Owning a car is expensive. Between car maintenance, insurance costs, gas, and countless parking tickets (Just us? Oh, okay), it all adds up – quickly. But you know what also adds up quickly? Savings. Here at Metromile, we’re all about saving money on your most expensive, money-wasting bills *ahem traditional car insurance ahem*. Every day we strive to bring you savings on your car insurance, and today we’re giving you our best tips on saving money at the pump.
Spoiler alert: we’re also letting you in on the best ways to utilize your Metromile app to save on gas.
How to Save Money On Gas
Turn off the engine. If you’re picking someone up, turn off the engine while you wait for them. The same thing goes if you’re stuck in traffic and haven’t moved in a few minutes, or you’re waiting at a drive-thru. You’d be surprised at how far you can stretch a tank of gas just by being cognizant of how long you’re idling the engine. Idling is both a major waste of gasoline and a top contributor to pollution in the atmosphere. By turning your engine off, it’s a win-win for both your wallet and the environment!
Use the Metromile app to track your routes. If there’s a particular route you drive daily or weekly, check out your past trips in the Metromile app to see if there’s a faster or more efficient route to take. Even if it’s only by a little bit, every mile counts – and a mile saved is a mile earned!
Figure out the best way to pay. Many gas stations advertise a cheaper price per gallon if you pay with cash. This is because it costs the station less to process a cash transaction and they want to encourage more people to pay with cash instead of cards. Depending on how much gas you’re getting, you may end up saving a few dollars per fill-up if you pay with ca$h money!
Don’t drive aggressively. Aggressive driving (rapid acceleration, high cruising speed, and braking sharply rather than coasting) is by far the biggest culprit in gas-guzzling. Using a sedan, an SUV, and a truck, a test showed that motorists who adopted a “calm,” non-aggressive driving style could save 33% to 38% on gas. That’s a huge cost savings!
Use your smartphone. Using apps like GasBuddy and Gas Guru, you are able to find the cheapest gas in your area. You can also use the Maps app on your smartphone to check the traffic before you leave the house to avoid wasting gas while idling in traffic. Also, you can use the Metromile app to track and optimize your trips!
Drive less. If you’re a Metromile customer, chances are that you’re already a low-mileage driver. If you haven’t joined yet, consider reducing your miles driven for one month by taking public transportation and embracing driving alternatives like electric bikes and scooters when possible. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save on gas by simply filling up less often!
Hopefully, our tips will help save you some coin next time you’re filling up at the pump! To all our customers: if you haven’t downloaded the Metromile app, you’re missing out on some seriously awesome gas-saving opportunities! If you’re a low-mileage driver who hasn’t made the switch yet – what are you waiting for? Grab a quote from us anytime, because it’s always free. Be safe out there and see you on the roads.
Julianne Cronin is a Bay Area freelance writer, content creator, and founder/editor of the women’s lifestyle site, The Wink. You can find her working on her capsule wardrobe, collecting cacti, and trying out the latest beauty products on Instagram
Whether you’re thinking of buying your dream car or just something to get around or thinking of selling your vehicle, there’s an important concept all car owners should be aware of — car depreciation.
What is car depreciation?
When you buy something of value at a certain price, it may not be worth that amount of money in the future. Not everything you buy is an “investment” that goes up in value. That’s certainly true with vehicles. Car depreciation refers to the loss of value that a car experiences over time. Vehicle depreciation happens right away — basically as soon as your wheels leave the dealership and get on the road. The car goes down in value through everyday use and normal wear and tear.
Whether the car has been in an accident or needed significant repairs
Overall condition of the car
How many previous owners the vehicle has had
The trust, safety, and reputation of the brand of car
How to make the most out of car depreciation
Car depreciation is practically a certainty. In other words, the value of your vehicle will go down over time (despite what we’re seeing right now with inflated used car values). There are ways to make the most out of vehicle depreciation and use it in your favor.
If your car is a few years old and in good condition, you may be able to get a higher offer if you trade in your vehicle now than if you wait a long time. Generally, the lower the mileage and the better the condition of the car, the higher value it has.
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you can use car depreciation in your favor and buy something just a year or two old with not a lot of miles on it. While not brand spanking new, it’s close enough and will be more affordable than a new car. First, it’s key to understand how vehicle depreciation typically works to understand why this is the case.
How much does a car depreciate per year?
A common question is “How much does a car depreciate per year?” The answer may be more than you realize. According to Carfax, a new car loses 20% of its value in the first year. So a $40,000 vehicle after one year would be worth $32,000.
After that plummet in the first year, the car typically loses about 15% of its value each year for the following four years.
So in theory, if you want to buy a new-ish car, purchasing a one-year-old car could be 80% of the original new car price.
These are general benchmarks for vehicle depreciation though. How much a car depreciates depends on the many factors listed above and can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Given the “unprecedented” times we’re in now — with inflated prices everywhere and supply chain issues — the inflating value of the vehicle actually benefits current car owners. That may hurt buyers though.
To get the most bang for your buck, consider certified pre-owned vehicles (CPOs), which must be certified by a dealer or a manufacturer. These cars must pass certain inspections and may offer additional incentives and warranties, making them a more affordable option with perks for most consumers.
How to keep car depreciation in check
Though car depreciation may be a fact of life, there are things you can do to keep it in check. How much your car is worth now might not matter, but if you intend to resell it later on or use it as a trade-in, you want to limit the vehicle depreciation as much as you can. Here are some things you can do:
Make sure your car is covered and protected. In other words, if possible, keep the vehicle in a covered garage to avoid theft, break-ins, damage from weather, and debris.
Keep the car as-is. Making personal customizations to the car or painting it may be appealing to you, but not to prospective buyers.
Have a regular car maintenance routine. Keeping your car in good condition can help and part of that means regular car maintenance. So keep a schedule to change your oil, check tire pressure, and be mindful of any odd smells or sounds that may impact the vehicle or signal a problem.
Drive less. The fewer miles you have on your car the better. This is one effective way to curb your vehicle depreciation. It can also save you with your car insurance with pay-per-mile coverage.
Get the most out of a private sale. Yes, you can always go to a dealership and do a trade-in. But if you want the most money for your car, a private sale may be your best bet.
How does vehicle depreciation affect car insurance claims?
Vehicle depreciation isn’t just something to be aware of if you’re looking to sell or do a trade-in. It also affects potential car insurance claims in the event of an accident. For example, if you total your car, the car depreciation will impact insurance claims and what you receive to replace or repair the vehicle. A car insurance company may use car depreciation and offer you the following as part of your policy:
Actual cash value, which refers to what your vehicle is worth currently with car depreciation included.
Replacement cost, which refers to what it will cost to get an equivalent replacement car.
Car depreciation and your policy can impact what happens and how much you get in the event of a total loss. If you financed your car, car depreciation also plays a role.
For example, if you took out a car loan that is $30,000 but your car is currently worth $20,000 after depreciation, that can affect your car insurance payout if there’s a total loss.
Let’s say you have $1,000 deductible and total your car. In that event, when filing a claim, your payout would be the value of your car with the deductible subtracted from it. So in this example, $20,000 minus $1,000, which is $19,000. But if your car loan is at $30,000, even with the $19,000 payout, you’d need to come up with $11,000 for the car loan.
The bottom line
Vehicle depreciation happens, but there are ways to make the most out of it as a consumer and ways to mitigate it to help when you’re a seller. Taking these steps can keep your car in tip-top shape and the value as good as it can be. Driving less is a key way to maintain the value, and if you do drive less, it’s possible to score additional savings through pay-per-mile insurance. You no longer need to pay a flat rate for car insurance regardless of how much you drive. Instead, you can be rewarded for driving less by paying less. Get a quote with Metromile today.
Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.
If a vehicle is changing hands in California, certain steps are required to transfer ownership. So whether you’re buying a car, selling a car, or receiving a hand-me-down vehicle from a family member, you need to do a California DMV title transfer to legally get the paperwork in order. Here’s how to transfer a car title in California and what you should know.
What is a car title and when do I need to transfer it?
After compiling the paperwork, you can submit the title transfer documents and pay the fee via mail to:
DMV
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269
It’s also possible to drop off paperwork at your local DMV and you can now do a California title transfer online here (yay, internet). It may take about a month for the DMV to review the paperwork and transfer the title.
Is a smog certification required when transferring title in California?
When transferring a title in California, a smog certification may be required in certain circumstances. For example, if you’re selling your vehicle a smog certification is necessary. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles website, a smog inspection is not required for the following vehicles:
Gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.)
Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds.
Powered by natural gas and weighs more than 14,000 pounds.
If you need to transfer a car title in California, it needs to be reported to the DMV within 10 days. As noted above, this happens anytime car ownership changes hands.
Gather documentation
To transfer a car title in California, you need the documents listed above. Make sure you have everything filled out and ready to make the process seamless. Additionally, the CA DMV states that the following forms may be required:
To transfer a car title in California, you need the documents listed above. The most important part is having the California Certificate of Title. If you lost the title, you can fill out and submit the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227). Need the title ASAP? It may be possible to get rush title processing here, however, it’s currently not an option because of health and safety concerns.
Pay transfer fees
As part of transferring a car title in California, there may be transfer fees tacked on to complete the process. These fees may include:
Registration fee
Transfer fee
Replacement title fee
Use tax fee, which depends on where the buyer lives
Potential penalty fees
Title transfer when buying a car in California
When you purchase a vehicle at a dealership, they generally handle the title paperwork for you. As part of that process, you’ll receive the car title via mail from the CA DMV.
If you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, they need to hand over the signed car title to prove they’re releasing ownership to you. Then, you must take the car title with the seller’s signature to your local DMV and ask them to transfer ownership.
Title transfer when selling a car in California
If you’re selling your vehicle in California, you need to have your title ready and signed for the buyer.
Additionally, you’ll need to provide an odometer reading on the title or use the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form. After that, you have a 5-day period to submit the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) online so you’re not responsible for the vehicle anymore.
What to do if you don’t have a California title
If you don’t have a California title, you can apply for a replacement. If you have a lienholder release form, it also needs to be notarized. Hand that over to the buyer as part of the selling process
Title transfer in California if the owner has passed away
If you’re the rightful heir of a vehicle after the owner has passed away, it’s possible to transfer the title 40 days after the owner’s passing without going through probate or having the court involved. According to the DMV website, this is possible if the owner’s property value doesn’t exceed $166,250.
You’ll need to sign the title with the deceased owner’s name and sign the back. Additionally, you’ll need to provide a death certificate, odometer disclosure (if applicable), fill out and submit an Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5), and pay a transfer fee.
Dealing with an out-of-state title
If you moved to California, you’ll need to take your out-of-state title and register in California within 20 days of becoming a resident. As part of that process, you’ll need to fill out an Application for Title or Registration.
If you purchased a vehicle from another state, you’ll need to do an out-of-state title transfer in California. You’ll also need to fill out an application for the title and have the original out-of-state title as well, with the seller’s signature on it. Find out more info about the process and what’s allowed and what’s not.
Transfer title between family
Want to give your old car to your teenage son or another family member? Similar to the processes listed above, you need the title and have your signature and the family member’s signature to complete the California transfer title process.
You may also need to fill out a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form, do an odometer disclosure, and pay any necessary transfer fees.
The bottom line
Figuring out how to transfer a car title in California can be a process and one that varies if you’re buying or selling or receiving a gift. Take the necessary steps to transfer ownership and make the California title transfer official. Transferring ownership or getting a new car is a good time to reassess your car insurance needs. Low-mileage drivers can score savings by driving less and opting for pay-per-mile insurance. Grab your free quote and learn more about Metromile.
Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.
Did you know that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month? Familiarize yourself with the tips below to prevent distracted driving. They might not be revolutionary, but they will ensure you aren’t in the 80% of people who admit they engage in blatantly hazardous activity while driving.
Here are 5 ways to keep you and those around you safer on the road:
Put down the phone. It’s enticing to check your phone every time it beeps, but if you are behind the wheel, don’t do it. Here’s a scary stat: driving a vehicle while texting is now 6x more dangerous than driving drunk. Even if you have a really urgent message, wait to text until your car is parked. If you are traveling with a passenger, you can ask them to be your messenger!
Traffic isn’t an excuse. For those of you who inevitably sit in traffic every day, using idle time to maximize your morning routine (i.e. putting on makeup, perfecting your mustache) is tempting. Again, don’t do it. Give yourself a few extra minutes each day to finish getting ready before you dash out.
Check out Metromile’s Driving Insights feature. Metromile uses sensor technology and machine learning to understand and analyze driving behavior in near real-time. Driving insights are featured prominently in the Metromile app and available for all Metromile policyholders. In one tap, policyholders can see their phone usage score, displayed on a scale of 1 to 100 with higher scores indicating safer behavior, and tailored tips based on their actual observed driving. Tips include guidance to avoid distracted driving and on-the-road phone use.
Use better directions. We get the reliance on your favorite maps app, especially if you are embarking on a road trip or heading somewhere new. Familiarize yourself with the suggested route before starting your car, and since most map apps will read the instructions aloud to you, there should be no reason for you to ever look at the screen again.
Snack smarter. You leave work famished, so you stop to grab something to tide you over until dinner. However, one hand on the wheel and one hand holding a burger means you’re less likely to maneuver with skill. We aren’t nutritionists so aren’t going to advise on changing your eating habits, but do whatever it takes to not eat while driving. Added bonus: less ketchup spills means less money spent cleaning.
As cool as Metromile’s app is, we don’t condone using it while driving either. Stay safe out there and put down that phone!
There’s nothing like the smell of a new car or the fresh odor in a car right after a car wash. It feels pleasant and clean to the senses. On the other hand, sometimes your car can start to smell. Whether it’s a bit musty or funky, having a rank smell in your car isn’t just an assault on your senses but may be a cause for concern. Below we cover what might be the culprit behind those car smells and how to remove odor from your car.
Different types of car smells
When you smell something weird in your car, sometimes it may be obvious what it is. Maybe there’s a lingering food smell or moist gym clothes you threw in the back. Other times, there are more distinctive smells that may indicate a problem. Here are some common car smells to be aware of.
Burnt smell
If you start to smell burnt toast, it may mean there’s an electrical issue you want to check out. It could be a burnt fuse or an issue with your brakes. In any case, it could mean trouble with electrical functions or something major like your brakes.
For that reason, this isn’t a smell you should ignore and try to remedy with a car freshener. Take your car to a mechanic so they can assess what the issue might be and resolve the problem.
Burning rubber
Burning rubber has a unique smell that you can’t forget. According to MechanicBase.com:
“The most common reason why your car smells like burning rubber is due to an oil leak or coolant leak. It can also be caused by a slipping serpentine belt, sticking brake calipers, slipping clutch, or any external objects stuck in the engine bay.”
You might be able to check your oil and coolant levels yourself to see if there is a leak. Regardless of the issue, get your vehicle checked out as it could be serious, and you don’t want to damage your car and drive in unsafe conditions.
Rotting eggs
It can be seriously unpleasant if you get into your car and it smells like rotting eggs. The smell is a signal that something is wrong. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Advice blog that could indicate an issue with the catalytic converter or mean there’s an issue with emission control devices. Another reason there might be a rotting egg car smell is that your car is running on old transmission fluid.
Gas car smell
You know the signature gas car smell. If you smell gas shortly after filling up, it may not be an issue. You may have picked up some gas vapors via your shoes, and the smell should go away.
If you haven’t filled up your gas tank recently, there might be a bigger issue such as a broken fuel cap leading to a gas leak. Take action right away and check your fuel cap. If there’s nothing wrong, get it checked out.
Sweet car smell
If you’re experiencing an oddly sweet car smell, it may be a coolant leak. In this case, you might see your temperature gauge car dashboard icon light up if your engine is heating up.
This could be dangerous as there may be a coolant leak, leading to your car overheating. Check on your coolant levels and if it’s not resolved with more coolant, get it checked out by a professional.
Exhaust
If your car smells of exhaust fumes, there could be an exhaust leak or cracked seals on your windows, letting the smell escape into the cabin of your car.
This is a car smell that shouldn’t be ignored as it could be toxic and fatal. Don’t mess around if your nose picks up on exhaust fumes in your car and go to a repair shop immediately.
Chemical car small
Does your car have that weird chemical smell? If your car smells distinctly like chemicals or like it has a bitter aroma, it could point to problems with your brakes or clutch or even mean an oil leak.
Musty or mildew car smell
When your car smells musty or like mildew, it could mean there’s excessive debris, dust, mold, etc. that come out through your air conditioning system. It could mean that it’s time to replace your cabin air filter and can signal a more significant issue with your A/C system.
How to clean different car smells
Sometimes a bad car smell is a signifier of a bigger issue that’s mechanical and could be dangerous. But sometimes, there may be a car smell that is stuck in your car and isn’t necessarily related to anything being wrong with your car parts or systems. In this case, here are some tips to remove odor from cars that can help.
Deep clean the car’s upholstery and carpet
The upholstery and carpet in your vehicle can be a hotbed for weird odors. Maybe you’ve had fast food crumbs, dirt, dust, spills, debris from your shoes, etc. all mixed together to create an uninviting car smell.
To help, vacuum the carpet in your car and wash any floor mats. Consider going to a car wash and getting a deep clean of your vehicle’s interior.
Remove the mildew smell
If you smell mildew, you want to know how to remove mildew smell out of the car ASAP due to its strong and undesirable smell. If your car has gotten wet from rain, perhaps from an umbrella, your shoes, or a window left slightly open, the extra moisture can breed mold and mildew.
Consider steam cleaning the carpet in your vehicle and drying it out in the sun or with a hairdryer. Wipe down or wring out any additional moisture found in areas of your car. You may also use an anti-mildew cleaning solution and use baking soda to help neutralize the smell.
Ditch the smoke smell
Smoke can linger for a long time, so if you or anyone in your vehicle is a smoker, the smell can be pervasive.
The first thing you want to do is get some fresh air into the vehicle with windows open. Additionally, to help remove car odor, get a spray or other type of product into the vents and areas of your car to ditch the smoke car smell. For example, you can try Zep smoke odor eliminator spray or Ozium smoke and odor eliminator gel.
Do away with the AC smells
If the car smell is coming from your AC system, consider changing out your cabin air filter right away and getting some Lysol disinfectant to get rid of any bacteria that could be the culprit behind the smell.
Perhaps you or a friend drank too much or experienced car sickness and vomited in the car or while transporting a pet to the vet, they had an accident. These experiences can be common but can leave a lasting car smell. Cleaning up right away is your best bet to get rid of the smell. Even then, there may be a scent that lingers. In that case, you can use baking soda to absorb some of the smell and try cleaning it with a mixture of water and vinegar.
The bottom line
Dealing with an awful car smell can affect your experience with driving and be unpleasant. Knowing what the smell is can help you identify if there’s a more significant issue at play. If it’s simply odor trapped in the car from bacteria, mildew, mold, etc., using the steps above you can remove odor from the car. Keeping your car clean is just one part of car maintenance. Making sure you’re properly covered with car insurance is another. Don’t drive that much? It’s time to rethink auto insurance coverage and pay for insurance by the miles you drive. Get a free quote with Metromile.
Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.
For Women’s History Month, we recently met with our Chief Accounting Officer, Lindsay Alexovich, for her thoughts on leadership, mentorship, and how she helps to create a collaborative and inclusive environment for her team members and all Metromilers.
How did you get started in the finance space?
My mom was the first person who suggested I take my love for math and use it to get involved in accounting. So, in college, I studied business with specializations in accounting while also pursuing a mathematics degree and constantly debated whether I wanted to become an actuary, statistician, or accountant. I realized I enjoyed the business side of things and working with people in corporate strategy so I chose business and accounting though, to this day, I still have a great love for math.
The Accounting field isn’t known for topping diversity lists. Can you talk about any barriers you have faced as a woman in the finance industry?
Before Metromile, I worked at one of the largest accounting firms in the country and while they did emphasize gender equality and the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, I still experienced unintended and blind gender biases. Overwhelmingly, I felt fairly treated and very supported by the organization, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that this is continuously a work in progress no matter the company – the firm’s values and commitment to continual progress and improvement were some of the main reasons I chose that firm.
For example, early in my career, female team members were often assumed to take the lead in organizing social events. Instead of simply following the course, I took the opportunity to do a few things differently: I planned the heck out of an event that I was passionate about and went beyond the norm by pulling together a presentation for that event. I created an opportunity for myself that increased my visibility and showed my business prowess. The best part was that I presented my project to a very prominent partner who wouldn’t have otherwise been available. That partner ended up becoming a significant promoter, mentor, and sponsor of me in the years ahead, for which I’ll always be grateful.
Your team is almost 90% women, how have you been able to champion a space and career path for them and build your team?
When it comes to building a team, a big focus should be on paying attention to who you’re hiring and making sure that they’re coming in with shared values. For us, that means being very focused on high-quality teamwork, embodying the highest integrity, and, as cliche as it sounds, putting your ego aside.
After hiring, it’s my desire as a leader to learn about our team members. What interests them? What are their strengths? What do they love to do? Hate to do? What motivates them? How do they like to be recognized? A team is a sum of all its parts and you can’t expect one person to be able to do everything, so as a leader I want to let everybody work on and excel at what they’re good at, while also challenging themselves in new areas. I encourage my team members to boost their skills and knowledge by leaning on their peers, stepping out of their comfort zones, and curating a space where it is safe to “fail” or make mistakes and try again.
I don’t actually like using the term “fail” but it’s important to create an environment that enables people to try new things and cultivate learnings without putting the company in an unfavorable position if and when things don’t go quite as planned. As a leader, one of the biggest things you can do is just offer that space and exposure to people on your team, and I’m constantly encouraging my managers to think the same way and pass along that mindset. After all, we don’t grow by doing the same things that we already know we’re good at; we grow by putting ourselves out there and having a willingness to try, knowing it likely won’t go perfectly.
Even as a leader, I am continuously learning from my teams and am beyond grateful I get to experience them grow, show up, and push for themselves and each other every day.
As a member of Metromile’s executive team, your leadership is valuable to all women at the company. What are some of the ways you’ve been able to show up and be supportive of your fellow female colleagues?
Whether within my team or not, it’s important to create an environment that encourages women to speak up and to ask probing questions that can lead to increased visibility and recognition. Even for those who are more introverted, it’s key to shine the spotlight on and advocate for a team member’s accomplishments both behind the scenes and publicly, whatever is most appropriate for that individual and circumstance. Connecting your colleagues and mentees to your personal networks can also help a great deal in furthering their exposure, resources, and career.
Promoting and pushing for gender equality and diversity beyond just internal teams is huge especially when thinking about vendor selection and board composition. As a leader, there are many areas where you have a louder voice and it’s important to use that power to advocate for change.
Who are some of your female mentors that have had an impact on your own career?
I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors in my career, personally and professionally. One example that stands out is a woman who helped me navigate a decision in which those worlds collided.
I had been offered a promotion, and this woman helped me to boil down the difficult decision of whether or not I should accept it to its essence.
Earlier in my career, I might have quickly jumped at the promotion. It’s easy to get swept up in social norms about achieving as much as possible as quickly as possible. In other words, value is based on what you achieve and produce vs who you are as a person.
This woman reminded me that I am more than my career and that my view of myself, not others’ view, is what matters most. I didn’t need to default to advancing up the corporate ladder, even if I could do it, even if a man would take the same opportunity with far fewer qualifications and experience than I had, even if others might then view me as “more successful.”
She didn’t offer an opinion on whether or not I should take the promotion, but instead encouraged me to look inward, asking myself questions that would help me make the decision that was best for me.
What are the core values that you personally live by?
Beyond the decision at hand, what is important to you broadly in life?
How are you fulfilled – personally and professionally?
Answering these questions made me realize that I didn’t want the promotion. At the time, accepting it might actually lead to less fulfillment. I’d risk my work-life balance falling out of balance, and not be able to bring my best self to the table each day either at work or at home. I wouldn’t be there fully for myself or my teams, family, and friends. The people in my life and those relationships are what is most important to me. It became clear to me that I didn’t want to risk that at that time in my life.
I ended up turning down the promotion and all it entailed – more responsibility, a bigger title, and increased compensation. As time has gone on, I’ve not once looked back and wished I’d made a different decision; instead, I’ve become even more confident that I made the right choice – it absolutely was the right decision for me. It didn’t close doors to further advancement; in fact, it opened new doors and led to opportunities I may not have otherwise thought about or encountered.
Can you talk about your views on mentorship versus sponsorship, how you yourself have benefited from both, and any advice for those looking to mentor or be mentored?
Both are important, but at different times and for different reasons. Mentorship is about individuals gaining experience and learning what kind of contributor, leader, and manager they want to be. Part of this is gaining insight from those who have a perspective and experiences that are different from their own as it helps us continually improve and evolve.
Sponsorship, on the other hand, can create opportunities for individuals that might not otherwise exist. It shows that the sponsor not only believes in the individual and recognizes them, but has such confidence in them and their work, their style, and their values that they eagerly put their name and reputation on the line to support them – what a gift it is to advocate for future leaders. Whether sponsoring or mentoring it all goes back to us helping one another to be and to do our best, not only as employees and leaders but as human beings.
I’ve certainly benefited from mentorship and sponsorship. Numerous new and challenging opportunities and experiences have been afforded to me because I built relationships with mentors and sponsors who then supported and advocated for me in an effort to advance my career and my skills as a leader and manager of people. From these relationships, I’ve gotten exposure to experience exciting international and high-profile assignments and lead new initiatives, departments, and Metromile going public – and I look forward to even more to come with Lemonade!
My advice: take mentorship and sponsorship seriously and appreciate it – the development of people is an awesome responsibility and a blessing. I believe it’s most successful when people can put down their defenses and egos and become vulnerable about what’s important and what’s challenging, this is what establishes deep connections and relationships. As Brene Brown says, “vulnerability is not a weakness, it’s our greatest measure of courage.” You’ll know when you’ve found that connection with someone, whether it’s a mentee, mentor, sponsee, or sponsor. And when you find it, give it your full attention because something great will surely come of it.
The 2022 theme of Women’s History Month is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” It’s easy to see how your work as a certified yoga instructor and your studies towards becoming a UC Master Gardener can play a role here – can you talk more about how these have helped promote your own well-being and others’ well-being, too?
I completed my yoga teacher training before the pandemic but as we stayed in our homes over the past two years, yoga and meditation became an even bigger part of my routine. I often turned to yoga during times of very high stress as it grounds me and helps me take a pause. I’ve even been able to incorporate some of my yoga learnings into my leadership style to make space for my teams to simply take a breath at times of high stress and emphasize the bigger picture. I’m constantly thinking and telling folks that there’s nothing that you can’t find a solution for and yoga and mindfulness practices are what helped me embrace that way of thinking.
Connecting with Mother Nature helps me incorporate wellness and hope for my teams, which is one of many reasons I am currently studying to get my Master Gardener certification. In times of stress, I like to go and play in the dirt to get calm – there’s just something about having your bare feet and hands connect with the Earth. Both being a yoga teacher and training to be a Master Gardener help me remember who I am inside and outside the workplace and – as corny as it sounds – spread love and kindness throughout.
Car safety on the road is important for everyone. Fatal car crashes can occur among all drivers and end in tragedy, but there are some notable differences when it comes to gender. So do females get in more car accidents or do men? Read on to learn the differences between men and women in car accidents and what factors come into play.
Men have a higher likelihood of engaging in risky driving behavior such as not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as speeding.
Men typically drive more miles than women.
Severe accidents tend to occur more with men than women.
Females have a higher chance of being injured or killed in crashes that are equally severe, though this narrows with age.
From 1975 to 2019, male crash deaths were more than double female crash deaths.
In 2019, 71% of car fatalities were males.
As of 2019, males made up 71% of driver deaths in a passenger vehicle, 48% of deaths as a passenger in a passenger vehicle, 96% of driver deaths in a large truck, 67% of deaths as a passenger in a large truck, 70% of pedestrian deaths, 86% of bike deaths, as well as 91% of motorcyclist deaths.
As you can see, men have a higher likelihood of dying in a fatal car crash but women are more susceptible to injury or death in certain cases. Let’s take a look at some of the main causes.
Source: https://www.iihs.org/
Driving under the influence of alcohol
Driving under the influence of alcohol puts you at risk of getting a DUI and is dangerous. You put yourself and others at risk for injury and death. When it comes to what gender has more alcohol-related accidents, men definitely take the lead.
According to IIHS, the percentage of men with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% (the legal limit) or above is much higher for men compared to women and has been the case every year from 1982 to 2019.
For example, as of 2019, it’s estimated that men made up 32% of deaths with BAC over the legal limit, whereas women made up 21% of deaths with BAC over the legal limit.
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as of 2019, there were 10,142 deaths from drunk driving crashes. The organization noted that this was the lowest percentage of drunk driving deaths since they started tracking numbers in 1982.
Unfortunately, that trend shifted with the onset of the pandemic. According to NHTSA data, fatalities due to alcohol-related crashes were up 14% in 2020 compared to 2019.
Driving over the speed limit
Driving over the speed limit, or speeding is another major contributing factor in accidents and fatal car crashes. The pandemic has also led to a boost in speeding-related crashes as well. According to NHTSA data, speeding-related fatal car crashes were up 17% in 2020 compared to 2019.
Based on IIHS data, speeding contributed to a higher percentage of male drivers dying in accidents than women drivers.
Similar to drinking, this has been the case every year from 1982 to 2019. As of 2019, male drivers made up 27% of speeding-related deaths, whereas female drivers made up 18% of speeding-related deaths.
Age as a factor
Another factor to consider when evaluating men and women in car accidents is age. Age can be a factor as younger drivers may be less experienced on the road, and senior drivers may have health issues that could contribute to car accidents. So what gender has more accidents by age?
According to IIHS, male drivers are still at higher risk of fatal car crashes. Remember, men tend to drive more miles than women, which adds to that risk. But age may contribute as well.
Based on 2016-2017 data, rates may be higher for men between the ages of 16 and 29 than women. The biggest difference in gender occurred between ages 20 and 29. As of 2017, fatal car crash rates per 100 million miles driven that occurred in passenger vehicles were 1.6 for female drivers aged 20 to 29 and 3.9 for male drivers in the same age group.
More recent data from 2019 analyzed by IIHS illustrates that passenger vehicle occupant deaths were higher among men in every age group than women, aside from 0-15 years. So, pretty much among all drivers who are legally able to obtain their driver’s license.
The highest fatality rate for men in accidents occurred in male drivers 85 and up. The next highest fatality rates were among male drivers aged 80 to 84 as well as 20 to 24.
Women in car accidents
If you’ve wondered do females get in more car accidents or do men, now you know that men have a higher rate of car accidents and increased rates of risky driving behavior.
But IIHS also found that women in accidents may have an increased risk of injury or death. So what’s behind that? Based on IIHS analysis, women are more likely to drive in a smaller vehicle and have a higher chance of being the vehicle that is struck in a car crash that has a side impact or front-to-rear impact.
Men are more likely to have a larger vehicle that may offer greater protection and are more likely to be the vehicle that strikes another vehicle in a crash. However, in the event of injuries, women had a 2.5 times higher chance of sustaining moderate leg injuries.
The bottom line
Driving comes with a level of risk for everyone. But what gender has more accidents comes down to many factors including age, speed, and driving under the influence. Though there are higher rates of men in accidents, women in accidents may have a higher risk of injury or death in some cases.
Regardless of your gender, to stay safe it’s key to drive the appropriate speed limit, avoid taking any mind-altering substances and practice defensive driving. Also, make sure your insurance has got you covered in the event of an accident. Low-mileage drivers can benefit from pay-per-mile car insurance. Just like you pay for gas by the gallon, why not pay for insurance by the miles you drive? Get insurance that makes sense. Get a free quote with Metromile and review your options.
Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function
By Jeff Rutledge, Metromile Senior Communications Manager and Data Geek
We compiled the latest telematics data from our six main metros in this report to compare and contrast the impact of weather, regulation, and local attitudes on driving patterns and quantify the money saved, accidents avoided, and emissions reduced as a result of driving less throughout the pandemic.
When you get behind the wheel, there are various risk factors that can impact your driving. One major factor that can affect driving conditions is the weather. This is especially true of rainy weather when the water meets the asphalt, creating conditions that can increase the likelihood of hydroplaning. Find out what hydroplaning refers to and what to do if you hydroplane.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning — which is sometimes referred to as aquaplaning — is when your vehicle skids across water because your tires don’t have enough traction to stay sturdy on the road. This typically occurs in rainy and wet conditions and can be a scary experience as it can feel like you’re losing control of your car.
The slippery asphalt makes it difficult for your tires to gain enough traction to move forward safely and can cause you to hydroplane. This may cause spinning in one direction and may lead to difficulties with braking or steering.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHA), “A roadway must have an appropriate level of pavement friction to ensure that drivers are able to keep their vehicles safely in the lane. Poor pavement conditions, especially wet pavement, have been identified as one of the major contributing factors in roadway departure crashes. When a pavement surface is wet, the level of pavement friction is reduced, and this may lead to skidding or hydroplaning.”
What to do when hydroplaning?
Wet weather can increase the likelihood of an accident. According to FHA data, the majority of car crashes due to weather occur in rainy and wet conditions with 70% happening on wet pavement and 46% occurring during rainfall. When you hydroplane, you could boost your chances of getting into a car accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that conditions are most dangerous within 10 minutes of rainfall and can occur even if you’re going 30 miles per hour or less. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should stay calm and take the following steps.
What to do when hydroplaning:
Take your foot off the accelerator
Avoid hitting the brakes
Position the steering wheel toward the same direction you’re going
If possible, let your car slow down on its own and avoid braking hard, but if you must brake, hit the brake gently
Once you’re in the clear, you can pull over somewhere safe and recalibrate your nervous system with some deep breaths and a sigh of relief. If there is an incident with another car or damage to your vehicle while hydroplaning, call for help ASAP.
What not to do when hydroplaning?
Now that you know what to do if you hydroplane, here’s what not to do when hydroplaning. Some of these can seem counterintuitive, but following the course can ensure you regain control of your car faster.
Don’t speed up as a way to get out of the wet area, which can backfire
Avoid slamming your brakes
It may seem like you can steer in the opposite direction to counteract the spinning, but you want to steer in the direction you’re going
Avoid using cruise control in wet driving conditions
Knowing what not to do when hydroplaning is just as important as what to do when hydroplaning so you can find sturdy ground and get to safety.
Driving tips to prevent hydroplaning
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane you should take the steps listed above to navigate your car. But there are other things you can do in general to prevent hydroplaning. Here are some driving tips to prevent hydroplaning.
Slow down
When the pavement is wet, and it’s raining, slow down your car. Keep safety in mind at all times. A reasonable speed in wet weather conditions may be slower than you’re used to but is best for everyone. In fact, going over 35 miles per hour may increase the likelihood of hydroplaning.
Avoid large puddles of water
Hydroplaning can happen with just a bit of water on the ground but is more likely to happen in large puddles of water. If you can see large puddles ahead, see if you can avoid them and drive around them. If you can, don’t drive right after the rain if possible, as engine oil and water can make the road super slippery.
Give yourself more time
Driving in a rush is always a safety hazard but even more so in the rain. Budget more time if it’s raining so you’re not in a rush and can go to your desired location safely.
Properly maintain tires
Check that your tires are properly inflated and avoid uneven tire wear, which may increase your chances of hydroplaning. Additionally, make sure your tires are rotated on a regular basis. If you live in an area that is very rainy, replace your tires as needed and keep them in good shape. Having the right tires that are high-quality can help avoid hydroplaning.
Say no to cruise control
Cruise control may make driving easier in some cases but should absolutely be avoided in wet weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice. It may be more difficult to stop and navigate your vehicle with this setting on.
Using these driving tips, you can best equip yourself to stay safe on the road, no matter the weather.
The bottom line
Figuring out what to do when hydroplaning is scary in the moment. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane you should remain calm, stop accelerating and steer in the same direction your car is moving. Hydroplaning can be a frightening experience so knowing what to do ahead of time and keeping the driving tips above in mind, can help. To stay safe and protected, make sure your car insurance meets your needs. If you need collision coverage or other types of car insurance and are a low-mileage driver, you could benefit from pay-per-mile insurance coverage. Using Metromile, you pay a base rate and several cents for each mile you drive. Grab a free quote to see your potential savings.
Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.
Getting into a car accident can cause a range of emotions. It can be an annoyance if it’s a fender bender, and if it’s something more serious, it can be nerve-wracking and scary. But after the initial impact, the troubles don’t stop there. Then you have to worry, “Will my insurance go up if I file a claim?” While you can’t predict exactly how your coverage may or may not change following a claim, it’s important to know the possibilities.
Does insurance go up after a claim?
If you get into a car accident and are considering filing a claim, you want to know the answer to an important question: Does insurance go up after a claim?
What happens with your insurance rates after you file a claim depends on various factors, and it could go either way. In other words, your car insurance premium may go up or not.
The overarching rule when it comes to the impact of claims on car insurance coverage is that every policyholder’s situation is unique.
That means depending on your circumstances, your premium may or may not change. Here are a few contributing factors insurers consider when deciding the impact an accident may have on your rate:
The terms of your policy
Whether you were at fault for the accident
How many claims you’ve filed in the past
Insurance regulations in your state
It’s important to know what type of coverage you have and what is covered or not. Be sure to review your policy and get familiar with the terms and conditions, so you’re not surprised in the event of a post-accident premium hike.
Honesty is the best policy with your insurer
If you’re wondering “Does insurance go up after a claim?” it depends on the situation. But it’s important to note that your coverage and any potential pricing adjustments also could rely on the accuracy of facts that you, as the insured, present to your insurer when you purchase your policy.
It’s critical to keep your insurer regularly updated about any changes — like additional drivers, or vehicle updates — to avoid any potential coverage issues or delays in claims processing.
What impacts your car insurance premium
Wondering will my insurance go up if I file a claim is a normal question after an accident. To understand what might happen, it’s key to know what impacts your car insurance premium.
Your driving track record is really what insurers consider the biggest predictor of your future driving behavior, so the more claims you rack up, the more likely your premium is to rise — especially if you’ve been at fault for accidents in the past.
If you’re filing a current claim for an accident that wasn’t your fault, your insurer will consider that information, but there are no guarantees regarding your future rate.
However, if you were at fault, you should know that certain behaviors are generally considered a lot more serious — and therefore more reprehensible — than others. Reckless or impaired driving, for example, may result in a major price increase (or even a cancellation of coverage, depending on the terms of your policy).
Whether you’re rear-ended in a minor fender bender or involved in a major pileup as the result of your own actions, it’s essential to report the accident to your insurer. This will help provide your carrier with all the information they need to properly investigate the issue and do everything possible to protect you if the other driver involved files their own claim.
Should you file a claim or not?
Does your insurance go up after a claim or not? It certainly can, depending on the situation, which can make you question whether to file a claim or not. There are some important things to consider.
First, how much is your deductible? If the cost to repair the vehicle is less than your car insurance deductible, it may not make sense to file a claim.
Secondly, review your driving history and claims history. If this is your first-ever claim and you’re not at fault, it may not impact your rate. But if you have a history of frequent claims and are found at fault, you may be considered a risk and your rates may increase.
You can talk to your insurance company about their policies around filing a claim and certain events. Just be aware that if you talk to your insurance agent insurer about an incident and don’t file a claim, they may need to report that.
In general, it’s best to file a claim in the event of a total loss. If the damage is negligible or lower than your car insurance deductible, it may not be worth it.
Though you may or may not decide to file a claim, depending on your state and the rules, if there is damage over a certain amount or injury or death it needs to be reported to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar authority. If you do file a claim, you’ll also want to file a police report as well.
Consider the financials of your deductible and premiums
Your deductible amount can affect your car insurance premium and inform whether you file a claim or not. If you have a low deductible, you may have higher insurance rates. If you have a small $500 deductible, but the damage is less than that, it doesn’t make sense to file a claim.
One way to save money with car insurance is to opt for a higher deductible which can lower car insurance premiums. You can have your deductible amount as part of your emergency fund and easily pay that in the event of an incident and get the rest covered by your insurance.
The bottom line
Any type of accident can be a jarring event. But the added pressure and stress, worrying will my insurance go up if I file a claim can make it even worse. It’s possible that your rates may go up, so consider all the factors above before filing a claim. The fewer claims you file, the less risky you may appear to the insurer. If you’re looking for new insurance coverage if you want to save money, and you drive less, then pay per mile insurance is right for you.. If you’re still paying for miles you aren’t driving, rethink your auto insurance coverage and get a quote with Metromile today.
