, gasoline-electric hybrids, compressed natural gas and gasoline-powered cars. The Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic GX and Chevy Cruz Eco were the top picks in their respective categories.

While these cars can help people save on gas, they may also lead to auto insurance savings, as companies sometimes offer discounts to fuel-efficient vehicles.

AAA Hawaii lowers car insurance rates

For motorists in Hawaii, auto insurance just got a little more affordable.

Insurance from AAA in Hawaii will now cost 10 percent less thanks to an approval from the state insurance commissioner. The company said the lower premiums would save Hawaiians about $120 a year on average.

"The Insurance Division carefully reviewed the rate filing and we are happy to approve this discount for our drivers," said state insurance commissioner Jeffrey Schmidt. "AAA Hawaii has been a good competitor in the auto insurance market, which benefits all of Hawaii's consumers."

In addition to the drop in premiums, AAA said drivers in the state could get even more discounts for a number of reasons. Discounts can be given when a policyholder has more than one car on the plan, holds more than one policy, or has a history of safe driving.

A recent article on financial website Bankrate also said that cars with safety features such as alarms, anti-lock brakes, air bags and even a vehicle recovery system can also get motorists discounts on their auto insurance premiums.

Hit while parked’ car accidents may be more common than you think

While most motorists' worries on the road include traffic fender benders or accidents on slick roads, it turns out that cars stand a significant chance of taking damage while sitting still in a parking lot.

According to a recent survey conducted by The Allstate Corporation, 69 percent of all hit-and-run collisions that take place across the country involve a parked vehicle.

Additionally, while most states require some type of notification by the driver to identify themselves and provide a way to exchange insurance information, most motorists do no such thing and instead leave the victim to bear the brunt of any repair costs if they are not properly insured.
"Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping is a very serious matter," said Bill Daly, Allstate assistant vice president of auto claims. "If you caused damage to a vehicle you may be liable and can be held responsible. Collision coverage will protect you if someone hits your parked car and can help pay for repairs."

The survey also found that New York City had the highest incidence of "hit while parked" accidents, with 70 percent of all vehicles involved in some type of crash. Chicago and Phoenix both followed with 67 percent.

For motorists who only have basic auto insurance coverage that does not cover "hit while parked" accidents, but live in a city where they are becoming increasingly common, looking online for the most affordable collision coverage may be an easy way to prevent significant repair costs that could come with an accident in the future.

‘Crash tax’ passed in Sacramento would affect visitors

While most motorists' worries on the road include traffic fender benders or accidents on slick roads, it turns out that cars stand a significant chance of taking damage while sitting still in a parking lot.

According to a recent survey conducted by The Allstate Corporation, 69 percent of all hit-and-run collisions that take place across the country involve a parked vehicle.

Additionally, while most states require some type of notification by the driver to identify themselves and provide a way to exchange insurance information, most motorists do no such thing and instead leave the victim to bear the brunt of any repair costs if they are not properly insured.
"Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping is a very serious matter," said Bill Daly, Allstate assistant vice president of auto claims. "If you caused damage to a vehicle you may be liable and can be held responsible. Collision coverage will protect you if someone hits your parked car and can help pay for repairs."

The survey also found that New York City had the highest incidence of "hit while parked" accidents, with 70 percent of all vehicles involved in some type of crash. Chicago and Phoenix both followed with 67 percent.

For motorists who only have basic auto insurance coverage that does not cover "hit while parked" accidents, but live in a city where they are becoming increasingly common, looking online for the most affordable collision coverage may be an easy way to prevent significant repair costs that could come with an accident in the future.