Eastwood Insurance individually chooses their partners.  Instead of offering every single insurance product on the market, they look for partners who can represent what Eastwood believes in.  Information is being delivered faster than ever and they ensure their technology is up to date.  Their website provides easy access to the company’s information, employment opportunities and changing trends in the insurance industry.

Community service is also an important part of Eastwood’s philosophy.  They contribute regulary to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, and Oakland.  They also contribute to Goodwill Industries.  Their employees are always encouraged to take an active role in the community in any way they can.  This shows what kind of company you will be doing business with if you become their customer.

The Dallas Morning News analyzed the insurance industry and found that people with poor credit paid 35% more on home and car insurance.  In certain cases, the insurance rates were more than double people with good credit, even if they had similar claim history.  This just goes to show how crucial it is to stay on top of your credit score.

Auto insurance companies believe that using credit as a risk factor helps to identify higher risk customers.  They cite The University of Texas research that shows drivers with lower credit ratings file more claims with their insurers.  They say that if it weren’t for the credit rating factor everyone would pay higher rates.  Credit scoring is no where near an exact science and can often hurt good customers.

As you are shopping around for car insurance quotes try to identify if your credit may be affecting your premiums.

Allstate looked at claims in Texas over the last 5 years and found a large jump in accidents around trick or treating.  Last year, Allstate claims more than doubled over the Halloween week compared with the rest of 2008.  Their data matches up with a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety which showed that October 31 is the 2nd highest day of the year for pedestrian deaths.  The first is Fourth of July.  With Halloween falling on a weekend this year, there may be more people out than normal so it’s crucial that drivers are extra careful.

The article offers some important tips to follow while out on the road, especially at night when pedestrians are out.  Never drink and drive.  A designated driver should always be assigned before heading out for the evening.  Texting while driving can be very dangerous so keep your phone in your pocket until you can pull over to text or make a call.  As a pedestrian, it’s a good idea to avoid texting while walking.  Anything that takes your eyes off the road can be very dangerous.  Not only will following these steps make you a safer driver but it may eventually lower your car insurance quotes.