Oregon Insurance News

Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents

Jim Fox — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:00:36 GMT

Car accidents happen every day with varying degrees of seriousness. While most of these incidents are family harmless, the serious ones demand that people be aware of the road. In order to be safer on the road, here are the top 5 causes of car accidents.

By knowing what to expect, you can know what to look out for and what to avoid!

1- Maintenance Issues. First of all, keeping your car in good working shape is a vital part of safety. Car accidents are commonly caused by faulty element in the car itself. Some of the biggest culprits are the brakes, tires, and alignment, which people should have checked and maintained on a regular basis.

2- Drunk Driving. Careless people who drive drunk put themselves and other in danger every day. While there is no real way to control the action of others, be responsible yourself and watch for warning signs coming from the other cars around you.

3- Aggressive Drivers. Likewise, those who are aggressive also are going to put people through risk. Often times, these people do not have the patience or consideration to drive right. Be responsible, and give a wide berth to others who aren’t being considerate.

4- Road Rage. Road rage is a common factor in accidents, because it impairs judgment and leads to snap decisions which often end poorly. Should you be exposed to an enraged river, do not engage them in any way. Let them go.

5- Distracted Drivers. Last of all, be wary of distracted drivers. The more people that one has in their car, the less they can concentrate. Cell phones and movies only make the situation more unstable. Be aware, and be careful.

While it is always preferable that everyone on the road be safe, knowing what elements make for a car accident allow you to do better with avoiding them. Knowledge is one of the best ways to keep you and the other drivers safe on the road!

Be Prepared for Driving In Bad Weather Before You Hit the Road in Portland Oregon and beyond!

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

No matter the season, rain, fog, sleet, snow, ice and wind… bad weather is the enemy of every driver in Oregon. Fox Insurance Agency wants you to be safe. Even if you are satisfied that your vehicle and all of its components are in good operating condition, bad weather demands that you take a few more precautions before hitting the road. At regular intervals, especially during the winter months, check the following items.

Abrasive Material: A bag of kitty litter or similar material will help you get moving under snowy or icy conditions

Battery: Does it need to be charged or replaced? Cold weather puts extra strain on a battery. Always keep jumper cables in your vehicle.

Brakes: Are they properly adjusted? Should they be replaced? Good brakes are more important than ever during the winter months. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), make sure it is working.

Chains: Do you carry them? They can be a real help on ice or snow.

Cooling system: Be sure the cooling system is free from leaks. Does it need more anti-freeze? Should it be flushed and refilled?

Defroster: Are the defroster and heater working properly? Make sure they can keep the interior from fogging and the windshield free from ice.

Engine: Have you had a recent tune-up? This is a must in cold weather to prevent slow starts and stalling.

Exhaust System: Check to make sure the muffler and exhaust pipe are free from leaks. Carbon monoxide from a faulty exhaust system can threaten your life.

Lights: Keep all lights clean and working properly (high and low-beam headlights, taillights, brake lights, directional signals).

Restraints: Keep lap and shoulder belts clean and accessible, and be sure to use them. Restraints can keep you behind the wheel and in control if the vehicle suddenly skids.

Tires: Are they properly inflated? Are treads in good condition and wheels aligned and balanced? Consider changing to snow tires.

Windshield Wipers and Washer: Keep wiper blades in good condition and be sure they are set at the proper pressure to sweep snow off the windshield. Keep plenty of windshield washer anti-freeze handy.

At Fox Insurance Agency, we can keep your Portland auto insurance and Oregon auto insurance throughout the entire state properly tuned up to give you the best value and protection for your driving needs. For additional information and help for all your insurance needs just give us a call at 503-277-2300 or contact us by clicking here today!

Teach teens to drive safely in Oregon, Washington and elsewhere - and help save their lives!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

In 2009, 3,466 teenagers died in the United States from automobile crash injuries, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Such injuries are by far the leading public health problem among youths 13 to19 years old. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers. The crash risk among teenage drivers is particularly high during the first months of licensure.

An IIHS review of recent literature confirmed that driver age and experience both have strong effects on driver crash risk. Crash rates for young drivers are high largely because of the driver's immaturity combined with driving inexperience. The immaturity is apparent in young drivers' risky driving practices such as speeding. At the same time, teenagers' lack of experience behind the wheel makes it difficult for them to recognize and respond to hazards. They get in trouble trying to handle unusual driving situations, and these situations turn disastrous more often than when older people drive.

Research shows which behaviors contribute to teen-related crashes. Inexperience and immaturity combined with speed, drinking and driving, not wearing seat belts, distracted driving (cellphone use, loud music, other teen passengers, etc.), drowsy driving, nighttime driving and other drug use aggravate this problem.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA) recommends a multi-tiered strategy to prevent motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries among teen drivers: Increase seat belt use, implement graduated driver licensing, reduce teens' access to alcohol and increase parental responsibility.

* Keep your hands on the wheel.
* Keep your eyes on the road.
* Keep your hands and eyes away from your cellphone while driving.

In Portland, Oregon and elsewhere, give teens an edge by teaching them some basics about cars and the rules of the road early, well before they hit driving age. Ease them into driving with short trips in familiar areas, at low speeds, in daylight and with an adult. Choose a safe car that is predictable in its handling and easy to drive.

At Fox Insurance Agency many of the Insurance carriers we represent offer good student and safe driving discounts for teens on Portland Auto Insurance, Oregon Auto Insurance,and all other locations. Parents can include these incentives in the discussion regarding safe driving.

Parents can also find it beneficial to talk to their teens about safety issues and the rules they are setting. Explain each one of your rules and the consequences for breaking it. Write up a contract with your teen driver to make sure they drive by the rules and drive as safely as possible. Include the most important issues. Here's a sample:

Spell out the rules:
1. Alcohol: Absolutely no alcohol
2. Seat belts: Always buckle up
3. Cellphone/texting: No talking or texting while driving
4. Curfew: Have the car in the driveway by 10 p.m.
5. Passengers: No more than one at all times
6. Graduated drivers license: Follow the state's GDL law
7. Parental responsibility: Set your house rules and consequences

For more information about teen driver safety and also insuring your teen driver, contact the experts at Fox Insurance Agency at 503-277-2300 or click here.

Things to keep in mind when buying a car in Oregon

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Buying a new car in Portland or Beaverton is an exciting time – but it can also be stressful. After all, you’re trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need.

Here at Fox Insurance Agency, we can’t really help you become a master negotiator when it comes to buying a car. But we can give you some things to consider when you’re looking around the lot – and when you’re trying to answer the age-old question of “new, or used?”
Now, the new vs. used argument is pretty well documented – with people usually staunchly in one camp or the other – and you probably already know what side you’re on. But read on with an open mind, and you might just come to a different decision the next time you're on the car lot in Oregon and Washington.

New cars

Ah, that new-car smell. It's a bit of a cliche, but it’s one of the things that people love about climbing into a brand-new car. And while they make air fresheners that supposedly give you that same smell for your used car, it just doesn’t seem the same, does it? Still, there are other benefits to buying new – and, of course, there are drawbacks as well.

PRO – choices: When you buy new, you get to choose your color and the exact features you want. From spoilers to sunroofs to leather seats and stereo systems, you can customize your car to best fit you.
PRO – maintenance: Some manufacturers offer free scheduled maintenance for a set period of time after you buy the car, and you likely won’t need a new battery, tires, etc., for several years after your purchase.
PRO – peace of mind: Your new car may have a warranty for up to 10 years, and also is covered by “lemon laws” that could allow for a replacement or refund if the car has serious defects.
CON – cost: Depending on the make and model, buying a new car is almost always more expensive (at least in terms of the purchase price) than a used car.

It’s also worth noting that if you purchase a new car in its first model year (meaning it’s a new model for the automaker), there won’t be many user reviews available, and data on reliability and repairs will be limited. In addition, sometimes newly introduced cars have some kinks that generally are ironed out by the second and third model years. These aren’t necessarily serious issues, and the warranty should cover them, but in some instances, you and your car could be headed to the shop more than you’d like.

Used cars

Don’t care about the new-car smell? Looking to save some money on your purchase? Well, a used car might be right for you. There are many advantages to buying used, but you’ll want to be a little more careful. After all, it’s hard to know exactly how well the previous owner treated the car. But you can limit your risk with a little bit of work.

PRO – choices: While you won’t necessarily get to customize your used car, you likely can find a pretty good fit. There are lots of used cars out there.
PRO – cost: New cars depreciate quickly after they’re purchased. By buying used, you’re letting someone else take that financial hit over the first few years of the life of the car.
PRO/CON – reliability: Buying a used car is less of a gamble than it used to be, particularly with the advent of “certified pre-owned” programs many automakers now offer. However, used cars generally don’t carry the same warranties as new cars, even though the original manufacturer’s warranty is usually transferrable to a second owner.
CON – maintenance: While a used car theoretically shouldn’t need more frequent maintenance than a new car, you’ll likely need to replace things like tires, headlights, etc., earlier. And scheduled maintenance probably isn’t covered by the automaker.
PRO/CON – history: You’ll need to check the car’s title history to make sure it hasn’t been in a serious accident or salvaged. Ask the dealership to provide this information, usually from Carfax.

Of course, whichever car you purchase, the important thing is that it’s a good fit for you. Bear in mind that certain makes and models can result in higher insurance costs for you, so feel free to check in with us at 503-277-2300 before you buy.

Have fun shopping – and we’ll see you on the road!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact Fox Insurance Agency at 503-277-2300 or click here.

Preventing Identity Theft At Tax Time

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Even if you're expecting a refund, tax time can be stressful. Gathering all the necessary income and financial information, making sure forms are completed and filed on time, and waiting to see if you'll owe or get money back can weigh heavily on your mind well before April 15. Do you really need one more thing to worry about?

Unfortunately, you also need to think about security and identity theft at tax time. Whether you file online or by mailing paper forms, your tax return contains a staggering amount of information about you. You need to protect that information at every step of the preparation and filing process.

Fortunately, the steps you take to stop identity theft throughout the year are still effective at tax time. You just need to add some extra precautions to your regular habits.

First, arm yourself with information about what the IRS is doing to combat identity theft. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nonprofit organization that aims to educate consumers about identity theft prevention, reports that the IRS has implemented several measures, including:

* Development and implementation of standardized processes for tracking and handling identity theft reports.
* Creating procedures to identify and resolve identity theft cases related to taxes.
* Tracking identity theft incidents reported by taxpayers.
* Tracking identity theft cases discovered by the IRS.

Next, know the signs of tax-related identity theft. If you receive a written notice from the IRS (they don't contact taxpayers via email) that they received more than one tax return for you in the same year, or IRS records indicate you received income from an employer you don't know, you may be a victim of identity theft.

Keep in mind that as tax time approaches every year, criminals impersonate the IRS by email, phone, websites and even tweets - all in an effort to scam your information. Be suspicious of any email or phone contact you receive, and if you suspect it's a scam, go to www.irs.gov/contact/index to determine if the contact is legitimate. Forward suspect emails to the IRS investigative team at phishing@irs.gov.

Finally, consider these additional steps to guard against identity theft while filing taxes:

When preparing your return:

* Never leave your tax prep documents, such as pay stubs, W-2s and financial statements in an unsecure spot, like your car. When transporting tax documents, keep them hidden from view at all times.

* Be careful when choosing a tax preparer. Do your homework on the preparer's credentials, reputation and security measures before hiring someone. Ask how your information will be protected while in the preparer's possession, and the method he or she will use to file your return. While many tax software providers offer free online versions of their products that can help those whose tax needs are basic, be especially skeptical of individuals who advertise online as tax preparers. For something as important as your tax return, it pays to have face-to-face meetings with the person working for you.

When filing your return:

* Keep firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software up to date, especially if you'll be filing online, or using your Internet-linked PC to store financial information or prepare your return.

* Use a strong password to protect your data file when e-filing. Burn the file to a CD or flash drive once you've filed and remove the personal information from your hard drive. Store the backup in a lock box or safe. If an accountant is preparing your taxes, ask him or her what measures are being taken to protect your information.

* If you're filing by mail, take your return directly to the post office and mail it from there. Never mail from your home mailbox or from an outgoing mailbox at work. As an added layer of security, consider getting delivery confirmation service. If you're getting a refund, consider asking for direct deposit. If you must receive your refund by check, then collect your mail daily.

While you can't escape your tax responsibility, you can prevent criminals from taking advantage of you while you're doing your civic duty. With the appropriate identity theft protection steps, you can cross one item off your list of tax-time concerns.

For more information on insurance protection contact the experts at Fox Insurance Agency at 503-277-2300 or click here.

Renters Insurance in Portland, Oregon and Beyond!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

If you rent a house or apartment, your possessions are NOT covered under your landlord's policy. Having renters insurance can protect your belongings and give you peace of mind.

For more information about Renters Insurance or other insurance topics, please contact Fox Insurance Agency at 503-277-2300 or click here.

Provided by: Insurance Information Institute.

Tips to stay safe during your snowmobile vacation

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire with a good book and concentrate on staying warm.

For others, though, it’s time to get excited – because it’s time to break out the snowmobiles and head to the nearest winter recreation spot. It’s a popular activity, and for good reason: Snowmobiling allows you to explore natural areas that may be hard to access by foot (or snowshoe), and provides a different kind of excitement than skiing or hiking.

Of course, snowmobiling presents some dangers as well. And here at Fox Insurance Agency, we want you to make it home safely to Portland and Beaverton after your day in the snow. Read on for safety tips from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations – and keep in mind that following these will not only help you stay safe, but also influence equitable treatment of snowmobile access by government, agencies and landowners.

SPEED: Speed is a major factor in many snowmobile crashes. Always keep your speed slow enough to ensure that you’re in control.
ALCOHOL: Use of alcohol or any other drug that causes impairment is a leading cause of snowmobile-related fatalities. It’s best to refrain from any use at all before and during outings because of potential effects on vision, reaction time, balance and coordination. When combined with excess speed in particular, the results can be deadly.
AVALANCHE: More than 90 percent of the time, avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victims. Learn to follow avalanche safety procedures and always know the risks at all times.
RIDING AT NIGHT: Nighttime snowmobiling is fun, but extra caution should be used. Ride at slower speeds so as not to override your headlights (which generally illuminate your path for about 200 feet). Faster speeds could mean that you have little or no time to react to an obstacle in your path.
ROADWAYS: Always keep an eye out for vehicles, as many trails are located alongside roadways and can cross over them. Be sure to stop fully at all stop signs and unmarked road crossings.
CLOSED AREAS: Areas may be closed to snowmobiles due to hazardous conditions, wintering wildlife, non-motorized recreation or by landowner request. It’s important to honor these closures for safety purposes and to help protect access to other riding areas.

While it’s extremely important to follow these tips for your personal safety, it’s also vital to encourage others to snowmobile safely as well. Helping to educate others will not only promote safety for all snowmobilers, but also protect the sport’s image as well.

Whether you’re a new rider or have been on the trails for years, ask yourself if you could be riding more safely. There are many more winters to come, and we want you to be able to enjoy as many of them as possible!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact Fox Insurance Agency at 503-277-2300 or click here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance.

Throwing a New Year’s Eve Party? Tips On Being A Responsible Host!

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

"Those throwing a party in Portland, Oregon or any location where alcohol is served have both a legal and moral responsibility to make sure that their guests are capable of getting home safely,” said Loretta Worters, vice president at the I.I.I. “You don’t want to allow anyone who has been drinking to drive home and possibly kill or injure themselves or others on the road."

Numerous states have enacted laws or have case law that hold social hosts liable if they serve liquor to people who subsequently are involved in crashes that result in injury or death. These laws also offer an injured person, such as the victim of a drunk driver, a method to sue the person who served the alcohol. Criminal charges may also apply in certain circumstances.

Known as Dram Shop Liability laws, they were intended originally to apply to taverns, bars, and other establishments selling and serving alcohol. The fact is, however, that "social hosts,” such as those holding a New Year’s Eve party, may have some exposure to the risk of liability for serving alcohol.

“Party hosts should consult with their insurance agent or insurance company representative about their liability insurance coverage and find out whether there are any exclusions, conditions or limitations their policy might have for this kind of risk,” advised Worters. “Appropriate liability insurance coverage is necessary. In some cases special event coverage may be available that will cover both liquor liability and other liability exposures specific to the event.”

Despite a continued overall nationwide drop in the number of fatalities resulting from alcohol-impaired crashes, nearly four in 10 (37 percent) of these types of accidents in the final two weeks of December 2006 involved drunken drivers between the ages of 21 and 24, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study released this month found.

How to Protect Yourself—and Your Assets

If you are hosting a New Year’s Eve party and plan to serve alcohol, the I.I.I. offers the following tips on how to have a safe and successful event:

Encourage guests to pick a designated driver who will refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages so that he or she can drive other guests home.
Consider hiring a professional bartender. Most bartenders are trained to recognize signs of intoxication and can limit consumption by partygoers.
Be a responsible host. Limit your own alcohol intake so that you will be better able to judge your guests’ sobriety.
Make non-alcoholic beverages available and always serve food. It is proven that food can help counter the effects of alcohol.
Do not pressure guests to drink or rush to refill their glasses when empty. And never continue to serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
Stop serving liquor toward the end of the evening and switch to coffee, tea and soft drinks.
If guests drink too much or seem too tired to drive home, call a cab, arrange a ride with a sober guest or have them sleep at your home.
Encourage all your guests to wear seatbelts when they drive home. Studies show that seatbelts save lives.

From all of us at Fox Insurance Agency, have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!

For more information on this or other insurance topics please call Fox Insurance Agency at 503-277-2300 or click here.

Courtesy of the Insurance Information Institute.

Staying For the Snow in Oregon and Washington This Winter? Protect Your Motorhome and RV From the Cold

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

First things first: If you’re a snowbird, and headed away from Portland and Beaverton this winter to a sunnier and warmer spot, you can move on to the next article. Just know that we here at Fox Insurance Agency wish you a safe journey - and that we’re all a little jealous. But no hard feelings; we’ll still be here, standing ready should you need us or when you return.

But for those RV owners who aren’t able to escape the winter weather in Oregon and Washington, or who are simply storing their RV in a warmer locale for an extended period, it’s important to prepare for it. Just as with your home, a little maintenance now will go a long way toward preventing frustration - and expensive repairs - later.

The basic tips below should help you get started. For more detailed information, including step-by-step instructions on replacing the water in your motorhome with antifreeze, simply do a web search for “RV winterization” and you'll find several great resources. Of course, you should consult your owner’s manual for guidelines specific to your unit.

Winterizing your RV’s exterior

This is the “easy” part of winterizing your RV. You'll want to clean it thoroughly, and make sure any awnings are fully dry before rolling them in for the winter. Also, keep your tires covered to protect them from sunlight and the elements. Make sure all doors and windows are closed.

Protecting your motorhome’s interior

After cleaning the interior, leave the cabinets open and make sure to remove any food or food residue. If you aren’t going to be in your RV over the winter, you sure don’t want to attract any animals or insects looking for a cozy spot. Close your curtains or blinds to keep the sun out. And never store a propane tank inside your RV, even over the winter.

Engine, tanks and plumbing

If you live somewhere prone to freezing weather, make sure you have enough antifreeze in the engine, and change the oil and filter if needed. If possible, you’ll want to charge the battery a few times during the winter if you can (you may even want to remove it from the RV). Then, empty the holding tanks and replace the water in the plumbing lines with non-toxic antifreeze.

Just a little preparation will help ensure your RV is ready to take you on your new travels when spring and summer comes back around in Oregon and Washington. You’ll be back on the road before you know it. (And then we’ll be jealous of you, too!)

Happy Motoring!!!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact Fox Insurance Agency at 503-277-2300 or click here.

Tips for Preparing for Your Holiday Driving Trip

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season – the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you’re simply driving around in Portland or headed to Beaverton.

At Fox Insurance Agency, we’d like to help you not only enjoy your holiday season, but help ensure you’ll be around for future holidays, too! So please take these winter-travel safety tips to heart.

Prepare your car for winter

Before leaving on your trip in Oregon and Washington, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And – we know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us – your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.

Before you leave

Know exactly where you’re going, with printed maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time in Portland or Beaverton, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof – ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.

When you’re on the road

Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop or steer better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Of course, sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all – stay home if you can.

If your vehicle becomes disabled

Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road in a storm, but it happens to thousands of people every year. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

We hope you enjoy your holidays with friends and family, and we look forward to serving you in the new year!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact Fox Insurance Agency at 503-277-2300 or click here.