Understand The Risks of Syncing Your Phone With a Rental Vehicle

BE AN INFORMED CONSUMER: During the holiday season many of us rely on rental cars to reach our destinations. With today’s technology making hands free calls, streaming music, and access to the internet so easy, it might be tempting to sync your phone with your rental car. Not so fast, the stored information on your mobile device can put you at risk for having your personal information stolen. It is possible for an unauthorized person to gain access to things such as your home address, contacts, and messages. Your name and navigation history is valuable personal information. Combine this with some open source intelligence, such as social media profiles, and it’s easy to track down an individual. If you use GPS in a rental to get home or to a loved one’s house a robber could find the address and even reveal your identity with this information. Lots of information can be saved when you connect to a car:

*GPS history

*Device Name

*Address Book

*In-Car internet search history

*Call Log and Text messaging

If you choose to sync your mobile device to a rental car protect yourself and take a few minutes to delete your data before returning the car. Go to the system settings or Bluetooth set up and delete your device from the paired phone list. Currently there are no government standards for infotainment systems and major car rental companies have no sensitive information policies in place. The threat may seem remote now but it’s better to be safe than sorry. So the next time you rent a car think twice before you sync your mobile device with the rental.

Car insurance Boynton Beach, FL

5 Habits to Master Every Time You Get Into Your Vehicle

Car insurance Boynton Beach, FLAccording the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 391,000 individuals were injured & 3,477 were killed from distracted driving in 2015. Insurance premiums have skyrocketed because of distracted driving and increases in traffic accidents.  Distracted driving isn’t just talking on the phone or texting but can include reading articles or email, eating, brushing your hair, or any other way you’re trying to multi-task while driving.

Consider practicing good driving behavior by mastering these 5 habits every time you get inside your vehicle.

  • Put your phone OUT of reach when entering your vehicle.

The back seat or placed in your bag or purse inside your trunk, along with other belongings can be a good start. If you can’t fathom doing this, continue to ask yourself, “Can it wait?” every time you want to reach for your device. Most likely it can. It may help to put your phone on mute to avoid the desire to reach for it when it alerts you of an incoming call or new text message/email. If you feel you always have to be readily available to take a phone call, pull your car over & park it before answering the call.

  • Program your GPS or identify where you need to go before driving your vehicle.

Be sure to activate voice commands so your eyes can stay on the road 100% of the time.

  • Groom Before or After, Not While Driving or Sitting at a Stop Light

If you find yourself running late often & grooming last minute, transition yourself out of the habit of grooming while driving. Practice doing this once you’ve arrived at your location or before you even start your vehicle.

  • Eat While Parked

Don’t risk eating and driving. Instead, simple park your car and eat your meal before getting back on the road.

  • Be a Role Model for Your Friends and Family

Not only demonstrate to your kids how you do not drive distracted, but also explain the dangers of doing it. If you find yourself riding along with a friend or family member, speak up if the driver is using an electronic device while driving. Offer to deliver their text message for them, act as the co-pilot or make the phone call.

If we all practice safe driving habits, we will all be better off.

Leslie Kay’s Insurance has been providing customers in the 48 contiguous states the best service and coverage for all their insurance needs since 2000. We work hard to find you the right insurance company for your specific needs. Because we are an independent insurance agent we can shop for a great rate on motorcycleautohome or RV through multiple carriers. Checkout our insurance website 24/7 or request a quote and an agent will call you back!

What to do if you're in a car accident in Boynton Beach, FL

What To Do If You Get Into a Car Accident

What to do if you're in a car accident in Boynton Beach, FLBeing in an accident can be a very frightening event. Being prepared to know how to handle the situation when it occurs will help you deal with the shock of it, as well as ensure you are covered for the loss when it does happen. While accidents will happen to almost every driver, whether their car is parked and unattended, or while they’re driving, knowing these important steps will help you deal with the unfortunate situation.

Safely park your vehicle: If you happen to be driving when the accident occurs, safely pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. If possible, carefully write down the license plate and description of the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident. If you are reporting a hit and run, this information will aid police in locating the driver. In the event of a hit and run it most likely happens when your vehicle is unattended. If you return to your vehicle to find damage, look for clues to help you prove your case, i.e. Security cameras.

Assess any Injuries: If someone is injured, take care of their immediate needs and quickly call 911. It is typical to be jittery after such an event so catch your breath too.

Call police: Once you’re safely parked, you should call the police to file a report, especially if another party is involved. It’s important to always have documentation of how the accident happened. Some people want to settle the claim without going through insurance, but this comes with risks. The other driver may not live up to their word and without contacting the police, it turns into a he said, she said scenario.

Exchange Information: Exchanging insurance ID cards is always recommended. Be sure to have their name and phone number too. It’s simple to take a picture with your phone. Be sure to include the car’s license plate number, year, make and model too.

Take pictures/Gather any witness information: If you have a witness who wants to share their side of the story, jot down their phone number and name. Your insurance company will want to talk with any witness to the accident. Taking pictures also gives your insurance company more details on the damage of your vehicle.

Call your insurance company: Sometimes even though vehicles collide, the damages may be limited, so you’ll want to take a close look and determine if you want to pursue a claim or get an estimate first before calling your insurance company. If someone was injured or if you have major damage, it’s always best to call your insurance company immediately. Your insurance company can assist you with your claim so if you have taken pictures and provided all the information above, your claim can be settled quicker.

While we hope you never have to experience a car accident, being prepared will help you tackle the unfortunate situation.

Leslie Kay’s Insurance has been providing customers in the 48 contiguous states the best service and coverage for all their insurance needs since 2000. We work hard to find you the right insurance company for your specific needs. Because we are an independent insurance agent we can shop for a great rate on motorcycleautohome or RV through multiple carriers. Checkout our insurance website 24/7 or request a quote and an agent will call you back!