February, 2024 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership
Rental Car Company Insurance vs. Insurance Carrier: Which Is Better?
Car insurance from a rental car company and car insurance from an insurance carrier differ primarily in terms of coverage, cost, and flexibility:
- Coverage:
Rental car company insurance: Typically provides basic coverage such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and loss damage waiver (LDW), which may cover damage to the rental vehicle in case of an accident or theft. However, coverage may be limited and may not include liability coverage for injuries or damages to other parties or property.
Insurance carrier: Offers a range of coverage options including liability coverage (for injuries or damages to others), collision coverage (for damage to your vehicle), comprehensive coverage (for non-collision events like theft or natural disasters), and additional options like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP), depending on your policy.
- Cost:
Rental car company insurance: Typically charged daily and can significantly increase the overall cost or renting a vehicle. It may seem convenient, but it can be more expensive compared to insurance from an insurance carrier.
Insurance carrier: Generally, provides more cost-effective coverage options, especially if you already have an existing auto insurance policy. Adding rental car coverage to your existing policy or purchasing a separate rental car insurance policy may be more economical in the long run.
- Flexibility:
Rental car company insurance: Coverage options and terms are typically limited to what the rental company offers. You may not have much flexibility in choosing the coverage that suits your specific needs.
Insurance carrier: Offers more flexibility in terms of coverage options, limits, deductibles, and customization based on your individual requirements. You can tailor your policy to include the specific coverage you need for your rental vehicle and adjust it as necessary.
To summarize, while rental car company insurance provides immediate coverage for rental vehicles, it often comes with limitations and higher costs compared to car insurance from an insurance carrier. It’s essential to carefully consider your coverage needs and to compare costs before deciding on the best option for your rental car insurance.
Read moreTire Chains: When Can I Use Them?
Have you ever driven through steep mountains? If you have, perhaps you’ve noticed signs that ready “chains or snow tires required”.
Such signs are meant to serve as warnings to drivers of potentially hazardous winter weather driving conditions. When lights on these signs are flashing, it means that state traction laws in are effect, meaning that drivers must have the proper tires or equipment in order to safely pass through the steep snow or ice-covered roads ahead.
Tire chains, also known as snow chains or tire cables, are devices that are made of metal links or cables that are wrapped around the tires of a vehicle, typically automobiles or trucks. They serve to provide additional traction and grip on snowy or icy roads, improving vehicle control and reducing the risk of accidents in adverse weather conditions.
Why would you use tire chains?
- Increased traction: Tire chains provide extra traction by biting into snow and ice, allowing the tires to maintain grip on slippery surfaces where regular tires might slip or skid.
- Improved handling: With better traction, your vehicle will have improved handling, making it easier to accelerate, brake, and steer safely in snow and ice.
- Enhanced safety: Using tire chains can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents in wintry conditions, helping to prevent skidding and loss of control.
- Legal requirement: In some areas with heavy snowfall or icy conditions, it’s a legal requirement to use tire chains on vehicles during certain times of the year. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or penalties.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that you have tire chains available provides peace of mind when driving in winter conditions, especially if you encounter unexpected snow or ice on the road.
It’s important to note that tire chains are typically designed for temporary use in extreme conditions and should be removed once road conditions improve. Using tire chains on dry or paved roads can cause damage to both the chains and the road surface, as well as potentially impairing vehicle handling and braking.
Read moreFirewood Safety Tips
Choosing the proper wood for your fireplace is essential to ensure that you have a pleasant, safe experience when cozying up to the fire. Here are some key suggestions to think about:
- Seasoning: Use seasoned firewood. This means that you have given the wood the time it needs in order to dry properly. Green or wood that has just been freshly cut contains a lot of moisture, which can cause excessive smoke, difficulty lighting, and inefficient burning. Seasoned wood burns much more cleanly and efficiently.
- Storage: Make sure you store your firewood in a dry area that is well-ventilated and is away from your home or other structures. This will help prevent mold growth and greatly reduces the risk of pests. If you are stacking your firewood, make sure it is elevated off the ground on pallets or racks to promote air circulation and to prevent moisture buildup.
- Species: Not all wood burns the same. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and birch tend to burn longer and produce more heat than softwoods like pine or spruce. Choosing the right type of wood for your specific needs is important to ensure it’s appropriate for your fireplace or wood stove.
- Size: Be sure to cut your firewood into manageable sizes that fit easily into your fireplace or stove. Pieces that are too big can be difficult to handle and may not burn efficiently. In an ideal situation, pieces will be around 16-18 inches in length.
- Safety precautions: When handling firewood, be sure to wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves and eye protection in order to prevent splinters and debris from entering your eyes. Be careful when chopping or splitting wood to avoid injuries.
- Check for pests: Before you bring your firewood indoors, be sure to inspect it for signs of pests such as termites, ants, or beetles. These insects could infest your home and cause damage that could lead to a home claim on your insurance policy.
- Proper disposal: Dispose of ashes safely by allowing them to cool completely before removing them from your fireplace or stove. Be ssure to place ashes in a metal container with a secure lid and store it away from combustible materials until they can be properly disposed of.
- Fire safety: Never leave a fire unattended, and and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the area or going to bed. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies. Additionally, make sure to have properly functioning smoke detectors installed in your home.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the comfort, warmth, and ambiance of a wood-burning fire while also minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Read moreTips For Your Next Viewing Party
Whip out the chips, dip and soda: it’s time for a viewing party!
Get ready for your guests: Rearrange furniture to avoid crammed spaces and be sure to create a clear pathway to the bathroom or snack table. If you choose to move your television, make sure that the cord is not stretched too far as it could pose as a tripping hazard. Stay on top of what the weather forecast will be. If the forecast is calling for snow, be proactive and shovel and salt your sidewalks to avoid slips and falls.
Let your neighbors know. If you reside in a condo or an apartment building, be sure to let your landlord know that you’ll be expecting company. Nobody likes too much noise and you definitely don’t want to receive a noise complaint. It really puts a damper on the party!
Test your tech. To avoid any mishaps or problems with your plans, make sure that you test your entertainment equipment before your guests arrive to ensure everything is functioning properly. Your guests will appreciate your proactiveness. Also, be sure that your router is secure to avoid the risk of being hacked. Having a secure password for your WiFi can ensure that your network remains private.
Prep your kitchen. Again, proactiveness is key when you’re hosting any event. If you plan to cook anything, especially for a lot of people, make sure that your cooking equipment is in good working order.
Know your host liquor liability. In most states, the host of any party is deemed responsible for what their guests end up doing when they get behind the wheel. Serve plenty of food for your guests and have non-alcoholic beverage options. If one of your guests has had too much to drink, do not hesitate to call an Uber.
Check with your insurance agent. Nobody likes to be in a situation where they thought their homeowners insurance policy covered something when that’s not the case. Give us a call at 301-948-2010 to review your homeowners insurance policy if you have any questions or concerns before your party begins.
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