All-terrain vehicles have always been a favorite among those living in the country. And they have also proven to be of great value for those living in the city when severe weather makes other types of transportation difficult. As a newbie to the world of ATVs, it is imperative that you take into consideration the many safety tips that need to be followed to make sure you stay accident-free.

Stay on the routes you’re familiar with

When you go into territories and terrain that you are unfamiliar with, this will increase the difficulty of the driving endeavors you go on. With this in mind, you should stick to roads and territories you are familiar with during your first 10 to 20 hours of riding. The more experience you gain, the better your driving abilities will be.

Make sure to wear the right gear

It’s also of the utmost importance that you make sure to wear the right gear when you go riding. And this is regardless of whether or not you are a beginner. Wearing the right safety gear includes gloves, most importantly a helmet, shin pads, long-sleeve shirt and pants, and numerous other types of safety accessories.

If you would like to learn more about riding ATVs in the safest manner possible, it’s important to speak with friends and family about their experiences. And if you’re riding on property that you have never rode on, you will want to speak with the owner and make sure it is okay. For more information on riding ATVs and the proper way to go about protecting these valuable assets, make sure to speak with a qualified agent at Idaho Select Insurance today.

 

Driving may be something you are very used to doing. However, when you are driving abroad, it can be overwhelming. This covers everything from insurance to rental contracts to road signs. Foreign roads may be something that you were unprepared for. There are some tips to help you every step of the way.

One of the first things you have to do is actually establish whether you are able to drive in the country you plan on traveling to. You may need more than a US driver’s license. An International Driving Permit can often be obtained from places like AAA or National Auto Club. You should also check the driving age requirements if you are under the age of 26.

Another thing to explore is insurance. You want to make sure that you are protected in the event that there is any kind of damage to the car, whether it is you crashing into someone else or a simple incident when the car is parked. You are going to be renting a car if you cross the pond, and rental car companies often offer insurance options to you.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the road signs. There may be roundabouts and various other signs that are not used within the United States – and you want to make sure that you are following all of the laws within the country you are driving in.

It’s also a good idea to rent a GPS to help you get to where you want to go. If you’re not familiar with the roads, it can also be advantageous to use public transportation, particularly within the city centers.

At Idaho Select Insurance, we are prepared to help you with auto insurance. Call now and one of our insurance agents can help you find a policy you can count on. It can make all the difference in the world when driving in Meridian and beyond.

 

 

Being in a car accident is never enjoyable, but the feeling can be made worse if the other driver flees the scene or refuses to stop. Even more aggravating is walking outside to your parked vehicle to find someone else has caused damage while you are away.

In either situation, your insurance policy can help. Here are a few tips for dealing with a hit-and-run accident.

#1: Gather as Much Information as Available

After a hit-and-run accident, it is important to gather as many details as possible. If you are able to get a license plate number of the other driver, be sure to write it down. You can also take photos to help back up your side of the story and take written statements from witnesses who saw it happen. Any information you have that could possibly identify the other driver is crucial.

#2: Report the Incident to Police

Next, you will want to report the incident to police. However, it is important to remember that not all jurisdictions handle hit-and-run accidents alike. Some law enforcement teams will only take a report over the phone for cases where a vehicle was parked and unoccupied at the time of the incident, while others will send out an officer. Most police departments will immediately respond to an on-the-road crash with one driver who leaves the scene.

Many people also falsely believe that it is the police department’s job to track down the other driver. In serious cases where there are injuries, this can happen. However, most police departments will refer you to your insurance company instead of utilizing resources for a relatively minor incident.

#3: Understand Your Available Coverage Options

Understanding your available insurance coverage options is crucial after a hit-and-run accident. Call your agent as soon as possible to report the claim and review your policy to see what your next options are. Provide as much detail as you can when you give your incident statement. Many carriers can even take the plate number of the other car, which they can sometimes run through a database to find out who the vehicle belongs to. (Note: This is not available with all carriers or in all states.)

If you were injured, medical payments coverage on your policy usually helps offset the cost of any doctor’s visits or time off from work due to a hit-and-run accident. If your vehicle is in need of repair, collision coverage will help with the damage—no matter who is at-fault. This allows you to get your vehicle fixed right away without having to wait for the other party to come forward. While this is great news to many, there is one small caveat: you are subject to your deductible. However, if the other driver is ever found, your insurance company will be happy to help recoup that money back for you during the subrogation process.

Learn more about how insurance covers you after a hit-and-run accident. Please call us today at Idaho Select Insurance for details.