Debate: Eldery Drivers

There is a debate raging today about elderly drivers. Elderly drivers are on the streets considerably less than any other age class of people.  They also represent the quickest growing segment of the driving populace.  Although many elderly motorists are responsible and drive within their limitations, sadly, others don’t.  Regardless of the evidence that some elderly drivers pose greater risks on the road, most states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, do not require re-testing of elderly drivers.

Some programs are available to help seniors motorists adjust their driving to changes in their health condition: The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has a Driving Safety Program, that will help older people deal with issues like the best way to compensate for vision problems related to aging.  Even though it may not be mandatory, responsible elderly drivers really should have their hearing, vision and reflexes tested annually; for their own sake as well as others.  Elderly drivers may get defensive , even irritated , when the topic of their driving abilities is raised. They should be included in the decision-making process whenever possible, as opposed to formulating a decision for them.

Elderly drivers cause more fatal accidents than any other group besides young drivers.  While some elderly drivers may pose a threat, statistically, teenagers continue to account for more accidents and deaths on the road. With varying proficiency and physical and mental abilities, elderly drivers should be permitted to drive as long as they are able to do so safely and dependably.

Many NY insurance companies are now starting to penalize elderly drivers as they do teenagers based on their higher accident rates as well so it is imperative for them to shop their insurance rates more often after a certain age to make sure they are still getting the best car insurance rates in NY.

When elderly drivers are required to stop driving or self-regulate in reaction to decreasing abilities and safety issues, they face elevated isolation from family, social, and civic activities and reduced access to professional medical services.  The challenge of elderly drivers is nationwide and should become a top priority for organizations like  AARP and other seniors groups and supporters. When approaching this subject with an elderly loved one, remember how it felt when you were a teenager and constantly being judged on your driving, and also think how you would feel if you were in their shoes, because someday you will.

Staged Accidents

According to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of staged car insurance claims has risen in recent years. This always seems to be the case when nationwide economic hardship is on the rise. Questionable claims are up 46% from 2007 through 2009.

While New York is usually the state with the highest amount of fraudulent insurance claims, this time it is not isolated to our little corner of the world. In fact, fraud is up significantly nationwide and other countries as well.  The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that insurance fraud is now costing policy holders and insurance companies billions.

Insurance fraud can be a serious issue that raises rates for everyone  and some states are aiming to battle the bulge.

Everyone’s auto premiums rise because insurance companies have to pass the costs of bogus claims onto their policyholders, don’t forget, they are a business and need to make money. If wholesale prices rise, retailers like grocery stores pass that cost down to the consumer. So don’t blame your insurance company for rate increases. Another reason why premiums can go up because of fraud is because each year insurance companies spend millions of dollars guarding themselves against misleading car accident claims. Not just any accident, but a carefully orchestrated and scripted accident where you become the victim of a scheme to dupe your insurance company out of thousands of dollars. Often these accidents are staged by organized crime rings that bilk hundreds of unsuspecting drivers. In NY taxi drivers have some of the highest insurance coverage requirements and subsequently the highest premiums. That cost gets passed down to the passenger and voila, you cant take a taxi anywhere with paying through the nose now.

If you think you’ve witnessed a scam or are being scammed, contact you insurance provider immediately. Insurance companies and state insurance departments have SIU’s (special investigation units) set up specifically to combat insurance fraud.

Hudson Valley Agents is an insurance agency that has helped battle insurance fraud many times over the last twenty two years, and also offers some of the most competitive low cost NY insurance rates available.

New Year’s Day Top Working Holiday for Car Thieves

While Americans are enjoying the holidays and most have time off from work, holidays are just another day at the shop for vehicle thieves.

New Year’s Day was once again the leading holiday for reported vehicle thefts in 2009, while Christmas Day repeated as the holiday with the fewest reported vehicle thefts.

 

Read more: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2010/12/28/115956.htm#ixzz19RGTJshE

New Year’s Day Top Working Holiday for Car Thieves.