Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance: How Americans Could Save More

Most large, nationwide auto insurers offer customers an interesting way to save on premiums: let them track how you drive.  But a new survey shows many Americans miss out on these discounts because they don’t know much about these programs.

An insuranceQuotes.com survey found that 58 percent of consumers have never heard of pay-as-you-drive insurance programs, such as Snapshot® from Progressive, Drivewise® from Allstate and Drive Safe & Save™ from State Farm.

These programs, also known as pay-how-you-drive insurance or usage based insurance, use telematics (technology that allows insurers to track vehicles) to gather data about driving habits and ultimately offer lower premiums to safe drivers.

But despite a general lack of knowledge about pay-as-you-drive insurance, many consumers say no way. Thirty-seven percent of people surveyed said they would never sign up. And another 35 percent would only do so for a discount of 25 percent or more.

Experts say this reluctance stems from a range of concerns, including legitimate worries about privacy to misconceptions about what insurers track. The operations director for Allstate’s Drivewise® program, Sarah Inciong, says, “There are still a lot of myths we have to dispel because this is so new.”

Many consumers are confused about pay-as-you-drive insurance

The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, conducted for insuranceQuotes.com by Princeton Survey Research Associates International in October 2013 found that 68 percent of consumers who’ve heard of pay-as-you drive insurance do know that you pay less for auto insurance if you drive well.

But the survey found that many consumers are confused about the specifics. For example, consumers aren’t clear about the four major metrics most pay-as-you-drive programs track:

• The speed you drive. About 41 percent of those surveyed either incorrectly said the programs don’t track how fast you drive, or they weren’t sure. Most programs do track speed, but you probably won’t get dinged for going a few miles over the limit now and then, experts say. For example, Allstate’s Drivewise® program looks for “excessive speed,” like how often you go over 80 miles per hour, Inciong says.

• The time of day you drive. About 58 percent of consumers either incorrectly said pay-as-you-drive programs don’t track when you drive, or weren’t sure. In fact, experts say that when you drive can tell an insurer a lot. For example, a driver who battles daily rush hour traffic on the highway is riskier to insure than one who works from home, says Scott McCormick, president of the Connected Vehicle Trade Association.

• The miles you drive.  Sixty-two percent correctly answered that pay-as-you-drive programs track the number of miles driven. But 25 percent answered incorrectly and 13 percent weren’t sure.

• How hard you brake. And 63 percent of consumers either incorrectly said that pay-as-you-drive programs don’t measure how hard you brake, or didn’t know. In fact, how you brake is a major indicator of the safety of your driving, Inciong says.

And some consumers think that insurers are gathering information that they’re not. About 50 percent of those who know about pay-as-you-drive mistakenly said it tracks whether you drink and drive.

“It’s not a breathalyzer machine,” says Sonja Larkin-Thorne, a National Association of Insurance Commissioners consumer representative. She adds that the telematics device can give your insurer the general location of your car, but probably won’t tip them off that your car was parked at a restaurant for three hours on Friday night and you might have had a drink at the bar.

She says, “It’s designed to look at your driving habits and vehicle usage, not whether you’ve had a glass of wine.”

Pay as you drive insurance and privacy

Many consumers say they’d be reluctant to sign up for pay-as-you-drive insurance for privacy reasons. In fact, 25 percent of consumers said they’re concerned about their personal information being shared, while 20 percent said they don’t want their insurer to know that much about them.

Privacy is a legitimate concern with pay-as-you-drive insurance. “Consumers aren’t going to know the full story until there’s full and complete disclosure,” Larkin-Thorne says. Right now, not a lot is known about how these programs work because insurers guard many of the details, she says.

But others say privacy concerns are overblown. For example, McCormick says insurers are more concerned about gathering and analyzing the data as a whole to help set better rates than they are about any one driver.

Some consumers do have reason to worry – but it might be because they have something to hide that has nothing to do with their driving, he says.

For example, some consumers might be nervous about their insurers tracking their movements, he says. The Hartford’s TrueLane program, for example, uses GPS to collect location information – mostly to show consumers where certain driving events happened, according to its website.  Other programs, such as Progressive’s Snapshot, don’t have that feature – possibly to help put nervous consumers at ease.

“There will always be people who are having an affair, moonlighting when not supposed to, or partying too much and don’t want to get caught,” McCormick says.

Should you enroll in pay-as-you-drive insurance?

Most insurers offer usage-based insurance programs only in certain states because of differences in state law. Each state has different rules on what information insurers can track, how they can use that data, how they can set rates and what they must disclose to consumers. In California, for example, programs that track only mileage are available while programs that track how you drive are not.

Shopping for car insurance? Get your free car insurance quotes here. 

If you do have a program available to you, here are five tips to help you know if pay-as-you-drive insurance is right for you:

1. Assess your driving skills.  

The survey found that 63 percent said they’re either much better or somewhat better drivers than others. And only one percent said they’re worse.

Obviously, everyone can’t be above average so experts say it’s important to be honest about how well you drive. One big clue is your past driving record. If you have a history of accidents and speeding tickets you might not want to sign up, says Pat Speer, property and casualty insurance analyst for the Aite Group, who conducts research on telematics.

2. Ask a lot of questions.

Consumers should make sure they fully understand a program before signing up, Larkin-Thorne says. Here are some questions experts say you should ask:

• What information do you track? Some companies, such as National General Insurance, track only mileage while others track how you drive and even where you go.
• Will I get a discount and how much? Many programs advertise discounts for low mileage, good driving or both. But some simply collect your information without offering a discount.
• How is the discount calculated? Ask for specifics about how the company decides who saves and how much. “Each company has a different approach,” Speer says.
• Could I be penalized in any way? You should ask whether you might face any negative consequences – such as higher rates or getting dropped by your insurer – because of your driving, McCormick says.  For example, with Allstate’s Drivewise® program, Inciong, says, “The worst that could happen, if you’re a very unsafe driver, is you wouldn’t (get) any savings.” Most insurers say they won’t raise program participants’ rates for unsafe driving. However, McCormick says some companies might raise rates in the future or refuse to renew policies for bad drivers.
• How long will the device stay on my car? Some programs require policyholders to use the device for, say, six months to get a discount while others require consumers to use it indefinitely, Larkin-Thorne says. Some track your information through an existing onboard service like OnStar.

3. Get the policy in writing.

Don’t just rely on what your insurance company or agent tells you, Larkin-Thorne warns.  Your policy should tell you exactly what is tracked, how the information will be used and whether it will be shared with a third party and, if so, whether that includes information that would identify you. “Find out what rights you’re giving up or signing away,” she says.

4. Don’t plan to game the system.

Think you can let up on your lead foot or stop partying until 2 a.m. while you’re being tracked, then revert to your old ways? Don’t count on it, Larkin-Thorne says. You might be able to drive more carefully for a little while, but it probably won’t last for the six months or longer the device is on your car. Some programs, such as Allstate’s require you to leave the device on as long as you’re in the program. “People tend to go back to their old ways eventually, so the company is going to be able to measure your real driving habits,” she says.

5. Make sure the program pays off. If you do sign up for a pay-as-you-drive program, take a hard look at the actual savings you get and see if it’s worthwhile. “You won’t really know until you see your bill,” Larkin-Thorne says.

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Auto Insurance Rate Increase After One Claim By State (Map)

map below you can find your state and see how much your rates may increase if you make one auto insurance claim - and how your state stacks up against other states in the U.S. Click on the map to enlarge it. 

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Making One Auto Insurance Claim Can Increase Your Rate By Up To 67%

Many consumers realize that filing an auto insurance claim will likely result in a raised annual premium. What may be shocking to some, however, is just how significant that premium increase may be.

A December 2013 Quadrant study, commissioned byinsuranceQuotes.com, examined the average economic impact of filing various claims on your auto insurance policy. Using a hypothetical 45 year-old married female driver who is employed, has an excellent credit score, no lapse in coverage and has filed no prior auto insurance claims, the study looked at how much annual premiums can go up after filing one of three different types of claims: 

• Bodily injury.
• Property damage.
• Comprehensive.

The study not only looked at the impact of these three different types of claims but also the impact of the claim's dollar amount ($500, $750, $1,000 and $2,000 or more) and compared the average premium increases for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The results were intriguing to insurance analysts and experts.

Auto insurance rate increases after a claim by state

The study found that if you make one auto insurance claim, the average increase nationally is 38 percent. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average cost of an auto insurance premium in the U.S. is $791, so an increase of 38 percent would result in a $301 increase. It's important for consumers to note that rate increases only apply to bodily injury and property damage claims where you are at fault. If you are rear-ended by another driver, their insurance or your uninsured motorist coverage will cover your claim and your rates won't be affected.

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The study found that rate increases varied widely by state. For instance, results showed that Massachusetts drivers who file any kind of auto claim of $2,000 or more may see their annual premiums increase by an average of 67 percent. According to a 2010 report by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Massachusetts drivers paid an average auto insurance premium of $890.83 in 2010, meaning a single auto insurance claim in that state could result in a $597 annual increase.

However in Maryland, where the average premium is $948, one $2,000 auto insurance claim will only raise residents’ annual premium by 20 percent (or about $190, according to NAIC figures).

The following five states showed the greatest average premium increase as a result of filing any type of claim of $2,000 or more:

1. Massachusetts — 67 percent increase

2. California — 62 percent increase

3. New Jersey — 59 percent increase

4. North Carolina — 47 percent increase

5. Minnesota — 45 percent increase

Meanwhile, the following five states, on average, showed the smallest percentage premium increase as a result of filing any type of claim of $2,000 or more:

1. Maryland — 20 percent increase

2. Alabama — 22 percent increase

3. Michigan — 23 percent increase

4. Wyoming — 23 percent increase

5. Oklahoma — 25 percent increase

According to Robert Hartwig, president and chief economist for the nonprofit Insurance Information Institute (III), it's no surprise that insurance premiums increase after filing a claim. The reason is because insurers know that filing one claim makes you more likely to file another one in the future, thus making you a more risky and expensive customer  to insure.

"People shouldn't view an increased premium as a penalty, but rather as an assessment of your risk moving forward," Hartwig says. "(After making a claim) you’re now that much more likely to be involved in an accident in the future. But I’m very surprised by the magnitude of these numbers."

According to California Department of Insurance commissioner Dave Jones, policyholders should consider these average premium increases as just one possible outcome of filing a single auto insurance claim.

“Good drivers in California receive a significant premium discount while those whose driving record indicates they present a higher risk typically pay much higher rates,” Jones says. “However, the bottom line is that the overall rate levels in California have been kept in check by our rate regulation process which has saved our consumers billions of dollars.”

Auto insurance rate increases for bodily injury claims

In 49 states and the District of Columbia, drivers are required by law to obtain a minimum amount of liability coverage that insures the policyholder against damage to property and injuries caused to individuals in an accident (New Hampshire, which doesn’t require minimum liability coverage, is the only exception). These are known as bodily injury claims, and they're often the most expensive.

According to the III, the average auto liability claim for bodily injury in 2012 was $14,653.

"Most people probably think the majority of auto insurance claims go toward repairing vehicles, but in reality they go towards repairing people," Hartwig says. "And it's usually a lot more expensive to repair a person than it is to repair a vehicle."

According to the insuranceQuotes.com study, filing one bodily injury claim of $2,000 or more will result in a national average premium increase of 41.6 percent (or about $330) per year. However, there are several states that buck the national average.

The following five states showed the greatest average premium increase as a result of filing one bodily injury claim of $2,000 or more:

1. Massachusetts — 73 percent increase

2. California — 68 percent increase

3. New Jersey — 63 percent increase

4. North Carolina — 52 percent increase

5. Minnesota — 49 percent increase

The reasons for so much disparity from state to state are varied and nuanced, says Pete Moraga, spokesman for the Insurance Information Network of California. According to Moraga, rate swings between states come from several factors, including the nature and severity of claims filed in a given state, as well as the different ways in which insurance is regulated from state to state.

"State regulations give insurers a certain amount of leeway in how they can apply claims history to premium increases," Moraga says. 

Depending on what the state allows, Moraga says some insurers will charge more, and others will charge less for previous claims history. What’s more, some insurers will sell policies that include perks like accident forgiveness, which keeps premiums down even if you’ve filed a previous claim 

Dan Weedin, a Seattle-based insurance and risk management consultant, says he isn't surprised to see that bodily injury claims result in the largest overall premium increase compared to property damage and comprehensive.

"Liability claims are more concerning to insurers and will always cost more," Weedin says. "And the bigger the threat to the insurer, the higher the premium and the consequences. 

Auto insurance rate increases for property damage claims

When you're involved in an accident that results in damage to your vehicle, someone else's or other types of property, like mailboxes or buildings, you’re likely to file a property damage claim. In general, these are far less expensive than bodily injury claims.

According to the III, the average auto claim for property damage in 2012 was $3,073.

According to the insuranceQuotes.com study, filing one property damage claim of $2,000 or more will result in a national average premium increase of 41.11 percent (or about $325) per year. However, as with bodily injury claims, several states fall above and below this average.

The following five states showed the greatest average premium increase as a result of filing one property damage claim of $2,000 or more 

1. Massachusetts — 73 percent increase

2. New Jersey — 71 percent increase

3. California — 63 percent increase

4. Minnesota — 50 percent increase

5. Arizona — 49 percent increase

Meanwhile, the following five states, on average, showed the smallest percentage premium increase as a result of filing one property damage claim of $2,000 or more 

1. Connecticut — 22 percent increase

2. Michigan — 24 percent increase

3. Alabama — 24 percent increase

4. Wyoming — 25 percent increase

5. Maryland — 25 percent increase

And while the average bodily injury claim is nearly five times more expensive than a property damage claim, the premium increases are similar because the factors used to determine those increases are the same.

“It’s all about the way a previous claim makes you riskier to insure moving forward,” Hartwig says. “The cost of the claim isn’t what’s most important, but rather the statistical likelihood of filing another claim in the future. And that’s more or less the same for bodily injury and property damage.”

Considering the possible rate increase, Hartwig says policyholders need to do the math when faced with a potential property damage claim.

"Because these can be much smaller claims, the decision to file a property damage claim is going to depend a lot on your deductible," Hartwig says. "For instance, if you have a $500 deductible and you caused $500 worth of damage, it probably doesn't make sense to file a claim."

Auto insurance rate increases for comprehensive claims

Comprehensive coverage pays for vehicle damage that comes from something other than a collision, such as fire, hail or theft. According to the III, the average cost of a comprehensive claim in 2012 was $1,585.

Since comprehensive claims are the result of situations beyond the policyholder's control, premiums are affected far less drastically than for bodily injury or property damage claims (if they're affected at all).

"Comprehensive claims are a different animal altogether, because they’re not the result of anything the driver did," Hartwig says. "If a tree falls on your car while it's parked overnight, that's not related to how you drive." 

As a result, the national average premium increase for these types of claims is fairly negligible. According to the insuranceQuotes.com study, filing one comprehensive claim of $2,000 or more will result in a national average premium increase of just 1.74 percent (or about $14) per year. However, a few states fall above this average. 

The following five states showed the greatest average premium increase as a result of filing one comprehensive claim of $2,000 or more:

1. Nebraska — 10 percent increase

2. Iowa — 9 percent increase

3. South Dakota — 8 percent increase

4. Louisiana — 7 percent increase

5. Connecticut — 6 percent increase

Meanwhile, 20 states showed a premium increase of less than 1 percent, and 11 of those showed no increase at all.

When will your premium go back down?

The good news is that increased premiums don't last forever. Rate increases typically last three years, as long as you don't make another claim during this period.

"In most cases, traffic convictions and at-fault accidents are used as part of your driving record for three years," says Nancy Kincaid, spokeswoman for the California Department of Insurance. "That being said, in many states, including California, major convictions like driving under the influence can stay on your record for as long as 10 years, along with their corresponding premium charges."

Hartwig says that even if you’ve filed a claim and are looking at a higher premium for auto insurance, it's always a good idea to shop around for a less expensive policy.

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4 Must-Have ATV Accessories

All-terrain vehicles provide hours of off-road fun, and they also come in handy when there’s work to be done. With a few simple additions to your ATV, you can turn a bland (as bland as an ATV can get anyway) four-wheeler into a customized workhorse.

Snowplow

Photo courtesy of coopdog via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Forget about being dependent upon anyone else for snow removal during the winter months; for roughly $500 (or less) you can make your ATV a snow-moving machine. Not only can you plow your driveway, you can do the neighbor’s – heck, the entire street – in less time than it takes to do yours by hand. In addition to winter season customization, you can add a disk plow in the spring for tilling soil in preparation for planting season.

Storage Bags

Photo courtesy of ejunk via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Tote more gear and keep it better organized than with simple factory racks. Storage bags provide excellent protection and more room without giving up room; many simply attach to the back rack and wrap around the rear section of the seat.

Camera Gear

Photo courtesy of John Biehler via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

With better, smaller and less expensive technology invading the video-camera world, documenting your adventures with a Garmin Virb or GoPro camera is easy – there are even goggles that come with a small camera built in to capture footage from the driver’s point of view. Mounting options are limited only by your imagination – roll-bar, front rack and a versatile suction cup are just a couple of examples.

Loading and Storage

Photo courtesy of Diamond Back Truck Covers via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

ATVs are regulated by each state, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the laws can vary greatly, so make sure to consult your local laws for proper usage guidelines. Some states forbid the use of off-road vehicles in certain areas, so getting your favorite ATV to the woods requires transport by other means. Ramps allow you to load your machine into the back of a pickup, while a trailer allows for quick and simple towing. A weatherproof cover will help protect your ATV from rain and sun damage if you lack a shop or garage to store it in.

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It’s Tax Time! As W-2s Roll In, Protect Your Personal Information

Your W-2s and other tax documents contain sensitive personal information that identity thieves could use to file a fraudent tax return.

Jan. 31 was the deadline for employers to send out W-2s, according to the Internal Revenue Service—and that means tax time is upon us. This time of year, many organizations send out important tax documents containing sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, and it’s vital to protect yourself against fraud and identity theft.

Read on to find out how you can safeguard your information and minimize the risk of becoming the next victim of identity thieves and other frauds.

Watch Your Mail

Since W-2s and other tax documents are sent out by snail mail, it’s not difficult for identity thieves to steal them and get their hands on your most sensitive financial and personal information.Identity Theft 911 reports that some thieves even follow postal workers, swipe important tax documents, copy the information and return the envelopes a few days later.

If you haven’t received your W-2 by Jan. 31, contact your employer(s). If your W-2 is still missing by Feb. 14, you should notify the IRS. The IRS will contact your employer after Feb. 14 to request the missing information.

Safeguard Hard Copies

Once you’ve received and gathered your documents for this year’s tax filing, it’s still important to keep W-2s, receipts and bank statements—or any other kind of hard-copy documents containing sensitive materials—away from people with sticky fingers. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you file them away in a locked filing cabinet or, better yet, a safe.

If you’re en route to your accountant, don’t leave them on the seat when you leave the car to get a coffee… unless your German shepherd is your co-pilot! By removing the temptation, you reduce the chances of your documents being stolen.

Know the Warning Signs

If criminals have your Social Security number, the IRS warns they could file a tax return and claim a refund using your personal details. The IRS says the following red flags may indicate someone has filed a fraudulent tax return in your name.

• IRS records state you’ve been paid by an employer you don’t know.
• Two or more tax filings have been submitted in your name.
• For a year you didn’t file a tax return, you have an outstanding balance or are notified of a collection action against you.

If you encounter any of the above, contact the IRS immediately in writing. Fill out and enclose the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039. The IRS will contact you and help you resolve the situation.

Becoming the victim of tax fraud or identity theft is a serious matter that can compromise your finances and credit status. With a little extra care and vigilance this time of year, you can protect the personal information in your tax documents.

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Packing Up The Pets And Leaving Chicago? Read This First

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means it’s almost time to pack up the whole family—pets included—and get out of Chicago. If you’re hitting the road with your furry family members, we've gathered some tips to consider before and during the trip.

Pre-Planning for Your Pets

Whether you’re leaving town for a weekend or a month, be sure your dog and cat tags are up to date with a current cell phone number. You’ll also want to be sure your pets have a clean bill of health and all of their shots

Be sure your pets have a clean bill of health before traveling this holiday season. Photo By: Sadie Hart via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

are up to date, according to Web MD. If your dogs have the Chicago Dog-Friendly Area tag, that means they’re current on rabies, distemper, hepatitis, para-influenza, parvovirus and bordatella vaccinations, and have been examined in the past year for diseases, including an examination of a stool specimen for internal parasites.

The American Kennel Club recommends keeping your pet’s records on hand during travel—at the very least, program your vet’s name and number  into your phone, so you can contact them if necessary.

The holidays can be stressful on pets, with a change in routine and tasty food and excitement all around—before your trip, speak with family members you’ll be visiting and be sure they can accommodate pets. If other pets will be staying in the house, consider whether your furry family members will get along with others.

Traveling by Car

To combat pet carsickness, the American Kennel Club says your pet should travel on an empty stomach (with plenty of water). When it’s time to load up the car, wait to pack in your pets until the last minute, and according to The Humane Society, you should keep them to the back seat in carrier or a harness attached to the car’s seat belt for safety reasons.

Even though most dogs love to poke their heads and paws outside the window, keep them indoors for the car ride. The ASPCA says riding this way could cause ear damage or expose your pet to lung infections.

While on the road, plan for pit stops every 2-3 hours. There are seven Illnois Tollway oases, where you can find food options, bathrooms and fenced areas for pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises pet owners to make frequent stops for bathroom and exercise breaks. For cats, be sure to pack a portable litter box for them to explore while parked.

If you plan on taking a personal break, don’t leave your dog alone in a car without proper precautions. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car can get too cold, according to the American Kennel Club. Instead, have someone stay with your pet and provide water—hydration is key while traveling.

Traveling by Way of O’Hare

The Humane Society recommends that you do not transport your pet by air unless you absolutely have to. They also say air travel is particularly dangerous for animals with “pushed in” faces, such as bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats. These animals’ short nasal passages leave them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke. Should you have a pet with a build like this, be especially cautious.

Consider other alternatives to traveling by plane, and if you plan to bring your pet on vacation,driving is usually a better option. If you can’t travel by car, your pet will probably be healthier and happier if you leave it behind under the care of a pet sitter or boarding kennel, according to the Humane Society.

If you must fly your pooch out or into Chicago’s O’Hare airport this holiday season, you may want to splurge on their ticket. United just opened a first-class style kennel at O’Hare for dogs too big to fly in the cabin. O’Hare’s new kennel boasts 28 clean, ventilated and temperature-controlled enclosures, pet-safe vans that will get dogs to their flights, and staffers who will exercise your pet even provide grooming upon your request.

Pre- and post-flight, you and your pooch will be happy to know that there are two large patches of grass you’ll want to note. The lawn is at the baggage claim level across from Terminal 2, surrounding the airport Hilton.

If you plan on taking the El or CTA bus to and from the airport, the carrier must be small enough to be “carried by one individual” and it “must be constructed in a manner that ensures protection of both the animal and customer” (which gracefully suggests both a zipper and ventilation panels).

There are also quite a few pet friendly hotels around the airport, including Aloft Chicago and Marriott Residence Inn Chicago O’Hare.

It wouldn't be the holidays without your entire family around, and that includes your pup. Yep, quality time with family means spending the season with the whole gang, even the four-legged ones that sometimes take a sip from the toilet bowl.

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Top Gifts For The Car Lover In Your Life

Finding the perfect holiday gift for a loved one can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. But, if there’s a car lover in your life, there’s no reason to settle for a boring tie or fruitcake; this list of gifts for car lovers provides plenty of car-related options that should make gift-giving a little easier.

Automotive Brand Apparel

Whether they spend their spare time shining up a classic car in the garage or taking Sunday drives in their cherished convertible, the automotive enthusiasts in your life might find that a branded T-shirt, baseball cap or jacket gives them the opportunity to show some pride in the vehicle that they love so much.

Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

It’s always important to check your tire pressure, and you can make the process a little easier with this stocking stiffer. The car nut in your family will thank you, since he or she probably knows that properly inflated tires can help keep you safe and add up to longer tire life and better fuel economy.

A Travel Mug

Few things would ruin a car lover’s day more than spilled coffee during the morning commute, so help them out with a good travel mug. Look for an insulated mug that will keep their coffee hot, and a spill-proof lid to keep their ride clean.

Cell Phone Mount

If your car buff doesn't have a navigation system in his or her vehicle, there’s a good chance they use an app on their smartphone to help them get from point A to point B. You can help them keep their eyes on the road by wrapping up a cell phone mount this holiday season. Most mounts use a suction cup to secure the smartphone to the windshield, which will help keep the smartphone’s screen in their line of sight. (Just make sure to remind the recipient that they should never make adjustments to the cellphone while they’re driving.)

Portable GPS

A portable GPS might be just the thing for the auto geek who doesn't have a navigation system, and doesn't like depending on a smartphone app to get directions. Some GPS units even include other useful tech features, such as Bluetooth and satellite radio.

Driving Shoes

If the car lover in your life is also a fashion enthusiast, a pair of driving shoes is a great way to combine style and function. These stylish slip-ons (sometimes called “driving loafers” or “driving moccasins”) were created during the Italian roadster’s glory days in the 1960 s, complete with special “nubs” on their soles to make accelerating and braking easy and comfortable.

Wrenches or a Socket Set

If you’re shopping for someone who’s always tinkering with a car in the garage, the right tools will make this hobby even more enjoyable. A set of ratcheting box wrenches or a mechanic’s tool set can help

So, if you've been scratching your head over what to get the car lover in your life for the holidays, these automotive gifts will help you spread some holiday cheer — without wrapping up that too-festive Christmas sweater or questionable fruitcake.

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