Fall and winter driving in Bremerton, Washington

How to Prep Your Car for Fall and Winter Seasons

/in /by

Fall and winter driving in Bremerton, WashingtonWith summer coming to an end and cooler weather beginning to approach, now is a great time to get ahead and get your vehicle ready for fall and winter. Fall might seem early to get your car ready, but this season can produce hazardous weather that can make driving dangerous for those who are not prepared.

Depending on where you live or even where you might be driving, you could experience cold weather that can cause slick roads. To help keep you safe while driving during these seasons, we provided some tips to help get you and your vehicle ready for the changing road conditions.

Make Sure Your Car is Serviced

One of the best ways to help lower your risk of a car breakdown or accident is to make sure to keep your vehicle is well maintained.

Here is what to check:

  1. Check your tire tread. A good way to combat fall and winter road conditions is to make sure your tires are in great condition. If your tires have poor tread depth, this can affect your car’s traction abilities. If you drive over mountain passes or live in a cold environment, you should also consider adding specialized winter tires to your vehicle so you have an additional level of traction for driving.
  2. Is your heater working? Not only will this provide comfort for you when the air outside is cooler, but it will also help defrost your windshield in case fog or ice begins to form on your glass.
  3. Check your brakes. With the chance of the roads becoming slippery causing braking distances to be increased, you’ll want to make sure that your brakes are well inspected.
  4. Check your headlights. Fall and winter can bring the darkest time of the year, making objects outside of your car more difficult to see if your car’s lights are dim. Make sure all of your headlights shine bright enough so you can easily see any obstacles. Additionally, make sure your tail lights are bright enough too so that other drivers behind you can see you.
  5. Check your windshield wipers. Review your wipers to ensure they are in good shape. If your car gets into contact with any leaves, moisture, debris, etc. you can depend on your wipers to be able to keep your windshield clear and easily visible.

Additional items to consider:

Store warm clothes or a blanket in your car

In an emergency event where your car breaks down on the side of the road in cold weather, it is important to keep warm while you wait for assistance. Pack warm clothes in your car ahead of time so you can stay comfortable if this event ever happens. A good rule of thumb is to pack clothes that you would be comfortable wearing for a long time outside.

Keep Basic Tools in Your Car

  1. A windshield scrapper helps you quickly scrape ice from your windshield.
  2. A first aid kit can be very helpful. We recommend always keeping one in your trunk.
  3. Double-check that your emergency roadside kit is ready in the event you need to change your tire. This can include a jack, a jack handle, a tire iron, a screwdriver, and of course, your spare!

We hope you never have to experience a car breakdown or accident. Being prepared for the unexpected can help make a bad situation better.

If you have any questions about road safety, your auto insurance policy, or adding roadside assistance, please contact our agency.

Fun summer ideas in Bremerton, Washington

Fun Ideas to Make the Most Out of Your Summer

/in /by

Fun summer ideas in Bremerton, WashingtonWe are already one month into summer. If you have kids, that means the new school year is just around the corner. Maximize your summer by using the last few weeks to create great summer memories. This doesn’t mean you have to take a special vacation, as you can easily find fun things to do around your house or in your local community. Here are a few ideas to make the most out of your remaining summer.

  • Make something fun in the kitchen

Summer offers amazing seasonal produce to create a fun experience in the kitchen. Consider making homemade ice cream, a fruit pie or cobbler, or grill up something fun on the BBQ. A new recipe or a family favorite recipe makes for an easy, fun experience at home. You can enjoy doing this by yourself or with friends and family.

  • Attend a local event

Local events can vary from attending a major or minor league baseball game, your local farmer’s market, music event, local festival, comedy show, and more. Consider seeking out what local events are going on this month for something new and exciting to try.

  • Get outdoors

When it comes to getting outdoors, there are many options to choose from. You can stay close to home by visiting a new park or you can hop in your vehicle and drive a few hours to fish, hike, camp, boat, paddleboard or kayak, and more. The outdoors can be a great space to get away, take a digital detox and enjoy nature.

  • Take a road trip somewhere in your state

Sometimes many of us like to venture somewhere out of state for road trips even though fun places exist closer to home. It is easy to think you can visit something close to home at any time. Pick a time this summer to plan a day trip or extended road trip to something new you haven’t seen in your home state. You may find it could be a new favorite location to visit.

  • Plan a Gathering

Fun gatherings always create lasting memories. Nothing says summer like a summer BBQ, pool party or slumber party for your child with his or her friends. Finish summer off with a fun gathering with friends or family.

Here are a few tips for having a safe gathering:

  • If you have kids near or in a pool, make sure there is a dedicated adult watching the pool.
  • Do not leave the grill unattended, especially if there are children present.
  • When BBQing, make sure you have a fire extinguisher ready.
  • Keep food at the recommended safe temperature before cooking to avoid making you and your guests ill.
  • Make sure your grill is clean of grease and gunk, and there are no bits of metal left over that will contaminate your food.

We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer season. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, we are here to answer your questions. Contact us today.

RV Insurance in Bremerton, WA

A Beginner’s Guide to Traveling in an RV

/in /by

RV Insurance in Bremerton, WABuying your first RV, camper or trailer is an exciting time! Before you make the purchase, you are already visualizing how you want to enjoy your trailer or RV. Owning an RV or camper allows you to enjoy nature & relax. Here are a few things to consider to have the best time.

  1. Get Comfortable Driving Your RV

Whether you must drive your RV or tow your camper, it is important to be comfortable. We’re not talking about physical comfort; we’re referring to being comfortable with driving the vehicle. Begin by driving it around unpopulated areas such as neighborhoods and less-populated streets. When you’re ready, hop on a freeway and try it at freeway speeds. Remember, your braking will be dramatically different in a larger vehicle and especially so if you’re pulling a trailer.

  1. Check the Roads if Using the Backcountry

If you are going hiking or camping on forest service roads, be sure to watch for signs for “no turn-around” or “no trailers.” While most rural roads won’t mention this, it is important to remember you’re going to have to turn around. While traveling on forest service roads it isn’t uncommon for the road to be obstructed by a fallen tree or other hazards. Be sure you’re prepared for unplanned situations.

  1. Tie Down Your Luggage, Coolers, Etc.

Loose items inside of the vehicle can be a hazard when you must take evasive action or brake hard. Loose items inside of the vehicle will accelerate at the same deceleration as the outside of the vehicle. So, if they aren’t strapped down, they can move around your cabin and cause serious injury or damage. Be sure all your items inside are strapped down; especially the heavy items such as coolers.

  1. Make a Checklist for Packing

Referencing a master checklist for packing can be great to ensure you do not forget anything. This can be made on paper or your notes app on your phone. With each trip, you’ll learn what you need to create your perfect master list.

  1. Make Your Food Ahead of Time

By owning an RV or camper, you can easily save money by packing your meals for the road. Consider cooking your meals ahead of time or making double batches of easy meals you normally cook in the comfort of your home that can be frozen for future use.

When you pack food for the road, choose meals that can be reheated on a stovetop or a portable BBQ. For meals where you don’t want to spend the time reheating, pack items that taste good colds such as pasta salads, sandwiches, quiche, and more. You might feel like you are eating a gourmet meal out in nature! Consider examples such as pre-cooked burger patties, chili, stews, and even pizza (reheated on a BBQ for a crisp bottom).

If your RV does not have a refrigerator, you can pack a cooler. If you plan to use your RV for an extended period, there are temperature-controlled electric plugin coolers you can invest in. This may save money over the long run as it avoids you from having to eat out for many meals.

Owning an RV can be bring you joy and wonderful memories. If you have any questions about insurance for your RV, trailer, van, or camper, reach out to our agency. We can help you determine the best RV insurance coverage to protect your investment.