From the Studebaker to the Indy 500, Indiana has long had a love affair with cars. In fact, Indiana is called the “Crossroads of America” because of its many fine modes of transportation. Unfortunately, due to often-treacherous weather conditions, driving in Indiana requires full attention and patience. In other words: leave the speeding to the professionals!

Pay attention to your speedometer!
Although we may not always like conforming to them, speed limits serve an important purpose. Speeding is one of the most common (and avoidable) causes of auto accidents in this country. In Indiana alone, speeding costs $220 million a year in losses. Not following the speed limit can cause an accident or get you cited for a moving violation, which could raise your auto insurance rates. If you think you’re saving time by speeding, just think of the time (and money) getting pulled over will cost you.

Just say no!
Some safety agencies estimate that 3 in 10 Americans will be involved at some point in an alcohol-related crash. In Indiana, 37% of accidents are alcohol-related. And those fortunate enough to avoid an accident could still find themselves with a hefty DUI (and an increase in their auto insurance rates). Remember, drinking and driving never mix. Weather conditions can be rough in Indiana, and it’s important to be alert and ready for anything that either Mother Nature, or another driver, throws your way.

Don’t mess with Mother Nature!
Although the seasons can tell you, to a certain point, when certain weather conditions are on their way, you never know when a sudden storm could leave you stranded in your car. It's a good idea to prepare your car and your auto insurance for certain weather trends that can happen in Indiana.

• Be prepared. Have tire treads, brakes and wipers checked.
• Slow down in bad driving conditions. (In extremely poor situations, you may not want to drive at all.) Rain, snow, and fog can make it difficult to see and impossible to drive. Plus, wet and uneven surfaces require additional time to make a complete stop. Wet surfaces require 2 to 10 times more stopping distance than dry ones.
• If you start to skid, don't hit the brakes. Ease off the accelerator and steer into the direction of the skid.
• Make sure you put together a winter car kit, in case you are ever stranded in a storm. This kit should contain: sand for traction, a small shovel for clearing snow, tire chains, a flashlight with fresh batteries, warm blankets or sleeping bag, and non-perishable food items.

Find reliable auto insurance
If you ever do need to file an auto insurance claim with Esurance, you can be sure it will be handled quickly and fairly and we'll get you back on the road fast! You can call our auto insurance claims center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your account is always available to you online, but if you have any questions, our customer service representatives are available round-the-clock too!

Start experiencing quality service and great rates on your Indiana auto insurance by getting a quote from Esurance today!