2025 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership - Page 3

What You Should Do If Your Car Catches Fire

If your car overheats and catches fire, your safety is the top priority. Here’s what to do, step by step:

 

1. Pull Over Safely

• Signal and move to the shoulder or a safe area off the road.
• Stop the engine immediately to halt fuel flow and stop overheating.

 

2. Evacuate the Vehicle

• Get yourself and all passengers out immediately.
• Do NOT open the hood – fire needs oxygen, and opening the hood could make it worse.
• Move at least 100 feet away from the vehicle, ideally upwind in case of smoke or toxic fumes.

 

3. Call Emergency Services

• Dial 911 and clearly explain the location and the situation.
• If you’re on a highway, mention your mile marker or nearby exit.

 

4. Do NOT Attempt to Extinguish a Large Fire

• A car fire can escalate quickly and may involve explosions from the fuel tank, tires, airbags, etc.
• If it’s a small fire under the hood and you have a fire extinguisher (Class B or C) and it’s safe to do so, you can try to use it without opening the hood fully.
  • Aim through the grille or small opening.
• If you’re unsure — don’t try. Leave it to the professionals.

 

5. Do Not Re-Enter the Vehicle

• Even if you left valuables inside, do not go back — smoke and flames can be fatal.
• Wait for firefighters or emergency personnel to give the all-clear.

 

6. Document the Incident (If Safe and Appropriate)

• If you’re at a safe distance and it’s safe to do so, take pictures or video for insurance purposes.

 

7. Notify Your Insurance Company

• Call them once you’re safe. They’ll guide you through the claims process.

 

BONUS: Prevent Future Fires

After this incident is resolved, consider:

• Routine maintenance to prevent overheating (coolant system, hoses, etc.)
• Carrying a fire extinguisher rated for automotive use
• Watching for signs of electrical or fuel issues in the future

 

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What To Do If Your Windshield Cracks

What To Do If Your Windshield Cracks

 

Why do windshields crack?

 

Windshields crack for several reasons, most of which relate to stress being placed on the glass or flaws in its structure. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

1. Impact Damage

• Cause: Rocks, gravel, or other debris hitting the windshield, usually when driving.
• Effect: This often results in small chips that can later grow into cracks if not repaired.

 

2. Temperature Changes (Thermal Stress)

• Cause: Sudden or extreme shifts in temperature—like pouring hot water on an icy windshield or blasting the defroster on high heat.
• Effect: Glass expands and contracts with temperature; uneven expansion creates stress, leading to cracks.

 

3. Structural Stress

• Cause: Body flexing or twisting of the car due to driving over rough terrain, potholes, or poor chassis alignment.
• Effect: Puts pressure on the windshield, especially if it was already weakened.

 

4. Poor Installation

• Cause: Incorrectly fitted or improperly supported windshields.
• Effect: Can cause uneven stress distribution and make the glass more prone to cracking over time.

 

5. Manufacturing Defects

• Cause: Internal flaws or impurities in the glass during production.
• Effect: These create weak points that are more likely to crack under pressure or stress.

 

6. Ignored Chips or Dings

• Cause: Small damage left unrepaired.
• Effect: Vibration, weather, or stress can turn a tiny chip into a long crack.

 

7. Pressure Stress (Uneven Frame Support)

• Cause: Vehicle body damage or uneven windshield mounting.
• Effect: Puts uneven pressure on the glass, which can eventually lead to cracks, especially around the edges.

 

Cracks in windshields are usually caused by impact, thermal stress, poor installation, or structural flaws. Even tiny chips can grow over time, so early repair is crucial.

If your windshield becomes cracked, here are a number of steps that you can take to get it repaired:

If your windshield is cracked, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting it repaired or replaced, depending on the severity:

 

1. Assess the Damage

Ask yourself:

• Is it a small chip or a long crack?
• Does it obstruct your line of sight?
• Is it near the edge of the windshield?

General rule:

• Chips smaller than a quarter or cracks shorter than 6 inches may be repairable.
• Larger cracks or damage in the driver’s view usually require replacement.

 

2. Take Photos

Take clear pictures of the damage from different angles. This can help with:

• Insurance claims
• Getting accurate repair quotes

 

3. Check Your Insurance

Call your auto insurance provider or log in to your account to check:

• Is glass coverage included?
  (Many comprehensive policies cover repairs at no cost to you.)
• Is there a deductible?
• Do they partner with any glass repair companies?

Some insurers even offer zero-deductible glass coverage in certain states.

 

4. Find a Reputable Auto Glass Repair Shop

You can:

• Search for local auto glass specialists
• Use national services like:
  • Safelite
  • Glass Doctor
  • Gerber Collision & Glass
• Or ask your dealership or mechanic for recommendations

Many shops offer mobile repair (they come to you), which is convenient if the crack is spreading or driving is unsafe.

 

5. Get a Quote

Even if insurance is involved, get a quote first. You’ll need:

• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Description of the damage
• Photos (optional, but helpful)

 

6. Repair or Replace

• Repair: Usually takes 30 minutes, costs around $50–$100, and can often be done same-day.
• Replacement: Takes 1–2 hours, costs $200–$500+

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Why It’s More Dangerous to Drive During Summer

Statistically speaking, it is more dangerous to drive during the summer months compared to other seasons in many parts of the world, especially in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of why and what the data shows:

 

 Statistics (U.S. Focused, but Trends Are Global)

• NHTSA and IIHS data consistently show that:
  • July and August are among the deadliest months for traffic fatalities.
  • Teen driving fatalities, motorcycle accidents, and alcohol-related crashes also tend to spike in the summer.

 

Why Summer Driving Is More Dangerous

1. More Drivers on the Road

• Vacation travel increases traffic volume.
• More young/inexperienced drivers (e.g., teens out of school) are driving.
• Tourists unfamiliar with local roads may make more mistakes.

2. Riskier Driving Behavior

• Higher rates of speeding, distracted driving, and DUI.
• Summer is peak season for parties, festivals, and road trips, often involving alcohol.

3. More Motorcycles, Bicycles, and Pedestrians

• Warm weather encourages more non-car traffic, which is more vulnerable in crashes.

4. Road Construction

• Summer is peak season for road work, increasing hazards like detours and uneven pavement.

5. Fatigue and Heat

• Long drives in hot weather can lead to driver fatigue or heat-related stress.
• Hot weather may also increase tire blowouts and mechanical failures.

What About Winter?

 

Winter has more hazardous road conditions (ice, snow, low visibility), but people tend to drive more cautiously and drive less overall in severe weather. As a result, while crash rates per mile may go up, the overall number of fatalities is often lower than in summer.

While winter brings more obvious hazards like snow and ice, summer is statistically more deadly overall, primarily due to increased traffic, risky behaviors, and higher travel volume.

 

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