Maybe you were in a hurry to pick your kids up from school, maybe you were running late for an appointment or maybe you just did not realize how fast you were driving. Regardless of why you were speeding, when the red and blue lights flash behind you and the officer writes you a ticket, you may immediately wonder how this will affect your auto insurance. Here is some information you should know if you are facing this situation.

A First Ticket May Not Affect You That Much

In some states, you can participate in driving school every two to five years to have one traffic ticket erased from your record. While Colorado is not one of these states, many insurers may overlook your ticket or reduce the amount of a ticket increase if you participate in traffic school after you get a ticket. This may limit the effects that a rare speeding ticket has on you.

When You Will See an Increase in Your Policy Amount

If your insurer will not allow you to take traffic school to reduce your rates, or you have multiple traffic tickets, you can expect your rates to rise when your current policy period ends. The amount of the increase will vary from company to company and depends on your record. Someone with two tickets will not see as big an increase as someone with an accident and two tickets, for example.

If you have a speeding ticket and your insurance rates have increased, you may be looking to price out insurance policies without companies. Call CO Insurance Specialist serving Wheat Ridge, CO today for a free price quote today. We offer affordable rates, even if you have an accident or ticket on your driving record.

Every winter there are news stories about folks who were trapped in the car during a snow storm. Whether you live in Wheat Ridge CO or another part of the country, would you know how to survive being stranded in your car during a snow storm? Preparation is one of the main sources for survival, but you should also know what to do while you are in the vehicle. Here are a few tips to help you survive being stranded.

Be Prepared

There are several things you can do now that will be extremely helpful should you find yourself stranded during a snow storm. How to be prepared:

• You should always have a minimum of ¾ of a tank of gas when driving during the winter. If there is an emergency, you will need gas for heat.
• Pack an emergency bag for the car that includes a fleece blanket or sleeping bag, a first aid kit, non-perishable snacks and water. You should also have a container, such as a bucket that can be used to collect snow in case you run out of water.
• Before Traveling don’t forget to check with CO Insurance Specialist to make sure your automobile policy is up to date.

How to Survive Being Stranded

Should you become stranded, the first thing to do is to remain calm, do not panic. You should also be prepared to not rely on technology, such as a GPS or cell phone because these devices often lose service in this type of situation. Do not leave your car. If people are looking for you, it will be for them to find your car than you. You also have a better chance of survival when you stay in your car as opposed to trying to walk to safety. However, if you are familiar with your surroundings, your can is in an unsafe spot and you can safely walk to a building, then it would be safer to exit the car. While in the car:

• Wear your seat belt at all times. When the roads are snow covered, it is easy for another driver to slide into a stranded car.
• Make sure to slightly crack the window to prevent carbon monoxide fumes from getting in the vehicle while it is running. Make sure to check the tailpipe occasionally to remove any snow that may have blown around it (this will help prevent carbon monoxide from entering the car).
• Only run the motor for 10 minutes every hour. This will give you an opportunity to heat the car up and melt the snow as well as help to conserve your gas.

If you are certain you are stuck and can’t be freed, turn the car off right away. The car has most likely warmed up while you were driving, so turning the motor off first thing will allow you to conserve the battery and gas. Try your cell phone, if it doesn’t work, keep it on in case someone trying to call you is able to get through. Remember to stay calm, bundle up and know that help will be along soon.

Residents of Wheat Ridge, CO should contact CO Insurance Specialist to review their current automobile insurance policy or to upgrade their current policy.