Travelers Launches Mobile Applications

On March 8th Travelers annouced that they have a new application for smart phones.

The new mobile tools provide auto accident assistance for iPhone and
BlackBerry1 smartphone users. Additionally, Travelers’ customers will have the added advantage of starting the auto claim process directly through the iPhone application and the mobile Web site.

Integrating Travelers’ online claim reporting into the new mobile applications is part of the company’s ongoing mobile strategy that first began with the launch of the mobile Web site in late November 2009. The number of people accessing news and information daily on the mobile Web more than doubled in 2009 when compared to 2008, according to comScore2.

See full article at:
http://www.comscore.com/index.php/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2009/3/Daily_Mobile_Internet_Usage_Grows

Here is a vidoe about the importance of taking care of small windshield cracks early.

Prius Fixed Under Recall Still Speeds Out of Control

James Sikes was driving his 2008 Toyota Prius last week when unintended acceleration hit. Before calling 911, he reached down to pull up his stuck accelerator pedal, but it didn't move.

"My car can't slow down," he began when a California Highway Patrol dispatcher answered his call.

Dispatcher Leighann Parks, repeatedly told him to throw the car into neutral but got no answers, later found out he had to set the phone on the seat next to him in order to apply both hands to the wheel.

Finally, Todd Neibert, the CHP officer caught up with him and gave instructions to Sikes over a loudspeaker as they went east on mountainous Interstate 8 in San Diego County Monday afternoon, stating he smelled burning brakes when he caught up with the Prius.

Neibert told Sikes to shift into neutral but the driver shook his head no, later telling reporters he was afraid his car would flip. Sikes did, however apply his brake; straightening his body and lifting off the seat in order to press it down fully and applied the emergency brake.

Both cars maneuvered around two trucks going uphill to a clear, open road giving Neibert about 15 miles to stop the Prius before a steep downgrade and even considered spike strips to puncture the tires as a last resort.

The wild ride lasted 23 minutes, and finally, the Prius rolled to a stop.

Ironically, James Sikes' Prius was one of the vehicles serviced in the recall for floor mats.

Toyota has recalled around 8.5 million vehicles worldwide (over 6 million in the U.S. alone) due to acceleration problems in multiple models and for braking issues in the Prius. Regulators link 52 deaths to crashes caused by accelerator problems. And there are over 60 more reports of sudden acceleration in cars "fixed" under the recall.

Alternative Tires Made of Orange Oil

Yokohama has created a sustainable tire made with 80% petroleum alternatives-- a majority of it being oil from orange peels.

“The eco-focused dB Super E-spec mixes sustainable orange oil and natural rubber to drastically cut the use of petroleum, without compromising performance,” Yokohama vice president of sales Dan King said. “It also helps consumers save money at the gas pump by improving fuel efficiency via a 20-percent reduction in rolling resistance.”

However, Yokohama hasn't stated whether the orange oil will biodegrade over time. When burned, the current petroleum based tires smolder for months and can be difficult to extinguish. Will the same be true of the orange oil tires?

Yokohama tires are sustainable (green) and the Yokohama plant in Shinshiro, Japan is zero-emissions. This will expand to other facilities around the world.

"Highlighting our efforts will be tires that exemplify environmental virtues," said Norio Karashima, Yokohama Tire Corporation CEO and president. He added that Yokohama's manufacturing plants around the world will aim for zero-waste output. "We'll work to reuse or otherwise recycle all waste and will introduce cogeneration systems to raise all resource efficiency. We'll work in all our operations to reduce waste and the output of carbon dioxide. Globally, this is our moral obligation."

Many of the ratings and reviews on the web are positive for the Yokohama tires, too. Consumer AND environmentally friendly! Why aren't these getting more press?

1 Day, 4 Appointments, 333 Miles

As an agent my appointments were either set by me directly, usually for new business calls, and by my office for renewal meetings. We kept a common calendar so both of us could see what was scheduled and try to maximize our efficiency. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.

One day I was scheduled in the Rancho Bernardo area in the northernmost part of the city of San Diego at 10am and in San Ysidro, the southernmost part of the city at 11:30. My appointment would take at least an hour and the scheduler didn't realize that even though both churches had San Diego addresses they were 40 miles apart. I didn't make it to the second appointment on time.

I'll never forget one particular day because it was probably the longest day I ever had on the road.

I started the day by leaving home about 8am for a 9am renewal meeting in Vista. First leg was a relatively short 46 miles. I departed Vista around 10 for the second leg, an 83 mile drive to Borrego Springs for a new business appointment at noon. Borrego Springs is out in the middle of the desert and it's not all highway driving. The last leg into town is a winding mountain road that descends into the valley where the town is located. I made it on time, but didn't have much of a cushion.

I spent another hour there before heading out on the third leg - 31 miles back through the desert and up the winding Hwy 78 mountain road to a camp in Julian. Got there in time to grab some lunch before the 3pm meeting. Much prettier country than Borrego Springs, but camp renewal meetings always involve a lot more work.

And the day wasn't done. After a 90 minute meeting it was time to head for the fourth leg - 46 miles to Campo, right on the Mexican border where I had a 7:30 pm meeting with a church board. For the record, there's almost no place to go in Campo for dinner. No fast food places, no restaurants that I could find...nothing.

My meeting with the church board only took about 30 minutes (I wasn't the only agenda item) and I was finally free to start the final leg - 126 miles back home. I think I got there a little after 10pm.

It looked like a great adventure when I first planned the trip, but by the time I got home I resolved never to try that again.

Cell Phone Use Growing

PEMCO Insurance issued a news release today, March 2, that shows more and more Washingtonian drivers admit to using hand-held devices while driving. The PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll, conducted by FBK Research, shows that the number of drivers using hand-held cell phones has more than doubled in the past 20 months, from 17% to 41%. Texting while driving also is growing, jumping from 3% of Washington drivers just 20 months ago to 22%.

Thank you to PEMCO Insurance Company

Anti-Theft Devices: What Works, What Doesn't

Did you know a vehicle is stolen every 26 seconds (according to the FBI's 2007 Crime Reports.) There's ways to prevent theft but first, you should decide if you need an anti-theft device, if you should just take steps to reduce the chance of theft through other means, or both! It's also smart to do the research-- find out if you're in a hot theft area or is your vehicle one of the most stolen! The following may help...

Newer cars are more appealing, and they are usually more secure

The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
The following cars and trucks were stolen most frequently in 2008, according to the NICB.

1. 1994 Honda Accord
   
2. 1995 Honda Civic
   
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
   
4. 1997 Ford F-150
   
5. 2004 Dodge Ram
   
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
   
7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
   
8. 1994 Acura Integra
   
9. 1999 Ford Taurus
   
10. 2002 Ford Explorer
    

Vehicle Theft Hot Spots
The following 10 metropolitan statistical areas had the highest rate of vehicle theft per 100,000 residents in 2008, according to the NICB.

1. Modesto, Calif. 1
   
2. Laredo, Texas 6
   
3. Yakima, Wash. 9
   
4. San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, Calif. 3
   
5. Bakersfield, Calif. 15
   
6. Stockton, Calif. 4
   
7. Las Vegas/Paradise, Nev. 2
   
8. Albuquerque, N.M. 7
   
9. San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, Calif. 5
   
10. Fresno, Calif. 11

Anti-Theft Options
There's a number of different things you can do to protect your vehicle from theft. Among some of these things are:

1. Brand parts with your VIN Number
   
   You have have this etched on the windows, under the hood, trunk, battery, etc. May be especially appropriate with aftermarket parts.
   
   You can have it done by a professional or get a DIY kit for about $20.
   
   
2. Steering-Wheel Lock
   
   The Club is probably the most popular and well-known brand. Prices range from $25 to $100, depending on brand.
   
   
3. Kill Switch
   
   When this gets activated, the device shuts down part or all of the engine's electrical system. Some models have one built in, if not, they're relatively easy to install. But check with your warranty first because installation may make it null and void.
   
   These range in cost from $10 to $125.
   
   
4. Alarm System
   
   Alarm systems have a range of features. Make sure it is installed with a back-up battery or invest in a hood lock to deter car thieves from simply unplugging the battery (rendering your alarm useless).
   
   
5. Hood Locks
   
   Bar thieves access under the hood to your battery or parts. Costs range between $20 to $50.
   
   
6. Tire Locks
   
   Similar to "the boot", they're quite visible to thieves but aren't easy to install. Probably best for stored vehicles.
   
   Cost? Between $80-$200.
   
   
7. Vehicle Tracking System
   
   LoJack, OnStar, etc. LoJack, for example works directly with law-enforcement if your vehicle is stolen. The transmitter is hidden (even from the owner) and is activated when a thief is reported. LoJack is highly successful with a 90% return rate.
   
   OnStar is similar and comes standard in all GM's new models, as well as some Acura, Audi, Isuzu, and Volkswagen.
   
   LoJack retails for $695. Depending on the desired features, OnStar starts at $18.95 per month or $199 per year.

Thank you to Cars.com