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Beyond the Basics: 5 Overlooked Causes of Car Accidents
Most drivers know the big red flags: don’t text while driving, never get behind the wheel after a few drinks, and keep your speed in check. We see the billboards and hear the PSA announcements constantly. Yet, even the most “careful” drivers can find themselves in a fender bender—or worse—because of factors they didn’t even realize were dangerous. When it comes to car insurance, we often focus on what happens after the crash. But at the Howard Steel Agency, we believe the best insurance policy is the one you never have to use. To help keep you safe on the roads, here are five frequently overlooked causes of car accidents…
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Drive Down Your Rates: 7 Savvy Tips for Cheaper Car Insurance in Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon – a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, and anyone who appreciates stunning natural beauty. But while you’re busy enjoying the trails and slopes, are you also enjoying the best possible rates on your car insurance? Living in a vibrant, growing city like Bend can sometimes come with higher costs, and car insurance is no exception. However, with a little know-how and some smart strategies, you can significantly reduce your premiums without sacrificing coverage. Here at the Howard Steele Agency, we’re dedicated to helping our Bend neighbors navigate car insurance and find policies that fit their budget and lifestyle. Let’s dive into seven actionable tips to help…
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Car Insurance Terms And Conditions Explained
Understanding car insurance can feel like learning a second language. Between the industry jargon and state-specific mandates, many drivers simply sign their policy without fully grasping what is covered. If you are looking for clarity, a Bend, Oregon car agent can be your best resource for navigating these complexities. Here is a breakdown of the most common car insurance terms and conditions you need to know. 1. Liability Coverage: The Legal Foundation In Oregon, liability insurance is mandatory. It is divided into two parts: +1 Bodily Injury (BI): If you are at fault in an accident, this pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of the…
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Winter Driving in the High Desert: 7 Tips for Central Oregon Snow
Driving in Central Oregon during the winter is a different beast than in the Willamette Valley. Between the high elevation, the sub-freezing temperatures of the High Desert, and the frequent passage over mountain passes, snow is a consistent part of life from November through March. Whether you’re commuting between Redmond and Bend or heading up to Mt. Bachelor, the dry, powdery snow can quickly turn into hazardous “corduroy” ice. To keep your vehicle safe on the 97 and your insurance claims at zero, follow these seven essential tips for Central Oregon winters. 1. Respect the “Cinders.” Unlike cities that use salt, many Central Oregon municipalities use red volcanic cinders for…
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Catalytic Converter Theft: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself
Imagine walking out to your car in the morning, turning the key, and being met with a deafening, tractor-like roar. This is the hallmark of catalytic converter theft—a crime that takes less than 90 seconds but can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and weeks of Oregon mechanical downtime. While theft rates have stabilized since their pandemic-era peak, they remain a significant threat in 2026. Thieves target these components because they contain precious metals—platinum, palladium, and rhodium—which can be worth more per ounce than gold. About Catalytic Converter Theft Thieves aren’t just picking cars at random; they look for the “path of least resistance.” Specific vehicles are at much…
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Do you need separate insurance policies if you own a car, boat, RV and motorhome?
Owning a car, a boat, an RV, and a motorcycle is the ultimate way to enjoy Central Oregon’s diverse landscapes. However, managing the protection for all those “toys” can quickly become a logistical headache. The short answer to whether you need separate policies is: Yes, but with a significant “catch” that can save you money. While these vehicles have vastly different risk profiles and require specific coverages, you don’t necessarily want to manage them as isolated accounts. Why “Separate” Doesn’t Mean “Standalone” Technically, a standard auto insurance policy is not designed to cover the unique risks of a boat or an RV. For example: RVs: These require “vacation liability” and…
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tips for lowering your car insurance bill in 2026
As we move into 2026, the car insurance landscape continues to evolve. While technological advancements in vehicles have made driving safer, they have also made repairs more costly, leading to a steady rise in premiums nationwide. For drivers in Central Oregon, managing these costs requires a proactive approach. If you are looking to trim your expenses without sacrificing protection, here are the most effective strategies to lower your car insurance payments this year. 1. Leverage Modern Safety and Anti-Theft Tech By 2026, many insurance carriers will have expanded their discounts for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). If your vehicle is equipped with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, or updated GPS-based anti-theft…
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What to Do When You Hit a Deer
Driving in Central Oregon offers beautiful scenery, but it also means sharing the road with wildlife. Hitting a deer is a terrifying, all-too-common event. Knowing the proper steps to take immediately afterward can protect your safety and simplify your insurance claim. 🛑 Safety First: Pull Over and Assess Immediately after the collision, try to pull your vehicle safely to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Your safety and the safety of any passengers are the priority. Check for injuries. Do not approach the animal; a wounded deer can be unpredictable and dangerous. Stay in your vehicle and call the police or local law enforcement to…
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All-Season Tires vs. Chains: Which Option Is Better for Central Oregon Drivers?
Winter in Central Oregon has a way of turning roads into shifting puzzles — sometimes tame and dry, other times crusted with icy surprises. Choosing the right traction strategy isn’t just about comfort; it’s a key part of safe driving and smart Central Oregon car insurance planning. Two of the most common options are all-season tires and tire chains, but each plays a very different role once the snow starts swirling. All-Season Tires: The Everyday Workhorse All-season tires are designed to handle a spectrum of conditions, from warm pavement to light snow. They’re the dependable “daily shoes” for your car — ready for most tasks, most of the time. Their…
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What to Do if Your Car Insurance Lapses—and How to Fix It Fast
A car insurance lapse can happen for several reasons. If you miss a payment or overlook a renewal, act fast. Driving without insurance exposes you to legal, financial, and personal risks. Here’s how to recover quickly if your Oregon insurance lapses. 1. Confirm the Lapse and Understand Why It Happened First, check if your coverage has expired. Sometimes policies include a grace period or missed-notice provisions. Log in to your account or call your insurer to confirm: Why was the policy canceled? Whether you owe a past-due balance Understanding the reason helps you avoid future lapses. 2. Stop Driving Until You’re Reinsured Don’t drive until you’re insured again. Even a…
