Elephant Insurance - The Blogcast: Recent Episodes

Gregory

This podcast is a supplement to our blog, The Glovebox. Offering an audio companion to our carefully curated and researched content about car insurance, cars, road safety, protecting your assets, and personal insurance best practices.

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How do tickets and violations affect my car insurance?
There’s a lot of information out there about car insurance as it pertains to tickets and traffic violations. Some of it’s true; some of it is an exaggeration or pure misinformation. However, whether you get your information from a friend or family member, or an online search engine, it’s best to double-check your sources. At Elephant Insurance, we’ve done the homework for you.

To help dispel any misconceptions or myths about tickets and violations, we’ve compiled the truth about common violations—and outlined quick facts about each. We’re also answering several popular questions we hear about driving records and insurance premiums as they relate to said violations. We hope you learn a thing or two and walk away as a confident, safe driver.

  • Types of Tickets and Violations
  • Will I see an impact on my insurance premium?
  • How long will a traffic violation stay on my insurance record?
  • How to improve your rate if you received a ticket
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10 safe driving scholarship options to apply to

Nothing is more important than being a safe driver on the road. Distracted driving and drunk driving have enormous consequences not only for you as a driver, but for your family and other people on the road. Because it impacts thousands of Americans every year, particularly teens who account for almost 10 percent of distracted drivers in fatal car crashes, many organizations offer scholarships to help raise awareness of distracted driving and ways to prevent it. If you are a student preparing for college, already in college, or even a family member with a college student, consider checking out a national safe driving scholarship that aims to reduce or prevent distracted driving. We’ve compiled 10 below.

  • 1. Project Yellow Light
  • 2. Look Twice, Save a Life
  • 3. The Safe Driving Scholarship
  • 4. Create Real Impact Contest
  • 5. Getting Real About Distracted Driving
  • 6. Digital Responsibility’s Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship
  • 7. In the Driver’s Seat
  • 8. Safe Driver Scholarship
  • 9. Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship
  • 10. Stand Up to Distracted Driving Scholarship
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Getting into a car accident is always a stressful situation. You’re worried about injuries, damage to your vehicle, and of course, money. How do you know if paying for repairs out of pocket will help you in the long run or make things more complicated? We’ve got you covered. Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering paying out of pocket after a car accident.

Who else was involved in the accident?

Single-vehicle accidents

Car accidents don’t always involve other motorists; lousy weather conditions, distracted driving, or vehicle malfunction can lead to single-vehicle accidents. If you hit an inanimate object and your car is damaged, the first thing you should do is check your deductible. For example, if you back into your mailbox and dent your fender, it may make more sense to pay for the repairs yourself and not file a claim with your insurance company. This is an easy case where paying out of pocket makes sense.

But you may be asking yourself, what harm is there in filing a claim when it was a minor accident that wasn’t necessarily my fault? Well, liability is a tricky thing, and sometimes even when you’re not totally at-fault, an accident can cause your insurance rate to go up.

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What to do if your car is totaled
Uh-oh…your car is totaled. Or is it? “Totaled” is a word that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to car accidents, but the term actually has a very specific definition. It is only used in insurance when the damage to the car falls under a particular set of circumstances set by your insurance.

It’s not the driver’s responsibility to determine if the car is totaled. That falls onto the driver’s insurance adjuster and the car insurance company. Being more informed about total losses and how insurance companies handle them can help drivers feel more prepared if their car ever suffers severe damage.

What does “totaled” mean?

So what does it actually mean, and when is a car considered “totaled?” Insurance companies typically designate vehicles as a total loss when the cost to fix the damage is more than the car’s value or if the car can’t be repaired at all for some reason or another.

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When it comes to driving, we’ve all heard myths gathered over the years from relatives, friends, and beliefs in the public sphere. Whether it’s myths about car safety, maintenance, or trivial matters, such as whether it’s legal to drive barefoot or keep the light on in your car, you may have some misconceptions about your car and how you drive it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common driving myths and why they aren’t true.

General myths

Red cars are more likely to be pulled over

You’ve no doubt heard this myth before, that the very bold color of a red car means you’re more likely to be pulled over by the police. The reality is that your driving habits get you noticed by law enforcement, not the color of your car. There’s really no evidence to support the claim that red cars are more likely to be stopped by police.

You can only be pulled over for speeding if you go over 10 miles an hour

The truth of the matter on speeding is that any amount of speed over the posted limit is subject to ticketing. Police officers often operate at their own discretion on this issue, but there’s no acceptable number of miles over a speed limit to which you are immune from receiving a ticket.

Common driving myths debunked

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With the continued rise of catalytic converter thefts being reported, you may be wondering what to do should it happen to you. Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? Is there a specific type of catalytic converter theft insurance?

If you recently had your catalytic converter stolen, check with your carrier before buying a replacement. Comprehensive coverage pays for catalytic converter theft.

What is a catalytic converter?

First and foremost, a catalytic converter is an integral part of a car’s emissions system. They reduce the amount and severity of the pollution that comes out of your car’s tailpipe whenever you go for a drive. Catalytic converter designs vary slightly among different car manufacturers, but in general, they are oblong or cylindrical in shape and bear a resemblance to mufflers. As for where your catalytic converter is located in your vehicle, it sits between the engine and the muffler, typically a bit closer to the engine.

Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft?

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Do you have a reliable way to get around if your vehicle is in the shop for repairs? If you don’t, you aren’t alone. In fact, in a recent poll conducted at Elephant, we found 27% of participants didn’t have an alternate way to get to work if their car was out of commission. That’s where rental reimbursement can help.

Also referred to as “rental car coverage” or “transportation expense coverage,” rental reimbursement helps you pay for transportation expenses while your vehicle is being repaired in a covered insurance claim. It covers the cost of rental cars and/or alternate transportation such as bus fare, cab rides, or ridesharing costs.

So, is it worth adding rental reimbursement to your auto policy? To help illustrate the ins and outs of the add-on, we’ll answer some common questions about rental reimbursement coverage.

Is Rental Reimbursement Coverage Worth It?

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The knights in shining armor of fairy tale fame wouldn’t be so brilliant without their noble steeds. The same can be said for today’s road warriors, whether commuting or vacation-bound.

Motorists are getting the most out of their car-buying dollar, when you consider that the average age of cars on the road today is 11.4 years, according to IHS Automotive. This means that drivers are waiting more than a decade before turning their vehicles in for a new ride.

It’s not just that they’re owning them longer; they’re also accumulating more miles. In fact, according to The New York Times, 200,000 miler vehicles are the new normal, replacing the 100,000 milers that were once considered to be the industry standard for high mileage cars. While today’s lineup of vehicles are built more sturdily, thanks to the advances in manufacturing, cars don’t reach these lofty mileage totals without some elbow grease.

How to Keep Your High-Mileage Vehicle Going Strong

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You’ve saved, researched models and brands, and now you’ve finally taken the plunge and bought a car—congratulations! But before you hit the open road, you need to take care of a few things first, and that means it’s time to buy yourself some car insurance. Since you just dropped a big chunk of change on your car, you might think the smart thing to do is save a few bucks a month by picking the minimum required coverage, right?

Don’t do it, it’s a trap! Okay, so maybe it’s not that dramatic, but going with a minimum coverage plan could end up costing you a lot more than you’d expect. Here are a few things to consider when you’re tempted to pick the cheapest option.

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On the list of major purchases, it doesn’t get much bigger than buying a new house. While there’s a certain charm to getting a place that’s been lived in, there’s also something special about being a home’s initial tenants.

There are a number of differences between an existing home and a new home. Most of them are pretty obvious, like custom features that allow owners to hide unsightly cords for electronic hookups, for instance, or more modern plumbing and heating. It’s these same features that also play a role in how homeowners insurance rates are established for new homeowners.

Homeowners insurance for newer homes vs older homes

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It’s common knowledge, and common sense, that having car insurance is a good idea. It’s less well-known, however, that car insurance isn’t actually legally required in all states or situations. There are legally mandated minimum amounts of different types of car insurance required in almost all fifty states. New Hampshire and Virginia are two notable exceptions. In Virginia, this means that if you choose to pay a yearly Uninsured Motorist Fee of $500, you are legally allowed to operate your vehicle without car insurance.

But should you choose to? Just because skipping insurance is legal in this case doesn’t necessarily mean you should. When it comes to car insurance, it’s probably in your best interest to go above and beyond the letter of the law.

If you’re on the fence between choosing to pay for car insurance or an Uninsured Motorist Fee, read on! We’ll go through the advantages and disadvantages of each option, as well as explain exactly how the Uninsured Motorist Fee works so you can make an informed decision.

Uninsured Motorist Fee: Do you need car insurance in Virginia?

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Your car insurance coverage shouldn’t be a mystery. Knowing what your car insurance does and doesn’t cover is crucial information, and something you’ll want to know before you have to file a claim. Feeling a little foggy about what your insurance plan covers? No worries. Read on for a fuller understanding of your coverage.

What’s covered depends on your coverage

The first thing to do when trying to get a clearer picture of what your insurance policy covers is to identify what type of coverage you have. There are six main types of car insurance:

  • Liability: Liability insurance protects you if you’re liable for the damage to another driver’s vehicle in an accident. This type of coverage is required in almost every state.
  • Collision: Collision covers the repair or replacement of your vehicle no matter who is at fault in an accident. You’re required to have collision insurance if you lease or finance your vehicle.
  • Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that was not caused by an accident. Examples include: rodent damage, fallen limb coverage, and more.
  • Personal injury protection: This type of coverage pays for direct and indirect medical bills if you’re involved in an accident.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Covers vehicle damage and medical bills after an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver. This type of insurance is required in 20 states.
  • Medical payments: This pays for any and all of your medical expenses after an accident.

While this may seem fairly straightforward, your coverage also depends on which car insurance company you choose.

Surprising things your car insurance covers* About Elephant Insurance * Elephant Reviews * Elephant's Blog - The Glovebox * Elephant Careers * Partner With Us * Elephant FAQs * Elephant Terms of Use * Elephant Insurance Privacy & Security * Elephant's Responsible Disclosure

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Let’s face it, driving can be stressful. Traffic jams, distracted drivers, car trouble: all these factors can lead to a commute that leaves you wanting to pull your hair out. However, the way you react to these stressors can affect you and your fellow motorists’ safety in a major way. Let’s talk about the ways road rage and driving anxiety can be dangerous, and how you can keep these common emotions under control.

Aggressive driving and road rage — what is it?

Road rage and aggressive driving is defensive driving’s dangerous little brother. According to Merriam-Webster, it is defined as a motorist’s uncontrolled anger that is usually provoked by another motorist’s irritating act and is expressed in aggressive or violent behavior. It usually manifests in these types of dangerous actions:

Screaming

Laying on the horn

Following too closely to the car in front of you

Stalking someone who cut you off

Blocking traffic

Purposely cutting people off

Leaving the car to try to have a physical altercation

Bumping another car

Speeding

Weaving through traffic

Driving on the sidewalk or median

Road rage and frustration around road rage is increasing, even in the last couple of years when many drivers have been driving less. A 2021 survey by insurance comparison site The Zebra found that 35% of people are driving less today, but 1 in 5 drivers experience more frustration than before the pandemic. Of those surveyed, 95% said they had observed road rage or aggressive driving in the past year, but only 64% of drivers admitted to doing it.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/road-rage-and-driving-anxiety

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Did you know that between 2019 and 2020, the number of US citizens working from home grew from 22 percent to 42 percent? For many, that change is permanent, with offices offering full-time remote opportunities or more flexibility in office work schedules. If you and your partner are both working from home, you may have noticed that having two vehicles is starting to feel unnecessary. That’s why now may be a great time to sell your second car.

The current used car market

According to Market Watch, the average cost of a used car has increased by 10% over the last 12 months. This rise in price doesn’t look like it will be hitting the brakes anytime soon; demand for used cars has doubled since March 2021. Eric Ibara, director of residual values at Kelley Blue Book, said, “If you have an extra car to sell…there may never be another time greater than this.” Let’s talk about why right now may be the best time to sell your used car.

Why is this happening?

When the pandemic hit, so many industries were affected, and car manufacturers were no exception. Many manufacturers and dealerships had to shut down for safety reasons. This meant fewer new cars were hitting the market. Just when production got back underway, a recent shortage caused even more disruption.

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It’s an inevitable part of car ownership— the longer you own a car, the more likely you are to need repairs or potentially get in an accident. Even if you safely park your vehicle in a covered garage, perform routine oil changes, and treat your car with maybe a tad too much loving admiration (don’t worry — we won’t judge!), your vehicle will start to show signs of its age. And even when we keep our cars in great shape, there’s always the risk of getting in an accident and incurring damage that way. Fortunately, help is almost always just around the corner. But do you know where to take your car for repairs? Did you know there's a difference between an auto body shop vs. an auto repair shop? Let's break down what each is, when you need them, and how to find ones you can trust.

What's the difference between an auto body shop and a garage?

Generally speaking, there are four different places you can take your car when it needs repairs — each of which serves a different purpose.

Auto repair shop

Also commonly referred to as a "garage". This is where you want to take your car for repairs on standard wear-and-tear issues — things like replacing your break pads, engine troubles, and your annual safety inspection (if your state requires one). If you need a "mechanic", this is where you're going. While most towns may have a dealer or two for specific car brands, there are generally dozens, if not hundreds, of independent auto repair shops in any given area. The most reliable independent garages can rival the service and expertise provided by dealerships — and often, at a fraction of the price. However, there are less-than-reliable independent shops as well. That’s why it’s important to do your research.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/how-to-choose-an-auto-repair-shop

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Facts about heart attacks

Here's a surprising number that just might take your breath away this National CPR Awareness Week: 735,000. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that's how many Americans experience a heart attack in the average year. That's 1 in every 43 seconds. Most of these episodes are the sufferers' first, but for more than a quarter, it's their second or more.

"A heart attack occurs every 43 seconds in the United States."

Heart attacks can occur for a variety of reasons and in a plethora of environments, often brought on by stress when underlying health factors, such as coronary artery disease, are already a problem. The CDC identifies this as the main cause of myocardial infarctions.

Of course, there's never a good time to experience a heart attack, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one worse than when it happens behind the wheel.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/what-to-do-when-a-heart-attack-occurs-while-driving

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Though most of us just think of car insurance and registration with our local DMV as the only forms of legal and financial responsibility we must take on as drivers, if you’ve committed a serious moving violation or other infraction on the road, you may need to obtain something else — a document called an SR-22. But what is it exactly, who has to get it, and what does it entail?

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is an official document — not an insurance policy — that must be filed with your state by an insurance provider if you have a suspended or revoked license, serious moving violations, or as a result of not paying child support. Also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, an SR-22 serves as proof that you have obtained the minimum liability coverage required in your state. In Virginia, for example, the minimum liability coverage would be $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 per accident for property damage. The issuance of an SR-22 by an insurance company will ensure your driving privileges or reinstate them. Those who are required to get an SR-22 are typically notified through their state division of motor vehicles or by court order. Not all states in the U.S. require an SR-22.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/what-is-an-sr-22-an-explainer

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We’ve all been there. It’s the middle of the night and you’ve just managed to drift off to sleep when suddenly your peace is interrupted by the sound of a car alarm. It’s annoying, but it helps keep people’s car’s safe, right? The answer is complicated. Read on to find out just how effective car alarms really are.

Car alarms and car theft

The first car alarm was developed a century ago, but they didn't become widespread until the 1960s and 1970s. Over time, people grew to ignore them, especially in the 1980s and early 1990s when urban crime rates were high. Nowadays, the streets are still teeming with older cars with loud, obnoxious anti-theft measures. Most of the time, when we hear a car alarm, we just try to ignore it, and most car thieves know this.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/do-car-alarms-really-work

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When you’re thinking of buying a car, nothing may be more reliable than a compact. They are affordable, great on gas, stylish, and depending on the make and model, could be tried-and-true in performance. Popular models include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra. This class of cars, one step above subcompact vehicles and one step below mid-size cars, seats up to four passengers comfortably, though for car buyers on the market, that may not be enough. In terms of choices, light trucks like sports utility vehicles (SUVs), crossovers, pickups, and minivans now account for over 75 percent of new vehicle sales, a trend that began almost 20 years ago. But on a road with increasing numbers of larger vehicles, is it safe to drive a compact car?

https://www.elephant.com/blog/is-it-safe-to-drive-a-compact-car

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We all lead busy lives, and sometimes things just slip through the cracks. If that means letting your veggies go bad or forgetting to floss before bed (sorry, dentists), it just means you’re human. However, some slip-ups can have more serious consequences. For example, letting your car insurance lapse can not only lead to higher insurance rates but also fines and lack of protection in the event of an accident. In this post, we’ll explain what constitutes a lapse in your car insurance, what the consequences could be, what to do if your insurance has already lapsed, and how you can avoid a lapse in the first place.

What exactly is a lapse in car insurance?

A lapse in car insurance coverage refers to any period (even as short as one day!) in which you own a registered car but don’t have car insurance. There is no one universal reason for a lapse in coverage. Maybe your policy simply ran out. Maybe you missed a payment and your policy was canceled as a result. Your coverage could lapse because you were deployed, you no longer drive, or for a myriad of other reasons.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/car-insurance-lapse

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There’s nothing quite like the freedom that comes from hitting the open road on your motorcycle. Nothing can stand between you and your right to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your bike. Nothing, except maybe a license? Read on to learn why you might want to get motorcycle insurance despite not having a motorcycle license.

What to know about riding a motorcycle

First things first, the rules of the road are sacred to cyclists. You don’t want to be a “squid”. A squid is someone who rides without any thought for the safety of others (or their own, for that matter). They ride in shorts and t-shirts, neglect proper safety gear, and tend to view the yellow center line as more of a suggestion than a hard and fast rule. Drivers don’t like them, and other bikers don’t either.

Is a license a must have? First, let’s look at the steps to getting a motorcycle license.https://www.elephant.com/blog/can-you-get-motorcycle-insurance-without-a-license

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No matter what kind of driver you are — road-tripper, carpooler, or daily commuter — you know that car ownership comes with its fair share of hassles. Even keeping up with routine car maintenance can sometimes feel like a lot to handle — throw even the most minor windshield damage into the mix, and now you’ve got a recipe for urgently-required repairs.

Whether you’re driving down the road and a pebble hits your windshield, a random tree branch snaps while you’re parked, or, god forbid, you get in an accident, you need to know what to do in the event of a cracked windshield. As a responsible car owner, you need a clear, unbroken view of the road both to comply with state inspection requirements and to ensure safety for yourself and others.

What causes damage to a windshield?

Unfortunately, there are plenty of everyday hazards that can crack your windshield. Anything such as flying road debris, sudden temperature changes, car accidents, low-quality glass, or improper installation can cause damage to your windshield. And, as your windshield provides a whopping 34% of your vehicle’s structural integrity, any windshield damage is serious damage.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/is-windshield-damage-covered

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No matter how you spin it, the Tesla story is impressive. First entering the spotlight in 2013 when the Model S was unveiled, Tesla has become a rightful competitor to established American automakers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge. Since then, the company has set a slew of company and national records. The Model 3 became theworld’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV) worldwide in 2019. Tesla’s annual deliveries increased by nearly 36% year-over-year in 2020. Finally, the company’s market cap outperformed any other manufacturer in 2020.

If you’ve ever considered owning a Tesla, you’re not alone. Teslas are a popular choice for those looking to buy a luxury car that is also an electric car. Americans purchased nearly two-times as many electric cars in the first quarter of 2022 as they did in the first quarter of 2021. From fuel efficiency to futuristic technology, it’s safe to assume that Tesla will continue to edge out some of the other competition as EV adoption only increases. In fact, sales of electric vehicles doubled in 2021 to a new record of 6.6 million, and currently more are now sold each week than in a year a decade earlier. With over 75% of EVs sold being Tesla models, as well as the planned 2023 Tesla Cybertruck, Tesla is the standard for luxury electric vehicles.

So, are Teslas worth it?

The truth is only you can answer this question in the long run. However, to help you decide if purchasing a Tesla is the right fit for you, we’ve broken down some important topics such as safety ratings, purchase price, and maintenance costs.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/are-teslas-worth-it

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Car insurance is designed to protect you in the case of an accident. However, it’s also designed to protect you in a situation where you aren’t directly at-fault. Even if you’re a cautious driver with an excellent driving record, there’s always a chance that you’ll be involved in an accident caused by another driver. It’s important to ensure you’re covered during these times.

Insurance generally involves two parties:

  1. The policyholder, or first party
  2. And the insurance company, or second party

However, when the policyholder is liable in an accident, the other driver can file a claim — as a third party — through the first party’s insurance company.

If you’re involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault, you’ll need to know how to make a claim against their insurance. That’s where a third-party claim steps in. In a first-party claim, you use your own insurance company to cover costs. However, in a third-party claim, you use the other driver’s insurance to pay for your repairs, damages, and medical expenses.

Let’s review the details of third-party claims — and how you can make a claim against another driver’s insurance.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/how-to-make-a-claim-against-someone-elses-insurance

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While the terms “careless driving” and “reckless driving” may sound similar, the violations are not synonymous. Both refer to a driver not following the rules of the road, but the intent behind each citation and the consequences are what make the difference.

If you’re cited for either careless driving or reckless driving, understanding what both violations mean will help you determine your next steps — and help you understand if you have to pay any fines or higher liability auto insurance premiums.

https://www.elephant.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-careless-and-reckless-driving

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It happened: you got in an accident, and to make matters worse, you didn’t get the other driver’s information. Maybe this accident was a hit-and-run, where someone left the scene after a collision without stopping. Maybe you were flustered from the accident itself and simply forgot to ask for the other driver’s info. Or maybe the other party simply wouldn’t divulge anything!

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In this episode, we'll cover the 10 home fixtures that you may want to replace. Home renovation can be both exciting and more than a little frustrating. There are many different, stressful decisions to make about materials, appliances, and more. In this guide, we’ll go through ten common home fixtures, their lifespans, signs they need to be replaced, and what to look for when you do replace them.