Winter Driving: A Few Things to Remember

Headlights should be on
Four-wheel drive won’t help you stop any faster
Abrupt action while steering, braking or accelerating could make you lose control of the vehicle.
Make your own driving decisions. Cruise control can’t see ahead or judge the condition of the road.

Source: Standard Mutual Newsletter

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Winter Driving Tips

Preparing your vehicle for the winter season now will help ensure your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.

1. 
   
   Have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle: battery; wipers and windshield washer fluid; antifreeze; ignition system; thermostat; lights; exhaust system; flashing hazard lights; heater; brakes; defroster; oil level.


2. 
   
   Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. You may also want to carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle for heavy snow conditions. This depends on the laws of your state. Check your state and county laws to see what is allowed on the roadway.


3. 
   
   Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal and maintain at least a half tank of gas throughout the winter season. It may also be beneficial to carry a bag of salt or sand in your vehicle. Not only does this give a little extra weight in the vehicle but can be used to give extra traction if the vehicle gets stuck in the snow or on ice.


4. 
   
   Finally, plan long trips carefully. Listen to the local media report or call law enforcement agencies for the latest road conditions.

Source: New York State Emergency Management Office website

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at http://www.marsinsurance.com/

The difference between Comp and Collision

Do you know the difference between Collision coverage and Comprehensive coverage for your vehicle? First up -- these are the two main coverages that protect your car:

Collision: With Collision coverage, the insurer will pay to repair damage to your car when you hit, or are hit by, another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. When you buy Collision, you choose a deductible, typically $250 or $500 but can go higher. This is the portion you pay if you have an accident. Remember, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. The insurance company then pays for the remaining costs to bring your vehicle back to pre-accident condition.

Comprehensive: With Comprehensive coverage, the insurer will pay to repair damage to your car that's caused by something other than a collision, such as fire, theft, vandalism, hail, or flood. They also pay for damage caused by hitting an animal, and they pay for a rental vehicle if your car is stolen when you have rental coverage listed on your policy as an additional coverage. Like Collision, when you buy Comprehensive, you choose a deductible.

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at http://www.marsinsurance.com/

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