Cars these days are pretty complex. But, sometimes, things as simple as a roll of paper towels, or a tire pressure gauge, can prove valuable for keeping your car safe on the roads.

Here are some safety-enhancing auto maintenance tips you can start today – and should start doing routinely.

Lights: It is to your benefit — and that of other drivers — that all of your cars lights are functioning properly. However, just because they turn on doesn’t mean they are providing optimal visibility. As a rule of thumb, each time you are washing your windows at a gas station, give your head and taillights a quick squeegee, too.

Our partners at CARFAX have several additional tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of your headlights.

Tires: Drivers often underestimate the importance of properly inflated tires. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, just 19% of drivers keep their tires properly inflated. Ensuring proper inflation routinely can help you stay safe on the roads, and prolong the life of your tires as well. We have some more tips on keeping your tires roadworthy.

Fluids: The long-accepted rule for oil changes is 3,000 miles. However, if you drive a newer car, you may be able to go longer (consult your owner’s manual). Nonetheless, checking your oil at least once a month is recommended no matter how new your car is (this can be paired up with your tire inflation check).

And, when it does come time to change your oil, make sure to have vital fluids checked as well, including power-steering, automatic transmission, wiper, and brake fluids.

In winter climates:

Keep your wipers up and off your windshield as a storm approaches, and don’t use them to attempt to remove snow and ice. Make sure your windshield is completely cleared off before using the wipers. These steps will help you avoid damage to the motor that runs the wipers.

For defrosting windows, start on a low setting and gradually work the temperature higher, to avoid unnecessary stress and shock to the cold glass.

Brakes: Brakes often let you know when they need a little attention, and not just when the “brakes” light is illuminated on your dashboard. If your car pulls to the left or right, or you hear squeaking or grinding, it’s time to get your brakes checked, sooner rather than later.

Windows and mirrors: Fog causes more than 25,000 car crashes per year. There’s not much you can do about that (other than drive with extra caution), but that statistic helps illustrate the impact that poor visibility can have on road safety.

Steps you can take? Maintain maximum visibility by keeping your mirrors and windows clean (inside and out). Keep in mind, too, that keeping a clean windshield will also prolong the life of your wipers.

Regular check-ups: You don’t have to know much about cars to diagnose potential problems such as a sludgy engine, or a loose battery cable. Make sure to occasionally pop the hood and take a look around – if something looks amiss, take it to experts to address any issues you may find, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.

More complex maintenance tasks are best left to people with the tools and expertise. Make sure to schedule tune-ups in accordance to your owner’s manual, to inspect exhaust, flush the cooling system, and replace frayed or cracking valves and hoses, and inspect brakes. Routine maintenance will keep your care safe – and moving.

Staying safe – on the road and off

One place you can turn for additional auto protection is your independent insurance agent. They can review your policy and help keep your coverage up to date. Make this conversation part of your annual auto maintenance routine.

Simple preparations can help protect you and your vehicle when you’re traveling.

Summer is a great time to take a vacation or weekend trip, which means many cars, campers, motorcycles and motor homes are on the roads, with increased potential for a problem or accident to occur.

As you plan your travels, there are a few things to check off your list to make your trip safer:

• Be ready for the road. Inspect the tires on cars and boat trailers to make sure there is plenty of tread and they are properly inflated. Have a certified mechanic check the engine, hoses, belts, batteries, windshield, windows and fluid levels. And, be sure to pack basic emergency equipment, including jumper cables, a car jack, a flashlight and a first-aid kit.
• Pack the vehicle carefully. Make sure luggage is properly stowed, as sudden stops can turn unsecured items into dangerous projectiles. Leave enough space so the driver can safely see out the windows and rear view mirrors. Leave at least a four-inch gap between your storage and windows to avoid glass damage.
• Buckle up. Make sure everyone in the vehicle, including the driver, uses a seatbelt. Infants and toddlers should be secured in approved, properly installed, size-appropriate car seats. The back seat is the safest place to be for children ages 12 and under.
• Focus on the road. Program your GPS before hitting the road. Avoid using a cell phone while driving. Even hands-free phones can be a distraction. If using a phone is a must, have a passenger handle it or pull off the road in a safe place and turn on the hazard lights. On long drives, share the driving with another passenger if possible, to avoid getting too tired.
• Be prepared for sun and heat. When driving on a sunny day, try to wear sunglasses to minimize eye strain and obstructions of vision from the brightness. To prevent heat related-injury, never leave a child or a pet unattended inside a car.
• Check your insurance coverage. Depending on travel plans, some additional protection may be a good idea. Talk with your local independent insurance agent to make sure your auto insurance policy provides adequate coverage for vehicle property damage and bodily injury. A boat or camper should also be insured, both on and off the water and road. Consider adding a roadside assistance plan and trip interruption insurance, in case a vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident.

Sources

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Popular Science

Roadway safety is not limited to the person behind the wheel.

Distracted walking while using a cell phone or listening to music with headphones are digital safety concerns that contribute to a growing trend of incidents involving pedestrians.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated more than 181,000 pedestrians were injured in 2018 – ranging from minor scrapes and cuts to life-threatening conditions. A study by the Governors Highway Safety Association revealed that pedestrian deaths in 2019 was the highest single-year total in more than three decades.

Street safety – a shared responsibility

To minimize risk:

Protect yourself and those around you

In addition to following traffic laws and safe driving recommendations, it's important to have the right insurance protection should an accident occur. Reach out to your independent insurance agent to be sure you have the right liability limits on your auto insurance, and discuss whether you should add an umbrella policy to your coverage for added peace of mind.

Sources:

Governors Highway Safety Association

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

National Safety Council

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2020-660

Safety is the most important part of driving your children from point A to point B. And since accidents involving children 14 years old or younger occur every 25 seconds, reducing the risk of injury is crucial.

The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable. A properly-installed, reliable car seat significantly reduces death and injury. However, The National Highway Traffic Safety Association reports that 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly. 

Whether you're buying a car seat, or already have one, keep these tips in mind.

Before you start your car

• Read the manual. Every vehicle and car seat is built a little differently. Take the time to find a car seat that fits your car and learn how to properly install it.
• Check your state laws. Each state has their own set of seat belt and child seat laws that are enforced.
• Keep kids in the back seat. Children 12 and under should ride in the back seat, away from air bags that can cause additional injuries. Be sure to use the proper restraint system based on your child’s height and weight.
• Avoid buckling harnesses over winter coats. Bulky coats can prevent the car seat straps from securing your child properly.
• Check belt and seat tightness. The seat should not move more than one inch in any direction. Also, the belts should be tightened until you cannot pinch excess strap at the shoulders.
• Consider a travel vest. They can be used when a vehicle only has lap belts in back seat, for children with certain special needs or when a child has outgrown their seat's weight limit.

Car seat stages

Height. Weight. Age.

If you have this information for your child, the NHTSA has an online tool that can help you determine which car seat is right for your family. There are three stages of car seats as your child grows.

Additional resources

If you need more guidance to make your vehicle's car seat as safe as possible, consider:

• Installation tips to help troubleshoot getting that new car seat in safely.
• Inspection stations near you if you are still not sure it is installed properly.
• This post-incident user guide to see if a car seat is still usable following a fender bender.

For more information on how to keep your children safe in car seats, please talk to your local independent agent and view our infographic.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control

National Highway Traffic Safety Association

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

American Academy of Pediatrics

U.S. Department of Transportation

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

Chances are you have multiple things in your life that need insurance protection, such as a home and two cars. For each policy you have, you also probably have a deductible, an amount you pay out-of-pocket when you make a claim. On its own, a deductible is made to be a manageable expense.

But what happens if one claim affects more than one policy?

"Waive" goodbye to multiple deductibles

For instance, let's say a tree falls and damages both your home and one of your cars. Or, a hail storm does significant damage to multiple vehicles? Since you'd be making multiple claims, you would have to pay the deductible for each claim. That can add up fast.

This is where the waiver of deductible coverage comes in. If you have insurance that includes this coverage advantage, you pay only the highest deductible involved in your claim. Here's an example for illustration purposes:

Multiple policies? One company.

If you have your home and your auto insurance policies with different carriers, a waiver of deductible policy is a good reason to consider combining your coverage with one company. When you're ready to shop, contact your independent insurance agent for guidance on the best combination of coverage, value and price.

In the meantime, watch our "Coverage Made Clear" video to learn more about waiver of deductible coverage.

LC 2018-014

Chances are you have multiple "service lines" running underground on your property: pipes and wires that connect your home to your energy company, cable provider, or municipality. You probably don't spend much time thinking about them – after all, you can't even see them. But out of sight should not mean out of mind.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that the repair or replacement of service lines on their property is their responsibility, not the service provider's. Damage to these lines often occurs unexpectedly – for instance a water pipe freezing, an electrical surge from a lightning strike, or tree roots invading and interrupting a cable line. Incidents such as these are becoming more common – one study from Insurance Information Institute shows that the frequency of sewer backups increases about three percent each year.

The average service line repair runs roughly $3,000-$4,000 – but can go much higher. Plus, these expenses aren't always covered in basic homeowners insurance. That's why it's important to protect against these surprise costs by adding service line coverage to your insurance policy.

Dig in to the facts

Service line coverage is affordable, versatile, and powerful coverage against unexpected expenses related to:

• Power lines and electrical wiring
• Steam piping
• Telephone and cable lines
• Drainage
• Fuel
• Water pipes
• Waste disposal
• Sewer piping
• Private wells and septic systems

…when damaged by:

• Corrosion
• Ground freeze
• Root invasion
• Lightning strike
• Landscaping accidents
• Rodents

Protect your property — and what's underneath it

The Hanover offers coverage options that, depending on where you live, provide up to $10,000 for repairs to service lines, excavation costs, loss of use, and landscaping expenses. Talk to your independent agent today to learn more about The Hanover's service line coverage.

LC 2018-024

Thanks to auto and technology companies, more cars are now built to include automatic safety features to further protect drivers and others on the road. Whether purchasing a new car or a new-to-you car, here are five advanced driver assistance systems to consider along with the proper insurance:

1. Adaptive cruise control

Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

2. Automatic, emergency brake system

Automatic, emergency brake system automatically starts braking for you if your car senses a potential collision and you do not react in time.

3. Blind spot monitoring

Blind spot monitoring alerts you of what you might have missed in your blind spot and warns you when vehicles are approaching from the rear.

4. Lane departure warning and keep

Lane departure warning and keep sounds a warning as you cross over white lines or unintentionally leave your lane. It also gently steers you back into your lane if you drift out of it.

5. Rear-view camera and sensors

Rear-view camera and sensors gives you a clear view of what is behind you to help you reverse and avoid hitting or running something over.

A comprehensive insurance plan protects you in case of an accident that results in damages or injuries to you, your vehicle or someone else. Before sealing the deal, it is always a good idea to contact your independent insurance agent to understand what auto coverages make sense and how much it will cost to insure your vehicle.

Learn more about The Hanover’s wide variety of auto insurance protection options.
 

Sources:

Forbes

LC 2019-012

Whether from an accident or normal wear and tear, your vehicle will eventually need repairs. When it happens, having a mechanic you can rely on can help take the stress out of car trouble. Here are some tips on what you should look for when it comes to finding a good repair shop.

Don’t wait

You’ll be relieved you have a trustworthy mechanic when your car won’t start or if you get into an accident. Take the time to look for an auto repair shop before you have the need for one.

Ask for recommendations

Co-workers, neighbors and relatives with firsthand experience are a great way to learn about a local repair shop. Ask if anyone has any recommendations of auto repair shops with which they’ve had a positive experience.

Look online

The easiest way to find the closest auto repair shops near you is by a quick online search for auto repair shops in your zip code. Your insurance company’s website is a good place to start the search for a reputable auto repair shop. Visit an online review website to see what others in the area are saying about local repair shops. Check the Better Business Bureau to view the company’s BBB rating, customer reviews and customer complaints.

Make sure the shop works on your make and model of vehicle

You may have a unique older car, or a car model that’s no longer made. It’s important to make sure that the shop you consider has experience working with the specific make and model of your vehicle.

Compare estimates

Once you’ve narrowed down the list, get written estimates from the shops you’re considering. While affordability is important, keep in mind that the cheapest estimate may not be the best estimate. A very low price may mean the mechanic could skip important items. Note that a written estimate should include the condition to be repaired, the parts needed and the anticipated labor charge. Make sure you get a signed copy.

Check your warranty

When it comes time for a repair, be sure to check the warranty on your vehicle. Make sure the shop will honor your vehicle’s warranty, if you’re still within the year or mileage range. Don’t forget to check your insurance policy to see if you have original equipment manufacturer parts coverage or other additional coverage.

Test the shop with a small repair

Before you entrust a mechanic with a major vehicle repair, it’s a good idea to test the shop’s services with regular maintenance such as an oil change or brake pad replacement. This allows you to get a good idea of their customer service, timeliness, affordability and more, before you need to bring your car in for a bigger repair.

Make sure you’re protected in the event of an accident. Talk to your independent insurance agent about coverage that is right for you.

Tip: Need to rent a car while yours is in the shop? The Hanover’s Partners in Protection provides special pricing and benefits for having a Hanover policy, including an upgraded membership with National Car Rental.

More than 35 million people.

That’s the wide-ranging impact that more than 1,000 different types of auto recalls had in 2018.

As a driver, it’s important to be aware of any recalls for your vehicle. Recalls can range from minor to major repairs including, but not limited to:

• Unexpected airbag deployments
• Steering wheel lock up
• Risk of fire

To stay up to date and get recall alerts right to your phone or email visit National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Safercar or download the myCARFAX mobile app.

In the market for a new ride?

If you're buying a new or new-to-you used car, make sure you do your homework.

A recent study shows that more than 20 percent of all used cars in the U.S. for sale have unfixed recalls. That’s about 57 million cars worth of unresolved rides.

Here are other points to keep in mind when car buying:

• Run the vehicle identification number (VIN), located inside the front driver's side door, through a site like myCARFAX.com or safercar.com to identify possible recalls from the past 15 calendar years.
• The older the car, the less likely recalls have been repaired. Be aware, owners are not obligated to fix a recall before selling.
• Register a newly purchased used car with the manufacturer to get any recall notices.

By staying up to date with motor vehicle safety defects and recalls, you're taking the first step in protecting yourself on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created a new search tool that allows you to quickly learn if your vehicle has not been repaired. We recommend you registering for email alerts to receive the latest information on your vehicle.

Have a safety concern about your vehicle? You can file a safety complaint with the NHTSA.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation.  By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

Thinking about purchasing a new car? That can be very exciting. However, before you drive the vehicle off the lot, there's one person you should definitely call – your independent insurance agent. Your agent can help ensure you have the right auto coverage to protect your new ride.

Don't leave the lot without them

While these may not sound as cool as heated seats or a moon roof, you'll be glad you have these coverage options should you get in an accident.

• New car replacement guard – if your new car is totaled within one year or 15,000 miles of purchase, this coverage replaces it without deduction for depreciation. Buy (or lease) with confidence.
• Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement – this coverage offers original replacement parts for your damaged car, from the manufacturer, for the current and previous two model years of your vehicle. Don't settle for used or lower quality parts.
• Deductible dividends – now that you are behind the wheel of a new car, you will likely be a little more careful. Many insurance companies, including The Hanover, reward safe drivers with deductible dividends. Each year you're accident free, you receive $100 off your deductible, up to $500.
• Single limit rental reimbursement – rent as nice as you own. If your new car ends up in the garage because of an accident, you'll be able to upgrade your rental car to a luxury or large SUV while your car is being repaired.
• And don't forget: if you've taken out a loan, your bank will probably require you to upgrade your policy to full coverage if you only have liability.

Get that "new insurance" smell

A new car will probably mean new coverage. When you're ready to shop, contact your independent insurance agent for guidance on the best combination of coverage, value and price.

Want to prep for your call? Explore the Insurance Information Institute's auto insurance terminology guide.

LC 2017-588