When a Car Recall includes your auto.

Posted on April 3, 2023March 28, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Nationwide | January 27, 2023 | Car Recall | Auto Insurance | Start your quote today!

A car recall can hit home, but the process may be relatively painless.

It can be quite unsettling to discover that your car has been recalled. And it’s happening more than ever: There were over 400 recalls in the U.S. in 2022 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Recently, the NHTSA issued a recall on Takata airbags, one of the largest and most complex safety recalls in U.S. history, affecting approximately 47 million vehicles. Visit NHTSA for details and see if you’ve been impacted. [1]

“With so many new cars on the market every year, the chance of yours being recalled at some point during its life span is pretty good,” says consumer auto expert Kristin Varela of Cars.com.

What is a car recall?

For starters, car recalls can result from a number of events. Car manufacturers will put their products through multiple tests and may issue a recall based on subsequent findings. NHTSA can also ask for a recall after investigating a number of complaints from owners. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, don’t panic; it doesn’t necessarily mean that the car has a defect. Sometimes a recall is intended to check for potential defects, Varela says.

“Recalls are issued because the defect or possible defect might make the vehicle unsafe in some way,” she says. “You don’t have to wait to be contacted by mail, which happens 2 or 3 months after a recall is announced. After all, chances are that you’re transporting your most precious cargo: your family. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.” To stay connected, NHTSA provides recall notifications and updates. You can sign up there to receive notifications via email or have alerts sent directly to your phone through NHTSA’s Safer Car app.

What happens if your car is recalled?

The recall letter should have instructions on how to proceed. Typically, you will be advised to take your vehicle to an authorized local dealer to conduct a maintenance check for defects, update software or replace parts. Make sure to call and set up an appointment beforehand.

Is there a cost to car recall?

For any recall, defective parts are replaced at no cost to the owner. As for anything else, that depends upon the manufacturer in question. However, automakers have been known to provide free rentals, taxi reimbursements, and even the free pickup and return of the vehicle in question. 

In addition to paying attention to vehicle recalls, having the right auto insurance is another safety essential. Learn about Nationwide’s available car insurance coverage options today.

Sources:

[1] “Automakers With The Most Recalls In 2022,” carpro.com/blog/automakers-with-the-most-recalls-in-2022 (Jan. 5, 2023)

Disclaimer:

The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state, or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates, and their employees make no warranties about the information nor guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Shield Agency. © 2023

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How To Use Car Wax

Posted on March 31, 2023March 28, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Nationwide Blog | March 22, 2023 | Car Wax | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

If you just bought a new car or had it painted, you want to keep it looking new for as long as possible. Waxing your car with car wax can be very beneficial to maintain that fresh look.

What is Car wax? And what does car wax do?

Car wax, or automotive wax, can be natural or synthetic and is designed to protect the body parts of a vehicle and enhance the paint’s shine. [1]

Waxing your car is a great way to keep it looking sharp, but did you know it has many more benefits? In addition to giving your car a beautiful shine, waxing helps by:

Protecting the paint from airborne contaminants and the elements. By forming a protective coat, it prevents corrosive elements (such as salt or tar) and bugs from becoming embedded in your paint.
Preventing paint chipping. It also slows the effects of smog, wind, rain, and sun on your finish.
Filling in scratches. While you can’t remove minor scratches from your car by waxing, you can help make them less noticeable.
Expediting the car-washing process. Without a coat of wax, it’s harder to remove impurities like bugs, sap, and other unwanted substances that can collect during your daily drive.

What are the different types of car wax?

Waxing your vehicle will make it shine and protect the finish from various environmental hazards, mainly birds, tree droppings, and pollutants. There are plenty of car wax types on the market; here are the pros and cons of each. [2]

Liquid car wax

Liquid wax is the best for cleaning, gloss, and durability, but it’s somewhat challenging to apply. Some liquid waxes are also slightly abrasive, which could damage your car’s finish.

Paste waxes

Paste waxes are very easy to apply, but they tend to lose their luster sooner than liquid waxes. It may also contain abrasive components, so be careful when applying it to your car.

Spray waxes

Spray waxes work well for the paint on newer cars and are the quickest to apply, but they do not last as long as a liquid wax. In addition, spray waxes are typically nonabrasive.

Check with the dealership where you purchased your vehicle or the shop that painted it to get recommendations on which type of wax would be best for your vehicle’s finish and the environment you will be driving in.

How often should you use car wax?

To reap the benefits of waxing, you’ll need to maintain a regular schedule. Waiting until it looks like a fresh coat of wax will make your vehicle more vulnerable to small chips and fading paint.

Just as you have a regular maintenance schedule for your engine, it’s essential to have a regular schedule to maintain the exterior. How often you wax can depend upon several factors, including:

How often you drive your vehicle
Whether it’s parked in a garage or out in the open
The type of wax you use

If you want that fresh-from-the-showroom-floor look, some experts recommend you wax your car about once a month. Some of the newer synthetic waxes on the market claim they can keep a showroom-worthy shine for up to a year; others say every three months is sufficient.

One way to tell it’s time to wax your car is to see if water beads on the surface when it’s wet. If not, it’s time for a new coat of wax. [3]

How to properly wax a car

The easiest way to get a super shine is to go to a car wash that provides a professional wax service. But you can also do it yourself and get fantastic results. An electric polisher will make the job easier and faster, but you can also do it by hand and get a beautiful finish.

How to Wax a Car by Hand

Wash your car.
Apply the appropriate kind of wax.
Work in sections and rub in the wax using polishing pads. [4]

How to Wax a Car with a Buffer

Wash your car.
Apply the appropriate kind of wax for a mechanical buffer.
Buff in the wax, being sure to follow the instructions for your mechanical buffer. [4]

Car Waxing Tips

Keep these tips in mind for the best results:

Prep for your wax with clay

A clay bar is used as part of the cleaning process before waxing. Even after a thorough wash, your vehicle will still have some gunk embedded in the finish — which is where clay bars come in. Used with a lubricant, a clay bar grabs these particles out of the finish. As with the waxes, there are various levels of abrasiveness with clay bars, and you need to make sure you use one suitable for your vehicle’s finish.

Once you have “clayed” your vehicle, you can apply a fresh coat of wax to keep other contaminants out. While waxing cannot make your old car look new, it can protect the finish of a new or newly painted car for years to come.

Always wax your car in the shade

Try to wax your car under a protective cover, such as a carport, tent, or other structure. On a sunny day, your car can become hot, and when you apply wax to the hot surface, the wax will dry quite quickly. This makes it more difficult to remove.

Another reason to wax undercover is the possibility of bad weather. The wax can’t adhere properly to the surface of a wet car and can create a sloppy mess. It can also run off the body of the car and get on the molding and plastic parts, which can be a pain to remove. [5]

Apply car wax to small sections

Complete each section before moving on to the next to avoid having the wax dry. Adding more wax will not give you a better shine; it will just make it harder to buff the wax off. If you want more shine, add another coat, but check the label to see how long the first coat should be allowed to dry before applying the second one.

Make friends with microfiber

These are the best towels for polishing your car because they don’t leave behind lint and are great for buffing. Be sure to have plenty of towels on hand, so you’re not using a wax-caked towel.

Use a soft brush for gaps and molding

Keeping a soft brush handy while waxing your car can help get wax off molding and out of cracks. You can buy these brushes at most auto parts stores, which are typically inexpensive. Removing wax from a car’s molding after it’s dry can be tricky, and sometimes the wax will leave permanent staining. Instead, use a soft brush to remove wax from moldings or cracks before it dries to help avoid permanent staining.

Use a random orbital buffer to car wax

Waxing your car with a mechanical buffer can save time and effort, making waxing your car a breeze. Many people prefer rotary buffers; however, they spin in a circular motion at a high velocity, which can cause permanent “burn” marks from the edge of the pad digging into the paint. Rotary buffers can also cause swirl marks due to the pad becoming dry and making micro scratches in the paint.

To help prevent this, use a random orbital buffer, which moves the pad in a random pattern rather than a circular one. This results in an even application of wax without the risk of creating damaging marks. Both the rotary and random orbital buffers are similarly priced. [5]

How long does car wax last?

In each case, the time and care you spend waxing your vehicle will translate into how long the job will last. If you are willing to spend the time and elbow grease, you can expect your shine to last up to 3 months. A general rule of thumb is to wash your vehicle weekly and wax it every 8 to 12 weeks. [3]

Waxing your vehicle is a great way to ensure it stays shiny and looks great. Waxing helps protect your car’s paint from damaging sun rays, abrasive dirt, and chemicals in the rain and snow. Proper, regular waxing can extend the life of your car’s paint and help keep your vehicle looking sharp long into the future.

For more tips on keeping your car in mint condition, discover cleaning tools every car owner should have.

Sources:

[1] “The Truth About Car Wax: 9 Things You May Have Overlooked!” avalonking.com/blogs/guides/the-truth-about-car-wax (March 28, 2019).

[2] “How Car Wax Protects Your Car’s Finish,” turtlewax.com/blogs/how-to/how-car-wax-protects-your-car-s-finish (accessed Dec. 8, 2022).

[3] “How Often Should You Wax Your Car?” Jessica Shea Choksey, jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-often-should-you-wax-your-car (Dec. 18, 2020).

[4] “How to Wax a Car by Hand or with a Buffer,” Chloe Murphy, leasefetcher.co.uk/guides/car-maintenance/how-to-wax-car (Aug. 26, 2021).

[5] “How to Wax Your Car with Amazing Results: 7-Step Guide,” driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-wax-your-car/ (accessed Dec. 9, 2022).

Disclaimer:
The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates, and their employees make no warranties about the information nor guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2022 Nationwide

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Scooter safety tips

Posted on March 28, 2023March 24, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost | Scooter Safety | Shield Insurance | Start a quote today!

With increasing gas prices it’s hard not to notice the spiking trend of people choosing scooters as alternate transportation. Whatever make or model you choose to fit your style, you can’t deny the money-saving and environmental effects riding a scooter has over driving a 2-ton motor vehicle that only gets 20 miles to the gallon.

A growing problem with having more people on scooters is how to safely share the road. State legislation varies on scooters; some states equate scooters with bicycles, in-line skates, and skateboards, while other states put scooters in the same category as motorcycles, requiring helmets and regulating where scooters can be ridden. Check your state’s DMV Web site for the appropriate laws and licensing rules for your state.

Regardless of where you live, scooters are most likely sharing the road with vehicles that significantly outweigh them and can easily overtake them. By using common sense and some very simple safety tactics, scooter riders can effectively, and safely, share the road with other vehicles.

Scooter safety tip: Wear a helmet

Even if your state does not require you to, studies show helmets significantly minimize head injuries if an accident occurs.

Scooter safety tip: Use your lights

Always turn on your headlight when you’re riding your scooter even during the day, especially if it’s raining, and of course always in the evening. Make sure you can be seen by other cars.

Scooter safety tip: use turn signals

Just like in a car, you need to let people know where you are going. In addition to a signal light, it’s also a good idea to use hand turn signals that motorcyclists and bicyclists use when they are sharing the road with cars. Based on U.S. standards, for a left turn, extend your left arm straight out in the direction of the turn, parallel to the road. For a right turn, extend your right arm straight out in the direction of the turn, parallel to the road.

Obey speed limits and road markings

Obey all posted limits and follow lane markings. Don’t attempt to make a right turn by coming up next to a vehicle on the shoulder, unless there is a lane. You could easily be in a car’s blind spot and be hit if they turn right as well and can’t see you.

Scooters are a fresh alternative to getting around town while saving money and the environment. Riding scooters present challenges that any motorist faces when sharing the road with vehicles of all sizes and speeds. Keep your head about you and make sure you put safety first when taking your new scooter out for a spin.

Looking for Scooter Insurance?

Foremost offers scooter insurance on all scooter makes and models and offers coverages such as:

Physical Damage and Liability
Total Loss Replacement Coverage
Towing and Roadside Assistance
Safety Apparel and Optional Equipment when Physical Damage coverage is purchased.

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Top Five Uses for a Trailer Hitch

Posted on March 27, 2023March 24, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost | by Rachel Neva | Trailer Hitch | Auto Insurance | Click here to start a quote today!

A trailer hitch just might be the most inventive way to add more cargo space, value, and extra opportunities for fun to your vehicle. While some vehicles like trucks and SUVs may come with a factory-installed hitch or tow package, it’s very common for drivers to install a hitch or tow package to their vehicle as an after-market accessory.

Wondering what the difference between a hitch and a tow package is? Depending on what you plan to tow, you may need more than a standard hitch with a trailer ball attached to your vehicle. In addition to the tow hitch itself, a tow package (especially if it’s factory-installed) may include things like a wiring harness and circuitry to power the lights and accessories on a trailer, heavy-duty suspension and brakes to handle the extra weight, an enhanced engine and transmission cooling system, larger battery and alternator to help power your vehicle and what you’re towing with ease, and additional driver-assistance systems that can help with overall spatial awareness while towing.

Depending on what you’re towing and where you’re going, this article provides some helpful information if you’re deciding between a factory-installed tow package or an aftermarket tow package for your vehicle.

If you’re thinking about adding a hitch to your vehicle … here are our top five uses for a trailer hitch:

Hitch-mounted bike rack — If you like to hit the mountain bike trails, go on scenic family bike rides in your area, or take bikes along on family vacations, a hitch-mounted bike rack is an easy way to transport bicycles of all kinds. While this type of bike rack extends the overall length of your vehicle (something to be aware of when parking), loading and unloading bikes can be much easier than bike racks that are mounted on a vehicle’s roof.
Utility trailer — A small utility trailer can be ideal for many towing tasks such as hauling plants and supplies for a garden or landscape project (and any debris resulting) or moving large items that won’t fit in your vehicle, like furniture or appliances.
Travel trailer — From pop-up camper trailers to luxury, fifth-wheel travel trailers, there’s a camping travel trailer to fit almost every kind of person who enjoys camping and exploring the great outdoors.
Boat trailer — If you don’t live on a lake or body of water but want to take nearly any kind of boat — a small fishing boat, a ski or wake boat, a pontoon or sailboat – out on the water, you’ll need a trailer that’s specific to the boat. Unless you have a boat slip at a marina that offers haul-out and storage service, you’ll likely need a trailer for your boat at some point.
Off-road vehicle trailer — There are many types of off-road vehicle trailers from simple, utility-type trailers for things like ORVs and off-road motorcycles to enclosed cargo-type trailers for ORVs and snowmobiles. If you like to explore new trails on your ORV or snowmobile, you may want to invest in a trailer to haul them with you wherever you go.

If you add a trailer hitch to your vehicle and have questions about insuring the things that you’ll tow, give Shield Insurance A call to shop for coverages that can help you protect the things you tow.

Coexisting with bicyclists

Posted on March 24, 2023March 21, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance Blog | by Jenean McLoskey | bicyclists | Start an Insurance quote now! | Shield

Cycling has grown significantly in popularity over the past decade. Towns across the country are adding bike lanes to their roads to become more bike-friendly, and more and more people are ditching their cars and using a bike as their primary form of transportation. According to USA Today, larger cities like Portland, Ore., and Minneapolis have more than doubled their rate of bike commuters since 2014 — and as a cyclist, I can’t help but get excited.

Now, with bike riding growing in popularity across the U.S. — it may be a good idea to brush up on some traffic guidelines to avoid any accidents.

When you purchase a bike, you’re likely not required to take a safety class before you ride it. And, for drivers, the instructors touched on bike safety as part of Drivers Ed, but who remembers details from a course they took in their teens?

My point is, adults aren’t given much guidance when it comes to cyclists and cars coexisting on the roads. And as a bicyclist and a driver, I did some research because honestly, I needed a refresher myself.

Safety tips for DRIVERS:

Try to be 3 feet or more away from a bike.
Try to pass on the left when possible.
Blind spots are always lurking, make sure to watch for bikes.
Only pass a bicyclist when your passing lane is free and clear.
Look in your mirror for cyclists when you’re parking.
Always think of cyclists as equals – remember, they have rights on the road too!

Safety tips for BICYCLISTS:

Make sure to ride with the flow of traffic.
Traffic signs and signals aren’t just for cars. Stop on red to be safe.
Use marked bike paths or lanes if they’re available.
Use your arm to make turn signals and take advantage of turn lanes so cars are aware of what you’re doing.
Consider using a mirror to monitor the cars behind you.
If you’re riding at night or in a storm, make sure to use some sort of flashers.
Watch for parked cars.
And most importantly — stay alert at all times.

If you’re unsure about your city’s or state’s traffic laws, it doesn’t hurt to look them up beforehand. No matter what you drive, be sure to enjoy the roads out there safely!

Helping turtle friends cross the road

Posted on March 23, 2023March 21, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost | by Niki King-Todd | Turtle | Start a Quote with Shield Insurance | Auto Insurance

Did you know that May 23 is World Turtle Day? It’s all about raising awareness for turtles and encouraging people to help them survive. Participating can be as simple as helping a turtle cross the road.

Most turtles begin to move as the weather warms. This may be for mating, nesting or many other reasons. Of course, turtles move much slower than cars (and don’t understand human traffic laws), which makes crossing the road incredibly dangerous. To celebrate and protect all of the turtles out there, here are some tips for safely helping them reach their destination!

Turtle Safety First

If you see a turtle on the road, remember to use the correct signals when pulling over. Keep your flashers on to warn oncoming vehicles and always check your surroundings.

Moving the Turtle

If the turtle is moving at a decent pace, you may be able to stand nearby and watch it cross. If the turtle is stagnant (or if you are uncomfortable touching the turtle), you may use a blunt object to help push it. Make sure the object isn’t sharp, and be gentle! This will be your best option for moving a snapping turtle, they may bite if you use your hands.

Picking up the Turtle

Most turtles will hide in their shells if they are frightened, which makes it easier for you to pick them up. Place both of your hands behind the front legs and towards the back legs. The turtle may try to kick, so don’t hold it up high – you don’t want to drop it! Also, it’s very important to never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can severely injure them.

Car Mat

Another option for moving the turtles is using a car mat. This works best for larger turtles that you may not be able to lift. You can allow the turtle to walk onto the mat, or help gently push it onto the mat. Be sure to carry the mat low to the ground in case the turtle falls off.

Going in the Same Direction

Be sure to move the turtle in the same direction it was trying to go. If you place it back where it was coming from, it will most likely turn around and return to the road.

Do Not Take it with You

Turtles and other wildlife are meant to stay in the wild. No matter how cute turtles can be, resist the temptation to bring them home. When taken out of their home areas, they will most likely try to go back. They are not pets so they need to be in their natural environment.

Injured Turtles

An injured turtle may look dead, so if you are unsure as to whether or not the turtle is injured, there are a few tricks you can try. Try gently touching the back of their foot, or touch the corner of its eye to test for a reaction. The turtle may try and kick, or move its head or eyes. If a turtle has a crack in its shell, it might drown if it returns to the water. If the turtle you find has a damaged shell, or seems seriously injured, contact a professional. Many veterinarians, animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers will treat them for free.

Five coolest places to travel in the U.S.A.

Posted on March 22, 2023March 21, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Creative Team | travel | Start a Quote Today! | Shield Insurance

Ah, summer. It’s the time of year the whole country comes alive and beckons us to get on the road and experience it. That’s why we put together this list of what I consider the five most incredible places to visit in the U.S. If you’ve never been to these places, now is the time to pack those bags, explore and enjoy your summertime travels!

Travel to New York City

You have to experience the “Big Apple” at least once. It has everything you could ever want from a big city—museums, Broadway shows, restaurants with every type of food you can imagine, specialty boutiques, and high-end shops. Plus, you need to see the Statue of Liberty in person and check out those neon lights of Times Square. Make Central Park one of your main destinations. Remember to see the amazing works of art at the Met and the Guggenheim. This is a city that never sleeps with endless things to try and taste.

Travel San Francisco

The home of the Golden Gate Bridge offers gorgeous sights across its renowned hilly landscape and so many fun things to do, like riding cable cars, checking out Alcatraz Island, strolling along Fisherman’s Wharf and driving up the famously steep and crooked Lombard Street. Just a few miles north, you can leave the hustle and bustle behind to visit the towering Redwood trees in Muir Woods. Or for some tranquility within the city, plan a picnic at Golden Gate Park and see lakes, museums, monuments and the Steinhart Aquarium. For another great view of the city, check out Strawberry Hill in the middle of the park.

If you’ve never been to these places, now is the time to explore! If you’re traveling by car, motorcycle or RV, contact your local Foremost agency to get the right coverage for your ride!

Travel to Grand Canyon

If it’s the natural beauty you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find it at the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. If you weren’t seeing it with your own eyes, you’d swear it was a painting in glorious shades of red and orange. Nothing can top the magnificent views as you gaze through the canyon over the Colorado River. Visit the South Rim where you’ll find Grand Canyon Village and the Bright Angel Trail. And if you’re into roughing it in the wilderness, you’ll want to head to the North Rim for backcountry camping and some serious hiking.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone has 2.2 million acres of paradise for you to explore—crystal blue lakes, tumbling waterfalls, majestic mountains, hot springs, abundant forests, open meadows, and active geysers. There are so many trails, it could take weeks to travel them all. Check out everyone’s favorite spots like Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and Mammoth Hot springs. Then visit lesser-known areas like the West Thumb Geyser Basin, the Lewis River Channel, and the Dogshead Loop. You will likely be treated to sights of wildlife during your journey since over 60 types of mammals call the park their home. You could see buffalo, elk, coyotes, badgers, and perhaps a few bears along the way.

Washington D.C.

Our country’s capital has earned its place on the list of exciting East Coast vacation destinations. Not only can you soak up loads of our country’s history by checking out the classic attractions like the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, but you can also enjoy the many hip restaurants, cafes, clubs, and boutiques. Endless opportunities abound to learn about our past at museums like the Smithsonian, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Newseum, and the Mount Vernon Estate. It’s impossible to leave the city without feeling a deeper connection to our roots and pride in our home country.

Now that you know where to go, get those bags packed and enjoy your summertime travels!

Top eight towing mistakes people make

Posted on March 20, 2023March 15, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

The Foremost Creative Team | towing mistakes | Auto Insurance | Start a Quick Quote here!

The idea of hauling something huge behind your truck or SUV may sound like a fun adventure, but for those who aren’t familiar with the complexities of towing, it can actually be pretty intimidating! According to Complete Trailers LLC, there are eight common mistakes people make while towing. To avoid costly damages, read this list before you hitch and go:

Towing Mistakes: Overworking Your Engine

The number one towing mistake people make is overworking their tow vehicle. Overextending your vehicle can start a landslide of engine problems. This mistake could lead to a meltdown on the side of the road and potentially require a brand-new transmission. To avoid this, keep an eye on your pressure, temperature gauges, and exhaust gas temperature gauges.

Towing Mistakes: Weight Distribution Bars

If you don’t have your weight distribution bars set up right, you’re bound to have your vehicle and trailer bouncing from each other. Your ride will be bumpier than usual and the hitch and frame can be damaged from this too. And when it comes to weight distribution bars, bigger is not better. The bars with chains are tunable and come in various strengths and weights. If you properly load the correct bar size, they’ll be parallel to the trailer’s frame.

Towing Mistakes: Checking or Maintaining Brakes

Brakes are the most essential and overlooked safety system. Trailer brakes don’t self-adjust like the brakes on your tow vehicle. In fact, they must be manually adjusted by you. Additionally, trailer brakes wear out just like any other brake does, so be sure to check for wear and tear regularly.

Poorly Loaded Vehicles us a towing mistake

It’s crucial for safety and damage prevention to always put a balanced load on your trailer. Read up on weight restrictions and follow them closely because if you don’t, your tow vehicle won’t last very long.

Wrong Ball/Ball Mount

Make sure that you have the right ball and mount for your trailer. There are three different sizes of balls: 1 7/8 inches, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches — each with a different weight rating. Using the wrong mount or ball will pitch your trailer up or down on your axles and it also puts extra stress on your brakes and tires, which eventually reduces your braking ability. If you use multiple trailers, carry multiple mounts.

“Racing” While Towing

We know how exciting it is to get to a destination, but remember, slow and steady wins the race! Speeding up or down a grade is the last thing you want to do because it’ll ruin the longevity of your tow vehicle.

Low-Pressure Tires

If you maintain the right tire pressure on both your tow vehicle and trailer, you’ll have even tire wear, which means you’re less likely to have blowouts from overheating. This scenario is especially dangerous when it happens on your rear trailer tires, so make sure to pay special attention to them. Tires degrade more quickly when not in use. Before you hitch and go, remember to always inspect your tires and pressure.

Not Lubing Your Components

Like any well-oiled machine, taking preventative measures with your trailer and tow vehicle goes a long way. Axles and all pivot points where steel meets steel (or rubber bushings meet steel) should be greased.

Shield Insurance Agency wants you to travel and tow safely.

ATV Trail Riding Survival Kit

Posted on March 16, 2023March 15, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance | by Marrio Roberts Jr. | Survival Kit | Recreational Vehicle Insurance | Start A Quote

ATVs and other off-road vehicles are adaptable to many situations. With that being said, you can’t always predict what will happen on off-road adventures. If you need to perform emergency maintenance, it will help to be equipped with the proper tools. To prepare yourself in advance, Foremost^® Insurance recommends keeping the following items in your ATV emergency kit.

Air pump and tire repair kit.

When traveling off-road you’re more likely to encounter various bumps in the road, like rocks or even holes, that can flatten your tire. If you have a tire repair kit handy, you should be able to patch small holes. Many repair kits come with air pumps, but it may be a great idea to bring an extra one just in case.

Tool kit within the Survival Kit

It helps to have a tool kit handy if you can. If you need to remove a tire or access a part of the vehicle that’s enclosed under something else, you may need more than just your hands to get the job done.

Duct Tape.

While we don’t recommend using duct tape for any serious repairs, it may be able to temporarily patch a leak in a water hose or radiator bottle, for example, which can buy you enough time to get to a repair shop. Additionally, duct tape can be useful if you or someone else falls off a vehicle. We highly recommend seeking professional medical attention in this situation, but if someone twists their ankle, using duct tape can help to stabilize it until you get to a medical facility.

A knife.

A knife can be useful if you or someone you’re with has an injury, as it can be used to cut bandages and wrap tourniquets. Whether you opt for a Swiss army knife or a regular pocket knife is up to you. A Swiss army knife may apply to more situations overall, but in terms of practicality, a pocket knife may be enough.

Jumper cables as part of the Survival Kit

Of course, jumper cables will be useful if you or someone else’s vehicle loses battery power. We recommend always keeping these with you.

First aid kit within the Survival Kit

First aid kits can be useful for treating minor scratches and bruises. With the unpredictable terrain of off-road adventures, you never know when you’d need these.

Bug spray.

It’s not uncommon to encounter bugs when you’re off-roading. If you don’t want those pesky creatures bothering you, keep some bug spray in the vehicle. This way if you forget to put some on before you head out, or if it wears out, you’ll always have some to reapply.

Spare tire.

While we do advise keeping a tire repair kit, they don’t work in every situation. There may be times when a tire is damaged beyond repair. In this case, you’ll need a spare tire.

Spare parts for the survival kit

You should keep a spare of the following parts: belt, spark plug, tie-rods, and ball joints. While these require a bit of handy work to replace, if you don’t have any spares on hand, you may become stranded.

Tow strap.

If you do become stranded, you will need someone to tow your vehicle to a safe place. We advise you to keep a tow strap on hand in case this happens.

To lessen your chances of having emergency situations, please ride safely.

If you’re looking for ATV insurance, UTV insurance, or insurance for another off-road vehicle (ORV), you can get a quote with Shield Insurance Agency today!

How to Hitch a Trailer

Posted on March 15, 2023March 15, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance | by Marrio Roberts Jr. | Hitch a Trailer | Auto Insurance | Request a Comparison Quote

Hooking up a trailer to a vehicle requires patience and attention to detail. If you don’t know what you’re doing, the process can be frustrating, and way harder than it should be. Luckily, Foremost^® prepared this guide to help you feel more confident and move forward with a plan.

First of all, remember that ball hitches are not one-size-fits-all. Before you start towing anything, research to make sure you have the right ball hitch for the situation.

Once you know you have the right ball hitch, you can get started. According to driving-tests.org, the first thing you should do is use the trailer jack to position the coupler a few inches higher than the ball hitch. Then, you should align the ball hitch with the coupler on your trailer, and back the vehicle up so that the coupler is directly above the hitch.

Once aligned, you should be able to lower the coupler onto the hitch. Then, you can latch the coupler and lock it in place. After that’s complete, you can remove the jack.

Next, you should attach the safety chains from the trailer to the vehicle in a crisscross pattern. So, attach the left chain to the right side, and attach the right chain to the left side. This pattern is recommended so that the chains can catch the trailer if it detaches.

When all that is done, you can plug in the electrical wires from the trailer to the vehicle. Be sure to check all lights to ensure they’re working properly. If they are, you’ll be all hitched up and ready to go!

Shield Insurance Agency has insurance policies for cars, trucks, trailers, boats, and many other things you could be towing. If you’re looking for insurance, you can get a quote with us today!

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