Car Insurance | Consolidated

Silence Isn’t Golden – Electric Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity as battery technology improves and charging stations become more widely available. Besides the obvious benefits of reduced fuel consumption and emissions, electric vehicles operate in near silence, which is great if you’re driving. That silence, though, creates a new hazard for pedestrians. Without the usual engine noise as…

Auto Coverage: Why Raise Your Limits?

You already know that automotive insurance is a must-have, required by law, with specific coverage limits that vary from state to state. The problem is that many drivers stop right there at those bare minimums, which can leave them in a bad place in the event of a serious accident. For example, Maryland drivers must…

Commercial Auto Premiums: Factors & Advice

As with any other insurance rates, your commercial auto premiums are based on a number of factors, beginning with a combination of potential risk factors (how much driving occurs, and in which areas) and loss history (actual record of accidents, judgements, etc.). That mix of the past and the future will largely determine your risk…

Be Prepared for Roadside Emergencies

Expect the best and prepare for the worst, the saying goes. While vehicles overall are very reliable these days, breakdowns and accidents do happen, as do sudden changes in weather that could leave you stranded. Some auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance for a minimal annual cost – take advantage of this! In case you…

Commercial Auto Insurance – Keeping Your Business on the Road

If you run a service company with a fleet of dozens of vehicles, you probably have a solid understanding of the importance of commercial auto insurance. But even businesses with only a few company vehicles will benefit from commercial auto coverage. Following is a brief rundown of the benefits you should expect from commercial auto…

Oh, Deer! Avoiding – and Dealing With – Animal Collisions

Of all the hazards we encounter in our daily driving, the behavior of deer and other wildlife might be the most unpredictable. Wild animals can move quickly and in seemingly random directions, and encounters with moving vehicles happen all too often. The good news is that collisions between vehicles and deer were down slightly nationwide…

Understanding PIP (Personal Injury Protection)

Many states require personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for their motorists, and Maryland is among them. Insurers must offer a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage to automobile policyholders. Here’s a brief explanation of PIP and why you should consider it as a part of your risk management strategy. PIP insurance is a form of…

Distracted Driving is a problem! We have a solution…

You probably don’t need statistics to tell you that distracted driving is a huge problem. Take a glance at other drivers and you’ll almost always find someone looking down at his or her phone instead of watching the road. For many, “distracted driving” translates to “teens texting.” And while it is a huge problem with…

Maryland License Renewal and the REAL ID Act

If you or your family members need to renew a Maryland driver’s license, be aware that you’ll now need additional documentation. The changes stem from the REAL ID Act, a federal law passed by Congress in the wake of September 11, 2001 attacks. The REAL ID Act establishes specific minimum federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and…

New Maryland Law for Enhanced Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Maryland drivers should be aware of a law that took effect for personal auto policies purchased on or after July 1, 2018. In order to expand protection for drivers who are injured by uninsured or underinsured motorists, insurers issuing new policies are now required to offer enhanced underinsured motorist (EUIM) coverage to replace traditional underinsured…