7 Ways to Avoid Traffic Violation Penalties

Getting a traffic citation will never be an enjoyable experience and you will want to avoid getting one at all costs. You know that there are far better things you will want to spend your money on instead of paying an expensive traffic citation, so here are 7 simple rules you should follow if you want to avoid traffic tickets.

1. Avoid Speeding

This is an obvious rule, you should always be monitoring your speed when you drive. Sometimes we get into “highway hypnosis” and daydream causing us to speed unknowingly, but it is important that you immediately break this habit. Even for those of you who speed purposely, it is important to know that speeding is rarely worth it and it really only saves you time on long destination road trips. Speeding while you are in a city is more likely to get you a costly fine as opposed to saving time on a trip. Ask yourself, is it really worth an expensive fine just to save a few minutes? Speeding will only give the police a great excuse to pull you over and slap you with a citation, just monitor your speed and save yourself the money and time.

2. Focus Further Ahead on the Road

Shifting your focus further ahead while you drive will help you to keep a straighter line. One of the first tips that defensive driving instructors will tell you is that looking further ahead while you drive is safer than following your natural instinct of looking right in front of your vehicle. Looking further ahead will help you navigate potential obstacles or dangerous situations more quickly, as well as keep your vehicle driving in a straight line. Looking right in front of your vehicle will cause you to swerve more, potentially attracting police because they think you are intoxicated. No one wants to have to do a sobriety test on the side of the road.

3. Buy a Radar Detector

Radar detectors work by detecting electromagnetic frequencies of radar guns nearby. The radar detector will alert you by beeping if there is a police officer or speed van nearby. If you truly feel that you cannot break your speeding habit, then purchasing a radar detector will be your best option. This is also a good option for drivers who tend to go into autopilot and find themselves speeding on an accident. Good radar detectors may cost you a few hundred dollars but if you find yourself receiving fines often, it may be a good investment for you. No one wants to condone speeding, but if you want to avoid traffic tickets, this device may help you on the road.

4. Do Not Drive Excessively Under the Limit

A good rule of thumb to follow for avoiding tickets is to blend in with the cars around you. Driving excessively under the speed limit is dangerous and will cause police to single you out. Some people believe that they only have to abide by the speed limit, but driving too slowly impedes traffic. Additionally, driving too slowly in the far left lane is also a crime because it is a passing lane and once again, you will be impeding traffic. It is always advised that you be mindful of the behaviors the other drivers around you are exhibiting. It will be best to drive at the general speed they are, and if you find that people are having to dodge you in traffic you might want to increase your speed a little.

5. Never Drive Under the Influence

Driving under the influence includes alcohol, sedative prescription drugs, and other illicit drugs. If you are weaving in and out of your lane or taking dangerous actions, a police officer can and will pull you over. Driving under the influence is deemed unacceptable by all officers and they are very unlikely to give you any leeway if they catch you. Not only will you likely receive hefty fines, but you risk being arrested and getting criminal charges. With all of the ride-sharing apps available today, there is really no excuse to be driving under the influence. You will be risking the lives of yourself and of others, driving intoxicated is one of the worst mistakes a person can possibly make.

6. Be Respectful to the Officer

Being pulled over is never fun, but you must remember that police officer is simply doing their job by trying to keep the roads safe. Your attitude during the stop could determine whether or not you ultimately receive a ticket. If you are polite and courteous during your interaction with the officer, you may find that they will be willing to offer you some leeway. Police officers are people too, treating them respectfully is a way to get on their good side. Many people advise that you ask the officer if there is any leniency before they walk away from your vehicle after the initial interaction, if you were polite the officer may give you a warning or a lesser penalty, and the worst they can say is no. If you find that you will not be able to get yourself out of a ticket it is advised that you get in contact with a lawyer such as  Traffic Law Potts Lawyers.

7. Make Sure Your Documents are Up to Date

These documents will include your registration, insurance, and state inspections. Police officers are trained to look out for these factors and issue tickets if you are not compliant with the law. Speeding as well as having out-of-date paperwork is a sure way to get pulled over. Many of these infractions come with a hefty fine so just save yourself the time and money and make sure everything is up to date. It is also important that you have all of your paperwork organized so that you can avoid having to fumble through your glovebox and making the officer wait. Anyone would get annoyed if they have to wait to do their jobs because someone is disorganized. If they see that you have everything handy and ready to go, and you are being polite during the traffic stop, they just might offer you some leniency.         

A Closer Look at SR-22 Insurance Cover

It is expensive and stressful to deal with a legal case after being arrested or having your license suspended for a DUI. Obtaining a letter from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directing you to collect your SR-22 document is even worse.

First-time offenders have a difficult time getting to know the definition of the term SR-22 Insurance. Also knowing its use is a challenge for all first-time offenders. 

What is an SR-22? 

It can also be called an SR-22 bond, SR-22 insurance, an SR-22 form, or a Certificate of Financial Responsibility.

It is proof that you have the minimum required liability auto vehicle insurance that is required in that state-Once you have provided this certificate, the authorities will notify the State's Department of Motor Vehicles that you have what is required and financially responsible to drive in that state. 

Uses of  A SR-22 insurance. 

Despite being commonly associated with DWI offenses or DUI offenses, there are other occasions when an SR-22 license will be required. They include:

1-After being involved in a reckless driving instance.

2-When caught driving a car without the right insurance cover.

3-When your license has been revoked or suspended.

4-When you have been involved in multiple violations or at-fault accidents.

5-Repeated traffic offenses. 

How To Get An SR-22 Certificate. 

If you are in possession of an insurance cover, you can consult your insurance service provider on the requirements needed to add the SR-22 policy to your existing insurance cover.

Not every insurance company offers SR-22 insurance. This will help those that are new in the market when looking for an insurance company to join or seek insurance services such as SR-22. 

The insurance company after adding your new cover will get in touch with your state to file the SR-22 form. To expedite the process, the insurance company can opt to file the form electronically instead of by mail. 

How Much Does An SR-22 Cost? 

In most states, the filing fee for SR-22 insurance costs around $15-$25 dollars. As long as the insurance policy hasn't expired, the fee is paid only once and will only be renewed after the insurance policy has expired-after three consecutive years.

Drivers that need the SR-22 insurance are charged more than the other drivers since they are considered high-risk targets. The filing fee is however much cheaper than the SR-22 fee.

Different rates are charged by different companies to individuals who go looking for an SR-22 license. To get the best rates, it is advisable to get a list of all insurance providers and compare their SR-22 rates. You will be able to pick a policy that is affordable and that best suits your needs. 

How Long Does An SR-22 Insurance Last. 

A driver is required to maintain an SR-22 file for three consecutive years. Different states have different SR-22 requirements but three years is the average time.

An insurance company is required to inform the DMV in case there is an interruption on the insurance cover. This subsequently means that you are no longer in compliance and hence not insured. 

Failure To Maintain An SR-22 Insurance Cover. 

Failure to make a payment or cancel your insurance policy during the three years has some repercussions. Normally you should hold onto your non owner SR-22 car insurance for three years.

Some of the repercussions of canceling an SR-22 Insurance cover includes:

1-The suspension of your vehicle registration.

2-The suspension of your license.

3-More money to pay for the extra fines.

4-Extra fees for registration and reinstating your insurance policy cover.

5-Higher premiums when purchasing new insurance covers.

When holding an SR-22 be sure to practice safe driving measures and follow all driving guidelines provided by the State to prevent you from paying fines, being arrested, or having your license suspended or revoked.

Good driving behavior will help improve your insurance premiums and also set you on a good driving record.

Ignoring the required terms will only cost you more money and waste your valuable time.

For more details visit your state department office to get more information on the SR-22 regulations and get in touch with an insurance company.

How To Deal With A Road Accident

The Advantages of Having an Attorney Represent You in Injury Settlement Negotiations

When it comes to resolving a vehicle accident claim without utilizing insurance, there are dangers and problems. There are risks and hazards to handling an accident claim (or automobile accident lawsuit) on your own, even after engaging the at-fault driver's insurance carrier.

To begin, let's look at the most typical reason people try to handle their claims on their own: financial worries. Because you're probably going to have a lot of medical expenses as a result of your car accident injuries, it may seem logical to save money by not hiring a lawyer and doing it yourself. However, in many situations, the reverse is true. Despite what you might think, hiring a lawyer is likely to save you money in the long run. This is because a skilled lawyer may frequently increase the value of your claim.

A qualified personal injury attorney can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs by negotiating a far higher settlement offer than you could have received on your own without the help of a private legal firm. While having a larger settlement value for your claim is unquestionably beneficial, it isn't the only benefit of engaging a car accident attorney. An attorney also provides a number of additional benefits. 

It is possible to utilize experience to prove a point. You must be able to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident in order to be eligible for compensation, which can be challenging in multi-vehicle crashes. To assess culpability for injuries, physical evidence, medical records, police reports, traffic regulations, and insurance laws are all used. You can trust your lawyer to sift through dense legal jargon that is difficult for most laypeople to comprehend and use effectively.

Injury expertise is extensive. Because they don't understand how much their injuries are worth or don't anticipate the entire extent of their future costs and losses, car accident victims frequently accept inadequate settlements. An experienced attorney will have handled several cases involving injuries similar to yours and will know what is — and is not — a reasonable and acceptable amount to pay you for your present and future losses. Below are some instances of verdicts and settlements related to various types of injuries.

What is typical compensation for a brain injury in a car accident? $10,000-$20,000,000+

What is typical compensation for a neck injury in a car accident? $15,000-$2,750,000

What is typical compensation for a hand or foot injury in a car accident? $10,000-$2,500,000

What is typical compensation for a spinal cord injury in a car accident? $500,000-$12,000,000

There's also a financial advantage: Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not be charged legal costs until your attorney is successful in obtaining compensation on your behalf. There are no upfront payments to be concerned about.

To undervalue claims and mislead stressed, worried accident victims into accepting agreements that do not truly benefit them, the insurance business utilizes a number of tactics, some of which skirt or fully violate legal bounds (known as bad faith insurance). The claims adjuster is aware of your concerns about medical bills, and regrettably, he or she will most likely try to capitalize on them by offering you a cheap car accident settlement in the hopes that you would take it out of desperation.

A skilled attorney will protect you from being taken advantage of. Your car accident attorney has years or decades of experience, so he or she understands just which facts to stress — and, more importantly, how to back them up with persuasive evidence — to maximize the value of your claim. The size and location of any scars that result from the accident, the extent to which the disability limits your future earning capability, and even the quality of medical care you receive all go into determining the value of your claim.

A skilled personal injury lawyer can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills by negotiating a far greater settlement offer than you could have gotten on your own without the assistance of a private legal company. While having a higher settlement value for your claim is undoubtedly a plus, it isn't the sole advantage of hiring a car accident lawyer. An attorney also brings a few more advantages to the table, such as:

Better litigation preparation. Legal representation is required if you bring a lawsuit. The laws and procedures in civil courts are exceedingly strict and intricate. Your chances of succeeding against aggressive, skilled defense attorneys are little to none, especially given the short amount of time available to prepare.

5 Reasons to Hire a Traffic Violation Lawyer

Whether you’re trying to get out of a traffic ticket or a DUI, it might not be as easily achieved without the help of someone who knows the law from cover to cover. There could be serious ramifications and fines waiting for you on the other side. 

Below we’re giving you five (5) reasons to hire a traffic violation lawyer to represent you in court.

Why Should You Hire a Traffic Lawyer?

There are over 41 million Americans receiving traffic tickets each year. 

Although some violations may be straightforward and less difficult to resolve, some cases — such as personal injury/accidents, for example — are serious and can potentially send you to the pen. 

If you’re unsure whether you should get a traffic lawyer to handle your case, these five reasons might help end your confusion. 

1.    You don’t understand traffic laws.

People often underestimate traffic laws, but they are (in reality) very complex. Furthermore, they change quite often. And while it’s possible to go through books and research things to help with your current situation, there’s only so much you can do without the help of a professional.

Traffic violation lawyers have a thorough understanding of constitutional issues, federal laws, and state and local traffic laws. They have a strong grasp of the intricacies and specifics of traffic violations and can help you find a solid resolution to your case. 

2.    You want to save money.

Some people might see hiring a traffic lawyer as an unnecessary cost, but it can actually save you a ton of money in the long run.

Experienced traffic lawyers can help you lower fines (or even get out of it), as well as remove traffic tickets/points from your driving record, which can potentially raise your insurance premiums. 

3.    You were in a traffic accident caused by another driver.

A lot of accidents happen because one driver wasn’t following road rules as they should. 

According to a 2016 survey conducted by the Insurance Information Institute (III), an estimated 63% of accidents were the result of a traffic violation. Several of the most common traffic violations that result in accidents or personal injury are: 

●       Failure to yield

●       Following too closely

●       Speeding

●       Cell phone use

●       Failing to obey signs and signals

●       Driving under the influence (DUI) 

Working with a licensed traffic lawyer can help you gather viable proof and determine fault after a traffic violation. 

Learn more about personal accidents and traffic violations from Schmidt & Clark. Visit their homepage for details. 

4.    You’re aiming for an alternative discipline.

Most people who are issued traffic tickets are usually guilty. And while hiring a lawyer to represent you in court might help you lower your fines, it doesn’t always work out the way you want. 

If there are strong shreds of evidence against you, then there really isn’t much your lawyer can do for you. BUT, depending on your driving record, a good lawyer can negotiate with the court and (hopefully) get alternative discipline for you. 

One of the most common alternative discipline options is traffic school/defensive driving school. 

It might not be the ideal resolution for any driver, it’s better than paying hefty fines, increasing auto insurance premiums — or worse — losing your license! 

5.    You want a better chance of success.

This is possibly the most important reason to hire an experienced traffic violation lawyer. Cases handled by a professional have a higher chance of success in court.

Whether it’s giving you the confidence to contest the ticket, reduce your fines, make the whole case more convenient for you, or any other reasons we’ve mentioned in the article above, working with a traffic ticket lawyer is your best option. 

The Bottom Line

Working with a trained and seasoned traffic lawyer can save you from getting confused by the many technicalities of traffic laws. It can also save you a ton of money in terms of insurance premiums and ticket fines. 

A good traffic lawyer can also help you prove your innocence in any traffic accidents. Furthermore, it can help you get alternative discipline and avoid hefty traffic fines. 

Some things are just not meant to be handled DIY-style. If you have the chance to work with a professional traffic lawyer to help your case go smoothly as possible, take it. They will give you the best possible outcome in a bad situation.

5 Facts About Red Light Tickets in California

Running a red light in California can result in a fine and demerit points on your driving record. Many areas around California now have red-light cameras in place to catch lawbreakers. When you receive one of these red light camera tickets, it's critical that you answer appropriately and quickly.

Here are five things you should know about California red light camera tickets so you can be prepared if you get one.

The majority of red light cameras are operated by third parties.

Outside companies, not the city, install and operate the bulk of red light camera systems in California. As a result, these businesses are compelled to issue tickets to drivers. Vehicle owners may receive unjustified tickets because they are contractually compelled to achieve a minimum number of recorded offenses.

Sensors cause red light camera tickets to be issued.

When a vehicle passes over a sensor when the light is red in an intersection in Los Angeles and most other cities in California, a red-light ticket is issued. The camera then takes a picture of the vehicle's license plate as well as the driver's. Because the camera flashes will go off as you travel through the intersection, you may see that you've been caught running a red light by a camera. A traffic ticket will be mailed to the vehicle's registered owner. The fine amount, visual proof, a copy of the traffic citation, and information on how to dispute the ticket will all be included with the ticket.

Fines for Red Light Camera Tickets

A driver's fines for traffic offenses in California include a base fine plus a range of fees and surcharges, which can significantly increase the total fine amount. The fines and surcharges vary, but you should expect the base fine to be the common starting point.  The base fine for this infraction is $100, but the total increases with additional court costs depending on the county.

The following are the base fines in California for infractions of stoplights and stop signs:

• Running right through a solid or flashing red light will get you $450-$500 for running red lights.
• Making an unlawful right turn at a red light costs $250
• The average fine for rolling through a stop sign is $250 in California. 

Points for Red Light Camera Tickets & Other Consequences

Californians should be informed that, in addition to the fines connected with a stoplight and stop sign infractions, each of these will result in one point being added to their driving records. A license suspension can result from accumulating too many points. Fortunately, completing a course at a California traffic school can help you avoid a red light violation.

Drivers should also be aware that, depending on the circumstances of the offense, a red light or stop sign violation could result in a reckless driving conviction. In the worst-case scenario, a driver could be charged with vehicular manslaughter if one of these violations results in the death of another person.

Your Red Light Camera Ticket Might Be Reduced, Dismissed, or Ignored

You should be aware of the following critical red light ticket factors:

Some red-light tickets are issued by mistake, such as when you make a right-hand turn on red without first coming to a complete stop.

You may be able to keep points off your record or seek to have the fine reduced depending on the type of infraction. To find out, contact someone who knows, such as an attorney or an online traffic school.

According to California law, a citation for a red light camera infraction can only be issued if the driver and license plate are clearly visible.  If you are not the driver of the vehicle in the red light ticket you can ignore the ticket. Read about snitch tickets. 

Not all red light camera tickets require you to take action or come with consequences if you don't pay the fine.

If you receive a red light camera ticket in California, the first line of defense is to get knowledgeable.

Keeping Your Car from Becoming a Money Pit

For many people, car ownership is an essential step towards achieving personal independence and reaching adulthood. But unfortunately, owning a car has a way of making life more difficult. That’s because, more times than not, owning a vehicle means spending thousands every year to ensure you keep driving. 

Buying a car has always been an expensive proposition, but the cost of car ownership has skyrocketed in recent decades. Between the price tag, taxes, fees, financing, refueling, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, the average car owner spends over $8000 each year for the privilege of staying on the road. 

Enough is enough! It’s time to stop letting our cars become money pits. They’re supposed to provide us with more freedom, not burden us with more financial strain. With this in mind, let’s take a look at six ways to lower the cost of car ownership: 

Cheaper insurance

Motor vehicle insurance is required by law in most states and countries, making it a necessary expense associated with car ownership. However, most people overpay on their car insurance when compared to more affordable coverage. A 100 300 insurance policy - combined with a third number indicating property damage coverage - is more than sufficient for most drivers. Higher limits generally come with higher premiums, meaning more money spent each month on insurance you likely don’t need. 

Preventive maintenance

Many drivers think oil changes, tire rotation, and yearly tuneups are optional aspects of vehicle maintenance. They couldn’t be more wrong. Preventive maintenance is critical to keeping your vehicle in peak condition. Doing so reduces the chances of costly repairs, ultimately lowering the cost of car ownership. What’s more, scheduled maintenance extends the life of your vehicle, allowing you to get more mileage out of it or sell it for a better price. 

Safe driving

Wear and tear is an unavoidable consequence of driving. However, aggressive maneuvers and other reckless behavior behind the wheel will cause parts of your car to prematurely fail and require expensive repairs. Combined with the dangers posed to yourself and others by unsafe driving, the writing is on the wall - or the road in this case - that responsible driving is critical. 

Mindful parking

A parking ticket now and then is not a big deal from a cost-benefit point of view. However, amassing large quantities of parking tickets is a recipe for financial disaster. In addition to the cost of the tickets themselves, fees and penalties for failing to pay on time can lead to hundreds more owed. Drag your feet long enough, and you could even face criminal penalties, including jail time. All things considered, it’s probably better to pony up the $25 bucks for garage parking than risk the $100 fine for parking someplace you shouldn’t. 

Reliable service

Car dealerships will do anything to get you to bring your car to them for service. Unfortunately, most dealerships charge an arm and a leg for basic maintenance, and the price goes up from there if you need any significant work done. Rather than go to the dealership, consider finding a trustworthy mechanic operating independently. These mom-and-pop repair shops tend to charge less while providing the same level of service. 

On-time payments

Whether it’s the car payment, insurance premium, property taxes, or license fees, it’s always in your best interest to pay on time. Doing so avoids additional interest, late fees, and possible court dates. All added up, on-time payments will save you hundreds, if not thousands, throughout your lifetime. 

Car ownership has never been a cheap privilege. With that said, it shouldn’t have to cost someone thousands every year. There are effective ways to lower the cost of car ownership, making the prospect of affordable driving a possibility for virtually everyone behind the wheel.

Criminal Justice Debate: Are Red Light Cameras Unconstitutional?

Constitutionality of Red Light Cameras Being Scrutinized Once Again

Since the development of automated traffic enforcement questions have been raised by students of criminal justice and others, and lawsuits have been launched to challenge the constitutionality and fairness of these systems.  Give us your feedback below.

Just last month, an attorney in Orlando Florida spoke out it court arguing the red-light camera law is unconstitutional. For a long time running, many have felt the system robs individuals ticketed of the constitutional rights to due process and equal protection under the law. It is rumored that several other attorneys with clients that have received a red light camera ticket will also go to court this June to argue their cases. This could be the beginning of a statewide revolt against red light cameras that could certainly turn nationwide if word gets around to enough disgruntled motorists

The constitutionality of red light cameras is a topic of legal debate and can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific legal challenges raised against them. It is important to note that I am an AI language model and not a legal expert, so I cannot provide legal advice or a definitive answer on the constitutionality of red light cameras. However, I can offer some general information on the subject.

In the United States, challenges to the constitutionality of red light cameras have been raised on various grounds, including:

Due Process: Critics argue that red light camera tickets violate the due process rights of individuals because they are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving at the time of the violation. Some argue that this may violate the principle of "innocent until proven guilty."

Right to Confront Accusers: Another argument is that red light camera tickets infringe upon the right to confront one's accuser. Since the ticket is typically issued based on photographic evidence without the involvement of a live witness, opponents argue that it denies individuals the opportunity to challenge the evidence against them.

Privacy: Privacy concerns have been raised regarding the use of cameras to monitor and record the activities of individuals in public spaces. Critics argue that the constant surveillance associated with red light cameras may infringe upon a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Court rulings on the constitutionality of red light cameras have varied across jurisdictions. Some courts have upheld the legality of red light cameras, considering them a valid means of enforcing traffic laws and promoting public safety. Other courts have deemed them unconstitutional, citing concerns related to due process, confrontation rights, or privacy.

Be a Rideshare Pro: Tips for Success, Safety, and Insurance

With the growth percentage of the rideshare industry in the double digits, services such as Uber and Lyft are always looking for drivers. But it takes much more than just a driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and an Android or smartphone to snag those top earnings.

Before you jump into the popular rideshare game, learn the ins and outs of doing it successfully and safely.

Being a rideshare pro also includes having the right insurance on your vehicle. Find out if car insurance covers Uber, the most popular ridesharing service, as well as Lyft, the second-largest ride-sharing app.

Tips for Rideshare Success

Whether you’ve joined the ranks of rideshare drivers as a full-time gig or just a side hustle to help cover emergency costs, you want to be successful at it. Here are several pointers to do just that.

Rideshare Customer Service

The more of a people person you are, the better a rideshare driver you will be. Excellent customer service that will get you good ratings and garner more money include: 

●    Go where the passengers are. Instead of driving around aimlessly, be aware of busy spots. You’ll waste less gas, get more business, and have clients who have to wait less for you.

●    Be friendly and greet each passenger with a smile.

●    Be presentable.

●    Keep your car clean.

●    Use your emotional intelligence to “read” your passengers. If they want to converse, by all means, get chatty. But if they’re non-communicative or look busy, cut the chatter but stay pleasant.

●    Master the art of staying calm and focused under pressure.

●    Provide that extra level of customer service with a good phone charger.

●    Become familiar with what to do and how to do it quickly when a customer is unsatisfied. Your finesse and speed in problem-solving will help your ratings and your earnings.

Rideshare Driver Care

Providing great customer service while dealing with driving can be stressful, so don’t make it harder on yourself: 

●   Take advantage of the job’s flexibility. As an independent contractor, you can choose when you work, how long you work, and even what pickups you do. So keep yourself in the best state of mind so you get the best ratings from customers — which leads to better earnings. 

Know your limits, and don’t push them. Working longer and harder without taking proper eye breaks and stretch breaks may end up causing all kinds of complications, from generating less-than-stellar reviews for being tired and grouchy to, much worse, engaging in drowsy driving that could result in an auto accident.  

●    Keep snacks and water handy. Keep yourself well fed and hydrated so you don’t waste time and money on takeout. 

●    Know where the bathrooms are. Not to be indelicate, but all that hydrating will lead to this essential knowledge. Scope out public restrooms with free parking. You can’t be a peak rideshare driver if you’re stressing about your personal hygiene. 

●   Know your surroundings. This means knowing the most congested traffic times as well as what construction is going on. Paying attention to both of these items can help you avoid them and lower your stress. 

●    Get a reliable GPS. You can use Waze or Google Maps while driving for Uber or Lyft. But if you want the best car GPS, The Rideshare Guy polled Uber drivers, whose top three are Garmin DriveSmart 51 NA LMT-S, TomTom GO 520, and Garmin Drive 50 USA LM. Mount your phone where you can easily see it to help reduce dangerous distractions. 

Also, look into the possibility of having photo-enforced locations on your driving app. This is a free map of red light cameras, speed cameras, traffic cameras, and toll road cameras for your phone. 

While the quicker you get your customer and get them to their destination, the more money you make, being mindful of traffic cams will help remind you not to drive recklessly, including speeding, and get pulled over.

Tips for Rideshare Safety

 

Go the extra mile for you and your clients when it comes to safety.

Rideshare Safety Protocols

Keeping your car clean has been of even greater importance this past year, as both Uber and Lyft instituted health protocols to assuage passenger skittishness in the wake of the pandemic. 

Make sure you comply with the safety protocols — not only to make your passengers feel better but also to protect yourself. 

If driving for Uber, stay stocked up on the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes the company provides so your passenger can get a notification in the app before their ride. They can ask you for so they can wipe down potential “hotspots” like seat belt buckles, door handles, and window buttons. 

If driving for Lyft, install the vehicle partition the company provides. 

With both services, wear your mask, request that riders wear a mask, don’t touch your face, wash your hands frequently, open windows for additional airflow, and pause pooled and shared rides.

Personal Safety for Rideshare Drivers and Passengers

Keep risk to you and your clients as low as possible with these tips: 

●    Park as close to your client as possible.

●    Stop at an area in which your client has a clear path to your vehicle. Look out for possible slip, trip, and fall hazards.

●    Stay in well-lit areas: Park under a street light, if possible.

●    Keep a flashlight handy in case a client needs assistance at night.

●    Verify your rider by asking them to confirm your name before entering your vehicle.

●    Encourage back-seat riders.

●    Always wear your seat belt, and ask your passengers to do the same.

●    Don’t share personal information, such as your contact information, last name, or social media handles.

Tips for Rideshare Insurance

Most personal car insurance doesn’t cover rideshare services. If you’re getting paid for using your car, then your vehicle is no longer just for personal use. 

Reaching out to your insurance carrier when you’re looking into becoming a rideshare driver should be mandatory. 

Not only could your insurer cancel your policy if they find out you haven’t disclosed that you drive your car for money, but they can provide you with the information you need to be fully covered on the job. 

For example, Uber and Lyft do provide insurance, but there are coverage gaps since this insurance doesn’t apply the entire time you’re on the job. 

You can purchase rideshare insurance if it’s available where you live. This is a hybrid policy that includes coverage for personal auto use and for the times drivers are signed in to a ridesharing app but not covered by the insurance Uber or Lyft provides. Some rideshare policies will also provide coverage on top of what Uber and Lyft offer. 

If rideshare insurance isn’t available, then you would need a commercial insurance policy to be fully insured and avoid being dropped by your carrier.

Uber and Lyft Rideshare Coverage

The Uber and Lyft insurance coverage gaps to which we’re referring are during what’s known as Period 1. This is when you’re online and waiting for a request. 

During this period, the only insurance provided is liability “when necessary,” meaning they will maintain $50,000 for injury, $100,000 for total liability, and $25,000 for property damage if you don’t have applicable insurance of at least that amount. 

So you have no collision coverage from Uber or Lyft and much lower liability limits. And your personal insurer likely won’t cover you during this time, either. 

Uber and Lyft will cover you during Periods 2 and 3. Period 2 starts when you accept a ride request and are en route to your passenger. Period 3 starts once your passenger enters your vehicle and continues until the passenger exits. 

That coverage features $1 million in liability, the same amount for uninsured/underinsured motorist injury, and contingent collision and comprehensive up to the actual cash value. Uber has a $1,000 collision deductible and Lyft has a $2,500 collision deductible.

Where to Get the Best Insurance for Rideshare Drivers

Rideshare insurance is the optimal type of insurance coverage for rideshare drivers since the additional cost for it is much lower than for additional types of coverage, ranging from only $20 a year up to 20% of your premium. 

Many top-tier and second-tier insurance companies offer rideshare insurance: The highest recommended ones are Allstate, Geico, Farmers, State Farm, and USAA. 

Also look for ridesharing insurance from Bristol West, Erie, Liberty Mutual, Mercury, Quoteasy, and Safeco. 

A commercial car insurance policy would cost more since it has higher liability limits than typical policies. Look to spend on average from $1,200 to $2,400 annually for this type of policy. The best commercial policy insurers are Farmers, Nationwide, and Progressive. 

The point is to compare multiple companies, whether you need ridesharing or commercial car insurance or even usage-based car insurance. You’ll be surprised by the difference that each company will quote you on a rate. 

So factor that in, along with researching business ratings and customer reviews, to find the best rideshare-related insurance for you. 

Karen Condor is an insurance expert who writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsuranceCompanies.com. Karen specializes in rideshare driver insurance coverage and related savings.

 

6 Car Upgrades to Improve Your Driving Experience

If you’re a car enthusiast, then you’ve probably looked into making some upgrades to your vehicle. However, there are a lot of different options out there to choose from. How do you know what’s right for you? And what is really worth your money? 

Below, we are going to talk about six car upgrades that can improve your driving experience.

 

Interested in learning more? Then let’s get started.

 

Tires

Updating your tires is, without a doubt, one of the best changes to make to your vehicle. While it might not be the most exciting thing, it will make a big difference in your experience. From accelerating and braking to general driving performance, you really will feel more comfortable behind the wheel. Alongside this, you’re ensuring both yourself and your passengers’ safety.

 

Wheels

While you are changing your tires, you may as well look into upgrading the wheels as well. Most vehicles that come out of the shop generally have ones that are made of inexpensive material, which means they aren’t of high quality and aren’t reliable. Just make sure you do some research first. From size, design, bolt pattern, and color, there is a lot to take into consideration when deciding. 

 

Speaker System

Listening to good music and exciting podcasts can make a long trip much more enjoyable. By installing new car speakers, you can enjoy a cleaner sound to keep you occupied yet focused while driving. There are many different audio brands to choose from, so take a look around at the options and see what you like.  

 

Apps

Apps might not precisely be a “car upgrade,” but they are something you can install on your phone to improve your driving experience. From ones that help you find the cheapest gas to others that will locate the shortest possible route. They certainly will come in handy. You can find more information here. Just remember always to pull over if you plan on using your mobile phone. The last thing you want is to end up in an accident. 

 

Seat Covers

Seat covers are an affordable car upgrade that can make a big difference in the appearance of your interior. You’ll protect the upholstery from damage, and with the right design, you can alleviate pressure on your back. You’ll be more comfortable while you drive and will be maintaining its value for a more extended period of time. They really are worth the investment.

 

Exhaust

Finally, the last upgrade you might consider making to your vehicle is replacing the exhaust. Alongside giving it that nicer sound upon start-up, you’ll have extra power and improve your fuel economy. There certainly are many benefits that make it a wise choice, but it can still be a good idea to speak to a mechanic first to get a professional opinion on your current exhausts state.

 

And that’s it! What do you think? Are there are there any other upgrades that you would recommend to others?