Automotive

A little bit goes a long way, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. These are common sayings that certainly pertain to auto maintenance. For most people, their automobile is likely one of their biggest investments and also one of the things they depend on most. Here are some easy things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle and minimize future repairs.
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While a Tesla might seem out of reach for many of us, the electric vehicle (EV) market has evolved quite a bit since Elon Musk launched that iconic brand in 2003. In fact, the company actually helped to revolutionize the EV industry, first and foremost by making the vehicles more accepted by the masses. Musk also showed the public that EVs are not just slow-moving clunky cars, but that they can be sporty, stylish, and fast.
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Roadside breakdowns can be more than a mere inconvenience, emergencies of this nature, if not prepared for and handled correctly, can be dangerous for all involved, including other drivers. Following a few basic steps can ensure that you and your vehicle make it through the breakdown as easily and safely as possible.
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After watching gas prices skyrocket, savvy buyers in Michigan are thinking twice about big purchases like vacations, automobiles, and homes. While speculation seems to be vacillating between optimistic and decidedly less than, consumers are left with questions and not many answers. Does it make more sense to drain your savings to pay for a new vehicle or to finance with any number of loan options?
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How old is too old to drive? It's not necessarily an easy question to answer. Depending on physical health, skill, vision, and even location, elderly drivers can be capable of safely and predictably handling a vehicle well into their seventies and even eighties. And, as baby boomers age further into their golden years, an increasing percentage of drivers will find themselves in that bracket. In fact, the Federal Highway Commission's 2016 data noted a record 41.7 million drivers over the age of 65. That's nearly one in five of the licensed population, an increase of 15 million over 20 years ago. By 2020, drivers aged 75 and older numbered more than 17 million. And, by 2030, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one out of every four drivers will be an older adult.
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Choosing a new car is an exciting but potentially stressful endeavor. With so many options, plus some limiting factors such as budget and availability, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some of the top factors to consider when you're ready to purchase your next vehicle.
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When it comes to automobile efficiency and safety, new technology has a lot of benefits. These advanced safety systems can help you avoid serious crashes, prevent you from hitting an animal or child, help you to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and keep you apprised of traffic issues or obstacles while you're on the road, day or night. Most people would agree that this is a good thing for auto consumers.

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If you're a typical American family, chances are you spend a lot of time in the car: driving to and from sports practice and music lessons, dropping kids off for playdates and sleepovers, taking road trips to visit friends and family, and the like. So if it's time for an upgrade, you really want to find the right vehicle for your family and lifestyle. Here's what you should think about when planning for a new family-mobile, to make sure your loved ones stay safe on the road.

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Schoen Insurance Agency, Inc. can help you consider the following six factors when determining an ideal car for your teenage driver.

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A used car can be a great investment and often makes much more sense than buying new. But one major downside is that you don't always know what you're getting. With just a little bit of knowledge, however, you can become a confident used car consumer.
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You get rear-ended at an icy intersection or sideswiped in a parking lot: an inconvenient, but manageable problem. You alert your insurance and contact your mechanic to discuss repairs. But if your car is a recent model, what comes next might be more involved than you anticipated. New technology is driving up the cost of previously simple and inexpensive car repairs, as well as insurance premiums.

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If you don't have the resources to handle it, a flat tire can ruin your plans, and sometimes, your day. But, under the right circumstances, anyone can safely change a tire. Here's what you need to know to be ready for a flat, how to change it yourself, and when to call for help.

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Even if you're used to it, driving on ice and snow can be nerve-wracking even during clear skies. But when a storm rolls in, driving can get extremely scary, as well as dangerous. Whether you live in a climate that gets severe winter weather or are just traveling through one, here are some tips for safer driving in a storm:

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As the end of the year approaches, it's a good time to take inventory, reflect on the past, and make plans for future goals. You might consider your relationships, professional life, health, financial situation, or all of the above. Don't forget to also take stock of your insurance coverage and make necessary adjustments based on things that have changed over the past year. Here are some of the most important areas to consider:

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We've all got plans for the holidays and winter season in 48383: trips to take, winter activities to try, and the everyday to-do lists that don't stop just because the cold weather has arrived. But difficult conditions have a way of causing plans to go awry or causing damage that we just didn't expect. Here are some of the extra insurance protections you should consider purchasing this season, in case things don't go exactly the way you planned.

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In many areas of the U.S., like White Lake, MI, freezing temperatures, icy roads, and stormy driving conditions are on their way. And while winter weather might be lovely to look at from inside a cozy house, it's not much fun to drive in. Make sure your automobile is up to the challenge by getting it winter ready.

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In Milford, MI every week there's a new recall in the news, and it seems that no auto retailer has gone unpunished for some minor or major manufacturing defect that has put its customers at risk. Problems and safety concerns have been discovered with everything from airbags to brakes to backup cameras, and sometimes entire vehicles have been recalled. Whether your vehicle is new or old, it's important that you know when a safety issue arises, and the steps you can take to get your car fixed. Here are some tips for keeping up on and dealing with recalls.

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All Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs, can provide hours of thrilling fall fun in Highland, MI. But they can also be extremely dangerous. Over 100,000 people wind up in the emergency room each year due to ATV accidents. Here's what you need to know to be safe on your ATV, and to help prevent injuries to yourself and others:

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If you're a new parent in 48380, a car seat is one of the most important pieces of baby gear you'll purchase but it must be installed properly to be safe. Unfortunately, studies show that a large majority of parents make at least one mistake when installing a new car seat. But it doesn't have to be complicated, and there is help out there. Follow these guidelines for proper installation and to keep your child safe in the car from day one:

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Good tires are essential for safe driving and a smooth ride in Highland, MI. Regular tire maintenance is relatively simple and inexpensive, and can greatly extend the life of your tires. Here are the basic things you need to know to maintain your current tires or to purchase new ones.

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Although motorcycle enthusiasts in certain areas of the country are able to ride year round, spring and summer is when most bike owners are finally able to get out there on the open road. Before you take that first ride, make sure that your bike is up to the task and ready to go. Motorcycle maintenance and safety go hand-in-hand, and keeping your bike in great shape will ensure a great ride.

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It's summer, which means that millions of Americans will soon start packing their cars to go camping, visit the beach or faraway relatives; or to take part in recreational activities like surfing or biking only to find that there's not enough room for all of their stuff. Fortunately, there are many ways to carry that extra gear or cargo on the roof of your vehicle but it's important that you do it safely. Here's all you need to know about securing your stuff before you hit the road.

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It can be a thrilling experience to get out and experience nature in an off-road vehicle. But off-road vehicles can also be extremely dangerous, accounting for hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year. If you're the owner of an ATV or UTV, it's important to be sure you're properly covered to protect yourself, others and your vehicle from loss or damage.

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According to the National Safety Council, someone is killed in a car accident every 15 minutes, and many more are injured each day. Car accidents remain a leading cause of death in the U.S. year after year, and yet, reducing our risk on the road isn't something most of us think about once we've passed the exam and joined the ranks of everyday drivers. Here are some basics to review to make sure that you're doing your part to be a responsible driver, and to protect yourself and your community.

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Balance... that thing you swing past on the way from one extreme to the other. For business owners especially, making time for family, exercise, rest, and other important life pursuits can be difficult. Because you're the bottom line, if anything goes wrong or doesn't get done, it can be easy to justify overworking or putting other things you care about on the back burner. But doing that as a rule can make you irritable, lead to burnout, and in some cases, ruin relationships. Here's how to inch a little closer to balance if your life has gotten out of whack.

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We're all distracted these days. In every moment, there are dozens of things competing for our attention, and well, driving is no exception. Loud music, texting, or an unruly kid in the back seat can threaten to take our focus away from the road just long enough for an accident to happen.

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The weather has cooled in Michigan, the leaves are falling, and summer tourists have headed home. Even though it's back-to-school time, fall is truly one of the best times to embark on a casual road trip, plan a weekend getaway, or take a family vacation. Here are some of the best places to see stunning fall foliage, take advantage of off-season deals, and find the best autumn adventures.
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Winter hasn't raised its icy head yet, but the calendar never lies and we're inching closer to those shorter days and cooler nights. Now is the time to get ready, starting with how you get around, namely, your car, boat and RV.
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The Federal Highway Administration database claims that the total number of reported collisions in the U.S. are around 300,000 per year, with many more going unreported for various reasons. Colliding with an animal is a traumatizing experience for all involved, and it's important that every driver knows what to do when it does. Here are some tips to avoid hitting animals in the first place, and how you should handle it if you do.
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Spring is here, and summer is close behind. Time to start daydreaming about driving off into the sunset...
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Taking to the open road in a home on wheels is a dream for many Americans. If you are considering purchasing a recreational vehicles (RV) this summer, it's important to understand what type of insurance you'll need in order to make an informed decision.
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Warmer weather is on the way, and the open road will soon be calling. Whether you're a recreational motorcyclist or a serious cross-country rider, be sure you have the right insurance to meet your needs and to protect yourself on the road.
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Spring break is on the way and summer will follow soon after. If you're planning to take a road trip, long or short, make sure you and your vehicle are safe and ready to go by following these recommendations:
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Insurance policies are made to be customized for a reason. The business executive has more income and assets to protect from liability claims than the recent college graduate. Families have more people to think about than young single people or an empty nester. And it is worth noting that the single person, the recent college graduate, the business executive and the empty nester can all be the same person...at different times. We all have different pursuits, different incomes, different bank balances at different points in time. The insurance policies that make up your insurance program - your blanket of protection - need to be tweaked from time-to-time so that you are getting the right protection and benefiting from all available discounts.
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Getting the right auto insurance is an important decision. That's why you can always expect more with insurance through AAA Auto and Home insurance in Jackson MI. You can always count on our agents to evaluate your specific needs and find you the right coverage at the right price. Michigan's auto insurance system is one of a kind. Michigan drivers enjoy unparalleled benefits, but also pay some of the highest rates in the nation. While Michigan's No-Fault system offers generous benefits after an accident, it can be complex, expensive, and difficult to understand at times. Michigan is a No-Fault state, but many people don't fully understand what that entails.No-Fault is a form of insurance where individuals who are injured in an auto-related accident receive benefits from their own auto insurer regardless of who is at fault. Most states require an injured person to seek recovery from an at-fault driver, while Michigan auto insurance provides prompt payment for injured parties by allowing those parties to recover directly from their own insurance company.

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Business vehicle ownership in Michigan, or anywhere, carries with it a high-risk potential for lawsuits, legal problems and property damage. If you use automobiles as part of your daily business, your risk is multiplied with every additional vehicle and driver. Here's all you need to know about commercial auto insurance, and to keep yourself, your employees and your business protected.

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There is no shortage of distractions in the modern world. Distracted driving has become a national issue, and many schools and public agencies are scrambling to raise awareness of the problem. The National Safety Council estimates that one in four car accidents involve cell phone use, but many people still believe that talking or texting while driving is harmless. Using electronics while driving is only one of the dangerous habits that have become all too common for today's drivers.

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Dangerous road conditions can occur any time of year, but winter is prime time for difficult driving in many Northern climates like Oakland County. Be prepared for whatever comes your way on the road by following these safe-driving suggestions:

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Most everyone in Highland, MI knows that regular oil changes prolong engine life and help avoid expensive repairs but how often should you really change your oil? Here's some information to help you set the right interval.
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No one revels in the delights of summer like a kid. Michigan schools are out, the sun is high and hot, and the long days are filled with light and the prospect of innumerable adventures. In fact, because there is so much potential for adventure-much of it unsupervised-many parents opt to enroll their kids in one or more summer camps in hopes that having a set schedule and a series of planned activities in which to participate will keep the youngsters out of trouble and, most importantly, out of harm's way. But summer seems to invite as many childhood accidents as it does moments of bliss, and no matter how structured a kid's summer is, a certain amount of mishaps are inevitable. The warm weather inspires a whole new slew of activities, many of which require an increased attention to safety on the part of both kids and parents. Use the following three tips to keep kids safer this summer:
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Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to make sure your tires are ready to handle the curves. Accumulated debris, uneven roads and drastic changes in temperature (Michigan, no way!), can all affect their integrity. Routine tire maintenance will not only help you get the most out of your tires, but can also keep you safe while on the Oakland County roads.
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Most new parents would probably admit that their driving habits changed after having children. The one-time daredevil of the highway has transformed into a doting dad who never pushes the speedometer past a sluggish 65 mph; the lady lead foot who laughed in the faces of cops is now a minivan-loving, law abider who cruises so slow she would try the patience of a turtle.
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Another big snow storm in Highland, Michigan....Refresh your memory on safe winter driving tips!
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• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze up and ensure that you have extra “running time” if the weather is unfavorable.

• Be sure you have the proper amount of antifreeze in your vehicle. Antifreeze works to prevent engine block freezing.

• If door locks are frozen, be sure to warm the key or use a lock de-icer. Be sure to never combine heat with lock de-icer as it is flammable. Don’t pour warm water on the car as it may re-freeze, making the situation worse.

• Schoen Insurance Agency, Inc. recommends warming up your vehicle for at least 10 to 15 minutes before heading out. Warming your vehicle allows oil and the engine to warm up, as well as the heat and defrosting systems. At all times, make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust or exhaust system leak could cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.

• Consider winter wiper blades and “no-freeze” windshield washer fluid. Motorists should replace worn wiper blades and always carry extra windshield washer fluid.

• Protect your vehicle from the cold by using a garage if available. Heat from a recently driven vehicle’s engine will warm the ambient air in a properly insulated garage and make your vehicle easier to start in the morning; plus, your vehicle will also be clear of ice and snow.

• Be sure your vehicle is fully equipped with a Michigan winter driving kit. The most important safety items are a fully charged cellular telephone and emergency road service coverage; small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, “non-clumping” kitty litter); a small snow shovel; snow brush and ice scraper; traction mats; flashlight with batteries; windshield washer fluid; cloth or roll of paper towels; booster cables; blanket; protective clothing – heavy gloves, scarf, warm boots; warning devices (triangles); first aid kit.

For all of your insurance related questions, call or contact Schoen Insurance Agency today.

Is Facebook still a "friend" to the social media user who values some semblance of privacy? With the advent of Graph Search, Facebook's internal search engine, which allows users to search for comments, photo captions, photos, and other material posted by themselves or anyone else, many Facebook users are feeling that their privacy is a thing of the past, like those other casualties of technology, such as the handwritten letter and the answering machine.
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For those of us in Michigan who are guilty of putting the pedal to the metal, cruise control has seemed like a real blessing. With the press of a button, you can pull your lead foot off of that accelerator, keep your vehicle at a safe and consistent speed, and avoid an expensive speeding ticket. Some cars are even so "smart" that they can automatically adjust their own speeds when cruise control is in effect, keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you. Cruise control enables you to keep the road a bit safer for everyone...right?
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Just imagine this scenario: You're driving to work early one morning, and you stop at a red light in Highland. The driver behind you still has sleep in his eyes, and doesn't hit his brakes in time. He crashes into the back end of your car, not too hard, but hard enough to raise some concern, and maybe even a curse word or two. You both get out of your vehicles and when you check your rear bumper for damage and see not even a scratch, you shake hands, get back in your cars, and finish the drive to work.
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Sometimes, what appears to be an impenetrably solid roof above your head actually has little openings through which the rain can leak. The same is true of some car insurance and homeowner's insurance policies; they can appear to provide sufficient coverage, but, in the event of an accident of some sort, you may find yourself drowning in debt. To avoid getting soaked by surprising expenses, use an umbrella; umbrella insurance, that is.
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Part of what makes our iPhones, Androids, and the like so convenient is their diminutive size. They fit easily into pockets and purses and are extremely portable. The undesirable flip side to their petite stature, however, is how easily they can be left behind and lost, not to mention stolen. Before notifying your insurance company about a lost or stolen device, however, you can try tracking it down.Taking these steps before hand will make finding a lost or stolen phone easier, whether you are in Milford, Highland, or anywhere else in the world.
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Talking on a handheld cellular device while driving has been banned in 11 states, and texting on one has been banned in 41-for good reason! Common sense says that conducting a phone conversation or looking down at a phone to compose a text message while driving is a dangerous distraction. Many drivers, even those who live in states where talking or texting on a cell phone while driving is perfectly legal, have opted to use hands-free devices because they seem so much safer.
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