Auto and Driving Tips

Always take care, nothing is more important than arriving safely at your destination.

Choosing the right auto insurance coverage can be difficult and at times, downright confusing. Offering all types of auto coverage for BC, Thunderbird Insurance will help you decide what coverage is best for you and your vehicle along with finding all the discounts that you may qualify for. Thunderbird Insurance helps you make informed decisions. While we primarily place coverage with ICBC (“Insurance Corporation of British Columbia”), we can also place private coverage for motorcycles, vacation trailers and increased limits of coverage over and above ICBC’s mandatory basic coverage.

Keeping your Car Safe

Published August 5, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

You’ve locked the doors at home and turned on the alarm as you take off for a summer day trip or vacation. Next step is to put in place a few safety protocols to keep your car and your belongings you’re traveling with safe by avoiding break-ins:

remove expensive items from your car and carry them with you;
if you need to stow items in the trunk or other hidden area make sure you do so well before you reach your destination – never do so in the parking garage or lot in full view of any potential thieves;
and, park in well-lit areas, near pedestrian traffic.

Keep your vehicle safe by keeping the gadgets on the Top 10 Items on the shopping list for potential car thieves well out of sight.

Click here to review the list of the top 10 vehicles stolen in BC in 2013 according to ICBC.

On the Road Again

Published May 26, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

One of the guaranteed signs of summer is the start of Bike to Work Week. It also signals an increase in two-wheeled traffic on the roads. Over the last five years, Vancouver Island has had an average of 280 incidents involving vehicle/bike collisions. We can reduce that, but everyone needs to do their part to keep our roadways safe.

Your best bet for a safe and successful commute includes these cycling safety tips:

Drivers when turning right, shoulder check and signal well in advance. Yield to cyclists;
Drivers and passengers check for oncoming cyclists before opening car doors;
Cyclists proper safety equipment such as a good helmet, reflective gear and lights both back and front on your cycle are more than a good idea – they are legal requirements;
Cyclists choose bike lanes/paths or routes with reduced traffic when possible;
And, both cyclists and drivers should be familiar with hand signals and follow all the rules of the road.

Looking for more tips? ICBC’s Bike Smarts Guide is a great resource.

Think you’re ready? Take ICBC’s RoadSense Tips test.

Fall and Winter Driving

Published January 6, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

We may not suffer the amount snow that the rest of Canada plows through each winter, but winter driving still requires care and caution.

Fall and Winter Driving

Before you hit the road here are some tips:

Prepare your vehicle for winter with a visit to your local mechanic
Ensure that your vehicle, tires and brakes are in good repair
Pack an emergency kit
Learn how to handle your vehicle if it hits black ice or starts to hydroplane.
Plan your trip and check road and weather conditions before leaving, be aware that you may be facing rain and snow depending on the trip
Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather
Travel with a fully charged cellphone
Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.

It’s snowing… what do I do?

Ice, snow, slippery highways… driving in winter conditions can be both challenging and frustrating. Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your loved ones safer on the road.

Feeling uneasy about driving? You’re not alone. According to an ICBC survey, almost four in 10 of respondents feel less confident driving during the winter. In addition, seven in 10 feel less safe and frustrated by the actions of other drivers.

Staying off the road can sometimes be a less stressful and safer option.

Instead of driving, you may want to consider taking public transit if available, carpooling with a friend who’s a confident driver, taking a taxi or working from home.

If you’re feeling confident

If your vehicle is equipped for the weather and you’re feeling confident, remember to take extra precautions on the road.

Plan ahead and always check road and weather conditions on drivebc.ca before heading out.

Be sure to leave more following distance, slow down, and give yourself more time to get where you’re going. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions only.

And always take care, nothing is more important than arriving safely at your destination.

More fall and winter driving tips on safe driving from ICBC