A recent commercial by 21st rings true in this environment. A fat cat CEO is smirking at his desk and asks, “What’s a few hundred dollars a month, friends?” with regards to the fact that most drivers are paying for things that they don’t need in their auto insurance policies. Make sure to get car insurance quotes and compare the proposed policies so you don’t end up making a fat cat even fatter!

It is interesting to note that in 2009, a lot of drivers are finding that their car insurance rates are going up while their gas prices have trended down in the past few years. What this means is that the insurance companies are raising rates in places that might not be applicable to most drivers. You may not feel it overall since you are spending less on gasoline. Make sure to frequently get car insurance quotes and compare different coverage options to see if you might be throwing away money. It will not feel good when gas prices start inching up!

As most people age, the quality of their vision and hearing diminish, and many older drivers also have a harder time processing information. Of course, some people can drive perfectly until they are in their nineties, but for most of the population, older motorists drive slower and their reaction times aren’t what they used to be. For these reasons, older drivers must take extra precaution when hitting the road. Here are some safe driving tips for older drivers:

Hang up the Phone: A cell phone conversation can be a dangerous distraction. Studies have shown that people talking on a cell phone while driving are just as dangerous as drunk drivers.

Eliminate Distractions: Nowadays, our cars are filled with just as many media devices as our home. Minimize your driving risk by keeping all of these distractions turned off while driving.

Wear Your Seat Belt: This is just common sense. A seat belt increases your chance of surviving an accident exponentially. Plus, it is illegal to not wear your seat belt in most states.

Avoid Stressful Driving Situations: If you are traveling to a big city or unfamiliar territory, seek the assistance of a younger driver, or allow extra time to find your destination.

Keep your Car Maintained: Of course you can always call a tow truck if you get in trouble, but avoid the situation all together and keep your car well maintained. Have the tires checked regularly, change the oil, and have your brakes inspected every six months. Its easier to prevent a breakdown than endure one.

Take a Driving Course: Everyone can benefit from a refresher course in driving rules, especially older drivers. There are some free courses offered by the Secretary of State in many states, or contact a local driving school and sign up.