First, the positives: automatic car washes are just so convenient. You’re in and out within a few minutes, they leave your car looking squeaky clean, and they’re incredibly affordable. Unfortunately, using automatic carwashes too frequently can end up doing more harm than good for your vehicle. Our auto insurance agency wants to share a few cautionary tips.
Scratches
Many modern automatic car washes claim they use softer, more gentle brushes that won’t harm your vehicle. But that isn’t always the case. With the sheer number of cars washed before yours, grime, dirt, and other impurities can leave these “soft” brushes just as abrasive. This, ultimately, translates to scratches on your clear coat and even your car’s paint.
Damage
Automatic car washes move incredibly fast – the same goes for the brushes charged with cleaning your vehicle. With such high speeds and heavyweight, several parts of your car can be left in harm’s way. This includes wipers, windshields, rearview mirrors, and the decorative trim surrounding your vehicle.
Harmful Chemicals
Glass can be especially prone to damage from harmful chemicals. And although many car washes avoid these toxic products, you ultimately don’t know what you may get from the places you visit.
Do What’s Best for Your Vehicle
If you care about the lifespan of your car, hand washing your vehicle may be the best alternative to automatic car washes. After all, you’ll be in control of every last detail, much like what type of protection you give it. If you’re currently looking for a better insurance alternative, Pronto Insurance can help! Give us a call today to learn more about what we have to offer.
Author: Active Insurance
Is Your Teen Ready to Drive? Here’s What You Should Know About Young Driver Insurance Rates
Getting behind the wheel for the first time is exciting and an essential step toward young adulthood as a teenager. However, things can be a little more nerve-wracking for parents. If your teenager is ready for a license, you’re probably wondering what this means for your insurance rates. Yes, insuring a young driver is generally more expensive. Here’s why:
CDC Statistics are Considered
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state teenagers aged 16 through 19 are at a higher risk of car crashes than any other age group. Ultimately, they lack the experience and maturity that other drivers possess. This statistically makes them more prone to errors that can result in car accidents. So, what can your young driver do to combat this age-related issue?
Drive Safe
That’s right! To begin establishing a track record for safe driving that coincidentally saves money on insurance rates, your teenage driver needs to drive with the utmost care. This means obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions such as mobile phones, avoiding episodes of road rage, and being alert at all times. It’s as simple as that!
Let’s Find the Right Policy
As you can imagine, your young driver should undoubtedly have car insurance when they hits the road. But maybe you’re not happy with the rates you’ve seen. Or perhaps you’re looking for options that best fit your needs? Whatever the case, Pronto Insurance can lend a helping hand. Our insurance agents are ready to evaluate your situation and give you various options. Contact us today to learn more.
Safety Driving Tips to Maneuver Around Some of the Most Common Road Hazards
As technology advances and develops, driving has become an increasingly safer mode of transportation. That said, your vehicle will always be as safe as you and other drivers behind the wheel. But this begs the question, how should you react when the road throws some unexpected hazards your way? At Pronto Insurance, we have the answers and the auto coverage, you need.
Wildlife
Roads aren’t just shared with other motorists. Sometimes, especially at night and early morning, wildlife can find their way to the tarmac and pose a real danger to unsuspecting drivers. It’s why driving is so essential, especially alert during these active hours. Remember, if a wild animal darts in front of you, hit your brakes, hold on to your steering wheel firmly, and honk your horn. Jerking your wheel away from danger can cause you to lose control and crash.
Floods
Countless vehicles are lost to floods and recklessness each year. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you’ve likely heard the adage, “turn around, don’t drown.” This saying has stood the test of time because it continues to hold a lot of weight. So, if you drive up to a sizeable puddle and don’t know how deep it may be, do the right thing and find an alternate route to your destination.
Newly Wet Roads
If your area has received its first rain in weeks or months, you must be extra cautious while driving. The oil, grease, and grime accumulated on the road with the lack of rain turn into a slippery hazard as soon as a few raindrops fall. We suggest you be mindful of your speed and stay alert during these times.
Pronto Insurance Has Your Back
Whether there’s rain, wildlife, or other hazards out on the road, you can always count on Pronto Insurance to provide the protection you deserve. Give us a call today to learn more about our policies and rates.
3 Tips for Being Mindful on the Road from our Auto Insurance Agency
Each day, large delivery trucks and 18-wheelers hit the road to ensure everyone gets their goods promptly. Of course, this means drivers have to share the road with these big rigs safely and responsibly. If you tend to feel overwhelmed as you approach these oversized vehicles, don’t worry. Pronto Insurance has a few tips to help you maneuver around them safely and effectively.
Before you get on the road, make sure you are getting the best price for auto insurance, and contact a Pronto Insurance Agent today.
Don’t Get Too Close
You never want to tail an 18-wheeler closely. If they were to make an abrupt stop, you’d end up rear-ending them and causing damage to your vehicle, injuries, or worse! Instead, ensure you’re always at least four car lengths behind these large trucks.
Mind the Blind Spots
Unsurprisingly, large vehicles have blind spots that are just as large and highly dangerous. If you choose to pass an 18-wheeler, make sure you do so on the driver’s side, where they’ll be much more likely to see you. Once you’ve passed them, stay on your lane until you’re four cars lengths or more in front of the vehicle before merging into its lane.
Watch the Turns
These massive vehicles take massive turns due to their size. In some instances, 18-wheelers can take up as many as three lanes when making a turn! If you see a big rig turn on its turning signal, keep your distance and let them maneuver safely. If you’re coming to a traffic stop and can see a truck about to make a turn, make sure you bring your car to a halt behind the white traffic line to give them enough space.
Contact Pronto Insurance for Affordable Insurance
No matter the road ahead, you’ll always benefit from having the peace of mind that only auto insurance can provide. If you’re looking for a policy that best fits your needs, Pronto Insurance is here to help. Give us a call today and learn more about our rates.
3 Factors Our Insurance Agents Want You to Consider When Buying a Car
3 Factors Our Insurance Agents Want You to Consider When Buying a Car
Buying a car opens you up to a world of possibilities. Will you get a truck or a smaller vehicle? Is it time to go electric? The questions you’ll face are virtually limitless, but we have to admit some are much more crucial than others. So, what are some of the most important things to consider as you prepare to purchase your next vehicle? The insurance agents at Pronto Insurance have the information you need.
Are You Financing?
In a perfect world, you’d pay for your vehicle in cold, hard cash and never look back. Unfortunately, most people will have to opt for financing options. This means you’ll have to determine what terms best fit your needs. Will you get a loan for five or six years? Are the interest rates looking good now, or should you wait for them to drop? Whatever the case, read all the fine print in your contract before putting pen to paper.
Are You Ready for Depreciation?
They say a vehicle’s value drops substantially when you drive off the lot. Additionally, vehicles lose around 20% of their value every year! Of course, some known and trusted brands tend to keep their value much more intact than others. Whatever the case, you need to consider how long you’ll want to drive your new vehicle and whether or not you’re prepared to lose money on it.
What About Gas Prices?
Let’s say you plan to upgrade from a four-door sedan to an offroad truck — good on you! However, it’s essential to understand that your gas budget will surpass what you expect. If your budget is already taking a hit with the car payment itself, you may not have too much leeway for gas.
Don’t Forget About Insurance
Whether you pull the trigger on a fancy new vehicle or decide to keep your old set of wheels around for a while longer, you’ll want to make sure somebody is always watching your back. That’s where Pronto Insurance can help you out! With us, you and your vehicle are a priority, and we’ll work around the clock to offer you the best of our services. Get in touch with our insurance agents today to learn more about our rates.
Filing a Home Insurance Claim? 3 Steps You Can Take Now!
Filing a Home Insurance Claim? 3 Steps You Can Take Now!
When you’re preparing to purchase your new home, you will inevitably hear plenty of advice from your friends and family. They’ll tell you:
However, what you may not hear is any advice on getting the right homeowner’s insurance. For instance, the steps you need to follow when filing a claim. Fortunately, Pronto Insurance has you covered if this is the information you want.
Call Your Agent
If anything happens to (or at) your home, the first thing you must do is contact your insurance company. Doing so promptly may mean the difference between a successful and speedy claim or one that takes way too long to process.
Hold Off on Repairs
Sure, if something happens to your home, you’ll want to get it fixed as soon as possible. However, you must take photos and record the damage before you make repairs. Your insurance adjuster will likely want to inspect your home, so you may need to wait on repairs until after speaking with them.
Ask Questions
When an insurance adjuster contacts you or visits your home make sure to:
Here to Help
Whether you’re an established homeowner or just beginning your journey into homeownership, know that your insurance company should be there to take care of you. It’s something that Pronto Insurance has prioritized since our inception and something that we’d love to share with you. If you’re currently shopping for insurance or want to know more about our services, message us today.
3 These Steps to Keep Your Home Safe While on Summer
3 These Steps to Keep Your Home Safe While on Summer
Vacation
After months of hard work and dedication, it’s time for you and your loved ones to head out to a relaxing destination where you can wind down and relax. But, before you head out, you should take proactive steps to make sure you don’t return to a ransacked home! Not sure where to start? Pronto Insurance has you covered homeowner’s insurance and these three steps.
Tell Someone You Trust
Summer vacations are exciting, and sometimes it can be challenging to keep things under wraps. However, it’s in your best interest to not tell anyone your plans. You should only tell someone you trust about your upcoming trip. In fact, you can even ask them to stop by your
house and:
Leave a Light On
Yes, this advice may sound like something your dad would suggest, but he has a point! If your house is left in absolute darkness, it may be a beacon of opportunity to any would-be robbers.
If you can avoid this issue by leaving your porch lights on (and maybe even a radio), you may do yourself a massive favor.
Go Social Media Dark
Would you ever tell the entire world you’ll be away from your home for a few days, giving someone the chance to ransack your valuables? We think not. You should strongly consider:
Protect Your Home
Whether you are home, out on a quick errand, or away on a relaxing summer vacation, the one thing your house should not go without is insurance. The right policy can help you navigate:
Contact Pronto Insurance today to learn more about our homeowner’s insurance and the tailor-
made rates we can offer you.
These 3 Insurance Myths Are Not What They Seem
These 3 Insurance Myths Are Not What They Seem
If you find yourself shopping for insurance, you’re likely to hear a few opinions from friends, family, or even the internet. This, along with the overwhelming amount of available information, can make finding the best insurance for your vehicle challenging.
At Pronto Insurance, we want to make your insurance shopping experience a little easier. We want to discuss and debunk some of the most common car insurance myths.
Your Credit Doesn’t Matter
If you’ve bought a house, a car, or simply gotten a credit card, you know how important your credit score is. Things are no different when it comes to your car insurance. Most insurers determine rates by using your credit history. After all, it will disclose just how reliable you are when making payments.
Specific Colors Are More Expensive to Insure
You’ve probably heard people say red cars are almost impossible to insure. However, this is far from the case. The reality is that your car’s age, model, make, and engine size will have a greater say in how your insurance rates play out.
Your Rates Rise Along With Your Age
Nobody wants to get older, but at least find closure in knowing aging won’t raise your premiums. Actually, quite the opposite! In many cases, drivers over a certain age are eligible for age discounts that could decrease their payments.
Let’s Get You Insured
If your insurance shopping journey has been too stressful, don’t worry. The experts at Pronto Insurance are ready to make things easy. We’ll evaluate your needs and tailor an insurance plan based on them, so you get exactly what you need and nothing more. Contact us today if you have any questions about our rates.
Today’s Gas Prices Call for a Guide on How to Save Fuel
Today’s Gas Prices Call for a Guide on How to Save Fuel
Gas prices have skyrocketed over the last few weeks, and there’s no telling when they will normalize. Of course, it would be unfair to suggest you should simply stop driving. However, you can take a few steps to make sure you’re keeping as much fuel in the tank and money in your pocket as possible.
Not Every Hour is Rush Hour
Quick question. Is speeding acceptable when running late to work or simply looking for a thrill? Nope! Speeding is never the right call. It’s dangerous and selfish, and it also wreaks havoc on your gas consumption. The key to saving your fuel is watching your pace and driving steady.
Maintenance Your Vehicle Regularly
If you’re not necessarily one to keep up with tune-ups, it may just be time to change your ways—oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks, are all essential to keep your vehicle in good shape.
Tires are Important
Your tire’s pressure, tread, and overall health are important factors ensuring your vehicle is safe and efficient. Even a poorly-inflated tire will produce more resistance on the road. This means your car will struggle to ride along and, in turn, waste more of your precious gas.
Plan Ahead
Driving around aimlessly is the perfect way to ensure you’re wasting gas. Be smart and plan your trips before climbing into the driver’s seat. Plan ahead and give the insurance agents at Pronto Insurance a call if you’re ready to protect your car. We’ll help you find the protection that best fits your needs.
Keep It Cool and Prep Your Car for Warmer Weather
Keep It Cool and Prep Your Car for Warmer Weather
When the cold days wear off, and the sun starts to sizzle down on us, we tend to waste no time in getting ourselves ready for the new weather. We wear lighter clothes, hydrate more, and even lather our skin with a bit of sunblock. Wouldn’t it be great if we gave our vehicles the same treatment? At Pronto Insurance, we want to help you prep your car and keep it working as it should during the sizzling hot weather.
Your AC is a Priority
Summers can be brutal, and taking on the road without air-conditioning is entirely out of the question. If you want to avoid driving around in a foul mood and soaked in sweat, we recommend you make sure your AC is working properly before the weather gets even hotter. Giving it a test run will let you know if you’re all set or if it’s time to make some repairs.
Check Your Coolant
Your vehicle’s coolant is its natural hydration. Without it, overheating becomes a huge danger that can potentially leave you stranded when you least expect it. We recommend you check your coolant levels even before spring begins. It’s always a good idea to carry an extra container of coolant in your trunk, especially if you drive an older vehicle.
How’s Your Battery?
As you can imagine, the blazing summer heat can negatively affect your car battery. If you wish to avoid any malfunctions while out on the road, it’s always a good idea to have your battery charge checked. Now, doing so allows you to replace your battery before the weather gets even hotter.
Help When You Need It
Did you know some insurance plans come with the added benefit of roadside assistance? At Pronto Insurance, we know this feature can be a difference-maker in unexpected situations. Give our insurance agents a call today for more information about this comprehensive service.