Hoosier Motor Club Blog

Summer remains the most popular and eagerly anticipated season for family travel according to AAA Travel experts but travel plans can obviously vary from one individual to the next. While some children may travel entirely alone in order to visit a distant relative, others may do so with a single parent or maybe even with their respective grandparents and depending upon the situation, unexpected travel documentation may be necessary, especially if a parent isn’t present or if a child’s last name differs from a parent’s name.

“Family travel plans could be interrupted or even ruined if necessary documentation requirements for children catch adults by surprise,” said Bill Sutherland, vice president, AAA Travel Services. ”It is critical that parents identify and obtain the required documents for their specific family or child’s travel.”          

AAA Travel experts offer these children’s travel tips:

Passports for Children – All U.S. citizens including infants and children must have a valid passport to travel internationally by air. A passport card can be used for automobile and cruise ship travel to Canada and Mexico from the United States. Both parents must provide consent authorizing passport issuance for a minor under age 16. AAA Travel experts recommend that citizens of all ages use a passport for all international travel, including auto and cruise travel to Canada and Mexico, in the event an emergency requires reentry to the United States by air. 

Current passport holders should examine the passport expiration date, and if the document is due to expire within six months of travel, renew it prior to travel. While adult passports are valid for ten years, passports for children under age 16 are valid for five years. Parents should carefully examine all passport and child travel documentation requirements at travel.state.gov, or seek the assistance of a knowledgeable travel agent. To locate the nearest AAA Travel Agency, visit AAA.com.

Cruising with Children – Cruise lines generally require at least one legal adult (age 21 or higher) to occupy every stateroom to eliminate the possibility of children cruising alone. This person also needs to be a legal parent or guardian. Cruise lines also require a notarized letter of authorization to travel if a child is sailing with only one parent, other non-custodial adults, or has a different last name than the responsible legal adult. For more information visit the applicable cruise line website or a knowledgeable travel agent. 

International Solo Parent Travel – When visiting a foreign country – including Mexico and Canada – as a lone adult with a minor child under age 18, additional travel documentation is required. To help prevent cases of parental abduction and international child trafficking, many countries now require proof of the lone adult’s relationship to the child and the legal right to travel in and out of the country with that child. In addition to the child’s valid United States passport, and entry visa where required, a letter of permission from the absent parent(s) signed before a notary public is needed. 

The letter should include a statement of authorization for the child to travel, details of the trip and legal names and contact information for the child and accompanying adult. Single parents, grandparents, stepparents, guardians and any adult with a last name different from the child needs to be prepared with the additional documentation to present at border crossings, airport immigration check points and cruise line check-in desks. A travel agent can assist in securing the appropriate documents.  

Children Flying Solo – Most airlines offer fee-based Unaccompanied Minor programs that facilitate air travel for children without an accompanying adult. These programs provide an affordable travel option to link geographically separated family members with the children they treasure. Airline Unaccompanied Minor programs, policies and procedures vary. Most require that an authorized adult escort the child to the departure gate and an authorized adult take custody of the minor child at the arrival gate.In flight, unaccompanied minors are under the care of the cabin crew.    

If planning an itinerary for a child traveling solo by air be sure to carefully check the specific requirements for each airline you are considering. Check age requirements, fees and all details which can vary greatly. For example some airlines require that travel be on a nonstop flight, while others might allow one or more stops if a plane change does not occur. Specific details of each airline’s program can be found on the airline website.    

Child Medical Care Authorization – When a child is traveling without a parent, receiving emergency medical care could be complicated or refused by the medical facility, unless the emergency is deemed life-threatening. The adult accompanying the child should carry a medical proxy, an original notarized letter from the non-traveling parent(s) granting permission to authorize emergency medical care for the child. The letter should include the permission statement, child’s health insurance information, social security number and full legal names of the child and accompanying adults. If the child remains at home while a parent travels, this important medical authorization documentation should be supplied to the child’s caregiver.

AAA projects 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, an increase of 1.2 percent – or 500,000 travelers – from the 34.3 million people who traveled one year ago. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28.

“Despite continued economic improvement, high gas prices this spring have squeezed many household budgets,” said Greg Seiter, public affairs manager for AAA Hoosier Motor Club. “As a result, while Americans will still be traveling during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, many will be staying closer to home and will cut back on entertainment spending.”

Automobile adds to dominance as lead transportation choice, up 1.2 percent
Approximately 30.7 million people plan to drive to their destination, an increase of 1.2 percent from the 30.3 million who drove last year. Almost nine out of ten holiday travelers (88 percent) will take to the nation’s roadways during the Memorial Day weekend keeping automobile travel in the traditional lead as the dominate mode of holiday travel transportation. 

Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans
A survey of intended travelers found that 53 percent said recent increases in gasoline prices would not impact their Memorial Day holiday travel plans. Of the remaining 47 percent, nine percent are planning to take a shorter trip, four percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation and 34 percent will economize in other areas. Those who intend to economize in other areas plan to reduce spending on entertainment (65 percent), stay at a lower priced hotel (34 percent), stay with friends and relatives instead of reserving a hotel room (31 percent) or stay in a hotel that includes value-added amenities like free breakfast and Internet service (27 percent). 

National gasoline prices may have peaked in April despite seasonal highs in early spring when motorists experienced average price increases for all but four days in February and March. April experienced a full reversal as prices fell for 23 of 30 days during the month, helping to break a streak of 911 days since the national average price was lower than the previous year. The current national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is approximately 25 cents lower than this time last year.

Number of air travelers expected to decline by 5.5 percent
More than 2.5 million leisure air travelers (seven percent) will fly during the holiday weekend, a 5.5 percent decrease from last year’s 2.7 million air travelers. The remaining 4.5 percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft. 

Average travel distance significantly less than last year
According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Memorial Day holiday weekend is expected to be 642 miles, which is 150 miles less than last year’s average travel distance of 792 miles. With high gas prices squeezing consumers’ spending power this spring, consumers are responding by traveling shorter distances this Memorial Day holiday. 

The decline in expected air travel is a factor in the travel distance decrease as fewer flying miles can be contrasted with the slight growth in automobile travel. Miles flown for weekend travel are typically longer than those driven. Last year, the shortest trips, those less than 150 miles, made up 19 percent of total travel compared to 21 percent this year, reinforcing the expectation that shorter trips are especially popular this Memorial Day weekend. Median spending is expected to be $702, only slightly more than the $692 median spending last year.  

Change in income demographics of Memorial Day Travelers
The growth in Memorial Day holiday travel can be tied, in part, to a change in the income demographics of Memorial Day holiday travelers compared to last year.  Survey results reveal that the share of expected holiday travelers in the under $50K household income bracket has fallen five percent, from 31 percent to 26 percent.  The share of expected travelers in the $50K-$100K household income bracket dropped one percent. Conversely, the share of travelers with household incomes above $100K increased six percent, from 30 percent to 36 percent. The effect of higher gas prices is more significant on lower income households as fuel costs make up a larger share of overall spending. 

Car rental rates drop, hotel rates rise
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase eight percent from a year ago with travelers spending an average of $160 per night compared to $148 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay 10 percent more with an average cost of $120 per night. Weekend daily car rental rates will average $36, four percent ($2) less than last year.

AAA offers mobile travel planning resources
AAA’s digital tools for travel planning ‘on the go’ include eTourBook guides for 101 top North American destinations, free to members at AAA.com/ebooks. Choose from city titles, like Orlando, New York and the award-winning Las Vegas, as well as National Parks. They’re usable on the same devices travelers already bring along for the road – tablets and smartphones.

Free AAA apps for iPhone and Android devices use GPS navigation to help travelers map a route, locate nearby member discounts and find current gas prices. Travelers can learn about AAA apps and AAA Mobile Web at AAA.com/mobile.  

Travelers can find thousands of AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using AAA’s digital travel planning tools or online at AAA.com/Travel. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA / IHS Global Insight 2012 Memorial Day Holiday Travel Forecast can be found at NewsRoom.AAA.com.

As communities from coast to coast celebrate National Bike Month this May, a growing number of Americans are picking up their bikes for recreation, fitness and transportation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of bicycle commuters nationwide increased 40 percent from 2000 to 2010.

With more bicyclists on American roadways, AAA has partnered with the League of American Bicyclists to produce a series of bicycle safety videos, designed to educate both motorists and bicyclists on the importance of sharing the road. AAA’s newly redesigned ShareTheRoad.AAA.com offers bicycle and helmet fit guides, safety tips and riding skills advice.

“This spring, warmer weather is enticing more bicyclists to the roadways,” said AAA’s Traffic Safety Project Manager Rhonda Shah. “And sadly, in 2010, 628 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes and an additional 52,000 were injured.” As an advocate for the safety of travelers on both two wheels and four, AAA offers the following advice to motorists: 

• Share the road. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, including the right to ride in the traffic lane
• Slow down and allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
• Check mirrors and blind spots before turning, changing lanes or opening car doors.
• Never honk your horn at a bicyclist. They may startle and swerve off the road or into traffic.
• Be especially cautious around children on bikes. They are often unsteady and unpredictable.
• Stay alert and avoid all distractions while driving.

“This year’s theme for Bike Month - One Ride, Many Reasons - recognizes that cycling enhances our lives in countless ways, from keeping us fit to giving us a fun way to get to work,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “We’re excited about AAA’s strong support of Bike Month and commitment to educate motorists, so every ride is safe and comfortable for drivers and bicyclists alike.” 

As more bicyclists take to the roads, lawmakers have taken notice, too. With the help of the Bicycle Friendly America (BFA) program, a growing number of cities and states are taking steps to improve biking in their communities.According to the most recent BFA survey:

• The number of U.S. states with three-foot passing laws has grown by 64 percent in the last four years.
• 35 states currently have a Share the Road campaign.

To learn how you can share the road, visit AAA’s updated website for bicycle safety videos and other resources visit ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. For more information or to support the League, visit bikeleague.org.

Hoping to decrease your carbon footprint and live a greener life? What and how you drive is a large part of your daily carbon footprint. Electric engines, several hybrid options and even traditional internal combustion engines have become more efficient and emit fewer greenhouse gasses in recent times. Even if you’re not in the market for a new car, AAA has tips to help you get the best efficiency and minimize greenhouse gasses no matter what you drive.

“There has been an influx of ‘green’ technologies by automakers into the market, which is great for consumers seeking a more environmentally-conscious choice for their next vehicle purchase,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Additionally, motorists not currently in the market for a new car can also make a difference by simply adjusting driving habits.”

The market for green cars is strengthening. Below are technologies to watch for when shopping for a ‘green’ vehicle:

Electric Power
This year has already been an exciting one for full-electric vehicles (EV). These vehicles do not use gasoline and rely solely on battery power. With the average cost for a kilowatt hour of electric energy at approximately 12 cents, to fully charge an EV with a 24KWh battery pack would cost around $2.88. That works out to between 3.0 cents and 4.4 cents per mile for fuel. Making EV’s even more appealing and green; there is no need for oil changes, ignition system maintenance, fuel system service or exhaust pipe and muffler replacements. A stand out in this category is the Nissan Leaf.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Similar fuel economy can be realized in plug-in hybrid powertrains. These vehicles use a rechargeable battery pack that allows the car to travel up to 35 miles before the onboard gasoline engine starts. In some cars, this engine will provide power to the drive wheels. In other models this engine powers a generator that delivers power to the motor driving the vehicle while also recharging the batteries. Unlike fully electric vehicles, a plug-in hybrid is limited only by the range of its gas tank. The Toyota Prius PHEV and 2013 Ford Fusion are great examples of plug-ins in the marketplace today.

Gasoline-Electric Hybrids
Hitting the market hard in 2012, gasoline-electric hybrids like the Nissan Altima Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid use a gasoline engine and an electric motor. A full or parallel hybrid can run on either the gasoline or electric motor, or use both for maximum performance. A mild hybrid uses the electric motor to aid the gasoline engine, which must always be running when the car is moving. Full hybrids can travel on electric power alone. Hybrids never need to be plugged into a wall outlet or external charging station to keep the batteries at full power. The gasoline engine that powers the car also handles the task of recharging the batteries.

Compressed Natural Gas/Diesel Vehicles
Vehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG) marry efficiency with markedly reduced tailpipe emissions. While many gasoline-powered vehicles have been converted to run on compressed natural gas, which is relatively abundant and produced in the United States, the Honda Civic GX is the only sedan that comes from the factory with this ability. CNG vehicles use a standard piston engine.

Diesels are not often thought of as being “green,” but the latest generation of diesel vehicles produce fewer tailpipe emissions and significantly reduce carbon dioxide output. Today’s diesels are so clean they meet environmental standards in all states, including those that have adopted the more stringent California emissions rules. Among diesel powered cars, the Audi A3 is a standout.

Don’t forget More Efficient Gasoline Vehicles
Manufacturers are even updating or planning to update their current models to be environmentally friendly. Ford has launched their EcoBoost engines that use turbocharging technology, making it possible to use smaller, more fuel efficient engines that are still able to provide the levels of acceleration needed for safe merging and passing. The Chevrolet Cruze and new Dodge Dart will also offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines in place of larger and less economical engines.

For motorists that are not in the market for a new car, but want to decrease their carbon footprint, AAA suggests the following simple changes to lessen the impact of transportation on the environment:

• Slow down. Decreasing vehicle speed by 10 mph can significantly increase fuel efficiency and decrease the associated carbon dioxide output.
• Drive at a steady pace and anticipate traffic patterns. Accelerating rapidly then having to brake, wastes fuel and causes brakes to wear more quickly.
• Plan your route in advance. Consolidate trips whenever possible and plan to travel during lighter traffic times.
• Remove unneeded items from the trunk and avoid using the roof rack. Added weight and air resistance will cause more fuel to burn.
• If your car has an “ECO” setting, use it. It will smooth out your gas pedal inputs; optimize transmission shift points and decrease air conditioners impact on the engine.

AAA’s top picks are selected by its auto buying experts who test drive and evaluate hundreds of vehicles each year. AAA provides free vehicle reviews, localized pricing information and more for consumers online at AAA.com/AutoMaker. Additional information on AAA Auto Buying is available at AAA.com/AutoBuying or by downloading the mobile Auto Buying Tools App at aaa.com/mobile.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety today released a study showing a strong association between the number and age of passengers present in-vehicle and the risk of a teen driver dying in a traffic crash.

The report, “Teen Driver Risk in Relation to Age and Number of Passengers,” found that the likelihood of a 16- or 17-year-old driver being killed in a crash, per mile driven, increases with each additional young passenger in the vehicle. Compared to driving with no passengers, a 16- or 17-year-old driver’s fatality risk: 

• Increases 44 percent when carrying one passenger younger than 21 (and no older passengers)
• Doubles when carrying two passengers younger than 21 (and no older passengers)
• Quadruples when carrying three or more passengers younger than 21 (and no older passengers)

Conversely, carrying at least one passenger aged 35 or older cuts a teen driver’s risk of death by 62 percent, and risk of involvement in any police-reported crash by 46 percent, highlighting the protective influence that parents and other adults have in the car.

The study analyzed data on crashes and the number of miles driven by 16- and 17-year-olds to assess the effect on a teen driver’s safety of having passengers in the vehicle. Though widely accepted that passengers pose a risk, recent changes – such as the adoption by most states of varying passenger restrictions for novice teen drivers, and a substantial overall decline in teen traffic fatalities – beg the question of just how significant the risk is.

Despite recent progress, the new report confirms that carrying young passengers (under 21) is still a major risk factor for 16- and 17-year-old drivers.

“We know that carrying young passengers is a huge risk, but it’s also a preventable one,” said AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety President and CEO Peter Kissinger. “These findings should send a clear message to families that parents can make their teens safer immediately by refusing to allow them to get in the car with other young people, whether they’re behind the wheel or in the passenger seat.”

“The connection between carrying young passengers and increased fatal crash risk is clear, and placing appropriate limits is a key part of graduated driver licensing in Indiana,” said Greg Seiter, public affairs manager for AAA Hoosier Motor Club. “By limiting the number of passengers that 16- and 17-year-old drivers can have in the car, these policies help ensure that teens stay focused on the road and gain the experience they need to become safe drivers. It’s critical, too, that parents enforce the law and family rules that restrict passengers and help keep their teens safe.”

Additionally, given the significant decrease in risk seen when adults 35 and older were present, parents and guardians can also help protect novice teen drivers by spending more time in the car with them.

“The AAA Foundation is dedicated to reducing the number of fatalities on our roadways, and we want to get the message out when we see an opportunity to reduce the risk of a crash or fatality among the riskiest drivers on the road,” said Kissinger. “Parents and teens together can reduce this risk today.”

AAA Foundation urges families to consider these steps:

• Know the graduated driver licensing system for your state, and remember: even if the law doesn’t set a passenger limit, parents can
• Sign a parent-teen driving agreement that stipulates teens will not ride as passengers of teen drivers without a parent’s advance permission
• Provide transportation alternatives for teens who honor that pledge
• Talk with other parents so they know the rules for your teen and will help enforce them
• Spend time as a passenger when your teen is at the wheel. Your presence and your guidance help make your teen a safer driver
• Visit www.Teendriving.AAA.com for resources that can help teens become safer drivers, including a parent-teen driving agreement covering safety risks like passengers, cell-phone use and night driving

AAA and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety have long-standing commitments to improving teen driver safety through research and the development of science-based tools and resources. For a copy of the study, or to learn more about our work in this focus area, visit www.aaafoundation.org. For additional resources, visit www.TeenDriving.AAA.com.

As the summer travel season approaches, many Americans will be carefully planning a vacation within their budget. A little research and advance planning can result in big savings. Last year AAA/CAA members saved nearly 2 billion dollars using AAA discounts and the Show Your Card & Save® program. AAA recommends travelers take advantage of cheaper prices by booking early and researching any available discounts such as those available to AAA members on hotels, car rentals and attraction tickets.

“Higher gas prices and tight household budgets continue to cause anxiety for some travelers who are currently planning a summer getaway,” said Gail Acebes, director, AAA Partnership Programs. “AAA is pleased to offer members many discounts on travel products and services that will ease the financial burden of a memorable vacation.”

AAA membership provides extensive discounts to make a summer getaway more affordable. The following is a partial list of travel discounts available to AAA members:

Lodging Discounts
AAA members who stay at AAA preferred hotels receive discounts ranging from five to 15 percent off the best available rate and the comfort of a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Preferred hotels include Best Western, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, The Hilton Family including Hampton; Marriott brands including Renaissance; and Starwood Hotels & Resorts including Sheraton and Westin.

Lodgings vary greatly by cost and amenities. AAA categorizes its 31,000 AAA Approved hotels on a scale of One to Five Diamonds to help travelers identify properties that meet their needs and budget.

Car Rental Discounts
As the exclusive car rental partner of AAA, Hertz offers members a wide variety of money-saving discounts and exclusive offers. AAA member benefits include the guaranteed best rate available at time of reservation by booking channel; reduced rate for NeverLost®GPS, Hertz’s customized on-board navigational system, a discount on Hertz prepaid rates, a discount on the Fuel Purchase Option, no charge for additional qualified AAA drivers, free use of a child safety seat and more.

Savings on Train Travel and Sightseeing Activities
Whether heading home for a summer holiday or to another great North American destination, AAA members are eligible for exclusive savings on train travel. Members receive 10 percent off Amtrak passenger rail fares with three-day advance booking by visiting AAA.com/amtrak. Members also receive 10 percent off Gray Line sightseeing tours of one day or less by visiting AAA.com/grayline.  

AAA offers discounts at some of the most popular attractions for a summer getaway. In addition to saving on tickets and admission fees, AAA members save 10 percent at select merchandise and dining locations at Universal Orlando® Resort and Universal Studios HollywoodSM. Visit a AAA office at home or at your destination for additional AAA area discounts.

Stock up on Summer Travel Supplies
Additional savings can be found on summer travel supplies including clothes, bathing suits, film, sunscreen and even a new book to read pool-side at many retailers including: 

• Target.com: $10 off online purchases of $100 or more
• Banana Republic Factory Stores: 10 percent off on all purchases
• Gap Outlet: 10 percent off on all purchases
• Payless Shoesource: 10 percent off regularly priced merchandise

Travel Planning
Although last minute discounts can be found on travel, typically the best bargains and availability are accessible to those who book in advance. If you are planning a complex summer vacation consider visiting a travel agent. A qualified travel agent, such as your AAA travel agent, works directly with travel providers and will be better equipped to negotiate discounts for you and advise you on other savings or benefits that may be available.

Finding discounts on the road has never been easier. AAA now offers digital and mobile travel planning tools for travel planning ‘on the go’ including free apps that can map a route and locate AAA Discounts and gas prices near a user’s location. Visit AAA.com/mobile for more information.

Travelers can find AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants in the TourBook® guides available at AAA offices, the eTourBook guides at AAA.com/ebooks, online at AAA.com/Travel and from smartphones using AAA Mobile Web or the free apps at AAA.com/mobile.

Last year, members saved nearly $2 billion by taking advantage of AAA/CAA discounts including those available through the Show Your Card & Save® program. AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program is one of the largest member discount programs in the world offering more than 164,000 locations for savings worldwide including 110,000 retail locations in North America and popular online retailers. Visit AAA.com/discounts for a complete list of retailers and offers.

Building on a list originally composed by TODAY Travel Editor Peter Greenberg, AAA Hoosier Motor Club and Allianz Global Assistance are working together to help travelers understand the importance of travel insurance.

“Travel insurance covers the unexpected,” said Greg Seiter, public affairs manager for AAA Hoosier Motor Club. “From travel delays due to bad weather or a missed connection, a lost piece of luggage, or a medical emergency in a foreign country, help is only a phone call away.”

Top 10 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance:

1. Your flight has been cancelled.
2. Your bags are lost and so is your medication. You need to have an emergency prescription filled.
3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.
4. You’re involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. You need medical evacuation.
5. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.
6. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.
7. You have a medical emergency in a foreign country.
8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip.
9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise.
10. You lose your job but you’ve already paid for your trip or cruise and need your cash back.

Anyone wanting additional information on travel insurance should contact their nearest AAA Travel Agency.

AAA Insurance will host a Long-Term Care workshop May 15 at 7 p.m. in the AAA Hoosier Motor Club Terre Haute office (1400 S. Third St.).
 
Participants in the AAA Insurance Long-Term Care Workshop will learn about risks and costs associated with Long-Term Care (LTC) as well as what programs such as Medicare and Medicaid actually cover. Attendees will also learn about the types of insurance available to them and how to determine whether or not they can afford to self-insure.
 
LTC encompasses a variety of services and offerings to help meet an individual’s health and/or personal care needs over an extended period of time. The majority of long-term care actually involves non-skilled personal care assistance for daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating and in-home mobility.
 
The Terre Haute event May 15 is free to AAA members age 40 and older but seating is limited and advance reservations are required.
 
To register, please visit www.aaa.com/longtermcare or call 317-923-1500, ext. 370.

Don’t let the beautiful blooms of spring fool you into a false sense of security when it comes to preparation for mud or flood damage. Raindrops may be soothing to hear, but too many of them can lead to devastating damage to your property, and no one is immune.

Nationwide, 30 percent of flood insurance claims each year are filed by people who don’t live in high risk zones, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) covers damage from a mudflow (a river of mud). A mudslide is described as a slope that becomes over-saturated and collapses, and there is generally no coverage for this. The “comprehensive” portion of automobile insurance policies covers losses due to flooding. However, not all drivers decide to buy comprehensive coverage, and if they do, “comp” is frequently dropped as the market value of a person’s car declines.

AAA Hoosier Motor Club has some important facts to help make sure you have the right insurance coverage.

Mud and Flood Insurance Facts 

• Standard home insurance policies do not have flood coverage. This is true of many commercial property insurance policies as well. A separate flood policy is needed to have flood coverage.
• AAA sells flood insurance policies underwritten by FEMA’s NFIP.
• The optional comprehensive portion of a standard AAA auto insurance policy covers flood damage to a vehicle (this varies from state to state).
• Mudslides are not covered in a homeowners policy, but flood insurance can help protect your property in the event of a mudflow.

“It is important to know that a homeowners or car insurance policy does not typically cover mud or flood damage,” said Greg Seiter, public affairs manager for AAA Hoosier Motor Club. “In most cases, additional coverage must be purchased so that a home or vehicle is covered.”

If you have questions about whether your AAA homeowners or auto policy covers mud or flood damage, visit AAA.com, stop by your local AAA office or call (866) 209-8442 to speak with a AAA Insurance representative.

Results from AAA’s annual “Your Driving Costs” study reveal a 1.9 percent rise in the yearly costs to own and operate a sedan in the U.S. The average costs rose 1.1 cents per mile to 59.6 cents per mile, or $8,946 per year, based upon 15,000 miles of annual driving.

“The average driving cost for 2012 is up due to relatively large increases in fuel and tire costs, and more moderate increases in other areas,” said John Nielsen, AAA director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Those increases were offset by a decrease in depreciation resulting in an overall increase of 1.9 percent.”

The findings of the 2012 ‘Your Driving Costs’ study include: 

In-depth findings of this year’s study, including a breakdown of specific costs by category of vehicle and various annual mileages, are contained in the “Your Driving Costs” brochure which is available at AAA Hoosier Motor Club branch offices. It can also be downloaded at the AAA Newsroom.

“Some driving costs fluctuate at different times during the year, such as what we have experienced with fuel prices since the middle of February,” explained Nielsen. “However, AAA’s use of a consistent methodology for its study allows an accurate comparison of driving costs from year to year, and the figures can reliably be used to compare different categories of vehicles.”

Nielsen continued, “AAA understands that high fuel prices are a real concern for consumers, and those in the market for a new vehicle may want to be cautious and determine projected operational costs based on varying levels of fuels costs. To assist consumers in determining their individual driving costs, the AAA “Your Driving Costs” brochure contains a worksheet that can be filled out and personalized for a specific area, driver and vehicle.

Fuel Costs Up 14.8 Percent
The cost of fuel had the largest percentage increase from 2011 to 2012, rising 14.8 percent to 14.2 cents per mile on average for sedan owners. The average cost of regular grade fuel (used by most of the study vehicles) rose 16.6 percent, from $2.880 to $3.357 per gallon. Several vehicles included in the “Your Driving Costs” study had increases in fuel economy, resulting in the overall average fuel cost increase being slightly less. The fuel costs in the 2012 study were calculated using the national average price for regular, unleaded gasoline during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Tire Costs Up 4.2 Percent
The cost of tires ranks second highest among the factors that rose from 2011 to 2012, increasing by 4.2 percent to one cent per mile on average for sedan owners. The rise in cost can be attributed to higher costs for natural rubber, and the increased cost of oil used in tire production and transportation from factory to distributors across the country. A collateral factor is a trend for manufactures to equip new cars with premium-grade tires rather than mid-grade tires.

Depreciation Drops 4.9 Percent
Depreciation costs were up slightly in 2011, but for 2012 the trend has reversed with depreciation falling across the board by nearly five percent.This change may be a consequence of reduced new car sales over the past few years, which has resulted in a relative shortage of good used cars on the market, driving up their value. This is good news for those in the resale market as their vehicles will retain a greater portion of their purchase cost.

Maintenance Costs Up 0.7 Percent
Maintenance costs are slightly higher in the 2012 “Your Driving Costs” study with an increase of 0.7 percent to 4.47 cents per mile on average for sedans. Factors contributing to the increase include higher prices for oil and more manufacturers now requiring synthetic or synthetic-blend motor oils. Although the use of these oils often comes with extended service intervals, the higher cost of the oil combined with increased maintenance operations at each service (which adds to the time required) can combine to increase overall vehicle maintenance costs.

Insurance Costs Up 3.4 Percent
Average insurance costs for sedans rose 3.4 percent (or $33) to $1,001 yearly. Insurance rates vary widely by driver and driving record, issuing company and geographical region. AAA insurance cost estimates are based on a low-risk driver with a clean driving record. For 2012, this group saw a small increase that offset a decrease experienced in 2011. Quotes from five AAA clubs and insurance companies representing seven states showed across the board increases for all sedan sizes, with large cars having the biggest increase.

62nd Year of “Your Driving Costs” Study
AAA has published “Your Driving Costs” since 1950. That year, driving a car 10,000 miles per year cost 9 cents per mile, and gasoline sold for 27 cents per gallon.

Driving Costs are also affected by how well your vehicle runs. Performing regular maintenance not only ensures fuel-efficient operation but can help prevent costly vehicle repairs that can add to your total ownership cost. For more information on ways to keep your vehicle in top condition read the owner’s manual and visit AAA.com for vehicle care information, automated maintenance reminders and repair facility locator tools.

The “Your Driving Costs” study analyzes the cost to own and operate a vehicle in the U.S. Variable operating costs considered in the study include fuel, maintenance and tires. Fuel costs are based on $3.357 per gallon (average price of gas for October 2011-December 2011/AAA Fuel Gauge Report) and Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy ratings weighted 60 percent city, 40 percent highway driving. Fixed ownership costs factored into the results include insurance, license and registration fees, taxes, depreciation and finance charges. These ownership costs are assumed to be on a purchase of a new vehicle, depreciated over five years. Finance charges are based on five year loan at six percent interest with a 10 percent down payment. Your actual operating costs may vary. Refer to page three of AAA’s 2012 “Your Driving Costs” brochure for a list of vehicles and assumptions used in the study.

To conduct its study, AAA’s auto buying and repair experts compiled detailed driving costs for small, medium, and large sedans. Driving costs in each category are based on the average costs for five top-selling models selected by AAA. By size category, they are:

• Small Sedan – Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla.
• Medium Sedan – Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.
• Large Sedan – Buick Lucerne, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon.

Though not part of the AAA composite average, SUV and minivan information is also included in “Your Driving Costs” to help buyers estimate operating costs for these types of vehicles. Selected models include:

• SUVs – Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner.
• Minivans – Dodge Grand Caravan, Kia Sedona, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest and Toyota Sienna.