Smart Auto Insurance Blog

According to the article “Vehicle Thieves Rarely Take a Holiday” found on CarInsurance.com, the most cars are stolen on New Year’s Day and Halloween.  In 2009, New Year’s Eve was once again the leader in car thefts based on an analysis by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.  Christmas Day continues to be the day with the fewest cars stolen.

Thieves are not respecting holidays the way most Americans are.  They do seem to have some sort of respect for Christmas Day which is interesting, but other holidays, thieves are out and about looking for targets to steal.  Of the 11 holidays looked at in 2009, a total of 22,991 cars were reported stolen while 24,676 cars were stolen total in 2008.

The good news is that car thefts have been steadily decreasing for the past six years, possibly seven with the preliminary 2010 FBI Theft Data coming out soon.  It’s important that car owners remain aware and take the necessary precautions to prevent car thefts even though the crime is down.  Quotes on auto insurance can even fluctuate based on how likely it is your car type will be stolen.

According to the article “New Year Brings New Insurance Requirements for Texas Drivers” by Spencer Lubitz on KRISTV.com, car insurance quotes are increasing in 2011 in the state of Texas.  Bodily injury and property damage limits are increasing minimum requirements according to Michael Morgan, an agent with State Farm Auto Insurance.

Under Texas’s current minimum liability limits each policy must cover at least $25,000 worth of damages for each individual injured in an accident, $50,000 for everyone hurt in the accident, and $25,000 for property damage for each accident.  After January 1st, 2011, each policy will need to cover $30,000, $60,000 and $25,000 respectively.  The change will only affect policies which currently carry the minimum requirement.  This equates to approximately 50% of Texas drivers.

It’s hard to say exactly how much policyholders will have to pay extra, but any increase in cost is not welcome.  Factors will include car type, age of the driver, and the individual’s driving record.  Although increases aren’t expected to be drastic, insurers recognize in these times every dollar counts with customers and they will be doing their best to ensure competitive prices remain for policyholders.

According to their website, Progressive Auto Insurance has been named one of G.I. Jobs Magazine’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers.  This is huge recognition for the auto insurance company that works hard to ensure their military employers are well taken care of.

Active-duty Reservists who are employed by Progressive receive 100% differential pay and their health insurance remains in effect while they are on duty.  Chris Humlicek, Progressive’s military recruitment director, says they value the experience of military veterans and recruit at military job boards, job fairs, and in military publications.  They find that veterans do very well at Progressive because they’re able to adapt to changes, understand objectives and lead teams.  It’s great to see that major, successful companies are doing the right thing to show military men and women the respect they deserve.

G.I. Jobs Magazine ranks 100 companies every year on criteria, including military hiring practices, benefits, pay policies, veteran training programs, and military recruitment programs.  They compile the list from over 5000 entrants, and only companies with over $500 million in revenue were able to compete.

The Ohio Department of Insurance (DOI) is looking out for its residents as they shop for Ohio auto insurance quotes.  They recently launched the Auto Insurance Sample Premium Calculator according to the article “Ohio Department of Insurance Launches New Online Premium Comparisons Tool” found on Insurance-Business-Review.com.

The calculator is designed to assist Ohio residents in finding affordable auto insurance that fits their personal needs.  The tool is available on the Ohio DOI weblink and can be used to compare sample premium quotes provided by various auto insurance companies throughout the state.  Residents can also receive contact information immediately if they wish to get more information or purchase a policy.

This tool will give the consumer the opportunity to see what rates they may be eligible for as they start looking for auto insurance.  The educated consumer saves more money and this tool will help them with that.  The Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson believes this interactive resource will help consumers quickly sort through their research.  This is a great tool that truly looks out for the consumer in a highly confusing industry and will prove invaluable since all drivers must carry auto insurance.