Safe Driving for Mature Drivers

You can do things now to be a safer mature driver. Today's blog post has tips to help you drive safely, drive longer, and avoid accidents. You will also find information to help you discuss your automobile insurance needs, ask informed questions, and understand your rights and responsibilities.

As a mature driver, you have years of driving experience. This experience can help you continue to be a safe driver.

To own a car and drive in California, you must register your car and have a driver's license. You must show financial responsibility for any vehicle that you own, in case of injury to other people or damage to their property. Most people show financial responsibility by buying auto liability insurance. California law states:

All drivers and all owners of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility and shall at all times carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for the vehicle.

You must have liability insurance for any car that you own. The insurance covers limited costs when your car injures other people and property. You must show proof of your insurance when you:

• Are asked for it by a police or other law enforcement officer.
• Have an accident.
• Register your car or renew the registration.
• Get your car inspected.

After age 70, you can no longer renew your driver's license by mail. You must go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will take a vision test, and you may have to take the written and driving tests.

This booklet has many tips to help you be a safe driver and keep your driving license.

You must report accidents right away to law enforcement and to your insurance company. You can order a free brochure from the California Department of Insurance (CDI) called "So You've Had an Accident, What's Next?" It walks you through what you need to do if you have an accident.

They are the state agency that regulates insurance companies. We also protect the rights of insurance consumers. We have many brochures on insurance. Please contact us if you are experiencing problems or have questions about auto insurance or other kinds of insurance.

Also contact them if:

• An insurance agent, broker, or company has treated you unfairly.
• You want to check the license of an agent, broker, or company.
• You want to check the claims and customer service records of a company.

You can call the Baldwin Insurance Agency anytime at 510-274-9766 for a free checkup of your current coverage, and we can make sure that you have all that you need.

You can also drop by our office at 3185 Castro Valley Blvd., in the Intero Real Estate buiding at the corner of Chester St.

Our website is always available at: http://www.baldwininsuranceagency.com/