Category: Auto Insurance

In nearly every way that an automobile accident can inflict damage, motorcyclists suffer a worse fate. It’s important that anyone who takes a motorcycle on the road understands the increased risk of bodily harm, vehicle damage, and insurance costs that they can expect in case they are involved in an accident.

Increased Risk of Bodily Harm

In a modern automobile, the occupants are protected by thoroughly safety-tested frames that are designed to compensate for the force of an accident with various systems like airbags and strategic crumpling. Even with these enhancements, automobile accidents resulted in over 30,000 deaths and many more casualties. A motorcycle has less bulk, affording it less space to implement the safety features seen in automobiles that are already struggling to prevent injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has long considered motorcycles to be one of the single-most hazardous vehicles operated on roadways thanks to the limited amount of protection they offer to riders, even after the push for universal helmet laws came to fruition.

Increased Damage to the Vehicle

When a motorcycle is in an accident, there is a larger amount of vital equipment exposed to the impact than in conventional automobiles. A wreck that causes a broken window and a bent frame for a car could do enough damage to a motorcycle’s engine to require a full replacement.

Increased Insurance Liability

The cost of insuring a motorcycle will typically be over 40% higher than the cost of typical passenger vehicles before driver history is taken into account. On top of the costs of mechanical and medical services, a motorcycle accident can result in higher insurance premiums depending on the temperament of your provider. When that time comes, you’ll want to have a partner like Oliver Insurance in your corner.

How to keep your motorcycle safe from theft is a constant consideration. There are several situations to be aware of, and more than one type of thief to be aware of at all times. There is the theft of opportunity where a motorcycle wasn’t locked up well and begged to be stolen by an impulsive joyrider, and, of course, a real thief. Professional thieves will find your motorcycle at events, a retail outlet for motorcycle gear and parts, as well as simply by chance.

There things you can do to keep your ride safe, and even protect you from attacked and the cycle hijacked. You can also check in with your insurance agent at Oliver Insurance for other ideas on how to keep yourself protected.

#1. Are you aware of your surroundings?
Be aware if someone appears to be following you. If you think someone is stalking you, attempt to lose them, pull over, let them pass, all the while leaving yourself an exit in case they are out to steal your bike. Go around the block, or make a safe U-turn. If you are still being followed, know that trouble is coming, so don’t go home or to your worksite until you have lost the tail.  

#2. Lock it up
No matter if the bike is parked in a garage, there are ways to ensure the motorcycle isn’t taken. Besides the lock that comes with the bike, if you want to keep it, pay for the top-of-the-line in U-locks of hardened steel, alarmed disc locks, and asymmetrical chains. Lock the forks or disk brakes. When locking up the bike, never have the lock close to the ground where the thief has the leverage to cut or bash the lock off. 

#3. Take no chances
Consider getting a kill switch, or remove the main fuse after you have parked your bike. Consider getting a tracking system in case of theft, like LoJack.

#4.  Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Park your bike between two vehicles, even inside your private garage. Cover it with something less appealing than what treasure lies underneath such as a Honda cover over an Indian. A nondescript cover works to some degree especially at night where it is easier to conceal it in the shadows.

#5 Keep the Bike Attached
No matter where you park the motorcycle, if parking outside, take your chain and U-lock, and attach it to something sturdy and stationary like a light pole, or to another vehicle, but only if you know the owner of the object. Also, look around to park under lights, and operational cameras.

A motorcycle can be driven off, or loaded into a trailer and gone in minutes. Take precautions, and always be vigilant. 

Deer season is likely one of the most dangerous times of the year to ride your motorcycle. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most enjoyable times. The weather is great and there are so many beautiful things to be seen. The worst way to spend your afternoon, though, is hitting a deer on your motorcycle. Luckily, there are some things you can do before riding and during the ride to stay safe on your motorcycle. Follow these tips to be the most prepared for the possibility of a collision.

Before Riding Your Motorcycle

Before you go out and enjoy the open road, you should practice braking techniques on roads you are familiar with. If you so encounter a deer and the collision is inevitable, the best way to approach the situation is by braking as hard as you can and not swerving. You may also want to consider getting powerful driving lights on the front of your motorcycle. Upgrading to more powerful beams will allow you to see better and is well worth the money it costs. You will also want to make sure you have the right protective gear and wear it at all times. Lastly, you want to make sure you have a good insurance policy in the case of a collision. If you are unsure, contact Oliver Insurance serving Canby, Oregon, for some insurance options.

During Your Ride

While you are riding, reduce your speed to at least 50 MPH or lower. This will allow you to have more control and a better reaction if you see a deer. If you happen to see a deer, look for more since they travel in groups. Always keep your eye on the road for deer, especially at dusk. Lastly, if you travel in groups, be sure to stagger your motorcycles. This prevents everyone from being wiped out if someone hits a deer. 

Call one of our independent insurance agents at Oliver Insurance today to discuss the proper motorcycle coverage you’ll need when out on the roads. 

The way you take care of your car directly affects how long your car lasts. Fall gives drivers a great opportunity to take care of some car maintenance before it gets too cold outside. Our staff at Oliver Insurance hopes the following fall car care tips will help our customers endure the extreme winter temperature that are on the horizon.

Protect Your Battery from Extreme Temperatures

Winters in Canby, OR can be devastating. With ice and snow on the ground, the cold temperatures can easily cause battery problems. To prevent problems with your battery, it’s important that you take measures to protect your battery from extremely cold nights. Check your battery to ensure it has no corrosion on the posts. Corrosion interferes with connection and can interfere with your ability to crank your car. You should also install a battery blank around your battery to insulate it from frigid temperatures.

Replace Worn Tires

One of the most threatening aspects of driving in winter weather is driving with worn tires. Without proper tread, it’s hard to get traction from your tires. If you know your tires no longer provide you with adequate traction, change your tires before winter begins.

Change Damaged Windshields

Your windshield protects you and your passengers while you are in your car. With a bad windshield, one that has cracks in it, then you can’t see to avoid traffic hazards. If you have a windshield that has been shattered or that has a crack, have the windshield replaced so that you have can see better while you are driving.

At Oliver Insurance, we want you to be safe behind the wheel. By using these fall car care tips, you can increase your chances of being safe this fall.

If you would like more information about our competitive insurance rates, don’t hesitate to give one of our insurance agents a call or use our website tool to get an insurance quote.

 

When you live in Canby, Oregon, managing costs is important. You never want to spend more money on anything than what is absolutely necessary. This goes for your car as well – and there are three really easy ways to extend the life of your car. This will save you on car maintenance and put off the idea of having to buy a new car anytime soon.

Check Tire Pressure

Poor tire pressure can cause problems with alignment, fuel efficiency, and much more. The PSI (pounds per square inch) is something that is found on the door panel of your car. Knowing the proper PSI is important as it will ensure that your tires are never under inflated. Adding a little air to your tires can result in better fuel efficiency and more.

Don’t Always Run Your AC

Oregon has a lot of great weather throughout the year, which means you don’t need to run your AC all the time. Avoid running it constantly as it is going to receive power from the engine. You may be putting unnecessary strain on your engine without even realizing it. Use reflective windshield shades and park under trees as a way of keeping your carpool – and you won’t need to run your AC on full blast.

Get Tune Ups

Within your car manual there is a tune-up schedule. This is something that needs to be followed so that your engine is maintained all the time. Poorly tuned engines can cost more money in fuel, can cause more pollution, and result in a variety of car problems. The oil and oil filter should be changed based upon the maintenance schedule.

At Oliver Insurance, we want to do what we can to protect your vehicle. This includes helping you to find affordable auto insurance. Call today and let us begin searching for quotes on your behalf within Canby, Oregon.