"taking defensive driving knocked a decent chunk off my premium"
I was skeptical about defensive driving courses at first, but yeah, saved me more than I expected. Still unsure about LEDs though—do they really make that much difference with moose visibility? Might give it a shot...
"Still unsure about LEDs though—do they really make that much difference with moose visibility?"
I was on the fence about LEDs too, but honestly, after switching over last winter, I noticed a pretty big difference. I commute daily through some pretty moose-heavy stretches, and before LEDs, I'd have these heart-stopping moments where a moose would just appear out of nowhere. After upgrading, the brighter, clearer beam really helps pick up their eyes reflecting way earlier. It's not foolproof, obviously—still gotta stay alert—but it gives you those extra few seconds to slow down or react.
Funny enough, my neighbor swears by those little deer whistles you stick on your bumper. Personally, I think they're more placebo than anything else...but hey, whatever helps you sleep at night, right? Either way, LEDs are worth a shot if you're regularly driving in moose country.
I've gotta admit, LEDs do help a bit, but I'm not totally sold they're the game-changer some folks claim. I've driven plenty of nights with standard halogens and never had issues spotting moose eyes reflecting back. Honestly, I think it's more about keeping your windshield clean and slowing down a little. LEDs might be nice, but they're not a magic bullet...just another tool in the toolbox.
Fair enough on the LEDs, but since we're talking insurance...does anyone know if upgrading headlights actually lowers your premiums in Alaska? Or is it more about overall safety ratings and driver history? First-time buyer here, so I'm still figuring out what's worth spending money on. Also, do insurers even care about stuff like windshield condition or is that just common sense advice?
Upgrading headlights probably won't directly lower your premiums, at least not from what I've seen. Insurers usually care more about your driving record, vehicle safety ratings, and sometimes even your credit score. Windshield condition...that's mostly common sense stuff, but hey, keeping it clear never hurts. You're asking the right questions though—good on you for doing your homework before diving in.
