Labor Day 2021: Enjoy Your Long Weekend with the Utmost Safety in Mind

Labor Day 2021: Enjoy Your Long Weekend with the Utmost Safety in Mind

Each year, people from around the nation count down the days for that weekend that allows us rest, fun, and relaxation. These special occasions include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Labor Day. But, while most people know the significance behind most of these days, Labor Day can often be a mystery. At Pronto Insurance, we like history, especially when it gives way to the joys of a three-day weekend!

The Beginnings

In the late 19th century, trade and labor unionists became more active, seeking rights and recognition for the many laborers of America who had a tremendous impact on the way the nation developed.
The Labor Day holiday (to be celebrated on the first Monday of September) as we know it today, was initially proposed in the early 1880s, although the exact origin is subject to debate. However, one thing is certain: the purpose of the holiday was to recognize and celebrate the contribution that America’s laborers had on the developing nation of the time.

Celebrate Responsibly

Today, families across the nation celebrate the occasion by taking trips out to their local parks, the beach, or any other destination that offers the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the day. Of course, this often means more vehicles packed with anticipating passengers hitting the road!
At Pronto Insurance, we want to remind you that safety is just as important as fun, which is why we suggest following these simple tips to make sure your Labor Day is as safe as it is exciting:

  • Follow the rules of the road, no matter your destination.
  • Ensure that your passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
  • Be respectful to other drivers and avoid distractions.
  • Never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
  • What Should I Do If I’m the Victim of a Hit-and-Run?

    What Should I Do If I’m the Victim of a Hit-and-Run?

    Car accidents, no matter how minor, can be as stressful as they are frightening. However, few are as rage-inducing as a hit-and-run accident. You see, in most situations, drivers involved in accidents can navigate their crashes in a respectful manner.

    They can exchange information, determine the well-being of their passengers, and find a conclusion to their situation. By driving away, culprits in hit-and-run accidents deny this opportunity to their victims. So, what should you do in the event of a hit-and-run accident?

    Pronto Insurance has the information you need!

    The Dos and Don’ts
    At Pronto Insurance, we strongly suggest you follow this list:

    Do:

  • Contact emergency personnel if there are any injuries at the scene of the accident.
  • Contact us.
  • Gather as much information as you possibly can, including license plate numbers, vehicle info, photos of the scene and damages, and the location, date, and time.
  • Ask witnesses if they’re willing to provide any additional information about the accident (get their name and contact info for future reference).
  • Don’t:

  • Pursue the vehicle that hit you.
  • Leave the area.
  • Wait to contact the police.
  • Wait to contact us.
  • Protection You Can Count On

    If you’re ready for the protection you deserve against hit-and-runs or any other types of car accidents, then contact Pronto Insurance today.

    3 Things You Didn’t Know Could Affect Your Car Insurance Costs

    3 Things You Didn’t Know Could Affect Your Car Insurance Costs

    No matter what you drive or how new a driver you are, one thing is certain: car insurance is a must. So, if you’re currently comparing rates and are trying to find the information that will lead you to the best decision, we may have some facts that may interest you. Of course, we’re talking about three things you didn’t know could make an impact on your car insurance costs:

    One Fell Swoop Could Be Cheaper

    When you look for insurance rates there’s a big chance you’ll be drawn to the smaller, monthly payments you’re presented with. However, if you do the math, there’s a possibility you may save more money by paying for six or 12 months up front!

    While it may seem like a huge amount of money, but in terms of savings, you could see a big difference. The best thing you can do is speak with your insurance agent so you can discuss the options that best fit your needs.

    Your Souped Up Car May Prove Costly

    You love your loud, fast, gas guzzling car to bits. And why wouldn’t you? After all, you spent significant amounts of money to modify it and get it to its current state. However, these modifications could affect your insurance rates. This is because some modifications can impact your car’s emissions or even its legality on the streets.

    Expensive Cars Mean Expensive Rates, But Why?

    If you’ve been shopping for insurance for a while now, there’s a big chance you’ve come across this factoid: luxury vehicles tend to have expensive insurance rates. But is this because luxury vehicles get into more accidents or are frequently stolen? Partially! The truth is, even if you get into a non-serious fender bender, the repairs can often be extremely expensive.

    Baby’s First Road Trip: How to Survive the Road With Your Little One – Part 2

    Baby’s First Road Trip: How to Survive the Road With Your Little One – Part 2

    In a previous blog we brought you some helpful information that will make your baby’s first road trip a breeze. Fingers crossed. Now, as we gear up for the year’s top vacationing period, we want to share even more advice that will make your parental road trip a breeze!

    Open Minded Wins the Race

    In a baby-less situation you’re very likely to race to your destination, but things are different when you’re hauling a little one. One of the best things you can do for your baby’s first trip is to be flexible when it comes to your schedule. Come to terms with the fact that you may need to make your stop significantly lengthier and you may need to turn your one-day trip into a two day one. It’s really okay!

    Learn to Enjoy the Backseat

    As much as you or your spouse want to ride shotgun, it’s definitely best that one of you ride in the back seat with the baby. It will make life just a little easier when the baby gets fussy, starts to cry, spits up, or just needs someone to hang out with. Additionally, having someone in the backseat means you won’t need to pull over every few minutes to check on your little one.

    Take Time to Enjoy Everything

    When you have a destination in mind it’s easy to forget to live in the moment. However, that’s exactly what you should do, especially during your baby’s first trip! Sure, you’ll get some crying, some fussiness, and a few dirty diapers, but it’s not always you’ll get to give your baby his/her first road trip experience. So, take your time, get your snacks ready, and enjoy the open road with your new copilot!

    Baby’s First Road Trip: How to Survive the Road With Your Little One – Part 1

    Baby’s First Road Trip: How to Survive the Road With Your Little One – Part 1

    Life with a brand-new addition to the family is amazing and full of firsts. There’s the first smile, the first giggle, and the first few steps, which all send you over the moon as a parent. But with all the happiness that “firsts” bring, there are some that make parents extremely nervous. We’re talking about your baby’s first road trip. If your baby’s first road trip is coming up, make sure you follow our tips to make it as smooth as possible.

    Preparation Is Key

    As you already know, leaving your house ill-prepared is a big no-no when it comes to parents. This rule of thumb is especially important when it comes to road trips and we’re not just talking about a fully stocked diaper bag either.

    You have to make sure the bag is in an easy-to-reach spot, there has to be a designated area for the changing pad, and you need to pack a change of clothes for the little one AND yourself. Also, since not all babies are fans of car seats, make sure you pack plenty of toys to keep your child entertained.

    Snacks are a Must

    It’s almost as if babies get hungry when it’s least convenient for you, right? When on your trip, you have to realize that your usual stops for food or a nice stretching session may not coincide with your baby’s needs to feed.

    Of course, you’ll need to stop to feed your baby, but since you’ll likely have to avoid stopping to get yourself some food, snacks are a no-brainer. We’re talking PB&J sandwiches, fruits, nuts, and every type of snack that will keep you running but won’t leave you feeling gross.

    Avoid Night Driving

    You may be thinking you could put in a good amount of miles while your baby sleeps at night. However, it’s important that you consider every scenario. What happens if your baby decides to scream his/her head off while you drive? Or what if your car breaks down and you find yourself stranded with an unhappy spouse and an unhappier baby? So, take the high road and limit your driving to the day time.

    4 Tips to Help Make Your Summer Trip a Bit Less Stressful and Tiring

    4 Tips to Help Make Your Summer Trip a Bit Less Stressful and Tiring

    Traveling for business or pleasure can leave you stressed and exhausted. After all, the amount of planning that goes into it makes it almost impossible to focus on anything else! To make things a little less stressful, we have a set of tips to make sure your next travel day goes as smoothly as possible.

    Prepare Your Body

    Whether you’re driving or flying, cramped spaces will make your body feel like garbage if you don’t prepare. The last thing you’ll want is to board your flight or climb into your car feeling groggy, bloated, and overall gross. It’s why we suggest getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet in the days leading up to your departure. And remember, hydration and supplementation go a long way as well.

    Double Check Everything Beforehand

    Imagine arriving at your destination to find your hotel room was never reserved due to some mistake. To help you, we suggest that you prepare, prepare, prepare! Start by checking your flight schedule all the way up to the moment you leave for the airport. The last thing you’ll want is a delayed or canceled flight! If everything’s in order, then read up on the airport’s security protocol to help your boarding process go smoothly. Additionally, double-check your hotel room status before your arrival to avoid any issues.

    Prepare Your Bag (The Right Way)

    If you’re the type who tosses anything and everything into a suitcase, then you’re doing it wrong! By making a list of essentials and checking it off as you pack, you’ll avoid overloading your bags. In fact, avoid last-minute packing altogether! When you give yourself a few days to pack your bags, you allow yourself the opportunity to remember things you may have forgotten.

    Prepare Your Travel Wardrobe

    Travel is often uncomfortable when you don’t dress for it, so do yourself a favor and dress the comfiest you can! Whether you go for a comfy sweater, jeans, and sneakers, or a t-shirt, basketball shorts, and sandals, make your comfort a priority.

    Playlist Makes Perfect: How to Craft the Best Collection of Songs for Your Road Trip!

    Playlist Makes Perfect: How to Craft the Best Collection of Songs for Your Road Trip!

    Do you know that scene in so many movies where the main character blasts their favorite song in their car as they speed away along the highway? That could be you, minus the speeding, of course! All you need is an open road, a cool (and safe) vehicle, and the best playlist around. And if you need help with the third option, then we have a few pointers to help you create the best collection of songs for the road.

    Use Segments

    If you start your eight-hour trip with electronic music, you’re going to burn out two hours in – guaranteed. We believe it’s best to break up your entire trip into segments to keep you entertained and on your toes. We’re talking slow jams during the first segment of your trip, 80s pop during the second segment, the grunge segment, and so on.

    Make it a Pre-Trip Priority

    If you’re going to make a solid playlist for the road, we recommend squeezing a bit of time in beforehand for crafting your playlist. In fact, if you get it out of the way first, you can take it for a test run while you pack your bags!

    A Bit of R & R

    This means requests and rest! After all, there’s a big chance you won’t be taking your trip on your own. So, why not give your passengers the opportunity to play some of their favorite jams? We also recommend taking a few minutes to give your ears some rest! Just turn off the radio and make some space for conversation with your passengers. You won’t regret it!

    Finding the Best Coverage That Fits Your Needs

    Finding the Best Coverage That Fits Your Needs

    Insurance is one of the most important things a driver can have in their arsenal, no matter what they drive or where they live. Without it, a driver might end up having to pay for their own repairs or vehicle replacement in the case of an auto wreck.

    But, while its importance is undebatable, many still find insurance to be elusive, mysterious, and downright confusing. When faced with so many options, what type of insurance should you choose? The first step in making that decision is understanding and recognizing the types of protection available on the market.

    The Choice is Yours

    Deciding which type of coverage is best for you comes down to your situation. What you drive, where you live, how you drive, etc. will all play a role in the insurance you’ll secure. As you can imagine, there are different types of policies out there, and you’ll have to do a bit of research when deciding what to go with.

    These include:

  • Liability Insurance – This is normally the minimum amount of coverage all drivers are required to have in almost every state.
  • Personal Injury – Insurance you’ll need to protect your family, friends, or other passengers in the event of an accident
  • Collision and Comprehensive – This protection comes into play when you aren’t able to cover the total loss of your vehicle in the event of an accident. Drivers who lease vehicles are generally required to have this protection.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – This protection is used if you have an accident with an at-fault driver who either has no insurance or whose liability limits are unable to cover damage or medical expenses.
  • Rental Reimbursement, Roadside Assistance, Mechanical Breakdown – This insurance covers the costs related to minor events including flat tires or car breakdowns.
  • 4 Reasons Why Roadside Assistance is a No-Brainer

    4 Reasons Why Roadside Assistance is a No-Brainer

    What are the chances of being stranded on the road because of car trouble? You might be thinking that it’s low, especially if you take good care of your car or if it’s not very old. However, a car can break down anywhere for any reason, even if it’s a few weeks or months old. Roadside assistance is something you should look into to avoid spending a few minutes or even hours waiting for help.

    Getting Locked Out

    Almost all recent car models have safety precautions to prevent getting locked out, but if your car is older and still uses a traditional method of unlocking it, then this issue can be a possibility. With roadside assistance, this issue is a thing of the past and one that won’t require you to inconvenience a family member! Simply make the call and an expert will be there to help within a short while.

    A Dead Battery

    Getting into your car, turning the ignition, and being met with the click of a dead battery can ruin anyone’s day. In situations like these, roadside assistance is there to lend a helping hand. An expert is always ready to be at your location with jumper cables and anything else you need to get back on the road.

    Flat Tires

    Flat tires are so common that they can probably be considered the bane of any driver’s existence. This is especially troublesome when you consider that 60% of people don’t know how to change a tire, according to an NBC News report. Luckily, roadside assistance takes care of that. They’ll find you and get you on your way as soon as possible, whether you need a tire change or a quick repair.

    An Unknown Breakdown

    Sometimes, your car can just completely die on you. What’s worse is that, in these situations, you have literally no way of knowing what the problem could be. With roadside assistance, you don’t have to worry. An expert can tow your car to a mechanic or even to your home.

    3 Signs That Your Car Will Soon Need to be Replaced!

    3 Signs That Your Car Will Soon Need to be Replaced!

    You count on your old beater to take you everywhere, and so far, it’s rarely let you down. It takes you to work each day, has been there for a few date nights, and has even made one or two road trips. If you’re getting the feeling that your reliable set of wheels won’t be reliable for much longer, then it might be time for a replacement. Here are a few things that may indicate it’s time for a new set of wheels.

    It’s Costing You Money

    All cars eventually break down for good, and the months leading up to this day can be riddled with plenty of trips to a mechanic. The cost of repairs will mount, gas efficiency will plummet, and your insurance rates might increase because your old set of wheels might become a liability. As much as it pains you, you’ll have to decide when the money you’re spending on your car is just too much.

    It’s No Longer as Safe

    If you must do certain things to make sure your car is safe, then it might be time to retire it. We mean things like jiggling the seatbelt a few times before it clicks, braking early to make complete stops, and struggling to turn the wheel because your steering column is out of whack. At a certain point, you’ll have to wonder if your vehicle is worth more than everyone’s safety.

    It’s Seen Better Days

    Some cars age beautifully, but that honor seems to be reserved for just a few models of yesteryear. If you look at your vehicle sitting in your driveway and it’s an eyesore, then it might be time to call it quits. Sure, looks may not be as important as functionality or safety, but if the opportunity arises to drive a beautiful, new car, then we say go for it!