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Bike Commute

doug • October 28, 2021

Bike to Work

6 Tips for Getting to Work on 2 Wheels

 

Did you know that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States bike to work by bicycle? That is according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s a lot of cars off the road each day. Also a lot of gasoline is saved and a ton of calories burned.

 Bike Commute

Maybe you’re one of Spartanburg’s bicycle commuters already — or maybe you want to give it a try. These tips from the League of American Bicyclists and other organizations will help you prepare for the challenges you’ll face on your way to work. (We’ve included a few tips for drivers, too.)

  1. Be prepared. Always check your bike and other equipment before you leave on each trip. Also carry the proper tools and gear (including wet-weather clothing, if needed).
  2. Obey the law, traffic signals and signs. You have a right to be on the road with cars, but you also have the same duties.
  3. Stay right. Ride with the flow of traffic in the right lane. Leave room to make emergency maneuvers.
  4. Be visible. Bike commute safely. Drivers are often distracted, and many aren’t expecting to see cyclists on the road. So make them see you! Stay out of blind spots. Wear bright-colored clothing during the day, with reflective clothing and lights at night or in inclement weather. Also use hand signals so motorists know your intentions.
  5. Consider the conditions. Riding can be miserable when it’s wet, unless you have waterproof rain gear. Watch out for slick roads, too.
  6. Be hyper-aware. Scan your surroundings constantly so you can react quickly. Pay attention to cars parked alongside the curb; a door can fly open at any moment.

Bonus tips for drivers: Stay on the lookout for cyclists. When you see them, be patient — they have a right to the road, too. If you park on the street, check behind you before opening doors. And, always remember that your significant size and speed advantage can be deadly in an accident. Remember, one day you may bike commute.

Cars and bicycles can, in fact, peacefully coexist on the roads. All it takes is a little preparation and a lot of awareness, along with some understanding thrown in for good measure.

If you bike commute, we here at Select Source Insurance may be able to help you get a special discount on your car insurance for driving your vehicle less. Call today for details!

 

The post Bike Commute appeared first on Select Source Insurance Group.

By Doug Stockman April 9, 2025
tl;dr Why Car Insurance is Pricey: Expensive Accidents: Repairs, medical bills, and lost wages drive up claim costs. Rising Healthcare Costs: Increased medical fees directly impact insurance payouts. Distracted Driving: More accidents due to distractions mean more claims and higher premiums. Costly Car Repairs: Modern, complex vehicles are pricier to fix. Factors Affecting Your Rate: Driving record, age, vehicle type, and location all play a role. Why is Car Insurance So Expensive? Car insurance is expensive. There's no getting around it. But why does it cost so much? The High Cost of Accidents One of the main reasons car insurance is so expensive is because accidents have become more expensive. When you get into an accident, there are a lot of costs involved. There's the cost of repairing your car, the cost of medical care for you, any passengers, the other party and the cost of lost wages if they can't work. Insurance companies have to pay for all of these costs, which is why they charge high premiums. The Rising Cost of Healthcare The cost of healthcare is also on the rise, which is another reason why car insurance is so expensive. When you get into an accident, you or the other party may need to go to the hospital or see a doctor. The cost of these services is only going to continue to rise, which means that insurance companies will have to charge more for their policies. The Increasing Number of Distracted Drivers Distracted driving is a major problem, and it's only getting worse. When people are distracted while driving, they're more likely to get into an accident. This means that insurance companies have to pay out more claims, which drives up the cost of car insurance. The Increasing Cost of Car Repairs Cars are becoming more and more complex and not to mention safety technology, which means that they're also becoming more expensive to repair. This is another reason why car insurance is so expensive. When you get into an accident, it can cost a lot of money to fix your car. How to Keep Your Car Insurance Costs Down There are a few things you can do to keep your car insurance costs down. One is to shop around for the best rates. At Select Source Insurance we do the shopping for you. You can also get discounts for things like good grades, safe driving, and having multiple policies with the same company. The Bottom Line Car insurance is expensive, but there are a few things you can do to keep your costs down. Shop around for the best rates, get discounts, and drive safely. A Few More Things to Keep in Mind Your driving record: If you have a clean driving record, you're likely to get a lower rate on your car insurance. Your age: Younger drivers typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers. Your car: The type of car you drive can also affect your car insurance rates. Sports cars and luxury cars are usually more expensive to insure than other cars. Your location: Where you live can also affect your car insurance rates. If you live in a big city, you're likely to pay more than if you live in a small town. In Conclusion Car insurance is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to break the bank. By shopping around for the best rates, getting discounts, and driving safely, you can keep your costs down. I hope this blog article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Additional Tips: Get quotes from multiple insurance companies. Ask about discounts for things like good grades, safe driving, and having multiple policies with the same company. Drive safely. Maintain a clean driving record. Consider getting a higher deductible. Take a defensive driving course. Use a rideshare service or public transportation when you've been drinking. Will Car Insurance Rates Go Down Who has the Cheapest Car Insurance Maximize Your Groove With Discounts
tailgating
By Doug Stockman April 9, 2025
TL;DR: The 3-Second Rule: Why It's Not Just a Suggestion (And Why You're Not Vin Diesel). Three seconds is NOT an eternity: It's the buffer you need to avoid turning your car into a metal pancake. "Pro" drivers are delusional: Physics doesn't care about your ego; it cares about stopping distances. It's simple: Pick a point, count "one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi." If you pass it too soon, back off. Those seconds give you time to process, react, and let your car do its thing. Chill out, count, and avoid awkward insurance conversations. Driving isn't a race, it's a shared journey to avoid metal-on-metal crime. Three Seconds: The Eternity Between "Oops" and "OH NO." Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the thrilling world of the three-second following distance. Yes, that glorious, often-ignored rule that separates us from a symphony of crumpled metal and insurance adjusters. Let's be honest, three seconds on the road feels like an eternity. Especially when you're stuck behind someone who seems to be navigating too delicately. You're thinking, "Come on, buddy, I could knit a sweater in three seconds!" But, alas, the highway safety supreme being (and your insurance premium) demand we adhere to this seemingly endless time gap. Ten Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain The "But I'm a Pro!" Delusion We've all been there. You're a driving ninja. You can parallel park in a space the size of a postage stamp. You know the exact moment to hit the gas to catch that elusive green light. You're basically Vin Diesel, but with a slightly less impressive car and a significantly less impressive physique. So, three seconds? Pfft. Amateur hour. "I can react in a nanosecond!" you declare, as you tailgate a semi-truck during a monsoon. "Three seconds is for people who can't tell the difference between a brake light and a Christmas tree." Spoiler alert: You're wrong. And you're about to learn a valuable lesson in the physics of large, metal objects, sudden stops and metal accordions. The Reality Check: Physics Doesn't Care About Your Driving Ego. Here's the thing: even if your reflexes are lightning-fast, your car isn't. It needs time to respond. And those three seconds? They're not just some arbitrary number a bored traffic engineer pulled out of thin air. They're a buffer. A safety net. A "Hey, maybe don't turn your car into a metal accordion" zone. Imagine this: the car in front slams on their brakes. Why? Who knows? Maybe a squirrel decided to audition for "American Ninja Warrior" by crossing the highway. Maybe they saw a particularly enticing roadside taco stand. Whatever the reason, they've stopped. Now, you have three seconds (or less, if you're a "pro") to react. Those three seconds give you: Time to process: "Wait, are those brake lights? Are they serious?" Time to react: "Okay, foot, move to the brake pedal! Now!" How much time does that take? Time for your car to react: "Engaging anti-lock brakes! Please hold while I calculate the optimal stopping distance." Without those precious seconds, you're just a passenger in a metal projectile, headed for a very expensive collision. The Actual Technique (Because, You Know, Safety) For those of you who haven't memorized the driver's manual (and let's be honest, who has?), here's the lowdown on the three-second rule: Pick a stationary object: A sign, a pole, a particularly grumpy-looking squirrel. When the car in front passes it, start counting: "One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi." If you pass the object before you finish counting, you're too close. Back off, buddy. Back. Off. The Moral of the Story: Chill Out and Count. Driving isn't a race. It's a delicate dance of metal, momentum, and the shared desire to get to our destinations without becoming a viral road rage video. So, take a deep breath, relax, and give yourself (and everyone else) a little space. Those three seconds might feel like an eternity, but they're the difference between a smooth ride and a very awkward conversation with your insurance agent. And trust me, nobody wants that. Can Car Insurance Drop You? What Does Car Insurance NOT Cover ? Top Ten Car Insurance Terms You Need to Know
By Doug Stockman April 8, 2025
TL;DR: Car Insurance Breakups (Cancellations) Happen: Reasons for Cancellation: Poor driving record, dishonesty, non-payment, moving, or high risk. Don't Panic: You have options even if dropped. Find Out Why: Understand the reason for cancellation. Shop Around: Use an independent agent to find new coverage. Improve Your Situation: Clean up your driving or dispute unfair cancellation. Car Insurance Breakups (Cancellations) Happen: You've Been Dumped! (By Your Car Insurance? Seriously?) Ah, the sweet, sweet security of car insurance. That warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing someone's got your back when you accidentally introduce your bumper to a mailbox. But what happens when they decide to break up with you? Can your car insurance company just...ghost you? Let's dive into this awkward relationship dynamic with a dash of humor and a whole lot of respect. The "It's Not You, It's Me" Speech (Insurance Edition) Yes, folks, car insurance companies can drop you. It's like a bad breakup, only instead of returning your mix CDs, they're canceling your policy. And just like any good breakup, they usually have their reasons (even if they sound like they were written by a robot). Common Reasons You Might Get the Boot: The "Lead Foot of Doom" Award: A string of speeding tickets, accidents, or reckless driving citations? You've basically written a love letter to higher premiums, and now they’re returning to sender. The "Honesty? What's That?" Clause: Misrepresenting yourself or your driving record is like wearing a fake mustache to a police lineup. They will find out, and it won't be pretty. The "Payment? Oh, Right" Oopsie: Failing to pay your premiums is like forgetting your anniversary. It's a big no-no, and it will hurt the relationship. The "Moving to Mars" Clause: Companies have specific geographic areas, like states, they cover. If you move outside those boundaries, it's like a long-distance relationship that just won't work. The "Risk Factor: Off the Charts" Scenario: Sometimes, even if you’re a saint behind the wheel, if your overall risk profile is deemed too high, they might cut you loose. Top Insurance Myths What to Do When You Get the "Dear John" Letter: Don't Panic (Too Much): It's not the end of the world. There are other fish in the insurance sea. Ask Why: Get the lowdown on the reason for the cancellation. It's your right to know. Shop Around (With an Independent Agent!): This is where we come in! We can help you find a new policy that fits your needs and budget. We can shop many companies, and find the best fit. Clean Up Your Act: If it was your driving record, start driving like your grandma is watching. Dispute (If Necessary): If you believe the cancellation was unfair, you have the right to dispute it. The Moral of the Story: Communication is Key There are some companies that say they will never drop you. While this may be true, they don't say anything about how high the rates can go. Like any relationship, communication is vital. Be honest, pay your bills, and drive safely. And if you’re ever feeling unsure, talk to your friendly neighborhood independent insurance agent (that’s us! Select Source Insurance ). We’re here to help you navigate the sometimes-rocky road of car insurance. In Conclusion: Don't Let Insurance Dump You! Getting dropped by your car insurance is a bummer, but it doesn't have to be a tragedy. With a little knowledge and a good agent on your side, you'll be back on the road to insurance bliss in no time. And remember, driving safely is like sending your insurance company flowers – it always helps. Top Insurance Myths How Much Car Insurance Do I Need? Top Ten Car Insurance Terms
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