Page 11 - AAA Schuylkill County – AAA Now! – July/August 2016

INSURANCE SERVICES
Choosing the Right Car Can Protect Teen Drivers
AAA Schuylkill County Offers Suggestions for Parents
Getting a driver’s license is an important milestone for both teens and parents, but the two may have different opinions when it comes to selecting the ideal car. Although “fun” and “stylish” may be key features for teens, AAA Schuylkill County understands that most parents are concerned with safety first.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens, resulting in thousands of fatalities and many more severe injuries each year. AAA Schuylkill County says concerned parents can help protect their teens, who are statistically the riskiest drivers on the road, by selecting a safe car.
“A teen driver’s safety is a team effort,” said
Sue Smyrl, AAA Schuylkill County insurance spokesperson. “While teens need to understand their responsibilities behind the wheel, parents should understand their roles in ensuring that teens are driving safe vehicles.”
TEEN CAR SELECTION TIPS
• Steer away from vehicles that encourage reckless driving. Teen drivers lack road experience. Sports
cars – and other high-performance vehicles with a lot of horsepower – may encourage speeding and unsafe driving.
• Pick a vehicle that has the right safety features. Teens should drive vehicles that offer sufficient protection in case a crash occurs. New cars are likely to be equipped with the latest in safety gear, but if you’re considering an older car, check for features such as anti-lock brakes, air bags and electronic stability control.
• Don’t let your teen drive an unstable vehicle. Sport utility vehicles, especially smaller ones, tend to be less stable than cars because of
their higher centers of gravity. Rapid steering maneuvers – such as when a driver over-corrects to avoid an obstacle – can cause rollovers in
less stable vehicles. A car with a lower center of gravity has a better chance of safely managing an emergency situation.
• Check safety ratings of vehicles. Before you buy, check online safety ratings of cars you are considering for your teen.
Insurance for teen drivers can be more expensive since young drivers have yet to establish a track record of safe driving. To learn more about your coverage, cost and discount options, call your
AAA insurance agent at (570) 622-4991 or (570) 668-1003.
Beware Buying Hurricane Damaged Cars
AAA Says Check Under the Hood and in Crevices for Tell-tale Grit and Grime
Following a hurricane, the used car market can get flooded with vehicles that have been submerged in water. This can spell trouble for unknowing shoppers.
“Used car shoppers should check the title of any car they’re planning to buy and make sure there aren’t any mentions of salvage or flood,” said Sue Smyrl, AAA Schuylkill County Insurance Agency spokesperson. “That said, buyers should be aware that cars from one state can be moved into other states and, in some cases, be retitled to make it more difficult to tell if a car has been in a flood.”
Here are some signs that buyers can keep an eye out for when they are trying to determine if a car has been submerged.
SIGNS OF SUBMERSION
• Mildew, moisture, silt and other debris under the carpeting, in the glove box, under the spare tire, in
the trunk, or around the engine and under
the oil filler cap
• Rusty, corroded metal, including screws • Water-stained, faded, mismatched or
reupholstered seats – or brand-new carpet • Moldy or musty smell, or an overpowering
deodorizer scent
• Lights and gauges that have signs of water
condensation, or don’t work properly
• Brittle, corroded, or otherwise damaged wiring,
fuses or fuse boxes
A vehicle that has been submerged may
develop electrical and engine problems that
aren’t immediately apparent. As with all used
car purchases, AAA suggests that buyers get a mechanical inspection before they purchase a vehicle. AAA also recommends using a background check service that can tell the history of a vehicle through its vehicle identification number (VIN).
Once you’ve made your purchase, you’ll need to update your auto insurance coverage. To find out more, and to learn what discounts you may be eligible for, call your AAA agent at (570) 622-4991 or (570) 668-1003.
JULY/AUGUST 2016
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