shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com April 12, 2016 • Page 15 How to cut the cost of auto insurance The cost of auto insurance is contingent on a host of variables. Such factors include the type of vehicle being insured and the driving record of the policy holder. While drivers may feel they have little leeway regarding the cost of their auto insurance, there are several steps motorists of all ages can take to lower their auto insurance premiums. • Address your credit score. Policy holders’ credit histories is one of the factors insurance companies use when determining the cost of individuals’ insurance policies. In a 2015 analysis of data from Consumer Reports, the Insurance Information Institute found that drivers in Florida who had excellent credit scores received insurance quotes that were less than half that of drivers whose scores were considered poor. That’s because insurance companies see drivers with poor credit scores as more likely to be in an accident than those with excellent scores. Before shopping for new policies, drivers should take steps to improve their credit scores by paying off their consumer debts and having any discrepancies on their credit reports corrected. • Continue your education as a motorist. The III notes that non-driving factors, such as age, are among the variables insurance companies consider when determining the cost of their automotive policies. While older drivers can’t reverse the aging process and younger drivers can’t add years to their driving histories overnight, there are ways these drivers can lessen the impact their ages have on the cost of their auto insurance premiums. Advanced defensive driving courses can refresh older drivers’ memories with regards to safe driving techniques while also teaching them the latest techniques to stay safe behind the wheel. Younger drivers who take such courses can be taught how to drive in emergency situations in controlled environments. Consumer Reports notes that a 2012 report jointly sponsored by the U.S. government, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Manitoba Public Insurance found that there is no evidence that traditional driver’s education classes reduce crashes, highlighting the importance of advanced courses that can prepare older and younger drivers alike for what awaits them on the open road. Taking such classes can save drivers as much as 10 percent on their auto insurance premiums, and those discounts may even last several years. • Adjust your existing policy. Mileage is another factor insurance companies use when pricing their automotive policies. While driving habits change, few drivers think to contact their insurance companies when their habits change in ways that can save them money. If your daily commute is shorter than it was when you initially opened your policy or if you now take public transportation to save money on gas, contact your insurance agent and give a more up-to-date assessment of your driving habits. Doing so might save you a considerable amount of money each year. • Combine your policies. Perhaps the simplest way to save on auto insurance is to combine your auto and home insurance policies. Covering your vehicles and your home via the same provider may save you as much as 15 percent on each policy. Auto insurance is a considerable expense, but drivers can take numerous steps to reduce the costs of their policies. 3 ways to improve indoor air quality all year long As winter wears on, it’s not uncommon for people living in cold weather climates to experience some cabin fever. Winter weather confines many people to their homes, making many antsy to get out once the first signs of spring begin to appear. In addition to contributing to cabin fever, winter weather can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. While air pollution is something most often associated with densely populated cities, the air inside homes is not immune to pollution, especially during long winters when windows are often closed for months at a time. Though open windows in spring and summer can vastly improve indoor air quality, there are ways to ensure that air stays fresh and healthy regardless of which season it happens to be. 1. Clean the floors. Dirty floors are one of the chief contributors to poor indoor air quality. Dust, dirt, pollen, and pet dander can accumulate on floors, leading to poor air quality and potentially aggravating respiratory conditions such as asthma. When vacuuming, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is a uniquely designed mechanical air filter that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites. When you finish vacuuming, mop floors to gather any dust or allergens that escaped the vacuum. 2. Control indoor air moisture. Moist air is great for dust mites and mold, both of which are very bad for humans, so do everything you can to maintain healthy levels of indoor air moisture. Dehumidifiers can reduce indoor air moisture and control allergens, but itÕs important to take additional steps as well. When bathing, try to keep a bathroom window open on a slight crack to prevent mold growth. When preparing meals in the kitchen, make use of your exhaust fan. In addition, donÕt overwater houseplants, as they can become breeding grounds for mold. 3. Resist synthetic fragrances. A home that smells good tends to feel more pleasant, especially during winter months when windows are closed. But synthetic fragrances, such as those found in detergents and air fresheners, may be providing that welcoming scent at a heavy cost to a homeÕs inhabitants. Such fragrances may be emitting various chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into the air, affecting indoor air quality and possibly even human health. When buying laundry products, look for those that are fragrance-free, also choosing home cleaning products that do not include any artificial fragrances. Indoor air quality tends to suffer in colder months, when windows are closed and doors are open only briefly. But homeowners can take a handful of simple yet effective steps to ensure the 1702 Broadway, Yankton, SD air in their homes is healthy all year long. Please Recycle When Done Reading B B ecker ody Shop Direct Repair Facility for all major insurance companies! 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