Posted by Benji Riggins on January 4, 2012 under Safety | 
Brake Failure Investigations
Many drivers can recall a near miss saved by the quick application of brakes, while a smaller number remembers pounding the brake pedal too late and crashing. What does this subset have in common? Significant numbers of them will blame their accidents on brake failure. Most of them will be wrong.
The reality is drivers judge distances poorly, especially when traveling at freeway speeds. Typically, they have no idea how their brakes behave in critical situations and consequently believe crashes result from mechanical malfunction, when in truth their brakes performed as designed, but their following distances were too short for their speeds. The standardization of electronically controlled antilock braking systems (ABS), which prevent wheel lockup and skidding during heavy braking, has compounded the problem because ABS can make strange grinding noises when it activates, leading untutored drivers to suspect braking issues. When coupled with a human tendency to avoid blame, brake failure becomes the commonplace excuse for many crashes.
As a result, a significant percentage of the workload for forensic automotive investigators is brake-failure examinations. Despite the frequency of the claims, actual malfunctions in these complex systems are rare, although they can happen. Investigation requires the input of a trained automotive specialist who knows where to look for problems in braking components to find the telltale evidence of failure. Often issues associated with neglectful maintenance by owners impede brake function, especially when optimal performance is required.
Brake Physiology
In a typical automotive disc-brake system, when the driver depresses the brake pedal, that pressure is transferred to a system of fluid-filled brake lines. The fluid then transmits the pressure to the calipers, clamping the brake pads against the brake rotors, which are attached to the wheels. The friction generated between the pad and the rotor provides the force that stops the vehicle. Loud squeaking from the brakes when applied usually signals brake pads that are reaching the end of expected use.
Wear and Tear
Pad or shoe wear from normal usage is the most common brake maintenance issue, and examining the parts of the braking system is typically the first step for a forensic investigator. He or she will look for unusual wear in the pads or shoes. That effort entails removing the vehicle’s wheels to access the brake pads and may require removing the pads for more precise measurement.
When an investigator removes the brake pads, he can also inspect the pad surface. A smooth, reflective quality may indicate “glazing” caused by overheating, which decreases stopping power. Overheating may also result in brake rotor discoloration, and is usually caused by excessive brake “riding” by the driver.
Less commonly, brake failures may be caused by excessive rotor or drum wear. With the wheels removed for the pad inspection, the brake rotors or drums can then be checked for thickness, diameter, and warping to ensure that they are within manufacturer specifications. Rotors and drums need replacement less frequently than pads and shoes, but excessive wear can contribute to brake failure, especially if the pads or shoes are similarly worn.
Examining Fluid Issues
In a typical hydraulic brake system, a brake fluid leak can result in complete brake failure if the fluid level drops too low. Such leaks can develop from excessive wear because of vibration or age, or from collision or roadway hazard damage. For example, an investigation of a suspected brake failure in a medium-duty truck that sustained significant crash damage in a freeway accident revealed that the truck had a brake-line design that allowed the primary fluid lines to rub against one another. The constant friction of the rubbing lines culminated in a sudden fluid leak and a complete loss of braking power.
Inspection for fluid leaks is simple and should be done by mechanics as part of routine maintenance. A forensic investigator examining a crashed vehicle will have little trouble spotting a leak, but determining its cause may be more complex, sometimes requiring laboratory examination with advanced equipment.
Another fluid-related cause of brake failure is the introduction of small air bubbles into the brake lines. Air bubbles occur when overheating brake fluid reaches the boiling point (brake fluid ages and has a limited usage life) or a slow leak allows air into the system. (A boiling point or other chemical test can determine if the vehicle’s brake fluid has exceeded its useful life.) The resulting bubbles interfere with the brake system’s ability to transmit braking force to the wheels, causing the brake pedal to feel softer than normal and making it very difficult to apply maximum braking effort.
Such a condition can contribute to an accident if a driver does not have sufficient stopping distance when facing a hazard. Once again, the way to avoid failures because of tainted or deficient fluid brake failures is proper preventative maintenance practices by the vehicle owner. This may include changing the brake fluid in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and regular brake bleeding to eliminate any air introduced into the system.
Potential Mechanical Problems
The most unexpected cause of brake failure that investigators may encounter is a mechanical failure in the brake pedal assembly. In rare cases it is possible for the master cylinder (the component that distributes the brake pedal force to the wheels) to become detached from the pedal linkage. This condition is immediately obvious to an inspecting investigator, so the real item of interest will be pinpointing the cause of the linkage failure, whether it is rust, tampering, or metal fatigue.
Tapping Accident Data
Increasingly, crash data retrieved from a damaged vehicle’s event data recorder (EDR) is providing useful insight to accident investigators. If the module is accessible in a brake failure examination and has collected the crash event data, then the forensic investigator can gain insight about driver actions in the seconds that preceded and followed impact. A brake failure allegation could wither away if that data reveals that the driver never engaged the brakes prior to a collision. More likely, the data will deliver the context that will guide the further investigation of a brake failure allegation.
Perhaps the record will show that the driver was not speeding and applied the brakes suitably, but did not stop quickly enough to avert disaster. That could open the possibility of a brake problem that should be identified in the claims resolution process.
A brake failure from a maintenance issue could implicate a repair shop, thus identifying a subrogation opportunity, whereas an original equipment failure could result in a product liability action.
Managing Brake Failure Claims
While brake failure is probably the most common excuse for a crash, cumulative experience shows that driver error probably trumps actual brake malfunctions as the primary cause of accidents because of braking issues. Although it is easy to be swayed by a dramatic recitation of the crash story, if there is any doubt about the logic or sense of the event sequence, consult an automotive expert.
By Ryan L. Devine, Gregory J. Quan
December 16, 2011
Tags: auto ins, auto safety, brake failure, brakes, car ins, car safety, driving safety, insurance agency, insurance agent, Safety, stopping power, vehicle ins
Posted by Benji Riggins on December 31, 2011 under Safety |
One way to help lower personal and business cyber risk is to avoid using easy-to-crack passwords. SplashData, a password management application maker, recently compiled a list of the 25 worst passwords for the year 2011.
The research results were based on millions of actually stolen passwords that were made available online.
Having tough-to-guess passwords may not necessarily deter sophisticated, determined hackers. But they do make it much more difficult for amateur cyber thieves to breach online accounts. Here is the list of this year’s worst online passwords.
1. password
2. 123456
3. 12345678
4. qwerty
5. abc123
6. monkey
7. 1234567
8. letmein
9. trustno1
10. dragon
11. baseball
12. 111111
13. iloveyou
14. master
15. sunshine
16. ashley
17. bailey
18. passw0rd
19. shadow
20. 123123
21. 654321
22. superman
23. qazwsx
24. michael
25. football
Tags: auto ins, car ins, cyber safety, home ins, homeowners ins, insurance agency, insurance agent, password, password safety, Safety, security
Posted by Benji Riggins on December 29, 2011 under Safety |
If you’ve ever turned a corner without a signal only to be blasted by a honking horn – and maybe an obscene gesture from the driver behind you – you’ve set off a driver for whom not signaling is a pet peeve. That’s most drivers. When surveyed on their pet peeves, many drivers first mention others who don’t use turn signals when turning or making lane changes.
While signaling a lane change on a deserted stretch of highway at 3 a.m. may seem unnecessary, that’s a situation that few people find themselves in regularly. Most people drive where their actions on the road have a direct effect on the other drivers sharing that same stretch of highway as well as on pedestrians.
The safe, thoughtful driver always signals lane changes and builds that habit. When other drivers can predict your behavior, everyone on the road is safer.
Think before you signal: You’re planning to turn right into the bank that’s on the opposite corner of the intersection. So when should you signal your right turn? Don’t confuse the drivers coming at you by putting your signal on too soon. They might just make a left turn in front of you. But do get that signal on before you turn. Some drivers deliberately don’t signal a lane change because they fear that the drivers in that lane will speed up and close the gap, shutting out their move. That might happen occasionally, but usually if you do signal other drivers are courteous and let you in. Not signaling is dangerous and could cause an accident.
The danger at intersections: Dangers abound at intersections. An estimated 80 percent of fatal city collisions happen at intersections that have stoplights. Why are they so deadly? Because many motorists travel at speeds approaching 50 miles per hour at intersections and crashes are often t-bone hits where one car is hit either on the driver or passenger door. As you enter an intersection on a green light, look left, then right, then left again. Make sure it’s visually clear before you enter it.
Yellow means slow down, not speed up to beat the red light: Red means stop whether it’s a sign or a signal. If it’s a signal, yellow means slow down and stop! It’s pretty simple. Running stop signs and lights cause many fatalities every year. And remember, a rolling stop is not a stop in the eyes of the law. Would you rather spend your hard earned cash on a ticket or on something enjoyable?
Backing up: Many people back up without looking and that causes many accidents each year. If you don’t believe it, next time you’re walking through a parking lot (don’t do this when driving, it will distract you) check out the back ends of the cars for damage that comes from accidents caused by backing up without looking. Sadly, each year children are run over at home when cars are backed over them. Backing down a roadway is never a good idea either and on limited access highways it’s illegal. Even if it was, it wouldn’t be safe.
Freeway and expressway driving: Freeways and expressways have their own set of driving rules. Closed access highways forbid many things: stopping unless for an emergency, backing up and staying out of emergency vehicle crossover lanes are typical. Because limited access highways usually have higher speed limits, it’s critical that drivers pay attention and follow the rules of the road. One of the most important things to learn as a driver is to properly use the acceleration and deceleration lanes for entering and exiting a freeway.
When you drive safely and courteously, whether you’re on a country road, a city street or a limited access highway you’ll find that most other drivers will be courteous as well. So drive safely and enjoy your trip and consider talking to Statewide Insurance (704)821-7630 if you’re in the market for auto insurance.
Renee KolzowDecember 6, 2011 11:15 amAuto, Featured Articles, On The Road, Safety on the Road
Tags: auto ins, auto insurance quote, auto safety, car ins, car insurance quote, car safety, driver safety, driving safety, insurance agency, insurance agent, vehicle ins
Posted by Benji Riggins on December 22, 2011 under Safety |
Many people are planning year-end holiday festivities. But a report says there are many dangers lurking at these events. And people aren’t paying enough attention.
A MetLife Auto & Home American Safety Pulse Poll says only about a third of potential hosts are concerned about common safety issues. The poll shows many potential hosts are failing to take precautionary steps to prevent unnecessary accidents.
Only about 40 percent are concerned about whether their guests might get involved in a drunk-driving-related accident after consuming alcohol on their property. The majority are not concerned about the potential to be named in a lawsuit should a guest get involved in a drinking-and-driving accident.
Most states offer an injured person, such as the victim of a drunk driver, a method to sue the person who served the alcohol.
The poll also found that two-third of those surveyed weren’t concerned about the potential theft of personal items at the party, despite the fact that in addition to inviting family (86 percent) and close friends (74 percent) to their homes, many people planned on inviting guests they are less familiar with, including neighbors (44 percent), co-workers (31 percent) and casual acquaintances (26 percent). The majority of party hosts (59 percent) said they would not restrict the party to a designated space, meaning the guests would be free to roam around the premise.
More than 60 percent of the party hosts said they have no plan to move or hide their valuables during their festivities.
The poll also noted that many people are planning to leave their homes for an extended period during this holiday season. But one in five travelers said they weren’t concerned about locking all doors and windows, the MetLife poll found. Some 40 percent have no plan to set lights on a timer system or leave lights on while they are away.
Posted by Benji Riggins on December 16, 2011 under Safety |
Hosts Seem Unconcerned About Safety, Liability
As it gets a chillin’, it’s the perfect time to strike the fire, and enjoy the company of family and friends. Opening up one’s home during the holiday season is a heart-warming gesture. All the excitement, however, has some hosts overlooking basic safety issues.
According to MetLife Auto & Home’s American Safety Pulse Poll, only about one-third of potential hosts are concerned about avoiding common safety issues, and taking precautionary steps to prevent unnecessary accidents.
This lack of concern is reason for big worry, considering the last two year’s claim trends during the month of December. For MetLife Auto & Home, fire claims frequency increased by 12.5 percent in December 2009 and 2010. Theft claims frequency increased by 7.7 percent.
“The holiday season and transition to winter in many parts of the country generates higher frequency [certain types of home-related claims] than previous months,” explains Tim Bowen director of homeowners’ claims with Metlife Auto & Home. “We see theft frequency increases around the holidays with claim notices indicating that gifts/recent purchases were stolen. Heating systems are also being used with greater frequency at this time of year and we see more ‘puff back’ type losses with oil fired systems.”
There are a number of everyday safety issues many tend to overlook while planning their parties.
Too Many ‘Cheers’
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is an increase in alcohol-related car crashes and fatalities over the holidays. Yet, fewer than half of Americans or 42 percent are concerned that one of their guests would be involved in a drunk-driving-related accident after consuming alcohol on their property. Fifty-eight percent of respondents to the MetLife Auto & Home survey are not concerned about the potential to be named in a lawsuit, should a guest be involved in a drinking and driving accident.
Blazing Holiday Spirit
Decorating is essential to set the mood for festivities. This holiday season, 91 percent of people plan to decorate their homes, but many may be inadvertently exposing their home and guests to an increased risk of fire, if they’re not careful.
“Only 32 percent of those polled expressed concern that their decorations might pose a fire risk to their homes and to their party guests,” says Mike Convery, chief claim officer and vice president of MetLife Auto & Home. “It’s important for hosts to exercise caution with their decorations, especially wax candles, as December has more candle-related fires than any other month of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).”
The Grinch Didn’t Steal Christmas
Only one-third of those surveyed expressed concern about the theft of their personal belongings during a party. Many are inviting family (86 percent) and closer friends (74 percent) to their homes. Others plan on inviting less familiar guests, including neighbors (44 percent), co-workers (31 percent) and casual acquaintances (26 percent).
Not Home for the Holidays
Many people are planning a holiday trip, instead of a party, as is the case for 65 percent of those surveyed. However, 19 percent of the respondents said they would not lock all doors and windows before hitting the road. Only 61 percent said they would leave lights on or set lights on a timer system when they are away, potentially putting their homes at risk for a burglary.
This is the third survey in the American Safety Pulse polls series conducted MetLife Auto & Home by ORC International. MetLife Auto & Home, a brand of Metropolitan P&C Insurance Company and its affiliates, is one of the nation’s leading personal lines P&C insurance providers.
MetLife Auto & Home has compiled essential holiday party safety information here outlining how Americans are planning for their parties and some potential pitfalls they may face.
Source: www.metlife.com
By Melissa Stewart
December 13, 2011
Posted by Benji Riggins on November 23, 2011 under Safety |
Serafino Alfe was deep-frying turkeys for an annual fundraiser dinner recently and ended up at the Loyola Burn unit with third-degree burns – the worst – on his leg.
“I tripped and fell right into the deep fryer,” said the Mount Prospect (Illinois) resident. “Thirty quarts of hot oil poured over my leg and I basically fried myself.”
In the United States, more than 141 serious fires and hot-oil burns have been reported from the use of turkey fryers over the last decade, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Alfe said he has used a deep fryer for many years and is always careful. “We put the deep fryers on cardboard and I caught my shoe on the edge and just lost my balance,” said Alfe, who will undergo surgery on his injured leg on the day before Thanksgiving. “We were using the older fryers that do not have a secure lid and the gallons of hot oil just splattered out everywhere.”
Taking care to not become a victim of a fire and serious burns applies equally inside the home on Thanksgiving Day, the leading day for cooking fires, with three times as many as on an average day, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
“Cooking remain a major mechanism of injuries for adults, and for children who are underfoot,” said Richard L. Gamelli, MD, director, Burn & Shock Trauma Institute, and Provost of Health Sciences, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Hospital.
Loyola’s Burn Center is one of the busiest in the Midwest, treating nearly 600 patients annually in the hospital and another 3,500 patients each year in its clinic. More than 40 percent of the burn cases are children.
“If a turkey fryer is used the way it’s supposed to be used by people who are not impaired by alcohol or drugs, I think they’re fine,” said Dr. Thomas Esposito, chief of the Division of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care and Burns in the Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. “Injuries from turkey fryers are rare, but when they happen to you or a family member, that doesn’t matter – they are very devastating.”
He said $15 million in annual U.S. property damage is caused by deep fryer fires.
“It doesn’t matter if it is a turkey fryer or a conventional oven, you should always take great care when using appliances, vehicles and any other device that has the potential to cause great harm to yourself and others if used in a careless, irresponsible manner,” Esposito said.
Esposito offered safety tips for those planning to use a fryer:
•Look for the newer fryers with sealed lids to prevent oil spills.
•Keep the fryer in full view while the burner is on.
•Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
•Place the fryer in an open area away from all walls, fences or other structures.
•Never use the fryer in, on, or under a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, deck or any other structure that can catch fire.
•Slowly raise and lower the turkey to reduce hot-oil splatter and to avoid burns.
•Never cook in short sleeves, shorts or bare feet. Cover all bare skin when dunking or removing bird.
•Protect your eyes with goggles or glasses.
•Immediately turn off the fryer if the oil begins to smoke.
•Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don’t mix and water can cause oil to spill over, creating a fire or even an explosion.
•Don’t overfill fryer with oil. Turkey fryers can ignite in seconds after oil hits the burner.
•Keep a fire extinguisher appropriate for oil fires close at hand and be familiar with how to operate it.
•Do not use a hose in an attempt to douse a turkey fryer fire.
•If you do burn yourself, or someone else is burned, seek immediate medical attention.
Source: Loyola University Health System
Tags: auto ins, car ins, cooking accid, home ins, homeowners ins, house ins, insurance agency, insurance agent, Safety, thanksgiving, thanksgiving day, turkey fryer
Posted by Benji Riggins on October 31, 2011 under Safety |
NEW YORK, Oct. 24 — The Insurance Information Institute issued the following news release:
A few basic safety steps, along with an up-to-date homeowners and auto insurance policies, can take some of the fright out of possible Halloween related damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
“If you’re worried about your home or apartment being damaged by a small army of trick-or-treaters dressed like Zombies, Charlie Sheen , Snooki or Lady Gaga–anticipated to be the most popular costumes this year–call your insurance agent, broker or company representative,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore , senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. “They can help explain your insurance coverage, suggest upgrades to your policy and even offer tips to keep your home safe this holiday season.”
Fortunately, your insurance can provide coverage for many possible Halloween-related disasters:
Your home or car is the target of mischief
Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies provide coverage for vandalism. There will be a deductible before your policy starts to pay, but if you suffer expensive damage to your home or possessions you will be financially protected. In the event that your car is damaged by mischievous trick-or-treaters, there is coverage under the optional comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.
There is a fire in your home
If a Halloween candle or electrically powered decoration causes a fire, any damage will be covered by standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. If the fire is significant enough to make your home unlivable, you would also be covered for additional living expenses, such as having to check into a hotel while your home is being repaired.
A trick-or-treater is injured on your property
If a trick-or-treater or Halloween party guest is accidently injured in your house or apartment, you would be covered under the liability portion of your homeowners or renters insurance policy, should the injured guest sue you. Standard policies also include no-fault medical coverage so that the injured guest could simply file their medical claim with your insurance company and avoid a lawsuit. Not everyone is familiar with this coverage, but it provides very important financial protection.
You crash your car into a tree to avoid hitting a trick-or-treater
Of course, we know you will drive slowly and carefully, but if a group of excited trick-or-treaters darts in front of your car causing you to swerve and hit a tree, you should be covered. Accidents that do not involve another driver or pedestrian are covered under the optional collision portion of an auto insurance policy. If another car or person is involved in the accident, the liability portion of your auto policy would kick in.
Some basic steps can make your home safe for trick-or-treaters, so you can avoid Halloween disasters altogether:
Remove all objects around the outside of your house that could cause children to trip or fall.
Turn your outside light on so children will know they can visit your home.
Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns, matches and lighters in a place that children cannot reach. Halloween candles with multiple wicks close to one another are hazardous and should not be used. When lit they can produce a single high flame or several large flames close together resulting in intense heat and the danger of igniting nearby materials such as curtains or window sills.
Keep pets inside and away from trick-or-treaters and lit candles, especially if they are easily frightened or become over-excited in the presence of strangers.
If using decorative lights indoors or outdoors, use lights certified by a recognized organization such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Discard damaged sets. Do not overload extension cords.
Each year, the clock is turned back on the Sunday before Halloween in almost every state, marking the end of daylight savings time. This means that it will be dark in much of the country by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 31, and because Halloween falls on a school day, many youngsters will be canvassing neighborhoods for treats after dark. Motorists need to remember that kids may be distracted by all the costumes and candy. So, drive slowly in residential areas and honk your horns on dimly lit streets to alert children who may not be paying close attention to vehicular traffic. And watch out for youngsters crossing against the light, darting out from between parked cars and walking in the street.
Copyright:
(c) 2011 Targeted News Service
Source:
Targeted News Service
Posted by Benji Riggins on October 24, 2011 under Saving money |
When it comes to cheaper auto insurance, family-friendly four doors are usually your best bet. The humble though still popular Chrysler Town & Country is a sensible car that’s fairly cheap to insure. On the other hand, if imported luxury is your preferred mode of transportation, be prepared for hefty insurance premiums to go with all the trappings.
Knee-buckling beauties like the 12-cylinder Mercedes SL65 AMG can set you back a national average of $3,543.81 per year in insurance costs alone, making it the most expensive car in America to insure, according to data from Quadrant Information Services commissioned by Insure.com. Overall, European brands including Mercedes, Porsche, Aston Martin and BMW are the most expensive to safeguard. Meanwhile, American and Japanese non-luxury minivans, SUVs and sedans make up the 10 least expensive cars to insure, according to Quadrant’s data. The top four cheapest cars to insure are minivans.
For comparison’s sake, Quadrant calculates average annual insurance premiums based on a single 40-year-old male driver with a clean driving record, good credit, and who commutes 12 miles to work each day. The premiums Quadrant comes up with include uninsured motorist coverage with policy limits of $100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an accident, plus a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage. Premium quotes come from six large insurance carriers: State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO, Farmers and Nationwide.
Of course, your own rates may vary based on your personal situation.
And insurance rates can be much higher in certain states. While one might expect that New York and California would top the list of states with the highest average auto insurance premiums, they don’t even make it to the top five.
There are a couple of key reasons why Michigan holds the top spot in terms of costly car insurance according to Insure.com spokesman Emmet Pierce. “Michigan is the only state that guarantees unlimited personal injury protection payments to those who are injured in auto accidents,” plus the state includes assistance to help people with catastrophic injuries to pay for medical care, Pierce explains.
But brand and price aren’t necessarily the only factors that come into play when determining insurance premiums. Age and driving experience of owners are also a factor.
“An inexpensive car can be relatively costly to insure if it appeals to younger, less-experienced drivers who tend to get into more accidents,” says Pierce. For instance, a Kia Rio is definitely not considered a luxury car, but at $1,522, the annual insurance premiums aren’t much less than that of a Corvette two-door coupe which costs around $1,741 per year on average to insure.
Cars on the list of most commonly-stolen vehicles in the country according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau can also be more expensive to insure than those that aren’t on the list. Those particular cars actually tend to be older models that aren’t equipped with the sophisticated anti-theft and tracking devices that newer vehicles have.
Top 10 least expensive to insure (national average annual premium):
10) Toyota Highlander SUV ($1,154.02)
9) Ford Escape XLS SUV ($1,150.26)
Toyota Sienna V6 Minivan ($1,142.94)
7) Honda Odyssey EX Minivan ($1,138.16)
6) Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport ($1,131.27)
5) Nissan Murano SL SUV ($1,127.89)
4) Honda Odyssey LX Minivan ($1,114.62)
3) Toyota Sienna LE Minivan ($1,107.70)
2) Toyota Sienna I4 Minivan ($1,100.66)
1) Chrysler Town & Country LX Minivan ($1,091.80)
Top 10 most expensive to insure (national average annual premium):
10) Mercedes G55 AMG SUV ($3,086.49)
9) Aston Martin DB9 Volante Convertible ($3,088.96)
Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet ($3,092.31)
7) Mercedes CL600 Coupe ($3,114.28)
6) Aston Martin DB9 Coupe ($3,120.45)
5) Mercedes S65 AMG Sedan ($3,220.86)
4) Mercedes SL63 AMG Convertible ($3,263.46)
3) BMW 750Li Sedan ($3,280.70)
2) BMW 750i Sedan ($3,280.70)
1) Mercedes SL65 AMG Convertible ($3,543.81)
Full List: The Most And Least Expensive Cars To Insure
By Althea Chang | Forbes – Wed, Sep 21, 2011 2:12 AM EDT
Posted by Benji Riggins on October 13, 2011 under Safety |
NU Online News Service, Oct. 07, 11:47 a.m. EST
West Virginian deer continue to find the front grills of vehicles—more than in any other state.
Using its claims data, State Farm has again come up with a report on deer-vehicle collisions and has found that for the third straight year, the overall number of these unfortunate encounters in the United States has fallen between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.
However, the average cost of property damage due to these collisions was up 2.2 percent during this period, to $3,171.
But the Mountain State, for the fifth year in a row, tops a list of states with the greatest odds of striking the wide-eyed grazers.
Over the next 12 months 1-in-53 drivers in West Virginia are likely to hit a deer, State Farm says. That’s actually an improvement over the last report, when the odds were 1-in-42.
The likelihood of hitting a deer in eight of the top 10 states form last went down from a year ago. For example, in Michigan—the state with the fifth-greatest odds of hitting a deer—there were 23,000 fewer deer-auto accidents during the latest period compared to the last period.
State Farm says about 1.09 million collisions occurred in from the mid-point last year to June 30 this year. That count is down 7 percent from the same period a year prior.
“It makes sense to us that during these challenging economic times, drivers in the U.S. are logging fewer miles,” says State Farm spokesman Dick Luedke in an email. “Everything else being equal, the fewer miles we drive, the fewer deer we hit.
“But perhaps not everything else is equal,” he adds. “Perhaps there is at least one other factor in play. We would like to think that the attention State Farm and others (including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) have drawn to this issue in recent years has inspired drivers to be more attentive to what they can do to reduce their chances of an encounter with a deer.”
The nation’s top insurer of cars uses its data with licensed-driver data from each state to calculate the odds.
By Chad Hemenway, PropertyCasualty360.com
Tags: auto ins, car ins, deer accid, deer collision, gmac, hartford, insurance agency, insurance agent, MetLife, progressive, vehicle ins
