There are a couple of companies I have in mind which have a reputation as being unbeatable in terms of rates and service. The funny thing is, we can usually beat either one, sometimes by a wide margin. So, the conventional wisdom is not always to be trusted in the insurance world. An independent agent can steer you to the best deal.

Hints as to who I'm thinking about:

• Should you really be surprised that a company that specializes in retired veterans has rotten rates for teen drivers?
• Can a company that specializes in farms and rural property really offer the best rates in town? 
  

That's right! Our best auto company for preferred risks has actually dramatically lowered their rates for customers with good credit and excellent driving records. In fact, three of our other auto companies have taken similar decreases. There's never been a better time to have an independent agent look at your coverage. And there's more to this than saving money. Many of our clients use some of their savings to improve their coverage. Let us work with you to find the best cost/coverage mix.

70 Rules of defensive driving #9: Don't run red! (and watch out for those who do)

"In the defensive driving world, we say, "the green light anticipator met the red light procrastinator." The collision of these two is usually a "T-bone" - where the two vehicles meet at a 90 degree angle. It's not a "nice" collision. The typical speed through an intersection is over 50 mph! You'd find this is one of the most commonly fatal collisions - one in which seat belts and normal rear-firing air bags won't help you much." 

"Be careful around intersections. If you get a yellow light, stop. You can anticipate when the light is about to change, so it is no excuse to say it was too late. If you have the green light, watch for the red-light runner—look left, right, then left AGAIN to make sure the intersection is going to be safe before you enter it, even on one-way streets (because somebody might be going the wrong way AND running red lights). Red light runners are often speeding as well, so make sure you look down the road far enough to see them coming."

I've been a victim of just such a red-light t-bone. It was no fun. Another foot or two forward and I probably wouldn't be here.

http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/content.php?16-Defensive-Driving-Rule-9-Don-t-Run-Red
 

70 Rules of defensive driving - #8: Motorcyclist, Protect Thyself!

"An acquaintance of mine, 'Eric', was sitting in his driveway, on his shiny new Harley, polishing the gas tank. He lost his balance, fell over, and hit his head on the cement driveway (no helmet, as he wasn't going anywhere). He died 3 or 4 days later. You can suffer fatal head injuries in an impact as low as 4 mph." 

I remember hearing just a few years ago about a famous drag racer who wrecked his little "pit bike" at very low speed...and died.

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