Archive for March, 2010

Texas Liability Insurance Requirements

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Texas Drivers Must Have Liability Insurance or Face Large Fines

In Texas, if you want to legally operate and register a vehicle you must be financially responsible for paying for injuries or damages that may occur as a result of an automobile accident that is your fault.  The way to do this is to purchase an automobile insurance policy that provides liability coverage at a minimum.  The motorist would then be in compliance with the state and avoid the fines and consequences that are associated with breaking the state’s laws.

Texas takes the financial responsibility law very serious and implements quite severe penalties for any violations.  There are several instances when proof of a valid policy will need to be furnished by a motorist, such as when asked for by a law enforcement officer, at the scene of an accident, at the time of vehicle registration, when getting a driver’s license or when having an automobile inspected.  Failure to provide proper proof of insurance can result in a fine between $175 and $350 for a first conviction, with subsequent convictions resulting in fines ranging between $350 and $1,000, plus suspension of driving privileges and the impoundment of the car.

Do you need affordable auto insurance right now? Put us to the test! We work with a large number of companies to get the most competitive car insurance rates for our customers.  Serenity Insurance offers affordable, low cost, competitive rates on car insurance for Texas drivers. 

Call us toll free – 1-800-774-0520 to obtain a car insurance quote or complete our online Car Insurance Quote request form.

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Feinburg Orders Executive Pay Restrictions for 2010

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Pay czar limits salaries for top executives at 5 bailed out firms

The press announcement from U.S. Treasurry reads:

“Special Master for TARP Executive Compensation, Kenneth R. Feinberg, issued his rulings on 2010 executive pay packages for the `Top 25′ executives at the five remaining firms that received exceptional assistance from taxpayers: AIG, Chrysler, Chrysler Financial, GM, and GMAC. Because Bank of America and Citigroup repaid their exceptional assistance, they are not subject to the Special Master’s 2010 rulings. The Special Master also released a letter requesting information on compensation paid to the `Top 25′ executives at each firm that received TARP assistance before February 17, 2009 to obtain information needed for the `look back’ review required by the Recovery Act”

Source: U.S. Treasury Department’s press release, dated March 23, 2010
http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/tg604.htm

These headlines really caught our eye AIG Increases Compensation for Most Top Managers Who RemainedAIG Unit Feels Effects of Pay Limits and  AIG’s Benmosche Awarded Salary of $7 Million, Feinberg Says  and seem contradictory or misleading.  In part, they may have been written before the Treasury’s announcement.

Let the buyer beware, perform your own due diligence when purchasing insurance.  Serenity does not endorse or provide insurance quotes for American International Group Inc., AIG or any of their subsidiaries.

Do you need affordable auto insurance right now? Put us to the test! We work with a large number of companies to get the most competitive auto insurance rates for our customers.

Call us now toll free at 1-800-774-0520 or fill out a car insurance quote request.

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Safety Advocates Urge Texting Bans for Drivers in All 50 States

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Nearly one in five drivers has read or sent a text message while driving according to recent survey

It seems to be more commonplace to hear news of an accident involving a driver who was distracted by reading or texting while driving. 

We found quite an interesting commentary by Andrew Simpson entitled Don’t Let Research Distract From Safe Driving Efforts which cites safety advocates who have urged texting bans for drivers in all 50 states but an insurance industry study questioned whether these state laws are worth enacting.

“The Highway Loss Data Institute study found that claims rates did not go down after the laws were enacted. It also found no change in patterns compared with nearby states without such bans.”

“One explanation could be an increase in the use of hands-free devices in places with bans on handset use while driving.”

We believe that safe driving includes driving with little or no distractions. Driving requires all of the driver’s attention and each distraction in the car adds yet another layer of risk as further pointed out in this commentary:

“Dr. Amit Almor, a psychology researcher at the University of South Carolina, says language and driving are complex activities that tax the brain in many ways. Almor completed two studies in 2008 and 2009 that looked at the demands on the brain when talking on cell phones while driving. Texting adds another layer of language and motor skills, which Almor warns can make for a lethal combination.”

“Verbal communication is a complex combination of listening, thought generating and talking. Driving involves assessment and decision-making and an array of motor skills,” Almor says. “Talking on a cell phone while driving is distracting and dangerous. Texting is far worse, as it adds another motor skill and keeps the driver in a different mental space for a much longer period of time.”  {Read More}

Serenity Insurance reminds its customers to stay safe while driving. This includes not talking on a cell phone or texting while driving.

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Cheap Car Insurance for College Students

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Buying Car Insurance for College Students

Lots of college students today have a car or are planning on buying one so they are able to commute to college or for other requirements. Before they are allowed to drive a car, they should buy car insurance because liability insurance is required by law in most states. However, car insurance for college students is not cheap and college students don’t have a big budget so it can be pretty tough.

With the internet technology that we have today, it is possible for college students to get very cheap car insurance by first getting a car insurance quote from several car insurance companies. Use a broker or independent insurance agency to get the insurance quotes because they can quote several different companies and you can compare the insurance rates in order to pick the cheaper car insurance.

Car insurance for college students can get substantially cheaper if one makes use of the following tips:

  • Try to keep your driving mileage is at its lowest; use your car only when absolutely necessary
  • Car pool whenever you can, you will be saving not only on insurance but also on fuel.
  • Be a good driver; accidents and tickets will affect your rates
  • Carefully choose the type of car you drive.  Insurance is already going to be rated on college students by their age and locale.  A car with higher safety ratings will have lower premiums than a sports car.

Serenity Insurance offers affordable, low cost, competitive rates on car insurance for College Students. 

Call us toll free – 1-800-774-0520 to obtain a car insurance quote for college students or complete our online Car Insurance Quote request form.

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Types of Motorcycles

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or a first-time rider, being responsible and being safe is what it’s all about;  being responsible includes having motorcycle insurance

Motorcycles have been made for a variety of purposes, but most fall into one of three categories: street bikes, off-road and dual purpose bikes. Street motorcycles are designed for being ridden on paved roads and include: cruiser, sport bike, touring, standard and scooters.

- Cruiser – This type of motorcycle is typified by the design of the American models of the 1930s through 1960s. Due to the fee-forward riding position, these models are generally more comfortable for long distance riding.

- Sport bike – Sometimes referred to as performance bikes, sport bikes emphasize speed, acceleration, deceleration and maneuverability.

- Touring – These models incorporate features designed to address the needs of long distance touring and heavy commuting riders.

- Sport Touring – Sport touring motorcycles combine the features of both sport bikes and touring models. They are designed for comfortable long distance travel with good handling and high performance.

- Scooters and Mopeds - Scooters and Mopeds are becoming more popular because of their fuel efficiency and affordability.  Scooters and Mopeds are intended for in-town commuting and short distance riding.  They are a good way to learn the feel of being on a 2-wheel device before moving up to the motorcycles.

Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or a first-time rider, being responsible and being safe is what it’s all about. Being responsible includes having motorcycle insurance.

Most people rely on obtaining motorcycle insurance to protect themselves against loss in case of an accident. In many states, you must carry basic insurance to cover the cost of losses you cause to others in an accident. If the unexpected happens, motorcycle insurance gives you peace of mind in knowing you are protected.

There are policies for scooters and mopeds also at a lower cost that provides you with similar coverage that the motorcycle insurance policy provides.

Call us toll free:  1-800-774-0520 or use our insurance quote form to obtain a motorcycle insurance quote today.

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Cheap Car Insurance for Teen Drivers

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Cheap car insurance for teen drivers is difficult to find and most preferred carriers consider a teen driver to be a high risk 

Finding cheap car insurance for teen drivers is usually found with non-standard or high-risk providers.  That doesn’t necessarily mean that this insurance is excessively more expensive, it just means that the services provided by these carriers, and the tiers of coverage provided may not be the same as the preferred carriers.

So how do parents go about getting cheap car insurance for an 18 year old? There are a few things that you can do, which will eventually help in reducing premium costs.  For starters, make sure your teenager is well aware of the benefits of a clean driving record. He or she must know that piling up traffic tickets or mixing drinking and driving will have a negative impact on his or her chances of lower rates.  Next, give your teenager a solid car that will ensure safety rather than admiration.  Being low on mileage driven will also help. Less driving means less risk to insurance service providers, so ask your teenager to use the car wisely. Signing up for courses on safe driving will also help in getting cheap car insurance 18 year olds.

Ask for a quote from a broker or independent agent.  You will be able to compare rates and coverage without doing a lot of comparison shopping at individual insurance companies and the broker will generally point you towards the best rate that they have.

Serenity Insurance offers affordable, low cost, competitive rates on car insurance for Teen Drivers. 

Call us toll free – 1-800-774-0520 to obtain a car insurance quote for your teen driver or complete our online Car Insurance Quote request form.

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St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Should Include Plan for Safe and Sober Rides

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Statistics reveal that St. Patrick’s Day has been the holiday with the highest percentage of alcohol-related traffic deaths

If you have plans to party on St. Patrick’s Day, make sure you include a plan for a safe and sober ride home using a designated driver or taxi.

Authorities will be out in full force today and into Thursday morning, looking for drunken drivers. The Department of Motor Vehicles says in recent years, St. Patrick’s Day has been the holiday with the highest percentage of alcohol-related traffic deaths.

This year, DUI/DWI enforcement teams will include seat belt patrols – authorities say 75 percent of impaired drivers killed annually are also not buckled up.

The question many drivers in trouble with DUI face is, “What happens next?” We have put together the DUI Survival Guide to help drivers in trouble by a Drunk Driving Arrest. Should you find yourself in similar circumstances, Serenity Insurance offers confidential, understanding agents who can assist you with your SR-22 insurance needs. Serenity Insurance understands customers that other car insurance companies are reluctant to help. 

Call us toll free today – 1-800-774-0520 or complete our Car Insurance Quote request form.

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Buying a Motorcycle and Safety Equipment

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Tips for Buying a Motorcycle and Motorcycle Safety Gear

Buying a Motorcycle
Before you put down the money to purchase a motorcycle, make sure you’ve done your research and asked yourself the right questions to ensure you buy the right motorcycle for your lifestyle and needs.

  • Am I an experienced rider? 
    If you are not already an experienced, licensed motorcycle rider, you will need to take a motorcycle training course and become licensed.
  • How do I intend to ride?
    The way you intend to ride will define the type of motorcycle you should consider before buying.  Are you interested in cruising the countryside in comfort? If so, you may want to look at a traditional touring bike. However, if you’re looking for speed and high performance, a sport bike may be more to your taste.

Motorcycle Safety Gear
Motorcycle safety gear is one of the most important aspects of staying safe on your motorcycle.  It can protect you in the unfortunate case of an accident.  At a minimum, we suggest that you wear the following safety gear each time you ride:

  • Jacket – either leather or Kevlar that is equipped with reinforced shoulders, back/spine and elbows.
  • Pants – made of leather or non-leather material and should also have padding, removable liners and reflective material.
  • Riding suit that boasts reflective material and armor pads with good ventilation.
  • Gloves – there are different types of gloves for warm and cold weather.  Warm weather gloves have perforated holes for airflow.  Cold weather gloves provide the same protection but are insulated.

Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or a first-time rider, being responsible and being safe is what it’s all about. Being responsible includes having motorcycle insurance.

Most people rely on obtaining motorcycle insurance to protect themselves against loss in case of an accident. In many states, you must carry basic insurance to cover the cost of losses you cause to others in an accident. If the unexpected happens, motorcycle insurance gives you peace of mind in knowing you are protected.

There are policies for scooters and mopeds also at a lower cost that provides you with similar coverage that the motorcycle insurance policy provides.

Call us toll free:  1-800-774-0520 or use our insurance quote form to obtain a motorcycle insurance quote today.

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DUI Survival Guide Helps Drivers in Trouble by a Drunk Driving Arrest

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Drivers Facing DUI and DWI Charges Commonly Ask ”What Happens Next?”

Nearly every day we read or hear news reports about celebrities or well known executives getting news exposure for alcohol related offenses such as receiving a DUI, DWI, having an alcohol related auto accident or much worse, having an accident involving death.  Just this week, a Sports Exec, a State Senator and a Police Chief made news for being charged with a DUI-related offenses. The events following a DUI/DWI are stressful and intimidating enough and those in the spotlight tend to get more than their fair share of exposure:

Yankees executive Mark Newman charged with DUI in Tampa (Source: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2010-03-09-828961517_x.htm)

State Senator Roy Ashburn nabbed on DUI charges (Source: http://www.kvsun.com/articles/2010/03/09/news/doc4b96a167e8a2e702017278.txt)

Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan Found Guilty of DUI (Source: http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20100310/NEWS/100319994/1011/NEWS?Title=Logan-found-guilty-of-DUI)

County clerk facing DUI charge asks for jury trial (Source: http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0310/714584.html)

You don’t hear much about the average citizens’ traffic offenses unless their DWI/DUI offenses are sensational enough to make the news.  In recent days, we found multiple news articles citing DUI/DWI’s by ordinary citizens:

Central Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Driver Fined for DUI (Source:  http://www.dnainfo.com/20100310/central-park/central-park-horsedrawn-carriage-driver-fined-for-dui)

School bus driver arrested for DUI on the job (Source: http://www.suntimes.com/news/24-7/2095524,bus-driver-dui-students-031010.article)

Rehoboth Beach woman charged with fourth DUI (Source: http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0310/714584.html)

Wrong-way driver charged with DWI in NC (Source: http://www.reflector.com/state-news/wrong-way-driver-charged-dwi-nc-26515)

Regardless of how a driver, famous or ordinary is put into the position of defending themselves or dealing with penalties in court, they all will most invariably require an  SR-22 insurance filing.

The question many drivers in trouble face is, “What happens next?” We have put together the DUI Survival Guide to help drivers in trouble by a Drunk Driving Arrest. Should you find yourself in similar circumstances, Serenity Insurance offers confidential, understanding agents who can assist you with your SR-22 insurance needs. Serenity Insurance understands customers that other car insurance companies are reluctant to help. 

Call us toll free today – 1-800-774-0520 or complete our Car Insurance Quote request form.

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Importance of Reviewing Your Car Insurance

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Evaluate your Auto Insurance Policy

As an insurance broker representing multiple A-rated insurance companies, Serenity Insurance advises on the importance of regularly reviewing and evaluating your auto insurance needs. Drivers need to ensure they are adequately covered in event of an accident.

Before renewing your car insurance policy, be sure to mention to your Serenity agent any changes that may affect your policy. Buying a new car, moving, change of employment and commute distance, marriage, divorce, new drivers or adult children moving back home and other life changes can affect your car insurance. 

Accidents, tickets, and DUI’s can affect your car insurance rates. You may also need SR22 insurance. At Serenity, we understand customers that other car insurance companies are reluctant to help and do so confidentially.  Because we represent many insurance companies, we will search for the best SR-22 insurance rates to meet your needs.

Call us toll free today – 1-800-774-0520 or complete our Car Insurance Quote request form.

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