5 Holiday Retail Risks to Avoid
For most retailers, the holiday season is the busiest and most profitable time of year. With higher customer traffic and increased online sales come greater risks. Both brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce businesses face unique challenges over the holidays. Help protect your profits, customers, and reputation by taking steps to identify and manage these risks.
Theft and Shoplifting
Crowded stores, rushed shoppers, and distracted employees create the perfect opportunity for theft. Both shoplifting and employee theft tend to rise during the holiday rush. Help deter thieves by installing security cameras, placing mirrors in blind spots, and maintaining an adequate number of staff on the floor. Train staff to spot suspicious behavior and handle theft safely. Inventory tracking systems can identify discrepancies early before they become major losses.
Cybersecurity Threats
Online retailers face a surge in cyberattacks during the holidays. Hackers take advantage of increased web traffic and the urgency of holiday shopping to launch ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing scams. Protect your business with strong cybersecurity measures, such as updated software, multi-factor authentication, and secure payment gateways. Regularly monitor for unusual account activity and train staff to recognize phishing attempts. Our agent can help you find effective cyber liability insurance at the best available rates to provide financial protection in the event of a data breach.
Payment Fraud and Chargebacks
The rush of holiday sales can attract scammers. Fraudulent credit card transactions, chargeback scams, and fake refund requests typically spike during the holiday season. In-store and online retailers should use secure payment systems that include address verification and fraud detection tools. E-commerce businesses should monitor transactions for unusual patterns, such as multiple high-value orders from the same IP address, to help flag suspicious activity early. Meet with our experienced agent to review your commercial crime insurance policy before the holiday season to help protect your business.
Delivery and Package Fraud
Package theft and delivery scams are growing issues for e-commerce retailers. Criminals may intercept deliveries or claim packages never arrived to obtain refunds. Work with reputable shipping partners, require delivery confirmation, and use tamper-evident packaging to reduce losses. Clear communication with customers about delivery expectations can help prevent disputes. Insurance coverage for goods in transit can provide an added layer of protection against damage or loss.
Customer or Employee Injuries
Icy parking lots and overcrowded aisles can lead to injuries that result in costly claims. Retailers should maintain proper lighting, keep walkways clear, and promptly clean spills to help prevent accidents. Provide clear signage for wet floors or high-traffic areas. Remind employees to use safe lifting techniques and wear appropriate footwear in the warehouse or back room. General liability and workers’ compensation coverage can help protect your business if an injury occurs.
Protect Your Business This Holiday Season
Holiday sales can bring great rewards but also significant risks. Take proactive steps to improve security, maintain safety, and review insurance coverage to safeguard your business during the busiest time of year. Contact our local Pennsylvania agent today at (717) 241-2775 to help ensure your retail operation has the right coverage to handle whatever challenges the holidays may bring.
Driving Safety Tips for Holiday Travel
Every year, millions of Americans take to the road for the Thanksgiving holiday, traveling to spend time with their family and friends. Along with the anticipation of a wonderful celebration, the season has unpredictable weather, very heavy traffic, and an increased risk of accidents. If you have plans to travel this Thanksgiving, practicing safe driving conduct is critical. Read some of the basics that can help you enjoy a safe, pleasurable road trip.
Inspect Your Vehicle Before Your Trip
Before you leave, a quick check of your vehicle can help you avoid a breakdown or other problem. Ensure your tires have good tread and the tire pressure is correct. Check your oil, coolant, and washer fluid levels. Test your brake lights, headlights, and turn signals to ensure they work properly. If your car is due for a maintenance check, schedule it before your trip.
Plan Ahead and Leave Early
Plan your route before you leave to help you stay safe during Thanksgiving travel. Check weather forecasts, road closures, and traffic conditions. If possible, travel during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening, when the roads are often less congested. Leave early to reduce stress and allow time for unexpected delays.
Do Not Drive Distracted
Safe driving requires keeping your eyes on the road ahead, your hands on the wheel, and your full attention on the road ahead. Holiday travel often means traveling on unfamiliar routes and interacting with your passengers. Set your GPS before you start and pull over safely if you need to adjust it. Keep your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode. If you need to send a message or make a call, let a passenger do it, or pull over. Focus on the road while driving and save the multitasking after you arrive.
Stay Alert and Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is essential, as over 80 million Americans will travel this year, an all-time record. Maintain a safe following distance, especially in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. Avoid sudden lane changes. Watch for other drivers who may be distracted or fatigued and give them plenty of space. Pull over to switch drivers or rest if you start feeling tired.
Stay Sober Behind the Wheel
Thanksgiving celebrations often include alcoholic drinks, but as we know, drinking and driving never mix. Even one drink can affect your judgment and reaction time. If your celebrations include alcoholic beverages, arrange for a designated driver, rideshare, or taxi service.
Prepare for Weather Changes
The weather can be unpredictable in late November. Rain, fog, or early snow can cause hazardous driving conditions. Slow down and increase the distance if you encounter slick roads or poor visibility due to fog, rain, or snow. Safety always takes priority over speed. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, with essentials such as blankets, water, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, and snacks.
Make Sure You Are Covered Before You Hit the Road
Before setting out for Thanksgiving travel, ensure your auto insurance covers all the risks you could face while traveling during the busiest time of year. Reviewing your policy beforehand helps you confirm you have adequate liability, collision, and roadside assistance coverage. Call one of our friendly local Pennsylvania agents at (717) 241-2775 for guidance to ensure your current policy suits your travel needs. Knowing you are covered can provide peace of mind so you can enjoy the holiday with loved ones.
Don’t Let a Disaster Halt Your Business: The Power of Business Interruption Insurance
When a fire, storm, or other unexpected event forces a business to shut down temporarily, the financial toll can be disastrous. This is where business interruption insurance comes in. This type of insurance is designed to protect your company’s income, help you pay your bills, and retain employees when the business is shuttered.
What Is Business Interruption Insurance?
Also known as business income insurance, this coverage provides financial assistance for lost revenue, ongoing expenses, and temporary relocation if your business is forced to close after a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster. It applies to temporary disruption of operations during the business interruption period specified in the policy. Business interruption insurance can help cover payroll, loan payments, and taxes.
Why Should You Consider It?
Disasters rarely come with a warning. Fire, vandalism, or a natural disaster could disrupt operations and income for weeks or months. In such cases, many small businesses struggle to recover, and some may never reopen. Business interruption insurance can make it possible to keep your business going by helping you:
- Replace lost income
- Cover fixed expenses such as rent, utilities, and loan payments while operations are on hold
- Retain valuable employees by continuing to pay wages
- Fund temporary relocation while repairs are made
- Minimize disruption for your customers and keep your reputation intact
FAQs About Business Interruption Insurance
Here we provide answers to some commonly asked questions about business interruption insurance.
Is this coverage included in a standard commercial property insurance policy?
No, it is not. Property insurance covers physical damage but not lost income or additional expenses due to disaster-related downtime. Business interruption insurance is a separate policy or endorsement.
Is lost revenue from backouts covered?
That depends on the cause of the power outage. If it results from physical damage to your property, for example, from a storm, this coverage could apply. General power outages not tied to property damage are typically excluded.
How long does coverage last after a disaster?
Business income insurance coverage typically lasts from the date the covered peril began until the date the damaged property is repaired and returned to the same condition as before the disaster, up to the time limit specified in the policy.
Can a seasonal business benefit from this coverage?
Yes, as seasonal businesses are particularly vulnerable when disaster strikes during peak season, they can benefit from business interruption insurance. A policy can be tailored to reflect the unique cycle of a business.
Are business interruption insurance premiums tax-deductible?
Premiums are generally tax-deductible as ordinary business expenses. As always, confirm compliance with your tax professional.
What is the cost of business interruption insurance?
The cost of this coverage can depend on various factors, including the industry, location, revenue, number of employees, and risk level of your business. Policy limits also affect your premiums. Our agents at Deibler Insurance Associates can help you find the coverage you need at the best available rates. Give us a call at (717) 241-2775.
Fall Home Checklist: Protecting Your Property Before Winter Hits
When fall is in the air, it is the perfect reminder that winter is just around the corner. Preparing your home now for colder weather can help you avoid costly damage and keep your property safe. Taking proactive steps in the fall can protect your investment and give you peace of mind, knowing you are ready for whatever winter brings. This practical fall home checklist can help you safeguard your property.
Seal Air Leaks
Drafty windows and doors can make your home less comfortable and increase heating costs. Look for cracks or gaps in caulking and weatherstripping and repair or replace as needed. Sealing leaks saves energy and helps keep moisture and pests outside.
Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Colorful, falling leaves can clog your gutters and downspouts, causing water to back up and damage your roof, siding, or foundation. Clean out any debris and ensure water flows freely away from your home. Installing gutter guards can help minimize buildup.
Service Your Furnace
Before temperatures drop, have your furnace or heating system inspected. A professional can replace filters, clean components, and ensure it is running safely and efficiently. Routine maintenance can help prevent a breakdown when the weather is cold.
Drain Your Water Heater
Sediment buildup can cause clogs in your water heater. Draining it once a year can help remove sediment and keep it running efficiently. Check manufacturer instructions or contact a professional for help.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fall is the perfect time to inspect smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace the batteries at least once a year and test smoke detectors once a month.
Clean Chimneys
Have a professional clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney before lighting a fire to take the winter chill away. If you have a gas fireplace, it is still important to inspect the chimney and flue for blockages and the gas lines and vents for leaks.
Shut Down Exterior Faucets
When temperatures dive, water left in exterior pipes can freeze and cause them to burst. Before winter arrives, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water lines if possible. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas as a preventative measure.
Check Your Roof
The roof of your home is the first line of defense against snow, ice, and wind. Do it yourself or hire a professional to inspect for cracks, curling, or missing shingles. Address any needed repairs promptly.
Winterize Your Yard
To prepare your yard for winter, rake leaves, fertilize the lawn, and cover patio furniture. Clean and store mowers and other lawn equipment. Trim any overhanging tree branches that could break under the weight of snow or ice and damage your roof or power lines.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance with One of Our Deibler Insurance Associates Agents
Winter storms can bring unexpected challenges, even with the most thorough preparation. Review your homeowners policy in the fall to ensure you are covered for common risks, such as burst pipes, fallen trees, and roof damage. Our knowledgeable agents can help you identify any gaps and recommend coverage to best protect your property at the most affordable rates. Contact us today at (717) 241-2775.
Protecting Your Business from the Unexpected: Fire Prevention Tips for Small Businesses
A fire can be devastating for a small business. It can destroy property, interrupt operations, and put lives at risk. Although you may not be able to predict when a fire will strike, you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk and protect what you have built. By implementing these fire protection strategies, you can help safeguard your business assets and give yourself and your employees peace of mind.
Identify and Eliminate Fire Hazards
Regularly inspect your property to identify risks. Look for overloaded outlets and damaged wiring, cords, or cables. Move anything flammable away from electrical equipment and heat sources. Ensure any flammable chemicals or liquids are properly stored in approved containers.
Practice Good Housekeeping
Clutter on the premises can significantly increase fire risks. Dispose of waste materials, particularly flammable items, in a safe and timely manner. Ensure heat-producing equipment is cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent buildup that could fuel a fire.
Install and Maintain Fire Safety Equipment
In the event of a fire, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers are your first line of defense. Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed. Ensure fire extinguishers are clearly labeled, easily accessible, and regularly inspected. If your building has a sprinkler system, schedule routine maintenance to ensure it is working properly.
Clear Escape Routes
Keep exits, hallways, and storage areas clear of obstacles, such as boxes and equipment, to avoid blocking escape routes. Maintain all fire escapes and ladders in working condition. Ensure windows can be opened and screens can be removed.
Keep Your Property Up to Code
Business owners are responsible for taking measures to prevent fire emergencies. Have your business property evaluated on an annual basis to ensure it meets fire code requirements. This is a good time to have fire extinguishers inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
Train Your Employees on Fire Safety
Employee training is a key factor in preventing and responding to fires. Provide training on how to recognize hazards, use fire extinguishers, and safely evacuate the building. Conduct regular fire drills to ensure workers know what to do in an emergency. If fire strikes, a well-prepared team can act calmly and quickly.
Have an Emergency Plan in Place
To protect people and property, it is essential to have a detailed fire emergency plan. Create an evacuation map and post it in visible locations. Designate a meeting point outside the building and ensure employees understand procedures. Include instructions on contacting emergency services and notifying management. Review and update your emergency plan regularly, especially as your business grows or changes locations.
Get the Right Insurance Coverage from Deibler Insurance Associates
Fires can happen, even with the best precautions. Having the right fire insurance can help your business recover quickly. Commercial property insurance can help cover repair and replacement costs. Business interruption insurance can provide financial protection in case operations are shut down temporarily. Our experienced agent can help ensure your business has the fire protection coverage it needs. Give us a call today at (717) 241-2775.
National Fire Safety Week: Is Your Household Prepared for Evacuation?
National Fire Safety Week serves as a reminder each October to re-evaluate our preparedness for house fires. While many families install smoke detectors, check fire extinguishers, and take other precautions, evacuation readiness may be overlooked. Every second counts in a home fire, and having a clear, practiced evacuation plan in place can mean the difference between safety and tragedy. Take the following steps to help ensure you are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively.
Establish and Practice a Fire Escape Plan
If possible, your escape plan should identify two exits from every room. Create a map of your home with all doors and windows highlighted. Ensure windows and doors are not blocked. Once your plan is in place, practice evacuating the home at least twice a year. Stress the importance of never opening doors that feel hot and staying low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation. Nighttime drills are important, as home fires often occur when occupants are asleep.
High-rise and condominium building fires can be particularly dangerous. If you live in such a building, ensure you know the locations of all the exit stairs and how to escape in an emergency.
Choose a Safe Meeting Spot
Designate a safe location outside of the home where your family can meet after evacuating. For example, it could be a neighbor’s yard, the mailbox, or a particular tree. This helps ensure all family members are present and accounted for in case of a fire, so first responders are not put at risk unnecessarily.
Equip Your Home with Essential Safety Tools
To prepare for a home fire, it is important to equip your home with certain essential items, including the following:
- Smoke detectors: These should be installed in every bedroom and on every level of the house. Test smoke detectors each month and replace batteries yearly. To start a home fire drill, press the test button to sound the smoke alarm.
- Carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide is an invisible threat that often accompanies house fires. Many detectors available today can detect carbon monoxide as well as smoke.
- Fire extinguishers: These should be placed in key areas, including the kitchen, the garage and near fireplaces.
- Escape ladders: If your home has multiple stories, ensure ladders are available to allow exit from upper-floor windows.
Pack a “Go Bag”
In the chaos of a home fire evacuation, there may be no time to consider what to take with you. Pack an emergency kit in advance and keep it easily accessible. Include important items, such as the following:
- Essential medications
- First aid supplies
- Flashlights and batteries
- Cash
- Copies of important documents
- Comfort item for children and/or pets
Speak with a Friendly Insurance Agent at Deibler Insurance Associates
Fires can cause devastating losses, even with the best preparation. Along with practicing your evacuation plan, it is important to review your homeowners or renters’ insurance coverage regularly. We can help ensure your policy adequately covers fire damage and personal belongings at the best rates. Ask our agent about additional living expense coverage if your home becomes uninhabitable because of a fire. Give us a call today at (717) 241-2775.
Secure for the Holidays: A Cybersecurity Refresh for Increased Online Activity
The holiday season isn’t just busy for retailers; it’s also prime time for cybercriminals. With the rise of online shopping, increased email traffic, and a huge surge in digital transactions, businesses have become increasingly vulnerable to data breaches or cyberattacks. Now is the perfect time to refresh your cybersecurity practices and ensure your business insurance includes cyber liability protection.
Seasonal Sales, Seasonal Scams: Why Cyber Risk Spikes
Hackers know when businesses are busiest and most vulnerable to distraction. During the holidays, many businesses see a surge in online traffic, credit card processing, and digital promotions. This increased activity provides more opportunities for phishing emails, fake websites, and malware attacks to slip through. A single employee clicking a suspicious link can compromise your entire security system.
Employee Training for Safer Holidays
Your employees are your first line of defense. Invest in refresher trainings before the holiday rush begins. Remind staff to:
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
- Recognize common signs of phishing emails
- Report suspicious activity immediately
Even basic reminders about logging out of accounts and avoiding public Wi-Fi while working remotely can dramatically reduce risk.
Data Breach Preparedness
A data breach can expose sensitive client information, damage your reputation, and lead to costly legal cases. Prepare in advance by:
- Backing up critical business data securely
- Encrypting stored data and communications
- Ensuring all antivirus and security software is updated
- Creating an incident response plan that includes contact info for your IT team, legal counsel, and your insurer
Preparation can significantly reduce downtime and help your business recover more quickly.
The Role of Cyber Liability Insurance
Even with the best cybersecurity practices in place, no system is completely immune. Cyber liability insurance helps your business recover from a breach by covering costs such as:
- Notifying affected customers
- Restoring compromised data
- Legal defense and regulatory fines
- Business interruption losses
If you haven’t reviewed your business insurance recently, now is the time to see if cyber liability coverage is included, or if a standalone policy is the best option.
Tools, Tips, and Tech to Bolster Your Defenses
Modern cybersecurity tools can do more than ever before. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection software help detect and prevent attacks. Cloud-based storage with built-in encryption and automatic backups offers an added layer of security. And cybersecurity audits, conducted either internally or through a third party, can reveal blind spots.
E-Commerce and Remote Work: A Double Risk Factor
If your business operates an online store or has employees working remotely, your risk is even higher. Home networks are typically less secure, and remote workers may use personal devices that lack enterprise-grade protections. Meanwhile, e-commerce platforms can be targeted through fake logins, payment skimming, and DDoS attacks. Ensuring your employees understand your company’s cybersecurity protocols and regularly updating your e-commerce platform are both critical steps in keeping your business safe during the holiday rush.
Protect Your Data and Your Dollars With Cyber Coverage
Cyber threats aren’t going away, and during the holidays, the risks are higher than ever. A little preparation now can prevent major headaches in the future. Give us a call at (717) 241-2775 to talk about how we can help you safeguard your business with smart cybersecurity practices and the right business insurance solutions, including cyber liability coverage. Don’t leave a digital storefront unguarded. Connect with us today.
Renters’ Insurance and Back to School: Protecting Student Belongings
As students head back to college campuses and dorm rooms fill with laptops, textbooks, and tech gear, one essential protection can be overlooked: renters’ insurance. While dorm life is exciting and new, it’s not without risks. From theft and fire to accidental water damage, your student’s belongings may be more vulnerable than you think. Here’s why renters’ insurance is a smart move before the semester begins.
The Risks of Dorm Life
College housing often involves shared living spaces, communal laundry rooms, and limited security, all of which can increase the chance of personal property damage or loss. A moment of distraction can lead to a stolen backpack, a spilled drink can damage electronics, and a cooking mishap down the hall could result in smoke or water damage. The value of everything your student brings to school can quickly add up and should not be left unprotected.
What Renters’ Insurance Actually Covers
Renters’ insurance typically covers personal property against risks such as theft, fire, vandalism, and specific types of water damage. It may also include liability protection in case your student accidentally causes damage to a dorm, or their actions injure another person, as well as loss-of-use coverage if their dorm room becomes uninhabitable. Some policies even cover belongings stolen from a vehicle or from off-campus housing.
Parents’ Policies vs. Student Policies: Know the Difference
Depending on your homeowners’ insurance policy, your student’s belongings might be partially covered while they live in a dorm. But there are limitations:
- Coverage is often capped at 10% of your total personal property limit.
- Off-campus apartments typically aren’t covered in standard policies.
- Your homeowners’ policy deductible may be higher than the value of the items lost.
A separate renters’ policy is often the safer and more cost-effective option, especially for students who live off-campus.
Common Claims: Theft, Fire, and Water Damage
According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, theft remains one of the most common claims filed by college students. Dorms are high-traffic areas with frequent visitors, and unlocked doors or unattended items create easy opportunities for theft. Fires, whether caused by overloaded outlets or microwave mishaps, can also result in significant losses. Even a sprinkler system activated by a small fire can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage. Renters’ insurance steps in to help you recover the cost.
Easy Steps to Get Covered Before the Semester Starts
Securing coverage is quick, easy, and surprisingly affordable. Most renters’ insurance policies for students cost less than $20 per month. To get started:
- Create an inventory of the belongings your student will be bringing to the campus.
- Get a quote from an insurance agency specifying whether your student lives on- or off-campus.
- Review coverage limits and consider adding replacement cost coverage to your policy.
Don’t Wait for a Loss: Secure Your Student’s Belongings Today
While college is about learning, growing, and gaining independence, it is also a time to learn about avoiding financial losses. Renters’ insurance provides peace of mind for both students and parents by protecting the items that matter most. Our friendly agents at Deibler Insurance Associates can help you explore affordable personal insurance solutions to safeguard your student’s property during their years away at college.
Weathering the Storm: How Businesses Can Prepare for Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can strike without warning: floods, hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and winter storms are all part of doing business in our unpredictable climate. For business owners, these events aren’t just an inconvenience; they pose a significant financial threat. Without proper preparation and insurance, a single disaster can force a business to close its doors permanently. Is your business ready to weather the storm?
Disaster Can Strike Anywhere
While some areas are more prone to certain risks, no region is completely immune to disaster. Floods have occurred in all 50 states. Wildfires have expanded beyond traditionally dry regions. Winter storms and high winds can impact businesses even in mild climates. According to FEMA, nearly 40% of small businesses are unable to reopen after a disaster. That number jumps significantly if the business lacks a continuity plan or adequate insurance coverage.
Creating a Business Continuity Plan
A business continuity plan outlines how your company will operate during and after a disaster. It should include:
- Emergency contact protocols for employees and clients
- Data backup and off-site storage strategies
- Alternate suppliers or vendors if your normal supply chain is disrupted
- Contingency plans for remote work or temporary relocation
With these elements in place, business owners can reduce downtime and enable the enterprise to recover more quickly, minimizing losses and preserving customer trust.
Insuring for Impact: Key Policies That Matter Most
General property insurance is a start, but it may not be enough. To stay truly protected, your business may need:
- Business interruption insurance: Covers lost income and operating expenses if your business is forced to shut down temporarily.
- Flood insurance: This critical type of insurance is not included in most standard policies but is essential in flood-prone zones.
- Equipment breakdown coverage: Protects against damage to critical machinery and systems.
- Extra expense coverage: Helps cover the cost of setting up a temporary location to keep operations open and running.
Reviewing and updating your business insurance regularly ensures that your coverage aligns with your business’s current risk profile.
What to Do Before, During, and After a Storm
Preparation is key. Before a predicted big storm, secure all outdoor signage and equipment, back up all digital data, and ensure you have access to emergency cash reserves or lines of credit. During the storm, prioritize safety; shut down operations early if needed and follow local emergency guidance. Afterward, document all damages with photos, save receipts for any costs incurred, and contact your insurer promptly to file claims and initiate the first step in the recovery.
Recovery Takes Planning: Learn from Businesses That Survived
Many businesses that survived disasters credit their recovery to proactive planning and the right coverage. Those with continuity plans in place and adequate insurance often recover more quickly, avoid costly delays, and retain their customer base. Learning from their successes can offer insight into what works, and what to avoid.
Get Started by Safeguarding Your Business
Don’t wait until the skies darken to protect what you’ve built. With the right business insurance and disaster planning, you can face the unexpected with confidence. Deibler Insurance Associates can help you review your current coverage, identify the gaps, and put a plan in place to keep your business moving forward, even when the weather turns against you. Reach out today to prepare for tomorrow.
Back to School, Back on the Road: Auto Insurance Tips for Teen Drivers
For many families in Pennsylvania, the back-to-school season marks a time when teens get behind the wheel for the first time. Whether your teen is getting a permit, a first car, or driving to school events, having the right auto insurance is essential. Find out what every parent and teen driver should know about auto insurance.
First Car, First Policy: What You Need to Know
Getting a first car is a major life milestone. But with that freedom comes responsibility and, of course, risks. Most insurance companies require a teen driver to be listed on a parent’s policy or to carry a separate policy if they own the vehicle themselves. If your teen is using a family car, you must notify your insurance provider to ensure they are covered. If they have a car, ensure the title and insurance match the primary driver; this helps avoid potential claim disputes later.
Teen Risk Factors and Why They Matter to Insurers
Teen drivers have the highest crash rates among any age group, according to the CDC. Inexperience, distracted driving, and risk-taking behavior all contribute to higher accident rates. That’s why insurance companies charge more to cover teen drivers; statistically, they’re more likely to file a claim. Factors such as good grades, a clean driving record, and driver education can help lower premiums with some providers.
Tips for Lowering Teen Driver Premiums
While teen driver insurance is typically costly, there are steps parents can take to reduce the financial burden:
- Good student discounts: Many insurers reward teens who maintain a B average or higher.
- Defensive driving courses: These courses teach teens critical safety skills and can lower premiums.
- Safe vehicles: Cars with high safety ratings, airbags, and anti-lock brakes typically cost less to insure than sports cars or older model vehicles that have fewer safety features.
- Consider usage-based insurance: Programs that track driving habits through apps or devices may offer discounts for safe driving behavior.
Monitoring Apps and Safety Features
New technologies bring powerful tools for both parents and teens. Apps like Life360 or built-in features from insurance providers can help monitor speed, location, and driving habits. Many vehicles now include crash avoidance features, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking; these features not only improve safety but may reduce insurance costs.
How Parents Influence Teen Driving
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s driving habits. Studies show that teens whose parents model safe driving behaviors are more likely to adopt those habits. Establish clear expectations regarding phone use, passenger behavior, curfews, and seatbelt usage. Consider creating a teen driving contract to encourage accountability.
Call Today for the Right Auto Policy
Whether your teen is a cautious first-timer or a confident senior on the move, the right policy can help bring you peace of mind. The staff at Deibler Insurance Associates can help you explore affordable personal insurance options and ensure your coverage fits your teen’s needs. Reach out at (717) 241-2775 to schedule some time to review your policy and get your family road-ready for the school year.