Ray Insurance Agency

11/20/2024

Modern cars are increasingly equipped with internet-enabled features. Your “connected car” might automatically detect an accident and call emergency services, or send a notification if a child is left in the back seat.

But connected cars are also sophisticated surveillance devices. The data they collect can create a highly revealing picture of each driver. If this data is misused, it can result in privacy and security threats.

New research reveals serious privacy flaws in the data practices of new internet connected cars in Australia. It's yet another reason why we need urgent

08/09/2024

Anti-theft software upgrades provided for Hyundai and Kia vehicles regularly targeted by thieves has cut theft rates by more than half, according to new research from the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Theft rates of the affected automobiles soared after thieves discovered that certain car models lacked engine immobilizers, an anti-theft technology that has long been standard in other vehicles. Thieves used a technique popularized on TikTok and other social media platforms to take the vehicles.

Anti-theft software upgrades provided for Hyundai and Kia vehicles regularly targeted by thieves has cut theft rates by more than half, according to new

08/06/2024

Both manufacturers agreed to pay out a $145 million settlement to customers. Hyundai and Kia both said they agreed to the settlement but didn't admit wrongdoing.

Plaintiffs in dozens of states across the US filed complaints against the companies, saying their vehicles didn't come with proper theft-deterrent equipment. Kia and Hyundai vehicles used traditional turn-key ignitions as other manufacturers rolled out engine immobilizers.

MILLIONS of drivers are eligible for a settlement payment that could put more than $3,000 in their pocket. Some Kia and Hyundai drivers are eligible for the one-time payment, but the application de…

07/02/2024

DishonestyAt 42%, Gen Zers are in the lead among age-based groups that are willing to lie on their insurance applications. (Credit: Zoran Zeremski/Adobe Stock) A recent NerdWallet survey of more than 2,000 adults indicated that one in five Americans lie on their insurance applications.

According to the data, more Gen Zers believe it is acceptable to falsify their personal information than any other age group at 42%, compared to 28% of millennials, 17% of Gen Xers, and 6% of Baby Boomers.

"It may not seem like a big deal to lie on an insurance application, but doing so can come with unexpected consequences that can potentially impact you and your family's well-being," said NerdWallet finance expert Melissa Lambarena. "Instead, find savings by asking your insurance provider about potential discounts, and shop around for better rates."

NerdWallet research reveals which demographic is most likely to fabricate details provided to their insurer.

06/27/2024

While 86% of surveyed policyholders say they have a strong understanding of insurance, new data from the Big I® and Trusted Choice released ahead of National Insurance Awareness Day 2024 indicates most consumers are still in the dark regarding coverage specifics.

"Consumers may not take the time to understand the product until something happens," says Michael McCartin, Trusted Choice independent agent and president of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, Inc. "They will get insurance to help pay for a fire or damage to a vehicle, but they don't want to get into the weeds."

06/19/2024

Around 90% of Americans plan to travel in 2024, with 63% of those intending to take a road trip, according to a survey from IPX1031. While driving to your vacation destination comes with some benefits, like lower costs and more flexibility, road trips come with their own set of risks.

Take these steps before your road trip to ensure smooth travels.

06/14/2024

Homeowners have some options to secure home insurance in today's challenging market.

Choosing a higher deductible and exploring coverage options like actual cash value insurance can help, as can developing a favorable risk profile by fixing smaller losses without filing an insurance claim, says McMurtie. He added that it's important for home buyers to consider both the cost of the home as well as the cost of insuring the home and having conversations with an insurance advisor before signing on the dotted line. Things like the size of a home, the age of a home and where the home is located are all factors that can impact insurance.

Several converging factors in 2024 create a challenging market for consumers looking for home insurance coverage.

06/11/2024

The cost of owning a home in the US has increased 26% since 2020, as expenses including taxes, insurance and utilities all soared during a period of high inflation across the economy.

The average annual outlay for owning and maintaining a typical single-family home — not including mortgage payments — totaled $18,118 in March, the personal finance website Bankrate found. That works out to $1,510 a month, roughly $300 more than four years earlier, when pandemic lock downs began.

The cost of owning a home in the US has increased 26% since 2020, as expenses including taxes, insurance and utilities all soared during a period of high

06/05/2024

Drivers often find it all-too-easy to accelerate to potentially dangerous speeds, especially when they're running late, agitated by another vehicle, or simply unconcerned with the rules of the road.

It follows that there were 12,151 speed-related deaths in the U.S. in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And consider these speeding statistics included in the 2022 Traffic Safety Culture Index prepared by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:

Just under 50% of respondents said they have driven at least 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway; and
About 35% said they have driven over the speed limit on a residential street.
"Fewer drivers perceived speeding as a dangerous activity [compared to past studies], and the speeding behaviors had the least social disapproval of all the examined unsafe driving behaviors," researchers reported.

It can be difficult for some drivers to resist the urge to speed.

06/04/2024

Drivers in the United States pay an average of $1,895 each year for full coverage auto insurance. Auto rates have been steadily increasing since 2022, even as consumer inflation has steadied a bit. According to AP, rates rose 2.6% in March 2024, for a total increase of 22% from a year prior.

Of course, these rates can vary wildly depending on where an insured lives, and drivers in some states have seen steeper jumps year-to-year than others. For example, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Ohio all experienced average auto rate increases of over 40% from 2022 to 2023.

When it comes to auto insurance premiums, not all states are created equal.