Items You Should Never EVER Leave in Your Car – Part 2

In a previous blog, we shared information on some of the worst items you could ever leave in your vehicle. They can potentially burst, cause damage, and go up in flames! Pronto Insurance wants to provide you with even more information about other items you should always avoid leaving in your vehicle.

Forgotten Food Is Bad News

As you can imagine, items like chocolate, ice cream, or ice are going to have a rotten time in your vehicle. However, the situation can get even worse with forgotten groceries or leftover food! Harmful bacteria can quickly cultivate in unrefrigerated food and can lead to you or your loved ones becoming sick. If you end up leaving food in your car for more than an hour, we suggest you dispose of it to avoid illness.

Sunscreen Isn’t Heat Proof

Protection against the sun’s harmful rays is never a bad idea. However, leaving sunscreen in your vehicle could mean bad news. For starters, high temperatures can add intense pressure to your bottles and make them burst, which leads to big cleanup jobs for your vehicle. More importantly, the heat can eventually shorten the life of your sunscreen and decrease its effectiveness.

Batteries are No Joke

Batteries tend to leak or burst when exposed to high temperatures. If this were to happen in your vehicle, you and your loved ones could accidentally inhale those harmful battery acids and fumes. If you carry battery-powered items such as chargers or flashlights, make sure you keep them in the trunk of your car, away from the interior.

Items You Should Never EVER Leave in Your Car – Part 1

Life comes at you fast. One minute you’re at home, relaxing, without a care in the world. Then – bam! You’re speeding down the road because you remembered you had to be somewhere. We can lose our train of thought during these times and can leave items in our car for hours, days, or even weeks! However, there are certain items you should never forget and leave in your vehicle. Pronto Insurance is here to let you know why.

The Obvious One: Electronics

Electronics like your smartphone, laptop, or tablet, are expensive and delicate, especially if left exposed to hot temperatures. Many electronics companies display warnings to remind you of the consequences you can face if you leave those items in your car. You can avoid damages or theft by simply checking your vehicle before you exit.

Lighters Are a No-Go

It’s not difficult to imagine the kind of mess an exploding lighter can make inside your vehicle if it busts. When temperatures rise, the lighter fluid expands and can leak and potentially burst the lighter. Whether an automobile fire occurs or not, you don’t want to risk experiencing one.
Instead, avoid leaving lighters in your vehicle at all times.

Aerosol Dangers

If you ever take the time to look at the recommended storage temperatures on the side of any aerosol can, you quickly realize leaving them in a car is not a good idea. Pressurized cans can expand with high temperatures, and they’re more likely to crack or explode in the confines of your vehicle. Do the right thing and check twice before leaving your car at the mercy of an aerosol can.

Can I Be Pulled Over for Having a Dirty Car?

There’s something to be said about driving a spotless and shiny vehicle down the road. After all, who doesn’t want to cruise around in something so immaculate! However, life can get hectic, and it can become challenging to find time to clean and maintain a vehicle. We have to wonder, do police officers have something to say about dirty vehicles? You may be driving around with potential ticket targets. At Pronto Insurance, we want you to take mindful steps while driving on the road, including caring for your car before being potentially ticketed.

Ticket Potential

There are several components in your vehicle that ensure you drive safely and help others identify your vehicle. However, that can be inhibited if your car is beyond filthy and may lead to a potential ticket:

As you can imagine, if any of these components keep you from driving your car safely or make it difficult for law enforcement to identify you, you could risk getting pulled over, getting a warning, and even being penalized for having an equipment violation.

If I Modify My Car, Will My Insurance Rates Increase?

Modifications can increase your vehicle’s speed, make it louder, and leave other drivers jealous! As cool as modifications are, it’s essential to know if they’ll raise your insurance rate.

The Answer May Surprise You

If you insured your vehicle after purchasing it, then your rate is based on the manufacturer’s specifications. Therefore, any modifications made after can increase your insurance rate.

You should also know that:

The Nature of Your Modifications

Overall, a paint job may not increase your insurance rates but adding a lift kit, spoiler, or turbocharging your engine might. Whatever you decide, make sure you talk it out with our insurance company to avoid any potential issues down the line.

Why Do Younger Drivers Get Higher Insurance Rates?

Every year, many young drivers take the wheel for the first time after getting a license. It’s both a passage of life and responsibility and freedom to become independent. However, young drivers require higher prices in vehicle purchases and insurance rates. There are a few reasons it’s more expensive to insure a young driver.

Rates Are Based on Statistics

Simply put, younger drivers are more likely to get into accidents. They aren’t as experienced and, therefore, are more prone to driving errors, statistically speaking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens aged 16 through 19 than among any other age group.

Because insurance rates are high, young drivers are always shopping around for new insurance plans. This occurs so frequently that insurers constantly set up and service new accounts to profit from them.

What Can You Do?

If young drivers are looking to save some money on their insurance rates, the answer is simple: drive safely.

This means: