Latest news with #PolarisSlingshot
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former LAPD reserve officer and his brother charged with insurance fraud over Bentley crash
A former Los Angeles Police Department reserve officer and his brother have been charged with insurance fraud after prosecutors say they misrepresented details in a more than $200,000 insurance claim related to a Bentley crash in January 2023. Eric Benjamin 'Ben' Halem, 37, a former full-time LAPD officer and ex-reserve officer, pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of insurance fraud on Friday. His brother Jacob Halem, 32, also pleaded not guilty to a count of insurance fraud, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. Eric Halem's car rental company, Drive LA, boasts a fleet of rare, luxury vehicles, including a 2020 Bentley Continental GT. The California Department of Insurance said in a news release on Friday that Eric Halem told his insurance company that his brother had borrowed the vehicle and crashed it on Jan. 5, 2023. Read more: They said a bear attacked their Rolls Royce. But the real culprit was even stranger But the department's investigation revealed that the Bentley had been rented by a Drive LA client and that the renter crashed the vehicle three days before the brothers claimed Jacob crashed it. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies responded to the accident scene involving the rental driver and documented the vehicle's damage with body camera footage, the insurance department said in its release. After the rental driver's insurance claim was denied because of a lack of proper coverage, Eric Halem filed a fraudulent claim with his insurance company on his personal policy, misrepresenting details of the accident, authorities allege. An attorney representing Jacob Halem did not immediately return a request for comment. It is not clear if Eric Halem has an attorney. Read more: A smashed Polaris Slingshot, friends inside the CHP. How investigators unraveled an insurance plot The department of insurance alleges that Eric Halem claimed his brother had been driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, which they said was on Jan. 5, 2023. They submitted what the department called 'staged photographs' of the damaged Bentley on a tow truck. Insurance department investigators said the damage in the photos the brothers submitted was identical to the damage captured on body camera footage from the renter's crash three days earlier. Authorities allege Jacob Halem provided a false statement to the insurance company investigator to corroborate his brother's claim. It isn't clear if the insurance company paid for the car to be fixed. The department of insurance said the "total potential loss" from the claim was $229,283. Eric Halem was removed as a reserve officer with LAPD in March, according to a department spokesperson. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Motorcycle insurance explained: Types of coverage and how much you'll need
Whether your ride is a lightweight scooter or custom chopper, motorcycle insurance helps protect you financially in case of a wreck or other mishap. Before buying a policy, understand the types of motorcycle insurance available, decide how much and which kinds of coverage you need, and then compare motorcycle insurance quotes from multiple companies to get the best deal. This embedded content is not available in your region. In this article: Do you need insurance for a motorcycle? Types of motorcycles that can be covered What does motorcycle insurance cover? Additional insurance for motorcycles How much is motorcycle insurance? Who sells motorcycle insurance? How to get cheap motorcycle insurance Frequently asked questions about motorcycle insurance Most states require you to buy liability insurance for a motorcycle. Liability insurance covers damage and injuries you cause others in an accident. In addition, a lender or leasing company usually requires collision coverage and comprehensive insurance if you finance or lease a bike. But even when coverage is not required, it's smart to buy motorcycle insurance. Otherwise, you could be on the hook to pay for another driver's losses in the event of an accident, and you'd pay the full cost of repairing or replacing your own bike if you crash it or it's stolen. You can buy insurance for almost any kind of motorcycle. Some of the most common motorcycle types that insurance will cover are: Autocycles. These three-wheeled vehicles, such as the Polaris Slingshot and Tango Trike, are a cross between a car and a motorcycle. The way to cover one is with a motorcycle insurance policy, not a car insurance policy. Classic or collectible bikes. You can cover your vintage or antique bike with a basic motorcycle insurance policy and add extra coverage for custom and accessory parts. Cruisers. Built for comfort, cruisers feature a relaxed riding style and are among the most popular bikes on the road. Make sure to add coverage for custom parts you've added. Custom bikes. You can typically get full coverage for bikes that are built by motorcycle manufacturers and then customized by a shop or by you. You may be limited to only liability coverage when you've built a bike at home from a kit or replaced the original frame. Dirt bikes and motocross. Although these off-road bikes are usually not ridden on the street, many states still require liability insurance for them. Sport bikes. These bikes are built for speed and include popular models such as the Kawasaki Ninja, Yamaha YZF, Honda CBR, and others. If you've modified the bike, let the insurer know so you get the coverage you need. Scooters and mopeds. Most states require liability insurance for scooters but not for mopeds. Engine size is the distinguishing factor. Scooters, which generally have 50cc or higher engines, are the more powerful of the two. Touring bikes. Designed for long distances, touring motorcycles feature powerful engines and storage space, and many allow for two riders. Make sure to add any additional riders to the policy to fill coverage gaps, and consider extra coverage, such as roadside assistance and trip interruption insurance. Motorcycle insurance features similar coverage as car insurance and includes some extra options designed especially for riders and their bikes. Collision insurance pays for your bike's repairs, minus your deductible, if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object. If the repairs will cost more than a certain percentage of the bike's worth, collision insurance reimburses you for the actual cash value of the bike, minus the deductible. Comprehensive insurance pays for your bike's repairs, minus the deductible, if it's damaged by a storm, vandalism, collision with an animal, or other problem. It also reimburses you for the value of the bike, minus the deductible, if it's stolen or totaled. Liability insurance covers damage and injuries you cause others in an accident. There are two main types: bodily injury and property damage liability. Most states require a minimum amount of both. In some states, you can also buy guest passenger liability insurance to cover a passenger on your motorcycle who is injured in an accident, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Personal injury protection and MedPay are separate but similar types of insurance. Both cover the medical expenses of you and your passenger if you're injured in an accident, no matter who was at fault. PIP may also cover funeral expenses, lost wages, and the cost of replacement services such as childcare. PIP is not available in every state. Uninsured motorist coverage pays your medical bills if an uninsured or underinsured motorist causes an accident. It also may pay for lost wages if you're unable to work. In some states, you can also buy uninsured motorist coverage for damage to your vehicle. Extra options vary by insurance company, but below are some common options. Collision and comprehensive insurance typically include a dollar limit on how much the policy will pay to replace added equipment and custom parts. You can buy additional coverage to increase the dollar limit, an option worth considering if you've upgraded your bike with lots of extras. Geared for seasonal riders, this lets you pause some coverage, such as liability and collision insurance, during the months that you don't ride the bike. Collision and comprehensive insurance pay the actual cash value of your motorcycle if it's totaled, an amount that may be less than what you owe on a loan or lease of a new bike. Gap insurance coverage pays the difference. This pays to replace items you're carrying on your bike if they're destroyed in an event covered by your collision or comprehensive insurance. If your bike is stolen or in the shop getting repairs for damage covered by your policy, rental reimbursement insurance helps pay for a rental car or alternate transportation. Learn more: What is rental car reimbursement, and what does it cover? Roadside assistance coverage pays for towing your bike to the nearest repair shop if you break down. Trip interruption insurance pays for food, lodging, or transportation if you're a certain distance from home and are in an accident, up to the coverage limit. This option is available only for newer motorcycles. It pays out the full retail price of a new bike, minus your deductible, if your motorcycle is totaled and you have collision and comprehensive insurance. Progressive says its basic liability-only motorcycle insurance policy starts at $75 a year. Although motorcycle owners should consider more than just the cost of a liability-only policy. The starting price will be higher in some states, for some riders, and for some motorcycles, since insurance premium costs vary by several factors. Motorcycle insurance can be cheaper than car insurance because motorcycles usually cause less damage in accidents than cars, are less expensive to repair or replace, and sometimes are used only seasonally. But motorcycle insurance may cost more than car insurance in some instances, such as a teen rider with a new high-performance bike compared to a 40-something motorist with a clean driving history and a safe car. Learn more: What is an auto insurance premium, and how is it calculated? A variety of factors affect the cost of motorcycle insurance, such as: Coverage types. You'll pay more for a policy as you increase the amount and types of coverage. Credit. In many states, a good credit history will help keep your rates low. Riding history. Experienced riders will tend to pay less than beginners. But speeding tickets and other traffic infractions raise the cost. Type of motorcycle. Higher-performance bikes are generally more expensive to insure because they have a higher risk of accidents, and they're more expensive to repair and replace than standard bikes. Where you live. The average cost of motorcycle insurance varies widely by state. Your age. Young riders typically pay more than mature riders. Most major car insurance companies also sell motorcycle insurance. Here's a sampling of several companies. All of them cover a wide range of bikes, sell a full menu of basic and optional coverage, and offer an assortment of discounts. Optional insurance from Allstate includes loan or lease gap coverage, and there are many ways to save, including discounts for belonging to a motorcycle organization and taking a safety course. Optional coverage from Dairyland includes replacement cost insurance, which pays for a new bike if yours is three years old or newer and totaled after an accident. There are discounts for homeowners, Harley Owners Group members, riders who complete an approved safety course, and more. GEICO's collision and comprehensive insurance includes up to $2,000 for accessories or bike modifications at no additional cost, and collision insurance covers your helmet. Discounts include up to 20% off for Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructors and up to 10% off for mature riders. Comprehensive insurance from Nationwide includes $3,000 of coverage for custom equipment, and you can buy up to $30,000 of additional coverage. Other options include coverage for original equipment manufacturer parts and roadside assistance. The robust list of discounts from Progressive includes savings if you have no accidents or motor vehicle violations for three years. Perks include accident forgiveness, meaning no rate increase if you have a claim of $500 or less, and a 25% reduction of your deductible for every claim-free period. If keeping motorcycle insurance rates low is a goal, consider these strategies. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket to repair or replace your bike before collision or comprehensive insurance kicks in. Raising the deductible will lower the insurance price. Choose the highest deductible that you can afford to pay, and then keep that amount in savings so it's available if you have to make a claim. Most insurers offer a discount if you buy more than one type of insurance policy from them, known as 'bundling.' If you have a car and a motorcycle, for instance, you could save money by insuring both of them with the same company. Get quotes to compare the total cost of buying the policies from a single company vs. separately from different insurers. Learn more: How an auto and renters insurance bundle can save you big Motorcycle insurance discounts vary by insurer and by state. These are some of the most common ones. Anti-theft discounts are for motorcycles with anti-theft equipment. Autopay discounts lower your rate if you set up automatic payments. Mature rider discounts provide savings to experienced riders of a certain age. Motorcycle organization discounts are for members of approved motorcycle clubs or organizations. Multicycle discounts apply if you insure more than one motorcycle with the same insurance company. Safety course discounts are for riders who complete an approved motorcycle safety course. Safe rider discounts are for maintaining a record with no at-fault accidents or traffic violations for a certain period. Transfer discounts are for switching coverage to a particular insurance company. Learn more: Auto insurance discounts: 17 ways to save Florida state law does not technically require motorcycle insurance to register a bike, but you have to show proof that you're financially responsible in the event of an accident. An easy way to show financial responsibility is simply to buy motorcycle liability insurance — a minimum of $10,000 to cover injuries of a single person, $20,000 to cover injuries of multiple people per accident, and $10,000 to cover property damage. Another way is to get a financial responsibility certificate through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. To get the certificate, you must show that you have a net worth of at least $40,000. It's likely not possible to get motorcycle insurance if you don't have a driver's license. Comprehensive insurance covers theft. It will pay out the actual cash value of the bike, minus your deductible. If you don't have comprehensive insurance, you won't have theft coverage. This article was edited by Amy Danise and Tim Manni.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Beam It Up: Custom Star Trek Slingshot Heading To Auction
A car transformed into the U.S.S. Discovery from Star Trek is heading to auction. The custom-built 2018 Polaris Slingshot, transformed into a tribute to Star Trek: Discovery, is set to cross the auction block at Mecum Auctions' 38th Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The one-of-a-kind vehicle, designated as Lot S37, is part of the West Coast Customs Collection, with all proceeds benefiting the West Coast Customs Academy - a non-profit organisation dedicated to training the next generation of custom automotive professionals. Crafted by the renowned team at West Coast Customs, the Slingshot features a custom 3D-molded hood and side wings that emulate the iconic saucer and nacelle design of the U.S.S. Discovery. It rides on 20-inch Lexani air-brushed wheels and boasts a waterproof cockpit outfitted with RGBW LED lighting and a futuristic control centre. The seats are adorned with gold Star Trek insignias, further enhancing its sci-fi allure. The unique vehicle is one of five imaginative builds from West Coast Customs CEO Ryan Friedlinghaus's personal collection being auctioned to support the West Coast Customs Academy. Other standout creations include a Darth Vader-themed 2012 Volkswagen Passat, a NASCAR-inspired 2022 Toyota Camry, a General Lee-styled 2006 Dodge Charger, and a flame-painted 1997 Toyota 4Runner built by academy students. The auction will take place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, with the Slingshot offered at no reserve. Interested bidders can find more information and register to participate at
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Leader of catalytic converter theft ring sentenced to 5 years in prison
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Wolcott man was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for operating a catalytic converter theft and trafficking ring. According to evidence and testimony, an investigation into the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut led to Alexander Kolitsas, 31, who owned and operated Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC, which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford. Registered sex offender from Newtown indicted on child exploitation offenses From approximately January 2021-June 2022, Kolitsas used Downpipe Depot to purchase stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves. He instructed his suppliers on the types of converters that would obtain the most profit upon resale, and he would usually conduct business at his home late at night or behind a family member's restaurant in Middlebury after hours. Analysis of records seized from Downpipe Depot revealed that many of Kolitsas's suppliers were selling thousands to tens of thousands of dollars' worth of stolen converters to Kolitsas each week. Catalytic converters contain precious metals, can easily be removed from vehicles, and are difficult to trace. The average scrap price for catalytic converters varies between $300-$1,500, depending on the model and type of component. Kolitsas maintained electronic invoices reflecting the purchase of stolen catalytic converters from his suppliers beginning in Jan. 2022. In several of the invoices, Kolitsas permitted his suppliers to use fictitious names or business names in order to create the appearance of proper recordkeeping while hiding the real source of the stolen converters. The invoices show that between approximately Jan. 26, 2022-May 31, 2022, Kolitsas and Downpipe Depot paid more than $3.3 million to purchase converters from his suppliers. He regularly sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey. The owner of the New York recycling business told law enforcement estimated he paid Kolitsas a total of approximately $10 million in cash for catalytic converters. According to investigators, Kolitsas used proceeds from the theft and sale of catalytic converters to purchase a Ford Transit Van and other items. Kolitsas was arrested on Aug. 24, 2022. On Oct. 7, 2024, he plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and one count of promotional money laundering. Kolitsas was ordered to forfeit the Ford Transit Van, a 2016 Polaris Slingshot, $91,581 held in a Downpipe Depot bank account, and $75,127 in cash, all of which was seized by law enforcement during the investigation. He was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine. Kolitsas, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 14. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Polaris Slingshot Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary with Debut of 2025 Lineup, Delivering Fresh New Style
Fully Redesigned Front End Adds Stand-Out Style Across 2025 Lineup; New Eight-Inch Speakers with Light Ring Enhances Audio and Adds Custom-Inspired Style MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Turning ordinary drives into extraordinary moments, the three-wheel Polaris Slingshot 2025 lineup combines one-of-a-kind, head-turning style with open-air, adventurous driving experiences unlike anything else on the road. New for 2025, Slingshot introduces a fully redesigned front end, all-new eight-inch speakers for enhanced audio, improved drivability, and more. "Ten years ago, we introduced a vehicle unlike anything else on the road. With three wheels and an open-air cockpit, the Slingshot has withstood the test of time and continues to stand out from the crowd with its one-of-a-kind style," said Josh Hermes, Polaris Slingshot Vice President. "Since then, year-after-year, we have listened to our owners to continue to improve upon its style and design to deliver an elevated experience. And, in 2025, we're bringing a fresh new look to the front end, upgraded features and even more options for personalization." Inspired by owner feedback, the 2025 Slingshot lineup features four models with loads of style and countless personalization opportunities – allowing drivers to make their mark each time they jump into the cockpit. Redesigned Front EndFor 2025, Slingshot has a completely redesigned front end, bringing a new look to the lineup. As drivers move up the lineup, they get enhanced front-end components and styling. For the S model, the new front end has a clean style with newly designed fascia components and a textured finish to enhance its look. The SL model adds graphics to the textured front fascia for a sportier feel, while still maintaining a clean look. Textured closeouts, lower accent lights and painted wing-like design elements are added to enhance the front end on the SLR model, while the front end on the top-of-the-line R model is fully painted and adds a lower splitter – complementing the edgy style of the Vented Sport Hood for a totally new, unique look. Improved DrivabilityUnder-the-hood upgrades give the 2025 lineup a sportier and more refined driving experience. A modest bump in horsepower and a broader torque curve deliver more acceleration behind the wheel, while all-new tuning refines the AutoDrive transmission – providing a more intuitive and smoother driving experience. Technical updates include updated suspension tuning for improved handling and greater confidence. In addition, the redesigned front end adds an inch of ground clearance to enhance driveability on the S, SL and SLR models. Updated AudioNew for 2025, Polaris Slingshot introduces larger, eight-inch speakers for the left and right interior side panels delivering crisp sound quality to counteract road and vehicle noise with increased volume and more bass. The new Stage 2 Max Audio Package by Rockford Fosgate® is standard on 2025 SLR and R models and available as an accessory upgrade for Slingshots model year 2021 and newer. Driver & Passenger EnhancementsDriver and passenger enhancements, such as a new key fob, gas cap tether, and improvements to security are made to upgrade the vehicle experience at every touchpoint. Each model in the 2025 lineup has refined fit and finish and offers a range of "mild-to-wild" paint options to give customers color choices that reflect their personal style. AccessoriesPersonalization is half the fun of owning a Slingshot and key to the Slingshot ownership experience. To support a wide range of driver needs and style preferences, Polaris Slingshot offers a number of factory-engineered accessories – allowing owners to seamlessly upgrade their audio experience, customize their style, or enhance their comfort. Audio: To achieve the ultimate level of audio and lighting, owners can enhance their Stage 2 Max Audio Package by Rockford Fosgate® with the Upgrade Kit to Light-Ready Speakers and Premium Interior Light Kit by XKGlow®. If upgrading a 2025 SLR or R model, where eight-inch speakers are already featured as standard equipment, the Upgrade Kit to Light-Ready Speakers and Premium Interior Light Kit by XKGlow® will allow driver and passenger to enjoy fully customizable lighting throughout the interior – across speaker grilles and footwells, under the seats, in the left-hand and right-hand side storage compartments and along the center console. With the easy-to-use "Slingshot LED" mobile app, available on the App Store® and Google Play® at no additional charge, Slingshot owners can select colors for two distinct light zones from a full spectrum of choices, apply preset themed patterns and strobe effects, synchronize to music, or design and save their favorite settings. With powerful 8" speakers from Rockford Fosgate® and vibrant lighting from XKGlow®, drivers will turn heads in their unique Slingshot. Style: Slingshot owners can provide a finishing touch to their Vented Sport Hood with the premium styling of the Vented Sport Hood Grille. They can also add color-matched and customizable styling to the upper front end with the Vented Sport Hood Upper Accent Panel (standard on R Models) or add the Front LED Accent Panel to the standard bodywork and give the Slingshot an even bolder look while illuminating the road ahead (standard on SLR and R models). They can upgrade their Slingshot's front end with the new Painted Front and Outer Fascia Kits for a custom, eye-catching look, or add an aggressive look with the easy-to-install, textured Lower Front Fascia Accent Kit. With these accessory accents, they will enjoy premium, factory-quality paint that perfectly matches or contrasts their Slingshot's colors and graphics. Comfort: For added comfort and sun protection, drivers can choose to add an Excursion Top to their ride and further customize their Slingshot by selecting one of three canvas color options. The Excursion Top Canvas is available with black, gray, or red Slingshot branding to match or contrast with the Slingshot's overall design. Drivers can also choose a Slingshade to stay protected from the elements without sacrificing style. The Slingshade features vertical opening T-Top panels with friction hinge technology and superior fit and finish. Designed to seamlessly integrate, it boasts sleek lines and automotive-grade finishes, perfectly color-matched to your Slingshot or customizable with more than 30 colors to pick from. 2025 Lineup Slingshot S: Starting at $24,999 for Manual and $26,849 for AutoDrive, S is available in Slingshot Red and Jet Black. For 2025, S is now standard with Technology Package 1, which includes Rockford Fosgate® audio with 2.7" display, security package with a passive security system and rear storage locks, rear center LED brake light, and a standard height clear windscreen for improved audio experience and wind protection. Slingshot SL: Starting at $28,299 for Manual and $30,149 for AutoDrive, SL is available in Jet Black and Liquid Lime. The SL includes additional features such as a 7-inch display powered by RIDE COMMAND, a 200w Rockford Fosgate sound system, and premium paint finishes and badging along with exterior illumination. Slingshot SLR: Starting at $31,399 for Manual and $33,249 for AutoDrive, SLR is available in Graphite Gloss and Royal Red. The SLR delivers upgraded performance with a 204 horsepower engine in addition to two-tone paint, full-body graphics, extra exterior lighting, a bigger 305mm rear wheel and sport interior. Slingshot R: Starting at $34,999 for Manual and $37,149 for AutoDrive, R is available in Royal Red Crystal and Nightfall. At the top of the lineup, the R model features progressive new machined wheels, a fully-painted front fascia and an eye-catching Vented Sport Hood along with premium multi-tone paint from tip to tail, integrated navigation, Apple CarPlay® and Brembo® brakes. RIDE COMMAND+ is available on Slingshot R for a 1 year free subscription. This platform provides added confidence and peace of mind with connected features like GPS turn-by-turn navigation, Vehicle Health, Vehicle Locator, Apple CarPlay® and more. The 2025 Slingshot lineup will begin shipping to dealers by March 2025. Learn more about the 2025 lineup at or follow Slingshot on social media: @Slingshot on X and @PolarisSlingshot on Instagram. For information on Slingshot rental locations, visit About Polaris SlingshotPolaris Slingshot, a brand of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), continues to define the category through style, ride experience and community with our three-wheeled autocycle. With AutoDrive and manual transmission options, an open cockpit, side-by-side seating, 5" ride height and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Pro Star engine, Slingshot comes in a variety of models that are sure to make a statement. Step into a Slingshot for an adventurous and unrivaled ride experience. Learn more, visit † Slingshot is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile. It does not have airbags and it does not meet automotive safety standards. Three wheel vehicles may handle differently than other vehicles, especially in wet conditions. Always wear a DOT-approved full-face helmet and fasten seatbelts. The Driver may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Drive within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand, and follow your owner's manual. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unless otherwise noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc. Rockford Fosgate® is a registered trademark of Rockford Corporation XKGlow® is a registered trademark of danial e. julian DBA XKGLOW View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Polaris Inc.
