COSTA MESA, Calif., June 14, 2018 -- Despite steadily increasing premiums, auto insurance customers are more satisfied with their carriers than ever. The reason? According to the J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,SM released today, insurers are beginning to get the customer interaction formula right, offering a mix of digital and live interactions that keep customers engaged with their brands across all channels.

"Cost is not the sole indicator of customer satisfaction in the auto insurance industry," said Robert Lajdziak, Insurance Practice Business Consultant at J.D. Power. "Low prices may attract new customers, but it's service that keeps them. The auto insurers that increase customer satisfaction across all facets of the customer experience make price just one part of the overall relationship."

More frequent use of digital interaction channels—particularly for monthly billing—also has played a major role in driving higher levels of satisfaction. "Customer satisfaction is at its highest when customers take care of transactions themselves and save the high-value interactions for live channels," Lajdziak said. "However, the increasing demand and use of digital self-service options is putting pressure on agents to evolve their value proposition to offer more products and services to help customers with complex needs and risks."

Following are some of the key findings of the 2018 study:

WASHINGTON (June 13, 2018) – Consumers are spending $69 more a month to fill-up compared to last summer. According to AAA, gasoline expenses are accounting, on average, for seven percent of an American’s 2018 annual income, a one and half percent increase since summer of 2017. With strong summer consumer gasoline demand expected in the months ahead, AAA says motorists can expect little relief at the pump with the national gas price average ranging between $2.85 – $3.05 through Labor Day.

“Motorists can expect to spend at least $250 more on gas this season, but that won’t stop them from traveling. Summer is synonymous with road trips and vacation and we are not going to see Americans are giving up this pastime this year,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “The higher gas prices may just encourage travelers to shorten their driving distance. While others may pinch pennies by eating out less or finding more free family-fun activities while on vacation.”

According to a AAA survey conducted earlier this year, only one in three (33 percent) respondents said they would change travel plans if gas prices hit $3, while nearly half (47 percent) say $3.50 would be the game changer for their summer plans.

As vacationers hit the road, they will find a quarter (25 percent) of all gas stations across the country are selling gas for more than $3/gallon. That is a stark difference from one year ago when only 5 percent of stations touted the $3 or more mark. The chart below compares the percentage of stations per state selling gas for $3.01 or more today versus one year ago.

Don’t Let Your Tank Break Your Bank.

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jun. 7, 2018) – Afternoon downpours could spell disaster for millions of road trippers this summer, thanks to an unlikely suspect – tires. New research from AAA reveals that driving on relatively worn tires at highway speeds in wet conditions can increase average stopping distances by a staggering 43 percent, or an additional 87 feet — more than the length of a semi-trailer truck — when compared to new tires. With nearly 800,000 crashes occurring on wet roads each year, AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively, and increase following distances significantly during rainy conditions.

“Tires are what keep a car connected to the road,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Even the most advanced safety systems rely on a tire’s basic ability to maintain traction, and AAA’s testing shows that wear has a significant impact on how quickly a vehicle can come to a stop in wet conditions to avoid a crash.”

In partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, AAA conducted testing to understand performance differences at highway speeds between new all-season tires and those worn to a tread depth of 4/32” on wet pavement. AAA research found that:

MCHENRY, Ill., June 4, 2018 -- The Raybestos® 1953 Chevrolet® pickup build project is complete. The restored classic will now hit the road for a North American tour before one lucky automotive professional wins it for their very own.

"We have restored a lot of very cool vehicles, including the iconic 1969 Raybestos Mustang, but I think this 1953 Chevy pickup might be our best build yet," said Kristin Grons, marketing manager, Brake Parts Inc. "The team at Schwartz Performance led by the master, Jeff Schwartz, really outdid themselves this time and a big thank you to all of our build partners for their participation in another incredible build. I know the lucky winner will enjoy showing off this classic truck as they cruise their neighborhood."

As part of the restoration project, Schwartz Performance installed its famous bolt-in "G-Machine" chassis system as well as an off-the-shelf performance disc brake upgrade package, using Raybestos components and Raybestos Truck & Medium Duty specialty disc brake pads. In addition, over 20 premier suppliers partnered with Raybestos to help restore and modify the pickup.

Summers here are hard on our cars but even harder on our residents and pets.

From June 1st through August 31st, H & I Automotive will be giving their customers a $10 discount if they bring in a case of water!

The water will be donated to two amazing local organizations: House of Refuge and Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue.

House of Refuge is a faith-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) that provides supportive services and transitional housing to homeless families. Click here for more information.

Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue is a no-kill animal shelter and has been a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization since the year 2000. Click here for more information.