Orange County Insurance Agent • Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Liability & Property Insurance, Workers Comp Insurance Orange County

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• eric 8:49 pm on December 26, 2011 Permalink  

  50+ Drivers – AARP Members – Great Coverage and Rates! 

  

  Your AARP Auto Insurance Expert in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California

  The Chrysalis Insurance Agency has been authorized to offer the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford. This means a world of value and insurance for AARP Members. (Did you know that you can be a member beginning at the age of 50?)

  The AARP Auto Insurance Program Pays up to $2,500** for up to 6 months for home services like house cleaning, shopping, lawn care, dog walking, and more – while recovering from a car accident injury. At no extra cost. http://www.CIAfor50Plus.com

  Even if you are hearing about the AARP Auto Insurance Program for the very first time, or have seen it for years and just not aware of the feature and benefits, you have come to the right place. As a veteran in the insurance business, this is the most comprehensive insurance package I have seen. The most amazing part is, it is the least expensive package I have available – even with the amazing features.

  The AARP Auto Insurance Program Forgives Your First Accident**** Your good driving record means you won’t get a rate increase because of your first accident. You’ve earned it! http://www.CIAfor50Plus.com

  When reviewing the various features, there are single features that are touted by some carriers as the “end all be all” of their policy. The AARP Auto Insurance Program is so full of benefits that just have two or three in the same policy would make it a great policy to have. This policy has over half a dozen unique features that really give this policy benefits unlike any other, and the pricing is amazing.

  The AARP Auto Insurance Program Decreases Your Deductible Until it Gets to Zero!**** We’ll also eliminate your entire deductible for most not-at-fault accidents … and lower your deductible $100 when you choose an approved repair shop.www.CIAfor50Plus.com

  If you’re like most people, the only time you learn about what your auto insurance policy covers is when you are at your most vulnerable state – in the middle of a claim. This is the worst position to be in and to learn that you are either underinsured or don’t have features you thought you had. This is the auto insurance policy that beats them all; features and benefits, price, service, and the partnership of the AARP!

  Here is the Full Suite of Features – Unlike Any Other Auto Insurance Offered on the Market!

  No-Drop Promise* – We want to be your insurance company for as long as you
  drive. Unlike a lot of other companies, we’ll stand by you through good times
  and bad. We value your loyalty … and that means we’ll remain loyal to you!

  RecoverCare** – Injured in a car accident and need some help around the
  house? We recognize that life doesn’t stop, so we’ll pay you up to $2,500 for
  up to 6 months for home services like house cleaning, shopping, lawn care, dog
  walking, and more. At no extra cost.

  New Car Replacement Guarantee – If your car is totaled in the first 15 months
  or 15,000 miles, we’ll give you a brand new car – same make and model –
  with absolutely no depreciation.

  First Accident Forgiveness**** – Your good driving record means you won’t get
  a rate increase because of your first accident. You’ve earned it!

  Disappearing Deductible**** – No one likes deductibles … so we did
  something about it! Stay accident-free and we’ll decrease your deductible
  over time until it gets to zero! We’ll also eliminate your entire deductible
  for most not-at-fault accidents … and lower your deductible $100 when you
  choose an approved repair shop.

  Lifetime Repair Guarantee*** – Here’s a great way to take the stress out of a
  claim! When you choose an approved repair shop in our countrywide network,
  we will guarantee the workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle. And
  there’s no need for multiple estimates – we do all the work!

  Roadside Assistance – Stranded anywhere in the U.S. or Canada? Relax.
  One call gets you help fast! This service is available for all cars on your policy,
  no matter who is driving!

  Award-Winning Claims Service – 24-hour claim reporting is just the beginning.
  We put our 6-Point Claim Service Guarantee in writing. It’s our commitment
  to exceed your expectations – from the moment you report your claim to the
  moment we issue your payment.

  Ready to get started? Even if you’ve been with the same company for 10, 20, or more than 30 years, don’t worry! You will be well taken care of. We’re a seasoned team of experts, trained to handle your needs. Feel free to call our offices at 714-464-8080. We’re conveniently located to major roads, about one mile south of South Coast Plaza, in Costa Mesa, CA If you are web savvy, feel free to go to http://www.CIAfor50Plus.com for more information. You can also start your quoting process, using our on-line quoting system; http://www.CIAQuote.com Using this will get us your information to populate an AARP Auto Insurance Program Quote!

  There is no obligation to get a quote started. Most people who get a quote from us are pleasantly surprised with the rates and additional features they never had in their current policy!

  * Your policy will not be non-renewed because of the number of traffic convictions or accidents you or any operator may have during the policy period. This promise does
  not apply if any operator is convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, if an operator has a driver’s license suspension, or if you fail to provide us,
  if requested, a physician’s certification of fitness to drive.
  ** RecoverCare availability and benefit level varies by state. Benefit applies only to those policies where optional Medical Payments coverage is purchased.
  *** Policyholders are free to select the repair shop of their choice for repairs. Benefit applies only to those repair shops that are part of The Hartford’s network.
  **** First Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible benefits are only available with the optional Advantage Plus package. To qualify for these benefits, all drivers on
  the policy must have a clean record (no accidents or violations) for five consecutive years in most states. For the Disappearing Deductible, these five years must include a period
  of three consecutive years as a policyholder commencing after the effective date of the policy issued through this offer. PA and NY drivers are not eligible for the complete
  disappearance of the deductible, although it will be reduced to a minimum of $100.

   

• eric 5:24 pm on June 3, 2011 Permalink
  Tags: Home replacement cost calculator, Home replacement costs, Home replacement value, home replacements   

  Home Insurance Orange County: Full Replacement Value; Why you need it… 

  Full Replacement Value:

  Why Rebuilding Could Cost More Than New Construction

  Your Orange County house is likely your largest investment. To protect it, choose the insurance coverage (Orange County Home Insurance) you need based on replacement costs, not original building costs.

  Consider these eight factors that could make rebuilding more costly than new construction:

  • Temporary repairs. Unlike a new home build, with a rebuild, the home may need to be boarded up or require other work to temporarily secure it.
  • Demolition. A repaired home often requires partial or complete demolition of the damaged structure before rebuilding can occur. Demolition can become costly when you factor in removal and hauling of debris. If your home has asbestos, these costs can be even higher.
  • Building permits. Depending on your community, these can amount to 2.5 percent of total building costs.
  • Engineering and architectural fees. These can add 5 to 8 percent to the total cost of replacement.
  • Code compliance. Upgrades to bring a home into current code compliance can cost thousands of dollars when you consider electrical upgrades, asbestos abatement, addition of tempered glass, etc.
  • Landscaping. Some insurance policies cover landscaping – to a certain degree. The rebuild process can destroy any landscaping that survived the initial incident.
  • No price breaks. While homebuilders often obtain discounts on materials and labor purchased in bulk, a rebuild does not benefit from these economies of scale.
  • Foundations. Though rarely destroyed as a direct result of a fire, foundations often are weakened when moisture inside the concrete heats up and affects the integrity.

   

  The items listed above can easily add 20 to 30 percent to the cost of rebuilding – even more, depending on the age and condition of the home. Make sure your home is adequately covered by choosing its true, full-replacement value.

  Material provided by Kemper. Ask your CIA agent about a Kemper Homeowners policy today. 714-464-8080 http://www.CIAforInsurance.com

   

• eric 11:40 pm on May 16, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  It’s About the Coverage… Really! Auto Insurance Orange County Costa Mesa 

  I received a copy of a prospect’s Orange County insurance coverage a few months ago and reviewed it with them. To set the scenario, I will describe them. They might just sound a bit like you;

  1. Married Couple, mid 30′s
  2. Two children, 16 & 14 (teen not driving – yet)
  3. Three vehicles, one used in the business
  4. Small business owners & derive 100% income from the business
  5. Homeowner with a small amount of equity

  So, it’s not EXACTLY your situation but it might just be close. The coverage was with a long time agent/friend who put their insurance – Home & Auto – through Mercury Insurance. The problem is, the liability coverages are (STILL!!!) state minimum! 15/30/10 (so, property is not THE state min. 5k is, lest I digress.)

  The crazy part about this is that Mr. Underinsured did not seem to care (or know enough* to care???) Why is this (enough insurance coverage) important? Well, for starters, $15,000 will barely get someone out of the emergency room, let alone if there is a claim for personal injury. $10,000 in property damage is about what most SUV’s run for repairs after a 20-30 mph collision. What this family is going to get after an accident is a letter from Mercury Insurance recommending that they hire an attorney.

  The Chrysalis Insurance Agency (CIA for Insurance) recommended a 100/300/50 solution and even better homeowner’s coverage with a savings to the family of $234 per year! The response from them was dumbfounding;

  “Thank you for thinking of us. For the time being I am happy with Mercury and our insurance agent.

   

  Warmest,

   

  Mrs. Underinsured”

  So, to rephrase my earlier comment, “The crazy part about this is that Mr. Underinsured did not seem to care (or know enough to care???)” But this time it was Mrs. Underinsured. I’m not sure how people define value, but when someone gets you something better to a factor of seven times, and STILL puts real savings back into your pocket, that is something worth taking a serious look at.

  A whole other perspective not even tackled in this BLOG (and no less important) is the potential cost TO this family if THEY are the victim in an accident and the other party has THEIR current low limits. If they are injured and unable to work (their business requires them to be physically on their feet for hours at a time), then they will be the ones who suffer financially as their policy (and agent) cannot help them. (The policy offered has 100/300 uninsured limits versus their current 15/30 limits.)

  I will close this BLOG with two thoughts and my reply to their e-mail;

  1. It is the goal of the CIA for Insurance and THIS Orange County insurance agent to provide quality coverage at quality pricing.
  2. I am genuinely concerned about the liability exposure of all I come in contact with and will never sacrifice poor quality coverage JUST to make a sale.

   My response;

  “Thanks for your response. 

  I’m sure your Mercury agent is a nice guy, but he’s not doing you & your family much good.

   The bottom line is your family is grossly underinsured. If you consider your agent to be someone you know & like, and they the same, then they’ll write you with the proper coverage. 

  I would never write a homeowner with state minimum coverages. It’s unprofessional and puts you – the homeowner – at risk of being personally sued in the event of an accident. $15,000 goes away VERY quickly when someone has a MINOR injury. $10,000 in property damage is nothing these days. Typically, when people are in the position you are in, they are forced to sue their agent in order to claim that the agent did not insure them correctly. 

  The proposal I sent over would give you & your family the coverage you need and still save over $230 year. It’s not about liking a company or an agent but what happens when you have a claim and the coverages at your disposal. At this present time, you have an auto policy that will not protect you from anything other than a minor fender bender and if there is something major, your agent can’t do a thing about it.

   So, whether you write with me or your agent-friend, you need to increase your limits before it’s too late. 

  Take care, 

  -Eric”

  If you would like to have an Orange County Insurance agent that’s looking out for YOUR best interests, please give us a call at 714-464-8080 or send an email to eric@CIAforInsurance.com

  You can get a Free Insurance Analysis by clicking HERE or visit us at http://www.CIAforInsurance.com for more insurance related data.

  Chrysalis Insurance Agency and CIA for Insurance are part of the Eric P. Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. located in Costa Mesa, CA. DOI License #0H23490. Opinions in this BLOG are based on the insurance laws of the Golden State of CA. Orange County Insurance Agent, Broker, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach. Safeco, Travelers, Kemper, MetLife, Progressive, Mercury.
   

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• eric 2:15 pm on May 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: auto insurance (2), CA, California, Car Insurance, Commercial Insurance, DMV, Insurance Agent Costa Mesa, Insurance Agent Newprt Beach, Insurance Agent Orange County, Intent to Suspend, Suspended License   

  Notice of Intent to Suspend… Now What? Insurance Agent Orange County Costa Mesa 

  

  "What's this? Now what????"

  So… You received that pesky notice from the DMV: “NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUSPEND”. Usually, any letter from the DMV other than one asking for money should get your attention. This is one of those times.

  Usually the first words out of most people’s mouths are; “Why did I get THIS?” There are several reasons that you likely received the notice. Getting it cleared up is fairly simple, by the way, so you can cool your jets, leave the dog alone, and stay on task. Read on & I’ll give you the easy remedy.

  Here are the reasons people receive these notices – not in any particular order;

  1. Your Personal Auto Insurance Has Lapsed/Cancelled
  2. You have new insurance and for some reason the DMV never received your electronic verification.
  3. There is a VIN mismatch between the DMV & insurance company.
  4. Your bought a new car & forgot to let your insurance company know about it.
  5. Your vehicle is registered to YOU (personally) and you are insuring it on a commercial/business insurance policy.

   

  Now what?

  The letter is pretty clear on what to do with them. What else should you be doing? Much of the above five reasons can easily be remedied by contacting your insurance agent and handling the matter online with the DMV.

  Reinstate It        If your insurance has lapsed or cancelled, get it reinstated. Perhaps you have minimal response from your agent/carrier and you want better service. The Chrysalis Insurance Agency has many options for any driver situation and we should be able to help you too.

  Electronic Verification    Did you know that almost every personal Orange County insurance carrier sends electronic verification of insurance coverage to the DMV? That means, if your insurance carrier has the incorrect VIN on file, the DMV is not aware of your insurance. This sometimes happens when you get new insurance. (It happened to me when I replaced my insurance!) This brings up a VERY important item regarding your personally registered vehicle and commercial insurance below…

  What about Commercial Auto Insurance?  It is important to note that your Orange County commercial insurance carrier is NOT required to file electronic verification of insurance with the DMV. Those are handled via snail mail. (Address is below, BTW. Mail insurance ID Cards w/ correct VIN’s) IMPORTANT NOTE: If your personal auto is insured by your business for; convenience, tax write-off, cost, etc. you MIGHT be putting yourself at risk. How? If your vehicle is registered to you personally and your business insurance insures your vehicle, your insurance carrier might deny a claim against your personally as you are the registred owner. I know that’s an “if” and a “might”. However, if you are trying to mitigate losses, get your personal vehicle title switched to your business name. Problem solved. You can also add non-owned auto to your business policy and move your insurance coverage back to the personal policy. Eiter way, make sure the auto title & named insured match. We can help with this as well. Feel free to call: 714-464-8080

  New Car    If you’re trying to put off letting your insurance carrier know about the new car because… Maybe they said that you get 30 days “free” coverage. Or… you’re using the dealer’s coverage before reporting it… Don’t take chances here. Your dealer coverage might be minimum liability limits (rememebr they’re protecting THEY’RE best interest – the new car – not yours.) Your obligation to report a new car differs from carrier to carrier. So, if there is a claim on your new car and it’s not on the policy, they WILL investigate. Don’t be pennywise & pound foolish! Get it on the policy!

  I hope that you stay informed and properly insured.

  Be safe and Make It Home!

  God bless you, Eric.

  Have a question for Eric? E-mail him at eric@CIAforIns.com You can receive a free, no obligation insurance analysis at the home page! http://www.CIAforInsurance.com

  Chrysalis Insurance Agency handles; auto, home, business, workers compensation, and life insurance. For more information, see theCIA on the web at; http://www.CIAforInsurance.com

  DMV Information (Personal Vehicles):
  http://www.dmv.ca.gov/online/vrir/vr_sb1500.htm
  -OR-
  Automated Voice System:
  1-800-877-0133

  Department of Motor Vehicles
  PO Box 997405
  Sacramento, CA 95899-7405

  DMV (Business Vehicles):
  Department of Motor Vehicles
  VIP – Mail Station N305
  PO Box 997408
  Sacramento, CA 95899-7408

  Orange County Auto Home Insurance Agent, Agency, Broker, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach. Safeco, Travelers, Nationwide, Allied, Kemper, Mercury, Progressive, MetLife.

   

• eric 1:03 am on December 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: liability insurance, teenage alcohol abuse, teenage drinking, teenage drivers (2), teenage driving insurance, teenage driving statistics   

  What Now: Insurance for the 18+ Year Old Youthful Driver Orange County Costa Mesa Insurance 

  My Kid’s Turned 18 – Should He/She Get His/Her Own Cheap Insurance? 

  How about: NOT.ON.YOUR.LIFE!

  Here is how the thought process goes… “Hmmm, I pay a LOT for my kid’s insurance. He’s going to college in the Fall, so he can now get his own policy, at really low limits from an unheard of named company.”

  What does that mean exactly?

  Just a few things to consider;

  1. Just because your child is 18 and is able to; vote, purchase a gun, enlist, get married, enter into a financial transaction, and purchase alcohol (in certain states), that does NOT mean that they are financially independent.
  2. If you are paying for ANY portion of your child’s; room and board, college, books, transportation, insurance, etc., you may be held legally responsible for the liability of negligence on behalf of your child.

  Facts to Consider;

  1. Most “really cheap” policies will be the State minimum of 15/30/5 ($15k bodily injury liability per person, $30k per accident, $5k property liability). $15k will cover roughly the first few hours in a trauma unit. $5k might cover a low speed crash into a Toyota.
  2. Teenage drivers account for 10% of all drivers but 12% of all fatal accidents.
  3. Data taken from a 2005 survey on drug use and health revealed that 18-25 yr. olds have the highest prevelance of binge drinking (42%) and heavy drinking (15%) as compared to the rest of the population. In the same study 20% of drivers 18+ admitted to driving under the influence, while 27% of the 21-25 yr. olds admitted the same.

  What Does this Mean to YOU?

  Here is the test if you are having your adult-child purchase their own coverages;

  Does your adult-child (either/and/or);

                               a) Live in your home

                               b) Go to college

                               c) Depend on your financial support

                               d) None of the above

  If the answer is any of “A-C”; then you may be held liable in their next car accident. The bottom line is: if you’re “footing the bill”, your adult-child is relying on you. It’s about the money-trail.

  If the answer is “D”; then your adult-child can get any coverage they want to.

  How do you protect yourself?

  There are several ways to protect yourself.

  1. If you are insisting on having your adult-child pay for their own auto insurance and you are financially responsible for them, then demand minimum limits AND make sure you are named as an additional insured on their policy. The latter will ensure that you are notified when the policy limits are changed and also whether the policy cancels.
  2. If your adult-child lives in your home but is independent, make sure that you have a signed rental agreement in force, and that rent is paid regularly. You may still want to be listed as an additional insured on their auto and rental policies just to be prudent.
  3. Have a professional and licensed insurance agent regularly review your policies and scenarios to help lessen liability risks.

  The bottom line here is; be aware. We live in a world that is looking to push every angle and squeeze people. Don’t assume that “this can’t happen to me”. Also, make sure that you have good, adequate coverage.

  I am here to be a resource to you. Feel free to email me your questions or insurance coverages for a free review; eric@CIAforInsurance.com or fax 714-333-4966 There’s no secret to good insurance coverage, just better service at the CIA.

  Auto Insurance Agent, Agency, Broker Orange County, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Safeco Travelers, Nationwide, Mercury, Progressive, Metlife. Teen driver, young driver, good student discount, easypay.

   

• eric 11:23 pm on November 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: CA DMV cell phone law, cel phone ticket, cell phone law, orange county insurance, orange county traffic court, orange county traffic school, teenage drivers (2)   

  Cell Phone Law and Ticket Prevention Orange County Insurance Costa Mesa Agent Broker Agency 

  

  This device can cost you.

  Below is a summary from the CA DMV web site: www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/

  If you have specific questions concerning your insurance, feel free to contact Eric at http://www.insuredwell.com/contact to send a message. Happy reading!

  The new Wireless Communications Device Law (effective January 1, 2009) makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle.

  Two additional laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving went into effect July 1, 2008. The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device. The second law effective July 1, 2008, prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124). 

  Frequently Asked Questions concerning these laws.

  
  Q: When did the wireless communications device (no texting) law take effect?
  A: The law took effect January 1, 2009.

  Q: When did the handheld wireless telephone laws take effect?
  A: The laws took effect July 1, 2008.

   

   

  Q: What is the difference between these laws?
  A: The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device.” The second law prohibits all drivers from texting while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23123.5). The third law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

  Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency and I do not have a “hands-free” device?
  A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.

  Q: What is the fine if I’m convicted?
  A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. With penalty assessments, the fine can be more than triple the base fine amount.

  Q: Will I receive a point on my driver license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone or wireless communication device law?
  A: No. The violation is a reportable offense; however, a violation point will not be assigned to your DMV record.

  Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
  A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.

  Q: Is there a grace period, or will motorists get a warning?
  A: No. The laws became effective July 1, 2008, and January 1, 2009. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate action for the situation.

  Q: Are passengers affected by these laws?
  A: No. These laws only apply to the person driving a motor vehicle.

  Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
  A: Yes.

  Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
  A: Yes. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.

  Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my wireless communication device?
  A: Yes. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.

  Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
  A: No. However, the law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature. A push-to-talk feature attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is acceptable.

  Q: What other exceptions are there?
  A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt, as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property.

  Q: Are there exceptions for dialing?
  A: This law does not prohibit reading, selecting or entering a phone number, or name in an electronic wireless device for the purpose of making or receiving a phone call. Drivers are strongly urged not to enter a phone number while driving.

  ——————————————————————————–

  DRIVERS 18 AND OVER
  Drivers 18 and over are allowed to use a “hands-free” device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.

  Q: Does the “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
  A: The law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.

  Q: Is it legal to use a Bluetooth or other earpiece?
  A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.

  Q: Does the “hands-free” law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
  A: Yes, as long as you are not holding the phone.

  Q: Does the “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text message while driving?
  A: No; sending, receiving, or reading text while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited as of January 1, 2009 (VC §23123.5).

  ——————————————————————————–

  DRIVERS UNDER 18
  Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone “hands-free?”
  A: No. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even “hands-free.” EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire, or medical authorities (VC §23124).

  Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
  A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless devices, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.

  Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
  A: No. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department, or other emergency entity.

  Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?
  A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.

  Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
  A: No. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.

  Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
  A: No.

  Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
  A: No. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.

  Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my “hands-free” device while driving?
  A: For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a “hands-free” wireless device if you are pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless device while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.

  Auto Insurance Agent, Agency, Broker Orange County, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Safeco Travelers, Nationwide, Mercury, Progressive, Metlife. Teen driver, young driver, good student discount, easypay. DMV point and insurance. Cell phone ticket and insurance.

   

• admin 9:36 pm on May 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: county, insurance (2), liability (2), orange   

  Insurance Answers: A Big Heart Could Lead to BIG Liability Orange County Insurance Agent Broker Agency 

  Allow me to set the scene;

  Example 1:
  A family member or close friend needs a place to stay for a while due to their own housing issue/crisis. You graciously say “yes” and (while the actual length in time is irrelevant) you agree to a 30 day temporary visit.

  Impact:
  How does this impact your auto insurance? Well, most policies are “named driver” policies, and will only insure those household members who are listed on the policy. The potential impact could be a denied claim. The cost to your bottom line depends on the severity of the accident and whether the new resident was the driver involved in the accident.

  What to do?
  While grace might be given to those who forget to report a new driver in the household, it is critical that you report new drivers in the household so that they can be either rated/added to the policy or excluded altogether.

  Example 2:
  A family member or close friend HAD two financed vehicles, but due to their financial situation, they had to give the vehicles back to the bank. You have a spare vehicle that is seldom used & graciously allow it to be used. Your friend says that they have insurance and you cancel your coverage on the vehicle.

  Impact:
  (Based on an actual client experience). How does this impact you? First, the key here is that your name is still on the vehicle’s title. In the event of an accident, both the driver & vehicle owner may be held liable. Perhaps not legally, but in a civil court, a legal precedent does not need to be set to establish who is financially liable. Secondly, by a) trusting that your friend/family member has enough insurance to protect you, b) trusing that the policy remains in force, and c) assuming that your name has been added to their policy, you are putting your financial future at significant risk. If you believe that you are not worth anything due to a crashed financial & housing market, know that your wages may be garnished for a set period.

  What to do?
  Either get your name off title & sell the vehicle to your family member/friend for an agreed to price (even a dollar) OR control the insurance yourself. You can add the name(s) of the vehicle’s borrowers to protect them. Either will help protect you in the event of a claim and give you the confidence that you are protected.

  Need answers to your insurance questions? Let me know – eric@CIAforInsurance.com OR 714-464-8080 ext 100