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Could I Be a Victim of Identity Theft! What Do I Do Next?

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With the increased use of online shopping and many brick and mortar stores not having done enough to protect the consumer information stored on their servers. Anyone of us could be a victim of identity theft. It has happened more often than we would like to know. Last year it happened at Target and few other businesses. Below is the information you may find helpful on how to determine if you have become a victim. Below is the information on how to determine if you have become a victim. In addition, should you determine that your identity has been compromised; we have included recommended steps you may want to take to start the process of restoring your good name. For your convenience, we have included sample letters and forms you can use as guides for contacting various agencies regarding the identity fraud. (NZ4VCB6JK6N3)

How Can I Tell if I am a Victim of Identity Theft?

Monitor the balances of your financial accounts. Look for unexplained charges or withdrawals. Other indications of identity theft can be:

• Failing to receive bills or mail when expected could mean an address change bythe identity thief;

• Receiving credit cards for which you did not apply;

• Denial of credit for no apparent reason; or

• Receiving calls from debt collectors or companies about merchandise or services you didn’t buy.

Order a copy of your credit report from any of the three major credit bureaus. If at this time you feel you may be a victim, you should initiate a fraud alert. Once you receive your report, review it for accuracy. If you find inaccurate information, check your reports from the other two credit bureaus. Of course some inaccuracies could be because of clerical, computer, or other errors and may not be a result of identity theft. It may take 7-10 business days to receive your reports.

If you believe you are a victim, understand that it may take some time and effort to recover your name, but by following the recommended steps below, we are confident that you are on the right path to recovering your identity.

Recommended Steps 

1. Contact the Police

2. Contact the Three Major Credit Bureaus

3. Close the Accounts You Know or Suspect Involve Identity Fraud

4. Contact the Government Authorities

5. Keep A Record of Your Actions and Contacts

1. Contact the Police

By contacting the police they can start investigating the crime. You will also want to obtain a copy of the police report, the police report number and the name of the investigator. Many banks, credit card companies and other agencies you will need to contact may require this information as proof of a crime. When filing a police report, provide as much documentation as you can to prove you have been a victim of identity theft. Documentation including collection letters, credit reports, an Identity Theft Affidavit can help the police create a thorough report. If the identity fraud occurred while you were away from home, you may also need to file a report in the jurisdiction where the fraud actually occurred. Be persistent if needed. You may be told they cannot take a report. Be sure to let the police know that you need a report to provide to other agencies to resolve the identity dispute. If your local police will not file a report, contact the county and state police. You may also ask that they file a Miscellaneous Incident Report instead.

2. Contact the Three Major Credit Bureaus

Contact each of the three major credit bureaus to notify them you have been a victim of identity theft and request that your file be flagged with a “Fraud Alert.” Fraud Alerts expire, so you will want to ask how long the Fraud Alert will be in effect and how you can extend it if needed. You may also want to file a “Victim Statement” with the bureaus asking them to notify you before any new accounts are opened or any existing

accounts are changed in your name. This may identify if the perpetrator attempts to open additional accounts in your name. Request copies of your credit report from each bureau to review. If information contained within your report is inaccurate, you may dispute it and request it be changed. Request your credit report again in a few months. This will help you confirm if your requested changes have been made and may identify if your report has since changed without your knowledge. This may also identify additional identity theft occurring against you.

Equifax: Order Credit Report: 1.800.685.1111

Report Fraud: 1.800.525.6285

http://www.equifax.com

Experian®: Order Credit Report: 1.888.397.3742

Report Fraud: 1.888.397.3742

http://www.experian.com

TransUnionSM: Order Credit Report: 1.800.888.4213

Report Fraud: 1.800.680.7289

http://www.tuc.com

Tips for How to Read Your Credit Report

• Check to make sure you recognize all accounts listed in your report and that the balances are in line with your records.

• Check the section listing the persons and entities that have requested or received a copy of your report. If you do not recognize a person or entity, you may want to further inquire.

• Make sure there were no inquiries to your credit report for loans or accounts you did not apply for. If there are accounts you do not recognize, this may be a sign that an identity perpetrator has fraudulently opened an account in your name.

• Check the address section to confirm there are no addresses listed for places you have never lived. If there are addresses you do not recognize, this may be a sign that an identity perpetrator has redirected your mail.

• Make sure your Social Security number is listed correctly.

• Make sure the employment history lists accurate information.

• Make sure the information is consistent across the 3 credit bureaus.

• If you identify any incorrect or suspect information, contact the credit bureau immediately. If the incorrect or suspect information is linked to a particular creditor, you will want to contact that creditor as well.

3. Close the Accounts That You Know or Suspect Involve Identity Fraud

CHECKS : If your checks have been stolen or you suspect they have been misused, contact your financial institution for stop payments. Familiarize yourself with your state’s law concerning stolen and forged checks. You can contact your State Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency to find out about any laws in your state related to identity fraud. Most states hold the financial institution responsible for losses related to a forged check. However, it may be your responsibility to have notified the financial institution of the possible forgery in a timely manner.

• You may also want to contact the major check verification companies directly. These

companies can alert retailers who use their databases not to accept your checks. They are:

• TeleCheck: 1.800.710.9898

• Certegy, Inc.: 1.800.437.5120

• You can also find out if the perpetrator has been passing bad checks on your account by

calling SCAN at 1.800.262.7771.

CREDIT ACCOUNTS AND ATM CARDS

  •  Close your current credit accounts and cancel your ATMcards. Ask the financial institution or agency to send you a fraud dispute form to complete. If they do not have one, you may use the attached sample letter as a guide. When reopening new accounts, be sure to use new PINs to reduce the risk of future identity theft.
  • If your financial institution is not assisting you with resolving your issues with them related to the identity theft, you may contact the agency with the appropriate jurisdiction over your financial institution. If you are not sure what agency has jurisdiction over your particular financial institution, you can find out by visiting http://www.ffiec.gov/consumercenter.htm
  • If you suspect your investment or brokerage accounts have been altered without your permission, report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission. You can file a report using their online Complaint Center at w w w.sec.gov/complaints.htm l.
  • Keep in mind that each creditor may have their own processes in place for handling a case of identity theft. Therefore, be sure to specifically ask each creditor what their process is, what is expected of you, and what you can expect from them.

4. Contact the Government Authorities

Federal Trade Commission

Counselors at the FTC can take your complaint and provide additional helpful advice on how to proceed once you have been a victim of identity theft. Their website is full of tips and also provides information on how to find out what laws have been passed in your state pertaining to identity theft.

Federal Trade Commission

600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20580

1.877.IDTHEFT (438.4338)

TDD: 202-326-2502

www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Social Security Administration

 

The SSA Office of the Inspector General investigates allegations of identity theft. If you know or suspectyour SSN may be involved in the identity theft against you, you may want to contact the SSA to notify them, and to request a copy of your Social Security Statement.

SSA Fraud Hotline

P.O. Box 17768

Baltimore MD 21235

1.800.269.0271

Email: o i g.hotline@ssa.gov

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

The USPIS is the law enforcement entity of the U.S. Postal Service and is the entity that investigates identity theft – specifically if the identity theft involves stolen mail or other violations of the integrity of our mail service.

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260

1.800.372.8347

www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect

5. Keep A Record of Your Actions and Contacts

Keep a file of documents related to the identity theft. You will want to include documents such as disputed bills, credit reports, police report, etc. Maintain a record of your telephone conversations with the persons and agencies you contact for assistance. Be sure to record the date and time of the call, the name and title of the person you spoke with, and the things you discussed.

Follow-up all telephone conversations in writing and send these letters certified with return receipt requested. Maintain a copy of this written correspondence for your file.

Maintain copies of any written correspondence you exchange related to the identity fraud. Keep original documents for your file; only mail copies.

Other Resources

Identity Theft Resource Center

P.O. Box 26833

San Diego CA 92196

1.858.693.7935

www.idtheftcenter.org

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

P.O. Box 33752

San Diego CA 92103

1.619.298.3396

www.privacyrights.org

Victims Assistance of America, Inc.

P.O. Box 33752

Washington DC 20033

1.502.292.2456

www.victimsassistanceofamerica.org

Steps Toward Preventing Future Identity Theft

Be Aware. Monitor your financial statements regularly.

Obtain your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus once every 6-12 months . Review these reports for any inaccurate information, or any transactions that you were not aware of or did not authorize. Secure your personal information at home. Consider keeping your sensitive, personal information in a safe or other location accessible only by you. Ask about security measures in your workplace. Find out who can obtain your personal information through work, how your information is secured, and how they discard personal records. Avoid giving out personal information over the phone. Especially when the telephone call is initiated by another party. Identity thieves may pose as a representative of a legitimate organization with whom you do business and may contact you to “verify” your information. Be suspicious of providing personal information online. Identity thieves use a practice called ‘phishing’ where they send emails that claim to be from a legitimate source – such as a bank, government entity or your ISP – and ask you to update your account or personal information. Verify unsolicited email by calling the financial institution or government agency directly, or through a new Internet session. Carry only the information you need. Only take with you the credit cards you need, and avoid carrying your Social Security card.

Regularly review your recent Card account activity . Accessing your account online is a great way to stay up-to-date on recent charges.  Shred documents containing your personal information before disposing. Identity thieves have been known to “dumpster dive” to obtain documents with personal information that have been discarded.

You may obtain a paper shredder at any local office supply company. Have the Postal Service hold your mail if you are going to be gone for a few days or more. Since identity thieves have also been known to obtain personal information by collecting individual’s mail before they return home, it is a good idea to collect your mail as soon as possible and to have the Postal Service hold your mail at the post office if you are planning on being away for any period of time. Another way to prevent account information from being stolen in the mail or from the trash is to reduce the amount of paper with account references.

Act fast! Any protections you have are stronger if you act quickly to try to correct potential identity theft.

P.S. We have sample letters that you can use if you were a victim of Identity Theft. Please contact us at (623) 243-4000. We will be happy to email the sample letters to you.

Content for this article obtained from American Express website.

Biking with a passenger

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle knows that it can be exhilarating and fun. And there are times when a biker may want to travel with a passenger. Riding with a passenger can be a great experience for both the driver and the passenger, but it is important that the proper preparations are made to ensure your safety.

The most important thing to remember when considering riding with a passenger is that both of you must be comfortable. You should be an experienced motorcyclist and comfortable with your skills and your bike before adding a passenger to the mix. If your riding companion is scared or nervous, it can make a big difference in the way they react, which can affect the bike’s handling. The passenger must be able to relax and work with the driver. The passenger should also be alert and act as another set of eyes and ears out on the road. The first step in making a passenger feel comfortable is a prepared driver.

Start by making sure your bike is capable of carrying two people. You may need to adjust your suspension to accommodate the extra weight, so check your owner’s manual before heading out. Be sure you have a seat that can comfortably accommodate two. In addition, talk to your passenger about what their responsibilities are out on the road. Don’t assume they know.

 

Before Riding

  • Protective Gear – Make sure your passenger knows that they need to wear a helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and long pants if they are going to be riding with you. The proper attire can help reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

 

  • Mounting – Explain to your passenger that the rider mounts first, gets the bike pointed in the right direction and has the bike completely under control before the passenger mounts. The passenger should always mount and dismount the bike from the left side by first putting a foot on the peg and then swinging the other leg over the seat. They should try to keep their weight as evenly distributed as possible.

 

  • Feet on the Pegs – Once on the bike, it’s important that the passenger keep both feet on the pegs at all times, unless the driver indicates otherwise. If the rider takes their feet off the pegs, it can throw off the distribution of weight and cause the bike to tip. In some states, the law requires foot pegs for passengers, so make sure you know what the guidelines in your state are before you head out.

 

During the Ride

  • Practice – Let your passenger know that their added weight can cause the bike to handle differently. Find a large parking lot or a straight section of road and take the time to practice braking and stopping so both you and your passenger can get used to the feel of it.

 

  • Braking – Weight distribution will change as the bike comes to a stop. The quicker the braking, the more sudden the change in weight distribution. As you come to a stop, your passenger will automatically lurch forward. To minimize the effects of the shift in weight, make sure your passenger keeps their feet on the foot pegs and holds on to the driver around the waist, at the hips or by the belt. As the driver, you should leave plenty of time for braking to avoid abrupt stops.

 

  • Leaning – Instruct your passenger to lean with the bike while turning or around corners. They should lean gently and avoid sudden movements. The passenger should hold on to the driver and move with the movement of the bike and driver. If your passenger has never ridden a cycle before, you should not take any high-speed turns until they understanding leaning and can do it properly.

 

  • Turning – When turning, it is important that the passenger move with the driver and help maintain the stability of the bike. Again, this is best accomplished by having the passenger hold on to the driver, counterbalance to keep the weight evenly distributed and avoid any abrupt movements.

 

  • Stop Often – Be sure that both you and your passenger have ample opportunity to get off the bike, stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. It will help keep both of you alert and make he ride more enjoyable.

Riding with a passenger can be safe and fun if you provide these tips to your passenger, talk through their responsibilities and yours, and practice until you’re both comfortable before heading out on the road. If your passenger moves in synch with the bike and the driver, maintains evenly centered weight distribution, holds on to the driver and is relaxed and comfortable, you can have a great time riding. But remember, it all starts with a prepared driver who is confident and in control.

Before heading out on the road, alone or with a companion, you should also make sure you have the right insurance policy to protect you from the unexpected. The companies of the Foremost Insurance Group have been providing specialty insurance programs for over 50 years and they have the experience and expertise to offer a superior motorcycle insurance policy. A Foremost policy offers things like Safety Apparel Coverage, Optional Equipment Coverage, Towing and Roadside Assistance including Trip Interruption Coverage, flexible payment plans and money-saving discounts. Foremost has specially-trained claims representatives that handle only motorcycle and off-road vehicle claims – it’s not just one of the things they do, it’s all they do. We have the experience and expertise to handle claims quickly and fairly.

For more information about a specialized Motorcycle insurance policy from Foremost, call (877) 275-2201 or visit www.asjinsurance.com. Foremost can offer with the Motorcycle program or any of our other specialized programs for off-road vehicles, mobile homes, motor homes, travel trailers, personal watercraft and boats!

Protecting Your Motorcycle Against Theft

According to National Insurance Crime Bureau statistics, motor vehicle thefts are on the rise, and among the vehicles being targeted are motorcycles. It’s one thing to have your property stolen, but if it is something you love and have become attached to, that is a different story altogether. And only 25% to 30% of motorcycles are recovered after theft. Thieves steal motorcycles to resell the whole bike or to strip it down and sell the parts. The fact that motorcycles are small and relatively easy to move makes them particularly vulnerable to theft. Smart thieves will find a way to steal your bike if they really want it, but there are things you can do to protect your investment and make your motorcycle less appealing to a thief. You can make it bothersome for them to try to steal it. There are several relatively simple and inexpensive ways to help protect your motorcycle from ending up in the back of a thief’s van. One of these methods alone might not be enough to deter a determined thief, but using more than one – or better yet, several – of these methods just might make the difference in whether a thief stops at your house or keeps going. Keep Your Bike Out of Sight The best bet is to keep your motorcycle in a locked garage. For some people, this might not be an option. If you have to keep your bike parked outside, start by keeping it in a well-lit area and out of direct view from the street. It should be covered with a plain cover that is free of logos or brand names. If the thief can’t tell by the cover what type of motorcycle is underneath, they may be more inclined to pass it over. In addition, you should keep the cover locked to the bike with a cable lock. However, this won’t prevent a thief from picking up the whole bike and taking it, cover and all. That’s why it is important to use this in conjunction with other security measures. Lock Your Bike to a Stationary Object Even if you have your bike in a locked garage when not in use, it is a good idea to also have it locked to something immovable. One method would be to cement a steel eye to the floor to put a chain or cable through. When using a chain or cable lock, be sure to loop it through the frame or another stable part of the bike. When you’re out riding and leave your bike parked outside, always use your steering lock – this is your first step of defense. In addition, you should use two or more locks of different types. If possible, park your bike where you can see it and check on it periodically. Make Good Lock Choices When choosing locks, it’s not a good idea to spare expense. Choose good locks. Types of locks include serpentine link locks, u-locks and chains. Record key numbers and then file them off the locks if they are stamped on them. Locks attached to your bike should not touch the ground. If a lock is lying on the ground, it is easier for a thief to use a hard item to pound the lock until it breaks. Even if you keep your motorcycle in a locked garage, it’s always a good idea to look around to make sure you’re not providing a thief with the tools to dismantle your locks. There are usually a lot of tools in a garage and with time and determination, a thief will be able to remove the locks from your bike. Other Devices There are several new mechanical devices that can help ensure you’ll find your bike where you left it. Many dealers are now selling motorcycles with alarms as a standard feature, as well as similar anti-theft devices. An alarm alone is not an effective deterrent, but in combination with other methods, a wailing alarm is liable to make a thief think twice. Even if your motorcycle isn’t equipped with an alarm, you can get stickers that say that there is an alarm installed and put them on your bike. You can also purchase anti-prying devices, pick-resistant mechanisms or you can install one or more kill switches to make the motorcycle impossible to start. Common Sense The best way to protect your motorcycle from theft is to use common sense. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition or anywhere within close proximity to the bike. Make sure that you choose the safest places possible to park or store your bike. And don’t lock your bike down to something that can easily be moved or broken and assume it’s still going to be there when you come back. Insure Your Investment In addition to being confident that you are doing what you can to protect your motorcycle, it’s important that you have the right insurance. You need an insurance policy that offers the coverage’s that are important to your specific bike and lifestyle. If you think your motorcycle is adequately covered when you add it through an endorsement on your homeowner’s policy, chances are you’re mistaken…a lesson that you don’t want to learn first-hand come claim time. Important things to look for when choosing a specialized insurance policy for your motorcycle are things like: • Safety Apparel Coverage to protect your investment in helmets, leathers, gloves and any other clothing designed to minimize injury in the event of an accident. • Optional Equipment Coverage for chroming, custom painting, side cars or anything else that was not included as standard by the manufacturer. • Optional Towing and Roadside Assistance in case your bike breaks down and can’t be ridden when you’re away from home or you run out of gas, get a flat or have mechanical issues. • Optional Replacement Cost Coverage on bikes purchased new and insured within 30 days. • Flexible payment plans so you can choose the plan that best fits your budget. • Deductible and coverage limit options. • Premium discounts. The Foremost Insurance Group of companies provides all of these important coverage’s and more in our specialized Motorcycle insurance program. Foremost has been in the specialty insurance business for over 50 years and we understand that you want to protect your investment. Foremost has specially-trained claims representatives that handle only motorcycle and off-road vehicle claims – it’s not just one of the things they do, it’s all they do. We have the experience and expertise to handle claims quickly and fairly. For more information about a specialized Motorcycle insurance policy from Foremost, you can call 1-877-275-2201 Or visit www.asjinsurance.com and see what Foremost can offer through the Motorcycle program or any of our other specialized programs for off-road vehicles, mobile homes, motor homes, travel trailers, personal watercraft and boats!

New Car and Insurance Costs

Often when potential buyers are shopping around for a new vehicle, they tend to pay attention solely to the price tag instead of the overall package, which of course should include auto insurance.

According to Bankrate.com, the typical factors that are taken into consideration include gas mileage, vehicle size, comfort, and even the type of stereo included in the purchase. The question that is all too often omitted is “what is the cost of insurance?”

Not to mention, a quick call to your local auto insurance agent very well may assist in narrowing your choices. It also may help avoid the aftershock of additional costs once you get home and have already purchased your new vehicle.

Spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Russ Rader, stresses the impact of make and model of your vehicle on a typical insurance bill. Most people think that only your personal driving record, zip code, and the demographics of the drivers in your household are taken into consideration; however, there are additional factors that are taken into consideration as well, including the exact car you choose to drive.

Insure.com recently conducted a survey to find out what the most expensive, as well as the least expensive cars to insure were and their findings are not entirely shocking.

If you are looking for an all around reliable, four-cylinder sport utility vehicle that is also cheap to insure, than look no further than the Mazda Tribute. This vehicle will only cost you $89.19 per month (on average).

Another incredibly affordable vehicle to insure is the $21,695 price-tagged Hyundai Santa Fe. The annual cost of insurance for this exact car on average is just $832.

Also on the list of low insurance price tags include vehicles made by SCION, Smart Car, Honda, Suzuki, Kia, and Lincoln.

On the contrary, if you happen to have a steady cash flow and are in a position where you can afford expensive insurance, then the Porsche 911 GT2 may be your future vehicle of choice.

Although you should be prepared for an annual insurance bill of nearly $2,943.78, this sleek Porsche tends to still be very approachable and appealing to auto buffs. Its ability to be maneuvered with ease, allows this expensive beauty to still be worth every penny.

Other makers of high-insurance vehicles include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Jaguar.

While Insure.com was creating this survey they also came across another interesting fact. Auto insurance is currently most expensive in the states of Washington, New Jersey and Louisiana.

Their entire study was based around a 40-year-old male driver with a 12 mile commute to work. The quote was factored around a policy with limits of $100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 or all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in case of an accident.

Luckily, for drivers in both Arizona and California we are not among the states with the highest insurance premiums; however, if you are looking for auto insurance in either state please visit ASJ Insurance & Financial Services Inc.’s website www.asjautoinsurance.com today for a quick and easy auto quote or call them at (602) 212-1048 or (877) 275-2201.

ASJ Insurance & Financial Services Inc. represent many reputable insurance companies like The Hartford, MetLife Auto & Home, Travelers, Progressive, Infinity and other companies and are sure to find you coverage that fits your need and budget.

States find ways to deal with Uninsured Drivers

Recently the state of Oklahoma implemented a bill that will eventually result in fewer automobiles on the road. The bill forbids any vehicle to be driven without insurance, which is the same in every state in the United States. The difference? Oklahoma has made it a rule that they are allowed to automatically tow away any vehicle without proper insurance.

After many voters requesting that a bill such as this be passed, state Representative, Steve Martin, finally stepped forward and presented the bill hoping to take all uninsured drivers off the road.

This bill comes shortly after the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety put instant auto insurance verification systems into place. The new systems make it possible for police officers to verify whether or not you have legit auto insurance in less than eight seconds. All they have to do is check your license tag number. It’s as easy as that. Although these verification systems have been in place for several months, but prior to this bill, law enforcement officials could not seize a vehicle that was uninsured. Bottom line: If you are driving in the state of Oklahoma without auto insurance and get pulled over, you better have money to accommodate a pricey cab ride home.

This comes as great news to the millions of drivers out there who are insured to see those who do not taken off the streets. When an automobile accident occurs involving an uninsured driver it affects both drivers negatively; nonetheless, is an easily avoidable hassle.

With such positive feedback, do not be surprised if other states follow Oklahoma’s footsteps and begin to enforce similar laws.

So what can you as an individual motorist do to make sure your vehicle doesn’t get towed and impounded upon being pulled over? It’s simple. Get auto insurance and make your monthly payments, or be prepared to pay the consequences that come along with driving without insurance.

It is very easy to find reasonable auto coverage these days with all of the instant auto insurance quote systems available online. There are endless ways to keep your monthly premiums down as well and driving uninsured is definitely not one of them. In fact, in the long run you will end up with way more expenses compared to a low monthly rate. In current times, it is impossible to hide from the law if you are driving uninsured.

If you are in the states of Arizona or California and are without adequate auto insurance, or choose to see if you can save on your auto insurance premium, feel free to inquire about ASJ Insurance & Financial Services Inc. They represent many great companies like The Hartford, MetLife Auto & Home, Traveler’s, Progressive, Infinity and many other companies. You can visit their website at http://www.asjautoinsurance.com where you can get an instant quote from Progressive, or give them a call at (602) 212-1048 or toll free (877) 275-2201 to get a no obligation customized quote to fit your budget and needs.

Teenager’s and Auto Insurance

One of the most stressful moments in any parent of a teenager’s life comes around the time they turn sixteen and are able to get their drivers license. Not only do they have to worry about the financial burden of purchasing a vehicle for their young driver, but also the safety of their child.

Another major, yet essential hassle both the parents and teenager have to face is finding auto insurance. Unlike regular auto insurance policies, those designed for teenagers tend to be more expensive.

This comes from a variety of reasons including the most obvious statistic – that teenage drivers aren’t necessarily the best out there. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 16-year-olds get into accidents almost 6 times more often than drivers between the ages of 30 and 59. This being said, car insurance premiums are much higher for this age group because the higher the risk one is, the higher the cost of their auto insurance premium.

However, there are definitely things a teenager can do to keep their auto insurance premiums low by attending safety programs or classes to learn safe driving habits.

For starters, teach your teen the traffic laws and make sure that they follow them. The easiest way to keep your car insurance the lowest possible is by have a clean driving record.

Also for parents, make sure to set a good example for your young drivers. If you exceed the speed limit, tailgate, administer road rage, and then you are just showing your teenagers that this is the proper way to drive. Make sure to practice your safest driving tactics when you are teaching your teen to drive.

It is also a smart idea to put your teen under your policy, rather than getting an individual policy for them. By putting them on your auto insurance policy as an additional driver, they could be treated as an occasional driver and therefore have a lower premium.

You may want to set limits as to when, where, how, and with whom your teen is allowed to drive. Some parents set limits on the number of passengers allowed in the car at any given time, after all loud noises such as music, cell phones, and multi-person conversations can create serious distractions.

Speaking of cell phones, you should enforce a no cell phone zone in your teen’s vehicle. Talking and texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions for any driver on the road and could have very serious results.

Other rules you may want to enforce in order to keep your teen as safe as possible on the road include: limiting your teen’s driving distances, consider not allowing your teen to drive during high-risk accident times such as weekends, and establish a curfew.

If you are a resident of Arizona or California and have questions regarding auto insurance or are looking to get a policy for your teenager please visit ASJ Insurance & Financial Services Inc.’s website today www.asjinsurance.com  or give them a call at (602) 212-1048 or toll free (877) 275-2201.

ASJ Insurance & Financial Services Inc. represents many reputable insurance companies like The Hartford, MetLife Auto & Home, Progressive, Infinity, Travelers and many other companies and they could do all the shopping and comparisons and get you the best policy.

Auto Insurance & DUI

Many drivers know that there will inevitably be repercussions if you are caught drinking and driving, but they do not seem to know exactly how it will affect your auto insurance in the long run. DUI tickets stay on your driving record longer than other types of tickets such as speeding tickets.

 The truth is… it depends. What happens after you are charged with driving under the influence will vary based on a few different things. Certain components that are taken in to consideration are both the state that you live in and the insurance company you are insured with.

 In extreme cases, drivers who receive a DUI have even had their policies cancelled all together. You can lose your driver’s license entirely for a specified time as designated by state law. One thing that is certain regardless of whether it goes into effect instantly or once you receive your license back is that you will experience higher rates than before the incident occurred. Many insurance companies consider those who acquire DUIs to be what they call ‘high risk drivers’. Just as it states, you are a higher risk to them.

 Other negative aspects of receiving a DUI include the points that they will endure on your license. Points alone can increase your premium. This can even cause you to be turned away from new job opportunities. Some insurance companies will not even insure you if you have a DUI on your record; however, companies such as Progressive would never turn you away because of that but will charge a higher premium.

 Getting a DUI may be one of the toughest things one ever experiences; however, it is not the end of the world. Regardless, you will pay the consequences for a long time. Your best bet is to simply not drink and drive.

 ASJ Insurance have access to a number of companies like The Hartford, MetLife Auto & Home, Progressive, Infinity, Bristol West, Occidental and many more companies and we are confident that one of the companies is going to be a good fit for your auto insurance needs that will save you money too. If you have any questions regarding auto insurance, visit ASJ Insurance & Financial Services Inc.’s website http://www.asjautoinsurance.com/ or give them a call today (602) 212-1048 or toll free at (877) 275-2201, open weekdays 10am to 6pm and by appointment on Saturdays.

Cell Phones & Auto Insurance

According to CBS Interactive Inc., an estimated 6,000 people are killed each year by drivers who are distracted by texting and/or making phone calls using their cellular telephones.

 Safety advocates are coming together in order to formulate a national organization to fight against the many wrongful deaths.

One victim, Jennifer Smith, was hit by a distracted driver one night while driving in her home city of Oklahoma City with her mother. The driver was talking on his cell phone and unknowingly ran a red light. Smith survived the crash; however, her mother Linda Doyle, 61, was not so lucky.

 “We need to just drive,” said Jennifer Smith, Doyle’s daughter. “Why do you need to be doing anything else when you’re driving a deadly weapon?”

 This horrible, life-changing experience has prompted Smith to team up with other victim’s families to form FocusDriven. The advocacy group is modeled after the famed support system Mothers Against Drunk Driving or “MADD”.

 Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation, feels confident that eventually “being distracted, while driving” will get the kind of attention that drinking and driving has received. After all, in the old days drinking and driving was barely a topic of discussion. Nowadays, after much law enforcement and receiving the proper attention it deserved, the numbers have significantly lowered. “That’s where we want to get with the distracting thing”, LaHood said.

 Currently only 19 states, plus the District of Columbia, have put a ban on texting while driving and 6 states, plus DC, have banned the usage of cell phones while operating a vehicle. Ironically, not one state has begun to enforce banning the use of hands-free phones while driving, which after thorough research, has been proven to have the same amount of distraction.

 Judy Stone, the president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, feels that in the near-future technology will come out with a device that will put a lock on the times when you can and cannot use your phone in your car.

 For example, a GPS-assisted system will have the ability to detect when you are or aren’t on the road and be able to block all calls to your cell phone when you are driving.

 Although, many worry that the technologically savvy world we live in will soon have more gadgets to worry about. The particular gadgets many fear are dashboard computers. Jim Buczkowski, Director of Electrical Systems at Ford Motor Company, the   computers would be voice activated so drivers can keep their hands on the wheel. But it’s where driver’s heads would be that worries safety advocates.

Auto Insurance

Things to Know When Searching for Auto Insurance

 1. “You’re a statistic”: You will hear this general statement numerous times when you begin your hunt for auto insurance. Your premium will be based off of a combination of factors including the type of car you drive, its year, your age, your gender, marital status, your occupation, who you are, your personal driving violations, accident claims, credit rating, education, how far you drive to work, the miles you drive each year, your vehicle’s theft protection devices, where you live and how you live. This may appear to be an abundance of determinants; however, all of these can and will work both for and against you to come up with a reasonable monthly premium.

2. You will save money by comparison shopping. Just like when you prepare to purchase anything else, you are going to want to do your research before jumping the gun and making your ultimate decision. Prices for auto insurance will vary vastly depending on the provider. What may appear to be the same exact product can still have a different price tag, so make sure to do your research before committing to any specific company.

 3. it’s not just about price. It is also about the customer-service that your insurer provides. It is your right to do some background research regarding each insurance company’s history in terms of claims service. If a company takes forever to file a claim after an accident occurs or they are financially unstable, you are not going to want to sign up with them solely based on a low premium.

 4. Auto Insurance is not an area to be skimpy on. Most states only require liability coverage, which again will protect you from being held responsible for another party’s damages, in the event of an accident. You should look for more coverage beyond just the basics. For example collision, bodily injury, car rental, comprehensive, full glass, medical coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist, and towing are all additional types you can add to your policy. Just because you choose to get extended coverage does not mean that you will have to necessarily pay more. Many companies can work with you and come up with a reasonably priced multi-coverage plan designed just for you.

5. Research what discounts you are entitled to. Discounts are granted to reward behavior. For example, good grades and certain safe driving courses could make you eligible for monthly discounts. Do your homework before purchasing auto insurance. Any website that is willing to give you multiple quotes at once such as www.asjautoinsurance.com is the perfect place to start.

ASJ Insurance & Financial Services Inc. is any insurance customer’s ideal insurance agency of choice, because they work with multiple companies, which will in turn provide you with a listing of various quotes and from there you and your family can find the one that works for you. You can go ahead and request a no obligation quote at:

http://www.asjinsurance.com/asjinsurance.aspx?MyMenu=home&MyPage=forms/auto.asp&SessionID=63631471

and the experts at ASJ Insurance & Financial Services Inc. will go to work on coming up with a number of auto insurance quotes from different companies such as The Hartford, MetLife Auto & Home, Progressive, Safeco, Infinity, Foremost, Bristol West and many more companies. Visit us at www.asjautoinsurance.com or call us at 602-212-1048 or toll free 877-275-2201.

At ASJ Insurance & Financial Services Inc. you are in the hands of elite, experienced professionals who have been providing insurance services to both Arizona and California residents for more than 10 years and will work for you non-stop until you are fully satisfied with the outcome.