Chaska Car Insurance

Should You Fight A Speeding Ticket?

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Should You Fight A Speeding Ticket?

October 13th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

It’s what everyone hopes to avoid while driving: the dreaded “flashing blues” in their rearview mirror, an indication that someone’s about to be pulled over. Hopefully it isn’t you.

At one point or another, just about everyone drives faster than the posted speed limit. Generally speaking, traffic enforcement officers give motorists some latitude – allowing motorists to drive between 5 and 10 miles per hour faster than what’s allowed for – but anything more than that and a ticket is probably in your future.

There’s no denying that speeding is a significant safety issue. In a poll conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of motorists said that they considered speeding to be a problem on the country’s roads. In 2013, nearly 10,000 people died in speeding-related highway accidents, accounting for almost 30% of all crash fatalities. And in most of these incidents, motorists were traveling faster than 55 miles per hour.

The overriding concern as it relates to speeding is that fellow motorists’ safety is threatened when exceeding the posted limit. To discourage the behavior, police officers issue traffic tickets. Usually costing at least $100, the overall amount typically depends on the state and how egregious the offense was, as driving 20 mph over the limit usually carries a more significant fine than going 5 mph over.

A speeding ticket has lasting effects. It can cause auto insurance premiums to increase for motorists who are convicted and attaches points onto one’s driving record. Accumulate too many, and it could result in a license suspension.

Every ticket lists what a driver’s options are should they be cited for speeding. The question is whether you should contest a ticket’s legitimacy or accept the punishment.  Here are a few things to consider:

Have The Facts

If you can establish proof that you were within range of the posted speed limit, then it’s worth your while to put up a fight. Occasionally, a police officer’s radar may be faulty or their memory may be different from yours. If you have corroborating evidence that demonstrates your side of the story, contesting a citation is worthwhile.

Consider The Consequences

When it comes right down to it, the validity of a traffic ticket is your word against theirs. Generally speaking, most courts decide in favor of the police officer, typically because they have proof that confirms their observation. Furthermore, even if you think you have a compelling argument, there’s no guarantee that the judge will decide in your favor. Thus, you can wind up spending hours in court hearings and paying legal fees if you hire legal counsel, on top of the cost of the original ticket citation.

Objectively Assess Your Situation

Most people who speed don’t have a good reason for it. But occasionally, the ends justify the means. For example, you may have been in a situation where you or a family member required immediate medical attention at a hospital. Alternatively, the flow of traffic may be faster than the limit, requiring you to exceed the limit, such as on the highway, for example. Generally speaking, though, there aren’t many excuses for speeding.

It’s in your best interest to adhere to the speed limit as closely as possible, both for the good of your safety and your auto insurance premiums. To learn more about how being a safe driver can lower your auto insurance costs, speak with an agent at Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today!

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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The Worst Driver Behaviors

Posted on by Martinson Agency

The Worse Driver Behaviors

October 6th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Weather conditions, construction and vehicle breakdowns all present dangerous situations to even the keenest drivers. Perhaps the worst – and most preventable – hazard is another driver taking part in irresponsible activities. Bad driving behaviors can cause serious damage and not only put the perpetrator at risk but everyone else on the road as well.

Here are some examples of risky driving behaviors:

Cell Phone Use

The National Safety Council estimated that the following cellular device activities are among the most damaging in the country:

  • Texting: The group stated that texting accounts for 330,000 accidents annually in the United States, or roughly one-quarter of all calamities on the road.
  • General cell phone use: The NSC also reported that general cell phone use while operating a vehicle accounts for roughly 1.6 million accidents annually. This can include anything from making a call to using all sorts of apps, including games.

A separate study from the group found that attempts to take pictures, videos and other multimedia while driving are contributing to even quicker increases in automobile accidents across the country.

Tailgating

The Texas Department of Insurance cited a study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that revealed just less than 25 percent of all accidents are rear-end collisions, accounting for around 950,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths annually. Not surprisingly, tailgating is an extremely common cause of these accidents.

Interestingly, the Myth Busters researched “drafting” as it impacts automobile efficiency. They proved that following closely behind a large 18-wheel truck can indeed help to improve fuel efficiency, but that it is incredibly dangerous to do so. According to those scientists, you have to be within 100 feet for it to really work, and 150 feet or less is a very dangerous following distance.

Driving Under The influence

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that alcohol-related accidents account for more than $44 billion in annual damages on American roads, as well as nearly 10,000 deaths. This is the most dangerous of all driver behaviors.

Drivers who never partake in these activities still need to drive cautiously and defensively to stay safe.  A huge part of driving responsibly is making sure that you are properly covered in the event of an accident. The Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN would be happy to review your current policy to be sure that you do not have any gaps in your auto insurance coverage.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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What To Avoid When Buying Auto Insurance

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What To Avoid When Buying Auto Insurance

June 17th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Americans sure have been in a car-buying mood lately. Just last year, consumers bought a whopping 17.5 million new automobiles, according to vehicle valuation firm Kelley Blue Book. And in February, the trend has continued, with new-vehicle sales up approximately 8% versus 12 months ago.

Wherever new or used cars are bought, auto insurance invariably follows. After all, when an accident happens, where else can you go to pay for the expensive repairs that so often occur?

The problem is that because auto insurance is mandated, people will buy it merely to satisfy the requirement, not as a smart investment. As a result, hasty decisions are often made – decisions that could put them in hot water when they have to make a claim.

If an auto insurance purchase is in your future, here are three things you should be sure to avoid when shopping for a policy:

Purchasing The Cheapest Option

We all want to get the best deal possible as a consumer. But as is typically the case, you often get what you pay for. In other words, if there is an auto insurance policy that’s really cheap, there’s a good chance that the coverage it provides is really meager. All too frequently, policyholders wind up learning this the hard way after filing a claim, only to learn that their policy amount is insufficient for the damage that occurred.

Fail to Research

Reams of information are literally at our fingertips, thanks to the Internet, online search engines and quote comparison websites. But these outlets go to waste if you don’t take advantage of them. The Insurance Information Institute has several tips on what to look for both in a policy and an insurance provider.

Choosing The Wrong Policy

As previously mentioned, in an attempt to save money, consumers will often buy auto insurance that’s the least expensive or only the amount that they’re required by law to have. While this may save them in the short run, it will be a different story should they ever have to file a claim. For instance, if a policyholder’s car is stolen and only liability coverage is in place, that person will have to go about replacing the stolen automobile out of pocket.

It really does pay to be a conscientious consumer when you’re in the market to buy auto insurance. Get in touch with your local agent at the Martinson Agency, who can help you navigate the selection process to ensure you get the right type and amount of coverage for your needs.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Keep Your Car Going Strong

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Keep Your Car Going Strong

May 25th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

The car is arguably our most used possession. It’s what gets us to the corner store, to the workplace and to the far reaches of the country on those annual family road trips. In order to keep it our most reliable possession, it’s important to give it some tender loving care – beyond having the oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

The following are five things that you probably aren’t doing to keep your vehicle going strong:

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

When it’s cold outside, you’re probably pretty good about keeping tabs on your tires, understanding that cold air causes the pressure to diminish. But the winter isn’t the only time you should be doing a visual check; it ought to be done monthly, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, simply because tire quality and pressurization varies, largely depending on how often you drive and the kind of roads you frequent. Ensure that each is at the proper PSI level to improve mileage and evenness of tread wear.

Rotate Your Tires

Speaking of evenness, there’s little to speak of when you don’t rotate your tires. You’ve probably already heard that you should rotate your tires every so many miles. Are you actually doing it? You really should start if not because it can not only lengthen the life of your tires, it can also make your daily commute go much more smoothly – in the literal sense of the term. Whether it’s moving the back wheels to the front wheels or diagonally across from the other, aim to get this completed after compiling 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

Clean Your Headlights

Mother Nature has its own natural cleanser in rain, but it takes more than a heavy shower to keep your headlights shining as brilliantly as they did when you first took your car out for an evening stroll.  Because most headlights are made out of polycarbonate, generic glass cleaner or soapy water are both safe to use and effective, according to Popular Mechanics magazine.

Schedule A Tune-Up

Due to time constraints, many of us don’t address potential car problems until they present themselves, often first manifested via the dreaded “check engine” light. By this point, however, what was a pending issue is now a full-fledged one, as the typical check engine repair costs an average of $387, according to data from CarMD. To stay one step ahead, take your car in for a tune-up on a quarterly basis to a trusted auto body shop. The professionals there should be able to diagnose whatever issues may be boiling just below the surface.

Clean Battery’s Terminals

Your car doesn’t get very far without its battery – something you’ve no doubt realized on those bitterly cold days when the engine won’t turn over. In part due to the variations in temperature, the terminals over time become encrusted with a white powdery residue that can diminish connectivity. To prevent this from happening, take a peek under the hood now and then to see if the residue has developed. If so, remove the cables from the terminals and get rid of the crusted corrosion with a wire brush.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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The Penalties and Consequences of Driving Drunk

Posted on by Martinson Agency

The Penalties and Consequences of Driving Drunk

May 5th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

With just about everyone carrying a smart phone these days, you can understand why distracted driving has garnered so much attention. And for good reason, as according to government data, nearly 3,200 people were killed in 2014 in collisions where multitasking was to blame.

However, equally worthy of the public’s awareness is a behavior that leads to even more senseless deaths: driving impaired.

It’s estimated that 10,000 people per year are killed in alcohol-related car crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s the equivalent of 1 every 51 minutes.

“Intoxicated driving offenses have fallen 80% over the last 40 years.”

Believe it or not, the rate has gone done over the years. Between 2007 and 2014, for instance, the proportion of drivers whose blood-alcohol levels were above the legal limit fell 30%, based on NHTSA estimates. And since 1973, the first time analysis was done on drunk driving prevalence, offenses have decreased by almost 80%.

All 50 states have ignition interlock laws Part of the reason for the decline stems from a national crackdown on the illegal activity. Today, all 50 states require at least some drunk driving offenders – typically those who’ve been caught more than once – to install ignition interlocks in their motor vehicles. These prevent drivers from operating their automobiles when under the influence. Since states first passed ignition interlock laws, nearly 1.8 million attempts at driving drunk have been avoided, according to numbers from social services organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Texas, Arizona, West Virginia and New Mexico have some of the stricter ignition interlock laws in the country, with added legislative efforts being made in other states as well.

Other major deterrents to drunk driving are the consequences that can result, none more significant than potentially being involved in a crash that could cause death or injury. Based on analysis from NHTSA, drivers whose blood alcohol level tests above 0.08 are four times more likely to crash than sober drivers. The chances are 12 times greater with an alcohol level of 0.15, twice the legal limit.

Drunk driving penalties can cost thousands

“The punishment for driving drunk varies depending on the state and gravity of the offense.”

Then there are the financial ramifications, which vary depending on the part of the country that it takes place. For example, in the District of Columbia, penalties after a first offense may include 180 days license suspension, not to mention a $1,000 fine. If caught a second time, the fine more than doubles to between $2,500 and $5,000. License revocation may also increase to a full calendar year.

The consequences related to auto insurance are equally damaging. Because drunk driving is a risk to safety, your premiums are bound to rise substantially. You may also be required to obtain special forms mandated by states before being allowed to drive again or register your car.

Dame Helen Mirren put it best – and rather bluntly – in a commercial at this year’s Super Bowl: If you drive drunk, stop it. The stakes are too high, the consequences too severe.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Buying a Car with Resale in Mind

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Buying a Car with Resale in Mind

March 24th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

While looking to purchase a new vehicle, resale is something that you need to consider. What factors will help you sell your vehicle? Consider these things as you are shopping for a new or used car.

Purchase a popular model:

Buy a vehicle that is well known and popular among the masses. This will give you a wide range of people to resell the car to when that time arrives. Buying a very unique vehicle seems like a cool idea at the time, but will drastically limit the people who consider purchasing it down the road.

Choose a standard color:

According to Kelly Blue Book, black, white and silver are the most popular colors for car buyers. By purchasing a vehicle with one of these plain colors you will once again broaden your range of potential buyers. Let us say it this way: You do not need that “sick” blue Range Rover.

Avoid manual transmission vehicles:

You’ve probably noticed, but times are changing quickly. Manufacturers are not building as many stick shift vehicles anymore. Why? Because fewer and fewer people are driving them. DUH! Look for a vehicle with an automatic transmission…trust us.

Cost of repair:

Purchase a vehicle that doesn’t break the bank to repair. Foreign vehicles like BMW and Mercedes can be very costly for even the smallest repair. Vehicles like Ford and Honda are known to be less costly when something goes wrong and this will benefit you in the long run.

Try to save some warranty:

In most cases warranties will transfer over to the new buyer. If your vehicle still has a warranty, selling it before it runs out may be a good idea. Buyers will find that to be appealing and may even pay more for the car.

Keep these five factors in mind while purchasing a vehicle, as they may prove to be crucial in order to max out your resale value. Please contact Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today with any questions that you may have!

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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What Is Road Rage and How Can We Avoid It?

Posted on by Martinson Agency

What Is Road Rage and How Can We Avoid It?

February 18th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

The road can be a dangerous place. Even if you are a safe driver, there is still the threat of every other driver on the road. Aggressive drivers tend to create chaos on the roads. Throughout this article we will define the characteristics of an aggressive driver and also give you a few tips to help you avoid road rage.

What Is Aggressive Driving?

Any driver that is tailgating, honking, weaving in and out of traffic, or taunting other drivers would be defined as an “aggressive driver”. When two aggressive drivers engage in these antics, road rage may take place.

How To Avoid Road Rage?

  • Do NOT engage with aggressive drivers. If another driver cuts you off, don’t respond by tailgating or taunting. This can enrage the other driver and escalate the situation.
  • If at all possible, try to stay out of an aggressive driver’s way.
  • In extreme cases, report the driver. If he or she is putting others in danger it is important that they are stopped.
  • Continue to use safe driving habits by driving the speed limit, using your signals, and changing lanes with caution.

How Does This Impact My Insurance?

The impact road rage can have on your insurance may seem obvious but many are shocked to find out the actual costs of accidents and traffic violations. As you know, road rage increases the likelihood of an accident or being cited for a violation. All carriers are have different eligibility rules but many violations can stay on your record for at least three years. Don’t spend more on insurance than you have to. Drive safely.

Road rage only makes matters worse. Please do your part and focus on your own safe driving habits to make our roads a safer place.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Driving Tips for the Holiday Season

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Driving Tips for the Holiday Season

November 12th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Winter is the most challenging season for drivers, and the challenge is even greater around the holidays. If you’re setting out on a holiday road trip, you can likely look forward to more traffic and worse weather than usual. Throw in the fact that everyone seems to be in a rush to arrive at the celebration on time, and you will find yourself in some very unsafe driving conditions. To avoid these, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Make Sure the Car is Ready: Check to be sure that your tires are properly inflated, that your gas tank is full and that your windshield wipers are functioning properly. Also, make sure that you have a window scraper, a flashlight and a shovel in case of an emergency situation.
  2. Stay Charged: Make sure you bring your cell phone as well as your phone charger along for the trip. If you have your phone, you can call for help in the event of an emergency. As always, don’t use it while operating your vehicle. Keep the contact information for roadside assistance handy as well.
  3. Leave Early: Before you go, take time to check the weather and learn your route in advance. Leave early enough to give yourself plenty of time and always plan for traffic. On the road, keep your younger passengers occupied to reduce distractions and always expect the unexpected from other drivers.
  4. Don’t Hurry: You’ve left early, so you don’t need to worry about arriving on time. Now give yourself time to react to danger by slowing down. Stay within the speed limit, or even below it if the weather and road conditions are poor.
  5. Designate a Driver: DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! Have a plan before the party starts and stick to it. Calling a cab is always a better option than driving if you have been drinking.

Plan ahead and keep your cool, and this year the road trip could turn out to be as memorable and enjoyable as the rest of the season. Happy Holidays!

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Avoiding Deer Collisions

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Avoiding Deer Collisions

October 8th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Picture this: You’re driving along a winding country road enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and all of a sudden a huge buck runs in front of your vehicle. How would you react? Fall is peak time for deer-vehicle collisions thanks to deer mating season which begins in the fall and runs through January. During this time deer are very active and on the move. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large animal-vehicle collisions result in an average of 187 fatalities annually.

Back to the question — how would you react? Not sure? Here are some helpful tips on how to avoid a collision:

1. Say “no” to swerving — Never ever swerve. Swerving is especially dangerous because it puts the driver at risk for a head-on collision with oncoming traffic, trees or even a ditch and confuses the deer as to where to go.

2. SLOW DOWN — Slow down if you’re driving through an area with high deer populations. If you drive defensively, you’ll have more time to break if you cross paths with a deer.

3. Leader of the pack — Deer rarely travel alone so if you see one it’s likely another is close behind. (Ask our good friend Cory Poppitz about this one.)

4. Put your foot on the brake — If you cross paths with a deer, brake firmly while staying in your lane and blow your horn to frighten the deer away.

5. Green eyes — At night watch for the shine of eyes along the side of the road (their eyes usually look green.)

6. Sun up, sun down — Deer are most active at dusk and dawn.

7. Center lane — The center lane on a multi-lane road is the safest place to drive because it gives deer space and drivers additional time to react.

8. Faulty products — There are many products on the market that claim to protect against possible collisions with deer (whistles, repellent ect.) Unfortunately these products have not been proven to reduce the risk of an accident.

Remember deer collisions can happen to even the best of drivers. It you strike a deer never touch the animal. Pull over to the side of road as soon as you can, call the police immediately and report the damage to our agency as soon as possible.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Save More on Auto Insurance!

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Save More on Auto Insurance!

July 16th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Whether you drive an old beater or cruise around in a brand new ride, having auto insurance is required by law in the state of Minnesota. This means you should be looking for ways to save money on your insurance. Here are some cost-saving tips to keep in mind when purchasing auto insurance.

Inquire About All Available Discounts

Ask your agent about all of the discounts you may be eligible for. Many companies have started to offer a paperless discount. This means that all of your bills and documents would be sent to your preferred email address versus your home address. You can also reduce your monthly payments by having it automatically deducted from a checking or savings account. Additionally, many companies have an advance quote discount. This means that if you begin the quoting process 10 or more days prior to the policy being issued you can save as well.

Take A Defensive Driving Course

Safe drivers typically have the most affordable auto insurance. If you are 55+ and are looking for an easy way to save on your insurance, consider taking a defensive driving course. This course will be taught by a professional driving instructor and will teach you about avoiding danger on the road. Once you take the course simply provide us with a completion certificate and we will apply the discount to your existing auto insurance policy.

Bundle Your Insurance Policies

By packaging your auto insurance and your home insurance with the same company you will receive a multi-policy discount. This can provide significant savings on both products and often times provides additional perks such as a single deductible. A single deductible means that if you have a claim that impacts both policies you will NOT be stuck paying a deductible on both.

Bottom Line: You Have Options

Don’t get caught up with everything you see on TV. Many of the most well known carriers are “captive” companies and can only provide you with one quote. Our agency is independent, meaning we have more carriers than the competition. More carriers means more discounts. More discounts means you get to keep more of your hard earned money in your pocket.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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