National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!

Mon, 24 May 2010 16:31:40 GMT

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! As the weather begins to warm up and more motorcyclists get back on their bikes, it’s important to first take the proper precautions to ensure that their riding experience is both safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips for you to take into account before you hit the road again:

(All tips taken from: http://www.allstate.com/motorcycle-insurance/safety-tips.aspx)

Get Ready for Riding Season
•    Test the lights, brakes, and turn signals.
•    Check the oil and fuel levels.
•    Make sure the mirrors are positioned correctly.
•    Check the cables to make sure they aren't worn or frayed.
•    Lube the chain and adjust it according to the manufacturer's specs.
•    Try a rider-training course to brush up on your skills.

Invest in Good Gear
When you're on the open road, there's not much between you and the pavement. Wearing tough gear is always a smart move.
•    Pick a high-quality helmet that fits well. If it doesn't have a face shield, pair it up with goggles or glasses with safety lenses.
•    Use safety as your excuse to shell out for that leather jacket. Get the pants while you're at it. (We know black and bikes are a perfect match, but a bright color will help other drivers see you better.)
•    Wear durable non-slip gloves.
•    Invest in boots or sneakers that cover your ankles.

When You're Out on the Road
Let's be honest: There's a lot of stuff out there that's bigger than your bike. But there's a lot you can do to help keep yourself safe while riding.
•    Always wear a helmet that fits right. Pick one that has the DOT label, which shows that it meets federal safety standards.
•    Know your bike's limits.
•    Stick to the speed limit.
•    Don't tailgate other vehicles.
•    Use your signals.
•    Be respectful of other drivers. Don't weave through traffic or drive on the shoulder.
•    Make sure other drivers can see you. Don't ride in blind spots and always use your headlights.
•    Brake smart. Use both brakes at the same time, slow and steady.

Have a smart and safe motorcycle season!

http://www.allstategarage.com/

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mauricedb/1345801234/ / CC BY 3.0

Insurance Made Simple (pt. 1)

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:03:43 GMT

Here in part 1 of our “Insurance Made Simple” series, we take a look at some of the basic terms and definitions that one should know about any auto policy:

Back in high school when I first started driving, I didn’t think much of insurance at all. If anything, I saw it as just another one of the inconsequential bills that my parents had to pay on a regular basis– y’know, along with other trivial things like tuition or the mortgage. But when I got into my first accident (I, uh, backed into a parked car…sigh), however, it dawned on me that I knew absolutely nothing about my policy. And it was at that point in time that I finally decided to take a little time to better understand the terms of my coverage. I mean, if I’m gonna be crashing into stuff, I might as well know what I’m paying for right?

(All images were taken from Allstate’s Auto Insurance Made Simple site)

Policy period: when the premium is paid by the due date, your policy automatically continues for the time period shown
Premium: the amount paid to insure the vehicle; the total is for all listed vehicles in the policy period

Coverages: if you have more than one car, the coverages will be listed on separate pages for each vehicle
Discounts: any discounts you may have received are listed here
Coverage limit: the maximum limit your insurance company will pay for each covered accident, for each type of coverage
Deductible: the amount you will pay out of pocket for damage to your vehicle for each covered accident

For additional information regarding your auto insurance policy, check out:
http://www.allstate.com/know-your-policy/auto-made-simple.aspx

Relevant Articles:
What is Property Damage Liability Coverage – Auto Insurance Made Simple
What is Property Protection Coverage – Auto Insurance Made Simple
Collision Coverage – Auto Insurance Made Simple
What is Bodily Injury Coverage – Auto Insurance Made Simple

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/horiavarlan/4273168957/ / CC BY 2.0

All Things Wheels Blog

National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!

Insurance Made Simple (pt. 1)