Guide to Reporting a CA Auto Claim

Automobile accidents are a pain. They can be costly, time-consuming, and in some cases, can involve a lawsuit if there are others involved. But congratulations! Being a smart, law-abiding citizen, you’re insured! Which is not only a good idea, it’s also required—as it is illegal to drive without insurance (or some proof of financial responsibility) in all 50 US states. Here’s a guide of what to do the moment you’re in an accident (assuming you’re already safe and no one is injured).

If there’s another party, talk to them

It might sound crass, but be careful in your wording. If it’s not your fault, avoid terms like “I’m sorry,” or anything that could impute guilt. If it is your fault, be an upstanding citizen and take responsibility. Your insurance will likely still cover you (as long as you didn’t break their terms, ex. by drinking and driving or driving on a suspended license). Exchange identification, contact information, and insurance information. If the other party is belligerent or uncooperative, call the police to mediate the discussion and file an accident report.

If there’s another party, get a witness and keep your story straight

It always helps to have a third party able and willing to testify in the event your story is contested by the other party involved. Their recollection of the event, which hopefully matches yours, can help substantially in court. Be sure to also keep your story straight with extreme detail, as a strong memory of the incident and day will assist in your credibility and help your insurance company protect you as best they can.

Take pictures

Take as many pictures as possible of the damage to all vehicles. Not only can this help in any legal matters, it’s commonly used by insurance companies that use apps to submit damage claims!

Get a good idea of the cost of damage

This will help you evaluate if insurance is needed in the first place. In a typical insurance claim, the policy holder is required to file a claim with insurance, pay their co-pay (their minimum amount to be covered), and insurance will cover the rest of the cost in damages. However, if the accident is small enough (ex, a small dent or scratch that costs less than your co-pay), it might be cheaper to pay for the repair out of pocket rather than go through your insurance and pay your co-pay.

Talk to your insurance immediately

The way you interact with your insurance, the coverage they give you, and the time limit you must file the claim varies between insurance companies and depends on the severity of the accident. In California, if someone is killed, injured, or property damage exceeds $1,000, you must report the accident within 10 days to the DMV (filing with your insurance will typically guide you in this process). However, as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to speak to them immediately. There’s no set time limit on how long you have to file a claim, but an insurance company might decide not to cover you if you don’t act in good faith to promptly report an accident. As stated before, some companies even use apps to file claims. Others have you speak on the phone to a specialist and send them photos, some simply have you take the vehicle in to a body shop to get an estimate first, some will send a specialist to inspect the vehicle in person. Depending on your coverage and the severity of the accident, they might also arrange towing service and get you a rental car.

Get it fixed!

Your insurance will guide you through the process of getting your vehicle repaired, which typically involves them providing you a list of repair shops in your area that are in their coverage network. As stated before, in a typical situation, you pay your insurance co-pay and the insurance company will cover the rest of the cost in damages.

What to Do If You Hit an Animal in CA

Life is full of accidents. Among one of the worst feelings someone could experience is the guilt when you have hit an animal on the road. With the rush of dismay bellowing to your head, you could be so flustered by the incident that you forget how to handle the situation.

So, what should you do if you hit an animal in California?

The roads are teeming with wildlife. They might not know the California traffic school rules for animal, which is to look both ways before crossing the road. Therefore, the chances of you eventually hitting an animal is high. That’s why it’s important to know how to handle the situation when you hit a large animal that could leave destructive damage. Here’s what to do if you hit an animal in California.

Stop the car and access the damage

After hitting an animal, the first thing you should do is stop the car and assess the situation. It will also provide you with a moment to calm down from taking a life and see if you have developed a thirst for more blood. When your nerves are calm, you can now exit the vehicle to check for damages on your car.

Don’t approach the animal if it’s injured

If the animal is still alive, approaching it could be dangerous. You should always err on the side of caution in these situations. That means do not approach the animal. Unless you can confirm its condition, you could risk being injured by a very angry deer, coyote, or domestic house cat. Animals are known to lash out when they’re injured… or worse, when they’re hungry.

Shower the body with roses

As part of every traditional act of hitting an animal, you must shower the body with roses. This is to ensure that the corpse will smell nice until someone else comes by to remove it. Moreover, you will feel a little bit better about having slayed a beast with your car after dousing the body with roses. Alternatively, you could use lilies, tulips, or sunflowers. Doing so is the only way you can ensure good karma for the future.

Call the police

The best thing to do when you hit an animal is to call the police. Getting a hold of the authorities will allow them to use their expertise to assist you and the animal. They will also help move the animal if it’s obstructing the roads. When in doubt, call the police out.

Partake in a ritual burial

Partaking in the ritual of burying the animal is a great way to wrap up the horrific event. Doing so will allow the beast to enter through the gates of Valhalla and find eternal peace… and clear it from the road so others won’t have to swerve around it. You will also get in a nice workout digging a six-foot hole. Everybody wins… sort of.

Remove the corpse from the road, if it’s obstructive

When it comes to large bodies obstructing the road, you should seek to move the body. The body can become a hazard for oncoming traffic and will risk creating more accidents. This can be done by calling the local authorities and informing them about the decision. Technically, the local council is responsible for moving the body of the animal. However, if you feel so inclined to move it yourself, go ahead, weirdo.

11 Minor Car Brands with Incentives That You’ve Never Heard About

At one point in your lifetime, you may have come across a vehicle that didn’t look like anything else you’ve seen. There may have been a flashy accessory, a strange contour, or maybe it had an unrecognizable logo. Chances are, that car was produced by a minor car brand. Minor car brands are the unknowns of the car manufacturing industry, because they produce specialty cars. They may vary from purely electric-based vehicles to neoclassical eye candy. Each come with their incentives, such as tax deduction on electric vehicles or bragging rights with the aesthetics. Below are 11 minor car brands that you didn’t know existed. [framed_box]

Coda

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are this company’s specialty. When they’re not producing batteries, they’re producing car bodies that use these batteries. Coda is known as a minor car brand that produces fuel-efficient cars that run on a powerful battery. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Fisker Automotive

Fisker Automotive doesn’t just sound like a can of tuna that you’d feed your cat. It’s a minor car brand that manufactures luxury hybrid vehicles. If the luxury wasn’t enough incentive, the yearly tax deduction will be. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Panoz

Panoz is the result of a pharmaceutical mogul who decided his financial portfolio needed its own race car manufacturing company. Their most notable car is the Panoz Esperante. This little-known car brand produces sports cars for competitive racing and road cars for competitive bragging. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Green4U

Green4U isn’t just a minor car manufacturer, but an all-around green vehicle producer. They’ve made eco-friendly vehicles for airlines, individual consumers, and even the military. Green4U is manufacturing an electronic vehicle that has substantially lower operating cost than the leading brand. It’s the Great Value brand of electric cars. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

VIA Motors

If you’ve seen a GM model car without the GM branding, chances are it’s a VIA motors vehicle. This manufacturer purchases GM cars and refurbishes them to be electric. They pull a quick switcheroo to sell a greener vehicle. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Zimmer

Known as the Golden Spirit of vehicles, Zimmer pushes the production of neoclassical cars. Whenever there’s an old car showcase, you might find a Zimmer model. They make them aesthetically pleasing without the utility of a standard car. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Lucid Motors

Lucid Motors specializes in electric vehicles. Coincidentally, close to 300 employees from Tesla Motors jumped ship to work at Lucid, so you know their cars are electrifying. The reason why there’s so many electric car companies in the state is because they all graduated from a traffic school California.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Faraday Future

Faraday Future isn’t just the name of the next great sci-fi novel. It’s an electric automotive startup that’s taking over the south. This company makes electric sports cars that aren’t just used for sport. They’re used for leisurely driving… at high speeds. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Local Motors

Local Motors makes their cars available to the public in more ways than consumer distribution. All their vehicles are open sourced and available to the public. Some of their vehicles include the autonomous bus or the completely 3D printed car. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Elio Motors

Elio Motors is pushing the boundaries with their innovation. Those boundaries being the line between car and motorcycle. This minor car brand recently released the three-wheeled autocycle. It’s an automobile containing everything you would find in your standard sedan, but without the unnecessary fourth wheel. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Vehicle Production Group

No - Vehicle Production Group isn’t the generic placeholder for a flashy name in the works. It’s the legitimate name of the company. They’re responsible for the design of most mobility vehicles. They’re highly accessible vans and cars are built with a large door and ramp. [/framed_box]

Autonomous Vehicle Day

01111001 01100001 01111001! In case you can’t read binary, that’s computer talk for “yay!” The reason why we’re excited about today is because it’s Autonomous Vehicle Day. The one day every year where we celebrate our computer overlords - uhm - drivers. With the rising publicity and manufacturing of autonomous cars, this year was a great stride forward for the industry. The popularity of self-driving vehicles is at an all-time high, thanks to their consumer accessibility. When there’s a holiday, there’s a celebration. You might not be familiar with the traditions behind Autonomous Vehicle Day, so we’re showing you the best ways to celebrate our robot chauffeurs. Here are the best ways to show your autonomous pride. [framed_box]

Dust the interior of your car

If you own a self-driving car, remember to keep its inside clean by dusting it regularly. Dust messes with computers, and when it piles up, it might wreck the systems no matter how sturdy they seem. While each self-driving car might be unique, there’s always a solid reason for spiffing up your car’s dirty interior. So don't wait around; pick up that duster!

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Write a “thank you” card in binary

It’s your autonomous car’s day. Therefore, you should tell it how you REALLY feel, with a handwritten card in binary. Your autonomous car can only understand numbers, so use the nearest binary translator to let your heart ooze with feelings. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Take your autonomous vehicle out for dinner

Tonight, treat your self-driving car well with a delicious dinner. For you, a salivating, seared steak dinner with a side of asparagus and fine potatoes. For your car, a quick oil change. That’s the autonomous vehicle equivalent to sautéed salmon. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Buy it a gift

Autonomous vehicles may be computers, but they still like to receive gifts. One present you can provide your car, this year, is something digital to go along with its computations. Since self-driving cars are computers that drive, it might make use of online traffic school. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Learn how to program the concept of love

A task that has plagued scientist, programmers, and ethics theorists is the process of computers comprehending the idea of love. Moreover, you might have expressed your love for your self-driving car without any reciprocal feelings. Learning how to program the concept of love will finally show your autonomous car how you feel.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Print off pictures of autonomous cars to longingly stare at

There’s other ways to celebrate Autonomous Vehicle Day, if you don’t have access to a self-driving car. One way of doing this is to print off pictures of autonomous cars, then daydream which one is your favorite. You can even line your walls with the photos, in case you want people to think you lost your mind. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Buy a Roomba

If you don’t have the funds to purchase one, then buy the next best thing: a Roomba. It’s like a self-driving car, except it’s a small circular computer that cleans your floor. In fact, the best way to celebrate is to do yourself the favor of never cleaning your home again. Your Roomba will also help keep you company![/framed_box] [framed_box]

Spread the word

The easiest way to celebrate Autonomous Vehicle Day is to snap a photo of a self-driving car, then post it to your social media accounts with #AutonomousVehicleDay. That’s the official hashtag being used to celebrate. You should join in with the thousands of people who are partaking in the day. Let everyone know how much you enjoy autonomous vehicles. [/framed_box]

Best SUV Lease Deals

I'm sorry, I need the text you would like me to rephrase in order to assist you. Could you please provide it? Has anyone else noticed there’s too many leasing deals for SUVs? If your method of choosing which SUV to lease was based on the best deal, you’re in trouble. There’s just too many good SUV leasing deals out there today. Leave it to Memorial Day weekend to kickstart leasing season. To help you make your leasing decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best SUV deals available. After reading this, you might just find a great new ride. At the very lease you will find great new deals. [framed_box]

Buick Encore

The Buick Encore comes from a line of luxury SUVs. The Encore has all the comfort of driving a luxury SUV at the monthly cost of driving a farm wagon. You can start your lease at the payment of $199 a month for 39-months with $3,329 due at signing. You can say this great leasing deal deserves a roaring encore. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Chevrolet Trax

The Chevrolet Trax has all the benefits of driving a sturdy SUV while giving you justification to leave it in a compact parking spot. Leasing one today starts at $149 a month for 24-months with $3,969 due at signing. You won’t have to worry about getting lost in this SUV; it’ll keep you on trax.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a trustworthy SUV that provides peace of mind to its driver. You can lease yours starting at a price of $199 a month for 36 months with $2,000 due at signing. The only thing that will upset you is the $1 off from having a perfectly rounded monthly payment.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is one of the most stylistic SUVs around. With a great leasing deal, you can finally earn everyone’s attention and respect. Leasing starts at $199 a month for 36-months with $2,399 due at signing. The only thing more respectable than leasing a Hyundai Kona is showing off what you learned in California traffic school. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Honda HR-V

Honda’s are known for their excellent safety ratings. Just like their leasing deals! You can have the financial safety of a $189 a month payment for 36-months contract with a low $2,299 due at signing. Even when paying for your Honda, you’re secure. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is one of the most beloved SUVs on the market. You can lease yours at $239 a month for 36-months with $2,729 due at signing. Despite being on the pricier end of the leasing deals, this Ford SUV is too good to let it escape! [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Subaru Forester

If you’re someone who doesn’t like paying money when they lease a new car, then consider the Subaru Forester’s great new leasing deal. The payments start at $259 a month for 36-months with $0 due at signing. Signing documents and making money payments go together like orange juice and toothpaste.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox is rated the most dependable compact SUV. Leasing contracts start at $200 a month for 24-months with $3,609 due at signing. The Equinox may be dependable, but not as dependable as those monthly payments.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Ford Edge

Time to hang up the leather jacket and archive the Blink-182 albums, because it’s a whole lot easier to be edgy. Leasing your Ford Edge is as affordable as ever with the new $289 a month for 36-months contract with $3,369 due at signing. Now you can have the same edge without the need to write your deep, dark poems. [/framed_box]

Can You Register a Car Online?

There are many reasons why states require people to register their cars. Part of the reason is for taxation. But other reasons include keeping track of who owns what car, figuring out the number of cars on the roadways, and ensuring the vehicles on the roads are safe. If you are looking to register a new vehicle or pay your current registration for an existing vehicle, you may wonder if this is something you can do online. The answer to this question varies based on the state you are in. Here are a couple popular states and the information you need to know about how to register a car online in these states. [framed_box]New York   In New York, some registrations are eligible to be renewed online. You may be eligible to complete your renewal process online if your registration has not been expired for a year or longer, your registration is not suspended, you have insurance and you have had your vehicle inspected in the last year. If you are eligible to renew online, your registration paperwork will indicate that you can go online and make the payment. If you are not eligible, you will have to go to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to renew your registration.[/framed_box] [framed_box]California   In California, online car registration can only be used for cars that are currently registered in California and have been within the past year. If you are looking to register a car from out of state or looking to register a car that has not been registered in over a year, you will need to go to the DMV. Additionally, online registration may not be completed if the information you need to complete the process has not been electronically submitted. This includes a smog check and your insurance papers. If you pay online without proof of either of these, you will be asked to submit them by mail or in person before your registration process can be completed. Also, be sure you have completed a driving course at an accredited driving school. If you are wondering how to register a car in California easily take a look at some more of our content.[/framed_box] [framed_box]Arizona   Unless you are looking to register a car from out of state, the answer to the question " can I register my car online in Arizona" is yes. Your renewal slip will tell you whether you need an emissions test or not. If you do, you must obtain this test and have it electronically sent to the DMV before you can register your car. Once that information has been received, you can register your car online. Be aware that if you have outstanding tickets, you may be required to pay those before you can register your vehicle. This can also be done online, making the process easy.[/framed_box] [framed_box]Texas   Texas, of course we did not forget you. If you are wondering how to register a car in Texas there are a few ways including online, by mail or in person to a county substation. One of the unique things about Texas is that you do not even need to wait for a renewal form to register your vehicle. You can register it simply using the license plate number or VIN number when the time comes.[/framed_box] [framed_box]Florida   Florida will not allow you to register out of state vehicles or vehicles that you have just purchased online. However, if you are looking to register a vehicle that has been previously registered in your name, you can re-register it online. You can re-register your vehicle up to three months in the state of Florida as long as there is a current proof of insurance certificate meeting the state minimum on file for your vehicle. Most states are now allowing customers the ability to pay their registration fees online, rather than having to mail them in or pay them at a DMV office. If you live in New York, Florida, Texas, California, or Arizona, you live in one of the states that allows this, making it easy to pay your vehicle registration when the time comes. Those states also make it easy for you to take traffic school online to dismiss a ticket. Great news for the super and somewhat-super computer savvy.   [/framed_box]

• For details about AZ Emissions Testing, click here: AZ Emissions Testing

• For information About How to Register a Car in California click: How to Register a Car in California
• For More Information On Drivers License Status CA and License Renewals, Click: Check Drivers License Status CA and License Renewals
• Explore the smooth process of TN registration for new and current residents!
• Obtain your California driver's license today: California Driver’s License .

What is a Space Cushion?

A space cushion. This is something they tell you about in defensive driving class. What is a space cushion? It sounds top secret. Like something, NASA and the government need to keep hidden in order to protect us from beings from outer space. That’s right. Space beings. Aliens. Martians from a distant planet, maybe Mars, who have entered our atmosphere and are looking for a way to relax. After all, space travel must be exhausting. Imagine sitting there, in your UFO spacecraft seat, for millions of miles. Completely tiring. No wonder those men from Mars need a space cushion. A place to lay down their big brainy heads for a little cat nap. No, sorry, that’s not what a space cushion is. Although, that is a novel idea. So, what exactly is a space cushion? What is a Space Cushion? A space cushion is an area around your vehicle that is just empty space. No other vehicles are in that space. The space cushion area includes the space in front of, behind, and on both sides of your car. Why Have a Space Cushion? A space cushion gives you time and opportunity to avoid collision with another vehicle. If you don’t have a space cushion, then any sudden movements by other vehicles can catch you with no way out of the situation. In fact, with no space cushion around your vehicle, you have limited options if you yourself have a sudden emergency or a sudden movement. Consider this: Imagine you’re driving in your car, and one of your tires blows. The sudden drop in tire pressure will likely cause your vehicle to swerve dramatically to one side. You obviously won’t know which side your car will swerve on, because it came out of the blue. You could swerve right into another car, or even a pedestrian. This is why you want to have a space cushion. How to Make a Space Cushion First, you don’t need sewing lessons to make a space cushion. We thought we cleared up all that nonsense about aliens needing naps about two paragraphs ago. So please put away the needle and thread. And the thimble. Okay, let’s get down to the business of defensive driving by making a space cushion. First, you want to have at least a three-second delay from the rear end of the vehicle in front of you to the front of your car. This is the easiest part of the space cushion to make. As you’re driving, pay attention to the signs on the side of the road. If you’re on the freeway, you can use the signs overhead. As the car in front passes by the sign, count to three (yes, you can use Mississippi). Your car shouldn’t pass that same sign before you’ve reached three. If it has, you’re following too closely. Slow down, Speed Racer. Second, you want the car behind you to slow down so there’s a three-second delay between you. Now, you can’t tell that driver how to drive. But you can let that driver pass if he insists on tailgating you, (maybe he has to get to a bathroom or something. Who knows)? Anyway, just let him go by. Finally, you don’t want any cars next to you. How do you manage this? By adjusting your speed either up or down so that you aren’t riding along with James Dean's style in some kind of misconceived road race on the highway. Now that you know what a space cushion in, why it’s necessary, and how to make one, you’d best be on your way. Leave plenty of time between your departure and your arrival so you’re never the one tailgating.

Answering common traffic school questions

Are you enrolled in traffic school and feeling a bit nervous about the expectations? If so, you are not alone. Most people experience some degree of anxiety. It is quite normal. However, you should calm down. The goal of traffic school is to make you a safer driver. The curriculum is not set up for you to fail. Instead, quite the opposite is true. The institution wants you to comprehend the material as fully as possible. Your success is their success. This all sounds well and good, but you also know that in the end you have to complete a certain amount of work with a passing score. Keep reading below to find out just where to turn for answers to your traffic school assignments. Use this information to help get a passing score. Then, enjoy the safe driver record and dismissal of tickets. And, of course, do not forget the mandatory insurance discount.

How can I use the course material to my advantage in the process of completing online traffic school?   Always start here when feeling stumped. You can trust that the school administration has put the relevant answers somewhere inside your course material. Never forget that they want you to pass. The school gains nothing by playing hide and seek with you. Most likely, the information is right there if you look carefully.

I'm struggling with my online traffic school course, what should I do?

  You would be surprised at how easy things can be when you use a little common sense. Just stop trying to make traffic school so difficult and all will be smooth sailing. When things get tough, just sit back and relax. You have been a driver for some time now. The answer is probably the one that seems right to you. Use your intuition. For example, the rules of the road exist to protect motorists and pedestrians. You already know this. So, use this knowledge to help you figure out the answers to your traffic school questions. If a choice does not help keep people safe on the road, then you can discard it.

Can I ask friends & family for help with my online traffic school?

  The people around you, such as family and friends, are excellent sources of information on traffic laws. Many of them have been driving for decades and know all the rules in your state. Be sure to ask them for help when trying to complete your course. It may be best to rely on more than one person for the answers. You will want a variety of opinions. Listen to what everyone has to say, check your course material again and then choose the best answer.

How can I use the internet as a source for answers with my traffic school online?

  You should search the internet for relevant driving websites. Your state motor vehicle department will have the current rules of the road available online. Likewise, the state insurance department can provide you with information on auto insurance requirements. Last, the state court website can explain what will happen if you break the laws while behind the wheel.

What about the instructor of the online traffic school course, can I ask them for help?

  If truly stuck with nowhere to turn, then ask your instructor for help. Now, you should always be sure to have attempted to find the answer yourself first. Quite often, wayward students will skip the reading material or fail to follow instructions and then expect the instructor to bail them out. Truly attempt the assignment before asking for the instructor to explain it to you. Doing so will make their explanation that much more comprehensible.

Traffic school success is right around the corner!

  You are now prepared to complete your traffic school with flying colors. Just take things easy and you will succeed in becoming an acknowledged safe driver in your state.

The Pros & Cons of Manual vs. Automatic Transmission

Most people do not consider the purchase or lease of a vehicle with a manual transmission. Also known as a “stick shift,” the manual transmission is becoming increasingly rare. However, there are some advantages to driving a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. Let's look at the positives and negatives of manual vs. automatic transmissions to help you select the style that is best for your particular needs and desires. The Benefits of a Manual Transmission

One of the primary benefits of a stick shift is improved fuel economy. Most vehicles equipped with a manual transmission achieve higher mpg than vehicles with an automatic transmission. Furthermore, vehicles equipped with a stick shift tend to cost less than vehicles with an automatic. Another key advantage to owning or leasing a vehicle with a manual transmission is that it is comparably secure. If your vehicle is broken into, the odds of the thief knowing how to drive a stick shift are fairly low. A manual transmission really is an anti-theft device in and of itself. Yet the primary motivation for selecting a vehicle with a stick is feel. Controlling the shifts between gears makes one feel as though he is a race car driver. It is a ton of fun to upshift and downshift while traversing the roads. If you get a vehicle with a manual transmission, you will likely be tempted to get to fourth or fifth gear as quickly as possible and drive at a high rate of speed. It could result in a speeding ticket. If you are nabbed speeding, enroll in defensive driving for an auto insurance discount. You can also enroll in traffic school to have your ticket dismissed or reduced. The Drawbacks of a Manual Transmission The main drawback of a stick shift is the learning curve. Most people do not want to invest the time and effort required to learn this style of driving. Furthermore, constantly shifting between gears is somewhat tedious. If you aren't particularly skilled at operating a stick, you might make a mistake that leads to an accident or a traffic ticket. Those who lack coordination might find it difficult to use both arms and legs in unison on the steering wheel, stick shift, gas and clutch pedals. Another problem with the manual transmission is that few people know how to operate it. If you have one too many drinks, feel sick or are injured, the odds of someone in your group being able to operate a stick shift are low. The Benefits of an Automatic Transmission The beauty of an automatic transmission is that the vehicle shifts through the gears on your behalf. There is no need to divert your attention to a clutch pedal or stick shift. You can keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times and consequently, reduce the odds of an accident. Also, consider a situation in which you can't drive your vehicle due to an injury or sickness. If you have a friend or family member with you, this individual can drive your vehicle on your behalf. Another advantage of the automatic transmission is that it makes stop-and-go traffic tolerable. The same cannot be said of a vehicle with a manual transmission that requires a constant pressing of the clutch and shifting between gears to go from a complete stop to forward movement repeatedly during heavy traffic. The Negatives of an Automatic Transmission Automatic transmissions cost more than the manual variety. Automatic transmissions also provide less miles per gallon than manuals as they use a torque converter to alternate between gears. Automatic transmissions typically require more maintenance than manuals due to their comparably complex engineering. Thieves are much more likely to steal a vehicle with an automatic transmission as it does not require any sort of specialized knowledge or skill to operate.

What is a Sig Alert and How to Plan Travel Around It?

It has happened to every Southern California (SoCal) driver at one time or another. You wake up in the morning or get off from a long day at work. All you can think about is getting where you need to go. Perhaps you are even running a bit behind schedule. Then, the worst possible thing occurs. There is a Sig Alert on the route you are taking! Too late now. You could be stuck for hours in some of the worst traffic in the nation. Read on to find out how you can avoid this unfortunate fate by learning just what a Sig Alert is and how you can plan your route around one. What is a Sig Alert? Sig Alerts are traffic warnings that the authorities issue when they expect a major backup on the roads. They declare a Sig Alert situation when an incident causes two lanes or more to be unavailable for at least two hours. Despite most SoCal freeways having multiple lanes, these debilitating Sig Alert incidents usually result in serious traffic jams. The first problem is the closed lanes. Vehicles must merge into other lanes, which stalls the flow of traffic. Second is rubbernecking. People always slow down to stare at an accident. The cumulative effect of just a few seconds of staring results in even further congestion. History of the Sig Alert The Sig Alert originated in the 1940s. Traffic was becoming worse as more Southern Californians began purchasing cars. Jobs in the burgeoning defense industry had put money into the pockets of many who before did not have disposable income. Local police would notify Loyd Sigmon, a popular Los Angeles radio reporter, of bad accidents. He would then inform the public on his show. Eventually, the broadcasts became widely known as “Sig-Alerts.” The police then began sending the alerts via electronic devices to Sigmon and other journalists. Today, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issues these warnings to both the media and public via a vast array of communication networks. How to Avoid Traffic Congestion Always check for ongoing Sig Alerts before leaving your home or workplace. Furthermore, keep checking while on the road. Quite often, you can make a hasty detour before getting into the proximity of a Sig Alert zone. Where to Get Information You are very fortunate that in this age of fast communication, the authorities have many ways to broadcast Sig Alerts. In the past, motorists had to be listening to the Loyd Sigmon Show to know what was going on. These days, to find out about alerts, you can watch the television news. All SoCal news shows have routine traffic reports during the morning and afternoon rush hours. These stations also have websites that update as road conditions change. The California Highway Patrol posts Sig Alerts on its website as well. If you are driving, look for warnings on the electronic message boards above the highways. Also, local radio stations still announce Sig Alerts to keep listening to audiences informed. Last, but certainly not least, you can download a Sig Alert notification program for your mobile device. Avoid an Accident The only thing worse than being trapped on a highway in Sig Alert-related traffic is being the source of the alert itself. You can lessen your chances of causing an accident by attending traffic school. Be sure that the course is recognized by the state. You may even be able to receive a dismissal of any outstanding traffic tickets.

How to Sell Your Car Online – eBay

Selling your car online can sometimes get a bad reputation, but there are ways to use it so you get the visibility and the price you want. The best part is that it can save you time, so selling your car doesn't turn into a months-long headache. eBay is one of the most respectable (and safe) ways you can sell your car to a legitimate buyer. Listed below are some of the reasons why eBay is known as a front-runner in the Online Car Sales Arena. A Little Expertise Selling a car is going to be a lot of work no matter what, and likely not without its share of inconveniences. Those hassles are why people trade in their cars in the first place. But going through a dealer will likely only get you a fraction of what the car is worth, making it an easy but not a financially sound idea. eBay is not only trusted by buyers, but the fees are relatively inexpensive (or even free.) Basically, you'll just need a few computer skills before you list, and you'll be in business. The Process You'll need to take lots of photos, and you'll want to make sure your car cleans up well. Get it professionally detailed and don't look back about the cost. Presentation matters more than ever today. You'll need to register on eBay if you haven't already, and then start gathering the information you'll need. This not only includes the title and vehicle information (VIN, miles, etc.), but also the price your car normally sells for. Don't just check KBB.com though, look for similar cars on eBay that have sold in your area. Some vehicles are more highly prized in certain cities (e.g., all-wheel drive in snowy states.) You can access that information when you look through past sales on eBay listings. Create Your Listing Once you have the information, you'll want to place a price on your vehicle, and then set the terms of sale. There is no bidding for cars on eBay, regardless of how you sell it. Be specific about your vehicle, and don't leave anything out. Misrepresenting your car could violate eBay's rules of selling. For example, you may list your car at $1,000 with no negotiations and no returns, but you'll need to detail the information you do and don't know first. Once the sale process begins, be as active as possible on the listing. Answer questions, update the information, and potentially reconsider your pricing if you aren't having any luck. It would also be wise to take traffic school a defensive driving course to dismiss tickets before you sell. Once you sell, you'll need to work out the delivery and pick-up times with the buyer. Focus on Local You can sell nation-wide on eBay, but you'll likely want to sell locally instead. Local listings are sold on their classified site, which works very much like Craigslist or your local newspaper. eBay will not take a cut of the sale prices, though you will be limiting the amount of people who see your ad (those within a 200-mile radius.) Listing nationally will not only cost you, but it makes it a lot more likely you'll run into delivery and pick-up problems. If you do choose to sell nationally, you'll pay $60 to eBay if your car sells for less than $2,000, and $125 for anything over $2,000. You will not have to pay the fee if the car isn't sold, and will be able to relist it quickly for a different price should you so choose. The fees and the number of pictures you can upload are still more reasonable than many of the other online forms of sale.

• Demystify car registration in Florida - Learn more at Car Registration Florida!

How to get a speeding ticket off your driving record

Speeding tickets tend to happen when you least expect them, and when your funds seem to be at their lowest. But there's a much bigger danger beyond just your rapidly shrinking bank account — points on your license. Tally up enough of those points, and you may find yourself not only broke but also on the bus. But there are ways that you can get a speeding ticket wiped entirely from your record completely.

What is the best way to fight a traffic ticket?

  Every state in the nation has their own way of handling speeding tickets, with some being more lenient than others. There are certain things that stay the same across the US if you plan to fight the ticket. For all states, you'll have a chance to tell your side of the story if you feel there was a mistake made when issuing the speeding ticket. For example, if you know you were going 55 miles an hour when the officer clocked you at 65, then his radar gun or detection device may have been poorly calibrated or just plain broken. Always plead not guilty in any court of law if you intend to fight. In all states, you'll need to fill out the proper paperwork and pay the court fees to get your record and plead your case.   When you argue your case in either a conference or a court, you need to know the regulations that will help you win. For example, radar units are supposed to be calibrated before every shift, and before and after an officer uses it to clock a speed. These types of stringent requirements are difficult to follow for a busy speed trap, so you may be more in luck than you think. Evidence like camera footage may help you prove that the light was yellow by the time you crossed into the intersection. The court will consider your past driving records to help make their decision, so highlight any good behavior on the road too. You also can hire a lawyer who may be able to use their skills and expertise to get your ticket completely cleared for your record too.

What are the benefits of taking online traffic school?

  Traffic school is offered in most states as a way to clear your record. Depending on the severity of your offense, it may be mandated that you take these classes. Typically, you'll want to plead guilty if you intend to take the classes, but you don't have to. For example, in California, you can still fight the ticket and potentially have the option to take traffic school if a judge allows it. However, the judge does not have to justify their decision to you if they don't allow you to take driving school, so bear this in mind if you're weighing your options.   If you live in the states of Arizona, Florida, California or Texas, you can have the ticket dismissed entirely if you take traffic school. If you live in New York state, traffic school will take up to 4 points off your license. Arizona, Florida, and Texas will only allow you to take the traffic school option once a year. In California and New York, it's up to 18 months. You should have had only one moving violation, and it must be for a speeding ticket as opposed to reckless driving to get the points removed. Another major bonus in taking traffic school is that you may be able to reduce the cost of your insurance as well as get the points removed.

• Find out the fines and costs associated with a speeding ticket in Virginia in our comprehensive guide on How much is a Speeding Ticket in Virginia?
• For information About How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?, click: How much is a Red Light Ticket in New York?

How to Get Traffic Ticket Reduced

Traffic tickets are not welcome no matter why you get them, and they will always pose the receiver with a dilemma: to pay, to ignore, or to fight? A ticket can translate to potential points on your license which can increase your chances of having your license taken away. It can even interfere with your job if you get too many of them. And they're not cheap. Just one ticket in California can run you more than $230.00 if you're caught going 15 miles over the limit. Most people will go to traffic school to stop the points from going on their driving record, however, getting your traffic ticket reduced is an option. It normally starts with the date on your ticket.

Show Up - In Person

It's possible that you could defend your ticket in writing, but it's not always offered and not necessarily recommended. It's much easier for an official to ignore or skim a written request than it is when a person makes the effort to defend themselves in the flesh. Plus, if you write to contest the ticket and lose, you generally can't appeal the decision. Depending on where you live, you may have a traffic court date or potentially a settlement conference to attend to start the process. Taking the time off from work may be a hassle, but if you the costs are high or if you feel like the officer made an error, then it may be worth it. A conference will be a good time to determine if there's a way to get the ticket knocked down to something a little easier on your record.

Going to Trial

Trials will eat up your time and money with court dates and fees, but again, a trial may be what keeps you from having a major black mark on your driving record. Sometimes the officer won't show up, in which case you win by default. You may have to do some research on the officer who gave you the ticket (e.g., when their radar gun was last calibrated, etc.) in addition to having your own arguments. You can also hire a lawyer to fight it for you. Those that specialize in traffic tickets may have more of a chance to get your ticket reduced to a minor parking violation. Lawyer rates vary though, so do some research before going this route. Your case will be a civil case, so the evidence will be about witnesses, statements, and physical evidence (e.g., camera footage.)

Mitigation

Mitigation is a way for you to admit fault, but explain the circumstances. For many, this will become an exercise in their negotiation and people skills, but sometimes it's not even taken into consideration. There are certain judges out there who will reduce a $120 traffic ticket by $30 and extend the deadline — without even asking you to make a case. But most of the time, if you have a good driving record and a decent story, you'll probably see some leniency after giving the details. Whatever deal is offered up is ultimately yours to either take or appeal, but you would need to do so with extreme caution. Any potential sign of disrespect to either the judge or law enforcement in general is not going to be appreciated. (We're sure you're surprised.)

Alternatives

Each state is different when it comes to alternatives for reducing a traffic ticket, so check into the specifics for all the above. Some states will allow you to take traffic school or a defensive driving course to avoid the points and some states will let you wipe the ticket entirely if you keep your driving record clear for a full year. Regardless of where you live though, there are ways to reduce your traffic ticket if you know where to look.

Other Resources

• How much is a Speeding Ticket in Alabama?
• How much is a Speeding Ticket in Virginia?

Weirdest Traffic Laws from Each State

Even on the Federal Highway System, the Rules of The Road vary from state to state. Here we’ve collected and commented on some of the more arcane and unusual traffic laws you may want to remember if you live in, or travel in the United States. Read up! Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and if you break the law, you may have to take traffic school to dismiss the ticket. Alabama – It’s illegal to drive a car while blindfolded. Alaska – No driving with a dog tethered to your car. Arizona – It’s against the law to drive a car in reverse on a public road. Arkansas – in Little Rock it’s against the law to honk your car horn anywhere that serves cold drinks or sandwiches after 9 p.m. California – In Glendale, it’s illegal to jump from a car going over 65 mph. Colorado – It’s illegal to drive a black car on a Sunday in Denver. Connecticut – it’s illegal to hunt from a car. Delaware – “R” rated movies shall not be shown at drive-in theaters. Florida – It is illegal to skateboard without a license. Georgia – There’s no driving through playgrounds in Georgia. Hawaii – It’s against the law for a vehicle in motion to use its hazard lights. People might think it’s a Luau. Idaho – it’s forbidden for Senior Citizens over the age of 88 must lose all sense of balance, them to ride a motorcycle in Idaho Falls. Illinois – It’s illegal to drive a car without a steering wheel. And, of course, impossible. Indiana – It’s against the law to sell cars on Sundays. Try Maine. Iowa – No vehicle may sell ice cream in Indianola, Iowa. Kansas – No tire screeching in Derby, Kansas. Kentucky – It’s illegal for your pet to molest a vehicle in Fort Thomas. Louisiana – A woman’s husband is required by law to walk in front of the car waving a flag as she drives it. Maine – It’s illegal to buy a car on a Sunday. Better move to Indiana. Maryland – It’s a misdemeanor to swear from a vehicle while driving through Rockville. Massachusetts – You cannot drive with a gorilla in your backseat. In the front seat is okay with the seat belt buckled. Michigan – It’s against the law to sit in the middle of the street and read a newspaper. But in Detroit you may lie there and be covered by one. Minnesota – You can be charged as a public nuisance if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on the road in Minnetonka. Mississippi – In Oxford, it’s illegal to honk your horn, even though it is an additional means of communication included in the price of your car. Missouri – You can’t honk someone else’s car horn in University City, Missouri. Montana – You can’t drive a herd of livestock numbering more than 10 on an interstate highway unless the herd is preceded and followed by flagmen. Nebraska – By law, drivers on mountains should drive with caution near the right edge of the highway. Surprisingly, Bighorn Mountain rises to 4,731 feet. Nevada – Even though it’s the desert, t’s illegal to ride a camel on the highway. New Hampshire – It’s against the law to inhale bus fumes with the intent of inducing euphoria. If you want to kill yourself, that’s covered under a different law. New Jersey – If you have been convicted of DUI, you can never apply for personalized license plates. New Mexico – It may or may not be kidnapping, but it is illegal for cab drivers to reach out and pull potential customers into their taxis. New York – It’s against the law to disrobe in your car in the beach town of Sag Harbor, Long Island. North Carolina – In Dunn, North Carolina it’s illegal to play in traffic. North Dakota – it's illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on. Ohio – It’s illegal to run out of gas in Youngstown. Oklahoma –Cars must be tethered outside of public buildings. No guidance on to what. Oregon – It is illegal to place a container filled with human fecal matter on the side of any highway. No containers! Pennsylvania –Any motorist who sights a team of horses coming toward him must pull well off the road, cover his car with a blanket or canvas that blends with the countryside, and let the horses pass. Rhode Island – One must make a loud noise before passing a car on the left. Preferably with your vehicle’s horn. South Carolina – When approaching a four way or blind intersection in a non-horse driven vehicle you must stop 100 ft. from the intersection and discharge a firearm into the air to warn horse traffic. South Dakota – No horses are allowed into Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants. Tennessee – It’s illegal to shoot game from a moving vehicle. But hitting it with your car is legal, and can be delicious. Texas – You must have windshield wipers to register a car. Utah – By law, birds have the right of way on all highways. Luckily, they don’t usually exercise it. Vermont – It’s illegal for cars to backfire in Rutland. Virginia – Radar detectors are illegal. Washington – A motorist with criminal intentions must stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town. West Virginia - It’s legal to eat road kill. No info on whether you can shoot it from your car. Wisconsin – One may not camp in a wagon on any public highway. Wyoming – If you open a gate over a road, river, stream or ditch, you’d must close it behind you.

• For More Information On How much is a Speeding Ticket in Virginia?, Click: How much is a Speeding Ticket in Virginia?
• Discover the Cost Today! Find Out How Much a Speeding Ticket in Alabama Could Set You Back.
• Learn How to Easily Title and Register Your Car in Florida with our comprehensive guide on Florida car registration processes and requirements.
• Navigate the registration process smoothly Click here to read TN Registration for New and Current Residents

How to make Traffic School Funnier

Every traffic school must include certain information within their course in order to comply with city, county or state licensing requirements. However, they have the option of how this information is presented to their students. It can be presented in a straight-forward, serious manner, or it can be presented in a comical way. Presenting your school or class in a comical way still allows the students to get the information they need while ensuring the class is fun and light-hearted. This may help the students to retain the information easier, as they are not overly bored. It may also help drive up attendance in your classroom (online or on a roadside). While no one wants to find themselves having to take traffic school, if a past student's friend or family needs to, they may remember how awesome your school was and recommend it to that friend or family member. Here are a few tips that one of the top comedy traffic schools have to help make traffic school funnier. Comical Writing Style When you are trying to make your traffic school funnier, try to use a comical writing style in all of the literature that students need to read. Reading literature at traffic school can be monotonous and mundane. Making the information light-hearted and easy going by using a comical writing style can help break up this monotony and engage the reader. This helps students retain information while still allowing you to get your point about safety and defensive driving techniques across to students. Comedy Videos Many traffic schools show videos. These videos should teach a driver what to do. However, when you are trying to make your traffic school a bit funnier, you can always use comedy videos. Showing videos of what not to do while poking fun of the driver can be funny. Drivers may see bits and pieces of themselves in the video as well, which allows them to poke fun at themselves. This is a great way to emphasis to students what not to do without be preachy. Traffic-Related Jokes A great instructor can really help to make your school funnier. An instructor needs to be able to hold the attention of the class. One way the instructor can do this is by implemented traffic-related jokes. Of course, there are plenty of corny jokes, but a good instructor can use improv with the students to make each class unique, while still allowing drivers to understand the importance of safety while out on the road. If you want to lighten up your traffic school, look for a teacher who is naturally funny and has comedic instincts. Traffic-Related Comic Strips The last technique you can use to make traffic school funnier is to use traffic-related comic strips. You can order these online through a number of venues or ask an artist to create a special comic for your school. Comics are always light-hearted. And they catch the attention of the reader through their colors and artwork. Comics are easy to read and follow, which is perfect for adults who need to hear simple messages about subjects they already know about. The funnier the comic strip, the more likely the class will be to respond and remember the message. A comical writing style, implementing comedy videos, inserting traffic-related jokes and using traffic-related comic strips can help convey the safe driving messages you are trying to instill in students while still be engaging, funny and attention-getting. When you are trying to make your traffic school funnier, these are great ways to help you do so.

How to Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced

To put it bluntly, traffic tickets are hell. You wind up paying exorbitant fines because some municipalities are increasing the amounts to raise revenue. Moreover, the police are more vigilant than ever about catching motorists in the wrong. If all of this is not bad enough, never forget about the cameras that photograph your car speeding and send the pictures to you in the mail, along with a large bill.
So what can the average driver, such as yourself, do to survive in this age when “Big Brother” is watching their every move on the roads? Well, the answer is to enroll now for a defensive driving course. Not only will you receive pertinent information on how to remain safe behind the wheel but also a possible reduction of license points and having your ticket reduced or dismissed. The Driving School of Today You might at first be a bit wary of the advice to attend driving school. After all, you are probably a busy person. When do you have time to sit in a classroom? Well, scheduling classes is no longer an issue. The driving school of today can take place either in a traditional brick and mortar building or online. You can have online class wherever and whenever convenient. In fact, many families and coworkers enroll in group classes to motivate each other to complete the courses. Ticket Reduction Most states allow those who completed a defensive driving course to have their traffic tickets dismissed. The school should be recognized by the state. Moreover, the instructor must be certified by the authorities and the course most be for a certain number of hours. Check with your driving school to ascertain the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. Upon completion of the course, motorists may receive ticket dismissal, license point reduction and automobile insurance discounts. Defensive Driving vs. Traffic School Be careful when enrolling. Some states define the two kinds of schools differently. In New York and Florida, you will be taking a defensive driving course to have your traffic ticket points reduced.
Arizona dismisses certain traffic violations after a motorist completes an approved defensive driving course. In contrast, traffic school is for serious violators ordered to take classes by the courts. Meanwhile, California uses the two names interchangeably. Going to Court Americans have the right to defend themselves in a court of law. Some choose to do so when presented with a traffic ticket. They want to fight it out with the city to get the infraction removed from the record.
In certain cases, these challengers are successful. A California physicist was able to use scientific principles to win. He demonstrated that a police officer, situated at a certain angle, perceived his car to have run a stop sign when in fact it had stopped. In other instances, an alleged violator can win by default when the officer who presented the ticket does not show up in court. Nevertheless, these victories are few and far between. Motorists usually wind up having to pay the fine and possibly some court costs. Defensive driving school is the easier route without a doubt. Just enroll, finish the course and the violation disappears. Enroll and Get on With Life

Everyone wants to save money. One way you can do so today is by enrolling in a state approved defensive driving school. You can have your ticket dismissed, removing the fine. Better yet, your driving record will be wiped clean, leading to a reduction in your insurance premium rate. Perhaps best of all, you will learn some driving skills that can help you avoid getting tickets in the future.