As the pandemic nears its end, people have become accustomed to fewer cars on the road. However, a major concern remains that many drivers are driving too fast.
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According to Forbes “Car accident statistics show that nighttime is far deadlier on the roads. 35% of all fatal accidents occur between 6:00 pm and midnight. Drivers are fresh during the AM rush hour. But at the end of the day, they are tired, distracted and perhaps slower with their reflexes braking times and visual acuity. Forbes also noted that “Roads are also more deadly on certain days. Close to half of all deadly car crashes occur on weekends including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”
Insurance companies often declare a car “totaled” when repair costs exceed the vehicle’s value. Currently, car insurance rates are on the rise. Additionally, shipment costs for car parts have increased due to supply shortages and growing demand.
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Some drivers on the road simply do not carry sufficient motor vehicle insurance, mistakenly believing they are fully covered by having “the minimum limits required under Virginia State Laws.” This is a common mistake. Being “fully insured” does NOT equal having “minimum limits,” which is what many people mistakenly purchased. However, having more than the minimum limits does not mean it costs significantly more money. With each step up, the cost per thousand dollars of coverage goes down.
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There are a number of ways to save money while considering increasing your coverage, for yourself, your family and your loved ones. If you can demonstrate that you have been driving less since the pandemic due to remote work and less commuting, you may be able to receive a reduction in your premiums. This can be done by showing your reduced mileage to your car insurance company.
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Northern Virginia intersections are often scenes of major, multi-car crashes. Traffic is often coming from ahead, behind AND from the left and right. During rush hour, intersections are congested areas, ripe for vehicular accidents. It is important to keep your eyes on the road and be aware of distractions when entering intersections
Likewise, many people have gotten rid of their cars and moved to less densely populated areas where traffic and collisions are less frequent. Taking an in-person safe driving course, or one of the excellent courses online, can also yield benefits. Doug Landau generally will not ask a client to do something he himself has not or would not do. So lawyer Landau has taken the in person course in Washington, DC and Virginia, as well as the online course that he has recommended to clients, friends and family. Additionally, investigating “fleet policy” where there are multiple cars in the household or going to a safer vehicle are other strategies to save money on car insurance.
On the other hand, as our population gets older, individuals heal more slowly and often suffer more severe injuries. Consequently, it becomes more expensive when drivers and passengers are injured. So insurance companies, in order to “manage risk,” will increase premiums where they think that the drivers may be more prone to injury, causing crashes or healing more slowly. Showing a good health history asking the insurance company for other actions to take to reduce premiums are smart things to do..
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Consider taking an online safe driving course or an in-person refresher if it has been a while. You may learn some things that may save your life. Additionally, bundling insurance policies can save money, which you can leverage to seek a lower rate. The main takeaway is to read your car insurance policy carefully. Ensure it includes provisions for protection against crash lawsuits and protections for you and your loved ones. These provisions can be found in the form of uninsured motorist coverage and medical payment coverage (“MedPay”) for occupants of your car, regardless of fault.
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With many drivers in the Herndon, Sterling and Leesburg Virginia areas driving uninsured, or with minimum limit policies, it is crucial to protect the people in your household. If you have questions about motor vehicle law, car insurance, or injury claims, please contact us at frontdesk@landaulawshop.com or call 703-796-9555.
