DIY Life

A recent poll that I looked into surveyed opinions about the need for various insurance policies. The survey showed that over 80% of the poll respondents feel that insurance is necessary to some degree. What the poll didn't address was how we feel about paying those nasty insurance premiums.

I want to address the high cost of auto insurance premiums and give you some solid suggestions on how to lower your annual cost of auto insurance by possibly hundreds of dollars. What it all comes down to is how much money you want to save and how serious you are about doing that. Some of my suggestions may require you to change some of your attitudes about your automobile and your driving strategy altogether but when the times are getting tougher and the dollars are getting shorter, it's time to take a serious look at how you do some things.

The interiors of automobiles are becoming increasingly complex these days. Hookups for iPods, built-in satellite radio systems, subwoofers, LCD screens and Bluetooth capability for that cellphone are just some of the most recent additions to the electronics-laden auto interior.

How about a windshield-mounted camera system that records car crashes - as in, your own car crash. The amount of litigation messes alone would make the Clarion DriveEye appeal to those who have been involved in many car crashes or who live in areas where traffic congestion makes an accident likely to happen. Tired of trying to convince a traffic judge or court that "you're in the right" just based on your word? Video proof changes the game.

Only available in Japan for now, the DriveEye turns on before a crash occurs by sensing emergency braking and records footage before, during and after an accident has occurred. Packed in n alloy housing, the device will resist extreme pressures and records up to 15 seconds before an accident and up to 5 seconds after. Not that it would be viewing pleasure at all, but it may just help a driver involved in a crash where actual proof is needed later on. Say, to that favorite insurance agent of yours.