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The Connection Between Your Credit Score and Insurance Premiums
If you have ever wondered why an insurance agent asks for your Social Security number or permission to run a credit check, you aren’t alone. It can feel invasive and, frankly, a bit confusing. After all, what does your ability to pay off a credit card have to do with your ability to navigate a four-way stop? The reality is that in most of the United States, your credit history is one of the most influential factors in determining how much you pay for auto and homeowners insurance. While it may seem like an odd metric for measuring driving or property risk, insurance companies rely heavily on a specialized version…
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Distracted Driving: How to Avoid It in 2026
April 2026 marks National Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a crucial time to address what’s really happening on our roads. Despite advances in vehicle safety technology, driving feels more dangerous than ever. Recent data from early 2026 suggests that nearly nine in ten drivers believe phone use behind the wheel has increased over the last year. Despite the presence of high-tech safety nets, the fundamental challenge remains: keeping your eyes on the road and your mind on the task. Before diving into practical steps, it’s crucial to understand what actions make the difference in combating distraction while driving. Here is how you can master the road and avoid distractions in 2026. 1.…
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Top 5 Things Central Oregon Drivers Do That Cause Car Accidents
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Understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance in Oregon
If you own a vehicle in Oregon, you’ve likely noticed a line item on your insurance policy labeled PIP. While it might seem like just another insurance acronym, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is one of the most vital components of your coverage. Often referred to as “no-fault” insurance, it serves as a financial first responder after a motor vehicle accident. What is Oregon PIP? Personal Injury Protection is a mandatory extension of car insurance in Oregon. Its primary purpose is to ensure that anyone injured in a car accident—regardless of who caused the crash—has immediate access to medical treatment and financial support. Unlike liability claims, which can take months or…
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Top 5 Things Central Oregon Drivers Do That Cause Car Accidents
Central Oregon offers scenic highways and mountain views, but car accidents still occur here. Many are preventable and result from common driving habits. Increased awareness is essential for safer roads. Below are the top five behaviors that frequently cause car accidents in Central Oregon: 1. Distracted Driving Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, including in Central Oregon. Activities such as texting, phone use, eating, or daydreaming reduce your attention and increase crash risk. 2. Speeding Speeding contributes significantly to accidents by reducing reaction time, increasing stopping distance, and worsening crash severity. Always follow posted speed limits to stay safe. 3. Driving Under the Influence Driving under the influence…
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Distracted Driving: How to Avoid It in 2026
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Riding in Formation: Your Guide to Safe Group Motorcycling
There is nothing quite like the camaraderie of a group ride through the high desert or the winding mountain passes of the Pacific Northwest. However, riding with a pack introduces unique risks that require discipline and preparation. To ensure your next outing is memorable for the right reasons, follow these essential safety guidelines. Preparation and the Pre-Ride Meeting Safety starts before the Oregon engines even start. Every rider should arrive with a full tank of gas and a bike in good mechanical condition. A pre-ride meeting is crucial; this is where you designate a Lead Rider and a Sweep Rider. Both should be experienced veterans. The Lead sets the pace…
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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…
