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1:21 AM

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk has a history of putting his money where his proverbial mouth is. He famously backed the resale value of early Model S vehicles with his own funds, for example. Now, he's using some of his company's money to stand behind the safety advantages of the Autopilot autonomous driving technology. The California-based electric-vehicle maker may be partnering with a couple of insurance companies overseas to start offering policies on the luxury vehicles. Specifically, drivers in Australia and Hong Kong may soon be able to buy into this Tesla-backed insurance option, Electrek says. The InsureMyTesla websites weren't revealing much as of this morning.

Tesla is apparently working with AXA General Insurance in Hong Kong, and with QBE Insurance in Australia. Australian policies start at about AUD $1,200 ($900) a year, which on the surface seems to be a pretty good deal to insure an $100,000-plus car. Some of the plans even offer full-vehicle replacement for Teslas that are less than three years old.

The new service comes at an important time because human error causes about 90 percent of all car accidents, and Tesla continues to make its case that Autopilot and other autonomous-driving features will prevent a lot more accidents than they cause. And for those mechanically-inept among us, the policies can also cover Tesla Wall Connector devices in case those get trashed.

A Google search does turn up a revealing InsureMyTesla PDF (here), with details like a maximum of $2,500 per policy period for lost keys and broken locks. But, clicking on the two InsureMyTesla sites directs users to Tesla's Support page. Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from AutoblogGreen about the apparent new program.

As for Autopilot, there have been a string of admittedly high-profile accidents – one was reported in Chinaearlier this month – in which the driver blamed Autopilot. The company has generally said the drivers are mistaking Autopilot for a fully-autonomous driving system or that they thought it was on when it wasn't.
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1:17 AM
It's an inescapable truth: Your insurance premiums will go up - and may even double according to Bankrate - when you add a new, inexperienced driver to your policy. Insurers take a risk when covering new drivers, and though they adjust premiums accordingly, they also recognize that some new drivers are less likely to have accidents than others. And for those that meet select criteria, they offer discounts.
Grades and premiums can go hand in hand
Teens who earn good grades tend to be more responsible than those who don't, and insurers theorize they're less likely to take reckless chances behind the wheel. If your teenager maintains a B average, he may qualify for a discount on his insurance. If your new driver is in college, he must be enrolled full time for at least 12 credits per semester. His good grades may save 15 to 35 percent on your premium, depending on your insurance company and your state.
Your new driver attends school away from home
Insurers are aware that young adults who attend school away from home might not take the family car with them. Let your insurance company know if this is the case. Most impose some restrictions, such as that the new driver must attend school at least 100 miles away from home, but most companies will insure your young driver for less than the full yearly rate if he's only behind the wheel on holidays and during the summer months. Don't remove him from your policy altogether in an attempt to save money. Odds are he's going to ask you for your keys over Christmas break. This discount isn't available for older students, and the cutoff is usually age 23.
Driver safety courses lower rates
Safe-driving courses, programs, and classes can lower premiums. Some insurers offer classes on their websites. Your new driver can watch a class or take a test online, resulting in a financial break for Dad and Mom. Other insurers may require that your teen register for and attend a driving school. Even if there is a fee for the class, you'll save far more on reduced insurance coverage than the school costs you.
Technology is your friend
Not all first-time drivers are teens. You might qualify for discounts on insurance even if you're insuring your mother who's finally getting her driver's license. Whether your new driver is 16 or 60, ask your insurance company about monitoring devices. Allstate offers one called Drivewise. It fits under the dashboard and generates a driving report showing how many times Mom hit the brakes hard or how fast your teenager was driving. Some insurance companies slash premiums up to 30 percent in exchange for good reports.
Ask about safe driver refunds
New drivers of all ages can benefit from accident forgiveness policies like the one Liberty Mutual offers. Your premiums won't jump after just one fender bender, but don't expect the same if a second incident occurs. Some companies award long-term safe drivers with discounts. If your new driver stays on the road for a few years without mishap, your premiums should drop, or you'll receive a refund for a portion of the higher rate you were initially required to pay.
What's he driving?
Don't tweak your premiums by dropping your liability coverage, since it pays for the other car's damage should your new driver cause an accident. Instead, if you bought your teen a $2,000 car, you might not want to carry comprehensive or collision coverage. These coverages pay for damage to his vehicle. If you can pay out of pocket for repairs or for a new cheap car, there's no need to pay increased premiums for coverage you don't really need.
While you're deciding on wheels for your teen, keep in mind that a new car comes equipped with a few safety devices and extras that can earn you a discount and give you peace of mind. Anti-lock brakes and air bags have long been acknowledged as safety features, but new developments can affect insurance premiums as well. Look for collision-avoidance systems, lane-departure warning systems and adaptive cruise control for potential savings on your insurance premium.
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7:08 AM
car driving down road
A large number of people are misinformed about SR-22 insurance, if they’ve heard of it at all. In this article, we’ll bust some common myths so you’ll know what to expect if you ever find yourself in the position of filing for an SR-22.
Myth: SR-22 insurance will replace your auto insurance
The fact that it’s called SR-22 insurance is a bit unusual because it’s not insurance by itself. An SR-22 is simply a certificate of financial responsibility to prove that you have auto insurance. If you already have auto insurance, you only need to add an SR-22 to your existing policy.
Myth: SR-22 insurance is a penalty for traffic violations
While several traffic violations on your record may result in an SR-22 status, so can various other transgressions. These may include driving with an invalid license, driving under the influence, causing several accidents, driving without insurance and more.
Myth: SR-22 insurance is permanent
While an SR-22 may be required for several years, it is a temporary status. You will be informed how long you must maintain SR-22 insurance, which is largely based on state regulations and the severity of your transgression. But be on your best behavior because your SR-22 period can be extended if you commit another violation during this period.
Myth: SR-22 insurance is costly
Technically, an SR-22 status only requires one affordable flat fee upon filing the form. However, your auto insurance rates are likely to increases due to the more high-risk nature of your new driving record. But it would be inaccurate to say that the SR-22 is costly, being that it’s simply a bit of paperwork that accompanies your auto insurance policy.
Myth: SR-22 requirements do not transfer if you move to another state
You are required to fulfill your SR-22 period even if you move. However, while you must maintain an SR-22 status for as long as your previous state mandates, you must follow the minimum auto insurance requirements of your new state. Ask your independent insurance agent for details.
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7:06 AM
rv driving down road
An investment in RV insurance can help anyone to enjoy the open road easier. Like most insurance products, this policy works to help individuals reduce the financial risks they face when using or storing their vehicle. What makes an RV different from a typical car or truck is its increased value. In short, these vehicles are worth more, are used both on the road and off. Since they are quite large, they may be more at risk than you realize. But, all of this doesn't mean you have to pay more for the insurance protection you need. These tips can help keep your costs lower.
Get a Few Quotes
One of the best ways to reduce costs is to compare numerous policies to each other. There can be significant differences between policies and carriers. Don't assume that RV insurance is equal from one provider to the next. Discuss the coverage you wish to find with your independent insurance agent, who will then be able to find a few policy quotes for you to choose from.
Keep Costs Lower by Bundling Services
RV insurance requires multiple components. Liability, property value and uninsured/underinsured driver coverage are all worth your consideration. You'll also want to consider additional options, such as coverage for storage, flood insurance and other specific products. When you purchase more than one policy from the same company, you'll likely get a lower cost. You can also bundle your RV insurance with your homeowners insurance, auto insurance and other products you have. This can help reduce the costs across the board.
Get Coverage for When You Need It
One way to further reduce costs is to purchase the type of insurance for when you’ll need it. For example, if you do not drive your RV all year, you may not need all components of your on-the-road plans all year long. While you have your vehicle stored and not in use, purchase RV storage insurance. This way, you still have protection from fire, damage and theft, but at a much lower cost since you’re not facing road risks.
Add Safety Devices
RVs that have safety features built into them are often less expensive to insure because of the reduced risk. You can save money by having anti-theft devices and safety devices installed, for example.
Be a Good Driver
There is nothing more expensive to your budget than avoidable extra costs due to poor driving habits. Avoid speeding and keep a clean driving record. And, avoid claims against your policy for minor problems.

Put these savings tips into place and you'll save significantly on the RV insurance you need to have. Better yet, you'll have peace of mind knowing you have a quality plan in place.
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2:30 AM
cop writing traffic ticket
SR-22 auto insurance can be a confusing topic, and one that many people don’t know about unless they’re ordered to purchase it because of a driving infraction. What is SR-22 insurance and why would you need it? This article answers some frequently asked questions, with information specific to our home state of Missouri.
What is SR-22 Insurance?
Filing for SR-22 coverage provides a guarantee to the Missouri Department of Revenue that you own an auto insurance policy that includes at least the minimum state liability coverage limits.
Who Needs an SR-22 Filing?
SR-22 insurance, or high-risk auto insurance, is required of drivers who have suspended or revoked licenses due to drunk driving, too many traffic ticket points or parking violations, uninsured accidents and more.
How Long Does SR-22 Status Last?
Depending on the severity of the infraction, you can typically expect to maintain SR-22 status for one to three years.
What Happens if My Coverage Lapses?
If you fail to maintain your auto insurance, your insurer will inform the Missouri Secretary of State that you are no longer carrying the required coverage. Your license will be revoked until you reinstate your insurance.
Can I Send an SR-22 Filing With My Current Auto Insurance Policy?
Filing an SR-22 acts as proof of insurance, but in most cases, that filing can be attached to your existing auto insurance policy, so long as your coverage meets state requirements. However, filing an SR-22 generally results in a substantial premium increase so it may benefit you to ask your independent insurance agent to find you the best deal.
Can I Get SR-22 Insurance if I Don’t Own a Car?
Even if you don’t own a car, you can file for a non-owners policy in order to maintain SR-22 coverage when driving any vehicles.
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10:00 AM
cars lined up in row
Imagine this. You're driving along and another vehicle runs right through a stop sign and hits the passenger side of your car. Once you stop shaking, you can at least breathe a sigh of relief that the accident wasn't your fault, and the other driver's insurance should take care of things. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
Despite laws in nearly every state requiring auto insurance, one in seven drivers in the USA goes uncovered. That's according to an industry group that estimates 13.8 percent of motorists are uninsured, a number that has climbed during the economic downturn as many financially-pressed Americans allowed their insurance to lapse.
That's where supplementary uninsured motorist coverage kicks in. By adding this to your policy, you protect yourself against drivers that either leave the scene of an accident, or just don't have insurance.
This insurance also covers you if the other driver is simply underinsured. When the at-fault driver's limits are too low to cover the property damage or medical expenses, your own insurance will step in to cover the difference.
Many drivers already have uninsured/underinsured coverage because it is required in 21 states. If it's not required you can easily add it to your policy to protect yourself against this type of situation. It will be more expensive in states that have a higher percentage of uninsured drivers. Florida, Oklahoma, Mississippi, New Mexico, Tennessee and Alabama all have uninsured rates close to 25 percent. In contrast, New York, Massachusetts and Maine are all below five percent.
For questions about uninsured/underinsured coverage, talk to your independent insurance agent. If it already exists on your policy, then you can rest easy. For those that need to add it to their policy, the peace of mind is worth it knowing you are protected even if the person causing the accident is not.
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8:00 AM
 Bank_Holiday_Traffic_Jams
There’s a cracking letter in The Times today from Andy Cole in Cleethorpes.
Mr Cole was responding to a claim by Professor John Miles of the University of Cambridge that driverless cars will reduce traffic congestion.
That’s certainly the accepted wisdom – driverless cars will be safer and better able to drive and park efficiently in all road and motorway situations. Their on-board sensors and satellite connections will steer them clear of trouble and enable them to avoid jams by identifying, in real time, the best route from A to B.

Wise words

I for one certainly accepted that wisdom. But Mr Cole has given me serious pause for thought.
He says the argument that driverless cars will ease congestion is inherently flawed. The very characteristics that are supposed to make cars safer, he suggests, will end up with them clogging the roads and worsening traffic congestion.
Mr Cole writes: “These cars are programmed to stop in the event of danger… Once people trust in the technology, pedestrians, cyclists and drivers of ordinary cars will take advantage, thus subverting the rules of the road.”
In other words, we’ll get to the stage where we’ll happily pull out in front of a driverless car at a junction or a roundabout, or step off the pavement in front of one, because we trust it to recognise us as a hazard and automatically apply the brakes.
And, of course, once one car stops (or even just slows by a touch in fast-moving traffic), the following vehicles will inevitably be affected – leading to queues and disruption.
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7:05 AM
Sobriety test
You rely on your car daily. From getting to work to taking your children to school, having the ability to drive is liberating. However, getting slapped with an SR-22 requirement may have you a little nervous about your ability to continue to drive. Although the matter is serious, driving safely is your ticket to overcoming your SR-22 requirement.

Understanding the Need for SR-22 Insurance

Let's begin by understanding what an SR-22 is exactly. Most people think it's insurance, but that’s not really the case. An SR-22 is a certificate issued to you as proof of auto insurance by your insurance provider. In essence, an SR-22 certificate is your insurance provider taking financial responsibility for you, per a requirement issued to you from the courts.
The requirement to get an SR-22 is often given to drivers who have had a series of driving violations and accidents, or a significant driving violation or accident. Although you may feel your ability to drive is on the line, an SR-22 may not last long, and you still have the ability to drive; of course, you should make it a point to drive safer now.

How to Overcome Your SR-22 Requirement

It's important to keep in mind that your SR-22 certificate isn't the end of the world, nor is it the end to your ability to drive. Your SR-22 is temporary. In most places, with a great driving record and continual auto insurance, you won't have to have the certificate attached to your insurance for more than three years.
During the next three years of driving with an SR-22, it's important that you know what to do to satisfy the requirement.
  • Maintain car insurance: All states require minimum liability insurance to operate a car legally. You must maintain adequate auto coverage at all times. Failing to do so may jeopardize your license.
  • Drive safe: Driving safe is another way to help you eliminate the need for an SR-22. By following the speed limit and avoiding driving under the influence, you improve your chances of avoiding an accident.
  • Drive defensively: You are responsible for maintaining your license and car insurance. One of the best ways to do this is to drive defensively. You should always observe your surroundings and avoid accidents.
Even though being forced to maintain an SR-22 certificate sounds scary, it doesn’t have to be. With a safe driving record and continuous insurance, you can find yourself in the clear shortly.
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