Catastrophe losses double at Travelers as insurance industry, states hit by more severe events
Travelers, considered a bellwether for the insurance industry due to its size, said catastrophe losses doubled in its most recent quarter and the company swung to a loss as severe wind and hail storms in a number of regions led to rising coverage claims.
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AAA Michigan gas report March 29, 2021: Prices decline 4 cents
Gas prices in Michigan dropped 4 cents compared to a week ago, AAA Michigan reports Monday. This price is 5 cents less than this time last month but still 97 cents more than this time last year. The national average decreased despite rising gas demand, which increased from 8.44 million b/d to 8.62 million b/d. Crude prices have decreased due to continuing market concern that crude demand will drop as Europe increases restrictions to curb growing coronavirus infection rates. The decrease in crude prices has also been supported by EIA reporting that total domestic crude inventories increased by 1.9 million bbl to 502.7 million bbl.
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Arctic air advisory in Michigan: Tips for keeping cars in shape for travel
DETROIT – Temperatures are expected to hover in the teens and single digits throughout this week in Michigan, with wind chills dipping into the negatives. AAA is issuing its own statewide Arctic air advisory and offering the following tips for drivers to help keep their vehicles ready for travel in the cold temps:Battery – Have charging system tested to ensure it’s fully charged and in good condition. Engine Coolant – Use one that provides anti-freeze protection down to the lowest temperatures you are likely to encounter; -30oF/-34oC is a good guideline. If you don’t have access to a garage, put a tarp over the hood or park in a wind-protected area. Here’s what you should do to prepare for a dead battery:Always travel with a cell phone and car charger.
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Men are more aggressive behind the wheel, AAA says
DETROIT, Mich. – The American Automobile Association claims it has settled who is more aggressive on the road -- the data shows men are more likely to speed, tailgate, drive dangerously and express road rage. Metro Detroiters agree that road rage isn’t worth the risk, but when it comes down to who is more likely to have road rage -- drivers were divided. Data gathered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety confirms the perception that men tend to speed, tailgate, merge dangerously, and make rude gestures or honk at other drivers more than women. The data also found that younger drivers were more aggressive than older drivers. Regardless of gender or sex, nearly 80% of American drivers demonstrate aggressive behavior behind the wheel -- with speeding topping the list.
Average gas prices reach $2.13 in Michigan, 5 cents less than previous month
Gas prices are decreasing in Michigan, with the average price being $2.13 per gallon for regular unleaded, AAA Michigan announced Monday. The average price of $2.13 per gallon is 5 cents less than the average gas price in July and the current national average, and 65 cents less than the average cost last year. As of Monday, Michigan has a total number of 82,782 reported cases, with more than 4 million reported in the United States. As of Monday, the most expensive average gas prices are in $2.27 in Marquette, $2.22 in metro Detroit and $2.13 in Ann Arbor, with the least expensive being $2.02 in Benton Harbor and Lansing and $2 in Traverse City. To view average gas prices for the state of Michigan and counties, visit https://gasprices.aaa.com.

California gas prices soar above $4
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Gasoline prices have spiked in California, soaring well above what most Americans are paying at the pump. California's gas prices are the most expensive in the United States: The national average is currently $2.65 a gallon. Most motorists around the country are noticing gas prices declining or stabilizing, which is normal for autumn. Gas prices typically drop after the busy summer driving season, AAA said. More than other states, California gas prices can sometimes skyrocket, because the state mandates cleaner gas with fewer emissions.

How to get the best price on a holiday plane ticket
If you want to arrive before the holiday, flying on Monday is the best choice. It has the lowest average ticket price ($486) prior to the holiday. Actually flying on the holiday offers the lowest average price per ticket ($454) while the Tuesday ($521) and Wednesday ($527) before the holiday are pricey and the heaviest air travel days, AAA says. While you're booking Thanksgiving travel, you may as well book for Christmas and New Year's. Sign up for alertsJust like the rest of the year, many fares fluctuate during the run up to the holiday travel season, says Tracy Stewart, editor at airfare deal site Airfarewatchdog.com.

Gas prices will climb following the Saudi attacks
Crude oil prices are rising after attacks on oil fields in Saudi Arabia over the weekend. Gas prices probably won't climb high enough to substantially hurt the US economy. The sudden jump in oil prices above $60 a barrel means gas prices are expected to start rising within a few days, she said. Spike in gas prices at end of year is uncommonAny increase in gas prices at this time of the year is relatively uncommon, according to Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, a firm that has an app that helps people track gas prices at individual stations in real time. So far, oil prices and by extension gas prices remain at reasonable levels.

Road rage on the rise: How to survive these dangerous encounters
Road rage has been on the rise for years. "So, folks are sacrificing sleep in order to get things done, which only exacerbates the likelihood that somebody will experience a road rage incident." Preventing road rageThe best way to survive road rage is to keep it from happening in the first place. All you are doing if you react with your children in the vehicle is training them in road rage; not great parenting." If you find yourself the victim of a road rage incident, here are some key steps to take:Don't reactAvoid any escalation of the conflict.

Deaths caused by red light runners hit 10-year high, AAA says
Deaths caused by drivers running red lights hit their highest rate in 10 years, according to a new report from AAA. (CNN) - Deaths caused by drivers running red lights hit their highest rate in 10 years, according to a new report from AAA. It's a problem that can be curbed with red light cameras, Kolosh said, which reduced red light violations by 40% in a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The cameras photograph vehicles that run red lights, which police can review to decide whether to ticket them. Speeding, however, continues to be the most common cause of car deaths caused by improper driving.