In terms of which vehicle gets stolen and ripped off the most, there’s something about the early 90’s and Hondas. The most stolen vehicle in Washington State was the 1992 Honda Accord followed by the 1995 Honda Civic. Those are the exact same #1 and #2 from 2007, apparently when car thieves like something, they really like it.

Check out the full 2008 Hot Wheels Report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Here are the Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Washington State

1.     1992 Honda Accord

2.     1995 Honda Civic

3.     1990 Toyota Camry

4.     1995 Acura Integra

5.     1994 Nissan Sentra

6.     1995 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

7.     1994 Saturn Sl           

8.     1995 Nissan Pathfinder

9.     1994 Ford Explorer

10.  1993 Dodge Caravan

For tips on vehicle theft prevention check out the Northwest Insurance Council website.

The Big Apple! Home of Broadway, the Empire State building, the New York Yankees, and the worst drivers in America.
According to a study conducted by GMAC Insurance for 2009, New Yorkers are bad at knowing the rules of the road. The study tested 5,000 drivers from all 50 states on their basic knowledge of driving laws. While New Yorkers get the distinction of being the worst, the entire Northeast region of the country gets all around bad grades. Last year’s champion of worst drivers was New Jersey, they’re just 2nd to worst now.

According to the GMAC press release
“20.1 percent of licensed Americans – amounting to roughly 41 million drivers on the road – would not pass a written drivers test exam if taken today.”

While the Northeast was bad, the Northwest came out looking great. Washington ranked 17th, Alaska 12th, Oregon8th, and Idahotied for #1. Something that area drivers can be proud of. But the big question is, will this help our daily insurance rates? Probably not. This would be a miniscule fraction of the overall complex insurance formula. Translation-You’re not getting a break on your auto insuarnce cause the insurance companies like your money.

Here’s the complete list
 

Here’s the complete list from best to worst
 
1 IDAHO
1 WISCONSIN
3 MONTANA
4 KANSAS
5 SOUTH DAKOTA
5 NEBRASKA
7 UTAH
8 WYOMING
8 IOWA
8 OREGON
8 MINNESOTA
12 ALASKA
12 NORTH DAKOTA
14 VERMONT
15 COLORADO
15 MISSOURI
17 OKLAHOMA
17 WASHINGTON
19 NEW MEXICO
20 NORTH CAROLINA
21 VIRGINIA
22 INDIANA
22 MICHIGAN
24 ARKANSAS
24 TEXAS
26 ALABAMA
26 NEVADA
28 WEST VIRGINIA
29 ILLINOIS
30 ARIZONA
31 MAINE
32 DELAWARE
33 NEW HAMPSHIRE
34 OHIO
35 KENTUCKY
36 PENNSYLVANIA
37 LOUISIANA
38 TENNESSEE
38 MISSISSIPPI
40 SOUTH CAROLINA
40 MARYLAND
42 CONNECTICUT
43 FLORIDA
44 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
45 MASSACHUSETTS
46 RHODE ISLAND
47 GEORGIA
48 CALIFORNIA
49 HAWAII
50 NEW JERSEY
51 NEW YORK

 

See the article on Yahoo

When you think of concierge service, images of the helpful attendant at the Bellagio or the Four Seasons comes to mind. Did you need last minute tickets to Cirque Du Soleil? No problem, just call the concierge and he can hook it up!  

That may be true for hotel service, but when it comes to auto insurance it probably doesn’t happen very often. However, if you’re a Progessive Insurance customer, you can get concierge-like service, without having to tip. It’s the Progressive Service Center.

The Ohio based insurer goes the extra mile in making things easier for their customers after an accident. While most insurance companies make you call the agent, who then makes you call an 800 number, and after that it’s more calls for you to get quotes and such, for Progressive policy holders it can be as easy as one call. For customers in Seattle, it can be as easy just dropping the vehicle off in Lynnwood and letting someone else do the dirty work. 

 “The focus is prompt, quality service for our customers,” explains Colby Smith, Progressive Service Center Manager in Lynnwood. “We feel this type of service separates us from the competition. People really seem to enjoy it because they find it so easy.

 Considering there are only 54 Progressive service centers across the nation, with the Lynnwood location being the only one in Washington, Progressive customers in the Seattle area are treated like VIP’s. While the service center people will do the majority of the hassle-work for you, the best thing about these service centers are the costs. There is none. There are no out of pocket costs.

 “There’s no extra charge for the service center,” says Smith. “It’s already built in. Anybody with a (Progressive) policy who’s been in an accident can use it. Customers will get a quality repair promptly, and we’ll ensure customer satisfaction.”

 But don’t think you can just drop in on any given Saturday to get the oil changed on the convertible you’ve had covered in the garage all winter. The Progressive service centers are strictly for accidents claims. And if these service centers are as popular with customers as they say they are, Progressive could start climbing the local auto insurance charts. They’re currently the 6^th largest auto insurer in Washington State.

Now they just need to find a way to get those Cirque Du Soleil tickets, that’d be real VIP! 

Locate a Progressive Service Center around the country

“When weather hits here in Washington it’s pure chaos,” says Cook. “Most folks don’t want to change their tires when the weather is bad, it’s easier to use AAA. We offer an all encompassing emergency service. If you’re locked out we’ll send out a locksmith, we can replace a battery if needed, we even deliver gas.”

While most Seattle drivers know AAA for jumping a dead battery or changing a tire, their services go way beyond the tow truck, as long as you know what you’re buying.

“AAA Washington is so much more than just our emergency road service,” explains Jennifer Cook, the spokesperson for AAA Washington. “We offer full leisure travel services and personal lines insurance as well. And our discount programs can save you more in a year than it actually costs to be a member.”

There are a number of money saving discounts to take advantage of. Card holding members can receive discounts all over the state and across the nation.  While most people are careful how they spend their money these days, AAA can be an untapped resource to just about any Seattle area driver.

Who Doesn’t Love a Deal?
Here are a select few discounts AAA Washington offers:

• 30% off for eye wear (Lenscrafters, Pearlevision, Sears Optical)
• 20% off Sirius Satellite Radios
• 20% off at the EMP/Science Fiction Museum
• Up to 20% on Prescription Drugs
• Pay $20.09 Jiffy Lube Signature Oil Change

Considering the low annual price on just the basic service, using AAA just once or twice a year is well worth the cost.  If members utilize the services and discounts, AAA could be worth every penny. It’s all in one shopping for your road traveling needs. Plus, you never have too many maps!

Check out the automotive section for AAA Washington

The insurance company’s local ads have been memorable and effective in capturing the different kinds of people in the Northwest.  While some might be close to instigating a Seattle stereotype, such as Profile #76 – Super Long Coffee Orderer – they are creative and well thought out.

The ads poke fun not only at pecular Seattlelites, but find targets throughout the state. You may see Pemco ads featuring such dubious profiles like the: “Walla Walla Wine Woman”, “Tri Cities Select Sports Hostages”, and “Quiet Everett Aerospace Engineer” to name a few.

As the largest local insurance company that only operates in Washington, Pemco decided to hire an outside research firm to do an in-depth analysis to find what makes us Washingtonians tick. Their results?  Washingtonians enjoy their um, uniqueness.

“People here in Washington are a little different and they’re proud of that,” explains Jon Osterberg, Pemco’s Marketing and Communications Manager. “They value their individuality and celebrate their differences.”

Loaded with that information and the desire to distinguish themselves from bigger national insurance companies, Pemco hired DNA Brand Mechanics of Seattle in 2007 to come up with ”something different”, which coincidentally, turned into their slogan “We’re a Lot Like You, a Little Different.” The company even has a tongue-in cheek acronym for the ad campaign: WALLY.

“We wanted to say something no other insurance company could say,” says Osterberg. “All of us [at Pemco] live here in Washington. We can relate to the customers because we’re the same people. And so when we poke fun of people in the Northwest, we’re really poking fun at ourselves… I am absolutely the ‘Blue Tarp Camper’!”

Chances are, you either know someone who fits one of the many Pemco profiles- or you ARE one of these profiles. How many “Relentless Recyclers” have you come across at the PTA meeting?

Since these Pemco ads are for insurance after all, the humorous profiles naturally include the type of vehicles that us Northwest people drive. The “Bumper Sticker Idealist” drives a 80’s era 2-door Mazda (aka Mazdaratti), while the “East Coast Transplant” rolls down 520 in the BMW.

Well thought out and uncanny in their accuracy, the Pemco WALLY ads have struck a nerve.  

“We hear from people, that they love such and such a character,” claims Osterberg. “They say ‘That’s Me!’”

There are numerous profiles to be seen. Check out the We’re A Lot Like You site for the complete list.

Here are the unofficial top 5 Pemco profiles, courtesy of the Seattleauto.net staff:

1. Accidental Tech Millionaire
Spotted: Getting Testa Rose Detailed at the Country Club.
Vehicle: American SUV
This guy hit the dot com jackpot and doesn’t have to work again. This is number #1 because it sounds like people we know at SeattleAuto.net.

2.4 Way Stop, You Go. No You Go. No You Go Guy.
Spotted: When you least have time for it.
Diet: Anything out of a slow cooker
Vehicle: If you’re behind it, you’ll get a good long look.
Everyone gets the right of way, in this passive-aggressive display of patience and politeness.

3. Marymoor Off Leash Dog Lady
Vehicle: Station wagon with a head out.
Diet: Iams and a double latte.
Could be seen saying to a dog, “You’re so attentive, and best of all you never interupt like some silly selfish self centered man would. That’s a good boy. That’s a good, good, good, good, good, good boy.”

4. First Snowflake Freakout Lady
Vehicle: 4×4SUV, with snow chains, flares,and an extra 200lbs of sand in the back.
Perfectly good AWD’s… abandoned! More bundled up than an Iditarod winner. Visiting Alaskans and Spokanites want to slap her.

5.Pony Tailed Software Geek
Vehicle: Aging Japanese sedan.
Diet: Nacho chips and highly caffeinated soda.
An avid fantasy gamer. Proficient in many languages such as C++, Javascript, and as an added bonus speaks fluent Klingon.

If you’ve ever uttered this phrase after a car accident, chances are you weren’t happy about it. Surprisingly this happens a lot in the state of Washington.

According to the Insurance Research Council, in 2007 Washington had the 10th highest uninsured motorist rate in the entire country. The national average for uninsured motorists was at a rate of 13.8% in 2007, with the state of Washington owning a rate of 16%.

But why? According to those in the insurance industry, it comes down to jobs and the economy.

“There’s a strong correlation between the uninsured motorist and unemployment,” cites Darrin Sanger, Communications Director of the Northwest Insurance Council. “And according to the study, with national unemployment rates going up, so are uninsured rates. With all those rates going up, we can expect overall insurance rates to go up as well.”

Insurance rates are based upon stats and history generated from research studies. Insurance companies use these numbers to set what they charge in their rates. Those who drive without insurance make a significant impact on those overall rates.

“Uninsured and under insured motorists cost insured motorists over $80 million in Washington state, claims Sanger. “It’s something we all pay for.”

What’s the solution if you’re involved with someone without auto insurance and you don’t have adequate coverage?  Small claims court or cash settlements are the most likely solutions. But in any loss the NW Insurance Council encourages drivers to fill out an accident/police report, take pictures, and get information from the other drivers, and witnesses.

“Contact your insurance provider if there’s been any accident,” says Sanger. “They can tell you all you need to know about rates and how they handle uninsured motorists.”

Top 5 Uninsured Motorists States for 2007
1. New Mexico
2. Mississippi
3. Alabama
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
*10.  Washington

To find out more about auto insurance rates check out the Northwest Insurance Council website.

Based on a Yahoo article, vehicles that define a certain lifestyle get targeted by “The Fuzz”.
Here are Yahoo’s Top 5 nationally, as compiled in a survey by ISO Quality Planning.
1. Hummer H2
2. Scion tC
3. Scion xB
4. Mercedes Benz CLK63 AMG
5. Toyota Solara Coupe
If you drive any of these vehicles, better slow down.

To see the full list of the most and least ticked cars click here.

 Insurance companies use a variety of things to determine how much the risk is on a particular policy. Where you live, what kind of car, amount of traffic in the neighborhood, and number of claims within that neighborhood are just some of the things that will determine what certain rates are in a particular zip code.

According to the Northwest Insurance Council:

Insurance companies examine local trends in accident frequency, car thefts, lawsuits, vehicle repairs and the cost of medical care when determining your level of risk.

“We(insurance companies) look at what type of losses are associated in a particular neighborhood,” explains Wilson Hui, an Allstate agent.  ”Typically in our area, the east side rates will be cheaper than Seattle. Redmond, Sammamish, Bellevue, Issaquah and cities like that, have more families and home owners. And that effects rates.”

Areas which tend to have higher rates are downtown Seattle, Burien, industrial areas like Tukwila and neighborhoods along busy city streets like Rainier avenue and Martin Luther King Blvd.

But by no means are insurance rates locked in and set in stone. Rates based on zip codes can and will change. However, it’s not just the zip code that determines the overall rate. It’s a just a small part of the whole.

These are the most common factors that determine your auto insurance rates

• Driving Record
• Number of Miles Driven
• Where You Live(zip code)
• Age of the Driver
• Type of Car Owned
• Amount of Coverage
• Credit

The saying goes, “if someone wants to steal your car bad enough, they will do it”. The key is preventing the theft of your vehicle.

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) owners of the Cadillac Escalade ESV made more claims than any other car owners in 2005-2007. That’s 15 times more frequent than the least stolen car, the Mercedes E Class sedan. However in terms of most frequently stolen, the Escalade doesn’t crack the National Insurance Crime Bureau list for 2007. The majority of the list is compiled of foreign cars, with high resale value for the parts.

National Most Stolen Cars 2007(compiled by NICB)
1.1995 Honda Civic
2.1991 Honda Accord
3.1989 Toyota Camry
4.1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5.1994 Chevy C/K 1500 Pickup
6.1994 Acura Intergra
7.2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
8.1994 Nissan Sentra
9.1988 Toyota Pickup
10.2007 Toyota Corolla

Washington’s List is similar to the national average. It’s still mostly foreign cars with expensive parts.

Washington’s Most Stolen Cars 2007(compiled by NICB)
1. 1992 Honda Accord 
2. 1995 Honda Civic 
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1994 Acura Integra
5. 1993 Saturn SL 
6. 1994 Nissan Sentra 
7. 1988 Toyota Pickup
8. 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
9, 1993 Subaru Legacy
10.1994 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

Just know that area, neighborhood and type of vehicle can affect certain auto insurance rates.

Figuring out whether or not your insurance rates will go up as a result of an accident can often be confusing. As a general rule of thumb however, if the accident report or your insurance company finds you at fault, you are almost guaranteed to have your rates bumped up. If you are not at fault, your insurance company evaluates your driving history and can still raise your rates if they determine you to be an “at risk” driver. Generally, your rates will not rise if you have a clean driving record and are not at fault.

In order to not be at fault, not only is defensive driving required, but fault-aware driving. Defensive driving will help you avoid accidents to begin with, but fault-aware driving will 

1) Car Malfunctions

If your car malfunctions for any reason (brakes go out, engine stalls, steering locks, etc) and you hit another vehicle, you will be at fault. Keeping your car well maintained and in good working shape is a crucial aspect of car ownership; not only because of safety reasons, but legal and financial ones. If your car brakes fail because you skimped on replacing your brakes, then your insurance rates are certainly going up. Even if your brakes were in good working condition and failed, your insurance rates will still go up – though you should probably contact a lawyer because you might have a case against your car maker or the last person to work on your brakes.

2) Fender Benders

Ah, the fender bender – the leading type of accident all around the world. Insurance companies have tons of experience with fender benders and have come to the conclusion the driver in the rear is at fault, unless they can prove otherwise. The reasoning for this general assumption is that the driver in the rear should be able to avoid hitting the car in front if driving safely and at a reasonable speed. That means if the guy in front of your car stops his car to gawk at an accident and you hit his rear fender, you’re going to be at fault unless you can prove that the crash was unavoidable (good luck). Even in a pile up situation, each driver is often responsible for hitting the driver ahead of them.

The best way to avoid the dreaded fender bender is to give adequate space between you and the car in front, looking out for other drivers that suddenly change lanes and keeping your eyes out on the road.

3) Don’t Speed

Just like drinking and driving don’t mix, neither does speeding and police reports. If you are found speeding during the course of an accident, it will definitely be mentioned in the police report and likely put you at least somewhat at fault, no matter what. Even if you in your own lane and a driver pulls into you and side swipes your car, he can claim that he never saw you coming due to your excessive speed. Speeding ruins your credibility on police reports, which is the prime source of facts for your insurance company.

4) Don’t Trust Turn Blinkers

Just because another driver has their turn blinkers on, it doesn’t mean you can trust their actions. Example scenario: you are waiting to pull out of a parking lot, other driver signals to turn into the lot, you pull out and are hit by the other vehicle, who apparently wasn’t intent on turning after all. This situation happens all the time and is a insurance nightmare waiting to happen, because moving traffic has right of way. If you turned out and were hit, you would be predominantly at fault.

In fact, this exact situation happened to me earlier today and included an impatient truck waiting behind me that honked because I wanted to wait for the driver on the street to turn into the lot first. As the truck driver happily honked away, the guy on the street flew right past, totally oblivious that their turn signal was on. If I hadn’t been in front of that truck driver, his day would have probably been far worse than it already was, apparently.

Keep your eyes and senses sharp when you are at intersections, stop signs or passing, because these are also common situations where misreading someone elses’ blinkers can put you at fault. 

5) Phantom Damage

Phantom damage sounds quite like a hit from a ghostly truck, which isn’t too far from the truth as far as your insurance provider is concerned. Phantom damage is when the actions of another vehicle cause you to damage your car, even though you both don’t collide. Examples are a semi-truck running you off the road or an oncoming driver that forces you to swerve into a barrier.

Phantom vehicle damage is hard to prove because by nature of the event, the other car is probably lone gone by the time you’ve realized what’s happened. Without the other driver’s insurance information, you’ll have to tap into your own insurance and likely have your rates go up. 

Unfortunately, there’s little to no recourse in these situations. Phantom damage is a nasty creature because it comes down to letting the other at-fault driver hit you or avoiding being hit and being at fault for crashing your own car. The unfortunate case is that between hitting another car head-on at 60mph or swerving into a ditch, common sense says you preserve your body before your wallet. Your only hope is to have witnesses in the car (non-family members) or around the scene of the accident to vouch for your actions.

6) Don’t Immediately Take Responsibility After an Accident

After an accident, you should say as little as possible while exchanging insurance and drivers information. Don’t accept or take responsibility for causing an accident, even if you think you are at fault. For example, you may think you are at fault for hitting a parked car on a tight roadway; where the truth might be that the car was parked illegally and dangerously close to the street. Perhaps you were pulling out of a parking spot and suddenly bumped a car, who police later found was speeding. For these reasons, exchange only the relevant information with other drivers and give only the facts to police and investigators. They’ll be the judge of who is at fault or not.