National Insurance Awareness
The month of June has been selected by the insurance industry as National Insurance Awareness month. Motorists across the nation are encouraged to review and update their automobile insurance policy to reflect their current needs as policies can become stagnant and no longer reflect drivers’ current lifestyle or needs.
The origin of the holiday is unknown, but many insurance sales professionals believe that the recognition was in advance of the July 4th holiday, when traffic accidents and injuries traditionally spike by more than 95 percent.
With the fluctuation of Insurance rates in San Diego, it is unfortunately quite common for drivers to forego insurance. San Diego insurance rates are higher than national averages and vary from $1200 to nearly $4000 annually. Neighborhood comparisons indicate that downtown San Diego rates are the most expensive at $1511, and the Golden Heights district is the least expensive at $1449. Morena, Esperanza and Sunset Cliffs fall in between these averages.
Insurers suggest that reviewing insurance policies at least once every year can keep you and your loved ones safe and sound – and have peace of mind that, should you become involved in a car crash, you will have the coverage and protection that you need. Some common changes include:
- Increase or decrease deductible for cars and trucks
- Adding or deleting drivers
- Change of address that might lower insurance premium
- Additional discounts for safe driving, accident free, good grades
Summer means far more crashes
According to the Los Angeles Times, July 4th is the most dangerous holiday of the year. The report includes data on car crashes, injuries from swimming and fireworks accidents, but the primary cause of catastrophic injury and death is vehicle accidents.
The National Safety Council predicts that when July 4th falls on a weekend, the number of car accidents doubles – this year Independence Day falls on a Wednesday. NSC officials warn that when the holiday falls in the middle of the week, the celebration is usually held the weekend prior.
Safe driving tips for holiday travel:
- Reduce speed to accommodate road congestion, weather and traffic pattern conditions
- Employ seat belt and child car seat use at all times
- Avoid alcohol use when you know you will have to drive
- Do not be distracted by cell phone and other devices while driving
Next Steps
If you are involved in a car crash that has injured you or a loved one or caused damage to your property, please call Jeffery E. Estes immediately.
Call 619-233-8021 to schedule a free case evaluation.
California insurance laws
California is an at-fault state, meaning that the insurance of the person who is found to be at-fault in the crash must pay for damages – and provide compensation for missed work and pain and suffering if the action is properly negotiated.
In other states it is possible that no one could be designated as ‘at-fault’, and each driver must take care of their own expenses, like car repairs and medical bills. Other states only require personal coverage that will cover your and your vehicle, no matter who is at fault in the accident.
In California, drivers are required to have an insurance minimum of $5000 for property damage, and $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury insurance per person, per accident. They are also required to have uninsured and underinsured motorist accident coverage in the amount of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident.
Driving without insurance in California is quite serious; the penalty for the first offense is $100 with additional fees and assessments that often bring the total fine to $500+. Second offense, the penalties and fines often cost $2500 or more.
Jeffrey Estes has the experience and aggressive tenacity to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call the law offices of Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates to schedule a free case evaluation.
Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates
501 West Broadway, Suite 1650
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-8021
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