We get questions every day from clients asking us how they can save money without jeopardizing the personal insurance coverage they need. This is a great question, and we can offer several ways to help you manage your insurance dollars.

Distracted Driving

Driver distractions are the leading cause of most vehicle crashes and near-crashes. According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involve some form of driver distraction. The distraction occurred within three seconds prior to the vehicle crash!

Driving distractions are an increasing occurrence in America due to the growing use of hand-held devices. Driving is a skill that requires your full attention to safely control your vehicle and respond to events happening on the roads around you. Driving involves constant and complex coordination between your mind and body. Any event or thing that prevents you from operating your car safely is considered a distraction. For example, driving while using a hand-held device increases the likelihood of a car accident by 400%. This has been a factor driving new restrictive legislation in our state, banning hand-held devices while operating a vehicle.

While using cell phones behind the wheel is one of the most talked-about driving distractions, it’s not the only one out there. There are many other things that we do behind the wheel that you may be surprised to find are considered driving distractions!

There is no question; not only has technology made our lives easier, but it is also keeping us safer and helping to keep insurance premiums lower. Let’s look at a few ways technology has helped with your homeowner’s insurance.

These technologies can help lower your homeowner’s insurance cost. Many of these can be controlled through your smartphone, which gives you control no matter where you are.

Home Technology And Safety Equipment

Wireless options for home security and control – Today, you can set up programs that will monitor your home’s lights, temperature, and security, all from your smartphone.

Leak detection systems for water heaters and gas lines – Many of today’s home security systems are designed to detect leaks, furnace failures, and other common household problems.

Smart Batteries – As an alternative to buying a new smart smoke, heat or CO detector, you may want to consider a smart battery, which can power your existing detectors and provide you with alarm notifications on your smartphone.

Security Video – Many internet companies offer home video systems that will allow you to see what is going on inside your home through your smartphone.

Smart Plugs or Outlets – Smart plugs, also known as smart outlets, can provide peace of mind if you wonder whether you remembered to unplug the coffee pot or the iron before you left home.

Home weather warning systems — There are weather warning programs that can detect high winds and identify severe weather earlier than ever before.

Security Detectors – There are many kinds of smoke, moisture, radon, and other detectors that monitor gasses in your home.

Sprinkler Systems – Home fire sprinkler systems are becoming very common in larger homes, and many new building codes require them in some homes. These systems are designed for new construction, but retrofitting costs are coming down as technology improves.

All these systems have helped reduce the number and severity of homeowner’s claims. Even if you do not use these, you are benefiting from those who do.

There Are Many Ways to Get Discounts on Your Auto Insurance

Everyone likes to get the best possible combination of price and coverage on their auto insurance. For the most part, your auto insurance is based on your driving record, and the type of vehicle insured. There are a few things you can control when it comes to purchasing auto insurance. Many insurers offer a variety of discounts that can affect your auto insurance premium savings. Discounts may vary from insurer to insurer.

  • Good student discounts. For teen drivers, this can save hundreds of dollars. Typically, if your student maintains an A or B average, the discount will apply.
  • Multi-policy discounts.
  • Most insurance providers offer discounts to customers who carry more than one line of insurance with them.
  • Drivers education courses. Many insurers offer a discount if drivers have taken driver’s education courses.
  • Military discount. Many insurers offer discounts for military service.
  • Equipment discounts. If your vehicle has special safety equipment, you may be eligible for discounts.

Since 1992, Wayne McCormick has provided homeowners insurance coverage at competitive rates for homeowners and renters in San Diego County and Southern California.

Let us help you save even more by combining your home and auto insurance.  We can also help you can save hundreds on your life insurance, umbrella insurance, motorcycle insurance, boat / watercraft insurance, RV / travel trailer insurance, commercial insurance and more. We even offer surety bonds!