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The Sobering Stats: Drunk Driving and Its Impact on Insurance Premiums

Drunk driving is a pervasive issue that not only poses significant risks to road safety but also has lasting consequences on individuals’ financial well-being. The following show sobering statistics of drunk driving and how they correlate with increases in auto insurance premiums.

The Alarming Statistics
The numbers are stark and alarming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving contributes to a considerable portion of road accidents. In recent years, nearly 10,000 people lost their lives in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for nearly 28% of all traffic-related fatalities.

Impact on Insurance Premiums
For those caught driving under the influence, the financial impact goes beyond legal fines and court fees. Insurance premiums take a substantial hit. On average, a DUI conviction can result in a staggering 80% increase in auto insurance premiums. This spike in costs is attributed to the heightened risk that insurers associate with drivers who have a history of impaired driving.

Risk Assessment by Insurers
Insurance providers meticulously assess risk when determining premiums. A driver with a DUI is statistically considered a high-risk individual due to the increased likelihood of accidents and claims. This risk assessment translates directly into higher insurance premiums, reflecting the potential financial exposure that comes with covering a driver prone to impaired decision-making behind the wheel.

Regional Variances
Statistics also highlight regional variations in the prevalence of drunk driving and its impact on insurance premiums. States with stricter DUI penalties and enforcement tend to have lower instances of drunk driving accidents and may see comparatively lower insurance premium increases for those convicted.

Age and Gender Disparities
Studies show that certain demographic factors, such as age and gender, play a role in drunk driving statistics. Younger drivers and males are more likely to engage in risky behavior, including driving under the influence. Consequently, this demographic may experience more substantial increases in insurance premiums following a DUI conviction.

Repeat Offenders
Another concerning statistic is the rate of repeat DUI offenses. A significant number of individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence continue to engage in risky behavior. Repeat offenses not only result in more severe legal consequences but also lead to higher insurance premiums, as insurers perceive an elevated level of risk.

The statistics surrounding drunk driving and its impact on insurance premiums underscore the importance of responsible decision-making behind the wheel. The financial ramifications of a DUI go beyond the initial legal penalties, affecting individuals’ ability to secure affordable auto insurance for years. By understanding these statistics, individuals can make informed choices, prioritize responsible driving, and contribute to safer roads for everyone.

March 14, 2024/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Safety, Tips, Uncategorized

AC Marmo & Sons, Inc. LOVES Insuring Your Life!

Life is the most precious gift, and we love insuring yours! AC Marmo & Sons, Inc. values every single one of our loyal clients, and this month, we are sending you love and gratitude for welcoming us into your families and homes. It is our pleasure and honor to provide you with protection and assurance in these times of uncertainty. Some of the most impactful services we proudly provide are:

Auto Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Flood Insurance
Commercial Auto Insurance
Workers Compensation Insurance

you have questions, we would love to answer them! If you have concerns, we would love to address them! We love insuring you – and all the things that come along with it! Get to know us better at AC Marmo & Sons, Inc., and let us give you the support and protection you so very much deserve!

https://www.acmarmo.com/ Fairfield Office (973) 340-9100 Lavallette Office (732) 793-7530 Fairfield Location: 350 Passaic Avenue PO Box 11115 Fairfield, NJ 07004 Lavallette Location:1605 Grand Central Avenue, Suite #3 Lavallette, New Jersey 08735

February 7, 2024/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Safety, Tips

Hypothermia – Prevention Tips

Preventing hypothermia is important because it can be a life-threatening condition. Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your core body temperature to drop below the normal range (around 98.6°F or 37°C). Preventing hypothermia involves taking measures to stay warm, dry, and protected in cold environments. Take proactive steps to avoid hypothermia.

Dress in Layers

Wear multiple layers of clothing to trap warm air close to your body.
Use moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat away from your skin.

Stay Dry

Wet clothing can significantly increase the risk of hypothermia. Ensure your outer layer is waterproof or water-resistant.
Change into dry clothes if you get wet.

Protect Extremities

Wear gloves, hats, and warm socks to protect your hands, head, and feet.
These areas are prone to heat loss, so keeping them covered is crucial.

Stay Active

Physical activity generates body heat. Keep moving to maintain warmth.
Avoid long periods of inactivity in cold conditions.

Seek Shelter

If you’re in a cold environment, find or create shelter to protect yourself from wind and precipitation.

Stay Hydrated and Well-Fed

Dehydration and lack of food can make your body more susceptible to hypothermia. Stay nourished and hydrated.

Know the Signs

Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and fatigue. Seek medical help if you notice these signs.

Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcohol can cause your body to lose heat more quickly, and tobacco can restrict blood flow. Avoid these substances in cold environments.

Stay Informed

Be aware of weather conditions and plan accordingly. Check forecasts before heading out, and be prepared for changing conditions.

Remember that the severity of hypothermia can vary, and individual susceptibility may depend on factors such as age, health condition, and environmental conditions. Taking preventive measures is essential for maintaining overall well-being and reducing the risk of serious health complications associated with hypothermia.

January 15, 2024/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Tips

Mastering Your Ceiling Fan: Seasonal Comfort Hacks

Ceiling fans are not only functional but also play a significant role in maintaining comfort and energy efficiency in our homes. Depending on the season, the direction in which your ceiling fan blades spin can make a significant difference in the way you feel and your energy bills. In this blog, we’ll explore the optimal ceiling fan settings for both summer and winter to help you make the most of this essential home appliance.

Summer: Cooling Down

During the sweltering summer months, the primary goal is to keep your living spaces cooler without cranking up the air conditioning and running up your electricity bill. To achieve this, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise when looking up at it from below. Here’s why:

Creating a Wind Chill Effect: Counterclockwise rotation pushes air downwards, creating a wind chill effect. This makes you feel cooler by increasing the evaporation of sweat on your skin, effectively lowering your perceived temperature.
Enhancing Air Circulation: The downward airflow helps circulate air throughout the room, distributing cool air more evenly and preventing hot spots.
Reducing Energy Costs: By using your ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner, you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher, which can significantly reduce your cooling costs.

Winter: Warming Up

In the colder winter months, the goal is to keep your living spaces warm without overworking your heating system. To achieve this, your ceiling fan should spin clockwise when looking up at it from below. Here’s why:

Even Heat Distribution: Clockwise rotation gently draws air upwards and forces the warm air that naturally rises to circulate back down into the room. This helps to even out temperature variations and eliminate cold drafts.
Reduced Heating Costs: By redistributing warm air more effectively, you can set your thermostat a few degrees lower while maintaining the same level of comfort, ultimately saving on heating costs.
Preventing Stagnant Air: Running the fan in the winter also helps prevent stagnant air and keeps the room feeling fresher and more comfortable.

Adjusting Your Ceiling Fan

Switching the direction of your ceiling fan is typically done through a switch on the fan’s motor housing. Some newer models even come with remote controls, making it easy to change the fan’s direction at the push of a button.

Remember to turn off the fan before adjusting its direction to avoid damaging the motor or blades. Once the season changes, simply reverse the direction to match the recommended settings.

Ceiling fans are versatile and valuable assets for maintaining comfort and reducing energy costs in your home. By adjusting the direction of your ceiling fan blades according to the season, you can maximize its benefits. During the summer, set it to counterclockwise to cool down, and in the winter, set it to clockwise to warm up. This simple adjustment can help you stay comfortable year-round while saving on your energy bills.

December 7, 2023/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Insurance

Rideshare Insurance for Uber and Lyft Drivers

On average, the roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people in the U.S. who drive for both Uber and Lyft earn $18.15 an hour before expenses. Just one car accident, though, could easily eat up that money—and more. That’s why Uber and Lyft drivers likely need separate rideshare insurance to supplement both personal auto insurance and the coverage that’s automatically provided by rideshare companies. A driver’s financial stability could ride on whether they’ve got rideshare insurance.

To understand the insurance for rideshare driving, it’s important to know the three phases while a rideshare app is on:

Available: The driver is available to pick up a passenger.
En route: The driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up the passenger.
On the trip: The driver has picked up the passenger and is on the way to the passenger’s destination.

When an Uber or Lyft driver’s rideshare app is off, their personal auto insurance applies. But when the app is on, Uber and Lyft provide some coverage on the driver’s behalf. Personal auto coverage typically excludes rideshare trips. That’s because your auto insurance company has priced the policy assuming you’re driving yourself, relatives and/or friends, and that you aren’t earning money from private trips and putting a lot of extra miles on your car.

As a result, a rideshare driver’s personal auto policy typically won’t supply coverage while you’re making rideshare trips. A rideshare driver might be happy with the insurance provided by the rideshare company, especially if the driver carries only the minimum personal auto insurance required by the state. In those cases, a million dollars in liability coverage from Uber can look like a major bonus.

But there can still be gaps, which is where rideshare insurance comes in. For example, rideshare companies don’t provide collision or comprehensive insurance when the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request. And a personal auto policy that includes collision and comprehensive likely won’t cover that period. So, if you accidentally back into a pole, you’d have no insurance for the damage. Without additional rideshare coverage from their personal auto insurer, drivers may find their existing coverage may not apply to a loss that occurs while they are acting as a rideshare driver.

At A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc., your road safety is very important to us. Call us at 973-340-9100 or visit our website at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to discuss your auto insurance needs. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs!

Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/rideshare-insurance/

March 4, 2022/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Blog

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for Fall

Personal Insurance Fairfiel NJ, Vehicle Maintenance, Fall Vehicle Maintenance, Check Vehicle Fluids, Inspect Vehicle Tires

The seasons are beginning to change and before we know it, cold weather will be here! The seasonal changes affect your vehicle in many different ways. Regular vehicle maintenance along with seasonal-specific car care tasks will help your vehicle last throughout the changes.

Check Fluids: This is the most important car care routine. The fluids lubricate, cool, and perform other vital functions to keep your car running. Check all fluids under the hood including: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.

Inspect Tires: Tires affect the braking ability, handling performance, and overall safety of your vehicle – needless to say they are important! Measure the tread depth at the outer tread, center tread, and inner tread. If the any of the tread depths reading is 2/32” or less, the tires are a safety hazard and need replaced immediately! You should also check the tire pressure. Ensure the tires are inflated to the specification listed on the placard inside the door jamb.

Check Lights, Blades, and Brakes: Long summer days will be coming to an end soon. Since nighttime comes earlier in the fall, you’re more than likely going to be driving in the dark. Ensure all lights are in proper working order. Snow can fall at any time during the fall and winter months. You will want to ensure your wiper blades and windshield washer are ready for these conditions. We don’t have to remind you the importance of your car’s breaks. Before the snow starts to fall is the perfect time to take a peek at your breaks to ensure they are good to go!

Check Heater: You will want a warm car during the crisp fall mornings and in the winter. Now is a good time to check the heater to see if it is blowing hot air. If it’s blowing cold air, there may be an underlying issue within the cooling system.

Emergency Kit: You never know when you are going to break down on the side of the road or get stuck in traffic during the snowy weather. Having an emergency kit in your car is a great idea to keep you and your passengers safe and warm. Emergency kits should include: extra hats and gloves, blankets, a flash light and batteries, jumper cables, a multipurpose utility tool, and a first aid kit.

As we say “goodbye” to summer and “hello” to fall and winter A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc. wants to ensure you are safe on the road. While you are making your way through your fall vehicle checklist, give us a call at 973-340-9100 or visit us online at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to review your auto insurance policy. Stay safe, stay warm, and be prepared for anything!

Sources:

https://www.carparts.com/blog/five-fall-car-care-tips/

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/car-kit?

October 5, 2021/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Blog

How to Jump Start a Car

Trouble happens. You left your lights on and now you’re stuck with a dead car battery. While learning how to jump start a car can be easy, there are risks in it if done so incorrectly. As your insurance agent, we care about your safety so we put together the following guide on how to properly get you and your car charged and back on the road.

What do you need to jump start a car?

Before you can recharge and get going, you need a few basics: jumper cables and a power source – either a portable jump battery (a jump box) or another vehicle.

Jumper cables are long, thickly insulated cables with toothy clips on one or both ends. These clips are called alligator clips. The clips are distinguished by color, usually red and black, to indicate positive and negative polarity. The red clip is positive. The black clip is negative.

Jump boxes are portable batteries used to jump start a vehicle without connecting to another vehicle and come with special jump cables. These cables connect the jump battery directly to the dead car battery. Road side assistance usually uses a jump box when helping stalled vehicles.

What do you need to know about car batteries to jump start a car?

Car batteries have two larger nubs, called terminals. There is a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Each should be clearly marked. Connecting cables to the right terminal is important to completing the circuit and gives power to the dead battery.

Positive terminal – The positive terminal is usually the bigger of the two terminals. It is marked with “POS” or “+”. It will connect to the positive clip on the jumper cable, which is usually red.
Negative terminal – The negative terminal on the battery is usually marked with “NEG” or “-”. This will attach to the other clip, which is usually black.

CAUTIONS WHEN JUMP STARTING A CAR:

READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL. Some cars are not recommended for jump starting because they have sensitive circuitry
DO NOT JUMP corroded, cracked, leaking, or visibly damaged batteries
DO NOT JUMP frozen batteries
DO NOT JUMP dry batteries
DO NOT TOUCH CLIPS together. This is true when connected, but get in the habit by never touching the clips together.

Protect the donor battery

A quick test that there is enough voltage for the donor, be sure that the car giving the jump start headlights are steady and bright when the car is started. If the headlights dim, that can signal that the battery is low.

How do you use jumper cables to jump start a car from another vehicle?

CHECK BATTERIES: Make sure that the battery giving the jump has enough voltage and is a matching voltage system type (12V, 6V, etc.)
READY CARS: Put both cars in park or neutral, turn the ignitions off, and put on the parking brake.
OPEN THE HOOD of each car.
ATTACH ALLIGATOR CLIPS to the terminals in the following order:
- Red to Dead – Connect red, or positive, clip to the positive terminal on the battery of the dead car.
- Red to Donor – Connect the red, positive, clip to the positive terminal on the donor battery on the other car.
- Black to Donor – Connect the black clip to the negative terminal of the donor car.
- Black to Metal – Connect the black clip to an unpainted metal part of the dead car that is not directly next to the battery. One of the metal struts that hold the hood open is a good place to clip the second black, or negative, clip.
START THE DONOR CAR so that the battery can supply power to the dead battery.
IDLE the donor car, allowing it to run for a few minutes.
TEST the interior light of the car being jump started. If it goes on, there may be enough power.
START the dead car.

After the car is jump started:

Unclip the clips in the reverse order you connected them:

- The black clip on the unpainted metal
- The black clip from the negative terminal
- Red clip from the donor car
- Red clip from the dead car’s battery

If the jump works and your car starts, don’t shut off your engine! Drive around for at least 15 minutes to recharge your battery. If the car won’t start the next time you use it, the battery isn’t holding a charge and needs to be replaced.

Watch these steps for jump starting a car from Safe2Drive.

At A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc., your road safety is very important to us. Call us at 973-340-9100 or visit our website at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to discuss your auto insurance needs. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs!

Source: https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive-driving/trending/how-jump-car-simple-steps-bring-your-car-battery-back-life and https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-jump-start-a-car/

September 3, 2021/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Blog

Summer Safety Tips with Kids!

Sunscreen

Summer is the season for sunscreen! When the sun is out, everyone should be protecting their skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation has found that children who have gotten severe sunburns have higher chances of developing Melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs in about 200,000 people per year in the United States. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is the best.

Sunscreen should be applied every 30 minutes and skin should be dry before applying. Regardless of age and skin type, always apply sunscreen to you and your children.

Poison Ivy

If your children are playing outside, make sure you and your children are aware of what poisonous plants look like. Let’s say a ball has been kicked into a grassy area and your child wants to retrieve it. Teach your child to check the area before walking through it. If they cannot tell or feel unsafe walking through the particular area, tell them to grab an adult.

If you or your children have been exposed to poison ivy, here are some symptoms of an on-coming rash:

Small bumps or hives
Itchy skin
Redness or red streaks
Blisters that drain fluid when popped

Not all symptoms are severe and need medical assistance. For minor cases, home remedies like cold showers will help the symptoms to dwindle. If home remedies are not working and the rash continues to spread, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Bicycles

Bicycle accidents are common among children in the summer, especially those just learning how to ride one. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission states that at least 300,000 children in the United States make a trip to the emergency room due to bike-related injuries.

The best way to keep your children safe on his or her bike is to make them wear protective gear, such as a helmet, knee pads and shoulder pads. If a child does get into a bicycle accident, minor injuries can be treatable at home. For major accidents, like those that result in broken bones, must seek medical help immediately.

Swim Safety

Summer is the best time for laying out by the pool and swimming all day! Whether it is a public pool or a private pool, the same rules apply to each. To ensure that your children are safe at any pool, go over the safety rules with them.

Many rules like no running and no diving in the shallow end apply to almost any pool. If your child is not a very good swimmer, provide a life jacket to ensure their head is always above water. If there are no lifeguards on duty, watch your children at all times or swim with them. If there are lifeguards, provide the right swim gear necessary!

Hydration

Make sure you and your children are drinking plenty of water when being outside. Dehydration can happen to anyone, especially children. It is important to eat and drink frequently throughout a summer day. Here are some symptoms of dehydration that everyone should be cautious of:

Fatigue
Dizziness
Irritability
Dry mouth
Excessive sweating
Dark yellow urine

Bee Stings

Bee stings are painful for anyone. Bees and insects are known for being practically everywhere during the summertime. Beehives can be located anywhere from trees to outside toys. Usually, hives are located in small areas where they are not always visible.

To make sure that your children are safe from getting a bee sting, check the area they are playing in for hives. Bug spray can help; however, it will not kill bees. In case of a bee sting, check if the stinger is not in the wound. Once removed, apply ice to relieve some pain and to shrink swelling. Once the area is less inflamed, wash the area and place a bandage if necessary. If your child is allergic to bee stings, seek medical assistance immediately.

August 4, 2021/by A.C. Marmo & Sons

Uncategorized

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February 19, 2019/by A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc.

Posts

The Sobering Stats: Drunk Driving and Its Impact on Insurance Premiums

AC Marmo & Sons, Inc. LOVES Insuring Your Life!

Hypothermia – Prevention Tips

Mastering Your Ceiling Fan: Seasonal Comfort Hacks

Rideshare Insurance for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for Fall

How to Jump Start a Car

Summer Safety Tips with Kids!

Note:

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