Don’t Be A Deer In The Headlights

doug • April 19, 2019

Deer Caught in the headlights

Just picture it — you’re driving on a winding road blasting some music, enjoying your time with family and friends, when something pops out in front of you. Do you brake? Do you try to swerve around the thing? Don’t be a deer in the headlights.  Animals seem to have other things on their mind near the roads, and can often jump out at us while we drive, which can cause major safety issues. These moments need a quick response but it can be challenging to think through what to do and then do it on the fly. That’s why we’re providing some guidelines to help prevent a collision between your car and an animal during this season!

    • Fasten your seatbelt

      While this will not help you avoid hitting an animal, it is the best way to help ensure safety for you and the passengers in your car. Buckle up during every auto trip!

    • Pay attention to animal-crossing signs

      These yellow, diamond-shaped signs on the side of the road with an animal picture on them (deer, moose, bear) warn you about areas where the pictured animal is known to cross the road.

    • Use your high beams

      Use your high beams whenever possible (as long as there is not oncoming traffic) during this time of the year. The extra light does a great job of revealing your surroundings, and is especially good at lighting up animal eyes along the side of the road, where deer and other wildlife are most likely to congregate.

When these signs are present, check out both sides of the road before proceeding.

  • Honk your horn in short bursts (for deer)

    If you are in an environment with a high likelihood for deer crossings, honk your horn in short spurts throughout the drive to scare away any deer that may have been near the road. However, honking your horn too much may confuse the deer and lead them closer to the road, so make sure you are rationing out those honks throughout the trip.

  • Be especially alert at dawn and dusk

    Animals are most likely to be roaming at dawn and dusk, so stay especially alert during these times to avoid collision.

If a deer appears on the road – Don’t be a deer in the headlights

  • Never swerve!

    Don’t do it. The instinctual action of swerving can actually cause more harm than good because you may swerve into the other lane with oncoming traffic, a tree, a fence, or road sign, which can increase your chance of injury.

  • Drive towards where the animal came from

    Roaming wildlife are most likely to either stand where they are discovered in fear or will run onward in the continual direction from whence they came. If you feel you can safely maneuver your car, your best option to miss the animal is to drive towards the direction where the animal came from (this will not work for deer).

  • Brake firmly

    Unless there is a car directly behind you, brake firmly and safely slow your vehicle. If there is a car close by, slow down, but make sure to honk your horn to signal to the other driver that there is a problem ahead. By the way, Mythbusters busted the myth that speeding up will decrease your chances of injury — so don’t do that!

  • Lean towards a door pillar

    In the event of an unavoidable crash, leaning towards a door pillar will give an extra layer of protection between you and the approaching impact. In most instances of a severe collision between man and animal, the center of the car is crushed, so lean towards the door pillar to benefit from the added protection of the pillar.

Under every circumstance, you should also always make sure you are driving at a safe speed — those

Avoid Hitting Deer

Deer

speed limits are more than a suggestion! Following the posted speed for a specific stretch of road gives you the benefit of being under control regardless of twists and turns and unexpected visitors!

Compare Car Insurance

By Doug Stockman • May 1, 2025
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive into the thrilling world of... drumroll please... comparing car insurance! I know, I know, hold your applause. It's not exactly skydiving with a unicorn, but trust me, it's way less likely to result in a hospital bill (unless you faint from the sheer excitement of saving money). Looking forward to all those calls with several agents to compare car insurance quotes? Rest easy, help is here. Let's be honest, "compare car insurance" sounds about as fun as folding fitted sheets. It conjures images of endless online forms, confusing jargon, and the nagging suspicion that you're about to get bamboozled into buying coverage for alien abduction (which, let's face it, is probably not in your standard policy). Not to mention all the agents trying to you would have to speak with to get many quotes to compare. But here's the comedic plot twist: not comparing your car insurance is actually way more painful. Think of it like sticking with that ancient flip phone because "it still makes calls." Sure, it works, but you're missing out on a whole universe of sleek features, better deals, and the ability to finally understand what your friends are laughing about in the group chat. So, why should you, the magnificent driver of your trusty (or slightly rusty) vehicle, brave the wilds of comparison? Breathe easy, it doesn't take several calls or several online forms, just give Select Source a call. We will do all the comparison shopping for you. The "Wait, I'm Overpaying?!" Revelation: Imagine that glorious moment when you realize you've been shelling out more dough than a bakery for the exact same coverage your neighbor Mildred got for the price of a slightly used garden gnome. The savings can be surprisingly significant, enough to fund that weekend getaway you've been dreaming of (minus the questionable roadside diner stops, hopefully). Unearthing Hidden Gems (aka Better Coverage): Sometimes, comparing isn't just about price. It's like sifting through a thrift store and finding that vintage leather jacket that fits you perfectly and makes you look effortlessly cool. You might discover a policy with better roadside assistance (because who hasn't had a flat tire at the most inconvenient time?), lower deductibles, or even coverage for that rogue squirrel that keeps trying to claim your engine as its winter palace. Avoiding the "Oops, I'm Not Covered for That" Catastrophe: Life throws curveballs, sometimes literally (watch out for those errant baseballs!). Comparing policies helps you understand exactly what you're protected against. Do you need rental car reimbursement? What about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage? Don't wait until disaster strikes to realize your policy is as helpful as a chocolate teapot in a hailstorm. The Takeaway (and the Punchline): Comparing car insurance doesn't have to be a soul-crushing chore. Think of it as a mini adventure, a quest for savings and better protection. And who knows, you might even find a company with a mascot that makes you chuckle. So, ditch the insurance inertia. Embrace the power of comparison. Your wallet (and your sanity) will thank you. And hey, if you get overwhelmed, that's what your friendly, independent insurance agency (that's us!) is here for. So, instead of having to deal with a bunch of producers calling and not knowing which is spam, we will get several quotes for you with just one private phone call or fill out our online quote request form. We'll help you navigate the maze without needing a map, a compass, or a therapy llama. Now go forth and compare! Your inner bargain hunter awaits! Call 864-585-8318.

Which Car Insurance is Best?

By Doug Stockman • April 29, 2025
Alright, let's dive into the age-old question that's probably kept you up at night, right after "Did I leave the stove on?" and "What is the deal with airplane food?": Which car insurance company reigns supreme? Now, if you were expecting a definitive answer, a shiny gold medal draped across the metaphorical shoulders of one single insurer, well, grab a lukewarm cup of coffee and settle in. The truth, my friends, is about as straightforward as trying to parallel park on a busy Saturday. The "Best" is a Moving Target. You see, declaring one car insurance company the absolute "best" is like saying there's one single "best" ice cream flavor. Have you ever tried to choose a flavor at Baskin and Robbins? Sure, vanilla's a classic, but what about the die-hard chocolate chunk aficionados or my favorite, Pralines and Cream? Or the adventurous pistachio lovers? Everyone's got their own taste, and the same goes for insurance needs. What's perfect for your neighbor with a squeaky-clean driving record, a sensible sedan, and a garage that's actually used for parking might be a total mismatch for you, the proud owner of a jacked up truck who occasionally navigates unpaved backroads (and might have a lead foot – no judgment). So, if there's no single "best," what's a responsible driver to do? That's where the magic of an independent insurance agency comes in, and yes, that's us! We're not tied to any single insurance carrier. We're like your Instacart for personal insurance shopping, sifting through a variety of options to find the perfect fit for your unique situation. Think of it this way: those big-name insurance companies you see plastered all over TV? They're like department stores. They have a lot of options, but the salespeople are only pushing their own brand. We, on the other hand, are like your local boutique – we handpick from a curated selection of different, competitive and national insurers, focusing on finding the one that truly complements your style (read: driving habits and insurance needs). What We Consider (and What You Should Too): When we're on the hunt for the "best" insurance for you, here are some of the factors we weigh: Coverage Options: Does the policy offer the protection you need? We're talking beyond the basics of liability and uninsured protection. What about collision, comprehensive, underinsured motorist, roadside assistance or even car rental reimbursement? Do they have those extra bells and whistles you might want, like accident forgiveness, new car replacement, trip interruption or customization coverage? Price (of course!): While the cheapest isn't always the best, we understand that budget matters. We'll compare quotes from multiple reputable, well known, financially sound companies to find competitive rates without sacrificing essential coverage. Discounts: Who doesn't love saving money? We'll explore all the potential discounts you might qualify for, from good driver discounts to multi-car or home and auto bundles. Financial Stability: You want an insurance company that will be there when you need them. We look at their financial ratings to ensure they're stable and reliable. Customer Service and Claims Handling: This is where the rubber meets the road (pun intended!). How easy is it to get in touch with them? What's their reputation for handling claims efficiently and fairly? We pay attention to these details because we know how stressful a claim can be. Our "Best" Advice? Talk to Us! We are constantly on the search for the most competitive companies, sound and customer service driven companies. Instead of endlessly scrolling through comparison websites and getting lost in a sea of jargon, or filling out some online form that sells your info to 30 different agents, why not let us do the heavy lifting? If you fill out one of those unknown insurance marketing website forms, watch out! They can sell your information to insurance companies all over the country. Some insured's have had to change their phone number because of so many calls because the calls don't stop. We'll take the time to understand your individual needs, your driving habits, your vehicle, any youthful drivers and your budget. Your information stays private with us. We do not sell your information. You have one point of contact but get rated by many national competing companies. Then, we'll present you with tailored options from a variety of trusted insurance companies. Once you become our customer (look at our 5 Star Google Reviews) if you ever become unhappy with the company, we place you with (all companies eventually raise rates), we can place you with another competitive company that is available with the best rates in the current market. Think of us as your insurance matchmakers. We're here to connect you with the policy that offers the best coverage, the right price, and the peace of mind you deserve. So, is there one single "best" car insurance company? Probably not. But is there a best car insurance company for you? Absolutely. And we're here to help you find it. Give us a call today – let's ditch the guesswork and get you properly protected. 864-585-8318

How Car Insurance Works

By Doug Stockman • April 28, 2025
Alright, folks, settle in for a crash course (pun intended!) on the fascinating, slightly bewildering world of car insurance. Yes, I know, it's about as thrilling as watching paint dry, but trust me, understanding how it works can save you from a world of headaches and wallet-emptying woes. Here at Select Source Insurance, we're here to break it down, with a dash of humor to keep you from falling asleep. Car Insurance: It's Not Just a Piece of Paper (Though It Feels Like It Sometimes) Imagine car insurance as a safety net for your four-wheeled friend. When things go sideways (literally or figuratively), it's there to catch you, or at least cushion the financial blow. But how does this magical safety net actually work? The Basics, Explained (With Minimal Jargon): You Pay, They (Hopefully) Pay: You pay a premium (think of it as a monthly subscription to "avoid financial ruin"), and in exchange, your insurance company agrees to cover certain losses if you have an accident, your car gets stolen, or a rogue squirrel decides to use your windshield as a trampoline. Coverage: It's Like a Menu, But Less Delicious: Car insurance policies come with different types of coverage, each designed to protect you in specific situations. Liability Coverage: This is the "oops, I hit someone else" coverage. It pays for their injuries and property damage (up to your policy limits) if you're at fault in an accident. It's like saying, "Sorry about that, let my insurance handle it." Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your own car if you hit something (another car, a tree, a particularly stubborn mailbox). It's like a band-aid for your car's boo-boos. Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damage to your car from things other than collisions, like theft, vandalism, hail, or a herd of stampeding llamas. It's helps with damage other than collisions with limitations. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This protects you if you're hit by someone who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough. It's like having a backup plan for the backup plan. Deductibles: Your Share of the Pie (or Wrecked Bumper): A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. It's like a co-pay at the doctor's office, but for your car. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium, but make sure you can actually afford it if you need to file a claim. Claims: The "Please Don't Make Me Cry" Part: When you have an accident, you file a claim with your insurance company. They investigate, assess the damage, and (hopefully) pay for the repairs or replacement. It's like a detective story, but with less dramatic music and more paperwork. Why It's Important to Have a Good Insurance Agent (Like Us!): We Speak Insurance-ese: We can translate the confusing jargon into plain English, so you actually understand what you're paying for. We Shop Around for You: As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers, so we can find you the best rates and coverage for your needs. We're like your personal insurance shoppers. We're Here When You Need Us: When you have a claim, we'll be there to guide you through the process and make sure you get the help you need. We're like your insurance therapists, but with better advice. We can help you avoid the "I tried to parallel park my boat" situation: Yes, that was a real claim. The Moral of the Story: Car insurance is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to be a confusing one. At Select Source Insurance in Spartanburg, we're here to make it as painless as possible. So, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call. We're always happy to help, and we promise to keep the insurance jokes to a minimum (mostly). 864-585-8318 or get a quote at Auto Insurance Quote