Bob LeDoux

Summer is the time for picnics, beach trips, and VACATIONS! As a lover of vacation time myself, I know that choosing a spot, taking the time to plan, and saving the money to go can take a lot of focus and time. In the excitement of a future vacation, one thing I never forget is to keep safety in mind.

When you choose a vacation spot that you will be driving to, make sure to be aware of possible dangers. Although you may be a safe driver with a clean driving record, it is impossible for you to account for other drivers on the road. If you choose to go to a popular place for your vacation, alcohol will probably be prevalent- and may become quite an issue. Alcohol plays a big role in many accidents, especially in vacation spots. You could be as sober as ever- but the person driving next to you might not be.

You can't do much to curb the actions of others while you're on your trip- but you can take safety precautions to protect yourself and your family. It is understandable that you want to fit as much as possible into your short stay at your vacation destination, but that doesn't mean that you should compromise your safety by speeding. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye. When you’re speeding, the outcome of an accident can be much more severe than if you drive at the regulated speed limit.

If you are worried that you might be involved in a car accident- either alcohol-related or not- you should make sure that you have enough auto insurance to cover you. By making sure that you have enough liability coverage, and high enough limits, you can be confident that if you are involved in an accident, your auto coverage will protect you. LeDoux Insurance can make sure that you get the coverage you need at the rate you deserve. Visit our Virtual Insurance Office now to learn more and get a free online auto insurance quote.

With the struggles of the US auto industry all over the news as of late, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. US auto manufacturers have been struggling for years, with many Americans opting to purchase cheaper and (arguably) more reliable vehicles from foreign auto producers. The downfall of the once powerful American based auto makers has been happening for so long, one may wonder- why is our government choosing to save these producers of cars that don't sell.

I can sympathize with those who feel that the auto industry must keep its place in the United States. The car was born here- and has been a US staple ever since. Detroit has long been known as the main auto hub of the world. And those auto manufacturing plants in Detroit employ hundreds and thousands of Americans. What would a world without the names Ford and General Motors look like? Would their demise signify that America is not the world leader that it once was? How would the world react to seeing an American-born idea being taken over- and improved- by countries like Germany and Japan, who have long been searching to increase their amount of worldly pull and power?

But, despite the long history of car manufacturing that the US continues to boast, do Americans really care about where their cars are manufactured anymore? Although pushes have been to attempt to get people to buy American cars- they have largely failed. The US consumer is a smart one- and will more often than not opt for the best buy, regardless of where the vehicle is made. Additionally, several of the highest selling car companies have begun to start producing their vehicles on US soil. Both Toyota and Honda have factories in the US that produce their vehicles and employ many Americans. Founded in Japan, these companies are now publicly traded, allowing any US native to buy their stock- and by consequence, make their companies more American.

Ultimately, a car purchase is completely dependent on the individual buyer. The choice to purchase an American or foreign car- or no car at all- is left completely up to you. The decision to purchase auto insurance to protect your ride is typically not optional. Almost every state in the country requires their drivers to have an auto insurance policy. If you are in the market for coverage, and are unsure of your options, visit LeDoux Insurance's Virtual Insurance Office. Once there, you can learn more about your insurance options, and get a free online auto insurance quote.

Getting divorced or becoming widowed is an extremely difficult and upsetting time in a person’s life. Although you have a variety of issues to handle, you should also take some time to reevaluate your auto insurance policy. Based on your new situation, you may be the only full-time driver in your home, which could result in your rates going up. And your rising rate could end up being more expensive than you can actually afford.

Your rates may rise- but you could keep your costs low by trying different things. Make sure you shop around- the best rate when you were married is not necessarily the best rate now that you are single. It would also be good for you to take a serious look at your plan. What was once important to your plan as a married couple, may not have the same importance to you as a single person.

Now that half of your income is not longer available, your budget is probably quite tighter than it had been. If you have less income to devote to your auto insurance costs, it may be best for you to look into raising your deductible or eliminating add-on coverages like comprehensive or collision option. You may feel like you absolutely need total auto coverage, but cutting back on your policy options can make a distinct difference in your auto insurance costs.

No matter what direction your life is taking, it is a good idea to take another look at your auto insurance coverage. Shop around- you could be saving much more than you know. Ledoux Insurance's Virtual Insurance Office can help you learn more about your auto insurance options, and can provide you with a free online auto insurance quote right now.

We’ve all heard the myths surrounding auto insurance: your paint color, credit score, age and sex can affect your auto insurance rates. But when it comes to auto insurance- how can you differentiate between myth and reality? The following are a list of commons myths- and actual truths that auto insurance shoppers are often confused about.

• No-fault insurance means an accident isn’t your fault. Ever.

No-fault coverage basically means that your insurance company will pay for your damages, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
• A red car will make my auto insurance more expensive!

Car color doesn’t really affect your insurance costs. What does affect how much you pay is your car’s year, make, model, body type and engine size- along with your credit history and driving record.

• If you let a friend borrow your car, their insurance will cover the damage if an accident happens.

Regardless of whose driving it, your car is your responsibility. Even if you are not present for the accident, it will go on your insurance record, and could make your premium go out.

• The government sets auto insurance rates.

The government does not set auto insurance rates- but your state can regulate them. Where you live, your marital status, and your credit score actually effect your premium.

• Males under the age of 25 pay more for auto insurance.

Although males under the age of 25 do usually pay more for auto insurance, generally, teenagers and seniors pay the highest rates of all auto insurers.

• Your credit score have no effect on your insurance costs.

Your credit score actually does affect your insurance premiums.
• Because you have never been involved in an auto accident, you don’t need insurance.
Even if you have been lucky enough to avoid car accidents, you should protect yourself with auto insurance. Also, you are legally required to have some form of auto insurance.

LeDoux Insurance can help you sort through the above myths quickly and easily. We are an independent insurance agency committed to providing our clients with comprehensive auto insurance policies at affordable rates. Visit www.ledouxinsurance.com - you can learn more about the policies we offer or get a free online quote on auto insurance.