SafeDrive

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Rotary Club of Thomasville. (2014).  Everyone knows that safe driving is dependent upon safe driving habits. We know that when people drive defensively and courteously, when traffic laws are obeyed, when drivers exhibit clear-headedness and common sense, our highways and streets are more likely to be safe and accident-free. The streets, highways and intersections in our community are generally safe. However, as in most towns, there are some locations which – because of traffic load, road conditions, the effects of weather, driver error and a host of other factors – present real danger to drivers. Some of these hazards have existed for years; others are new. Some are just temporary; others will be present for a long time. Some are quite obvious to experienced drivers; others are less obvious and – particularly to unsuspecting young drivers and new drivers to the area – present significant risks.

SafeDrive is an initiative to make drivers in our community aware of the most serious driving hazards in and around our area. The goal of SafeDrive is to give drivers – especially young drivers and their parents – the chance to see and experience these driving hazards under more controlled circumstances. It is hoped and believed that awareness of the hazards and a controlled first experience with them will increase the odds that when these hazards are encountered again under real-life driving conditions, young and new drivers will be better equipped to deal with them safely.


Eight Tips For The Road Ahead: Be Safe, Be Smart On A Long-Distance Road Trip

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Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile. If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips, courtesy of Coffee Insurance Agency:

  1. Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.  
  2. Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.  
  3. Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.  
  4. Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.  
  5. Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.  
  6. Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.  
  7. If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.  
  8. Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence.  

To learn more about what an independent insurance agency offers you, please give us a call at 229-226-2480.

Shedding Light On Car Insurance Savings

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It can be easier than you think to put the brakes on high auto insurance rates – as an independent agency, Coffee Insurance Agency can help! We can review your policy and possibly help you find a variety of illuminating ways to save money. Here are some things you may want to consider:

  • Ask us to check several companies’ rates. This is the single most important thing you can do to get the best possible rate—and we can do it for you quickly and easily. The difference between the highest and lowest rate available to you from different companies could vary by hundreds of dollars.
  •  Reduce or drop physical damage coverage on an older car. Depending on your car’s age and where you live, comprehensive and collision coverage may not be worth keeping. We can give you advice on whether it makes sense to reduce or drop this coverage altogether.
  •  Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $500 to $1000 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 to 30 percent. In addition, because the average driver files a collision claim only once every ten years, odds are that over the lifetime of your car, a higher deductible will save you money. We can show you how raising your deductible will lower your premium.
  •  Look for discounts. Many insurance companies reduce premiums for certain driver traits or car features. For example: being a homeowner for more than three years, nonsmoker, nondrinker, students with good grades, senior citizens who have taken an approved defensive driving course, people who only drive for pleasure, cars kept in garages, antilock brakes, antitheft devices, air bags, etc. Ask us to check.
  •  Don’t assume having your car and home insured by the same company is the best option. Because auto insurance rates vary so much from company to company, it may make sense for you to have your car and home insured by separate companies. Let’s talk about it.