car insurance Archives - Comedy Defensive Driving® Fri, 05 May 2023 00:52:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Male v.s. Female Drivers https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/male-v-s-female-drivers/ Tue, 23 Jan 2018 16:36:11 +0000 https://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=6624 It has been an ongoing argument since the caveman invented the wheel (or was it Fred Flintstone?) that men are better drivers than women. Or are they? Statistically, more men die in car crashes than women. But, statistically, men drive more than women. My own personal observation regarding male vs female drivers is that men…

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It has been an ongoing argument since the caveman invented the wheel (or was it Fred Flintstone?) that men are better drivers than women. Or are they? Statistically, more men die in car crashes than women. But, statistically, men drive more than women. My own personal observation regarding male vs female drivers is that men are more confident in their driving skills. That’s not saying that they’re better drivers than women, but when asked if they consider themselves good drivers they always say yes (without hesitation). Women don’t brag about their driving skills and typically answer with a simple “I’m just okay.” Of course skill is an important factor, along with maturity and responsibility.

Of both genders, a majority of men don’t wear safety belts. Statistically, men drink and drive more than women. They tend to tailgate more and are or aggressive drivers. And men typically drive faster than women and take more risks. That is why the Department of Motor Vehicles warns that testosterone fueled male drivers are risky business, making their insurance higher than females since they stand a much higher chance of getting in an accident. Owning sports cars or muscle cars are also costly to insure. So, while vehicular fatalities and insurance rates are higher for males, women are said to still make a lot more mistakes behind the wheel causing fender benders, but not necessarily fatalities.

Although the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety claims that teenage girls are twice as likely as teenage boys to engage in texting or talking on the phone while driving, scientists say that men get distracted more easily than women.

Perhaps with seat belt laws, air bags and newer safety technology in cars, we won’t even be having this “who’s the better driver” conversation. Especially when all cars are self-driving.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Male v.s. Female Drivers – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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Auto Insurance Rates https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/auto-insurance-rates/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 14:54:45 +0000 https://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=5955 Parents of teenage drivers always have a barrage of advice for keeping auto insurance rates down. Who better to ask, than those who have experienced the pain in the wallet and who have already done the research? More often than not, I hear from these parents “Insure the car, not the kid.” Although, for some,…

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Parents of teenage drivers always have a barrage of advice for keeping auto insurance rates down. Who better to ask, than those who have experienced the pain in the wallet and who have already done the research? More often than not, I hear from these parents “Insure the car, not the kid.” Although, for some, this may be the solution to keeping your rates down, insurance companies know that you have a teenage driver living under your roof. My agent actually asked me if I wanted them to add my teenager to my policy. My daughter has been living away from home for three years now and my insurance rates are still pretty high. But, she has yet to change the address on her driver license and car registration and they both have my home address on them. I’m sure that’s why my rates did not decrease back to normal when she moved out. Teenage boys’ insurance rates can be upward of $400 per month, even with nothing on their driving record. And, boys’ insurance rates have always been higher than girls’ insurance rates. Still, when I put my daughter on my insurance policy, my rates more than quadrupled! Thank goodness she was born a female and not a male. I was curious as to how much my insurance rates would have increased if she were born a son. So, I did the math. And it actually would have been cheaper to send her to Sweden and get a sex change than it would have been to put “him” on my insurance policy. And she probably would have gone along with it. She’s a pretty easy going kid.

The bottom line is, insurance is all about risk. And few understand how to assess risk better than insurers. The factors in determining your insurance rates when evaluating those risks include:
• Age (rates generally go down at 25 and increase again at 62)
• Gender
• Zip Code (inner city or rural)
• Vehicle Type (sportscar or mini van)
• Marital Status (married is cheaper but totally not worth it…trust me)
• Driving Record (accident and citation history)
• Annual Mileage
• Credit Score
• Own or Rent Your Home

So, who actually receives the cheapest auto insurance rates??
• Females
• Over 25 Years Old (but under 62)
• Married (ugh..there we go again…)
• Vehicle is Older and Less Expensive
• Clean Driving Record (no accidents or citations)
• Live in a Rural Area
• Low Annual Mileage
• Good Credit Score (ugh..there we go again…)

At the end of the day, these drivers cost the insurers less money because they are a lower risk. So, if you want to know how to lower your insurance rates, here are a few options.
• Increase Your Deductibles
• Lower Your Maximum Coverage Limits (this is “iffy” since you must have the proper legal minimums in your state)
• Take a Defensive Driving Safety Course every three years
• (If you are a student) Maintain a High GPA
• Make Sure Your Car Has The Newest Safety Features (air bag, alarm, etc.)
• Maintain a Clean Driver Record (again, taking a Defensive Driving Safety Course to dismiss a citation will help)
• Move Outside of the City Limit
• Drive Fewer Miles
• Improve Your Credit Score

Just keep in mind, though, the company with the most attractive rates may not always be the best option for you. Shopping around for better rates with these points in mind will save you money. And we all know that the money we save can be used for other important expenses, like paying off our liquor store credit card charges.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Auto Insurance Rates – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Automobile Insurance https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/automobile-insurance/ Tue, 09 Feb 2016 05:36:22 +0000 http://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=5817 Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. And, with higher risk comes higher cost. While a large number of drivers are not insured, the rest of us are paying extra for underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage. It is understandable that some drivers simply cannot afford automobile insurance. Some states have programs to help cover the…

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Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. And, with higher risk comes higher cost. While a large number of drivers are not insured, the rest of us are paying extra for underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage. It is understandable that some drivers simply cannot afford automobile insurance. Some states have programs to help cover the high cost of insurance. Surely there is a qualification process, but it’s nice to know there’s help out there. Getting caught without liability insurance coverage is a serious violation, one that comes with strict penalties, ongoing surcharges and a permanent smudge on your driving record. In addition, high-risk drivers, especially DUI and DWI offenders must maintain an SR-22, which is also very pricey.

If you are paying a car loan, you must keep collision insurance until the car is paid off. Unfortunately, most people choose to change their coverage to liability only, once it is paid off to suit their budget. But, in the event of a collision, if you were at fault, your insurance would only pay for the other car’s repairs and not yours. There again, we’re looking at a higher cost issue. Paying for your own repairs or possibly having your car totaled, now you’re without wheels. You have to depend on rides, use the local transit system (if there is one available) and may lose income as a result. It could be a spiral downward, and just because you couldn’t or wouldn’t afford liability insurance.
Although you must have insurance, you don’t have to pay Neiman-Marcus prices for it. Most drivers are eligible for insurance discounts, and don’t even know it. You can receive benefits for merely driving safely or doing well in school. Apparently there are many things that determine your insurance rates. What you drive, your age, your gender, your zip code, your marital status, whether or not you own or rent your home, if you have any points or tickets on your driving record and even your credit score.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Automobile Insurance – Comedy Defensive Driving

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TexasSure https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/texassure/ Wed, 22 Apr 2015 19:18:26 +0000 http://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=5422 In Texas, 1 out of every 5 vehicles is uninsured. Now Texas knows which ones they are via the TexasSure Vehicle Insurance Verification program. So, police who are patrolling know when they run your plates or scan your registration sticker if you have liability limitations or not. And, now that they have implemented the Texas…

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In Texas, 1 out of every 5 vehicles is uninsured. Now Texas knows which ones they are via the TexasSure Vehicle Insurance Verification program. So, police who are patrolling know when they run your plates or scan your registration sticker if you have liability limitations or not. And, now that they have implemented the Texas Two Step Program which combines the inspection and registration into one sticker, when you renew your registration, they already know if you have insurance coverage as well. The current minimum liability insurance in Texas covers $30,000 for each injured person (up to a total of $60,000 per accident) and $25,000 for property damage.

So, what if you can’t afford insurance? Well, you really can’t afford not to have it. The Driver Financial Responsibility Program has put a kibosh on drivers with no insurance. The citation for no liability insurance is a heft fine between $350 and $400. And the second violation is around $1,000. Plus you will get your car impounded and have a two year driver license suspension. In addition, you will receive a surcharge, annually, for three years of approximately $260 per year (money you could have used to pay for insurance). And, it will remain on your driving record FOREVER. And forever is a long time. Those of us who have liability insurance are paying higher rates for uninsured and under insured motorist coverage because of the 1 in 5 drivers without insurance. So what about college students, single parents and elderly drivers who cannot afford insurance? If you’re having trouble paying for insurance or have been denied coverage, you can seek insurance through an association of insurers called the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA). And you can access more information about them at taipa.wpengine.com/faq/taipa-fags/. In addition, if you have a car that is 10 years old or older, you can get state assistance to get your car repaired so it will pass inspection, or even get state assistance to purchase a newer car. That link is http://www.nctcog.org/trans/air/act/.

Those of us who do have insurance carry uninsured and under insured motorist coverage, usually carry the minimums. And most newer cars cost an average of $30,000 and up. So make sure those minimums are enough to pay for ALL of the damages, should your car be hit by an uninsured driver. Having to pay money out of your own pocket to get your car fixed (especially when it wasn’t even your fault) would be a real drag.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

TexasSure – Comedy Defensive Driving

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How Age Affects Auto Insurance Rates https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/age-affects-auto-insurance-rates/ Tue, 03 Feb 2015 07:05:21 +0000 http://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=5346 This is yet another shameless way to promote Defensive Driving. This much I will admit. Not only will you learn about new traffic laws, and a good refresher course on evasive driving, but most insurance companies still offer a three year insurance discount for attending one. We are all well aware that new, inexperienced drivers…

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This is yet another shameless way to promote Defensive Driving. This much I will admit. Not only will you learn about new traffic laws, and a good refresher course on evasive driving, but most insurance companies still offer a three year insurance discount for attending one. We are all well aware that new, inexperienced drivers pay higher auto insurance rates. Those rates typically go down at age 25, with a clean driving record. But once you hit the ripe age of 70, your insurance rates will likely go right back up. I, for one, wanted a better understanding of how age affects auto insurance rates. So I did a little research on the subject.

Since the invention of the automobile and automobile insurance, young male drivers’ insurance rates have always been higher than young women. Boys tend to drive faster and take bigger risks. I suppose that is why. I asked two young men, between 17 and 19 years of age, what they pay for their monthly premium. One said $460 and the other said $416. And, remember, that’s what they pay each month! I thought, thank God I have a daughter and not a son. If I had a son, it would be cheaper to send him to Sweden to get a sex change than it would to put him on my insurance policy.
I have also recently discovered that young men seldom wear seat belts. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s just not that cool. But, when asked, they tend to admit that it’s just too darned uncomfortable. My Mother says the same thing. But, I’m not surprised that her generation resists wearing a seat belt, since wearing one was only an option, and not a law until 1986. Actually, my Mother’s exact words are “It’s uncomfortable and will wrinkle her outfit.” Not like going through the windshield won’t put a wrinkle in your outfit, and your head, etc.

So, we know why young drivers pay higher rates. What about insurance rates increasing for elderly drivers? Apparently, age leads to impaired vision, poorer cognitive functioning, changes in physical functioning and typically high use of prescription medications help boost up the rates for these folks.

Of course, what kind of car you drive, where you live and how much you drive factor in to your final rate. So, moral to the story, if you’re between 25 and 70, you should be spending those years celebrating your lower insurance rates. These are your glory years!
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
How Age Affects Auto Insurance Rates – ComedyDefensiveDriving.com

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The Financial Responsibility Program https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/financial-responsibility-program/ Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:47:57 +0000 http://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=5228 We’ve come a long way. When I moved to the Lone Star State in the late 70’s, nearly every pickup truck had a gun rack mounted in the back window with a big ole rifle on display for all the World to see. Then I moved to Northern California, where every pickup truck had a…

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We’ve come a long way. When I moved to the Lone Star State in the late 70’s, nearly every pickup truck had a gun rack mounted in the back window with a big ole rifle on display for all the World to see. Then I moved to Northern California, where every pickup truck had a wine rack mounted in the back window. Not really. I just thought I’d try it out. Not funny? Well, let’s move on then. One thing that has certainly changed in Texas (that has been an ever-looming problem) is making sure that all drivers carry insurance and are therefore “financially responsible.” It’s called the financial responsibility program. In the past, it was easy to fool law enforcement regarding auto insurance coverage. You could get a new policy, pay the first month’s premium and never bother to pay the remaining premiums. But you’d still have an insurance card that showed coverage for 6 months. Then, when that date passed, move on to another insurance company and do the same thing. Now, with the Texas Sure Program, police computers are linked up to a network with insurance providers. So they know if your insurance is valid or not. No liability insurance carries a hefty fine as well as the possible impoundment of your vehicle. You must pay a $260.00 surcharge, annually, for three (3) years and it remains on your driving record FOREVER. There are still people driving around with no liability insurance. And, those of us who are financially responsible are all paying extra for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage because of those people.

So, “Yay” for modern technology. We all understand that insurance rates are climbing. And, with the economy, it’s difficult to pay high insurance rates. You can always take a Comedy Defensive Driving class taught by real comedians to get an insurance discount for three (3) years. Not only will it lower your insurance rates, but it’s also a nice refresher course. There are also websites that will give you several quotes at once so you can compare rates. As I mentioned, you must keep a current insurance policy. But you don’t have to pay Neiman-Marcus prices for liability insurance. Who wants to spend a bunch of extra money on insurance when you have better things to spend your money on? (such as Jack Daniels).

Until next week…be financially responsible.

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

The Financial Responsibility Program – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Tips for Getting Better Insurance Premiums https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/tips-for-a-better-insurance-premium/ Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:31:56 +0000 http://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=2963 Here in Texas, you absolutely must have automobile liability insurance, or what they call “financial responsibility” … it’s the law. Two things that stay on your driving record indefinitely are a DWI (fair enough…that makes sense) and no proof of liability insurance. And it stays on your driving record…forever! We also have what they call…

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Here in Texas, you absolutely must have automobile liability insurance, or what they call “financial responsibility” … it’s the law. Two things that stay on your driving record indefinitely are a DWI (fair enough…that makes sense) and no proof of liability insurance. And it stays on your driving record…forever! We also have what they call the TexasSure program. Through this system, the police already know if you have liability insurance when they pull you over. If you don’t have your updated insurance card in the car with you, they will likely still write you a ticket. At the very least, you may need to take off work to go to the court house and show them your proof of financial responsibility. And they will dismiss your ticket but still make you pay a small administration fee. So, hours lost on the job alone will add up, financially. Always keep your updated insurance card in your car.

My insurance, because I am older and hadn’t had a ticket in a long while was only $61 per month. That was for full coverage insurance, which included road side assistance, towing, and many extras. I was pretty happy with that rate, until I added my 17 year old daughter to my policy. I added her to my policy online…with my fingers crossed. But my rate still more than quadrupled. So I am currently shopping around for better insurance rates. I’ve noticed that most of the larger insurance agencies are pretty competitive in price, right now. So I found a similar policy which is a much more manageable price for me. It doesn’t send up a red flag to your insurance agency when you shop for rates. And, as stated, you must have insurance. But, you don’t have to pay Neiman-Marcus prices for your automobile insurance. Besides, who wants to spend a bunch of extra money on insurance when you have better things to spend your money on (like my buddy Jack Daniels). So it doesn’t hurt to compare quotes now and then.

I have found that the best way for keeping my money in my own pocket is to follow my own mantra…or what I like to call “tips for getting better insurance premiums”:
1. Drive like a nervous Chihuahua, looking out for cops, and most importantly distracted drivers (ones on their phones).
2. Take a defensive driving class every three years for an insurance discount.
3. Keep your tires, fluids, brakes and all in top condition to prevent freak accidents.
 
A defensive driving class may cost you a little money and a little time, but will afford you a three year insurance discount, typically 10% (but the discount can be anywhere between 8% and 15%). That’s a nice savings, and every bit helps in this economy. Plus, you will learn about new laws and tips to be a better, safer driver. You will be able to rub shoulders with other bad drivers…uh, I mean students…and compare notes. Also, communicating with your insurance agency about tips for a better insurance premium will also help. They will be thrilled that you have chosen to take a defensive driving class. It just makes sense that they would prefer to insurance a better, safer driver.
Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Comedienne / Artist / Writer

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Driver Responsibility Verification Program – TexasSure https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/driver-responsibility-verification-program-texassure/ Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:15:07 +0000 http://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=2711 The last time I got pulled over by Johnny Law (and that was his real name…no kidding), he scanned the registration sticker on my windshield. I suppose he did this to see if it was counterfeit. But he didn’t ask me for proof of liability insurance. I had heard that the police can pull that…

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The last time I got pulled over by Johnny Law (and that was his real name…no kidding), he scanned the registration sticker on my windshield. I suppose he did this to see if it was counterfeit. But he didn’t ask me for proof of liability insurance. I had heard that the police can pull that up on their computers now (in between checking their Facebook) so they don’t usually ask you for it. In other words, they know if you have current coverage or not. And, of course, I did. I may be a speeder, by I’m a responsible speeder. This automated database is a joint project of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, the Texas Department of Insurance and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Most states have a similar program. Here in my state TexasSure is designed to reduce the number of uninsured drivers and cut costs for those of us responsible Texans, who now pay almost $900 million a year to protect ourselves against those  irresponsible drivers without coverage. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 15% to 20% of Texas drivers are uninsured.

You must have auto insurance in Texas…it’s the law. And if you get caught driving without minimum liability coverage to pay for injuries and damages that you cause, you are subject to fines and loss of license. TexasSure relies on a massive database containing the names of all insured drivers and their insurance companies, matched to their license plates and VIN’s. So, when a driver is involved in an accident or stopped by the law, they had better have current minimum liability insurance. If not, the fines are up to $350 on the first offense and up to $1,000 and possible suspension of your license on the second. Plus a state surcharge of $250 per year for three years. And, if you continue to break this law, you can be arrested. I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t do well in jail. I don’t like peanut butter or bologna.

Until next week…drive safe, be responsible and drive TexasSure.

Daun Thompson

Comedienne/Writer/ Artist

TexasSure – Comedy Defensive Driving

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SLOW ON THE GO https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/slow-on-the-go/ Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:49:40 +0000 http://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=1872 I am the adult child of elderly parents. My mother, who I still fondly refer to as “Old Yeller” used to drive around like a total maniac. Making certain that each one of us kids were seat belted, of course, so they could identify our remains in a crash. She’d drive with one arm on…

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I am the adult child of elderly parents. My mother, who I still fondly refer to as “Old Yeller” used to drive around like a total maniac. Making certain that each one of us kids were seat belted, of course, so they could identify our remains in a crash. She’d drive with one arm on the wheel, while the other arm was just swinging away at us in the back seat of the car. We were terrible kids, all four of us girls. My dad, the poor guy, was totally outnumbered. So he spent most of his time at the local pub. While all of the other kids in the neighborhood were being threatened by their moms “When your father gets home, you’re in really big trouble,” my mother would threaten us in her own wayIF your father EVER comes home, you’re in really big trouble.” That’s how she became known as Old Yeller. She was the disciplinarian.
Now, I drive my parents around. And they don’t complain (much). They don’t prefer to drive much, either due to their slower reflexes, nervousness and sheer terror of being flipped off by a teenager. So now, I have to make sure they’re seat belted and don’t have to stop to use the potty (that’s kind of true).
I recently spent a week in Florida, where they winter. Now, if you’ve never been to Florida, here’s what you can expect to see (besides Mickey Mouse), a whole lot of trailer parks, retirement communities, medical complexes and funeral homes. In fact, they have that cemetery in Orlando “Trailer Park In The Sky.” Okay, I just made that last part up, but I’m not trying to be ugly. And this much is true, my mother calls Florida “Heaven’s Waiting Room.” And now I see why. I had always heard that, because most Floridians have relocated there from other states in order to retire (65+ and I put the emphasis on the plus), it’s a scarry place to drive. And you can just forget about riding a motorcycle there.
Did you know that the first speeding ticket was issued in the U.S. on 5/20/1899. And I think the man it was issued lives two doors down from my parents. I didn’t know that it was possible for someone to live 112 years, but now I do. That’s probably why there’s a sign at the entrance to their gated community that says “Welcome to Autumn Leaves…Enter At Your Own Risk.” There’s not one erect mailbox on their street. By the way, this is the only time you will see anyone use the word erect in a story about elderly people.
Young, inexperienced drivers do get a bad rap, but statistics show they pale in comparison to accidents caused by elderly drivers. Slow reflexes, confusion, lack of coordination, hitting the gas instead of hitting the brake…these are all common issues. Or, just being plain old crabby. My father feels that anyone driving slower than him is an idiot and anyone going faster than him is a maniac. Some people complain that the elderly drive too slowly. While some believe that the elderly don’t drive badly, they’re just the only ones with time to actually do the speed limit. My sister says that anyone who drives under the speed limit should be “humanely euthanized.” I suppose she’s adopted that phrase after having worked at an animal clinic for years. Working with animals has also inspired her to become a vegetarian, because she loves animals and would never eat one. But she hates people and would totally eat a person if she had half the chance.
I have noticed that, when my parents are back in their own home town, they are more apt to drive with confidence and ease. Ten years ago, an auto insurance company survey showed that the reason 10% of accidents occur near your home, while only 17% occur more than 20 miles away is because people tend to sharpen their focus more on longer trips. While they tend to drive more careless in their “familiarity zone.” And, since most driving is done close to home, there you have it.
It’s just easy for some people to get irritated at elderly drivers. And, yes, some should not be allowed to drive. But consider this… when your aging parents are required to surrender their driving papers and issued their walking papers, it’s all about losing their independence that hurts them the most.
Until next week…be nice to old people.
Daun Thompson

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Car color and insurance rates https://dev.comedydefensivedriving.com/how-does-your-car-color-affect-your-car-insurance-rates-defensive-driving-another-way-to-color-your-world/ Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:31:51 +0000 http://comedydefensivedriving.com/blog/?p=628 My dear old friend, Ray Pascoe, purchased a new car last Fall.A hot little Corvette convertible…in a sweet cherry red (a.k.a.mid-life crisis red).He claims that, prior to purchasing the “vette”, he had gotten one speeding ticket in the last 21 years! Since he purchased the car, within 6 months, he’s been pulled over at least…

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My dear old friend, Ray Pascoe, purchased a new car last Fall.A hot little Corvette convertible…in a sweet cherry red (a.k.a.mid-life crisis red).He claims that, prior to purchasing the “vette”, he had gotten one speeding ticket in the last 21 years! Since he purchased the car, within 6 months, he’s been pulled over at least twenty times. He is now convinced that the combination of“sports car” and “red” have cost him lots of money and grief (as well as ribbing from all of his friends).

I recall the day he got his first ticket in that car. He was on the phone with me…in an active school zone…hello??? Totally distracted. All excited. Telling me all about his new car…not realizing that he was speeding right through a school zone…with the yellow light flashing…between the hours of “I can’t afford this” and “what was I thinking??”. A Corvette probably idles over 20mph (as do the pacemakers of those who drive them), so he’d likely have to ride his brake through any school zone, regardless. And really??? 20mph? If you were going any slower, you’d be in reverse. But little ones…they’ll run right out in front of you. They can’t be responsible for their own actions. That’s why there are so many rules/laws in school zones. So, bam! Nice double whammy! Cited for both speeding and talking.

Here’s the funny part…He says “Hey, I’m getting pulled over by a Cop in a school zone”. I tell him “I suggest you hang up the phone, Goober, you’re going to get a ticket for that!” And he says (no kidding..you can’t even make this $#!+ up…) “Should I tell him I’m on the phone with you??” (like I’m a World famous defensive driving instructor, right?) I tell him “No! And don’t give some Cop my name. I don’t need my name written down in some Cop’s notebook”. He ended up getting three tickets from that Officer. One for speeding through an active school zone. One for talking on a hand-held device in an active school zone. And the third one?? I don’t even know. Maybe he was cited for having a mid-life crisis. Now he is absolutely convinced…that darned red Corvette is a Cop magnet.End of the story??? Almost. The Corvette is for sale. Dirt cheap. With low miles, too, since it spent most of its life at the city impound.

So here are my questions:

Do car insurance companies use the color of your car to determine your rates?

Do certain colors increase your chance of an accident?

Do people with yellow cars really get less speeding tickets than those with red cars?

Did I unplug the iron before I left the house?

These were questions that plagued me. But they were thought provoking questions. And, God knows, that some of us need to be provoked to think.

Seems like anywhere I’ve lived (Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, California, Nebraska, the Dallas County Correctional Facility for Women…just kidding…about Nebraska…who the hell do you know that’s actually from Nebraska?? ) people seem to agree that, at least in those states, the police tend to target the red sports cars. But not in California. People in California are so cool, mellow and laid back. Hell, it’s no wonder they’re 3 hours behind New York. In Cali, they’re more concerned about the environment than they are speeders. Their littering fine is cheaper than manslaughter. A study shows that their top “magnet” vehicles for being profiled by the law for getting the most moving violations are not the red cars…the sports cars. They target cars that aren’t up to their emissions codes, cars that pollute and gas guzzlers. I read somewhere that their #1 car for being targeted by the police is the Hummer. Doesn’t the Govenator drive a Hummer? I hear he has a fleet of them. Their least targeted car in California, just like most places?? You got it! Electric cars, hybrids, Oldsmobiles, Buicks, family mini vans, station wagons, white serial killer vans with no windows…cops never pull them over, do they??…until it’s too late.

According to my insurance agent, there are no official statistics to reinforce the urban legend about red cars getting more tickets. The lack of statistics makes it impossible to say which color cars get more tickets. But police and insurance companies deny any link between red cars and the increase of tickets and accidents. In general, driving the speed limit, stopping at red lights (all of them, please), yielding to oncoming traffic, and making your cell phone calls when you are completely stopped (no, don’t finish your text at a red light) is always a good idea and will probably keep your rates low, no matter what color car you drive.

So, does your car insurance company use color to determine your premium? The answer is no. If you want that mid-life crisis yellow or red car, go right ahead and get it. We all deserve a laugh!

Until next week…be safe….and take your fiber….

Daun Thompson

( Daun Thompson is a comedienne, writer and an instructor at Comedy Defensive Driving School in Texas, filling in for Danny Keaton while he is touring the Pacific Northwest and Great Southwest… he’s fine by the way…I just sent him gas money… )

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