Did you know nearly 9 out of 10 US drivers admit to having engaged in distracted driving, a behavior that puts you and others on the road at risk?   April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and Selective and your insurance agency want to remind you to #Just Drive with these easy- to follow tips from Selective's Risk Management team.   1. Check your phone's GPS directions before driving. 2. Eat and drink when your vehicle is stopped or parked. 3. Silence phone notifications while driving.   Follow these tips top help keep everyone safer on the road this month and always.    

When to add a driver?   There are a number of instances when you might add a driver to your car insurance policy. Here are some typical scenarios: Your teenage child just got their learner's permit and will use your household's car to practice their skills. You've gotten married and you want to add your spouse. You've moved in with your partner and will share a car. Your adult child has moved back home and will use your household car.    If you are ever unsure about your car coverages, make sure you reach out to your agent to find out about your coverages.  

Why Are Car Insurance Rates Going Up? There are many reasons for the current auto insurance rate increases across the market. Here are some of the notable ones.  Severe Accidents There was a rise in the severity of automobile accidents between 2020-2022. In fact, fatal car crashes were up 15% in 2022 as compared to 2020.1 Increased Vehicle Value Another contributor affecting the auto insurance market: the value of most vehicles — both new and used — increased while supply decreased. As of September 2022, used car and truck prices went up 7.2% and new vehicle prices were 9.4% higher when compared to September 2021.2 More expensive cars (and parts) also make repairs and replacements costlier. When comparing November 2022 to November 2021, bodywork costs rose 12% and repair costs grew by 15%.3 Vehicle supply dropped in large part because key materials like semiconductors, which are needed f ...

For All the Boating Adventures Ahead Get a boat or yacht insurance quote today and get ready to enjoy more of what you love – time out on the water with friends and family. Make sure your boat and everyone on it are properly protected with Travelers. How Much Is Boat Insurance? Boat insurance costs will vary based on the state where you use your boat and the coverage options you select. For instance, agreed value policies will generally cost more than actual cash value policies. If keeping costs down is a priority, choosing a higher deductible can reduce your policy premium. Depending upon the state where the boat is used, policies can be purchased at a very reasonable price.* Why Do I Need Boat Insurance? You need boat insurance for many reasons. Boat insurance covers loss or damage to your boat and helps protect you financially for injuries or damage caused by covered mishaps. In ...

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  While there are many distractions on the road today, your mobile phone is one of the worst offenders. Take this quiz to test your knowledge about distracted driving and your phone.                     Replying to a text message while driving 55mph is like driving blindfolded the length of:   A basketball court A football field An airport runway       At any moment in the day, how many people in the U.S. are using phones or electronic devices while driving?         Using your phone while driving is much safer when you use a hands-free device.   True False   3 / 5 3     How much more likely are you to get in an accident when texting on your phone?   3x 12x 23x   4 / 5 4     More than half of all fatal distracted driving accidents involved drivers in their 20s.       Congratulations! You passed. You know just how dangerous driving under ...

What Is Roadside Assistance? Roadside assistance is coverage you can add to your car insurance policy to help when you find yourself stranded due to unexpected car trouble – like a dead car battery. This can happen when you’re at work, out running errands, or even when you’re at home. What Does Roadside Assistance Cover? Over the course of your lifetime, chances are good that someday your car will get a flat tire, run out of gas or have a mechanical problem. And there you'll be — stuck on the side of the road. But with Roadside Assistance Coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away. Because we know that everyone is different, we offer two levels of coverage, depending on individual needs. Some people just want a basic roadside coverage because they aren't out on the road all that much, while others may be looking for something more. Need Roadside ...

Driving in conditions that involve strong wind or heavy rain can be relatively common and may not be the most pressing safety concern for many drivers, but Travelers safety professionals know that driving in severe weather can significantly increase the risk of a dangerous situation for you, your family and other drivers. Severe weather demands your undivided attention, so be sure to reduce driving distractions by turning the radio down and turning off and stowing your phone to help you keep your attention fully on the road. Keep in mind that sometimes the best decision you can make is to avoid driving altogether and to stay off the road completely until the weather clears. Driving in Heavy Winds Wind may not seem like it can present a significant risk, but strong wind deserves special consideration from drivers. Strong wind can occur just about anywhere, but it can be more common in wid ...

Are you one of the millions of boaters with spring fever, itching to get your vessel out of winter storage and back onto the water? If so, be sure to take the time to properly de-winterize and prepare your boat before taking it out for its first voyage of the season. Having a spring ritual that includes recommended inspection, tune-up and cleaning of your boat before setting out on your first trip can help prevent a host of problems that could keep you off the water later in the season — not to mention, help keep you and everyone aboard safe during your adventures. Following are some tips to help get your boat as ready as you are to hit the water this year. Prepare for the Season Ahead Use some of those pre-season days to plan for brighter days of boating ahead: Take a boat safety course, and obtain your boating certificate (if you have not already). Read your owner’s manual and consult ...

New, old, owned or leased — a regular maintenance routine can help protect the value, enjoyment and safety of your car. It can also save you hassles and money in repairs down the road. How often and what care your car needs depends on the make, model and mileage of your vehicle, as well as your individual driving habits. For instance, caring for an older car will require more frequent and different types of maintenance. It is also important to recognize what checks and repairs you can do yourself, and what is best left to the professionals. These general guidelines and links can help you establish a basic car maintenance routine. Specific recommendations and instructions for your car can be found in your vehicle owner’s manual. Remember to follow your dealer’s recommended service schedule, too.

Fog can be one of the most dangerous weather conditions for both new and experienced drivers. Fog has the potential to reduce visibility significantly, so it is critical that drivers stay focused on the road in order to stay safe. Severe weather demands your undivided attention, so be sure to reduce any possible distractions by turning the radio down or turning off that phone to keep your attention fully on the road. Keep in mind that sometimes the best driving decision you can make is to stay off the road completely until the weather clears. 3 Tips for Driving in Fog 1. Slow down. Driving at normal speeds in fog can be very dangerous. Be sure to slow down so you have more time to react if traffic stops or other hazards appear. When visibility is severely limited, find a safe place to park, away from travel lanes, and wait for conditions to improve. 2. Always headlights, never brights. A ...

More than 40,000 Americans died on the roads in 2016, the most significant increase in deaths over a two-year period in more than 50 years.1 Whether someone you love has been known to text and drive, or you have found yourself distracted behind the wheel, these tips can help avoid dangerous activity on the road. Stow your phone. Turning off the phone and putting it in “do not disturb” mode can help remove the temptation to browse online at a red light or respond right away to a text message. Vow not to multi-task. Anything that occupies your mind or vision can be a distraction behind the wheel. Make time at home to eat meals or put on makeup, so you can focus on the road. Don’t be a distraction. Avoid calling or texting family members and friends when you know they are driving to avoid distracting them. Talk to your employer. Responding to texts or taking calls for work while driving can ...

Do you need to sell your car so you can upgrade to a vehicle that better fits your lifestyle? Maybe you landed your first job and want to reward yourself with a nicer car, or you're starting a family and need to swap your convertible for a minivan. A vehicle change is going to prompt some insurance-related questions in the process, so you’ll want to do your homework before you get too far down the path of a new, or “new-to-you” vehicle. And while selling your used car can help to fund the purchase of a new vehicle, the process can take some time and effort. Follow these tips that may provide a “smoother ride” to selling your car. 1. Decide where to sell your car. The first question to ask: Where should you sell your used car? Options include: Selling on your own locally; Selling through an online car marketplace; or Selling your car to a dealer. Each option has pros and cons, so choose ...

During the winter months, we are sometimes granted the beauty of snow, but with beautiful snow come dangerous road conditions. We all can not always stay indoors or play outside during these “snow days,” so if you have to get out on the road, it is crucial to be prepared and to drive cautiously on the road during severe winter weather conditions. Before any precipitation hits the ground, you should prepare your automobile in case you have to drive during severe winter weather. When you see snow in the forecast, make sure you have at least a half full tank of gas, and that your tires are properly inflated. If you are planning on a long-distance trip and winter weather is in the forecast, be sure to let others know of the route that you plan to take, where you are traveling, and your estimated time of arrival. Keep an extra set of warm clothes, a charged cell phone, a blanket, and drinkabl ...

Running a business is like conducting an orchestra—it takes someone in front to unify the performance. Think of your employees as the orchestra, yourself as the conductor and your insurance broker as the baton you use to ensure everyone follows the music, bringing your business operations to a beautiful crescendo. THW Insurance Services specializes in providing a variety of employee benefits insurance products.  We know your challenges, and we will make sure they do not interrupt your business’ performance. Contact THW today at (615) 443-3849 to guarantee that your business keeps playing for a full house.

Automobile safety is always an important topic. Whether it’s being intentional about driving according to the speed limit or being extra alert when changing lanes, there are obvious ways to adhere to a safe driving experience. However, young drivers often find themselves in dangerous driving situations due to either a lack of experience and knowledge or from peer pressure and the temptation to go beyond regular driving practices. With the help of technology, though, parents can monitor their teen’s habits and possibly prevent accident, injury, and even death. Here are some of the ways that parents can be more involved in their teenager’s driving habits. Speed: Many automobile companies offer ways for parents of teen drivers to check in on how fast their teens are actually driving. Chevrolet offers a system that allows parents to place a restriction on how fast the teen driver can go befo ...

Something that our team here at THW takes very seriously is automobile safety. As automobile deaths are proven to be occurring more and more frequently, it is the perfect time to really stop and take time to consider how to achieve the safest driving conditions as possible. Something that may be contributing to the steady incline in automobile related accidents, and even fatal crashes, could potentially be the rise in the use of technology in vehicles. Think about it—the more there is to do in your car besides entirely focusing on driving, the more likely you are to become a distracted driver. From the use of GPS apps on mobile phones to adjusting music on a handheld device, there are so many ways to utilize technology while driving. Although the use of smart interfaces in dashboards can be a sure way to limit the number of times drivers turn to their phones, it can still pose a huge ris ...

New Campaign Aims To Help Parents Select Correct Car Seat The campaign is about much more than making the buying process easier for parents; it's also about ensuring that their most precious cargo is protected from harm in the event of a car accident. It's estimated that nearly 60% of car seats are misused, NHTSA reports. Additionally, in cases when young children have been killed in automobile crashes, 33% were unbuckled at the time. Lisa Sherman, CEO for the Ad Council, the campaign sponsor, said that she's confident "Find The Right Seat" will help to clarify questions parents might have. "The right car seat can keep kids safe, and that's what we all want for our children," Sherman explained. "It's not enough for parents tothink they know which car seat is right for their children; they need to know for sure."   Selecting the right car seat for children shouldn't be difficult. In the ...

Spring is upon us—which means the season for road trips is right around the corner. But before you pack your bags and hit the road, it’s important to know what your auto insurance covers. The last thing you want on your vacation is to run into car trouble, and not know where you stand with your insurance. There are a few things you want to consider: If you are driving your own car, if you are renting a car, if other drivers are covered in your policy, and if you have roadside assistance. Out-of-State Coverage If you are driving your own car outside of state lines, the first thing you want to check is if your car insurance is covered in other places, and for most people, it does. While most states differ on what is entailed for auto insurance, the good news is that most auto insurance travels with you, as most policies include a broadening clause, which entitles the driver’s liability res ...