Best Insurance Info on the Web

Ah, spring is in the air. And if you’ve had your motorcycle in storage since winter, you’re likely itching for a good highway cruise. From sunny California to the Florida Keys, plenty of scenic routes begin to shine this time of year. So, if your gear is packed and your tank is full, here are some of the best motorcycle routes to coast on this spring.

1. Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway (State Route 33), California

Starting off our spring motorcycle road trip list is the Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway, which takes riders through the Los Padres National Forest just two hours north of Los Angeles. Named after one of the area’s first Hispanic national park rangers, the Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway links the state’s Golden Coast to the forested interiors of Los Padres.

Route 33 begins in Ventura and ends in Northern California, just shy of Tracy. The scenic byway segment, however, is only around 36 miles in length, making it a quick ride. Heading out from Ojai Valley, the road is full of twists, picturesque landscapes, and endless forested mountains. And despite being so close to Los Angeles, you’ll find no traffic when riding here.

Due to its location in the mountains, the area can experience heavy rain or rockslides, which may lead to road closures. Consider planning your trip during late April or early May to avoid any issues.

Nearby Pit Stops: 

2. The Twisted Sisters (FM 335, 336, & 337), Texas

If you think Texas roads are flat and strictly straight, the Twisted Sisters ride will definitely change your mind. Located west of Austin, you’ll find the Twisted Sisters, which are three farm-to-market roads—FM 335, 336, and 337—in the Texas Hill Country. Together, these three roads form a loop known by riders in and out of the state for its twists and steep climbs.

Due to its many twists and turns, this spring motorcycle route is best meant for seasoned riders. You can explore these roads in any way you’d like, but most riders tend to start in the town of Medina. If you choose this destination as your start and end point, the total trip will be approximately 170 miles. There are gas stations around but be sure you have a full tank before heading out.

Nearby Pit Stops: 

3. Scenic Byway 12 (State Route 12), Utah

Also referred to as “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” Scenic Byway 12, located in Utah, is a ride like no other. As one of the top scenic highways in the nation, State Route 12 takes riders through some of the most diverse, rugged, and unforgettable Utah landscapes. Spanning a total length of around 124 miles, the route will take you around three hours complete if you’re solely passing through. However, once in the area, you’ll surely want to pull over and marvel at the natural landscape.

Scenic Byway 12 begins just southeast of Panguitch and ends to the north in Torrey. Along the way, riders will see ancient seabed remains, high alpine forests, and endless scenic overlooks. Scenic Byway 12 is typically open year-round, but road closures can happen after a heavy storm. We recommend making the trek in late spring when the area receives less rain and warmer temperatures.

Nearby Pit Stops: 

4. Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1), Florida

If you’re searching for a spring motorcycle route that combines clear skies with beautiful scenery, there’s no better option than the Overseas Highway, located in Southern Florida. The Overseas Highway begins in Key Largo, encompassing around 110 miles of U.S. Route 1, the highway that runs along the entirety of the East Coast. When heading south towards the Keys, riders will cross over 40 different bridges surrounded by endless Atlantic views. 

Although you can start your journey anywhere along U.S. Route 1, beginning in Miami will set the tone for the ocean drive. From Miami, the total trip south is around 160 miles. Although completing the journey in a single day is possible, you won’t want to leave once you arrive in Key West.

Nearby Pit Stops:

5. Joshua Tree National Park Loop (State Route 62 & I-10), California

Do you prefer a desert landscape over forested areas? If so, head toward Joshua Tree National Park for a quick spring motorcycle trip. Located two hours outside Los Angeles, Joshua Tree offers riders a perfect mix of well-paved roads and desert terrain. In addition, visiting during spring can help you avoid harsh summer temperatures.

This loop begins just north of Palm Springs on I-10. From here, you head east until turning onto Cottonwood Spring Road, heading towards Park Blvd, which will take you directly into the national park. Finally, after reaching State Route 62, head west until you meet the I-10 again. This loop is around 150 miles long, making it a nice day route with plenty of sights to see.

Nearby Pit Stops: 

Keep Yourself Protected on the Road 

No matter where the road takes you, always practice safe riding habits to reduce your chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident. In addition, review weather conditions and research any possible road closures if you’re heading somewhere new. If you are involved in an accident, having a proper motorcycle insurance policy will protect you and your bike. 

Like auto insurance, nearly every state requires riders to have liability insurance for their motorcycle. However, additional coverages may be worth considering, such as roadside assistance or comprehensive and collision coverage. Not sure where to start? Our insurance specialists can help. Give us a call today at (888) 772-4247 to learn more, or start your quote online.

The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Car insurance is a necessity for drivers in the United States. However, when car insurance rates increase, customers may be left wondering why. 

Although it may seem inexplicable, there are always reasons behind the increases, even if they are not immediately clear to the policyholders. In this article, we explore some of the factors that affect car insurance rates, such as driving behavior, and why they contribute to increased premiums.

Driving Behavior and Car Insurance Rates

Most policyholders widely recognize the correlation between driving behavior and car insurance rates. The driving history, claims history, years of driving experience, and annual mileage are all factors that influence your insurance premium. These factors serve as good indicators of a driver’s likelihood of getting involved in a collision. Safe driving habits and adhering to traffic laws can keep insurance rates low.

However, if you are a good driver with no claims and a low-risk level, it is still possible for your car insurance to go up. One reason why is that vehicles have become more expensive to repair. The auto insurance industry periodically makes adjustments to account for the money paid for repairs and replacements for all customers, regardless of their driving behavior.

Updated Technology and Repair Costs

Even if you aren’t involved in a collision, many other drivers are, and many of them are driving modern vehicles. Therefore, the higher the repair costs, the more the insurance industry will need to adjust the rates.

Additionally, newer cars come with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), making them safer to drive but more expensive to repair. The automotive industry has made significant strides in developing ADAS over the past two decades—from alerting drivers when drifting out of their lanes to automatically applying the brakes to prevent rear-end collisions.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found in a 2019 study that vehicles equipped with forward collision warnings had 27% fewer front-to-rear crashes. This number jumped to a 50% reduction when vehicles also had automatic emergency braking technology. Cars with driver-assist technology have played a positive role in reducing collisions. However, drivers are still the most critical factor in accidents.

Some ADAS available on today’s vehicles include blind spot warning, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, cameras, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Unfortunately, many of the sensors needed to achieve these technological advancements are located in the vehicle’s crumple zones. This means that repairs are more complex and expensive in the event of a collision. 

LED headlamps are also becoming more common in new vehicles. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety now requires vehicles to come standard with good-or acceptable-rated headlights to be eligible for a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, which is the highest award available from the organization. These headlights help address the issue of fatal crashes that occur on dark or unlit roads. For example, good-rated headlights on the low-beam setting illuminate the right side of the road ahead on a straightaway to at least 325 feet. More manufacturers are removing halogen bulbs and replacing them with LED headlamps because they increase visibility on dark roadways. However, LED headlamps are also more expensive than halogen bulbs.

AIS Is Here to Help 

While your driving behavior remains one of the most essential factors in determining your auto insurance rates, several other factors outside your control can come into play. Unfortunately, these factors can increase your car insurance rates, even if you have been driving safely and without any claims. 

At AIS, we have over 50 years of experience helping drivers navigate the auto insurance market. So, whether you’re looking to start a new policy or change carriers, our team of insurance specialists can help. We compare quotes from our network of insurance partners to find rates that work best for you. To speak with an AIS insurance specialist today, call (888) 772-4247.

The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.