Steps to Buying GREAT Auto Insurance

Steps to Buying GREAT Auto Insurance

We’re car people.  From the accents and contours of a vehicle, to the drive and adrenaline of a fast car, we have a certain appreciation for the automotive machine.  As our passion, we’re great at finding a perfect fit for our customers.  When it comes to auto insurance, you want to be covered in the case you get into a fender bender.  So, in an effort to ease the burden, we’re providing 5 tips for finding the right coverage at the right price.  By doing some comparison shopping, you could save hundreds a year.  

Find the Right Coverage

Your first step should be to find a list of what is required in the state.  You can visit this link to find out: http://www.edmunds.com/auto-insurance/how-much-car-insurance-do-you-need.html this will provide the minimum of what is required. Once you have that, you should decide what insurance premium you need.  Your decision depends on your degree of comfort and a certain level of risk.  According to Edmunds:

“Experts recommend that if you have a lot of assets, you should get enough liability coverage to protect them. Let's say you have $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage but $100,000 in personal assets. If you're at fault in an accident, attorneys for the other party could go after you for the $50,000 in medical bills that aren't covered by your policy.”

Also, you don’t have to buy collision and comprehensive damage, especially if your vehicle is older than 2000.

Check Your Driving Record

How many tickets have you had recently? By checking your state’s department of motor vehicles, you can have a better idea of how you stack up.  For example, if points you earned on your license are about to disappear, this will improve your driving record.  So, we would recommend you wait until that happens before you receive quotes.

Solicit Competitive Quotes

You will need:

o   Current Policy

o   License Number

o   Vehicle Registration

Check out insurance company websites and receive a quote.  It’s easy to type in your information and build a list of companies for comparative quotes.  Each quote takes about 15 minutes to complete, but shopping around can save you hundreds.  Think about the annual and monthly rates for different types of coverage, note the 800 number so you can get more direct answers, and pay close attention to the insurance company payment policy. 

These are just a few tips to get you started.  For more info visit your favorite insurance company website for details.

Is your car stinky? Read this before you use an Air Freshener.

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Other than masking the odor of your automobile what good are Car Air Fresheners?  Can you re-use them? Do they have other significant uses? Why do we use these scent avengers? This week’s blog might enlighten you more about the heavily perfumed ornaments that you never knew before.  If anything you can impress your friends at your next party with this incredible knowledge you are about inquire.  First let’s look at the history of the Car Air Freshener and then we can touch base on the rest..

The little tree car air freshener was created 60 years ago in Watertown N.Y. by Julius Samann.  Samann, was listening to a milk  man complain about the stench of spoiled milk.  It just happened to be,  Samann was also a chemist who was studying  tree smells in Canada.  He patented his invention known as “Little Trees” and before you knew it every Lucky Strike smoker in the late 50’s had a tree dangling from the rear view mirror.   The scented trees have been dancing around happily in front windshields everywhere.  Other than the obvious rear view mirror with the foil string how else are these gadgets placed?  Perhaps your laundry room needs a bit of an uplift? Why not place them in a closet? No matter where you put them there are so many types to choose.

The great thing about these marvelous breeze  smelling items is that you can find one just right for you almost anywhere.  Every chain store sells them.  The car was sells these doodads. And there is a variety of places to display them. They can be clipped in front of a vent or kept in a tin pot inside a cup holder.  They can also be sprinkled on your carpet or stuck on your dash.  However way you display them look out for two things 1.) Make sure they are not going to damage your car  2.) Make sure they are safe for your environment.  

One of the reasons that Car Air Fresheners may not be safe is due to the chemicals that they are made with.  They can be made with Aerosols or they can be oil based.

Be sure to read what they are made of.  Basically they could be polluting the air in your cabin so be sure to read your labels.  A.F.’s could be toxic so read your labels!  Look for organic air fresheners that are oil based and provide more of an aromatherapy instead of a gas chamber of smells. Also make sure you aren’t leaving them somewhere a child or animal can ingest them. They can be very deceptive to a child or a dog by looking like Hello Kitty or candy.  Think about it!

The other thing to think about is there longevity of smells.  Below is a chart that can help you determine the best for your buck when it comes to your cars essence.

Hopefully this gave you some additional points on Car Fresheners.  Contact us for more information at KTEAM Used Cars.

Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays

It’s an exciting and hectic time.  If you’ve been running around frantically, searching for the best gift, buying decorations, or trying to balance work and home life lately, you’re not alone.  The holidays are a time of love, compassion and the occasional MAYHEM.  While you’re out and about this time of year, take precaution.  Traffic is heavy this time of year and its important to still keep your driving skills up to par.  Here are some tips on maintaining your safety this holiday season.

Vehicle Maintenance

Get a tune up and make sure your car is prepared for travel if you’re taking a road trip.  This is CRUCIAL, especially regarding winter driving conditions.

Restrain Yourself Properly

This should be the norm.  Remember, the rear seat is the safest place for any children to ride.

Stay Alert and Energized

Take plenty of breaks and don’t push to meet unrealistic schedules like finishing all of your holiday shopping in a few hours.  If you feel yourself getting tired, pull over into a rest area or business, and get out and stretch.  If that doesn’t work, find a place to rest.  These crashes most often occur during the late night/early morning hours and the late afternoon hours to drivers who are sleepy.

Keep Speed Down

Hey, Ricky Bobby, give yourself plenty of time and distance to react to the traffic around you.  Let impatient and aggressive drivers pass you.

Choose a Designated Driver

There will be tons of intoxicated drivers on the roadways.  If you absolutely have to drive during this time of year always have a designated driver.

So, do you have any tips?  Feel free to comment below!

Drive safely this holiday season with our blog tips!

7 facts about texting that can save a life

7 Facts About Texting That Can Save a Life

Multitasking has increased in the last few years to astronomical heights.  With one hand and a smartphone you can watch a YouTube video, send an email, play a game, voice chat and place a call in a five-minute span.  However, with much power comes much responsibility because NOW that we have this access 24-7, it has carried over into our driving habits. 

For some time, researchers have been telling us to focus only on driving, quoting a greatly increased chance of accident, injury and death when we distractedly call a friend or answer a ringing cell phone.

Now, new research has revealed the most dangerous driver distraction of all: texting.

A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, along with prior studies by Liberty Mutual Insurance and state-funded organizations located online, reveals the shocking statistics of texting behind the wheel:

·      Texting while driving increases the risk of accident 23.2 times over unimpaired driving.

·      Texting while driving results in longer response times than even drunken driving. While an unimpaired driver can respond quickly to changes in traffic and begin braking within half a second, a legally drunk driver needs four additional feet to begin braking—and a driver who’s texting needs 70.

·      In the moments before a crash or near crash, drivers typically spend nearly five seconds looking at their mobile devices—enough time at typical highway speeds to cover more area than the length of a football field.

·      Though 95 percent of drivers surveyed said texting behind the wheel was unacceptable and unsafe, at least 21 percent admit to doing it anyway.

·      Especially amongst teens, texting results in erratic driving behavior, like lane weaving and speeding up and down, increasing the likelihood of hurting pedestrians and running into other vehicles.

·      Texting behind the wheel is generational: 37 percent of drivers 18 to 27 admit to texting while driving, compared to 14 percent of 28 to 44 year olds, and 2 percent of 45 to 60 year olds.

·      An accident can happen in two to three seconds while texting.

Weird driving laws that make you go "hmmmmmm."

Have you ever been pulled over when traveling in another state for something that was completely ludicrous?  As motorists we take for granted that the laws in all states are the same when it comes to driving. After doing some research we’ve found that there is a difference in some of these rights. We also found that not all laws are created equal and  some are downright strange.  However, It’s good for you to be aware that the states you possibly travel in have some interesting laws. Other than giving you a chuckle this might even prevent you from getting a penalty. This week our marketing at KTeam wanted to share some of these laws with you.  

• You can’t leave your keys in your vehicle in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Minnetonka City Ordinance 930.070 states that a person must stop the engine and remove all ignition keys from the vehicle.  So if you’re keys drop out of your pocket, you could face a fine.  
• Make sure that you don’t tie up your dog to the back of your truck in the state of California.  California VC Section 23117 Carrying an animal in truck.  The law only allows cross tethering along with a bunch of other perimeters when riding around in the back.
• Next time you’re vacationing in Hawaii avoid using your horn.  Section 15-19.27 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu specifically says, “The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation, give audible warning with his or her horn; but shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a highway.” 
• Utah Motor traffic code 41-6a-804. states that you must signal continuously for 2 seconds before making a turn.  In some states that could be equivalent to an enormous amount of fines. 
• In Colorado your truck would be required to have Mud Flaps. Flaps must be installed and functioning at all times. Torn or damaged flaps must be replaced at the first reasonable and safe opportunity to exit the road.

As silly as these laws may seem, they along with many others should be known when traveling outside of your average driving area.  Any questions that you may have can be directed to DMV.org or contact the state you will be traveling in to be sure you know of the “not so usual” laws and regulations.  

If you have a question regarding your other travel needs please feel free to contact us soon.6-8400

More Gas Less Cash! What Type of Gas is For You?

In the good old days you had countless choices: Ethel, Leaded, Unleaded, and more… Now that option is diminished, with Unleaded becoming the victor.  Now, when you head to the gas station, your alternatives come in different form: octane, special additives, and ethanol content, derivatives of unleaded. Sometimes, I find myself thinking of which type of gas would be beneficial for my specific vehicle.  In today’s blog, we discuss the best options for you, check it out!

Octane

Octane has three options: 87, 89, and 92.  Large engines perform well on 87 octane, smaller cars do well with 89, and high performance cars run perfect on 92 octane.  The higher the octane rating the more compression the fuel can handle before it ignites.  If your engine begins to knock, then fuel is igniting from the compression, not from the spark.  Thus, damaging your engine.  If this continues to occur, it’s time to buy higher-octane gas.

Special Additives

Special Additives are beneficial because their utilized by fuel companies to keep the inside of the engine clean.  For example, Exxon uses high amounts of additives in their gas to keep your system clean.  All the major gas companies use detergent additives to help keep the engine clean, so this should not really be a consideration. 

Ethanol content

The final option is ethanol content.  The lower the ethanol content, the better the fuel will burn in your engine, providing a longer life for your engine.  Ethanol is also good because it improves fuel economy, sometimes giving up to a 20% boost. 

Saving the planet, saving money, or prolonging the life of your car?  These are all great options to consider, give us your feedback!

Keep your car clean without ruining your finish

At KTEAM we decided to share some knowledge with you on cleaning cars without destroying your paint's finish.  

Let’s face it, you spend a lot of money on purchasing a vehicle so don’t let a car wash ruin your investment.   In this weeks blog we discuss some hot tips that can help keep your car looking it’s best,  and can help prevent dangerous situations.  Let’s start by discussing your privacy, something many people overlook when getting their car detailed or washed. 

You should never leave change out for someone to be tempted. This may also prevent break ins.  Lock up your personal info. A car registration has your address on it. Take precaution when working with strangers. Yelp is a valuable resource if you need to research a car wash. After time the people that work at the car wash may get to know you and trust will be built by how often you take it there. 

Frequency of washing your car depends on a few factors.  If you are in a state that the roads are salted or parking under trees with a lot of birds you may want to wash the car once a week.  However, if the car is parked in a garage, or rarely gets dirty once a month is sufficient. 

Now we’ve talked about how often, let’s talk about what a good car wash looks like. 

A good car wash is one that uses cloth instead of brushes that can leave scratches.Once the clear coat is damaged the entire car needs to be repainted. All new vehicles have a clear coat finish. 

Make sure they are using fresh, clean towels when they wipe down the car after the wash is over.  Towels that are being reused are often like sandpaper due to the dirt that was on the previous vehicle. 

Don’t be fooled by getting talked into the extras.  For the amount of a bottle of Armor All, you will be saving more than if you opt to getting the attendant to spray your tires. 

Don’t forget to get the underbody done.  This will help your car to perform better and can really make a difference in the longevity of the vehicle being free from rust and salt. 

Stay away from harsh chemicals that can cause damage if you’re a DIY kinda person.  A friend of mine used dishwashing liquid on his black car and on a hot summer day. The car was damaged permanently with swirl marks. When he traded his car in he got 20% less value because of the cars finish. 

That’s it for this week, but if you would like to find a reputable car wash in your area feel free to contact us.  We will also appraise your car free of charge if you’re curious about trading it in. Call us at 888-596-2797

How You “Merge” in Traffic Tells Your Personality

Merge. Absorb.  Amalgamate. However you put it, you’re doing it wrong.  Yes, you.  Car merging is an age-old necessary evil.  Since the days of Model T’s vying for the same lane in a congested street, we’ve always had a nervous tick when the merge sign rears its ugly head during our morning commute.  “Do I let them go ahead of me?  Do I speed up and pass this group of cars?” Questions begin to manifest when we’re deciding on our merge tactics.  The best part, is how much our decisions reflect our personality.  In today’s blog, we’re breaking it down.  

“A man drives as he lives.” 

–Cynthia Gorney

There are two types:

Lineuppers – the individuals who take their time, usually ahead of the impeding merge point.  They wait in line patiently as traffic slowly moves toward a goal.

Sidezoomers – these individuals race ahead of the line and dart into an opening at the last second.  Usually without using their blinkers or any indications.

Lineuppers are usually less aggressive and more accommodating drivers who see driving as more of a community-based activity.  Sidezoomers are more aggressive and opportunistic when it comes to driving.  

Why Late Merge? 

Late merging can be cause for some crashes.  Due to aggressive driving, abrupt changes or sudden stops, a late lane merger can cause a conflict.  In most cases, drivers don’t know when to merge so they take the latest opportunity they can to move quickly.  

The Gentle Merge

Another option is to cruise about a quarter-mile of stopped traffic with a signal on, requesting an opening.  Eventually, one person will let you over, or you’ll find a nice gap to squeeze into.  Try it!

So, what kind of driver are you? 

Driving Cautiously in a Downpour

Rain is essential.  It helps vegetation flourish, provides nutrients to soil, and is an overall integral part of life here on Earth.  But when it’s hitting your windshield and the pitter-patter of raindrops causes you to clench your teeth, it’s time to take precaution.  Rain can be attributed to thousands of car accidents a year.  Accidents can be preventable by drivers who weather (pun intended) the conditions of the road, using their intuition and defensive driving skills to stay safe during their commute.  When the road is wet, a film is created on the asphalt, causing your tires to lose traction.  Another problem during a downpour is your perception.  You can’t see as far into the distance as normal, so this decreases visibility of other cars and the road itself. 

In today’s blog, we discuss some options to driving safely when the roads are wet. 

Be careful when it rains after a dry spell.  Engine and oil grease cake up on asphalt over time.  When this is mixed with rainwater, it can cause the road to be extremely slick.  

Allot more time for your commute.  This allows for a steady drive to your destination.  The last thing you want to do is rush, it also compensates for delays, flooding, and unexpected accidents.

No Cruise control!  If you go into a hydroplane, there’s a slight chance your car could accelerate.  Reaction time is crucial and you’ll need your foot close to the pedal at all times. 

Turn on your headlights.  This helps you see the road, and also lets motorists see you.  Blasting your high beams however can prove detrimental.  It can obscure your view further, reflecting water droplets in the air.  

Hydroplaning.  The first rule to avoiding the dreaded hydroplane is to avoid braking suddenly or turning the wheel, which can cause your car to spin or skid off of the road.  According to Edmunds: “Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If you must brake, tap the brake pedal (unless you have antilock brakes, in which case you can put your foot down).”

Defog your windows.  Rain causes your windshield to fog up fairly quickly.  Turn on your defrosters and make sure you're A/C is turned on.  Most vehicles climate control systems will automatically engage the A/C when the windshields defrost is selected.  

Do you have any tips for us?  Feel free to provide them below, we love your feedback!