How to Talk to Your Teen About Safe Driving

For many teens, hitting 16 is synonymous with becoming a driver. Although this is an exciting time for teens seeking freedom and more responsibility, it can also be dangerous if they are not correctly prepared. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that driving is the main cause of death for teens in the U.S., so take the time to discuss these safe driving tips with your teen.

Take Them Driving 

It may be difficult to remember all the nuances of safe driving from the kitchen table. That's why the best time to give safe driving tips is in the car itself. Once they have their learner's permit, take your teen on a slow drive with you driving one way and them driving back. This way, you can demonstrate safe driving techniques and then let them practice. This also allows teens to learn how to drive in a safe environment.

Underline the Dangers of Driving

Teens may see driving as a path to freedom, seeing their friends, and having fun. While driving may be the route to all of these things, remind your teen that driving itself should not be purely fun. Explain to them that operating a two-ton piece of heavy machinery should take all of their attention and that there are serious consequences associated with taking their eyes off the road for even a second. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 3,450 people in 2016 alone. Highlight other statistics about unsafe driving from the NHTSA to convey real and possible consequences.

Set a Good Example

From wearing your seatbelt to putting your phone away while driving, it's crucial to demonstrate proper driving tips to teens no matter what. Even younger teens who are years away from getting their licenses will assume that however their parents behave behind the wheel is acceptable, meaning that if you text and drive, they may do it one day, too.

Explain That Driving Is a Privilege

Many teens may see driving as a rite of passage, especially when their friends begin to drive. However, remind them that driving is a privilege that can be revoked at any time. Set clear ground rules, such as no speeding and always wearing a seatbelt. If these rules are broken, suspend their driving privileges to send the message that safe driving behavior is mandatory.

Talking to teens about safe driving is tricky but necessary. Remember that teens are bound to make mistakes, and the right auto insurance can make all the difference. Although Massachusetts may be one of the most expensive states for car insurance, Connell & Curley Insurance Agency Inc. can help you find possible discounts that encourage responsible teen drivers, such as maintaining a safe driving record and good grades. Contact us at (508) 655-1112 to learn more.

Five Ways to Pay Less for Car Insurance

Car insurance is a major expense for drivers, but a necessary one. An auto policy is an investment in legal and safe driving that protects the driver's financial well-being by covering the costs of an accident. Those who feel they are paying too much for car insurance should try these five strategies to lower their monthly policy premium cost.

Avoid Accidents 

It may sound obvious, but driving safely is the best way to keep auto insurance premiums down. The longer a driver goes without having a ticket, accident, or insurance claim, the lower his or her premium costs will be.

Get Quotes Before Buying a Car

Some cars are more expensive to insure than others. Before purchasing that new sports car or fully loaded SUV, get insurance quotes to make sure the full monthly cost to drive the vehicle is affordable. Cars with good safety records and pre-owned cars that have not been in an accident are often less expensive to insure.

Bundle Policies

Purchasing all necessary insurance from a single company can dramatically reduce your rates. When getting auto insurance quotes, look at the cost to combine the car insurance policy with homeowner's or renter's insurance for substantial discounts.

Increase Deductibles

The deductible is the amount the driver pays out-of-pocket in an accident before insurance coverage takes effect. The lower your deductible, the higher the monthly premium cost. Choosing a deductible of $1,000 or more provides the best monthly savings.

Review Insurance Needs

Drivers who have older cars may not need collision or comprehensive coverage. Check the value of the car each year before renewing the policy to avoid paying for unnecessary coverage that exceeds the vehicle's value.

This list of tips gives a great general overview, but it's just the starting point. Drivers in the Natick area can trust Connell & Curley Insurance Agency Inc. to work with them one-on-one, providing more specific insights tailored to their unique situation. Get in touch with us today to discuss your insurance needs with one of our experienced representatives.

Should I Get Renter’s Insurance?

In 2016, there were one million fewer homeowners in the United States than in 2006 according to a study conducted by the Rosen Consulting Group. Especially among those below 40, homeownership rates have dropped to historic lows. This can be attributed to a number of causes, but the end result is that more Americans are renting, and renting later into life, than in previous generations. And yet, while 97 percent of homeowners carry some form of homeowner's insurance, only 37 percent of renters have renter's insurance. There are many practical reasons to have renter's insurance, and here are three people might not know.

It Doesn't Just Protect Your Things 

Most people know that renter's insurance covers losses to personal property like furniture, electronics, jewelry, and other valuables in the rental unit. What many don't know is that most policies also provide liability coverage in the event that someone gets injured while in the rented property. In the event of an accident, renter's insurance can help tenants avoid the expense of a personal injury lawsuit.

Coverage Doesn't Stop at Your Door

A renter's insurance policy extends coverage to the policyholder's personal property, whether that property is in the home, at work, or elsewhere. An auto insurance policy might not cover theft of, say, a laptop from a vehicle. A renter's insurance policy would. One of the best benefits of renter's insurance is that it covers personal belongings from theft or damage even while traveling.

It Doesn't Have to Cost a Fortune

In fact, renter's insurance is surprisingly affordable. The national average for a renter's insurance policy is around $180 per year. The cost varies based on factors such as deductible amount, coverage limit, and location. In Massachusetts, policies are slightly higher than elsewhere in the country, with an average annual cost of $263. Still, in almost all cases people can purchase protection for less than one dollar a day.

Connell & Curley Insurance Agency Inc. has been providing peace of mind to the people of the Bay State for over 50 years. Our highly specialized staff can help you with everything from renter's insurance to health and life insurance. As an independent insurance agency, our business is built on a personal connection developed by going the extra mile for our customers. Fill out our online form or call (508) 655-1112 today to get a quote for your renter's insurance policy.

David vs. Goliath: Should I Use a Small Insurance Agency or a Large National Brand?

When looking for an insurance agency, buyers have seemingly endless options to choose from. Whether shopping for home insurance, auto insurance, or any other type of policy, a quick internet search will likely turn up hundreds of insurance companies, ranging from major carriers like Geico and State Farm to smaller, local carriers like Connell & Curley Insurance Agency Inc. What’s the difference between a large national brand and independent agency, and which is the better option?

Differences Between Small and Large Insurance Agencies 

Many small, independent insurance agencies act as a middleman to help customers find the policy that works best for them. Whereas larger insurance companies only sell their own policies, agents at smaller companies help customers shop around to find the best rates from dozens of insurers. Agents work with the customer to learn about their budget and needs and then compile policies from numerous companies to help the customer choose the plan that works best for them. They can even help the customer shop around again if rates go up when it’s time to renew. This is particularly helpful because larger insurance agencies may only be able to adjust the rate of the policy by decreasing coverage, but an independent agent can find policies that already have lower rates without compromising coverage.

Are Smaller Insurance Agencies Reliable?

While customers certainly appreciate having so many options to choose from, they sometimes question the legitimacy of policies purchased from local companies. This is because the larger national brands, like Geico, Allstate, and State Farm, spend so much money on advertising that they’ve changed the way customers think about shopping for insurance. Their strategic marketing schemes have made customers believe that it should only take a few minutes to get a quote, and that by shopping with larger companies they can save more by using discounts invented by their company, like accident forgiveness. But the truth is that many smaller companies can give better rates without offering these made-up discounts, and because the State Department of Insurance monitors every operating insurer, they’re all just as reliable as the major players in the game.

To learn more about the benefits of working with an independent insurance agency, contact Connell & Curley Insurance Agency Inc. at (508) 655-1112, and we’ll show you firsthand how a small agency will work for you!