One of the biggest financial factors in driving is the cost of car insurance, which relies heavily on your age. Generally, younger drivers and seniors pay more for vehicle insurance. Costs typically decrease after your teens and early twenties, until you hit sixty when your rates rise again.  

Car insurance premiums are generally highest among drivers in the 16 to 24-year old range. According to recent research, the average car insurance costs are highest from 16 years of age to 21 years of age. At 25, vehicle insurance costs tend to decrease sharply and continue declining as you get older. After the age of 55, car insurance premiums slowly start creeping back up, especially between the ages of 60 and 65, typically returning to the rates 25-year-old drivers are charged. Guy Hurley McNeil explains why below. 

Why Teens and Seniors Pay More For Car Insurance

Car insurance in Rochester Hills, MI or metro Detroit is more expensive for teenagers and elderly drivers because statistics indicate that those demographics are more likely to get into car accidents than other age groups. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 are three times as likely to be involved in a collision than those from 20 to 50, even though they only account for 7 percent of licensed drivers.  

When it comes to older drivers, the fact is that aging is often behind many accidents. Older drivers generally have slower reflexes and poorer eyesight, which can affect their driving ability. Insurers often charge senior drivers age 70 and above as much as they would charge a driver who is 25 as a result. Of course, your driving record and number of accidents you’ve been involved in will also impact your insurance rates. 

To find the best automobile coverage for your age group, contact the Rochester Hills, MI insurance experts at Guy Hurley McNeil today.

Generally, most auto insurers acknowledge that people tow small trailers with their vehicles. For example, one of the images of traditional Americana is the camping trip via the camper trailer or the fishing trip with the boat trailer. And in that respect, especially if the vehicle is the type that can tow, the risk is carried in the general language of the auto policy provided.

There are a couple of requirements that need to be met by a Rochester Hills, MI car owner. First, the trailer used needs to be licensed and valid if used on public roads. This allows the insurer to see reference and see the trailer in the state DMV records to verify it’s load type. Second, the drivers needs to obey traffic laws involved. Traveling with a trailer often involves driving at slower speeds and staying in the right lane on a highway. DMV manuals in every state spell out these rules for drivers. Third, a car’s hitch and equipment need to be used properly. However, not every insurance policy or car is automatically covered. For example, a compact should not be saddled with a hitch and expected to carry & tow a full extra-length boat trailer. It’s simply silly and extremely dangerous. It’s also very likely to cause an accident as well.

If you want to begin using a trailer on a regular basis in Rochester Hills, MI or the surrounding area, do yourself a favor and give Guy Hurley McNeil’s office a call. Not only can the staff there confirm exactly how trailers are covered, but they can also show you policies available that will provide coverage if yours doesn’t or your current insurer doesn’t want to handle trailers at all. But don’t find out the hard way after an accident. Call Guy Hurley McNeil first and drive safe!

There are many variations and add-ons to consider when selecting auto insurance. The right add-ons depend on your driving habits and how much time you spend in the car. At Guy Hurley McNeil, our team is ready to help you and your family find the right auto insurance add-ons while living in and around Rochester Hills, MI.

Roadside Assistance

You never know when you might need help on the side of the road. Roadside assistance provides an assortment of coverage including towing, tire repair, and a new battery. This is a valuable addition to consider. 

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In the state of Michigan, it is no fault. So regardless of who is at fault, your insurance coverage will provide you with assistance. However, there are times where an uninsured motorist may damage your vehicle when you are not driving. It may also cause added injuries. In these instances, you need to consider uninsured motorist coverage.

Personal Injury Protection

If you are injured in the event of a car accident, medical bills can quickly add up. Your health insurance policy may not cover everything, leaving you to foot the bill. With the help of personal injury protection or PIP, the insurance coverage will go the extra mile to help pay for your medical bills. It can also help with the loss of income and funeral costs as well. So you may want to consider adding personal injury protection add on to your insurance coverage. 

Whether you live in Rochester Hills, MI or in one of the surrounding communities, it is important to find the right auto insurance coverage. From standard insurance to add-ons, our team at Guy Hurley McNeil is here to help you with all of your auto coverage needs. 

Auto accidents typically involve more than just the car you’re driving. Unless you become distracted on your own, most accidents involve a combination of human actions and two more drivers. Now if everyone follows the rules, that means all involved should have auto insurance to cover damages and their responsibilities. However, many folks only have the minimum coverage required by law. That can be a problem when their coverage doesn’t come close to covering all the costs for medical injuries and property damage you might have suffered. A serious hospital bill in Rochester Hills, MI alone can be well over $15,000 by the time all the medical charges are accounted for, and that doesn’t include loss of wages and property repair bills. For example, coverage on a motorcycle might be minimal, but it can trigger big costs if you run off the road to avoid one.

According to the cases that Guy Hurley McNeil have seen, insufficient coverage drivers can be just as much of a problem as those with no insurance whatsoever. However, the way to deal with this problem is to use prevention. Folks in Rochester Hills, MI can access the same comprehensive auto policies as elsewhere which means they retain coverage for the difference in care and repairs that a driver with a limited policy may not be able to address. That means covered drivers can get back to their lives and restore their vehicles without having to settle for less, being stuck with injuries that become permanent due to a lack of sufficient care, and lost wages are no longer lost. To find out more about how you can get an auto insurance policy that takes into account your needs as well as what the other guy didn’t cover for you, give Guy Hurley McNeil a call today. You’ll be glad you did if an accident does happen.

With an increase in road trips and warmer weather, it’s a good time to remember some key auto safety issues. Here they are, courtesy of Guy Hurley McNeil serving Rochester Hills, MI. 

Seatbelts
Seatbelts are not optional. They are there for a reason, so keep them on at all times, and make sure all your passengers also wear them when in your vehicle. Make sure babies and children are in properly installed car seats and boosters.

Lights on Autos
Be sure all headlights and tail lights work properly. Keep up to date on your vehicle inspections that will check for any malfunctioning lights or other vital issues.

Tires and Other Equipment
Check for proper tire inflation, or have your mechanic do so. Ensure that all other equipment is working as it should. Replace your windshield wiper blades as needed, and always have plenty of windshield cleaner fluid. Keep up with routine vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups.

Driving Focus
When you are driving, keep your eyes on the road. Give your complete focus on your driving. Put away cellphones and other devices. Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous, so don’t do it. And never drive when you have been drinking any alcohol. Ask a designated driver to do the driving.

Rest and Relaxation
Make sure you are well rested when driving because driving when drowsy can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Make sure you’re relaxed and not tense while driving. Be proactive and stay safe not only during the spring but also all year long.

With these safety tips in mind, you are bound to have some great adventures this spring while keeping you, your passengers, and other people on the road safe. For information about auto insurance, please contact the agents of Guy Hurley McNeil, serving Rochester Hills, MI, to get a quote and have your questions answered.