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Tag: Auto Insurance

  • Don’t Make These Distracted Driving Mistakes

    Don’t Make These Distracted Driving Mistakes

    Stay safe on Mesa, AZ roads by avoiding these common causes of distracted driving.

    Distracted driving does not only put the driver’s life in danger, but it also endangers all the other drivers around them on the road. Drivers who use some type of hand-held device while driving are four times more likely to get into a crash. However, cell phones are not the only cause of distracted driving. Avoid these deadliest distractions while behind the wheel to ensure that you make it to all your destinations safely.

    • Smoking – not only is smoking bad for your health, it is also bad for your safety. Smoking distractions include smoking, putting ashes in an ash tray, and lighting a cigarette, all which take your hands off the wheel and your focus off the road.
    • Moving objects – anything that is moving inside your vehicle can distract you while on the road, especially when it comes to having pets in your car. Studies have shown that around 1 percent of accidents are caused by moving objects in cars. However, experts agree that this number is very low because many people are reluctant to admit that they were looking at something else when the crash happened.
    • Drinking or eating – eating or drinking while driving will cause you to take your hands off the wheel and can slow your reaction time, which can increase your risk of getting into an accident on the road.
    • Getting lost in thought – being generally distracted by your own thoughts can lead to very dangerous situations on the road since you are not focusing on the road ahead.

    Along with doing what you can to stay focused on the road, investing in the right auto insurance policy can help to keep you safe. Contact the independent insurance professionals at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona for all of your car insurance coverage needs.

  • What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down On The Road

    What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down On The Road

    Car Safety Tips

    Having your car break down on the road can be very stressful. It can also be very dangerous since you are still in the way of the oncoming traffic. To ensure that you can stay safe during a breakdown, keep these tips in mind.

    • Never get out of your car to look at the damage or try and make a repair if you are on a busy highway. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or off the highway completely before getting out. If you were involved in an accident, motion for the other driver to pull over as well so that you can exchange information in a safe location.
    • If you are not able to move your vehicle because of the damage, use your cell phone to call for help. Standing outside of your vehicle to call for help can put your life in danger. Call the police or a tow truck that will be able to get you to safety.
    • Keep reflective triangles or flares in your car so that you can warn other drivers that your car is broken down once you have made it to a safe location. Placing the flares or triangles behind your vehicle will give advanced warning to vehicles that you are stopped up ahead.
    • If you get a flat tire, never try to fix the problem while in the flow of traffic. Pulling over to the side of the road may mean destroying your wheel, but it is much safer than putting your life in danger.

    Contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona for all of your auto insurance needs. We will work with you to make sure that you have the right amount of coverage for any disaster that you may face on the road, all at the right price to fit your budget.

     

  • Do You Follow The Three Second Rule?

    Do You Follow The Three Second Rule?

    Safe Driving Tips

    Rear end collisions are one of the most common accidents on the road. A rear end collision occurs when the driver in the back does not have enough time to safely react to the slowing or stopped traffic up ahead. Following the three second rule can help you prevent a rear end collision on the road.

    To help keep you safe, the National Safety Council recommends that you keep a minimum three second following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Increasing the distance between you and the car in front of your vehicle can help to give you the time that you need to respond safely to any hazard that you see.

    It is very easy to follow the three second rule in your car. Pick a stationary object on the road, such as an overhead sign or roadside marker, and note when the car in front of yours passes the object. Once the car passes it, count to see how many seconds it takes you to reach the same spot. If it is less than three seconds, back off and increase your following distance.

    The three second rule is ideal for all passenger vehicles during ideal weather and road conditions. When visibility is reduced due to fog, or any other adverse weather conditions, increase your following distance. If you are towing a trailer or driving a larger vehicle, such as a motorhome, your following distance should always be more than three seconds since it will take more time for you to stop.

    Having the right car insurance policy can help to make sure that you are protected from any accident that you face on the road.  Contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona for all of your auto insurance coverage needs to ensure that you have the protection that you deserve.

  • Saks Insurance LLC Offers Tips to Help You Save on Auto Insurance

    Saks Insurance LLC Offers Tips to Help You Save on Auto Insurance

    Car Insurance Savings

    Finding the right auto insurance policy can be much easier said than done, especially when you are looking for your first policy. Knowing how to get the most coverage for your money can help you save on your coverage while having the peace of mind knowing that you have the protection that you deserve. Keep these tips in mind to help you choose the right car insurance policy for your needs.

    • Stay safe – being a good, safe driver every time you are on the road can help you save more than 50 percent on your auto insurance compared to drivers that have a high number of accidents on their driving record.
    • Take a class – enrolling and passing a state approved safe driving class can help to decrease the cost of your auto insurance premiums.
    • Buy the right car – if you are in the market for a new vehicle, look for a model that has the newest safety features, such as an alarm, anti-lock brakes, automatic seatbelts, and airbags which can help you save money.
    • Increase your deductible – your deductible is what you will pay out of your own pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. typically, the higher your deductible is, the lower your monthly premiums will be.
    • Bundle your coverage – insuring more than one on your auto insurance policy, or bundling your coverage with your other personal insurance policies can qualify you for various discounts, helping to save you money.
    • Low mileage discounts – if you work from home or have a very short commute each day, you may be able to benefit from a low mileage discount with your auto insurance policy.

    For all of your auto insurance needs to keep you protected on the road, contact the insurance professionals at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona.

  • Texting and teen drivers: 5 things parents must know

    Your teen receives a text. Thumbs flash, head bends forward, eyes only on the tiny screen in hand; the urge to connect, nearly irresistible.

    It is hard to imagine your teen (or any other teen) not responding.

    But that is exactly what young drivers must do to help stay safe on the road.

    Considering teens’ desire for constant connection, that is not always happening. And the results are often tragic. In 2010, 11 percent of young drivers in fatal crashes were distracted; of that number, nearly one out of five were using cell phones, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

    Here are five things that you can do to help prevent your teen from texting.

    1. Accept that your teen driver is more likely to text than an adult, and will do so in more risky situations, according to research from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
    2. Know the facts about the effect of texting. It may only take a driver’s eyes off the road for a few seconds, but that is the equivalent of traveling the length of a football field at 55 MPH without looking at the road, increasing the risk of crashing or nearly crashing 23 times, according to research from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
    3. Adopt a “coaching approach” to share these facts in regular conversations with your teen about their overall driving. Provide clear instruction, expectations and support. And consider putting it all in writing in a simple, parent-teen contract.
    4. Consider technology that can be installed in your vehicles to help you coach your teen to become a safer driver. The technology can help you learn about your teen’s driving habits. Some provide feedback when a driver brakes harshly – often the mark of a texting driver, suddenly refocusing on the road and spotting the rapidly approaching bumper of the car in front of them.
    5. And do not text while you are driving

    Contact Us!

    At Saks Insurance, LLC., we can work with you to make sure you have the coverage that you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

  • Be Careful When Playing With Fire  

    Be Careful When Playing With Fire  

    wood fireIt’s a great feeling to hang out with friends and family around a blazing fire in your backyard here in Arizona — unless, of course, that fire blazes a little too much.

    While a fire pit can be a wonderful addition to your home, all fires are potentially dangerous. So before you sit down with some marshmallows to roast, we here at Saks Insurance, LLC. have gathered up some tips to help you keep that fire in the pit (and away from everything else).

    Are you legal?

    • Before building or buying a fire pit, check the regulations in your area to learn about restrictions.
    • Your fire pit may be legal, but a fire might not always be. Monitor and follow community burn bans. Log on to http://www.maricopa.gov/aq/Default.aspx to check on the air quality in your neighborhood (or download the application  to receive air quality alerts on your smart phone)
    • Be respectful. Nothing can extinguish the good vibes of a nice fire more quickly than police complaints from smoked-out neighbors.

    What kind of pit do you want?

    • You can buy a fire pit or build one. If you choose the latter, there are plenty of resources online to help you design it. Don’t dig a hole just anywhere and throw some rocks down. Put some thought into it and you’ll have a better — and safer — spot to enjoy.
    • If you want convenience, a propane model might be right for you. They produce less smoke and have an adjustable flame.

    Ready to build your fire?

    Actually, you probably aren’t ready yet.

    • First, ensure the area under and around the fire pit is clear of flammable materials. Keep the pit itself at least 10 feet from any structures.
    • Before you start the fire, have a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy.

    Okay, now are you ready to build your fire?

    • Choose hard, seasoned woods. Sparks from softer woods like cedar can increase the danger of igniting something nearby.
    • Don’t use liquid fuels, even lighter fluid, to get your fire going. And don’t burn paper, cardboard, leaves, garbage, etc.
    • If you have a metal fire pit, don’t overload it and always use the included safety screen.

    Is the fire out?

    • When you’re done, spread out the ashes and let them cool off for a bit. Then gently pour water or sand over them. Stick around for a little while to watch for flare-ups.

    We want you to have plenty of nice, warm nights — without getting burned. Here’s to making memories around the fire!

    Contact Us!

    At Saks Insurance, LLC., we can work with you to make sure you have the coverage that you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

  • Tips to Help Keep Your Teen Driver Safe on the Road

    Tips to Help Keep Your Teen Driver Safe on the Road

    female driver looks out the car windowIt’s an exciting time in teens’ lives when they first begin driving, but it’s also an extraordinarily dangerous time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for kids and young adults ages 14 through 18.

    Despite this, the NHTSA says just 25 percent of parents have a serious talk with their kids about the key components of safe driving. So, with National Teen Driver Safety Week coming up October 19-25, here are five recommended rules to spell out before your teen gets behind the wheel:

    1. Absolutely no alcohol.
      There is no legal limit for alcohol when it comes to teen drivers. Having any amount of alcohol in their system is illegal for all those under 21, everywhere. On average, according to the NHTSA, 25 percent of deaths in motor vehicle crashes involve a teen driver with a blood-alcohol content of .01 or higher.
    2. Seat belts required.
      Drivers and passengers ages 16 to 24 historically use seat belts less often than other groups. Let teens know that seat belt use is non-negotiable. It’s the easiest way to protect themselves in a crash. And, set a good example by buckling up yourself.
    3. Never speed.
      Teenagers may like to push the limits, but the road isn’t the place to do so. Speeding doesn’t simply put them at risk for a ticket. It increases the risk of a deadly accident as well.
    4. No calls, no texts.
      It’s never a good idea for anyone to call or text while driving, but, because teens lack experience behind the wheel, distracted driving is all the more risky. Reaction times are slower when someone is distracted. Even worse, sending or reading a text means a driver’s eyes aren’t on the road.
    5. Only one passenger (or zero, depending on your state’s licensing guidelines for young drivers).
      As the number of passengers rises, so does the risk of a fatal crash, the NHTSA says. Think back to when you were a teen driver — how different were your actions when you had friends in the car versus when you were alone?

    Let young drivers know that driving is a privilege and that you’ll take away the keys if they don’t drive safely. Having regular conversations about safety, practicing driving together, and leading by example go a long way in ensuring your teen makes smart decisions when they get behind the wheel.

    But there’s another simple step you can take to get on the same page about your family’s rules of the road. Create a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement that puts your rules in writing to clearly set expectations and limits. Work with your teen to outline hazards to avoid and consequences for breaking rules.

    Keep it on the fridge and update it as your teen gains experience and more driving privileges.

    Link to Parent / Teen Driving Agreement http://www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/pdf/patk_2014_teenparent_agreement_aap-a.pdf

    Contact Us!

    At Saks Insurance, LLC, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

  • A Little Extra Caution Can Go A Long Way While Driving At Night

    A Little Extra Caution Can Go A Long Way While Driving At Night

    Road pirate goes fast through the city streetsSummer has ended, and while fall and winter have their own pleasures — and cooler temperatures — longer nights mean increased danger on the roads.

     

    You might think you drive just as well at night, but consider this: Even though nighttime driving accounts for just 23% of vehicle miles traveled, more than 50% of fatalities for vehicle occupants 16 and older occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the National Safety Commission (NSC).

     

    Because we’re big advocates for safety at Saks Insurance, LLC., we thought it would be helpful to take a look at why night driving is more dangerous, and what you can do to decrease that danger.

     

    What’s dangerous about night driving?

    1. Decreased vision. We won’t go into all the biological details, but different parts of the eye (such as iris, pupil and retina) work differently at night. Your peripheral vision is actually slightly improved, but it’s more difficult to focus on objects ahead of you. And traveling between well-lit areas and darker roads creates issues as well.
    2. Driving too fast for your headlights. Depending on vehicle speed and headlight setting, many people “over-drive” their headlights. That means, by the time they see something on the road, it’s too late to stop in time to avoid it.
    3. Impaired judgment. Whether due to drowsiness or the use of alcohol or drugs, it appears that drivers at night often don’t use good judgment. According to the NSC, 66% of fatalities at night involve vehicle occupants who weren’t wearing seat belts.

     

    So what do you do?

    Sometimes, there’s no way around driving at night. So here are some tips to help you make a safe trip — whether you’re just running to the store, or you’re headed all the way to Flagstaff.

     

    Make sure your vehicle’s lights are in good working condition. And not just headlights, but turn signals, tail lights, etc.

    1. Avoid speeding. Leave a bigger cushion between you and other cars than you would during daylight hours. Leave yourself more time for the trip.
    2. Be more aware of your surroundings. You shouldn’t be using your phone, messing around with the radio or trying to find something on the floor while you’re on the road anyway — and distractions are even more deadly at night.

    Of course, if you’re not comfortable driving at night, the best thing is to avoid it altogether if possible. There’s nothing wrong with asking for a ride from a trusted safe driver or waiting for the sun to come out!

    Contact Us!

    At Saks Insurance, LLC., we can work with you to make sure you have the coverage that you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

     

  • What to Put in Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

    What to Put in Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

    If a massive disaster wiped out power to your region right now, with no hope of recovery for at least several days, would you be ready? Would you have a way to connect with your family? Would you have enough nonperishable food for everyone? In short, do you have the right plan and supplies to get through an emergency?

    In the insurance business, we know a little something about helping people recover from disasters. And we know that a little preparation goes a long way. So here are some tips from the Red Cross, Centers for Disease Control and others on what you should put in an emergency preparedness kit for you and your family:

    • The big stuff: food and water
      At home, consider keeping a two-week supply of nonperishable food on hand in a safe, dry place. You might already have a head start on this, depending on what’s in your pantry. You also need a two-week supply of water, according to the Red Cross. That’s one gallon per person, per day. And don’t forget your pets. They’ll need their food and water as well. For evacuation situations, take a three-day supply of the above.
    • Safety items
      If the power is out for an extended period, you’ll need flashlights or battery-powered lanterns (with extra batteries). A portable, hand-crank radio will ensure you stay informed on the situation. A first-aid kit is also a must, along with at least a week’s worth of any medications that family members need. Emergency blankets and warm clothes are crucial if the weather is cold. And don’t forget personal hygiene items.
    • Paperwork
      You could be forced to evacuate, so it’s important to have certain things down on paper — for example, family and emergency contact information. You’ll also want to keep copies of personal documents, such as proof of address, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies.
    • Other items
      There are a multitude of other things you can include in your kit, of course. A multipurpose tool, extra cash and maps of the area are a few recommendations, along with games and activities to keep the kids occupied, if needed.

    Above all, consider the unique needs of you and your family when putting together your kit. Put everything in labeled containers that can be accessed quickly and carried if necessary. Once you’ve created your kit, check it once per year for expired items, including medications, and missing supplies.

    Of course, we hope you never have to use your kit. But it’s far better to have one you don’t need instead of needing one you don’t have.

    Contact Us!

    At Saks Insurance, LLC, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

  • Stress Free Holiday Cooking

    Stress Free Holiday Cooking

    Many of you are planning an amazing feast for your family, some of which you may only see this one time of year. So the stakes are high for that perfect, memorable dinner that will keep them coming back year after year.

    Creating the “perfect” holiday dinner can also add a lot of stress to the season, with extra shopping, menu planning, cleaning and prepping added into the regular chores of the day. And this stress can not only take its toll physically, but can also cause a higher abundance of household accidents to occur in the kitchen, potentially the most dangerous room in the house. What other room has fire and knives, out in the open, for everyone to use? And when cooking in a rush, while doorbells are ringing and children are crying, it’s easy to forget the proper use of and placement for these potentially dangerous items.

    So, a few tips for making it easier (and safer) this holiday season:

    Simplify the menu – Think quality over quantity, and create the menu and shopping list ahead of time to limit last minute trips to the supermarket.

    Organize your shopping to reduce stress – All of your canned items and liquor and pantry items can be purchased weeks ahead, so the last minute shopping should only be for fresh food items. This allows you to dodge the crowds and get in and out of the store quickly. We’ve all seen that overwhelmed person with an overfilled shopping cart and crying children lagging behind the night before a big holiday, don’t let this be you!

    Ask for help! – Your friends and family want to help and spend time with you – this is where the memories are made. You don’t have to do it alone.

    Be prepared – Know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it!

    Delegate responsibly – Avoid letting your tipsy Uncle Harry deep fry the turkey. Fryers and grills are best kept to the sober expert.

    Keep the little ones out of the kitchen – you may be too distracted to keep your eyes on them – and their little hands – away from the hot burners.

    Just a little preparation ahead of time will help keep the stress levels low and the joy levels high!

    Contact Us!

    At Saks Insurance, LLC, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

    WE WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM ALL OF US AT SAKS INSURANCE, LLC.

  • Preventing Identity Theft

    Preventing Identity Theft

    Your Identity Belongs to You. Protect It, Too.

    The best way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you’ll be able to lessen problems by being prepared to act quickly.

    Start with Good Preventive Habits

    • Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place.
    • Shred papers with personal information.
    • Reduce your credit card accounts, and carry only the cards you need.
    • Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely.

    Watch Your Accounts Closely

    • Review balances and transactions often by phone or online.
    • Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate.
    • Sign up with Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch service that will report directly to you.

    If Identity Theft Happens to You

    • Report to the police immediately and make several copies of police report.
    • Call your credit card companies and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
    • File a Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Complaint and Identity Theft Affidavit.
    • Have your bank place an alert on your driver’s license number and Social Security number, and freeze your account.
    • Call fraud units of the credit report agencies Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

    Tools and Resources

    Federal Trade Commission identity theft line and websites

    Social Security fraud line

    • 800-269-0271

    Credit reporting agencies

    At Saks Insurance, LLC, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

  • Top 10 Ways to Honor a Veteran on Veterans Day

    Top 10 Ways to Honor a Veteran on Veterans Day

    Americans celebrate Memorial Day in the spring and Veterans Day in the fall. While it can be easy to confuse the two holidays, Memorial Day is set aside to honor America’s war dead; Veterans Day is intended to honor the service of all U.S. veterans, both living and dead.

    In fact, celebrations surrounding Veterans Day often place a special emphasis on thanking all living U.S. military veterans who have or are currently serving in any U.S. armed service. And it’s the perfect time for all Americans to show appreciation for their service.

    The best way to thank a military U.S. veteran for his or her service depends on the individual and his or her needs. But the most important thing is to do something to show your gratitude.

    Here are 10 ideas to get you thinking about how to be grateful for veterans on November 11.

    1. Raise. Display the American flag in your yard to demonstrate your support of veterans everywhere.
    2. Listen. Strike up a conversation with a disabled or homeless veteran and be an active listener as you hear about their experience.
    3. Speak. Simply say, “Thank you” to veterans you see.
    4. Reach out. Contact a veteran whom you know and spend some quality time together.
    5. Support. Send a donation to organizations that support the special needs of veterans.
    6. Find. Trace your ancestry and identify how many veterans are in your family.
    7. Write. Send a letter to someone who’s currently serving in the military.
    8. Visit. Visit a disabled veteran in his or her home or a homeless veteran on the street.
    9. Learn. Educate yourself on the challenges veterans face when retiring from service to rejoin civilian life.
    10. Share. Use your social media to help celebrate Veteran’s Day and acknowledge the service of all veterans.

    To all our American heroes, we thank you for your service to our country.

    Did you know? Veteran’s Day is always celebrated on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week. It’s also a federal holiday, so federal government employees take the day off on Monday if the 11th falls on a Sunday, and they take the day off on Friday if the 11th falls on a Saturday.

    Contact Us!  We have a company that offers special discounts for teachers, police officers, firefighters, active and retired military personnel!

    At Saks Insurance, LLC, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!