Summer is supposed to a time to relax and have fun with your family. The kids are out of school, and you’ve got places to go. You’re not the only one who’s out on the road this summer. All the extra cars and people can be a major hazard if you’re not prepared.

Whether you’re traveling, moving, or just trying to get to work this summer, check out these driving tips to keep you and your family safe while out on the road this summer.

Drive long enough, and your windshield will get hit with gravel, sand, salt, or even a bird with a bad sense of direction. The impact will most likely crack or chip your windshield.

The question most people ask is whether they should ignore the problem, repair their windshield or replace it. The one thing you don’t want to do is ignore cracks and chips in your windshield.

Many chips and cracks can be safely repaired by trained professionals. However, it’s important to know when you should consider replacing a damaged windshield instead. Either way, you need to take care of your windshield to stay safe out on the road.

Summer is almost over, and you want one last family vacation before the kids go back to school. An easy and affordable option, especially if you’re planning this at the last minute, is a road trip. Hop in your car, hit the open road, and see some of the sights.

Before you pile everyone into the car, make sure you prepare first. This way your trip will be fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Your beloved clunker you’ve had since college has finally died. Your family has outgrown the two-door coupe you’ve been driving for years. You’re tired of needing a second job just to afford fuel in your gas guzzler.

Pick an issue, any issue, but you’re ready to buy a new car.

Good for you! Before you run out and buy the first brand-new, bright red, sporty thing that catches your eye, slow down. There are plenty of mistakes people make when they buy a car that costs them time and money. Avoiding them will help you find the right vehicle that you love and can afford.

No one wants to pay too much for anything, especially not your car insurance. But we’ve all heard the old adage, “You get what you pay for.” Going with the cheapest car insurance or cutting your coverage to save money might make sense right now, but all it takes is one accident to ruin all those savings.

Take a look at the true costs of cheap car insurance so you understand what you’re getting yourself into.

For most people, auto accidents are an extremely rare occurrence. When it does happen, it can come as a big shock followed by a big question: what do I do next?

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Hopefully it will be a long time before you have to worry about how to handle an accident, but if it happens, use this list and you’ll know exactly what to expect and what to do.

You waited for a few years for the time to be just right. Your old car is on its last legs, and you’re finally in a position to own a brand new vehicle. It’s a satisfying moment, knowing you can choose a car with the latest and greatest features, the best gas mileage, and with a decent warranty, at least for a few years.

Drive one mile off the lot, and you’ve just taken the most expensive ride of your life. When you buy a brand new vehicle, you can lose up to 20 percent of the value in the first year, most of it within the first days and weeks after you buy.

We’ve all had at least one moment behind the wheel when we wonder what is going on with the driver in front of us. Why won’t they go faster? Why did they cut us off? Who gave them a driver’s license?

There’s nothing wrong with being annoyed by inconsiderate or bad drivers, but when you lose your temper, you’ve now moved past annoyance and into road rage.

The more times you’re stopped by a police officer or highway patrol officer and drive away with a ticket, the more you’ll pay for your auto insurance in Charlotte. Traffic violations are common and while not everyone is stopped for every mistake, those who get caught will pay the price – for the ticket and in your insurance.

Avoid these top traffic violations and you’ll pay less for your insurance and stay safer on the road.

There are plenty of reasons why accidents happen – road rage, confusion, bad traffic – but distracted driving is the biggest reason of all. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and on behalf of Charlotte Insurance, we want everyone to stay safe on the roads. Your family wants you to come home safe every day. It starts with being safe behind the wheel.

Anything that takes your attention off the road can cause distracted driving – things like eating, drinking, smoking, and daydreaming. One of the most common problems these days is cell phone use. We can do so much more with our phones than ever before and many of us are doing it all while we’re driving.