Riding a motorcycle in bad weather requires extra caution and preparation. Here are key safety tips to help you stay safe:
Read more
The coming new year is always a time when people feel inspired to assess their accomplishments of the previous year and to see how they can make improvements to their moving forward. From traveling more to getting into the best physical shape of your life, the ideas certainly can make up a long list. But, when was the last time you thought about your insurance coverage? Are you sure that you have enough in place? What if something disastrous happens? Will you be covered? Are your current coverages sufficient enough to cover the damages? Now may be a good time to consider giving us a call!
Making a resolution to stay on top of your insurance ensures you’re both financially protected and not overpaying for your insurance.
Read moreWhen you buy your dream bike, you probably can’t wait to take that first ride. Before you do, you’ll want to get a few things in order before you set off. Just one is motorcycle insurance.
Just like you wouldn’t go without auto insurance for your car, you don’t want to forgo coverage for your motorcycle. Motorcycle insurance protects your investment in your bike, of course. But it also protects you—as well as others—from the unexpected.
There are several coverages you’ll want to consider for your bike. They include:
Erie Insurance now offers improved motorcycle coverage for your motorcycle so you can ride easy. Contact Boizelle Insurance to learn more and get a free quote.
Originally Posted by: Erie Insurance
Read moreRiding a motorcycle in bad weather requires extra caution and preparation. Here are key safety tips to help you stay safe:
Protecting your business from liquor liability claims is essential if you sell, serve, or allow the consumption of alcohol on your premises. Here’s a comprehensive approach:
Combating glare from the sun while driving is crucial for safety and comfort. Here are the most effective ways to reduce or eliminate sun glare:
🪟 5. Apply Anti-Glare or Tint Film to Windows
Summary:
The best combo is polarized sunglasses + clean windshield + smart use of visors and tints. Add other tools like glare shields or tinted films for enhanced comfort.
Would you like recommendations for specific products (e.g., sunglasses or glare shields)?
Extreme heat can have several negative effects on your car, impacting performance, safety, and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of how it can affect different components:
Battery
Fluids (Oil, Coolant, Transmission Fluid)
Engine
Interior
Paint and Exterior
Other Effects
Tips to Protect Your Car in Extreme Heat
Whenever we get behind the wheel, we are taking a risk. Just as with anything in life, we have faith that the decisions we make will be good ones that will lead us to good health and happy, fulfilling lives. We can plan frivolously and without doubt in our minds. Even after doing all of this, we must face this one simple truth: we cannot control everything. And that includes being involved in a hit-and-run accident. If you are ever involved in a hit-and-run accident, this is what you should do.
Immediate Actions:
Gather Information:
Even if the other driver fled, collect as much information as you can:
File a Police Report:
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you feel okay, get checked out—some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
Document Everything:
Legal Help (if needed):
Sleep-deprivation is a serious issue that can affect the entire population of the world. If you are a business owner, it is important to acknowledge that sleep-deprivation is a real dilemma and that you can take steps to keep yourself and your employees safe. If you take necessary action, not only will your employees stay safe, but your business has a greater potential to thrive, resulting from better performance from your employees and greater profitability.
Poor Decision-Making
Lack of sleep impairs judgment, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. This can lead to:
Increased Risk of Accidents
Sleep-deprived employees are more likely to:
This can lead to injury, legal liability, or increased insurance costs.
Fatigue slows down work output and increases error rates. Tired employees:
Chronic sleep deprivation leads to:
This erodes company culture and increases hiring/training costs.
Tired brains struggle with:
This can cause miscommunications with clients, vendors, or within teams—hurting reputation and project outcomes.
Fatigue can cause employees to:
This negatively impacts customer satisfaction and retention.
Believe it or not, there are particular times of the day when drivers are most at risk. If you own a business that requires commercial vehicles and regular driving by your employees, take note of these times:
Early morning (2:00 AM – 6:00 AM)
Mid-Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
You can take a proactive approach to keep yourself and your employees safe:
Promote wellness programs that include the following:
Hours of service
Harsh braking or swerving (signs of drowsiness)
Set up automated alerts for extended driving time or late-night activity.
The safety of yourself and your employees is of paramount importance to ensure the longevity and prosperity of your business. By taking these steps, you will be well on your way to having a successful business with employees that know that you care about them.
Getting a speeding ticket can affect your auto insurance in several ways, depending on factors like your driving history, the severity of the offense, and your insurer’s policies. Here’s what typically happens:
You might lose “good driver” or “safe driver” discounts, which can lead to a rate hike even if the base premium doesn’t change.
Most states use a point system. Accumulating points from tickets can lead to:
In rare cases, especially with multiple or serious violations, your insurer may choose not the renew your policy or could even cancel it mid-term.
Speeding tickets typically stay on your driving record for 3 to 5 years, depending on the state. Insurers usually consider violations during that window when setting rates.
What You Can Do
Preparing your boat for the summer and following proper safety guidelines are essential for a smooth and safe boating season. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to having a fun, relaxing, enjoyable summer with the ones you love!
Prepare Your Boat for Summer
Boat Safety Tips
Having a squirrel in your attic can lead to property damage and potential health hazards. Here’s a step-by-step approach to deal with it:
Using solar panels comes with a range of advantage and disadvantages depending on your goals, location and financial situation. Here’s a breakdown of the main pros and cons:
Pros of Using Solar Panels
Solar power is abundant and renewable—sunlight is free and won’t run out for billions of years.
Once installed, solar panels can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity costs, especially with net metering.
Solar Panels generate clean energy with no greenhouse gas emissions, reducing your carbon footprint.
Maintenance is minimal (mostly cleaning and occasional inspections), and there are no fuel costs.
Reduces reliance on utility companies and fossil fuels, especially valuable in areas with unstable grids.
Homes with solar installations can be more attractive to buyers and sometimes command higher prices.
Many countries offer tax credits, rebates, and other incentives that reduce the cost of installation.
Cons of Using Solar Panels
Installation can be expensive, although this is often mitigated by incentives or financing options.
Solar efficiency drops on cloudy days and doesn’t work at night (unless paired with battery storage).
Rooftop or ground space must be sufficient and unobstructed by shade for effective operation.
Battery systems like Tesla Powerwall are still relatively costly, limiting 24/7 energy use from solar.
Most panels convert only 15-22% of sunlight into electricity; technological advancements continue, but gains are incremental.
Some homeowners find panels unattractive or worry about changes to the appearance of their property.
Production and disposal of solar panels can involve toxic chemicals and energy-intensive processes.
Basic Maintenance Tips
Electrical and Battery Maintenance
Brake and Suspension
Fluids and Transmission
Exterior and Interior Care
General Best Practices
What kind of insurance would protect me from natural disasters?
Insurance that protects you from natural disasters generally falls under the category of property insurance, but with specific add-on coverages or separate policies, depending on the type of disaster. Here’s a breakdown:
Tips:
What is the best kind of insurance that Erie Insurance offers to cover natural disasters?
Erie Insurance offers comprehensive protection against natural disasters through its Extended Water Coverage, an endorsement that can be added to your ErieSecure Home policy. This coverage is particularly beneficial in areas like Kensington, Maryland, where flooding and water-related incidents can occur even outside designated flood zones.
What Does Extended Water Coverage Include?
Erie’s Extended Water Coverage provides protection for:
This endorsement can be added to your ErieSecure Home policy or bundle, providing a comprehensive solution for water-related damage.
Additional Coverage Options
Beyond Extended Water Coverage, Erie Insurance offers various add-ons to enhance your protection:
These options can be tailored to your specific needs, offering peace of mind against unforeseen events.
When getting an auto insurance quote, you should be prepared to answer several questions that help the insurer assess your needs, driving history, and the level of coverage required. Here’s a list of common questions you might encounter:
Preparing these details ahead of time can help streamline the process and ensure you get the most accurate and personalized insurance quote.
Modern home remodeling trends are evolving to reflect a blend of technology, sustainability, comfort, and style. Here are some popular takes on home remodeling today:
These modern takes on home remodeling reflect not just aesthetics but also a desire for comfort, sustainability, and personalization. Each choice blends style with functionality to create spaces that cater to today’s lifestyle needs.
How Does Road Salt Work?
Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, which helps to prevent ice from forming on road surfaces and makes it easier to melt existing ice. The primary compound used for road salting is sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt.
Here’s how it works:
However, road salt isn’t perfect—it can be less effective in very cold conditions and may also have environmental impacts, such as harming plant life and affecting water quality when it runs off into rivers and streams.
What Does Road Salt Do to a Car?
Road salt can have several negative effects on a car, primarily due to its corrosive nature. Here’s how road salt impacts your vehicle.
How Can I Protect My Car?
There are several ways you can protect your car from the effects or road salt damage:
Wash your car regularly during winter, especially under the chassis, to remove salt buildup.
Waxing you car before the winter season creates a protective barrier against salt.
Rustproofing treatments can help to create an additional layer of protection for the car’s metal parts.
Check the undercarriage for any signs of rust or corrosion and address it promptly.
Keeping your car clean and maintaining it properly can significantly reduce the damage caused by road salt over time.
Do you own a small business? Have you ever had problems with hackers stealing your data? Cyber insurance is crucial for small businesses for several reasons.
In conclusion, cyber insurance helps small businesses manage the financial risks associated with cyber incidents, providing them with the tools they need to recover and continue operations. Given the growing prevalence of cyberattacks, it’s becoming an essential part of business risk management.
Life insurance can provide financial security for your loved ones in the event of your passing. Here are a few key reasons why people typically choose to get life insurance:
It’s a personal decision, but life insurance can act as a safety net for your family and loved ones, helping them maintain financial stability in the event of the unexpected.
What are examples of vandalism as it relates to auto insurance?
When it comes to the issue of auto insurance, vandalism refers to the intentional destruction or defacement of a vehicle. Here are some examples:
If your vehicle is vandalized, comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy can help pay for the repair or replacement of the damaged parts. However, the exact coverage may vary depending on the specifics of your policy.
How do I prevent someone from vandalizing my car?
By combining a few of these strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of someone vandalizing your car.
Wedding rings can typically be covered under a homeowners insurance policy. However, it’s important to understand the specifics and potential limitations.
Here’s how it works:
What You Should Do:
While homeowners insurance can cover wedding rings, it’s important to weigh the limitations and exclusions before relying solely on it. If you’re concerned about more complete protection (such as for accidental damage or loss outside the home), standalone jewelry insurance may be a better option.
During extremely cold weather, it’s important to take necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe from cold-related injuries like frostbite, hypothermia, and other health risks. Here are some tips to help protect yourself and your loved one:
By staying warm, dry, and vigilant, you can help reduce the risks posed by extreme cold weather to you and your family. Stay safe out there!
You can definitely make your home look more expensive without breaking the bank! Here are some tips that can give your space a luxurious feel on a budget:
Even though these ideas may seem small, the combination of thoughtful touches, organization, and smart upgrades will definitely make your space feel more expensive and refined without breaking the bank!
Home renovations can be an exciting way to improve your home, but they come with risks. Here are some costly renovation mistakes homeowners often make:
Being mindful of these common mistakes can help you avoid overspending and ensure your renovation project is a success.
Hardwood floors are popular due to their ability to withstand wear and tear as well as for their aesthetic appeal. However, as with anything in life, attention and care are needed to ensure that your hardwood floors maintain their health over time. Here are a number of habits that homeowners overlook when it comes to maintaining their hardwood floors:
By being aware of these habits, you can take steps to protect and maintain the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors!
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, insurance companies have made significant adjustments to their policies to accommodate the shift to remote work for business owners and employees. Here are the main ways these changes have manifested:
Insurance companies have adapted to the rise of remote work by updating their policies to better address the evolving risks that come with it. Businesses have had to review their coverage options carefully to ensure their employees’ work-from-home situations are fully protected. Insurers have responded with tailored solutions that address the nuances of remote work, from liability to cybersecurity, while offering more flexibility in premiums and coverage adjustments.
Typically, standard home insurance policies do not cover personal items like eyeglasses unless they are specifically included in the policy’s contents or personal property coverage. However, there are some factors to consider:
To be sure, it’s best to review your specific home insurance policy or contact your insurer directly for clarification regarding coverage for eyeglasses.
Winter presents various challenges with regard to keeping your dogs safe. And the best way to ensure the continued safety and security of your dogs is by being proactive. That means anticipating and managing certain risks.
By being mindful of these potential dangers and taking proactive steps, you can help ensure that your dog stays safe and comfortable throughout the winter months.
A polar vortex refers to a large, rotating mass of cold air that typically forms near the Arctic. It generally remains over the North Pole, but sometimes it can shift southward, bring extremely cold temperatures to regions far from the Arctic, including parts of North American and Europe. When the polar vortex weakens or splits, it can send frigid air down to lower latitudes, causing significant cold weather events.
To stay safe during extreme cold weather associated with a polar vortex, here are some key tips:
By following these precautions, you can stay safe and minimize the risks associated with extreme cold weather brought on by a polar vortex.
Fighting a homeowners insurance non-renewal notice can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to try to reverse the decision. Here’s a guide on how to handle it:
Increasing the resale value of your home is a great way to ensure you get the best return when it’s time to sell. Here are a few strategies that can help:
First impressions matter, so make sure the exterior of your home is well-maintained. This can include:
Focusing on areas that buyers tend to care about most can yield a high return on investment.
Consider:
Energy-efficient homes are increasingly attractive to buyers. Some ways to boost this include:
If possible, consider removing non-structural walls to create a more open floor plan. Open spaces are very appealing to modern buyers.
Storage space is always a selling point. You can:
Small, simple repairs can make a big difference:
Consider staging your home to help potential buyers envision themselves living there. Clean and clutter-free spaces are key to making a good impression.
The first thing buyers see when they walk in is the entryway. Make sure it’s clean, welcoming, and attractive. You could add a stylish console table or artwork to brighten up the space.
Replace outdated light fixtures with more modern, energy-efficient options. It can make a significant impact on the feel of the home.
Technology is becoming more important in home buying. Consider adding features like smart locks, cameras, or a smart security system.
Taking this steps is a sure-fire way to get you on the road to increasing the resale value of your home!
If you’re having trouble driving at night, it’s important to take steps to ensure both your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are some things you can do:
If your trouble with night driving continues despite these efforts, it may be wise to consult a driving instructor or medical professional for further advice.
Rent-to-own (RTO) agreements, also known as lease-to-own agreements, allow tenants to rent a property (or other assets like appliances or furniture) with the option to purchase it later. This can be a useful way to gradually build equity or ownership, but it comes with both benefits and potential drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know about rent-to-own arrangements:
To summarize, rent-to-own can be a good option for those who want to own but aren’t ready financially or credit-wise yet, but it’s important to fully understand the terms and risks involved.
Preparing and cooking enough food safely for company during the holidays involves planning, organization, and following proper food safety guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure that your holiday cooking goes smoothly and safely:
By following these tips, you can ensure that your holiday meal is prepared safely and that your guests will enjoy a delicious, stress-free feast.
The coming new year is always a time when people feel inspired to assess their accomplishments of the previous year and to see how they can make improvements to their moving forward. From traveling more to getting into the best physical shape of your life, the ideas certainly can make up a long list. But, when was the last time you thought about your insurance coverage? Are you sure that you have enough in place? What if something disastrous happens? Will you be covered? Are your current coverages sufficient enough to cover the damages? Now may be a good time to consider giving us a call!
Making a resolution to stay on top of your insurance ensures you’re both financially protected and not overpaying for your insurance.
When hosting a party for your office, there are several risks you should consider to ensure the event runs smoothly and professionally. Here are some risks to keep in mind:
By considering these risks and taking proactive steps, you can ensure your office party is fun, safe, and professional.
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected situations when you’re on the road. Here’s a comprehensive list of emergency supplies you should keep in your car:
Essential Tools & Equipment
Safety & First Aid
Food & Water
Weather Protection
Navigation & Communication
Personal & Comfort Items
Special Considerations
Optional but Useful
Keeping these items in your car can make a big difference in an emergency, and it doesn’t take up much space. Be sure to check your supplies regularly to ensure everything is in good working order, especially batteries, food, and water!
Cooking in the kitchen can be fun and rewarding, but it’s important to keep safety in mind to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some essential safety tips for cooking:
By following these safety tips, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable cooking experience in the kitchen.
Protecting your small business from winter hazards is essential to ensure smooth operations, safeguard employees and customers, and minimize financial losses. Here are some key steps you can take:
By taking these proactive measures, you can help ensure that your business is prepared for the challenges that winter may bring, keeping your employees safe and your operations running smoothly.
A lienholder is a person or entity that has a legal right or claim on a property or asset, typically because they have provided financing or a loan for it. The lienholder’s interest in the property serves as collateral for the debt owed.
Here are a few common situations where lienholders are involved:
In all these cases, the lienholder’s claim is typically registered with the appropriate government authority (such as the county or state), and it must be satisfied before the borrower can sell or transfer ownership of the property.
What are the requirements to satisfy a lienholder with regard to car insurance?
When you have a car loan and a lienholder (usually the lender or the bank) is involved, there are specific requirements for car insurance that you must meet to protect both your interests and theirs. These requirements ensure that the vehicle is adequately insured in case of an accident, theft, or damage. Here are the general requirements that most lienholders impose regarding car insurance:
Liability insurance (which covers injuries or property damage you cause to others) is required by law in most states but does not protect your own vehicle. Lienholders will generally require the additional full coverage to protect the collateral (your car).
Summary of Typical Requirements:
Meeting these requirements ensures that both your car and the lender’s financial interest are protected, and it helps you avoid penalties or forced insurance coverage that can be expensive. Always check your loan agreement for specific insurance requirements, as they can vary depending on the lender.
Buying a new car is not always a simple process. There are a lot of different factors that go into making the decision on which car you should purchase. Everything from color, fuel economy, price, condition, to the quality of the stereo system, it’s definitely an important decision you will make. But, how do you know if the car you purchased is covered under your current auto insurance policy?
Whether your new car is covered under your auto insurance policy depends on several factors:
What You Should Do:
If you’re unsure about your current coverage or need help navigating the details, give us a call at 301-948-2010.
Deciding whether to repair or replace your roof can depend on several factors. Here are some signs to help you determine the best course of action for you:
Signs You Might Need a Repair:
Signs You Might Need a Replacement
Age: If your roof is nearing or over its expected lifespan, (typically 20-25 years for asphalt shingles), consider replacement.
Extensive Damage: If there are widespread issues like multiple leaks, curling, or missing shingles, replacement may be necessary.
Sagging Roof Deck: A sagging roof could indicate structural issues that require a full replacement.
Moss or Algae Growth: Significant growth can indicate moisture retention, potentially leading to further damage.
Increased Energy Bills: If your energy costs are rising, it might indicate inadequate insulation or ventilation in the roof.
Additional Considerations:
When it doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional roofer who can assess your specific situation.
Determining how much car insurance is enough depends on several factors, including your state’s minimum requirements, your personal assets, and your driving habits. Here are some key points to consider:
We understand that not everyone’s situation is the same, so call us at 301-948-2010 and one of our experienced insurance professionals will happily discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverages.
What are French Drains?
French drains are a type of drainage system designed to redirect water away from an area, helping to prevent flooding and water damage. They consist of a trench filled with gravel or rock that contains a perforated pipe at the bottom.
Here’s how they work:
You might need a French drain if you notice the following signs:
Installing a French drain involves several steps. Here’s a general overview:
Halloween is a long-standing American tradition. For one night, children get to pretend to be their favorite superheroes, fighting crime deep into the night. No matter what costume they put on, parents get to make lasting memories with their little ones.
While Halloween should be a fun, safe experience for everyone, one most always be aware of those looking to cause problems and mischief. That’s why it’s important to inspect your child’s candy after they are finished Trick-or-Treating.
Ensure that your child’s Halloween candy is safe for by following these simple steps:
By following these steps, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone!
A home inventory is a detailed, organized list of all the possessions in your home. It includes information about each item, such as:
Description: What the item is (e.g., oak dining table”).
Brand/Model: For items where this is relevant (e.g. “Sony TV model XYZ123”).
Serial Number: Helps with identification, especially for electronics and appliances.
Purchase Date: When you bought the item.
Cost/Value: The purchase price or current estimated value.
Condition: The state of the item (e.g. “new”, “good”, “worn”).
Location: Where the item is in your home (e.g. “living room”).
Types of Home Inventories
Why Create a Home Inventory?
How do I start a home inventory?
Starting a home inventory is a smart way to keep track of your possessions, which can be useful for insurance purposes, organizing, and decluttering. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
When you’re operating a motor vehicle, you should always be cautious and mindful of your surroundings. One of the best actions you can take is to assume that someone else on the road is going to make a mistake. This mindset will automatically put you into a defensive driving mode. And while we shouldn’t live our lives believing that we will undoubtedly be injured by another driver on the road, if you pay attention to the road and minimize your distractions, chances are that you will not be the one responsible for the accident.
Driving in heavy rain requires extra caution and adjustments to ensure safety. Here are some tips to help you navigate safely:
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safer driving experience in heavy rain.
Driving during the fall season comes with several unique challenges and dangers. Here are some key concerns to be aware of:
Being aware of these factors and adjusting driving habits accordingly can help ensure a safer driving experience during the fall season.
Anti-discrimination laws are regulations designed to prevent unfair treatment of individuals based on certain protected characteristics. These laws typically cover areas such as employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. The protected characteristics can include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and sometimes sexual orientation or gender identity, depending on the jurisdiction.
Here’s why business owners should be familiar with these laws:
Legal Compliance: Adhering to anti-discrimination laws helps businesses avoid legal penalties, fines, or lawsuits. Understanding these laws ensures that your business practices are in line with legal requirements.
Fair Treatment: These laws promote fairness and equality in the workplace. By complying with them, you create an environment where all employees are treated with respect and have equal opportunities, which can lead to higher employee satisfaction and productivity.
Reputation Management: A business known for fair treatment and adherence to anti-discrimination laws often enjoys a better reputation. This can attract top talent and loyal customers who value ethical practices.
Diverse Workforce: Embracing and supporting diversity can lead to a more innovative and dynamic work environment. Familiarity with anti-discrimination laws helps in creating policies that support diversity and inclusion.
Conflict Avoidance: Understanding these laws helps in proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate into disputes or legal claims. It also equips you to handle any complaints or conflicts that arise in a manner that is fair and legal.
Overall, knowing and implementing anti-discrimination laws is essential for maintaining a fair, respectful, and legally compliant business environment.
If a hurricane is approaching, it’s typically too late to purchase a new insurance policy or make significant changes to your current one. Most insurers have a “hurricane warning” clause that prohibits new coverage or changes to existing policies once a storm is imminent.
However, you should review your current policy to ensure that you have adequate coverage. Call us at 301-948-2010 if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to help you!
Flood insurance has to be purchased as a separate policy. It is not included in a typical homeowners insurance policy. It is important to note that flood insurance policies have a 30-day mandatory waiting period before going into effect. This is due to the fact that flood insurance is federally regulated through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.
Named storms can significantly impact your insurance coverages in several ways:
If you have any questions regarding how a named storm affects your insurance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re happy to help!
When you have car insurance and drive in multiple states, you generally don’t need a separate policy for each state. Most car insurance policies are designed to provide coverage across state lines within the United States. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
Overall, your current insurance policy should be sufficient enough for driving in different states as long as it meets the minimum coverage requirements for your primary state of residence. If you have specific concerns or unique circumstances, give us a call at 301-948-2010 and we’ll be happy to address your insurance needs.
When referring to homeowners insurance, a “peril” refers to a specific risk or cause of loss that is covered by the policy. Common perils include fire, theft, vandalism, and certain types of water damage. When you purchase homeowners insurance, you’re essentially paying for protection against certain perils that could cause damage to your home or your belongings.
Policies typically come in two main types:
What are examples of common covered perils on a homeowners insurance policy?
It’s important to review your specific policy to understand which perils are covered and if there are any exclusions or limitations. Give us a call at 301-948-2010 and one of our experienced professionals will be happy to assist you!
What are examples of uncovered perils on a homeowners insurance policy?
While there a number or perils that are covered on your homeowners insurance policy, there are some perils that are excluded from coverage. Here are a few examples:
It’s important to read the details of your homeowners insurance policy. Call us at 301-948-2010 with any questions you may have regarding coverages or exclusions. We’ll be happy to assist you!
In Maryland, window tinting regulations vary depending on the type of vehicle and the specific windows being tinted. The latest guidelines for the state of Maryland indicate the following:
Passenger vehicles:
Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
Rear Side Windows: Can have any level of tint.
Rear window: Can have any level of tint.
Windshield: Tinting is allowed only along the top 5 inches or the AS-1 line, whichever is longer.
In Virginia, the legal limits for window tint are as follows:
Front Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 50% of outside light to pass through.
Rear Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 35% of outside light to pass through.
Rear Window: There is no specific light transmittance requirement for the rear window.
In North Carolina, the legal limits for window tinting are the following:
Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
Back Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
Rear Window: Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through. However, if your vehicle has side mirrors on both sides that provide a view of the rear, this limit may not apply.
Additionally, North Carolina law prohibits reflective or mirrored tinting the front side windows and requires that the tinting does not excessively impair the driver’s view.
In West Virginia, the limits for window tinting are as follows:
Windshield: Tinting is allowed only on the top 5 inches of the windshield, and it must be non-reflective.
Front Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
Back Side Windows: Tint must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
Rear Window: Tint must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
Reflective tints are generally not allowed, and there may be additional restrictions on the reflectivity of the film.
In Pennsylvania, the limits for window tinting are the following:
Windshield: Tinting is allowed only on the top three inches of the windshield, and it must be non-reflective.
Front Side Windows: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
Back Side Windows: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
Rear Window: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
Finally, in Washington, D.C., the limits for window tinting are as follows:
Windshield: Tinting is allowed only on the top 5 inches of the windshield, and it must be non-reflective.
Front Side Windows: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
Back Side Window: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
Rear Window: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
As with any type of regulation, it’s always a good idea to double-check with local authorities or a professional installer to ensure compliance with current laws.
Protecting your home while you’re on vacation is crucial to ensure everything stays safe and secure. Here are some effective steps you can take:
Taking these steps can help give you the peace of mind your needs so that you can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing that your home is well-protected.
Ladder safety is crucial to prevent falls and injuries. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
How Do I Choose the Right Ladder For Me?
Choosing the right ladder involves considering several factors to ensure safety, efficiency, and suitability for the task. Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice:
Nobody ever wants to have their car stolen, but the truth is that there are bad people out there in the world just itching for the perfect opportunity to commit crimes. If it happens to you, here are a few essentials that you should know:
Auto insurance does typically cover stolen vehicles, but it does depend on the type of coverage you have on your auto policy.
Comprehensive Coverage: This is the type of insurance that typically covers theft. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision-related incidents, including theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. If your car is stolen and you have comprehensive coverage, you should be able to file a claim with your insurance company to get compensation for the loss.
Collision Coverage: This type of coverage is for damage to your car resulting from a collision, not theft. So, this kind of coverage will not help you in the event of your car being stolen.
Liability Coverage: This covers damages to others if you’re at fault in an accident but does not cover theft or damage to your own vehicle.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This helps if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, but it doesn’t cover theft.
If your car is stolen, you should report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process and help determine the compensation based on the value of your vehicle and the specifics of your policy.
It’s very important that you report your car being stolen immediately the police and to your insurance company. If your car is recovered, a claims adjuster will assess the damage and determine the cost of repairing it.
Comprehensive coverage can help pay for the any damages to your car while it was out of your possession. You would still be responsible for your deductible. If your insurance company deems your car to be a total loss, you will receive the actual cash value of your car minus your deductible.
You should ask your insurance professional how many days you will be covered for a rental car under your current auto insurance policy.
Homeowners insurance typically covers sudden and accidental damage caused by plumbing issues, but not all plumbing problems are included. Here’s a general breakdown:
Covered:
Burst Pipes: If a pipe bursts suddenly due to freezing or another covered peril, the damage caused can be covered.
Water Damage: Damage to your home from a burst pipe or other plumbing failure is often covered, including water damage to walls, floors, and personal property.
Accidental Overflow: If a toilet or sink overflows due to an accident, it might be covered.
Not Covered:
Wear and Tear: Routine maintenance issues, like leaks caused by aging pipes, are generally not covered.
Negligence: Damage resulting from poor maintenance or neglect, such as failing to address a small leak that eventually causes significant damage, is typically excluded.
Maintenance Costs: The cost of repairing or replacing old or worn-out pipes is usually your responsibility.
As always, give us a call to review your specific policy details and if you have any questions, we’ll be happy to assist you in understanding exact coverages and any exclusions pertaining to plumbing issues.
What can I do to Protect My Home From Plumbing Issues?
By staying vigilant and addressing minor issues before they become major problems, you can significantly reduce the risk of serious plumbing issues in your home.
A life insurance policy primarily provides a death benefit to beneficiaries, but the specifics of what can be covered or included in a policy can vary depending on the type of insurance and any additional riders or provisions. Here are the main areas and features typically covered:
Standard Coverage: The primary feature of all life insurance policies is the payment made to beneficiaries upon your death. This amount is generally tax-free and is intended to help cover financial needs such as funeral expenses, outstanding debts, and living expenses.
Each policy and rider can vary in terms of specifics, so it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your life insurance policy. Call us to speak with one of our licensed professionals to ensure it meets your financial goals and expectations.
Preventing your car from overheating involves a mix of regular maintenance and mindful driving habits. Here are some steps to help keep your car cool:
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can go a long way in preventing overheating and keeping your car running smoothly.
What should I do if my car overheats?
Overheating can be caused by various issues such as a faulty thermostat, water pump failure, radiator issues, or even a failed cooling fan. It’s essential to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair the problem to ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable.
Preventing water damage to your home is crucial to avoid costly repairs and maintain the integrity of your property. Here are some essential tips to help you prevent water damage.
Regularly inspect your roof: Check for missing or damaged shingles, and ensure that the roof is in good condition to prevent leaks.
Clean gutters and downspouts: Regularly clean debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage the roof and siding.
Inspect and maintain plumbing: Look for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and in basements or crawl spaces. Fix any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Check appliances: Inspect washing machine hoses and replace them if they are old or damaged. Check water heaters for leaks or rust, and replace them if necessary.
Monitor water pressure: High water pressure can cause stress on pipes and lead to leaks. Use a pressure gauge to ensure water pressure is within the recommended range (typically 40-60 psi).
Install a sump pump: If your basement is prone to flooding, consider installing a sump pump to remove water an prevent flooding during heavy rains.
Maintain landscaping: Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling around it. Use mulch or gravel to help absorb rainwater.
Seal windows and doors: Inspect and repair seals around windows and doors to prevent water intrusion during rainstorms.
Consider waterproofing: Depending on your climate and local conditions, consider waterproofing vulnerable areas such as basements or crawl spaces to prevent seepage.
Keep an eye on your water bill: A sudden increase in your water bill could indicate a hidden leak. Investigate promptly to prevent further damage.
Know your home insurance coverage: Understand what is covered under your homeowners insurance policy regarding water damage. Consider additional flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area.
By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage to your home and protect your investment. Regular maintenance and vigilance are key to keeping your home safe from water-related issues.
Flooding can cause significant damage to your home in several ways:
Water Damage: The most immediate and obvious impact of flooding is water damage. Water can seep into walls, floors, and furniture, causing warping, swelling, and deterioration. This can weaken structures and potentially lead to collapse in severe cases.
Mold and Mildew: Standing water and dampness create idea conditions for mold and mildew growth. Mold not only damages surfaces but also poses health risks, especially to those with respiratory issues or allergies.
Electrical Damage: Water can damage electrical systems and appliances, leading to short circuits, malfunctions, or even fires. This poses a significant safety hazard.
Foundation and Structural Damage: Floodwater can undermine the foundation of your home, causing cracks or weakening its structural integrity over time. This can be costly to repair and may compromise the safety of the entire building.
Contamination: Floodwater often carries contaminants such as sewage, chemicals, or bacteria, which can pose serious health risks. It can contaminate drinking water sources and require extensive cleaning and disinfection.
Personal Belongings: Floods can damage or destroy personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and sentimental items. These losses can be emotionally devastating in addition to the financial impact.
Pest Infestation: Standing water and damp conditions can attract pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and insects, which can further compromise the safety and overall hygiene of your home.
To mitigate the damage from flooding, it’s important to have adequate insurance coverage, maintain proper drainage around your home, and be prepared with emergency plans and supplies in the event of a flood. Flood prevention measures such as installing sump pumps, elevating electrical systems, and sealing basements can also help reduce the risk of damage.
Wear a life jacket: Make sure everyone on board wears a properly fitted life jacket. In case of an emergency, it can save lives.
Check the weather forecast: Before heading out, check the weather forecast. Avoid going in stormy or rough weather conditions.
Inspect your boat: Regularly inspect your boat for any signs of damage or wear. Ensure that all safety equipment, such as navigation lights, horns and fire extinguishers, are in good working condition.
File a float plan: Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Provide them with a detailed itinerary, including your route and expected return time.
Stay alert and sober: Avoid alcohol and drugs while operating a boat. Stay focused on your surroundings and be aware of other boaters, swimmers, and obstacles in the water.
Follow navigation rules: Familiarize yourself with navigation rules and regulations for the area where you’ll be boating. Pay attention to markers and buoys, and know the right of way.
Use proper lighting: Make sure your boat has the required navigation lights for nighttime boating. Always carry a flashlight with extra batteries onboard.
Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe distance from other boats, swimmers, and fixed objects like docks and buoys.
Learn basic first aid: Be prepared for emergencies by knowing basic first aid techniques and having a well-stocked first aid kit onboard.
Educate yourself: Take a boating safety course to learn about boating laws, regulations, and best practices. Continuous education can help you become a safer and more responsible boater.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when enjoying time on the water.
Age and Health: Younger and healthier individuals typically pay lower premiums because they’re considered lower risk. Age and health directly affect life expectancy, which insurers use to calculate risk.
Coverage Amount: The higher the coverage amount (death benefit), the higher the premiums. Insurers access the risk associated with paying out a larger sum.
Type of Policy: Term life insurance is generally cheaper than permanent life insurance (such as whole or universal life). Permanent policies offer lifelong coverage and often include a cash value component, which increases premiums.
Term Length: For term life insurance, longer terms typically have higher premiums because the insurer covers the risk of the insured’s death for a more extended period.
Occupation and Hobbies: Riskier occupations or hobbies (e.g. skydiving, deep-sea diving) can lead to higher premiums as they increase the likelihood of death or injury.
Smoking and Substance Use: Smokers typically pay higher premiums due to the increased health risks associated with smoking. Substance use, including alcohol and drugs, can also impact premiums.
Family Medical History: Some insurers consider the medical history of your immediate family members when determining premiums, as certain health conditions may have a genetic component.
Gender: Historically, women have lower life insurance premiums than men because they tend to live longer on average.
Driving Record: Poor driving records, especially if it involves DUI or multiple accidents, may result in higher premiums due to the increased risk of premature death.
Location: Where you live can affect your life insurance premiums. Areas with higher crime rates or lower-quality healthcare may have higher premiums.
Underwriting Criteria: Each insurer has its own underwriting criteria and risk assessment process, so premiums can vary between companies even for the same individual.
Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions when purchasing life insurance and potentially save money by finding the most suitable policy for their needs.
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, there are several areas that people oftentimes overlook. Here are some common ones:
1 . Tire Pressure: Many drivers forget to regularly check their tire pressure, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased risk of blowouts.
3 . Fluid levels: Beyond just checking oil levels, it’s important to regularly check other fluids such as transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid.
4 . Air Filter: A dirty air filter can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. It’s recommended to check and replace the air filter regularly, typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
5 . Battery Health: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they are securely connected. Additionally, have the battery tested regularly, especially if it’s more than a few years old.
6 . Brake Inspection: Don’t wait until you hear squealing or grinding noises to check your brakes. Regularly inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluids to ensure safe stopping.
7 . Suspension System: Over time, components of the suspension system such as shocks and struts can wear out, affecting ride comfort and handling. Regular inspections catch issues early.
Regular maintenance and inspections of these areas can help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.
Replacement Cost:
Replacement cost refers to the amount of money required to replace or reproduce an asset with another one of similar utility, functionality, and condition.
In the context of insurance, replacement cost is often used to determine the amount of coverage needed to rebuild or repair a damaged property.
It takes into account factors such as the current price of materials and labor, as well as any depreciation of the asset being replaced.
Replacement cost may not necessarily reflect the market value of the asset, as it focuses on the cost of obtaining a similar asset rather than its current market worth.
Market Value:
Market value, on the other hand, is the price at which an asset would sell in the current market, under normal conditions between a willing buyer and a willing seller.
It is influenced by various factors such as supply and demand, economic conditions, location, comparable sales of similar properties, and the overall condition of the asset.
Market value is often used in real estate transactions, property assessments, and investment analysis.
Unlike replacement cost, market value may not necessarily reflect the cost of the replacing an asset, as it is primarily determined by market forces.
To summarize, while replacement cost focuses on the cost of replacing an asset, market value reflects the price at which the asset would sell in the current market. They are distinct concepts used for different purposes, but both are important considerations when assessing the value of assets.
Renters insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect you if you rent your homes (apartments, houses, condos, etc.) rather than own them. It typically provides coverage for personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses in case your rented property becomes uninhabitable due to covered losses like damage from fire or water.
Here’s why you might need renters insurance:
Protection for Personal Belongings: Renters insurance helps cover the cost of replacing or repairing your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and jewelry, in case they are damaged, destroyed, or stolen due to covered perils like fire, theft, vandalism, or certain natural disasters.
Liability Coverage: If someone is injured while visiting your rented property and you’re found legally responsible, renters insurance can help cover the associated medical bills or legal expenses. It also provides coverage if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your rented property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, renters insurance can help cover the cost of temporary accommodations, such as hotel stays or rental expenses, and other necessary living expenses like food.
Affordability: Renters insurance is generally affordable, especially compared to other types of insurance like homeowners insurance. The cost varies depending on factors such as your location, the amount of coverage you need and the deductible you choose.
Peace of Mind: Having renters insurance can provide peace of mind knowing that your personal belongings are protected and that you have liability coverage in case of unforeseen events. It can help you avoid significant financial losses due to unexpected incidents.
Even though landlords have insurance for the property itself, it typically doesn’t cover tenants’ personal belongings or liability. Therefore, renters insurance is essential for renters to protect their possessions and finances.
A dashcam, short for dashboard camera, is a compact video camera mounted on the dashboard or windshield of a vehicle, typically facing forward to record the road ahead. Dashcams are designed to continuously record footage while driving, capturing everything that happens in front of the vehicle.
The primary purpose of a dashcam is to provide evidence in the event of accidents, collisions, or other incidents on the road. The footage recorded by the dashcam can help clarify what happened and who was at fault, which can be crucial for insurance claims, legal proceedings, or resolving disputes. Dashcams can also protect drivers from various types of fraud, such as staged accidents or false insurance claims.
Some dashcams also come with additional features such as GPS tracking, G-sensor technology (which detects sudden movements or impacts), loop recording (automatically overwriting old footage to conserve storage space), and parking mode (which records footage even when the vehicle is parked).
Overall, dashcams serve as a valuable tool for enhancing safety, providing evidence, and offering peace of mind for drivers.
Sometimes, it’s difficult to see what exactly happened just from looking at the damage on the vehicles. Sometimes a witness’s memory may lapse or fail to recall the correct sequence of events in a moment of high stress. And, unfortunately, sometimes people lie. Having the use of a dashcam gives claims experts indisputable evidence of what happened at the scene of an accident or collision. This also helps insurance companies settle claims faster.
The benefit of being an impartial witness is not exclusive to just accidents you are involved in. Your dashcam may provide assistance to someone else who needs help settling their own dispute with another driver.
Having a dashcam monitor your vehicle actually makes people drive more cautiously. If you have a teenage who drivers your car frequently, it can help encourage them to drive more carefully and to develop safer driving habits.
When water backs up, overflows, or floods, it usually goes where it doesn’t belong.
Are you concerned about water ruining your home? If that is a worry that you have, the following list can help you spot and fix some of the most common home water damage problems. Some you can take care of on your own, while others are definitely best left to the experts.
Since problems are never 100% avoidable, extra insurance coverage can help if water still seeps into your home. One of our experienced, licensed insurance professionals will be happy to assist with any questions you may have concerning your homeowners insurance. One way to expand your coverages on your home policy is by adding the Extended Water endorsement offered by Erie Insurance.
This endorsement features coverage for:
How Can You Protect Your Home From Water Damage?
The problem: Plumbing failure from frozen, rusted or leaky pipes
The solution: Remember, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Look for any telltale signs of leaks like unusually high water bills, mold or mildew growth, water stains on walls and warm spots on your floor. To prevent frozen pipes, keep your home’s temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Level of difficulty: Easy – if you know what to look for and stop a minor problem before it becomes a bigger one.
The problem: Plumbing drain system failures
The solution: Drain system failures are more common when your local storm water system is tied to your home’s sewer system. To prevent problems, install a backflow prevention assembly in your drain system. Also, remember to refrain from pouring grease down your drain; instead, let it cool before bagging and disposing of it.
Level of difficulty: While grease disposal is a no-brainer, it’s best to seek professional help installing a backflow prevention assembly.
The problem: Weak washing machine hoses
The solution: Replace hoses every five years and choose a reinforced steel-braided hose over a less durable rubber hose. And if your washer has seen better days, it might be time to replace the whole thing to prevent bigger issues.
Level of difficulty: Replacing a hose is a moderate job if you’re somewhat handy. Otherwise, call your plumber.
The problem: Water heater failure
The solution: Replace the sacrificial anode rod that diverts corrosion away from the tank at least once every two years. Also, flush your tank every six months to prevent sediment buildup.
Level of difficulty: Relatively easy. If you’re not handy, call your plumber.
Keeping your car in pristine condition both operationally and aesthetically involves a combination of regular maintenance tasks and protective measures. Here are some effective ways to achieve that:
By following these maintenance tips, you can help keep your car in top condition throughout the spring and beyond.
Electricity has within itself the power to do both great and terrible things. It can provide light in darkness, but can also cause shock and potential fires. Fortunately, in most homes, a simple walkthrough can help you identify and avoid the most common risks. Having the proper homeowners insurance coverage can help to provide peace of mind as well.
Outlets and Switches
Outdated or mis-wired outlets and switches are not only annoying, but can be dangerous. Here’s what to do to avoid a dangerous situation:
Make sure all outlets and switches are covered with faceplates. Faceplates provide cover to exposed wiring that can shock and cause fires. Replace any missing faceplates, even if they are behind furniture or otherwise out of the way.
Protects children. All outlets should have safety covers. Or better yet, consider an upgrade to tamper resistant receptacles, which offer built-in protection against curious little ones.
Check outlets for signs of wear. If an outlet has burn marks or is hot to the touch, that’s not a good sign. Consult an electrician to get to the bottom of the problem. It could be a bad outlet or a sign of an underlying issue.
Make sure switches are outlets function properly. You can test with a portable lamp or a nightlight. If an outlet isn’t delivering power or a switch isn’t working consistently, it may be a sign of something serious. An electrician can help you make sure that you correct any unsafe wiring, often as simple as a loose screw or worn-out switch.
Extension cords and power strips
When it comes to extension cords and anything that allows you to expand how many things are plugged into a single outlet, use them sparingly. Here’s what you can do:
Avoid extension cords. If possible, relocate items close enough to outlets to avoid extension cords altogether. If you can’t avoid them, make sure to use them sparingly and temporarily. Extension cords are not meant to be used long-term, so you may want to consider adding extra outlets to your rooms. And don’t forget to unplug the cord when it’s not in use.
If you really need one, know what to check. If an extension cord can’t be avoided, make sure that it’s in good working order and free of visible damage. Don’t run extension cords under rugs or put heavy weight on top—they can be crushed and become fire or shock hazards. Also make sure that your extension cord is not wrapped tightly around or secured to anything i.e. with staples or nails.
Use power strips cautiously. Never plug multiple power strips into one outlet, or into one another. Don’t overload the power strip and watch out for heat. If your power strip is hot, reduce the number of items plugged into it. Experts recommend that power strips should be for temporary use only.
The kitchen
Most house fires start with the kitchen, which may not surprise you. But while most of us think of a splatter of grease or an overcooked roast as likely sources of flames and smoke, your electrical appliances can also be culprits. Here’s what you can do:
Steer clear of the sink. Relocate small appliances, i.e. coffee makers and blenders, away from the sink. If they are plugged into an outlet and are splashed with water, this presents a potential shock hazard.
Watch your wiring. Make sure that large appliances are plugged in correctly and properly wired. Plugs should reach outlets without stretching or straining and insert firmly. If anything is off if you’ve ever received even a light shock from touching an appliance such as an electric stove or dishwasher, talk to an electrician immediately.
Unplug items you are not using. Unattended appliances, such as a toaster or juicer, can lead to fire, even when no one is using them. To reduce your risk, simply unplug unused items until you need them.
Bathrooms
With moist air, and running water in a tight space, bathrooms can be dangerous when it comes to electricity. Here’s what you can do:
Unplug it. Just like in the kitchen, you should unplug appliances that are not in use, such as an electric toothbrush or hair dryer. In addition to the risk of fire, these can be a major shock threat if knocked into a sink or bathtub while plugged in.
Avoid portable heaters. The presence of water, steam and a variety of conductive metal materials make these a real danger in a bathroom. Having a fixed heating fan installed is a safer bet.
Add GFCIs. Since most bathroom outlets are not far from running water, GFCIs are a must.
Elsewhere
Other spots in and around your home—think basement, garage and outdoor areas—can have their own electrical hazards. Here’s what you can do:
Check your fuse box or circuit breaker. Make sure that all fuses or circuits are in place and that fuse are the correct size.
Consider arc fault circuit breakers. These are a good fit for bedrooms to help you rest easy at night. They act in a similar fashion to GFCIs by sensing a short or overload and quickly shutting off the power.
These your GFCI circuits, especially outdoors or near water sources. Simply use the test and reset buttons to make sure they are working properly, particularly if you have outlets that are exposed to the elements.
Know when to call a pro. If you frequently blow fuses or trip breakers, contact an electrician to find the underlying problem.
Homeowners insurance typically covers a range of risks and liabilities associated with owining a home. Here are some common coverages:
Dwelling Coverage: This covers the structure of your home in case of damage or destruction due to covered perils such as fire, windstorms, lightning, hail, vandalism, and theft. It typically pays for the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home.
Other Structures Coverage: This extends coverage to strucutures on your property that are not attached to your main house, such as detached garages, sheds, or fences.
Personal Property Coverage: This protects your personal belongings, including furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances, from covered perils, both inside and outside of your home. However, certain items like jewelry, artwork, and collectibles might have coverage limits, so you may need additional coverage for these high-value items.
Liability Protection: This provides coverage if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. It typically includes legal expenses and medical bills if you’re found liable for the injury or damage.
Additional Living Expenses or Loss of Use Coverage: If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, this coverage helps pay for temporary living expenses such as hotel bills, rent, or restaurant meals while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.
Medical Payments to Others: This covers medical expenses if a guest is injured on your property, regardless of who is at fault. It’s usually a smaller amount compared to liability coverage.
It’s important to note that homeowners insurance policies can vary in terms of coverage limits, exclusions, and optional coverages. It’s advisable to review your policy carefully and consider any additional coverages you might need based on your specific circumstances, such as flood insurance or earthquake insurance, which are typically not covered under a standard homeowners policy.
With ERIE, if you purchase the Plus or Select bundle with your ErieSecure homeowners insurance, you will be covered in the case of damage to your underground service lines. This coverage protects you against damage to cable lines, Internet lines, electrical wiring, natural gas pipes, propane pipes, and sewer pipes.
Removing rodents from your home can be challenging, but there are several effective methods that you can use.
1 . Identify Entry Points: Seal off any entry points where rodents might be entering your home. Common entry points include gaps around pipes, vents, doors, and windows. Use materials like steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk to block these entryways.
It’s important to be persistent when dealing with a rodent problem, as it may take time to fully eliminate them from your home. Additionally, taking preventative measures to seal off entry points and eliminate food sources can help prevent future infestations.
Every year, over two million poisonings are reported to poison control centers across the United States. According to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, more than 90% of those poisonings occur at home.
Being aware of common household poisons is essential for maintaining a safe environment, especially if you have children or pets. Here’s what you should know about common household poisons.
By being proactive and informed about common household poisons, you can help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of your household.
Keeping your dog safe in the car is important for both their well-being and yours. Here are some tips to ensure your dog stays safe while traveling:
By following these tips, your can help ensure that your dog remains safe and comfortable while traveling in a car.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) vehicle sharing is a form of car rental or sharing service where individuals rent out their personal vehicles to others, typically on a short-term basis. Unlike traditional car rental companies, where vehicles are owned and managed by the company itself, P2P vehicle sharing platforms connect vehicle owners directly with renters through an online platform or mobile app.
How it generally works:
Peer-to-peer vehicle sharing offers several benefits, including:
Cost Savings: Renters often find P2P sharing to be more affordable than traditional car rental services.
Convenience: With P2P sharing, renters can often find vehicles available in their local area, providing more convenient access to transportation.
Choice: P2P platforms often offer a wide variety of vehicles, allowing renters to choose the one that best fits their needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for a family trip.
However, there are also challenges and considerations, such as insurance coverage, vehicle maintenance, and trust between owners and renters. Many P2P sharing platforms address these concerns through insurance policies, verification process, and user reviews.
Are You Covered as a Host?
A reality that is oftentimes overlooked is the fact that if you offer your car to someone on a P2P app, most personal auto policies will not cover the vehicle while it’s being used in a car sharing program.
Insurance companies believe that the risk is far too great to cover on a personal auto policy. Reasons include:
Renters may be unfamiliar with an area, which may increase the risk of accidents.
Are You Covered as a Renter?
If you rent a car using a P2P platform and are involved in an accident, you may run into some complications. Your own auto policy will cover you when you rent a car for personal use, but if you do so through a rental agency or a P2P platform, coverages may not be as broad as the coverages listed on your own personal auto policy.
Scenario 1: You rent and do not opt for additional coverage.
If you rent a vehicle while you’re on vacation and choose to not have additional insurance coverage through the P2P platform, typically the broadest coverages that you’ve selected for your own vehicle transfer to the rental vehicle, including deductibles, liability, comprehensive and collision options.
If you’re involved in an auto accident in a P2P vehicle and only have liability coverage, you could be responsible for damage to the P2P rental. The coverage limits that you’ve selected on your own policy also apply, so if your limits are less than the damages, you could be responsible for the difference.
Scenario 2: You rent and you choose coverage through the P2P company.
This is more risky because the insurance coverage that is offered through the P2P company many not be sufficient enough to fully cover you in the event of a claim. It’s best to speak with one of our licensed professionals. They can advise you on the best option for you.
Car insurance from a rental car company and car insurance from an insurance carrier differ primarily in terms of coverage, cost, and flexibility:
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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:
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.
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.
When temperatures drop during winter, you run the risk of having your pipes freeze. To prevent this from happening and having a costly insurance claim on your hands, take a proactive approach to home maintenance. Here’s how:
By taking these precautions, you can greatly decrease the chance of having your pipes freeze and experiencing the horrible consequences that come with damaged pipes.
Being a parent to a teenager who is just about to get behind the wheel of a car for the first time can be a very nerve-racking time. As a parent, all you want to do is everything in your power to keep your kids safe. And giving your teenager the keys to the car for the first time marks the period in your life where you are forced to give up that feeling of security because your child’s safety is no longer in your hands. However, what we are seeing nowadays is something rather unusual – or at least something unfamiliar. Young drivers are waiting longer to get their drivers licenses.
Why the Decreased Interest?
In today’s digital world, there is less need to drive. Mobile apps give consumers the ability to order food delivered straight to their door.
Rideshare apps are popular. The younger generation now has the option to use rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft to get from point A to point B which means there’s less need for them to have their own car. According to the Pew Research Center, 51% of Americans between 18-29 have used a rideshare service, while only 24% of those aged 50 or older.
Urban lifestyles. Many people are avoiding moving out of cities. This means there is often less need for a car, as access to restaurants and other amenities are within walking distance of residential areas.
Environmental concerns. As technology improves and gaining access to new information becomes easier, younger generations have become more concerned about their own individual footprints.
Rising costs. Inflation has become a serious concern for a lot of people. As the cost of everyday goods and services continue to increase, consumers are doing everything they can to make ends meet. Owning a car is expensive and includes such costs as maintenance, gas, insurance, etc.
ERIE can over you discounts to help you.
Youthful Driver Discount applies to unmarried drivers under the age of 21 who live with their parents.
For young drivers who participate in accredited driver training courses, ERIE offers a Driving Training Discount
A College Student discount may be available to those living away from home without a vehicle.
Unmarried young drivers may also qualify for a Youthful Driver Longevity Discount, which gives credit for consecutive years spent insured under another’s ERIE auto policy (usually a parent or a guardian).
Getting engagement is one of the many great milestones of life. Your engagement ring serves as a symbol of that milestone and that you’ve found the person that you want to build a life with.
As with any big financial investment, having insurance for such an investment is a smart decision to make. We all know how life can throw us curveballs when we least expect it. You could be doing something as simple as washing dishes in the kitchen sink when your ring suddenly slips off of your finger and down the kitchen sink drain.
Do not fret because there are ways to protect yourself should such an unfortunate occurrence come to pass.
A more common reason for filing an insurance claim is physically losing the ring or having one of the stones fall out from the setting. Having routine inspections of your ring may be a way to prevent this from happening.
Loose prongs are a leading cause for the loss of gemstones. Sometimes, a ring may become caught on an article of clothing which can bend the metal that holds the gem in its place. Again, routine inspections can help prevent this from becoming a major problem.
Losing a piece of jewelry at the gym is common.
Whether for sentimental reasons or practical ones, some of us may be reluctant to remove our jewelry before a workout.
You shouldn’t have to choose to between losing weight or losing your jewelry. Be proactive and set yourself a reminder to remove your jewelry and store it in a familiar, secure place before your complete your workout.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you can’t keep your jewelry at home i.e. if you go to the gym after work, store it in a secure locker.
In most cases, a typical homeowners insurance policy can cover an engagement ring, but it does depend on how much the engagement ring is worth. Considering the fact that – as of 2022 – the average couple spent $6,000 on an engagement ring, it’s probably a smarter decision to have that engagement ring insurance by itself. To do that, you schedule that piece of jewelry. This means that you are insuring the ring based on its appraised value, rather than limiting coverage to the sublimit that is associated with a homeowners or renters policy.
Typically, insurance for rings costs $1 to $2 per every $100 that your ring is worth. So, if your ring is valued at $5,000, the cost to insurance it might range somewhere between $50 and $100 per year.
We’ve all been to the doctor for an annual check-up. Well, a coverage review is similar to a check-up, except that with a coverage review, you are reviewing all of your current coverages in your insurance policies to make sure you have sufficient protection in case of disaster striking.
Having an insurance agent that you can call is a sure-fire way to ensure that your policies are up-to-date with the appropriate coverages. And, as your life changes, so should your insurance policy. When you call your insurance professional, you will have the opportunity to add or subtract coverages depending on your current, specific needs.
When you call your insurance professional for a coverage review, you should be ready to tell him or her about any life changes that have occurred since your last check-in. These include but are not limited to: personal information (mailing address, phone number, email address, and all of the family members living in your home). Be certain to make them aware of any name changes due to marriage or divorce, or if you’ve recently had a new little addition to your family. When you have accurate, up-to-date information on your policy, it will help ensure there are no delays in the event of an insurance claim.
When you contact your insurance professional, you will need to inform him or her of any changes to the drivers covered under your policy. This could be a child about to get their driver’s license or someone living with your who makes regular use of one or more of your vehicles.
If you have upgraded your home in any way i.e. renovated your kitchen, remodeled a bedroom or finished a basement, you’ll need to report those changes to your agent. They will be able to update your policy to reflect these changes. Whenever you make major improvements to your home, it increases the value of your home. As a result, you may need in a higher limit on your homeowners insurance policy. If you fail to make these changes to your policy, you may be left with a coverage gap. Coverage gaps can leave you underinsured if you need to repair or rebuild your home if the unexpected happens. Guaranteed Replacement Cost is the perfect way to make sure that no matter what happens, your insurance will have you covered. With Guaranteed Replacement Cost, you won’t face financial ruin.
If you’ve recently purchased any new boats, ATVs, or golf carts, you may want a different insurance policy. While insurance may not be required for watercraft and off-road vehicles, they are still a significant investment that should be protected. The same goes for valuables such as musical instruments or jewelry. Be sure to send a copy of your home inventory to your insurance agent. With that information, they can help you determine whether or not you need personal valuables insurance.
If you have recently retired or if you are working from home, because of the fact that you’re not making that daily commute, you may be eligible for discounts on your auto insurance.
Safe Driving Discount: If you have a good driving record with little to no claims, you could be eligible for a discount on your auto coverage.
Car Safety Equipment Discounts: If your car is equipped with safety equipment like factory-installed air bags, passive restraint, anti-theft devices, and anti-lock brakes, you could get a discount on your auto policy.
Multi-car Discount: If ERIE insures more than one car that you own, you could get a discount. All cars on your policy must be owned by you and driven by only the drivers listed on your policy.
Multi-policy Discount: If you have a qualifying life insurance policy or home policy in addition to your Erie auto policy.
Reduced Usage Discount: If you do not use your car for a least 90 consecutive days during the policy period, you could be eligible for a discount.
Young Drivers: Unmarried drivers under the age of 21 who live with their parents may be eligible for savings on their auto premium.
Annual Payment Plan: If you pay your premium in a lump sum, you could get a discount.
Changing Your Deductible: Generally, you can lower your insurance premium by raising your deductible.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, seven percent of residential fires were caused by fireplaces and chimneys between 2016 and 2020. Additionally, chimney fires were responsible for over $200 million in property damage.
Chimney fires are often a result from the accumulation of creosote, a byproduct of burning wood. This sticky substance is, oftentimes, undetected and, because of its elusiveness, can lead to a catastrophic fire.
Creosote build-up can still result is costly repairs, even without the existence of a fire. If a fire does break out, you could lose your home.
The average chimney service costs about $250 – depending on the level of inspection required. Although this may be a costly service, not using this kind of service could result in an even more costly mistake.
Hiring a professional to do a thorough inspection is a good idea. They will be able to take accurate measurements of critical components i.e. the size of the firebox and the clearance from a wood stove. Once that is completed, a certified inspector will then recommend whether or not your chimney needs sweeping and which type is best for your specific needs.
Level One Inspection
If you regularly maintain your chimney, a level one inspection may be sufficient enough. During this procedure, a professional will:
Measure all readily accessible components.
Determine if your chimney needs sweeping based on factors such as debris blocking air ducts and creosote buildup.
Level Two Inspection
If you’re a new homeowner or have never had a level one inspection, the additional detail in a level-two inspection may provide more peace of mind. A level two inspection would include:
Level Three Inspection
A level three inspection is the most extensive of inspections and is the one that you are least likely to need unless your chimney is severely damaged.
This type of inspection is needed when a level one or level two inspection have already given you indications that there are hidden problems within your chimney or that special tools may be needed to access concealed areas. A level three inspection may also include the need for tearing out building materials to reach potential problem areas.
Make sure that you find a professional with the Certified Chimney Sweep Credential (CSIA). This will ensure that the person completing the task will have a keen understanding of tools, techniques, and processes needed for a thorough chimney inspection.
You can’t drive if you can’t see. Safe driving stars with clear visibility. When it comes to maintaining good visibility behind the wheel, drivers should pay attention to their windshield wipers. Inspect them closely to see if they need to be replaced. If it’s raining and you notice that your wipers are not working as effectively as they usually do, it might to time to replace them.
Fog can be a real menace to your safety if you’re not careful. Depending on weather conditions, your windshield could become foggy in an instant.
What causes your windshield to fog? Well, when the difference between the temperature and moisture of the air inside your vehicle is dramatically different from inside your car, fog appears. This is because cold air does not retain as much moisture as warm air does. If it’s cold outside, the warm air inside your vehicle likely contains more moisture, thus resulting in your windshield fogging up.
How can you defog your windshield? Try these tips.
Use the “defrost” mode.
Manually adjust your climate settings.
Crack your windows. The air from outside your car can quickly reduce the humidity inside your car.
You may think that wiping the fog from your windshield is a quick and effective way of improving your visibility. It may be quick, but it’s not effective. When the condensation returns, it’s likely to leave streaks on your windshield, actually making visibility worse.
If windshield fogging is a common occurrence for you, you can purchase certain products at various auto parts stores to combat the problem. These products are specially designed to add a protective barrier to the glass that prevents tiny water droplets from sticking. Applying this solution and then wiping it away should greatly reduce your fog problems.
Every new year, we all have new hopes and new goals that we want to achieve. Whether it’s paying closer attention to our physical health by watching what we eat or by joining a gym, a fresh start is something we all want for ourselves and our loved ones. As 2023 draws to a close and we approach the coming new year, we all want to put ourselves in the best possible position for lasting success and prosperity. While all of this sounds wonderful, none of it matters if something bad happens to us on New Year’s Eve. Here’s everything you can do to ensure that your New Years remains safe and fun for yourself and your family.
Consider your liquor liability: If you are planning on hosting a gathering where alcohol is to be served, take it upon yourself to make sure that no one who chooses to consume alcohol drives a car afterwards. In many states, you could be held legally liable for any personal injuries sustained or damage to vehicles if the person who left your party drunk gets into an auto accident.
Plan your activities: Games and activities for your guests are a great way to make sure that your party runs smoothly.
Serve plenty of food: Planning a menu is a great way to maintain your own peace of mind and to reduce stress levels. Procrastination is a real stress activator. Consult with your guests about food allergies before making your menu for your party. Having plenty of options for your guests, along with non-alcoholic beverages is a sure-fire way to ensure that your evening remains safe and stress-free.
Keep your guest list small: The usual saying when it comes to parties is “the more the merrier”. This may not be the case if you have people in your home you do not know very well or that you do not trust.
Again, in order to maintain that peace of mind and joy throughout the evening, be sure to keep your guest list to those with whom you have a close relationship and those whom you can trust.
Have a designated driver: Encourage your guests to have a designated driver for the evening, so that when the evening concludes, everyone can return to their homes safely. Other options could include Uber and Lyft, but the point is to not allow anyone to drive home drunk.
Shelve the fireworks: Fireworks are a potential hazard and can lead to house fires. They are especially risky when alcohol enters the equation.
Going out to celebrate the new year?
If you choose to go out for the evening to celebrate, follow these tips to make sure you get back home safely:
Choose a designated driver: Driving under the influence of alcohol creates a dangerous situation for yourself and other drivers on the road. Whether it’s Uber, Lyft, calling a cab, or having a friend not consume alcohol for the evening, we all want to stay safe. Do not drink and drive.
Celebrate with friends: You’ve seen a football team gather into a huddle to call the next play at a game. Well, gather with your friends and make sure that everyone looks out for each other during the evening.
Charge your phone: Make sure your phone has a full battery before leaving your house for the night. Having a dead phone makes it a lot more difficult to get a safe ride home if you need to.
Eat before you leave: Any food that you’ve consumed before leaving your house will help slow the effects of alcohol.
Don’t leave your car overnight: Leave your car in the driveway or in your closed garage. Don’t forget to lock the doors. New Year’s may be a time to celebrate with loved ones, but it’s also an opportunity for criminals to do what they do.
With the introduction of the I-Phone on June 29, 2007 — life as we knew it – changed forever. How much so is something we wouldn’t fully understand, certainly back then. In the years that followed, other smartphones would be created as well. The way in which we shared and consumed information would not only change forever, but our access to such information would be accessible at a rate we couldn’t imagine. Although we’ve seen a lot of upside to this newfound luxury, nothing comes without its downsides.
Internet-connected toys typically have a built-in microphone and speaker and could potentially expose children and others to harm, including but not limited to theft of data or identity.
Smart toys do run the risk of being accessed by criminals, just as with as other smart device. What should you know about these toys?
If you are not familiar with these types of toys, there are a few features that you should become aware of. First, you should know what the microphone and speaker within the toy will be doing. What is its purpose? Does it communicate back to the child and answer questions? Does it record? How long does it hold onto a recording? Be careful with the kind of data that you share. Always review the terms, conditions and privacy policies of these items in order to understand how the data being collected will be used and protected.
If the toy has a Bluetooth function capability, what does the Bluetooth connection do? Is there a PIN associated with it? Without a PIN, that Bluetooth connection may be accessed by anyone and monitored to find vulnerabilities. A PIN does add another layer of security, deeming the connection locked, so that other devices cannot access it.
What data is being accessed by the pairable app? Does it need access to an email or credit card? Does it connect to social media accounts or pages? Does it require access to a photo gallery?
Search for parental controls. Are there parental controls inside the app or toy? How can a parent manage data and its use?
Christmas tree lights symbolize love, joy, and unity. They are part of a long-lasting tradition in which families and friends come together in celebration. While Christmas can be a joyous occasion, if you’re not careful, your holiday has the potential to go up in flames. Why? House fires.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 160 home fires are caused by Christmas tree every year. These fires burn rapidly and can destroy everything in its path, sometimes resulting in up to $10 million in property damage.
What Causes a Christmas Tree Fire?
If you have a real tree that is decorated with Christmas tree lights, that tree is going to need ample amounts of water to stay hydrated. Otherwise, it can and will dry up. A dry tree can become a dead tree. And a dead tree can become a serious fire hazard. A tree that is well-maintained will not catch fire as easily as one that has dry branches and needles.
How to Prevent Your Christmas Tree from Catching Fire
Water your tree. Filling your tree stand with warm water when you first get home will allow it to absorb the water more quickly after a long drive.
Choose the perfect spot. In order to prevent fires, choose a location for your tree that is a free from heating vents, fireplaces, or candles.
Inspect your lights. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 20% of Christmas tree fires start because of decorative lights. Before you begin decorating, inspect your string lights for any frayed wires or damage that could potentially cause a fire.
Turn the lights off when you aren’t home.
The winter season brings with it many familiar (and unwanted) driving traditions: Dark commutes thanks to shorter days with less sunlight, the morning routine of clearing snow and ice from your windshield, and
To help drivers navigate the challenges that come along with cold, ice and snow, there’s no shortage of winter driving tips. But unfortunately, not everything you’ll hear is really advice worth following.
To help you separate fact from fiction, here’s the truth behind 10 of the biggest winter driving myths.
Not only does warming up your car waste fuel and create unnecessary exhaust emissions, but extended idling does nothing to benefit your engine. Your car’s engine is fully lubricated after less than a minute of idling. And the fastest way to warm up your vehicle is by getting behind the wheel and driving. Anything else is just a waste of time and money.
To find your car’s recommended tire inflation pressure, look for a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual. And remember to regularly check your tire pressure during the winter months. You should do this because lower temperatures lead to lower tire pressure, which, in turn, leads to
Know your limitations as a driver, and don’t let overconfidence or overestimating your vehicle’s capability get you into a dangerous situation. Even if your car is equipped with four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, traction control, winter tires or other safety features, never let good judgment and smart driving be swept aside by a false sense of security provided by vehicle technology.
Winter tires feature a more aggressive tread pattern and different rubber compounds that remain more pliable when freezing temperatures hit. While they do require a seasonal tire change, winter tires remain the safest solution when driving in places where the temperatures drop below 45 degrees during the winter months.
But just because black ice is often invisible doesn’t mean you’re rendered helpless if you encounter it. If you find yourself on black ice, maintain your speed and don’t suddenly apply the brakes or gas pedal. Then, turn your steering wheel into the skid until you regain control of the vehicle. Once that happens, steer your car in the direction you want to go.
Remember: Gentle control inputs from both the steering wheel and pedals can help prevent a spin – even on black ice.
Unfortunately, that’s just not true. If you’re trapped in a winter storm, it could take a tow truck hours to reach your location. And extreme winter weather could make it unsafe to walk to a nearby store or residence. For those reasons, it’s important to carry an emergency kit along with you – no matter where you live or drive.
With changing economies, it’s not uncommon to see costs increase. There are several factors that can contribute to these changing costs. From gasoline, to housing, to the cost of your insurance, everything is affected in some way or another.
Inflation: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 4% compared to 2022. What this means is that all of us are paying 4% more for the same goods and services we paid for a year ago.
Vehicle parts: The car industry was even more affected by inflation. The cost of vehicle parts rose by closer to 8.3%. This is a pretty significant increase when typical increases range between 2 or 3%.
Repair costs: Recent supply chain issues such as the car chip shortage as well as labor market pressures have caused repair costs to increase even more, by as much as 14.2% since 2022. On top of that, limited supplies and fewer workers can cause repairs to take longer. Because of this, customers are forced to use rental cars for longer periods of time, resulting in the cost of claims increasing as well.
Vehicle prices: The cost of used vehicles increased more than 27% in 2021. New vehicle costs are up more than 14%.
Driving again (and faster): Drivers are driving their cars faster than ever before, reporting to be driving at extreme speeds of 20 mph over the speed limit or even more.
Accidents: It makes sense that because drivers are driving much faster, that auto accidents have not only increased in frequency but also in severity. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported an increase of 12% in fatalities. That’s the largest increase since reporting began in 1975.
How You Can Save on Your Auto Insurance
Ask about pay plan discounts
Consider ERIE’s Rate Lock option. With this feature, your insurance premium will remain the same year after year, even if you have a claim. The only way your rate will change is if you add or remove a driver to your policy, add or remove a car, or change your address.
Look at your deductibles. If you have a low deductible, that probably means your insurance premium is higher. By increasing your deductible (what you pay upfront before your policy kicks in), your insurance premium will be significantly less.
Review your mileage. Are you working from home more often and driving less than before the pandemic? You could be eligible for a lower rate based upon how many miles you’ve driven in one year.
Bundle your policies. If you only have auto insurance, by adding a homeowners insurance policy or an umbrella policy, your rates will decrease.
What is a Lithium-ion Battery?
Every type of battery creates electricity by turning chemical energy into electrical energy. It does this by using chemical reactions to create a flow of electrons from one material to another. We’ll spare you the rest of the science lesson. The important thing to know is that the materials used (lead-acid, alkaline, nickel-cadmium, etc.) all have different charging properties.
Lithium batteries use – you got it – lithium in metal or ion (Li-ion) form as their anode material. And they come with several advantages. Lithium-ion batteries are easily rechargeable and have the highest energy density of any battery technology, meaning they pack more power into a smaller space. They also can deliver a voltage up to three times higher than other battery types. For this reason, you’ll find lithium batteries in almost all modern portable electronic devices.
The list includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, eReaders, smart watches and Bluetooth headphones. Larger lithium battery packs are also used to power things like electric scooters, hoverboards, e-bikes and even electric cars.
How to Store a Lithium-ion Battery
If you’ve flown on an airplane or shipped a package recently, you’ve probably seen warnings related to proper lithium battery storage. That’s because lithium batteries have been known to cause fires when they’re damaged or stored improperly.
To safely store your lithium-ion batteries, follow these tips:
When bringing your devices inside, make sure you store them in an area that won’t block a means of egress in the event of a fire. For example, storing a regular bicycle near your back door would be fine, but you wouldn’t want to do that with an e-bike. Lastly, make sure that your smoke detectors are functional and will warn you right away if there’s a fire.
How to Charge a Lithium-ion Battery
To get the best performance out of your lithium battery, try to recharge it before it’s completely dead. A good rule of thumb to follow is plugging in your device when the battery reaches 10 to 20 percent of its remaining capacity.
A fully discharged battery adds extra stress to the components, which can reduce its lifespan. So it’s always better to top off your device’s charge throughout the day than to wait for it to die completely.
It’s also worth noting that overcharging can damage lithium batteries, too. While most devices have protective circuits to prevent overcharging, you may still want to consider unplugging your device or battery from the power source after it’s been fully charged. Speaking of charging, only use the charging cable or dock that was provided with your device. Other chargers (while they may claim to charge faster) can damage the battery.
It is a well-known fact that winter can bring about frigidly cold weather conditions, and, you, like so many others, probably do anything and everything you can in order to remain warm during the colder months. A lot of homeowners spend a lot of their time and attention on keeping themselves warm inside their homes. But, what about outside your home? Patio heaters are an option.
Patio heaters are specifically designed to radiate heat outward where people are gathered. For this reason, you won’t need to huddle around it in order to stay warm. Patio heaters have different fuel sources – usually propane, electric or natural gas.
If you are going to be using an outdoor heater, be sure to set it up in an area that is well-ventilated. These areas include patios, terraces, gardens, and outdoor porches or decks.
For safety reasons, do not use a patio heater in enclosed areas i.e. buildings or garages. Also, make sure they are not too close to the ceiling of a covered deck or patio. Using a patio heater in an area that is not well-ventilated leaves you at risk of starting a fire or could also lead to suffocation or poisoning rom carbon monoxide fumes. Experts recommend keeping a clearance of at least three feet around your heater.
How much you pay for your patio heater depends on a few factors. For instance, the size and quality of your heater will impact the cost. The cost of an electric tabletop heater can be as low as $100 while a commercial-style gas heater could cost you $500 or more.
How do you figure out the size of the patio heater that you need? Multiply the size of your space (in cubic feet) by the desired temperature increase.
For example, raising the temperature of a 10-by-10 foot patio by 40 degrees Fahrenheit – assuming an 8 foot heater height – would require a 32,000 BTU heater (10x10x8x40 = 32,000).
When deciding which patio heater to purchase, you’ll choose from three main fuel sources. Each fuel source has it’s upsides and downsides.
Propane patio heaters: These types of patio heaters work similarly to a propane barbecue grill. They are the most portable heater option because the fuel comes from a metal propane tank. The downside to this one is that the heater will shut off as soon as you run out of gas. For reference, for a 40,000 BTU patio heater, a full 5-gallon propane cylinder will last you around 10 hours.
Electric patio heaters: Because these heaters do not run on gas, they do not need to be ventilated because there is no open flame. For this reason, they can be great for areas such as covered decks and porches. Also, because they function like a space heater, they can be permanently mounted below a ceiling. Although electric heaters will only put out about 5,000 BTUs of heat, it is said that they provide a more comfortable experience and feeling of warmth.
Natural gas patio heaters: With a natural gas patio heater, you will never run out of fuel. Because these heaters are hooked directly into your home’s natural gas line, these heaters are the least expensive to operate. They do, however, need to be installed by a professional. A positive is that you won’t need to carry around a propane tank. A con to this version is that they are less portable and you will need to fork up more money initially.
When used properly, patio heaters are a safe way to keep your family safe during the cold winter months. To ensure that your heater is being used properly, pay attention to these tips:
Give it space. Your patio heater will generate a lot of heat. In order to prevent fire hazards, keep your heater a safe distance away from walls, ceilings, furniture, carpet, or any other flammable material. Three feet is the recommended distance.
Find a level spot. You don’t want your heater to tip over, so make sure you place it on a flat surface.
Check for leaks. Apply a soapy water solution to your gas tank in order to check for leaks. The giveaway is if you see bubbles rising from any connection points or if you smell gas. If you suspect a gas leak, have your setup inspected by a professional.
Light it safely. Most heaters have an electric ignitor button while others require you to light it yourself. Make sure you are a safe distance away from the flame. If the burner does not light immediately, turn off the heater and wait about five minutes. This waiting period is meant to prevent gas buildup which could lead to a potential explosion.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Just remember, Class B for gas, Class C for electric, or you can use a multi-purpose extinguisher that works for both.
Watch it carefully. Never leave a patio heater unattended and always make sure that little children and pets are kept a safe distance away. Do not use your heater when weather conditions contain winds of 10 mph or stronger.
Cover it up. Storing your heater properly can help prevent wear and tear and eventual breakdown. Proper storage can prevent your heater from becoming clogged with bugs and debris and can prevent rusting.
Reducing the risk of a fire at your business is one of the most important things you can do to help protect your customers, employees and property. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more than 116,500 nonresidential building fires occurred in 2021. Those fires caused 1,025 injuries and almost $3.7 billion in damages.
For business owners, these damages can be more costly than physical repairs. It could mean weeks, or even months, of impaired operations while your property is restored. Factors such as loss of productivity, litigation and damage to brand reputation can have far-reaching effects that are difficult to anticipate. When a fire results in injuries, the human cost is incalculable.
So, what steps can you take to help ensure a crisis like this doesn’t happen at your business? Give these four tips a try:
According to the American Red Cross, there are a number of common hazards in any home or business that are likely to be the source of a fire. Conduct a survey of your business and examine these potential problem areas:
Every business should have functioning fire extinguishers, but it’s also wise to consider smoke detectors, sprinklers or a fire alarm. Remember, the life expectancy of a smoke detector is only 8-10 years.
Look into a specialized fire suppression system if your business has large operations or machinery that is capable of overheating, commercial cooking equipment or especially flammable materials onsite.
Did you know that fire extinguishers have a shelf life of 5-15 years – even if there is no expiration date listed? Over time, these devices can lose their pressure, so make sure your extinguisher is working properly by checking the pressure gauge every month. If the needle is in the yellow or red section, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Be sure to replace your extinguisher if you notice any of these signs:
To ensure the safety of your employees, regularly and reliably communicate your fire safety procedures. This is especially important when a portion of your staff is not regularly on-premises, such as in a hybrid work model where some employees work from home.
As a business owner, you expect your insurance to be there when things go wrong. But did you know that Erie Insurance is here to help you identify these risks in the first place?
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but if you have loved ones—especially little ones—your number one priority is their safety. Fortunately, there are proactive measures you can take to ensure that your kids have a happy and fun–but most importantly safe—Halloween.
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.
To make sure that your kids are safety this year, here are a number of steps you can take to keep them safe:
Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costume and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
Join kids who are under the age of 12 for trick-or-treating.
Slow down and stay alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may jump out into the street, giving little to no thought to potential drivers on the road. Turn your headlights on, so that kids will be visible to you as you drive. You should also be making a mental note to expect kids to be close to the roads, so drive with caution.
Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Whenever possible, choose face paint over masks. Masks can limits children’s vision.
Costumes that are bright in color are more easily visible, so if you can, wear bright colors.
Travel in groups.
Once your kids are finished trick-or-treating for the evening, inspect their candy carefully before allowing them to consume those tasty treats. Be on the lookout for anything sharp that could cause injuries and if anything seems weird or suspicious, throw it away. It’s better to not take chances. Use your intuition.
Winter doesn’t have to be a completely miserable time for you and those you care about most. It’s no secret that temperatures drop significantly during the winter, but with the proper planning and preparation, you could just make this winter a great one, filled with long-lasting, fun-filled memories.
Create a cozy atmosphere
Light up your gathering space. Electric lanterns or candles placed on tables and strings of hanging lights can create a rustic, homey glow.
Offer seasonal (and easy-to-serve) fare. From cinnamon and pumpkin to cranberries and ginger, fall and winter offer a delectable flavor palette. Plan your seasonal menu around food staples. Make a giant batch of chili and offer an assortment of toppings. Have a dessert tray filled with cinnamon rolls, pumpkin rolls, pies, fudge, cake, and more. Hosting an outdoor gathering can be a lot more work than an inside event. If you’re planning on being outside for your gathering, choose items that are easy to prep and serve.
Have a warm beverage bar – and designate one person to be your bartender. User thermal carafes for hot water to make hot chocolate (using single-serve packets), warm cider, coffee or one of your favorite adult beverages. Use single-use cups and have your guests write their names on them so that no one picks up the wrong one. If you’re not comfortable serving, ask your guests to bring their own favorite hot beverage along with copies of recipes that they can share with everyone.
Keep Your Guests Warm
Set up outdoor patio heaters. Keep the chilly air at bay by renting – or buying – outdoor patio heaters. These units are specifically designed to radiate heat outward, where people are gathered. This means that you can benefit from the heater’s warmth without having to stand too close to it.
Build an outdoor fire. One of the quintessential sounds of a chilly evening is the sound of wood crackling and the smoky scent of an outdoor fire. This is a great way to add a festive glow to your soiree while keeping visitors nice and warm. From store-bought to homemade, you have a lot of options. Safety should always be your number one priority.
Have extra blankets on hand. Help your friends and family ward off the chill by having a stack of blankets on hand. You can encourage them to bring their own as well, but it’s nice to have extras should someone forget – or want to use another one.
Outdoor Winter Game and Activity Ideas
Host a backyard game tournament. Cornhole or ladder golf? Enjoy a little friendly competition with your guests where both kids and adults can get in on the action.
Plan a scavenger hunt. You can set up brackets and offer a grand prize to the winners.
Make an outdoor movie theater. What better way to enjoy a night under the stars than watching your favorite seasonal holiday movie? The setup is pretty easy. All you need are the following:
The Surprise Tenants: Why Mice Love Cars
Mice are attracted to the warmth and seclusion that a car offers. Add to this the food particles and paper for nesting, and your car turns into a desirable residence for these rodents. But worry not, knowing their presence is half the battle won. Here are some reasons why mice might choose your car as their home:
Signs of a Four-Legged Freeloader
Although an industrious rodent can make your car undrivable, evidence of a mouse in your car might not always be obvious. You should keep an eye out for signs like:
Risks: More than Just a Nuisance
It’s not just the “ick” factor. A mouse infestation in your car can lead to serious problems. They can:
Waving Goodbye: Getting Rid of the Mouse
The key to ousting these furry freeloaders is twofold: removing their access and cutting off their food supply. In case of a severe infestation, you might need professional pest control services, so an early jump on the problem could save you some money:
Keep in mind: the best method to ensure a rodent-free car is prevention. With a clean, sealed car and no easily available food, you’ll create an environment that’s decidedly inhospitable to mice. If you follow these steps, you’re more likely to keep your car mouse-free, ensuring your vehicle stays in the best possible condition for all your future journeys.
A few leaves in your gutters may not seem like a big deal at first. You’d be right. It’s not. It’s when you continue to neglect your gutters and more and more leaves get clogged inside that can and will present a problem.
Gutters are specifically designed to divert water away from your home. This is extremely important because even a little bit of water can cause a lot of damage. And a lot of damage means you’ll be paying a lot of money for repairs to your home.
What Can Happen If I Don’t Clean My Gutters?
Foundation Issues
When there is heavy rainfall, the excess water needs a place to flow to. A gutter that is functioning properly will carry that water through a downspout and away from your house. A clogged gutter actually does the opposite, allowing the water to spill over the sides and down your walls. When water has the ability to pool, it can cause erosion which weakens the walls, thus leading to foundational cracks and settling.
The worst part of a scenario like this is that serious structural problems are not covered by most homeowners insurance policies.
Broken Gutters
Whenever your gutters are clogged, the water that is collected has no place to go. Because of this, your gutters overflow with water. When each gallon of water weighs as much as eight pounds, that extra weight can take a serious toll on your gutters, either bending them or tearing them away from your roof altogether.
It’s important to keep in mind that the average cost of replacing your gutters can range anywhere from $1,000 to as much as $7,000. Maintaining that your gutters are free and clear of debris will not only give you peace of mind; it will do wonders for the health of your bank account.
Wall and Ceiling Damage
Clogged gutters can also cause damage to the inside of your home when water leaks inside. Water can rot the boards that your gutters are mounted to, or it can flow behind the siding of your home.
In either case, moisture can enter your home, forcing you to have to replace wood, insulation and drywall. All of this can add up to a hefty sum.
Ice Dams
Were you aware of the fact that clogged gutters can cause damage during winter as well? When temperatures drop, water that is trapped inside your gutters turns to ice. This is what’s known as an ice dam. When ice and snow melts and has no place to travel to, it can go underneath your shingles.
Wet Basement
If you’re the type of person that stores a lot of your belongings in your basement, listen up. Wet basements can contain harmful mold and mildew, causing significant damage to your belongings, not to mention your overall physical health.
Insect Infestations
Pooling water in your gutters can be a haven for mosquitos. Damp mud and leaves can be an attractive place to bees and wasps to build their nests.
Is Damage From Clogged Gutters Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or neglect. Procrastination is your enemy when it comes to maintenance of your home. Damage caused by neglecting your gutters will most likely need to be paid for out of pocket.
If you’re like most people, your garage is packed with boxes and boxes of stuff. Your best-case-scenario is that you have a tiny bit of clutter to deal with. At worst, your garage contains fire hazards that could pose a threat to your home as well as the overall safety of yourself and your loved ones. Did you know that 5% of house fires start in a garage? To find out how you can prevent a massive headache and a hefty insurance claim, review this list of common garage hazards.
Heating hazards
The danger: ERIE typically does not cover garages that are heated by wood stoves and space heaters unless they are in a specially designated sealed-ff area of the garage where hot air is piped in for heat. This is due to the fact that heating devices with an open flame can potentially emit gas fumes that are highly flammable and could cause a fire.
What you can do: If your heating device is cleared for use in a garage, you will want to take a few safety precautions. First, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment. This includes items that are combustible such as car batteries, as well as general clutter like piles of rags or stacks of loose papers.
Electrical hazards
The danger: Wiring, extension cords, plugs, circuit breakers, transformers, light fixtures and battery chargers can cause a fire when they malfunction.
What you can do: Make certain that your wiring and lighting is in compliance with your state’s laws, use bulbs with the proper wattage and do not overload outlets. To ensure that everything works properly, have an electrician install more receptacles so you don’t have to use extension cords.
Chemical hazards
The danger: Chances are you have a virtual stockpile of flammable chemicals like motor oil, paint, gasoline, fertilizers and lighter fluid in your garage.
What you can do: Don’t smoke inside your garage. All it takes to ignite a fire is one spark. Instead, head out to the driveway or sidewalk. Store any chemicals out of direct sunlight and far away from any heat or ignition sources. Be sure to check containers for cracks or defects.
Vehicle and power tools
The danger: When oil and gasoline from cars, motorcycles, power tools and lawnmowers drips and collects over time, the possibility of a fire becomes very real.
What you can do: Regularly check your vehicles and power tools. If you notice any leaks, clean up the spill ASAP by spreading an absorbent material such as kitty litter over them. Then sweep up and safely dispose of the material before taking care of the repair.
Cooking equipment
The danger: Ovens, microwaves, charcoal grills and gas grills can ignite the flammable stuff in your garage.
What you can do: They call it a cookout for a reason, so make sure you only use your grill outside and a good distance away from your garage. Propane tanks pose a special danger, so store them outdoors—they’re sturdy enough to handle the elements.
As a final precaution, make sure to stash a fire extinguisher and install a fire alarm in your garage.
More one and a half million drivers are involved in deer collision every year, causing nearly $1 billion in damage to vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What about the all too common stories that everyone has seemed to have heard about deer collisions? Are the stories true?
6 Common Myths About Deer
Myth: Deer are more active at sunrise and sunset.
True.
It’s possible to encounter deer at any time of day. However, dusk and dawn are their most prominent hours of activity. Deer tend to move most frequently during twilight. If you are driving as the sun is either rising or setting, be sure to be especially cautious behind the wheel.
Myth: It is more likely that you will hit a deer during the fall season.
True.
Almost half of all vehicle collisions involving deer occur between October and December which also happens to be deer mating season as well as peak hunting season. So, be extra cautious on the roads during these months.
Myth: Deer whistles can help prevent collisions.
False.
There has never been evidence to suggest that deer whistles effectively prevent collisions. In fact, a study at the University of Georgia discovered that no matter how loud or how high-pitched the frequency of the sound from the whistle, the sound wasn’t enough to change the deer’s behavior.
Myth: Hitting a deer is not that dangerous.
False.
Any collision, whether it’s with a deer, a wall or another vehicle can be dangerous. However, deer collisions tend to be more of an inconvenience than a clear and present danger. Of course, you should never be driving down the road fifty miles above the speed limit anyway. If you hit a deer at that speed, you’ll have a much bigger problem on your hands. Also important to remember is to know when to swerve and when to stay in your lane. Always be aware of the other cars on the road because you never want to be anyone else in danger.
Myth: More deer are present where you see “deer crossing” signs.
True.
Whenever you see a deer crossing sign, understand that it’s there for a reason. These signs are also usually placed in areas with less than optimal road conditions and decreased visibility.
Myth: If I hit a deer, I can take home the meat.
It depends.
Depending on the state, it might be illegal to take a dead deer home with you. Check with your local authorities before removing the animal from the road.
Does My Auto Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer?
If you have what’s referred to as comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, you will be covered if and when you collide with a deer.
According to firefighters, every second counts during a fire. In fact, house fires can double in size every minute that goes by. About half of home fire deaths happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are sleeping.
But here’s the good news: There’s a simple step you can add to your nighttime routine to keep you safe.
Research from Underwriters Laboratories Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FRSI) shows that closing your bedroom door helps prevent a fire from spreading, lessens smoke damage and could even save lives.
Just like having the right homeowners insurance, a little preparation can go a long way to help you rest easy.
Here’s why it works: The more oxygen a fire has, the quicker it will spread. Keeping your bedroom door closed has been proven to slow the spread of a house fire. Additional benefits include reduction of toxic smoke levels and lower levels of heat inside the bedroom. It is important to note – within 60 seconds of a fire starting, ceiling temperatures can reach over 1,000° F.
Having the right kind of fire extinguisher nearby can also help. But when it comes to fire-related deaths, it’s usually not the flames that are to blame. Smoke and heat are actually more likely to cause suffocation and death.
Why Should You Sleep With the Door Closed?
When a door is closed during a fire, a person in that room experiences:
When a door remains open during a fire, a person in that room is exposed to:
Forty years ago, the average time people had to safely escape a fire was 17 minutes. Today’s homes only allow for three minutes or less to evacuate. Why? Modern synthetic construction materials, lower quality components, home furnishings and contemporary layouts allow fire to spread and become toxic much faster than in the past.
But don’t panic — even three minutes is a lot of time to escape a fire if you remain calm, have a plan and close doors in your home. One way to prepare is by establishing a fire escape plan with your family and practicing it twice a year. (It’s also a good idea to test your smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly and that everyone knows what they sound like.)
While you’re practicing your fire escape plans, remember to cover these additional safety tips:
One final tip: When you escape a fire, remember to close the door behind you once you exit. This will cut off the oxygen to the fire and may stop the fire’s growth.
Have you thought about your final wishes in life?
We know it’s not a particularly fun topic to discuss. But the truth is, writing a will is an important step to help your loved ones in the event of your passing.
Over half of all Americans don’t have wills and if you find yourself among that crowd, or if you just haven’t updated yours in a while, now is a good time to take action.
To help get you started, we’re answering some commonly asked questions about wills. (This is not intended to provide legal advice – always consult a lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.)
Writing a will allows you to declare your last wishes with certainty. By clearly stating who should receive your assets after you pass away, your loved ones could avoid the added strain of a complex legal process during an already difficult time.
Preparing your will may seem unpleasant because nobody wants to think about their own mortality. However, having a will can give you peace of mind knowing everything you leave behind will end up in the right hands.
For example, if you don’t have a will, in most cases the state where you live will control the distribution of your assets and determine your beneficiaries. Heirs (spouses and blood relatives) are often favored by state law in those instances, which means your closest friends and favorite charities would be left out.
Most states require you to be at least 18 years old to write a will. But outside the legal age limitation, the best time to write your will is right now.
Experts recommend that every adult should have a will regardless of their age or assets. Even if you don’t have children, a house or a large savings account, a will helps your family and friends manage your estate without a state-appointed administrator.
There’s nothing to stop you from writing your own will, but to ensure your final wishes are legally enforceable it’s best to seek counsel from an experienced attorney. By foregoing legal advice, you may inadvertently include vague language or make other mistakes that could be costly to your heirs.
When it comes to estate planning, many attorneys charge a flat fee for their services. The price of a basic will can range from $300 to upwards of $1,200. For more complicated estates with significant assets, you can expect to pay more.
Once you begin writing your will, there are some essential elements you’ll need to include. Keep in mind that this is general advice only and is not a substitute for legal advice.
After your will has been finalized, be sure to store it in a secure place like a safe or locking file cabinet. And don’t forget to tell your family where it’s located.
Just because your will is written doesn’t mean it should stay locked away forever. Here are some occasions when you may want to consider making revisions:
If you need to make a change to your will, there are two common options. You can choose to draft a new will, or write a codicil which serves as an amendment to your existing document.
Requirements for codicils vary by state but generally they must be completed in the same manner as your will. That means writing down what you wish to change in your will, signing the document and getting signatures from two witnesses.
A codicil is read and interpreted alongside your will after you pass away. So, if you need to make multiple changes to your will, to help your beneficiaries avoid confusion it may make more sense to draft a new document instead.
As the days become shorter and the temperature dips, the inevitable appears on the horizon for every boater: winter.
But don’t let the impending off-season blow you off course. By planning to properly winterize your boat, you’ll confidently end the season knowing you and your beloved ship will be ready to take on the waves as soon as the snow passes and spring arrives.
A winterization plan largely consists of answering three primary questions:
Answering “Who?” might be as straightforward as looking in the mirror. Or, it might require a bit more calculation to recruit your winterizing crew. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
As a proud and handy boat owner, you’re perfectly capable of taking on this task. Think of it as tucking your boat in before its long winter nap.
However, if you’re not a fan of engine grease, you might prefer to hire professionals. Using experienced professionals can eliminate a lot of doubt and second-guessing.
You can always acquaint yourself with winterization by watching some instructional videos — like those offered by Boat Buyer’s Secret Weapon. You’ll be better prepared to make a decision about who’ll winterize your craft when you understand the effort involved.
Once you’ve established who will do the winterizing, it’s time to delve into the “What?” category. Steps you take here will be a decisive factor in how quickly you get back on the water next spring, so it’s important to get them right.
Here’s a summary of important tasks:
Keep in mind: even if you choose to have a professional winterize your watercraft for you, having a good checklist will allow you to “trust but verify” that the job is done correctly.
Once the “Who?” and “What?” have been decided, it’s time to address the important question: “Where?”
Depending on your checkbook, your yard-space and how much of an eyesore your spouse considers your drydocked dinghy, you may have tricky choices to make. Here are the pros and cons of several common options: outdoor storage, indoor storage and dry stack storage.
During a house fire, every second counts. That’s why it’s important for you and your family to be prepared.
Are you doing everything you can to help protect your family in the event of a house fire? Here are seven tips to make (or improve) your own fire escape plan:
Do you ever stop and wonder what your dog is thinking about? As humans, we only have a limited understanding of a dog’s emotions and how it communicates. One thing we know to be certain is that dogs love their owners more than life itself and want to do anything and everything to make them happy. One of those things is graciously accepting an invite to go for a ride in the car. Many dogs owners often do this fun activity with their furry friend. However, some dogs owners elect to leave their dog in the car when running errands. Little do they know that the temperature inside their car can increase rapidly, leaving their dog’s life in peril. In fact, car temperatures can climb to over 115 degrees Fahrenheit at times.
It doesn’t take much for your dog to overheat. Although dogs have the natural ability to cool themselves through their skin and by panting, hot weather is a different story and precautions should be taken. As an example, if it’s 70 degrees outside, your car’s temperature can climb to as high as 89 degrees. During the summer, it’s not unlikely that every day is above 70 degrees, which means that you should be paying extra special attention to your dog’s physical condition.
If you happen to see a pet inside a hot car and realize that the pet is in distress, your best action to take is to call local law enforcement. Once you contact law enforcement, stay by the vehicle until help arrives.
It’s important to know the signs of heat stroke: panting, drooling, and lethargy. If the pet is in the advanced stages of heat stroke, you may see that its gums are either grey or blue or that the pet has slumped posture, may be breathing heavily, or it may be in a state of shock.
Here’s what you should do in order to cool the pet down:
Here’s what to do if the pet is unresponsive:
During the hot summer, it may be best to keep your pets indoors and in a cool, controlled environment.
A catalytic converter is a key component of your car’s exhaust system. Its job is to help reduce harmful emissions by cutting down on the amount of pollutants that exit the tailpipe.
Internal combustion engines generate power by burning fuel, like gasoline or diesel. When this fuel is burned, it produces exhaust gasses.
The majority of this exhaust gas contains nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor – emissions which are mostly harmless. However, because your car is unable to burn 100% of the fuel that enters the engine, it also produces some harmful pollutants: namely carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. When these types of emissions enter the atmosphere, they can produce smog and acid rain.
We’ll spare you the full chemistry lesson, but a catalytic converter uses a “catalyst” to “convert” those harmful emissions into the less-harmful byproducts of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor.
To accomplish this, the converter uses a ceramic honeycomb-type structure to heat the exhaust gas. The ceramic is coated with several types of precious metals (platinum, rhodium and palladium), which serve as the catalyst. When your car’s exhaust gas interacts with these metals, they create chemical reactions that reduce the amount of harmful pollutants exiting the tailpipe.
There are two reasons why catalytic converters are being targeted for theft.
So between metals recycling and black market auto part sales, there’s money to be made from stealing catalytic converters.
You can’t tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen by simply looking at your car. But you’ll know as soon as you start the engine.
To steal a catalytic converter, a thief will need to crawl under your vehicle, cut both sides of the converter and remove it from the exhaust system. That means your car will essentially be running without a muffler, making the engine extremely loud.
If your catalytic converter has been stolen, it’s a good idea to call the local authorities and file a police report. Then, you should arrange to get your vehicle towed to a nearby repair shop.
Since your catalytic converter is only part of the exhaust system, your car can technically run without it. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to just drive off.
When the catalytic converter has been cut out, exhaust gasses will be released underneath your vehicle instead of behind it. Not only will this make your vehicle be loud, but you also run the risk of those harmful exhaust gasses entering the cabin.
And here’s one more thing to consider. If a thief has just been sawing away at the underside of your car, there’s a possibility other important components could have been damaged, too.
According to CARFAX, the average cost for a new catalytic converter ranges between $2,000 to $3,000. But for luxury vehicles and sports cars, it could cost even more.
Given the high replacement cost, you may be wondering if you need to replace the catalytic converter. Unfortunately for your wallet, the answer is yes.
Because your catalytic converter is designed to remove harmful pollutants, it’s actually federally illegal to remove it from your exhaust system. Additionally, a missing “cat” can trigger a check engine light, impact the performance of your vehicle and result in some foul exhaust smells.
If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you may not have to foot the bill alone. That’s because the optional comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy can pay for damages that occur outside of a car accident, such as vandalism, fire or theft. At Erie Insurance, this coverage includes catalytic converter theft.
That means if you choose to file an insurance claim, all you’ll have to pay is your deductible (the amount of money you pay toward repairing your car before insurance kicks in). If your catalytic converter is stolen, your local insurance agent can help you review your coverage and talk you through your options before you file a claim.
Catalytic converter theft is an opportunistic crime by nature. The easier it is for the thief to get away, the more likely they are to target your vehicle. This often puts high-riding vehicles like trucks and SUVs at greater risk because they don’t have to be jacked up for the catalytic converter to be removed.
With the recent rise in catalytic converter thefts, some companies have started to make protective cages that can be installed over your exhaust system. Since this is mostly a crime of convenience, a cage will make your car less of an easy target. You can also get your VIN number etched on your catalytic converter.
Beyond that, your best chance at protecting against catalytic converter theft is to follow the same precautions that protect your car from vandals – like installing an alarm or parking in a safe, well-lit area.
Warm weather means it’s time to take the family out on the water – including your furry, four-legged family members. Whether your boat passengers have two legs or four, you’ll want to do all that you can to keep everyone safe as you sail or motor across the waves. Keep in mind these top 10 water safety tips for dogs this boating season:
Dogs are a lot safer when wearing a life jacket. Just like humans, they can get tired from swimming for long periods or be swept away by waves. Unfortunately, unlike human life jackets, canine flotation devices have no ratings or regulations. What’s worse, the market is flooded with low quality CFDs. Resources like the U.S. Boating Foundation or the Whole Dog Journal have helpful information for pet parents looking to purchase a life jacket. Check out the industry’s list of what to look for in a CFD:
On top of making sure your dog is properly suited up with a life vest and getting them acquainted with your boat, here are a few additional tips to help your furry friend have the best time.
If you sustain damage to your underground service lines, because they are oftentimes deemed your responsibility, you very likely may be looking at a hefty bill when all is said and done.
A typical homeowners insurance policy does not come equipped with coverages for service lines. However, it possible to get coverage for these situations by adding an endorsement to your homeowners policy.
What Service Lines Might Run Under My Property?
Exterior underground service and utility lines include:
How Service Lines Can Become Damaged
Service Lines can be damaged by tree roots, animals, electrical currents, a vehicle’s weight, corrosion, rust, and wear and tear.
Service lines are as fragile as they are essential. No matter what the cause of the damage is, repairing or replacing service lines is a costly endeavor. A homeowner may be required to dig up landscaping, driveways, or sidewalks in order to get access to the damaged service line. Add on top of that the cost of replacing trees, shrubs, and walkways and you’re looking at spending a very pretty penny.
If you have what’s referred to as an ErieSecure Homeowners Insurance policy, you have the option to purchase additional protection that will cover the cost of service line repairs as well as any excavation costs, outdoor property damage and even loss of use.
If you add this added protection, you will not regret it. Being able to maintain your peace of mind when disaster strikes is important. Your loved ones will thank you for being so diligent and prepared.
Service line coverage is available to you when you add either the Plus or Select bundle to your ErieSecure Home policy. This added layer of protection provides coverage for physical damage, caused by a covered service line failure, to exterior underground service lines i.e. cable, internet and electrical wiring. Additionally, natural gas, propane, and sewer pipes are covered.
As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to get your pool ready for the summer. Don’t be intimidated by the idea that pool maintenance is too much work for the average homeowner. If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the time in your pool with friends and family!
When Should I Open My Pool?
A most common practice is to open your pool during the first few weeks of May. As a benchmark, wait for the daytime temperatures to reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t wait too long, though, because if you do, you may find most unwelcomed guest in your pool: algae that will turn your pool water a gross, green color.
Steps for Opening Your Swimming Pool
Clean up. Any leaves or debris that has built up during the off-season should be removed. Be sure to spray down the deck area surrounding your pool to wash away any dirt. While you’re at it, clean up any outdoor furniture as well. Once this is completed, move on to the pool cover.
The pool cover is designed specially to protect your swimming pool from dirt, water, and debris. It’s likely that your pool cover has its own mini pool of standing water. In order to remove this water, use a pool cover pump. This electric pump allows you to quickly and easily remove the water from the surface of the pool cover.
When you finish your spring cleaning, be sure to take note of any damage to your deck, ladder, fence, or pool cover that may have occurred during the fall and winter. Be sure to make those repairs before opening your pool.
Remove the cover. Most pool covers will be secured to the pool deck using a series of straps. Remove all of the straps. Get a partner to assist you in removing the cover. With one person on each end of the pool, slowly being to pull back the cover. Once the pool cover is removed, clean it thoroughly.
You could use a pool cover cleaner to effectively clean your pool cover, but the truth is, a car wash soap will do the trick. Using the soap and a soft broom, scrub away all of the dirt and grime from the surface of the cover. Once the cover is clean, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry. To be safe, your winter cover should be stored indoors, away from insects and rodents.
If you notice that your cover begins to crack or tear during the removal process, discard of it and buy a new one for the next season.
Reconnect the filter system. With the cover removed, you can now begin to remove all of the winterizing plugs from your pool’s filtration system i.e. the lines to your pump, wall returns and surface skimmers. Make sure that you reconnect all the lines and hoses. Check your filter and clean or replace it. If any other parts appear to show signs of wear and tear, be sure to replace them.
Add more water. It’s actually a common occurrence for a pool to lose a few inches of water during the off-season. Make sure your swimming pool is full before you start adding chemicals. This will help you avoid the need to balance your water chemistry twice.
If you’re using a garden hose to fill your pool, use a hose filter to prevent water contamination. As you add water, visually inspect the swimming pool liner for any signs of damage.
Turn on the filter. The next step is to power up your pool filter to check for any leaks around the tubes, hoses, and other connections. Be sure to pay attention to areas like plugs, gauges, and your pump’s sight glass. Experts recommend letting your pool’s filter system run for at least 24 hours before you begin testing the water and adding chemicals. This will allow the water to fully circulate for a more accurate reading.
Clean the pool water. Once your filter pump is active, use a manual pool vacuum to remove dirt, sediment, and debris from the pool floor. If you have large debris in your pool such as leaves, consider using a skimmer plate attachment. This device allows you to use the pool’s skimmer basket to collect the debris. This also allows you to avoid clogging your plumbing or filtration system. A skimmer net can be used to remove floating debris from the surface of the water.
Test your pool water. Now that your pool water is clean, it’s time to focus on your water’s chemistry. First, take a water sample using a clean cup or bottle. In order to get an accurate reading, avoid testing surface water. This can be accomplished by holding the sample container upside down, inserting it about a foot below the water surface, and then flipping it over to fill the water container.
Add chemicals. Based on the results of your water test, add certain chemicals to bring the water chemistry levels to the desired range.
Everyone can come up with a reason why they think they don’t need or shouldn’t get a life insurance policy: too young, don’t have children, single, and the list goes on. However, there are several benefits to having a life insurance policy in place when you’re young.
A person could drive themselves crazy thinking of all the reasons why they don’t need a life insurance policy. Additionally, considering all of the different policy options, benefit amounts, premiums and riders can be overwhelming. On top of that, if you have a medical condition, it may be enough to convince you not to get a life insurance policy with the idea that it’ll cost you too much financially.
Want to know the truth about life insurance and medical health conditions? The reality is that there are many manageable conditions that people may have that don’t automatically disqualify them from getting a good price on a life insurance policy.
Things to Keep In Mind
If you’re interested in purchasing life insurance, you should consider the following:
Additionally, if you’re under 40, you likely qualify for (and should strongly consider) adding a Guaranteed Insurability Option (GIO) rider to your life insurance policy. The GIO rider allows you to increase your life insurance coverage as you age and remain locked in at the healthier rate class secured by your younger (and wise beyond your years) self.
How do you feel after you’ve just put on a clean, crisp dress shirt? Great, right? You feel like you’re put together and ready to take on all that life throws at you. When you have a clean car, you get a similar feeling. Washing your car on a regular basis can help give you a sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment during your day. It’s like making your bed every morning. You’ve completed your first task of the day. You’ve been productive.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that not all car washes are created equal. In fact, some may actually do more harm to your vehicle than protect it.
Here are some helpful tips to know about car washes, so you can always protect your car.
Touchless car washes are better to maintain your car’s paint job.
It actually depends. A touchless car wash actually uses chemicals and high-pressure water to clean your car while an automatic car wash utilizes rotating brushes or soft cloths. You may want to reconsider where to take your car to get it washed, depending on how dirty it is. Touchless car washes may not have the power to get it as clean as you think it should be after a car wash. Keep in mind that a car wash that uses worn brushes or dirty cloths can cause damage to the exterior or your vehicle i.e. scratches in the paintjob.
If you typically use touchless car washes to get your car clean, you may want to consider rotating between a touchless car wash and a soft-cloth or hand wash in order to get your car as clean as you want it to be.
An undercarriage wash can prevent rust.
An undercarriage wash will get the underbody of your vehicle hosed down with high-pressure water. This method of cleaning will result in the successful removal or mud, salt, or sand that tends to get packed into hard-to-reach areas. Moisture and corrosive materials like road salt can result in your car rusting. If you consistently drive in cold weather climates with a lot of snow, it’s best to regularly get an undercarriage wash. Do this at least once a season to be safe.
Handwashing your car is better than automatic washes.
If you want your car to look like it belongs in a showroom, then handwashing your car is the way to go. Handwashing allows you to go over every inch of your vehicle. And remember, it sounds silly, but you have eyes, whereas a machine doesn’t. So, unlike a machine, you have the ability to pay extra special attention to every detail of your car. The only con when it comes to handwashing is the amount of time it takes to do it effectively.
You should always buy the most expensive wash.
There are different levels of cleanliness and care that are offered at various car washes. Sure, you could pay for the most expensive option, and your car may look like it’s in pristine shape when all is said and done. But, the truth is, just because you’ve forked up the most amount of money doesn’t necessarily mean that your car has added protection from dust or debris.
Dish Soap is safe to use for washing your car.
This is a common misconception. The truth is that dish soap is best left in the kitchen. It oftentimes contains harsh chemicals that have the ability to strip the protective coating that your paint has in it. Car wash soaps are specially formulated to combat dirt and grime without removing the protective coating from your car’s body.
You should only dry your car with a clean microfiber cloth.
This is true. Your safest way to dry your car without damaging the paint is by using a clean microfiber cloth. Anything else, like a beach or bath towel, can lead to scratches and scrapes. You may think air-drying is fine, and while it won’t lead to any damage to your car, you not be aesthetically pleased by the time your car is dry. Air-drying can leave water spots on the body of your car.
You only need to wax your car once a year.
Truthfully, there is no real answer to when it comes to how many times a year you should wax your car. If you store your car in a garage where it is safe from the elements of nature, you may not need to wax your car at all. Of course, you are still at risk of dust build-up, but that can be taken care of by a simple rinsing. To be safe, consider waxing your car once a season. If your car’s surface doesn’t feel smooth, it may be time for a waxing.
Waxing and polishing are the same thing.
Waxing and polishing are not the same thing. Although these terms are oftentimes used interchangeably, they serve two entirely different purposes. Waxing is meant to enhance and protect your paint surface. Polishing serves to remove minor surface imperfections from your paint. During the process of polishing, a detailer will use an abrasive compound in order to remove scratches, swirl marks and oxidation.
Paste Wax is better than liquid wax.
Traditional paste wax offers a thick, protective coating on top of your car’s paintjob. This type of waxing is usually a longer process because it requires the wax to be buffed in using an applicator pad. Liquid waxes are simply sprayed on your vehicle and wiped off.
When you’re in search of your new ride, it’s sometimes possible to find a better deal when you’re working with a private seller as opposed to buying a car directly from a dealership.
Here are some tips on how to navigate the process of buying a car from a private seller in a safe manner that will have you concluding your business confidently.
Negotiating Price
When you’re buying a car from a private seller, price is one of the most important considerations. Unlike at a dealership, private sellers are more willing to negotiate pricing with you.
Understand the numbers. Before you begin the negotiation process, it’s best to be equipped with knowledge yourself. To make sure you go into your meeting with your private seller with confidence, do your due diligence ahead of time by researching the value of the car you’re interested in on a site like Kelly Blue Book. Taking this important step first will help you avoid overpaying for your new car.
Private sellers have a tendency to start off asking for more than even they think they can get for the car they are trying to sell. Know this going into the negotiation. Start low and you’re more likely to reach a price both of you are comfortable with.
Quality of the car
When buying a car from a private seller, it’s important to consider the quality of the vehicle you are about to buy. While dealerships have access to detailed vehicle history reports, private sellers may not. You should also make sure that you trust the person you are working with before trying to buy a car from him or her.
Take a test drive. Always test drive the vehicle before making your ultimate decision. You’ll be able to make an informed decision based upon first-hand knowledge of the vehicle. For example, how good is the car’s handling? Do you notice any unusual noises or smells coming from the vehicle? Make sure you get all of the information you think you need before making your final decision.
Read the report. The car’s VIN number can help you gain access to a CarFax report. You’ll be able to see the car’s accident history, service history, and ownership history.
Inspect the car thoroughly. Examine the inside and outside of the car. Do you see any scratches, scrapes, or dents? Is the windshield cracked? Are the tires properly inflated and do they have do tread or are they significantly worn? Any points of concerns should be addressed to the seller first. If you have a friend who is experienced with vehicle inspections and examinations, consider bringing them along with you to the sale.
Comparison Shop
In addition to researching the value of the car, be sure to compare vehicles of a similar make from different manufacturers in order to help you make the best educated decision.
Online resources like YouTube are great for gaining knowledge about cars you may be interested in.
Doing your research about such things as performance, fuel economy, and overall quality will help you in your decision-making process.
Buy Securely and Safely
Getting the car by legal means is vitally important. Insist on getting a notarized title from the seller to make sure that your ownership of the car is legal. If the seller is hesitant to provide a title for you, walk away from the deal.
Consider cash alternatives. Paying by cash can be risky because it’s hard to trace. Instead of using cash, consider alternative means of payment like check or money order. Avoid situations where sellers are asking for things like wire transfers or cashier’s checks.
Use Caution. Before making a purchase from a private seller, make sure you can identify them properly first. Check their contact information and address and consider meeting them in a public place to complete the purchase of the vehicle.
Are you considering purchasing an RV? We get it. The thought definitely has its appeals: freedom, flexibility, slower pace. Don’t forget the convenience of having a comfortable bed to sleep in instead of having to fork up more money for a hotel stay.
Before you purchase an RV, here are a few things you should consider.
Before making any significant financial decision, you should ask yourself a number of questions.
Motorized RVs require you to drive them. They are categorized into 3 different categories.
Class A: These RVs look more like buses, typically have six wheels, and can range anywhere from 21 to 43 feet long. They can have private bedrooms, separate livingareas, kitchens, and more. Because they have all of these features, they do tend to be on the pricier side.
Class B: Smaller than Class A RVs, these modes of transportation and living may be easier to drive for those familiar with minivans or SUVs. They can also sleep up to four people.
Class C: These are distinguishable from the other two classes because they have an overhang above the roof of the driver’s cab. These are usually between 25 to 35 feet in length.
Towable
These types of RVs can be attached to the back of your vehicle. While some are heavy-duty, others can be lighter and easier to transport. Figure out how much your truck can haul first before making your purchase.
When you’re in search of your new ride, it’s sometimes possible to find a better deal when you’re working with a private seller as opposed to buying a car directly from a dealership.
Here are some tips on how to navigate the process of buying a car from a private seller in a safe manner that will have you concluding your business confidently.
Negotiating Price
When you’re buying a car from a private seller, price is one of the most important considerations. Unlike at a dealership, private sellers are more willing to negotiate pricing with you.
Understand the numbers. Before you begin the negotiation process, it’s best to be equipped with knowledge yourself. To make sure you go into your meeting with your private seller with confidence, do your due diligence ahead of time by researching the value of the car you’re interested in on a site like Kelly Blue Book. Taking this important step first will help you avoid overpaying for your new car.
Private sellers have a tendency to start off asking for more than even they think they can get for the car they are trying to sell. Know this going into the negotiation. Start low and you’re more likely to reach a price both of you are comfortable with.
Quality of the car
When buying a car from a private seller, it’s important to consider the quality of the vehicle you are about to buy. While dealerships have access to detailed vehicle history reports, private sellers may not. You should also make sure that you trust the person you are working with before trying to buy a car from him or her.
Take a test drive. Always test drive the vehicle before making your ultimate decision. You’ll be able to make an informed decision based upon first-hand knowledge of the vehicle. For example, how good is the car’s handling? Do you notice any unusual noises or smells coming from the vehicle? Make sure you get all of the information you think you need before making your final decision.
Read the report. The car’s VIN number can help you gain access to a CarFax report. You’ll be able to see the car’s accident history, service history, and ownership history.
Inspect the car thoroughly. Examine the inside and outside of the car. Do you see any scratches, scrapes, or dents? Is the windshield cracked? Are the tires properly inflated and do they have do tread or are they significantly worn? Any points of concerns should be addressed to the seller first. If you have a friend who is experienced with vehicle inspections and examinations, consider bringing them along with you to the sale.
Comparison Shop
In addition to researching the value of the car, be sure to compare vehicles of a similar make from different manufacturers in order to help you make the best educated decision.
Online resources like YouTube are great for gaining knowledge about cars you may be interested in.
Doing your research about such things as performance, fuel economy, and overall quality will help you in your decision-making process.
Buy Securely and Safely
Getting the car by legal means is vitally important. Insist on getting a notarized title from the seller to make sure that your ownership of the car is legal. If the seller is hesitant to provide a title for you, walk away from the deal.
Consider cash alternatives. Paying by cash can be risky because it’s hard to trace. Instead of using cash, consider alternative means of payment like check or money order. Avoid situations where sellers are asking for things like wire transfers or cashier’s checks.
Use Caution. Before making a purchase from a private seller, make sure you can identify them properly first. Check their contact information and address and consider meeting them in a public place to complete the purchase of the vehicle.
Have you ever been driving along down the road and noticed one of your dashboard lights being illuminated? Modern vehicles are extremely complex machines that give us the ability to get to where we need to go in a quick, efficient, easy manner. But, just like with any piece of technology, maintenance is required to prolong effectiveness. Dashboard lights are there to let you know that your attention is required.
Oil pressure
When your car is having troubles with oil pressure, you will see an image of something that looks like an oil can.
If you ever see this light illuminated, it typically means that your car has low engine oil pressure. Low oil pressure can have several causes, but the best situation you can find yourself in is if it means that your car is low on oil. Pull over to the side of the road and check your engine’s dipstick if you have one. If you have a more modern car, you probably won’t have to do this since most modern cars are now equipped with check oil programs.
When the oil light is lit, it’s probably an indication that the internal parts of your car are not being sufficiently lubricated. It’s best to not drive your car when this light is on. If you do, you’re potentially looking at significant damage to your engine and costly repairs.
Tire Pressure
This symbol looks like this: (!)
Your tire pressure light is triggered by your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This let’s your know when your tire is in need of air. When a tire is low on air, your car’s gas mileage may be significantly impacted. And, whenever you drive a car with a tire that is in need of air, what you’re really doing is wearing out your tire faster than it needs to be. This will cause you to need to spend more money on new tires. Newer cars may have a built-in system that allows you to read the pressure of each tire. You should always refer to your car’s owner’s manual to see the proper tire pressure that is suggested for your car. It’s important to keep in mind that tire pressure can also be affected by cold weather, so if your light is on, the situation may not be as dire as you might initially believe. Any time you see this light on, address the issue immediately.
Coolant Temperature
When you see symbol lit up, it means that your car’s engine is overheating. When the coolant temperature gets too high, it most oftentimes means that something is wrong with one of the cooling system components. It may be an issue with your fan, radiator, thermostat, water pumps, hoses and coolant.
Driving your car when it’s overheating can be dangerous. Doing so can cause serious and permanent damage to your car’s engine. If you’re ever in need of a tow, ERIE has an Emergency Roadside Service coverage that can be added to your auto insurance policy for about $5 per vehicle per year. If you have questions about this, give us a call at 301-948-2010 and ask to speak with one of our experience insurance professionals.
Traction Control
You’ll see an outline of a car with two squiggly tire track lines behind it.
If you see this light illuminated, it’s best to take your car to an experienced mechanic as soon as you can. It means that your car’s stability control is off or has failed. It can be dangerous to drive your car in these conditions.
Check Engine
On some vehicles, you’ll see a symbol that looks like a car engine. Other cars may simply have the words “CHECK ENGINE”.
When this light is illuminated, it means that there is something wrong with your vehicle’s motor or emissions system. You could have a major mechanical issue on your hands or it could be something as minor as a loose cap. Get to a service garage as soon as possible when you see this.
Battery
This symbol looks like a battery in the shape of a box that has a “+” and “-“ sign.
When you see this, it means there is a problem with your car’s electrical system. Your battery could be defective or it means that your car’s alternator is no longer working properly. This means that, as you drive, your battery is not being recharged. Ignoring this problem instead of taking your car to a repair shop could end up leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
Low Fuel
This symbol looks like the outline of a gas pump.
Whenever this symbol is illuminated, it’s an indication that you need to get yourself to a gas station quickly.
Airbag
This symbol looks like a person sitting in a car with a large ball in front of their head.
If you see this symbol lit, it means that your car’s internal system has detected a problem with the passenger safety system. Whenever you drive your car, you want to make sure that your safety systems are functioning properly, so that in the event of an accident, you’ll remain safe.
Washer Fluid
This symbol looks like a windshield with a stream of water spraying in an upward direction.
Whenever you see this symbol illuminated, it means that your windshield wiper fluid reservoir is low or empty. Wiper fluid is usually available for purchase at any gas station or auto repair shop.
Brake System
While some vehicles will show a symbol of a what looks like a circle with parentheses on either side, others simply display the word “BRAKE”.
There is a problem with your car’s braking system. It’s not safe to drive your car under these conditions since you never know when your brakes may fail and cause a serious accident.
Anti-Lock (ABS) System
This symbol looks like this: (ABS)
If this light is illuminated, it means there is a problem with your car’s anti-lock brake system. This system is designed to prevent your wheels from locking up under a hard stop. Usually, when this light is lit, it means you’ll need to replace your ABS sensor. This is an important safety feature to have functioning properly, so that you can remain as safe as possible behind the wheel.
Transmission
This symbol is a gear icon with an exclamation point or a thermometer in the center.
When this light is illuminated, it means there’s a problem with your vehicle’s transmission. Your transmission could be overheating or a sensor has recorded a mechanical issue. In either case, it’s best to get your vehicle to a mechanic right away.
The weather’s finally getting warmer and it’s time to enjoy your time out on the water with friends and family. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned boating expert or a newbie, it’s a good idea to freshen up on boating safety, so that you and those you care about most can have a fun, memorable experience out on the water.
Unfortunately, boating accidents claim lives every single year. To prevent a potential tragedy, follow these safety precautions before taking the boat out:
Have your boat inspected. The Vessel Safety Check is a free public service that is offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron volunteers. Experts will make sure that your boat meets the minimum safety requirements and also that you have the necessary safety equipment onboard that can save lives and get help in the event of an emergency.
Make sure you have plenty of life jackets on board. The easiest way to keep yourself safe while you’re on a boat is by wearing a life jacket. Eighty-two percent of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket, according to Coast Guard studies. At minimum, you should have a life jacket readily available for each person on board your boat. Laws do require that you wear a life jacket while on board as well. In states where no children’s life jacket law in in place, a U.S. Coast Guard interim rule states that children under the age of 13 are required to wear a life jacket that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Develop and communicate a float plan. All important information pertaining to your trip including contact information for your trip leader, the type of boat you’re using, and where you plan to use your boat should be included in the plan.
Remember that consuming alcohol while on a boat is not a good idea. Sixteen percent of all recreational boating deaths have been linked to the consumption of alcohol. Although it’s not illegal to drink while boating, think of the situation the same way as driving a car under the influence of alcohol. Your reaction time is impaired and you could jeopardize the lives of yourself and your loved ones.
Pay attention to the weather. Before taking your boat out on the water, take a look at the weather forecast to make sure no thunderstorms will be on the way. Windy days also present certain hazards while boating. Waves can potentially capsize smaller vessels or passengers could fall overboard.
Keep your boating skills sharp. Operational error accounts for over 70% of boating accidents each year. You can improve your boating skills by enrolling in educational courses.
Know how to swim. If you’re out on the water in any situation, you should know how to swim. Otherwise, like it or not, you are putting yourself at risk. Floatation devices can help, but only so much.
Millions of people embark on the open road on their motorcycles every year.
While riding a motorcycle can have an element of thrill, it can also present danger. Riding a motorcycle is much less safe than driving a car or a truck. In fact, estimate from the federal government show that the number of deaths per mile traveled on motorcycles was 29 times the number deaths in cars in 2019.
While there’s the obvious risk from lack of bodily protection a person has while on a motorcycle, it’s important to understand that other drivers on the road play a role as well.
According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, over half of all motorcycle accidents resulting in fatalities involve another vehicle. More alarming is that, most of the time, it’s the fault of the driver of the car or truck, not the driver of the motorcycle.
As drivers of cars and trucks, we have a responsibility to be aware of motorcyclists on the road. Here are a few things we can remember when we’re on the road:
Be aware of motorcyclists during the warmer months. Being aware of your surroundings is a surefire way to stay safe on the road. And keeping a mental note that you’ll likely see someone on a motorcycle when the weather is warm may be helpful in keeping both you and the motorcyclist safe.
Check your blind spots. Being that motorcycles are much smaller than cars or trucks, they’re not as easy to see. Regularly checking your blind spots before turning or changing lanes can help to keep motorcyclists safe and will keep you safe from making a terrible mistake.
Don’t get too close. As with other cars on the road, you should always maintain a safe distance between yourself and motorcycles. To be extra careful, consider increasing the distance between your car and a motorcycle. Motorcycles can come to a complete stop much more quickly than a car can. Don’t tailgate!
Stay in your lane. Motorcycles are allowed to use full lanes. Don’t try to share a lane with them. Keep your distance.
Your car battery plays a crucial role in granting you the ability to navigate through everyday life in today’s society. The battery provides the source of energy needed for all of the other electrical components of your car to function properly as well. Like everything in life, a battery’s lifespan is finite and will need to be replaced at some point down the line. Here are five signs that indicate your car battery may need to be replaced.
You have difficulty starting the ignition/turning over the engine.
Having a hard time getting your car to start may be an indication that it is time to replace your battery. As a car ages, the components that allow the car to function properly become less effective. As a result, it takes more time for the battery to receive a charge from the alternator. In other words, it takes the engine more time to turn over. As with anything in life, procrastinating, especially when you see warning signs that something needs to be done, could result in costs that could have been avoided had to taken action earlier. If you try to turn the engine over and hear a clicking sound, it’s likely that your car battery is already dead. The safest action to take is to take your car to an experienced mechanic at the first signs of trouble.
Dashboard lights and lighting issues.
Do you ever notice any icons on your dashboard being illuminated? If so, do not ignore them. This is your car trying to tell you that something is wrong. Oftentimes, there may be an issue with battery or one of the car’s computers. Whenever you notice one of these signs, consult a mechanic to be safe.
Another indication there may be a problem with your car’s battery is that your headlights are dimmer than usual. In order to ensure your safety while driving, make sure that you consult a mechanic as soon as you see any signs of trouble with your car.
Electrical malfunctions.
Your car battery is responsible for providing power to all of the electrical components of your car. So, if your battery is weakened, it may result in malfunctions of anything that relies on electrical power to run. For example, if your power windows or door locks suddenly doesn’t seem like it’s responding normally, your battery may be on its last legs. If you notice any unusual occurrences related to electrical functions with your vehicle, it’s time to have a mechanic take an extensive look.
Poor performance in cold weather.
Generally speaking, car batteries do not perform well when it’s cold. Batteries tend to not have as long of a lifespan in cold weather due to the fact that they need to have maximum flow of energy due to slow-moving engine oil. If you’re not careful, your battery can actually freeze. Consider having your car battery replaced before the cold season.
Strange odor.
If you notice a foul smell coming from your car, it may be an indication of a failing battery. A smell similar to that of rotten eggs means that a battery is leaking gas. Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can leak out if a battery is damaged. Sulfuric acid is extremely dangerous and, if not disposed of immediately, has the potential to corrode other parts of your car. If you notice a foul smell coming from your car, it’s best to take it to a maintenance garage to have a professional take a look at it right away.
Buying your first home is one of those memorable accomplishments that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Once you have signed on the dotted line and taken official ownership of the property, you’re going to want to—if you haven’t already—think about some essential items to pick up for your home to make your experience of living in your home that much more enjoyable. Here is a substantial list of items to consider purchasing after you’ve bought your home.
Safety Equipment:
Smoke Alarms: You should have smoke alarms installed in every room of your house including each bedroom, outside your bedrooms, and on every level of your home. If your home has a basement, don’t forget to install a smoke alarm there, too.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Not to say that Carbon Monoxide is more dangerous than smoke, but it is an odorless, colorless gas that can prove deadly if it isn’t detected sooner rather than later. Be sure to install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially in places where people sleep.
Fire Extinguishers: It’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy in case a fire breaks out while you’re cooking in the kitchen.
Safety Ladder: If you live in a home that has more than one level, seriously consider purchasing a ladder. Ladders can make the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency.
First-Aid Kit: Having a healthy stash of bandages, ointments, wipes, and other products is a good idea in case someone gets injured in your home.
Emergency Kit: Water, canned foods, flashlights, batteries, a can opener, flares, dust masks, tools like a wrench or pliers, maps of your area, a cell phone and a charger, prescription medications, eyeglasses, matches, personal hygiene items, pet food and supplies, an extra change of clothes.
Essential Items for Security of Your Home:
New locks: Any time you purchase a new home, it’s important to change the locks immediately to ensure the safety and security of yourself and your family.
Motion-sensor lights: These kinds of lights illuminate when they sense movement in a given area. They’re not expensive and are relatively simple to install.
Home safe: A secure box in which to store valuable documents like IDs or passports, birth certificates, banking information, and other sensitive information is always a good idea.
Window treatments: Believe it or not, installing blinds is one way to deter criminals from breaking into your home.
Video doorbell: Cheaper than security cameras, video doorbells can provide you with the peace of mind you want by giving you access to video footage of any action taking place at your front door. You can also link this capability to your smartphone, so you can always keep an eye on these areas even when you’re away from your home.
Are you one of those people who uses your basement as a storage area? You’re not alone. While many people choose to use their basements in this way, oftentimes, basements tend to evolve into entertainment rooms or—if you have a family—playrooms.
No matter how you choose to use your basement, you should always remember that there are certain items that you should never store there.
Here’s what you should avoid storing in your basement.
Printed photos: It’s easy to damage printed photos. Consider converting your personal stored photos to digital, so that you always have them.
Important documents: Personal documents such as birth certificates, passports, financial documents, or a will should always be stored a secured area. Consider storing them in a secure safe with a combination that only you know. That way, only you can access these documents when you need them and don’t have to worry about someone stealing them.
Antiques or family heirlooms: If your family has passed down certain items through the generations, you certainly understand how precious they are. While they could hold monetary value, they certainly hold sentimental value that can never be replaced.
Highly flammable or hazardous items
Firewood: In the event of a housefire, firewood will only help the fire spread faster and wider. If it gets wet, you are looking at a situation in which it can get especially smokey when you burn it. On top of all of this, it presents an open invitation to insects and rodents.
Paint, chemicals or household liquids: Basements are typically where your furnace, water heater, and dryer are located. If you have flammable liquids stored in this area, you are potentially writing an excellent recipe for disaster.
Book and magazines: Books can have both sentimental and monetary value. Don’t store them in the basement if you want to make sure they remain well-preserved.
Electronics: Climate issues and moisture control can present dangers in most unfinished basements. Additionally, they can leave your electronics exposed to water and moisture risks.
Furniture or artwork: If you’re a collector or art pieces, you’ve probably spent a pretty penny or at least a few in your collection. It’s not worth the risk of damaging them by storing them in the basement.
Clothes, shoes and jewelry: If you’ve ever splurged on shoes or jewelry for yourself or a significant other, you’ll want to make sure that where you store these items is secure and able to protect these items from the risk of damage.
Call us at 301-948-2010 to discuss adding the Extended Water endorsement to your homeowners insurance policy with ERIE. It’s great protection to have in place to give you the peace of mind knowing you’re well protected against an insurance claim.
If you are a current customer that holds an auto insurance policy with ERIE, you can rest assured that, if you purchase a new car over the weekend when offices are closed, your vehicle is automatically covered. Although you do have coverage for your new vehicle, there are a number of important facts you should be aware of.
Coverage for an old vehicle never simply goes away when you trade in or purchase a new one. If your new car is titled in your name, your auto insurance coverage will carry over.
When you purchase a new vehicle to be added to your auto policy, it is covered.
When coverage is rolled over to a new car, you get the broadest coverage possible. What this means is the policy that contains the most coverage that is listed on your current policy is what will be applied to your new car.
Here’s a scenario to explain this situation in more detail. You’re married with a son or daughter who is of legal driving age. Your spouse’s new car is covered with the highest limits and multiple endorsements. However, you chose to not give your teenager the same coverages because they are driving a much older, high mileage vehicle. When you purchase the new car, the broadest coverage that is currently listed on your policy is what will be applied to your new vehicle, as stated above.
Here are a few exceptions to be aware of:
If your car is not insured with a policy from ERIE, your coverages will not automatically roll over to your new car. You must have a current ERIE policy to get this coverage. It’s best to call us at 301-948-2010 to speak with one of our licensed professionals to help you add the car to your policy before you drive off the dealership lot to go home.
If you buy a motorcycle or an RV, coverages will not roll over. The rollover only applies when you are purchasing a vehicle of the same type. To put it plainly, motorcycles and RVs are not sedans, so the rollover would not apply in such a case.
If someone at the car dealerships requests that you verify your insurance coverage before giving you the keys to your new ride, you can access you can access your auto ID card directly from your online account or your mobile app. You can also call us to have one of our agents email you a copy of your ID card.
If you are not exactly sure what kind of car you want to purchase, it’s best to call one of our agents to discuss possible makes and models of vehicles you are considering. One of our agents can tell you how the cost of your insurance premium will be affected based upon the kind of car you buy. They can also offer suggestions on how to save money on your auto insurance.
Once you purchase your new vehicle, here are three types of coverage you should be aware of:
Liability coverage: Inform us of your newly purchased vehicle before your current policy expires. If you buy the vehicle within 30 days of the end of your policy period, report that to us within 60 days of getting your car.
Comprehensive and collision coverage: When coverages roll over from an existing policy, the lowest deductible applies. If you didn’t have comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy for your old vehicle, coverages will apply, but you’re still responsible for a $500 deductible. Coverages cease seven days after acquisition of the vehicle or once your report it to us.
Here’s what we’ll need to know about your new car:
What is the year, make and model of the vehicle?
How many miles are you expecting to drive the car in one calendar year?
How far do you typically drive for work or for pleasure?
The vehicle identification number (VIN)
Titling and lienholder information for the vehicle
If I buy a new car, will my insurance cost increase?
New cars cost more than used cars, so they tend to cost more to insure. However, you can pay less for your insurance if you have a safe driving record or if your newly acquired vehicle has certain safety features installed.
You may think that just because you’re not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, you are safe to drive. While drinking or operating a motor vehicle after having consumed drugs is extremely dangerous, driving when you’re sleepy is also risky.
When you’re tired, your judgment is impaired. Such instances as slow reaction times, drifting from lane to lane, driving at dangerous fast or even slow speeds…this only puts you and others around you in more danger.
Every year, it is reported that drivers are involved in thousands of crashes related to drowsiness. While these incidents cost billions of dollars in damages and medical expenses, some of these incidents turn tragic, resulting in loss of life. Here’s what you can do to help prevent yourself from being involved in such a terrible situation.
In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that drowsy drivers caused 91,000 reported accidents to the police. Even more, in 2019, drowsy driving caused nearly 700 deaths.
According the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, being awake for 18 hours straight is the same as having a blood alcohol level of .05%. And being awake for 24 hours straight bumps that number all the way up to .1. The legal blood alcohol content level in most states is .08. And while it’s not illegal to drive while drowsy, if you do so, you are still putting yourself and other drivers on the road at serious risk of harm. Finally, the CDC reports that people who slept 6 hours or less each day were more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. It’s also true, however, that certain factors make it more likely for an incident like this to occur.
Crashes due to drowsy-driving occur most frequently between midnight and 6:00 AM—or in the late afternoon. This makes sense since this is also the time of day when our circadian rhythm, which regulates our sleeping patterns, falls.
Believe it or not, people driving alone are more likely to be involved in these kinds of crashes. Another finding is that these kinds of accidents typically involve the driver run their car off the road at high speeds without braking.
Rural roads and highways are the areas in which these types of accidents mostly occur.
According to the Sleep Foundation, symptoms of drowsy driving include daydreaming, realizing that you can’t remember the last several miles you traveled, missing a sign or an exit, tailgating, problems maintaining the speed limit, and restlessness, irritability, or aggressiveness.
If you want to avoid drowsy driving, there are a number of actions or measures you can take. First, get enough sleep. That’s pretty clear. If you’re planning a road trip, be sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before you leave. Alcohol consumption before or during driving a car is a big “no-no” and it’s illegal. Most everyone is already aware of this. What some people may pay less attention to is driving while under the influence of medications. Be sure to read the labels of your prescription bottles and consult your doctor before you decide to drive your car. Some medications may contribute to side effects that include sleepiness or drowsiness.
You may be of the opinion that just because you’re not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, you are safe to drive. While drinking while driving or operating a motor vehicle after having consumed drugs is extremely dangerous, driving when you’re sleepy is also risky.
When you’re tired, your judgment is impaired. Such instances as slow reaction times, drifting from lane to lane, driving at dangerous fast or even slow speeds…this only puts you and others around you in more danger.
Every year, it is reported that drivers are involved in thousands of crashes related to drowsiness. While these incidents cost billions of dollars in damages and medical expenses, some of these incidents turn tragic, resulting in loss of life. Here’s what you can do to help prevent yourself from being involved in such a terrible situation.
In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that drowsy drivers caused 91,000 reported accidents to the police. Even more, in 2019, drowsy driving caused nearly 700 deaths.
According the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, being awake for 18 hours straight is the same as having a blood alcohol level of .05%. And being awake for 24 hours straight bumps that number all the way up to .1. The legal blood alcohol content level in most states is .08. And while it’s not illegal to drive while drowsy, if you do so, you are still putting yourself and other drivers on the road at serious risk of harm. Finally, the CDC reports that people who slept 6 hours or less each day were more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. It’s also true, however, that certain factors make it more likely for an incident like this to occur.
Crashes due to drowsy-driving occur most frequently between midnight and 6:00 AM—or in the late afternoon. This makes sense since this is also the time of day when our circadian rhythm, which regulates our sleeping patterns, falls.
Believe it or not, people driving alone are more likely to be involved in these kinds of crashes. Another finding is that these kinds of accidents typically involve the driver run their car off the road at high speeds without braking.
Rural roads and highways are the areas in which these types of accidents mostly occur.
According to the Sleep Foundation, symptoms of drowsy driving include daydreaming, realizing that you can’t remember the last several miles you traveled, missing a sign or an exit, tailgating, problems maintaining the speed limit, and restlessness, irritability, or aggressiveness.
If you want to avoid drowsy driving, there are a number of actions or measures you can take. First, get enough sleep. That’s pretty clear. If you’re planning a road trip, be sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before you leave. Alcohol consumption before or during driving a car is a big “no-no” and it’s illegal. Most everyone is already aware of this. What some people may pay less attention to is driving while under the influence of medications. Be sure to read the labels of your prescription bottles and consult your doctor before you decide to drive your car. Some medications may contribute to side effects that include sleepiness or drowsiness.
2. Water shut-off valve. First, you need to locate the shut-off valve that is connected to the main water line that enters your home. If you have a basement, check along one of the outside walls to locate the valve. If you do not have a basement, check for the water shut-off valve at the ground level close to your hot water tank.
3. Gas shut-off valve. Certain appliances in your home may be fueled by natural gas. These may include your water heater, fireplace, furnace, oven, dryer and more. In the event of a gas leak, you should know where to find the gas supply in your home so that you can quickly shut it off. Typically, the main gas shut-off valve is outside your home near the gas meter. Most importantly, if you suspect your home has a gas leak, immediately vacate the premises and call 911.
4. Dryer vent. Dryers cause approximately 15,500 home fires, 29 deaths, 400 injuries and $192 million in property loss every year. To prevent this from happening to you, clean the lint from your dryer regularly.
5. Sewer or septic lines. If you ever experience a major plumbing problem in your home, knowing where your sewer and septic systems are located is a huge help. If your home is connected to a city sewer system, locate where your main sewer line exits your home and check for a cleanout valve. If you have an older home, it may be best to have your sewer system replaced. For septic systems, you’ll need to know where the access points to your tank are and any inspection ports.
15. Your chimney should be inspected at least once a year to protect against fire and carbon monoxide.
In the event of a sewer or drain backup, or from flooding such as inland flooding, tidal water, storm surge, or mudflow and mudslide, you can rest assured that with ERIE’s Extended Water coverage endorsement, you will be protected. By adding this endorsement to your homeowners insurance policy, your home and garage will be protected. Additionally, your other structures and personal property are protected by this endorsement. Other structures refers to structures other than the dwelling (your house) such as a fence, a detached garage, an in-ground swimming pool, or a gazebo.
Flood insurance may be obtained through FEMA. Floods can cause serious damage to homes and can also displace families for extended periods of time. When you have the Extended Water coverage endorsement, the costs of the following will be covered:
Why Do I Need Extended Water Coverage?
Flooding can happen to anyone. A typical homeowners insurance policy does not cover flooding.
Many homeowners make the assumption that, because they do not live in an area that is considered “high-risk” for floods, they overlook this coverage, thinking it’s not a necessary expense. Did you know that over a quarter of flood claims come from individuals living outside of high-risk areas? A lot of people underestimate the amount of damage that water can do to their home. In fact, a single inch of water has the capacity to inflict over $25,000 in costly home repairs. That could spell financial ruin for many.
Flooding can cause astronomical damage and costs to homeowners. And, the truth is that only three inches of water can completely destroy baseboards and drywall inside a home. In order to ensure your protection and financial well-being, adding Extended Water coverage with ERIE to your homeowners insurance policy is an sure-fire way to do just that.
Taking necessary preparation steps before something bad happens will help you maintain your peace of mind in a crisis. Call us at 301-948-2010 to discuss adding Extended Water coverage to your home policy now!
Whether you’re watching television or surfing the internet, it’s not uncommon to come across a commercial or ad promoting car insurance. Additionally, it’s commonplace to be hit with the all-too-familiar message: “If you switch to our company, you’ll save more on your car insurance.”
Being in the business of selling auto insurance, we understand that price plays an important role when determining which car insurance plan is right for you. However, something that a lot of people overlook is the fact that considering pricing alone leaves you exposed and vulnerable to other issues when you need it most. And, that’s the thing. We want to ensure that you are always properly and sufficiently covered, so that no matter what happens, you can go on living your life with peace of mind.
Coverage is an essential piece of an auto insurance plan. There are certain coverages that may be required due the law specifications of the state in which you live. For example, basic bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is a coverage that is required by law. Other coverages that may be required by state law include collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. The amount of coverage you select for each protection will determine your policy premium, what you are required to pay.
Not all insurance plans carry the same coverages. An auto policy with ERIE includes coverages for pets, personal items, and locksmiths at no additional charge. Roadside Service can be added to your auto policy for just a few more dollars each month.
Your deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of your own pocket before you insurance plan kicks in to cover the remaining costs. The higher your deductible is, the lower your annual insurance premium will be. Take some time to choose the right deductible for you. Consider your budget when choosing your deductible. If you add the ERIE Auto Plus endorsement to your plan, your deductible can be reduced by $100 each year you are claim-free.
We are an independent insurance agency that has been in business since 1957. When you call us, you are immediately connected to a real, live, person. You don’t have to suffer through anything automated when working with us over the phone. We understand that your time is valuable. That’s why we prioritize personal service for each client with assist.
An opportunity to save money in any situation is always appealing, isn’t it? When you bundle policies with ERIE, you could be eligible for a multi-policy discount, saving yourself up to 20% (depending on the state in which you reside). Discounts are also available for safe driving, if your car has certain safety equipment, if you have multiple cars, young drivers, as well as making annual payments.
As stated above, we understand that cost does ultimately play a role in your decision. Getting multiple quotes can help you gain the peace of mind you desire and deserve, knowing that you are getting the best value. ERIE offers something called the ERIE Rate Lock feature which allows you to maintain the same costs to your insurance. Even if you file a claim on your auto insurance policy, your insurance rate will not be affected. The only way your insurance rate will change is if you add or remove a vehicle, add or a remove a driver to your policy, or change your address.
When you’re young, you feel untouchable. You feel as if nothing can stop you. You feel invincible. Because you feel this way, you’re far less likely to be thinking about life insurance. I mean, it makes sense. The problem isn’t that you don’t have life insurance while you’re young. The problem is that you’re not taking advantage of an enormous opportunity that will surely disappear by the time you’re old, gray, and wrinkly. Life insurance is much cheaper when you’re young because insurance companies know that you are far more healthy. So, they are far more willing to give you a cheaper rate to pay.
Everyone has a life story. Everyone faces different challenges at different times in their lives. Some people may face incredible physical challenges early in life, others later in life. The point is we all face them at some point or another. Insurance companies know this and anticipate them. You need to be in the know as to how insurance companies work and think.
We don’t know what life will bring us in the future. We really don’t even know what is going to happen on a day-to-day basis. All we can do is anticipate, prepare, and act accordingly. No one can know if they are going to crash head-on with an 18-wheeler, leaving them paralyzed from the waist down. And no one can know with 100% certainty that they will not develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. The point of bringing this up is not to scare you. It’s to educate you on why it’s important to get life insurance while you’re young.
If you are elderly and develop some form of cancer, it’s too late. Insurance companies may agree to give you a life insurance policy. But, don’t be surprised if the cost is astronomical. If you have children, don’t you want to be able to protect them? Life insurance can help with that. Life insurance can help pay for your child’s college education.
If you have a mortgage on your home, have kids, and you die unexpectedly, guess what? Your kids are going to have to pick up and carry that heavy burden. A life insurance policy can help in that case. When you die, your family is already faced with a terrible loss and tragedy. Why would you want to compound the loss by burdening them with the financial stress of a home mortgage?
Texting while driving is a big “no-no”. It requires you to take your eyes away from the road in front of you. Any task that requires you to do this is not something you should be considering while operating a vehicle. The same goes for vlogging. What’s that, you ask? A vlog is a blog in video form. It usually involves mounting a camera to your dashboard to record videos. While doing this still affords you the ability to be hands-free, you should be weary.
The truth of the matter is that it’s not your hands not being free that’s the problem. It’s your brain. While you may not be touching your phone, your brain is still engaged in a phone call, thus still taking your direct attention away from the road and surrounding traffic.
Different Types of Distractions
Manual – Manual distraction is taking your hands off the steering wheel.
Visual – Visual is looking at the camera instead of the road.
Cognitive – Cognitive distraction is “performing” for the camera instead of focusing your attention on driving.
Avoid Getting Distracted
Here are a few tips to prevent yourself from becoming distracted while you’re behind the wheel.
Put your phone in a safe driving mode to reduce distractions. For instance, turn off notifications and set up GPS prior to leaving your house. This way, you’ll get turn-by-turn directions, so you can keep your hands on the steering wheel and avoid having to look down at your phone.
Listen to a radio show or a podcast. You will be able to start alert and your brain will tune it out when it needs to.
Consider carpooling with another driver so you can share the driving duties and have a second pair of eyes that can spot things you may otherwise miss.
Play verbal road games. Such games as “I Spy” will force you to keep your eyes on what’s in front of you, preventing you from moving your eyes away from the road.
As we navigate through life, the choices we make can have a profound effect on how our life plays out. While we do the best we can to anticipate the future, we cannot possibly know everything about what the future holds. We can be doing everything right our whole lives—eating healthy, exercising, enriching our hearts and minds with positive messaging through books or meditation. Then, one day, while we’re driving along, we don’t see another car speeding through a traffic light that slams directly into our driver’s side door, leaving us paralyzed from the waist down. That’s a pretty grim circumstance to talk about, but it does happen to people.
What is downsizing?
Downsizing is essentially moving into a smaller home than you had previously lived in. One major implication of downsizing is that you now have less space to store your belongings that you’ve accumulated, perhaps, over the past few decades. This can be extremely challenging and stressful.
When is the right time to downsize?
Not everyone is going to have the same reasons for downsizing their home. Perhaps all of your children are fully grown, have families of their own, and have their own places that they call home. If this situation applies to you, it would make sense for you to downsize your home because you may not need the empty space that your loved ones once used.
Another circumstance people sometimes find themselves in is their financial circumstances have changed. Maybe they’ve lost their job and can longer afford to live in the same home. So, to make matters more manageable for themselves, they downsize to a more affordable place.
If you find that your mobility has decreased over the years, homes with stairs, narrow hallways, or small bathrooms may present certain challenges that you’d much rather avoid if you could. Downsizing your home could present an opportunity to live in a home with a single floor.
If you’ve retired and have grandkids that you’d like to see more often, but they live in a different state, you may be presented with another opportunity to downsize your home.
What are some advantages to downsizing?
Access to equity – Given the situation that real estate prices are currently at an all-time high, you may have an opportunity to use the situation to your advantage. If you are a homeowner, you could cash out all of the home equity when you decide to sell. And, since you’re buying a smaller home, you may end up with no mortgage whatsoever.
Lower bills – Smaller homes tend to use less energy. This means lower gas, water, and electric bills. Who doesn’t appreciate paying less?
Less maintenance – Smaller homes have less square footage which means less space. You won’t need to spend as much time cleaning and maintaining your home. If you move to a condo or an apartment, your condo association or HOA will handle outside maintenance for you.
More accessibility – When you downsize, you may have the option to choose a home that is handicap accessible. It may come in handy in the years to come.
What are the disadvantages to downsizing?
If you’re an older adult, downsizing may be a good decision for you. However, before you make that decision, consider these cons:
Home availability – If it’s a seller’s market, this means that the inventory of available homes is lower. This means that those choosing to sell their homes during this time can list their homes at much higher prices. Additionally, since there are less homes available, those that are available may sell quickly.
Adjusting to small spaces – As is the case whenever you make a change in your life, there tends to be an adjustment period. Moving to a smaller space is no exception.
Leaving memories behind – No matter the size of your home, you will always have memories of significant events throughout your life. Maybe you’re moving out of the home in which you first decided to start a family. That undoubtedly is going to take an emotional toll.
Moving costs – Moving oftentimes requires a lot of upfront costs. Hiring movers, paying for storage space, or transportation costs should be considered, so make sure you have some money in savings to cover those costs.
How to Prepare for Downsizing
If you’re ready to downsize your home, follow these steps to make the transition into a smaller living space run more smoothly.
Fix up your home – Before selling your home, you’ll want to fix any blemishes. That means fixing leaky faucets, cracks in ceilings or walls, removing stains from carpets, etc. You’ll have a better chance at selling your home if you do these things and you may even be able to boost the selling price a bit.
Declutter – Go through your possessions and discard of anything you won’t be needing in your new living space. Keep anything you use frequently and donate, sell, or give away everything else.
Limit legacy gifts – While holding on to old family heirlooms has great sentimental value, you have to ask yourself whether or not your children value these items as much as you do. If you have old photo albums, consider converting digitizing them.
Measure your furniture – One of the worst scenarios you can have when moving into a new space is having your furniture not fit. Make sure you take measurements of your furniture pieces as well as measurements of your new living spaces to ensure that everything will fit nicely.
Call us! – There are several factors that go into the process of determining how much your homeowners insurance will cost. Just because you’re moving to a smaller home doesn’t necessarily mean that your insurance for your new home will cost less. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you through the process!
As a homeowner, underground service and utility lines on your property are your responsibility. Any damage to said lines is your responsibility. The alarming truth about this is the cost of these repairs can be substantial.
A typical homeowners insurance policy does not cover damages made to underground service and utility lines. If you want to be protected from a potentially serious financial hit, you’ll want to add this coverage to your homeowners insurance policy as an endorsement.
What service lines might run under my property?
Service and utility lines on the outside of your home include:
How service lines become damaged
Damage to service lines can be caused by a number of different things. Some of the common causes include: tree roots, animals, an artificial electric current, the weight of vehicles pressing down or lines, rust, and wear and tear.
In addition to having to repair the service lines, the process of doing so could bring about additional costs. For example, a homeowner may be required to dig up landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks in order to gain access to these lines. Any outdoor property such as trees, shrubs, or even walkways may need repair after this process is completed.
Good news: Help for homeowners
If you have your homeowners insurance with ERIE, something called an ErieSecure Home insurance policy will grant you the opportunity to purchase additional protection that covers the cost of repairing service lines as well as related excavation costs, outdoor property damage and even loss of use.
Remember what we said earlier about having to foot the bill of costly damage to your underground service lines? Even if you didn’t physically cause the damage yourself, you would still be legally responsible for repairing these lines. This added coverage will pay that bill for you.
What’s covered?
Service line coverage is available when you add either the Plus or Select bundle to an ErieSecure Home policy. Coverage will be applied for physical damage to service lines i.e. cables, internet and electrical wiring, and damaged natural gas, propane and sewer pipes.
We’re here to help you, so give us a call at 301-948-2010 with any questions about this amazing coverage!
Do you ever feel like you just have too much stuff? Does living in a cluttered space where you can barely move make you feel stressed?
Believe it or not, there are many benefits of decluttering that will positively impact your life, almost immediately!
Decluttering can significantly improve your mental health and overall well-being. Going through this process thoroughly can help reduce anxiety and finding items that were previously lost. Additionally, it can ease future burdens. Let’s say you need to make a sudden change to your living situation i.e. downsizing, whether it be due to a divorce, you’ve lost your job, or there has been a death in the family, your loved ones can rest assured that the process of going through various items will take far less time because you already began that process long ago.
When you stop to take a look at just how much clutter you have in your home and your living spaces, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a concise list of steps you should take to make the process easier for yourself.
Remove trash. Go around each room of your home with a garbage bag and throw away anything that is trash.
Start small. Begin your decluttering process by starting with small areas such as closets or kitchen drawers.
Get sorting. An easy way of going about this step is by creating three separate piles: keep, donate, and toss.
Give everything a home. If you plan to keep anything, do yourself a favor and find a specific area to store or display items you plan to keep. For example, eating utensils belong in the kitchen drawer, not your office drawer.
Store like with like. For example, tools should be stored with other tools. Mixing items will only create more chaos.
Establish the “one in, one out” rule. If you plan to keep something, plan to either donate or throw away something else. This will help you to keep the number of items in your home down to only what you regularly use.
Ask your loved ones questions before continuing to store something. If you have any items that you plan to pass down to your children or your children’s children, ask your kids what they would like to keep and what they are okay with never seeing again.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Remember the saying, “Slow and steady wins the race.”? Well, that holds true here. Do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed by trying to take on more than you are physically or mentally capable of. Instead, break down your process into small, easy tasks that are able to be completed on a consistent basis. That way, you won’t feel burned out and you’ll be able to look back on your work with pride once your process is finished.
Creating a home inventory is an effective and efficient way to help you organize your process of going through each room of your home. You will be better able to form a comprehensive list of your personal belongings and each items estimated values. This is extremely helpful and beneficial to you because it is your resource to use in case you need to file a homeowners insurance claim after a fire or other major disaster to happen to your home.
Office
If you have a home office, the first thing you’ll want to do is organize your paperwork. What should you keep and what should you discard? Make sure you always keep important items such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, social security cards, military service records, pension and estate-planning documents, and life insurance policies. Your personal health and vehicle records are also important to keep in a secure file.
Rid yourself of any electronic devices you no longer use. If you have an old laptop or a digital camera that is missing a power cord, these items are now, sadly, useless to you. You can either throw them out or figure out a way to recycle them. Before doing this, be sure to remove any personal information from your devices.
Your children may have tested the waters of painting or sculpting. And every piece of artwork that your child hands to you is unique and special. If you save everything, you’ll soon have a massive collection on your hands. Remember, you still have a limited storage space. Instead of keeping everything, put your favorite pieces on display on an art wall.
Old photo collections are wonderful to have, but have you taken the time to organize them? Create a new album of physical photos or store them in a digital file that you can access later on.
Garage
Your garage may be one of the most cluttered spaces in your home. Use the walls of your garage to create more storage space. For example, you can use bungee cords, mason jars, and magnetic strips to effectively use wall space in order to store various items in your garage. Storing them securely against the wall can help you create far more storage space than you originally thought you had.
Your garage is probably one of the spaces in your home you frequently use and physically find yourself in. Be sure to lock up your tools in a safe and secure area. Get rid of any tripping hazards. Store ladders properly, so that they are safely out of the way. Fire extinguishers should be kept in a secure place that is also easily accessible.
Kitchen
Certainly, you spend almost, if not every day in your kitchen. Make sure you take the time to go through items in your refrigerator and pantry, paying special attention to expiration dates. Rid yourself of anything that has expired.
Over the years, if you haven’t taken the time to assess how much “stuff” you have, it’s not unlikely that you have duplicate items in your possession. How many spatulas or tongs do you have? How many cutting boards? How many drinking glasses? Donate anything you don’t need.
If, after going through your storage containers, you find that some of them do not have a matching lid, get rid of them. This will help you declutter and rid yourself of any items you can no longer use.
Bedroom
When was the last time you went through your closet? Are there any shirts or pants that you haven’t worn in years? Get rid of them. All those items are doing is taking up space. Perhaps there are some items you have outgrown? It’s time for them to go.
Did you know that in some states, it’s actually against the law the drive with snow and ice on your car? Even in states that do not have an this, police still have the authority to issue citations for offenses such as driving with an unsecured load. Driving safely during winter is challenging enough as it is. Why make your time behind the wheel more risky than it needs to be? Here’s what you should know to deal with snow and ice on your car.
How to Effectively Remove Snow and Ice from Your Car
When you are brushing off your car, it’s important to make sure you clear as much snow and ice as possible.
Roof: As you’re driving, especially at higher speeds, snow and ice can easily fly off of your roof, potentially hitting other cars. This can cause accidents and in some cases fatalities.
Windshield & rear window: Clearing your windshield and your rear window increases your visibility. Break up snow and ice around your windshield wipers and washer fluid nozzles as well.
Side windows and side view mirrors: Removing snow and ice from these areas is just as important as doing so from your windshield because you are better able to see the traffic on each side of your car. In the event you need to maneuver away from someone, you will be able to do so because you will see it coming. Always pay attention to your surroundings.
Headlights and taillights: This is more about helping other drivers see you, which is equally as important when you’re out on the road, especially in bad weather conditions.
License plate: Front license plates may be required in the state in which you live. Having your license plate obstructed in any way may result in a citation from a police officer.
Hacks for Cleaning Off Ice and Snow from Your Car
Using your defrosters: Turning on your front and rear defrosters as soon as you start cleaning off your car will greatly assist in the process and save you a lot of time, especially with ice. The best and safest way to clean off your car is to do so before you start driving. This means you should afford yourself some extra time before you start your commute. When you turn on your defrosters, it’s very possible that your windshield will fog up, compromising your vision and making it more difficult to drive safely.
Give yourself time: As stated earlier, to be safe, you should give yourself some extra time to thoroughly clean off your car before you start driving. Especially if hard ice is stuck to your car, you’ll most likely need to exert more physical energy to get the job done. More time allow you the opportunity to breaks if you get tired.
Watch your wipers: Never pull on frozen windshield wipers. Doing so could ruin them. Instead, use an ice scraper to carefully chip away at the ice. Make sure your car’s defroster is turned on while you’re doing this to assist in the process.
Avoid hot water: Pouring hot water directly on ice-cold glass can be risky and dangerous. You’re leaving your windshield at risk of cracking.
User proper snow brush: Using the wrong kind of brush for this task could leave scratch marks behind.
Start from the top: Don’t neglect the snow and ice on top of your car. Handle that first. The snow and ice at the top of your car can and will slide down to the bottom, thus doubling your work.
Consider using a deicing spray: Spraying a thin sheet of deicer over all windows of your car can help save yourself some time. Commercial-grade sprays will help make the job faster and easier.
At the end of the day, the best way to protect yourself and you family is by having sufficient auto insurance coverage. And while states around the country have different requirements with regard to limits of liability, we recommend having at least $250,000 coverage per person for bodily injuries if involved in an at-fault auto accident, $500,000 per accident, and $100,000 coverage per incident.
Getting older is a natural part of life. There are those moments we all look forward to as adolescents: getting our driver’s license, buying our first car, or buying our first home. As we gain more and more independence from our parents, however, we do begin to realize a certain reality that is painful to some of us; living independently in the world can be expensive!
We do have good news for you! If your parents are insured with ERIE Insurance, when it comes to you being covered, your age does not matter. As long as you live under the same roof as your parents, you are able to keep your name on their car insurance policy. Once you buy your own vehicle or get your own place, you’ll need to obtain your own insurance. If you have questions, feel free to give us a call at 301-948-2010.
When I Go Away to College, Do I Need My Own Insurance Policy?
With regard to you going away to college, distance does not matter when it comes to staying protected by your parents’ policy. As long as you do not plan to make your college town your permanent place of residence, you are covered and you do not need your own policy.
If I Move Out, Can I Stay On My Parents’ Insurance?
No. If you are moving to an apartment or buying your own home, and you have your own car, you will need to get your own policy with yourself listed as the first named insured on the policy. This rule applies to renters as well. Again, we do have some good news for you! If you bundle your auto insurance with your home or renters insurance, you are eligible for certain discounts!
Is It Cheaper for Me to Stay On My Parents’ Policy?
The short answer is…not necessarily. There are a number of factors which determine your auto insurance rates: your car’s safety rating, your own driving history and your age. While staying on your parents’ policy may mean you are eligible for the same discounts that they have i.e. a multi-policy discount, if you get your own policy, you may also be eligible for certain discounts.
When I Buy a New Car, Do I Need My Own Policy?
If you are planning to buy a new car and have it listed in your name only, you will be required to get your own auto insurance policy.
Whether you’re getting married, planning to have children, or if you have anyone in your family that depends on you, it’s important to do the best you can to anticipate what is going to happen in the future. While no one can have an absolute certainty on what the future holds for them, there are a number of important steps you can take the make your future–and the future of those you care about most a secure one. Here is a short list of questions you should ask yourself if you are recently married or plan to be soon.
If one of you has a long list of at-fault accidents on your driving record or auto insurance claims, it may be a better idea to keep your auto insurance policies separate. If you both have a good driving record and no recent gaps in your insurance, you may be able to save some money by combining your policies.
Did you know that there are various factors that can determine how much you are required to pay for your homeowners insurance? Factors such as distance from a fire department, proximity to areas more prone to storms, the age of your home and your claims history can all have an effect on the overall cost of your insurance.
Adding a new baby to the family means added responsibilities and added costs. A life insurance policy can assist you with fulfilling those responsibilities and covering those added costs in the event of an untimely death. A life insurance policy can also help you cover the costs for a funeral. Even more, it can help to pay off your mortgage and help to fund your child’s education.
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific amount of time. For example, a 30-year policy can help cover the costs of a 30-year home mortgage. For young people, a term policy is often the better option because it tends to be the most affordable. The good news is that you do have the option of converting your term policy to a whole life policy later on.
Whole life insurance offers coverage for the duration of the policyholder’s life. It is sometimes referred to as a permanent life plan.
Call us to discuss options to expand your coverages beyond the standard homeowners insurance policy. We can help you to protect your underground service lines, appliances, and more.
In today’s day and age, with so many parts of life now involving automated messaging and assistance, it can be difficult to navigate the process of getting the best insurance for you. That’s why speaking with a real person is so beneficial. One of our experienced insurance professionals can help answer any and all questions you have, so that you can be sure you are getting the best coverage for you.
When you’re young healthy, life insurance is probably the last thing on your mind. You’re probably more focused on eating whatever you want, traveling to various destinations, and skydiving (okay, maybe not skydiving, but participating in other endeavors that could pose a risk to your life). While you’re young, maybe you think you don’t have to pay attention to overall health. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Sure, it’s okay to indulge yourself occasionally, but one of the keys to prolonged health and prosperity is developing healthy habits.
When you’re young, a life insurance policy is going to be more affordable. Why? Because insurance companies take into account the fact that young people are predominantly more healthy and are far less of a risk to develop chronic ailments, diseases, or severe illnesses.
While you’re young, it’s the perfect time to add what’s called a Guaranteed Insurability Option rider or GIO.
The fact of the matter is that we can’t know precisely what’s going to happen tomorrow, five years from now, ten years from now, or 30 years down the line. Life Insurance gives you the chance to be proactive rather than reactive. And remember, if you’re in a situation where you’re reactive, especially in cases of your physical health, it’s probably going to cost you more than if you took the time to plan and anticipate what could happen in the future.
A lot of young people are deterred from purchasing a life insurance policy because they have this misconception that it’s expensive. It’s actually quite affordable.
Some important questions to ask yourself are:
Depending on your circumstances, particularly your financial situation, a term life insurance policy may be better suited for you if you don’t have money saved. The risk you take with a term life insurance policy, though, is that it may never pay out. A better option that provides more security and peace of mind is a whole life insurance policy. A whole life insurance policy offers:
A Guaranteed Insurability Option rider helps you create the ability to protect yourself throughout your life. You have it for as long as the policy is in place.
It’s important to remember these few limitations: you only have the ability to add to your coverage through your GIO rider up to the age of 46 and you can’t exceed the million-dollar coverage limit.
As long as you have the GIO rider, you have the ability to add coverage to your policy for qualifying events such as: getting married, purchasing a home, and having a child. You are able to purchase additional life insurance coverage without having to take the step of going through underwriting all over again.
Before you have any type of gathering with family or friends, it’s best to come up with a solid plan. How many guests will you be having? How much food will you need? Do you need snacks or do you think it’s a better idea to grill for a larger group? What kinds of drinks will you be having? Will alcohol be made available for consumption? Always remember that, depending on the time of year, the weather conditions will be different. Always dress appropriately for the weather. Finally, don’t forget that emergency first-aid kit and jumper cables in case your vehicle won’t start.
Storing your food items properly is essential in order to prevent food-born illness. If you plan to grill, foods such as burgers and hot dogs need to be cooked at at least 160 Fahrenheit. Foods that are meant to be served cold such as deli meats and bread for sandwiches and subs should be kept in a separate cooler. Do your best to not keep food out for longer than two hours to avoid food poisoning or upset stomachs.
If you’re planning to grill, be sure to bring an apron (you’ll thank yourself later as cooking and food prep can become messy at times). Another essential item to have nearby is a functioning fire extinguisher in case of an emergency. For easy clean-up, elect to use plasticware instead of metal forks, knives, or spoons.
We understand that it is a common practice to consume alcohol at sporting events, especially tailgates. Speak with your group before your event to see who will be your designated driver. Doing so eliminates concern over the possibility of someone getting behind the wheel while impaired. Additionally, if you choose to drink alcohol, be sure to have plenty of food and time between the time you are spending at the game and the time you choose to leave. We all want everyone to get home happily and safely.
Before leaving your tailgate area, clean up all forks, knives, spoons, plates and drinks around your area. Examine the area around your vehicle. Look out for glass bottles or any debris that could potentially cause damage to your car. Also, anticipate long lines when leaving. Cars may be bumper to bumper as they move toward the exit. Stay alert and don’t get distracted.
Winter can certainly present significant challenges to your everyday life. Harsh weather conditions combined with frigidly cold temperatures can reek havoc on both your home and your vehicles. If you want to make sure your car and your wallet are both protected, pay attention to these tips:
If you are in need of new tires, get replacements before it snows. Snow, ice, and slush can present dangers on the roadways. Snow tires are best if you live in an area where snow is frequent. Also, keep an eye on your tire’s pressure. Tire pressure tends to fluctuate when temperatures change. Having proper tire pressure can also help you save money at the gas pump.
What is Black Ice?
Black Ice is a very thin layer of ice that can form on road surfaces in cold weather conditions. It is extremely dangerous because it is difficult to spot on the road.
How Does Black Ice Form?
When snow or moisture from the air freezes rapidly, thus attaching itself to the frozen pavement. Freezing rain can appear white or translucent due to air bubbles being trapped. Black ice is far more dangerous because it is perfectly clear, making it that much mor difficult to see at night.
Where Can You Commonly Find Black Ice?
Whenever you have little to no sunlight, these areas are especially at risk of having black ice form. Back roads that are not used frequently, as well as in tunnels, underpasses and bridges are also common areas where black ice forms.
How Do You Know if You Are Driving on Black Ice?
You can’t see black ice, so if you’re driving along and your car begins to slide or lose traction, you’ve probably come across some black ice. You should never make drastic shifts with your steering wheel or your brakes when driving in harsh weather conditions whether it be in rain or heavy snow. If even a small shift in your steering seems to generate an exaggerated response from your vehicle, you may be driving on black ice.
To stay safe, drive slowly in conditions where black ice can form. Reduced speeds lessens the likelihood of you skidding or losing control of your vehicle. Do not use cruise control in these conditions.
Do not make jerky, reactive movements that could cause skidding or an accident. Slow and steady is the best approach to navigating through black ice.
How Can You Recover from Skidding on Black Ice?
If you are operating either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, turn your steering into the skid. Change the direction of your steering if the skid takes you in a different direction. Be sure to maintain your speed and do not apply any pressure to your brakes or gas pedal. If you have a manual transmission, push in your clutch.
Never slam on your brakes when you encounter black ice.
While driving, be gentle with your steering wheel movements. You don’t want your vehicle’s back end to start sliding in the opposite direction. Straighten your steering wheel and gently apply pressure to your accelerator.
How to Stay Safe in Winter Weather Driving Conditions
One of your best defenses against winter weather conditions and slippery road surfaces are good tires. All-season tires with good traction and tread depth are ideal. If you live in an area where it snows consistently, go with a set of snow tires.
When weather conditions are not safe to drive in and you are in a situation where you don’t necessarily need to be behind the wheel, isn’t it nice to stay in with family and have a family game night? Here are six ideas for your next family game night!
2. Dice games – Dice games are easy to play and come in plenty of variations. Try to roll all five of the same numbers to score a Yahtzee! Be the first to score 10,000 points in Farkle. Roll as many 2s as you can in Bunco. Or see who can match all of their dice the fastest in Tenzi.
3. Card games – If you have young ones in your family, matching colors is a fun way to introduce them to card games. You can do this with UNO. If your crowd is filled with adults, Cards Against Humanity is sure to muster up at least a few laughs.
4.Guessing games – If you have enough guests at your home to form at least two teams, Charades is a fun game that is sure to get everyone involved. You can have one team members acting out a favorite activity, or, if you’re a movie buff, a scene from one of your favorite movies. Remember, though, it’s against the rules to talk!
5. Singing competitions – When was the last time you belted out your favorite song at the top of your lungs? Maybe in the car? Well, get together with your family or friends and see who has the best vocals with a karaoke night. A karaoke machine only adds to the fun!
6. Puzzles – Puzzles are a great way to involve the whole group.
Make the evening even more fun by ordering some pizzas or having an ice cream sundae station! This is a great way to build lasting memories for your children.
When it’s freezing outside, what is the first thing you want to do? Don’t you want to get inside your warm home as quickly as possible? Here are some easy ways to seal off drafts to keep your home warm throughout the winter.
Winter is approaching fast. While we all want to keep ourselves warm, let us not forget about our furry friends! Dry air and freezing temperatures can present certain dangers to your pets. Here are some tips to keep your four-legged furry family members safe and warm until spring arrives.
What Is Roadside Service?
Roadside assistance refers to coverage you have the option to add to your current auto insurance policy. It can help you when you find yourself stranded due to unexpected car trouble i.e. a flat tire. Car trouble can happen at any time; when you’re at work, out running errands, or even when you’re lounging at home.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Over the course of a lifetime, there’s a good possibility that you or someone you know will be faced with some kind of car trouble. Whether it’s getting a flat tire, running out of gas, or facing a mechanical issue, none of these situations are fun and can result in you being stranded on the side of the road, hopefully not a busy highway. If you have Roadside Assistance Coverage on your auto policy, at least you can rest assured that someone will come to your rescue. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call ERIE’s roadside service at 1-800-FOR-ERIE and select Option 2 to be connected to Agero, ERIE’s partner for nationwide roadside assistance.
Roadside Service coverage through ERIE can help you in situations where you are locked out of your car, flat tires, mechanical breakdowns, dead batteries, and even if you run out of gas. If you need to pull your car out of a ditch or snow, you are covered as long as you are within 10 feet of a highway. If not, there may be an out-of-pocket expense. Coverage provides towing service to the nearest garage plus 20 additional miles. Any distance beyond this must be paid out of pocket.
What Is the Cost of Roadside Service?
Adding this coverage to your policy will cost you about $5 per vehicle per year. It is available with a purchase of either comprehensive or collision coverage. In addition, you can also purchase this type of coverage with ERIE’s Roadside & Rentals bundle, which includes rental car expense coverage.
What Types of Vehicles Are Eligible for Coverage?
Cars, light trucks, and motorcycles are eligible for this coverage. Service also includes horse, livestock and other trailers that are pulled by vehicles that ERIE insures.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us at (301) 948-2010 and ask to speak with one of our experienced insurance professionals.
In today’s day and age, it’s not uncommon to see multiple package on someone’s doorstep at any given time. That’s because many consumers are electing to buy products online instead of going to their local malls, stores, and shops. With this new convenience also comes an unfortunate reality. Many people have their items stolen from their front porches. In fact, according to a 2021 Consumer Reports survey, 11% of Americans have had at least one package from their front porch.
One factor that determined whether or not you were likely to have your package stolen was socio-demographic variables. It was found that package theft was most commonly found in multi-family dwellings than single-family homes, as well as in urban areas (16%) than in suburban areas (9%) and rural areas (8%). Package theft was also reported to have occurred among younger individuals and lower-income households, with 21% of affected respondents making less than $30,000 per year and being within the 18-29 age range.
There are ways to protect yourself, however. If you order from Amazon, consider granting inside access. Amazon Prime members in certain areas can sign up for something called Amazon Key: a service that grants Amazon delivery drivers to access a certain secure area of your home.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this meant that a driver could leave a package in your home, garage, car, or behind a motorized gate. Amazon decided to pause its in-home and in-car delivery services, however, when the COVID-19 outbreak began. It may be useful to know that this particular service is still available for in-garage and in-gate delivery.
If you want in-garage delivery, you’ll need what’s called a Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Control. You can get this for $30. Pair this internet-connected device with your garage door motor to allow the Amazon employee to open and close your garage door for the delivery.
You are also able to control your garage door from the Amazon Key smartphone app. Other options include connecting a Ring video doorbell ($100 – $350); Ring security camera, $60 – $250, or a MyQ security camera, $150) These items allow you to capture video footage of the delivery itself.
You can also monitor your front porch with a security camera or video doorbell.
Keep tabs on your packages by signing up for alerts. These notifications can be sent to your email address or cell phone by text message.
Requiring a signature is another safe way to ensure you receive your package because it means they aren’t simply dropped off at your front door. The one downside to this is you have to be home.
If your package is stolen, consider contacting the retailer. Although retailers may have different policies regarding lost or stolen packages, it never hurts to notify them.
Contact the shipping company. Shippers usually require the sender to initiate a claim. It’s important to take this step as quickly as possible because there is a time limit for when this step is allowed.
Check your insurance. If the item is worth more than your insurance deductible, unfortunately, this will not help you. But, it never hurts to check.
Consider involving the police. If you’re making a claim with a retailer, shipper, a credit card company, or an insurance company, you’ll need to file a police report.
Rising interest rates and inflation may have you reconsidering your options regarding purchasing a new or used car.
You could have the option to buy out your leased car at a lower cost than what the car is actually worth. Although rare, it provides some options you may not have otherwise. For instance, you could buy out the lease and then sell the car privately, thus giving yourself some extra cash to put towards a new car. Consult your dealership to learn more about your options.
New Cars Are Hard to Come By, And Deals On Used Cars May Be Hard to Find
Your Checklist For Buying New and Used
Make Your Wish List
This is all going to depend on your lifestyle. Do you have a big family? You may want to refrain from buying that two-seater. Ask yourself these questions before making your purchase.
Do Your Research
At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, housing experts were predicting a crash in the market. That did not happen. Instead, home prices in the United States skyrocketed an incredible 37% in the two years between March 2020 and March 2022.
Home prices have been inflated by as much as 25%. Because of the dramatic increase in home values, you may be wondering if your current homeowners insurance policy is still sufficient enough to cover you in the event of a loss. This depends greatly on two factors, whether your home is insured using market value or replacement cost.
What is market value?
Market Value refers to the amount your house and land would sell for on the real estate market. Factors that may determine a homes market value include but are not limited to: your neighborhood, school district, crime rates, and values of others homes in your surrounding area.
What is the difference between market value and replacement cost?
As an example, let’s say that your home has a market value of $450,000. Current construction and materials costs are $500,000. This would mean that you would be left with a $50,000 coverage gap. Your options moving forward would be to build a smaller, less expensive home, or to pay the difference out of your own pocket. There is a way to avoid this. It is by obtaining Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage.
What is replacement cost?
Replacement Cost refers to the estimated amount of money it would cost to repair or rebuild your home with the same or similar materials in the event of a total loss. The cost of building materials may fluctuate, so it is important to keep that in mind. Additionally, contractors hired to do the building may cost more or less depending on certain situations.
What is guaranteed replacement cost?
Guaranteed Replacement Cost is the best coverage you can have when it comes to protecting your home. By obtaining Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage, you are guaranteed to be protected against a claim on your homeowners policy. If your house burns down, this coverage will guarantee that your home will be rebuilt back to its original state before the event occurred.
ALERT: If you have any improvements to your home that are valued at $5,000 or more, those need to be reported to insurance company within 90 days! This is extremely important to remember!
There’s nothing quite like a freshly manicured lawn. Every homeowner dreams of enjoying such a majestic reality. However, do you know just how much goes into accomplishing this for yourself and your family? It takes a lot of time, work, and money.
Some of the steps you need to take for simple lawn care are to water, fertilize, mow, weed, trim, dethatch, aerate, and much more. It’s definitely a process. To make matters worse, once you start, if you don’t continue the process to completion, you are looking at something that might look like something similar to a gloomy, abandoned, beat down, unattractive plop of land. No one wants that. And if you are part of a homeowner’s association, forget about it. You will definitely be getting some phone calls. Many homeowners choose to go a different route with their lawn care, deferring from grass altogether.
Here are some of your options if you do not want to use grass for your lawn:
Clover: A low-grade grass alternative, clover is inexpensive, easy to plant, and stays green without the need to water. Another advantage to clover is it may only require mowing a few times a year.
Moss: Moss has the ability to grow in poor or rocky soil conditions. Also, its springy texture can feel like a carpet underneath your feet. While moss may require a more substantial investment upfront, it may afford you years of enjoyments without to need for maintenance. Consult a landscaping professional for the best advice on what type of species of moss fits your yard and climate best.
Ornamental grass: One of the greatest perks of ornamental grass is that it is drought-tolerant.
Gravel: Install a landscape fabric beneath the gravel to prevent weed growth, but using gravel is an excellent alternative to grass if you want rid yourself of yard work entirely. Everything from crushed granite to lava rock to recycled glass, you have a wide variety of options to choose from.
Artificial turf: Faux grass was once commonly used for sports stadiums, Today, it is making its way into home yards and landscapes. Manufacturers have become so good at creating surfaces that are nearly identical to real grass. Although artificial turf does not require watering, it does require the occasional raking as well as infill (a product used to weigh down the turf and provide a layer of cushion). Be mindful that this option is on the more expensive side, coming in at around $25 per square foot of material.
Wildflowers: If you want a more colorful landscape, wildflowers are a wonderful option for you to consider. Before starting your project, do some research to see which flowers are best suited to thrive in your particular climate. This type of landscaping may require annual maintenance.
Ground cover plants: These types of plants spread quickly and require very little maintenance. You will want to do a bit of research first if you choose this option because each plant may require different amount of sunlight to thrive.
When Should I Replant My Lawn?
Depending on the type of lawn you choose, you will need to consider the time of year you begin your project. If you choose something like artificial turf or gravel, you have nothing to worry about as far as timing is concerned. If you choose something that isn’t artificial, pay attention to the season in which you begin your work.
How Do I Remove The Grass I Currently Have?
Start digging: Use a flat shovel to slide under the grass, pulling it up by the roots.
Use a sod cutter: Go to one of your local home improvement stores and rent a sod cutter. This will help you cute your grass into neat, manageable strips. Once you do that, it’s as easy as rolling up a carpet.
Solarize it: Make sure you water your lawn and then cover it with a clear plastic sheet. The sun will do the rest of the work. After a few weeks of direct sunlight, your grass will be dead and ready to be removed.
Try sheet mulching: Cover your soil with a layer of compostable material, such as newspaper or cardboard. Add a compost of mulch of top of that. Since mulching takes several months, it is recommended that you start this process in the fall. Allow your lawn to decompose over the winter. When spring comes, you will be greeted with rich, nutrient-dense soil.
Every year as a part of celebrating Halloween, many families participate in the age-old tradition of pumpkin carving. Sometimes, however, injuries can occur if proper caution and care are not taken when creating your spooky
Prepare your pumpkin and carving area
It’s important to keep your pumpkin dry, so it doesn’t slip out of your hands as you’re carving it. Be sure to place newspaper underneath your pumpkin and to have paper towels on hand. Finally, make sure that the area where you are carving has sufficient lighting.
Choose the appropriate tools
When it comes to carving your pumpkin, you shouldn’t necessarily think that sharper is better. Pumpkins have thick areas that a knife can potentially get stuck in. Attempting to force the knife out of the pumpkin could lead to serious injury. So, consider using plastic tools to minimize the risks of injury. They can still get the job done.
Leave carving to the adults
Allow your kids to trace the design they want for their pumpkin and then dig out the seeds from inside the pumpkin. Once ready to start carving, the adults should take over.
Have a first-aid kit nearby
In the event of an accident while carving, apply direct pressure to the injury with a clean, dry cloth. If the injury is severe and the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek professional medical attention.
Keep your options open
Instead of using sharp knives, you can elect to go the safer route by using such tools as cookie cutters or melon ballers. These items can help you create fun shapes and designs without risking injury. Painting your pumpkin is another option you can consider.
Be careful with the candle flame
Handling a flame always requires great care and caution. Any candle holds the risk of becoming a fire hazard that can spread quickly. Keep flames far out of reach of children.
Are you currently facing a decision or problem? It could be at work or in your personal life. No matter what your particular situation is, it is important to have a plan. While no one can know what the future holds for us, we can take certain measures to ensure that our future and the future of our loved ones are secure. We can come up with a plan! Here’s why planning is so important:
Planning helps you set appropriate goals
Planning helps you refine your goals and to figure out if it’s realistic or not. You may have gone to a friend or a family member with something you thought was a fantastic idea! That friend or family member may have heard you and replied with something along the lines of, “You should be realistic”. It’s not uncommon for this message to be taken negatively. In fact, some of the world’s most brilliant minds have said that the worst advice they ever received was to “be realistic”. To ensure that you don’t fall into the pit of discouragement and despair, break down your goals into step by step processes, so they will be more manageable and you will have a far greater chance of success!
Planning breaks a problem or goal down into smaller pieces
As stated above, breaking down your goal into smaller steps and pieces will help you to achieve what you want. Before you start, this process may seem overwhelming. All you have to do is take that first step and get started!
Planning reveals weaknesses (and strengths)
As you work through a plan, you will begin to see both what makes the plan strong as well as any weaknesses your plan may have. It’s important to stay focused and to not sabotage yourself. Write down the strengths of your plan to give yourself affirmation that it’s a good idea!
Planning increases certainty and confidence
Have you ever taken a test that you didn’t study for? Did you have any confidence that you were going to do well? Or maybe you had a role in play. When you took the stage, how did you feel? Did you feel confident or did you feel the need to retreat back into yourself? Practice gives you the confidence you need to be successful. Planning goes the same way.
Planning increases efficiency
Have you ever been a part of a project team that didn’t plan well enough? Did you not get your desired result? When it comes to a project for a business or any project for that matter, lack of planning leads to waste i.e. wasted money, wasted resources, and most important, wasted time. You will be far more efficient and will prevent waste if you plan ahead.
Planning reduces risk
Planning gives yourself and others around you (if you are working with members of a team) reassurance and confidence that a project will be successful. With that confidence, they will be more likely to invest their time and money in what you have to offer. A carefully presented, well-thought-out plan, will help show that you did you due diligence in making sure that risk has been reduced as much as possible.
Planning increases your credibility
If you come up with a plan that is effective, your team will see that and may even praise you for it. If you are competing for a promotion at work, those in leadership positions will see your effectiveness and you very well may be rewarded for it.
Planning gives you more peace of mind
Any time you embark on a new challenge, you’re bound to face some form of stress. Planning can help you reduce that feeling of stress and actually give you confidence. If you take the time to weigh pros and cons, stress won’t go away completely, but you’re more likely to gain that peace of mind that you want and need to make effective decisions to achieve your goals.
The first Halloween celebration that took place in the United States occurred in Anoka, Minnesota in 1921. It’s been over 100 years since and Americans are still as eager as ever to dress up in their favorite costumes and participate in the old tradition of trick-or-treating.
Before you head out this year, take some time to come up with a plan so that you and those you care about can have a fun time while being safe at the same time.
Set boundaries – Before you leave your house, be sure to plan out a safe route to ensure that those you are with are familiar with the major streets in your area. This way, they can easily navigate themselves back to your home once the evening is finished. It’s a good idea to explain the importance of only visiting homes that have lights on. Never enter the home of a stranger for any reason whatsoever. There is also a higher likelihood that drunk drivers will be on the roads during the night.
Drive safe – Always remember to never text while driving and to keep your eyes on the road in front of you. On Halloween night, there are bound to be a lot of kids walking across streets and some of them may have on costumes that are not as easy to see when it’s dark. Afford yourself some extra time to get where you need to go. Drive slowly and turn your headlights on.
Avoid the tricks – Don’t participate in any illegal activity i.e. trespassing or vandalism. Make sure your Halloween night stays fun and that everyone gets home safely.
Host your own party – If you have children, consider giving them and their friends a safe place to have a party so they can socialize and hang out.
Brighten up your costume – Visibility is one of the most important factors when it comes to Halloween safety. If your costume has bright colors, drivers will have a better chance of seeing you, so you don’t get hit!
Stay in a group – Remind your children that it can be extremely dangerous to be out and about after dark by themselves. It’s best to stay in a group and to never wander off away from the group. Stick together!
Don’t panic
Realizing that your brakes have failed is a scary situation. Is it crucial to your safety and for the safety of those around you that you remain calm, so breathe and try to stay clear-headed.
Leave space, apply your brakes early, and give them another chance
To give yourself a chance to bring your vehicle to a complete stop safely, always remember to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Slow down early for red lights, stop signs, and stopped traffic ahead of you. Pumping your brakes continuously will alert other drivers around you that you are attempting to stop your vehicle. When they see your brake lights illuminate, they will know something is wrong.
Carefully engage the emergency brake
Make sure you downshift and pump your brake pedal before applying your emergency brake. Pulling your emergency brake aggressively could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Downshift into a lower gear
You’ve hit your brakes, pumped your brakes, used your emergency brake, to no avail. The next step you’ll want to take is downshifting to your lowest gear possible as quickly as possible. Your lower gears should help slow the car down. While it may not be enough to bring the car to a complete stop, if you’re on a road that isn’t too busy, you should be afforded enough time and space to steer in a safe direction until your car comes to a complete stop.
Safely get off the road
After you’ve slowed down, it’s important that you get your car off the road as quickly as possible to avoid getting hit. Always remember to use your turn signals and hazard lights to alert other cars around you of your manuevers.
Don’t turn your car off until you’ve stopped
Turning your car off prematurely could result in power steering failure. This makes your car more difficult to turn.
Signal for help
Turning your hazard lights on or igniting flares are an effective way to signal to other drivers that you are in need of assistance.
Turn your hazard lights on so that other drivers are alerted that you are in need of assistance. If you must get out of your vehicle, make sure you do so in a safe area in order to avoid oncoming traffic.
Get your brakes inspected by a professional
Take your car to repair shop to get it inspected. A professional can tell you whether or not you need repairs.
It is never okay to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to the NHTSA, drunk driving accidents account for 10,000 lives lost every year and contribute to one-third of all traffic-related deaths. There has never been a legitimate excuse to drive while drunk. And that statement has never been more true than today when we can gain access to a designated driver as easily as opening a phone app. Here are three ways to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others whenever you are intoxicated.
Call an Uber or Lyft
If you’ve ever been out to a bar or dinner with your friends, you are probably familiar with the situation of having more than one glass of wine or a cocktail. You may even say having a drink or two is bound to happen. If you or your friends plan to drink alcohol, the best way to be safe is to have a plan set ahead of time. Open your Uber or Lyft app on your smart phone and get a ride home safely.
Hail a cab
If you live in a city or an area where cabs frequent, they are a smart alternative to getting behind the wheel while you are drunk.
Ask a friend or family member
Having a trusted friend whom you can call whenever you need them, especially during an emergency, is a fortunate thing. Show thanks to them by supplying them with a gas card or lunch!
If you’re ever hosting a party where alcohol is being consumed, most states will hold you responsible for your guests’ actions behind the wheel. In those particular states, anyone injured by a drunk driver has the right to sue the host of the party who supplied the alcohol. In some cases, criminal charges may even apply. Being familiar with your host liquor liability is really important. Also, make sure that your guests always have a safe way to get home.
Garlic is packed with lots of natural oil, so it burns rather quickly when placed in a hot pan, causing the oil to splatter into the burner. To prevent this from happening, always set your burner to low when sauteing garlic. Keep your eyes on it and don’t let it burn!
Because bacon has a high fat content, it releases lots of grease while cooking. When the bacon burns, this causes the oil to splash out of the pan. To prevent this from happening, make sure the pan you are using is deep enough to contain the grease. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple batches of bacon, be sure to rid the pan of the leftover grease and start over.
When stuffed peppers are submerged in oil, air flow is constricted. The pressure from this can cause the peppers to explode. If you have open burners close to the pot of peppers, the oil may shoot over the open flame, causing a massive flame that could spread if you are not careful.
Goods such as flour, non-dairy creamer, and powdered sugar consist of fine particles that burn if they are added to an empty pan. To stay safe, only add powdered ingredients to a hot pan if another ingredient is already in it i.e. butter or oil.
It is not uncommon for sauces that contain alcohol such as wine or vodka to cause bigger flames in your pan or your stove. Keep your bottles that contain the alcohol a safe distance away from your stove.
Following these guidelines may help you prevent a disaster in your kitchen!
Stay close to the food: Diverting your attention away from your stove can spell catastrophe if you’re not careful. If you leave your kitchen, be sure to turn your stove off first.
Don’t let the grease escape: When you are cooking meat, make sure that the pan you are using is deep enough to hold all of the fats from the meats. Grease can potentially spill over and set fire.
Keep your kitchen clean: Leftover grease or oils in your ovens or on stovetops can potentially ignite. Always be sure to keep your stove and your oven clean.
f you ever get into a car accident, hopefully, the damages to your vehicle are not too severe. And, hopefully, no one suffers any injuries. If you are ever involved in an accident where your car suffers considerable damage, your insurance company may deem it what is called a total loss. This means that the cost to fully repair your car back to its original state before the accident would cost more than the car’s market value.
What does it mean when your car is deemed a “total loss”?
If your car is deemed a total loss, that means that it is not repairable or that the costs to repair it are more than what it is worth. There are a number of factors that go into considering whether or not a car is a “total loss”. If your car is older and has more miles on it, its market value will be less.
What type of insurance coverage covers a totaled car?
There are two types of insurance coverage that will pay out your car’s Actual Cash Value (ACV if it is totaled.
Comprehensive Coverage: This type of car insurance coverage covers damage or a total loss caused by something other than a collision with another vehicle i.e. fire, fallen trees, etc.
Collision Coverage: Covers damage or total loss caused by an accident with another vehicle.
What if you have a lien on your car?
If your car is totaled before you finish paying off the lien, the insurance company will pay the lien first and then send you what is left over (if there is anything). If you owe more for your vehicle than its actual cash value, it will be your responsibility to pay the difference unless you have gap insurance.
What should you do if you think your car has been totaled?
Once you file a claim, an insurance adjuster will assess the amount of damage or review your repair shop estimate. Once the market value of your car is determined, one of two things may happen. You will either be offered a payout to repair the car or be notified that your car is indeed a total loss. Once you accept that your car is a total loss, you must sign your vehicle over to the insurance company.
If you have any questions related to your insurance, please do not hesitate to call us at (301) 948-2010. We’re here for you!
Inflation: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose more than 7% compared to 2020 – the largest increase in nearly 40 years. This means, on average, we are all spending 7% more on goods and services than we were a year ago.
Vehicle Parts: When it comes to the cost of parts for vehicles, those prices have increased by closer to 10%. (Historically, an increase of 2% to 3% from year to year is more typical)
Repair Costs: Recent supply chain issues such as the car chip shortage as well as labor market pressures have caused repair costs to increase significantly, by as much as 20% since 2020. Due to the limited supply of repair parts and a decrease in available workers, repairs to vehicles are taking longer to complete. As a result of this, customers are using rental cars for longer periods of time, thus increasing the cost of insurance claims.
Vehicle Prices: According to auto industry analysts, the cost of used vehicles climbed more than 27% in 2021 while new vehicles are costing 14% more than they did before 2021.
Driving again (and faster): What could be the reason for drivers driving faster? According to a national survey, 1 in 10 drivers admitted to driving at least 20 miles over the speed limit, sometimes even faster than that.
Accidents: As one could probably guess, driving your car at a higher rate of speed opens the door to a more severe collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported a 12% increase in deadly crashes, the largest such increase since reporting began in 1975.
How to Save Money on Your Auto Insurance
Ask us about pay plan discounts: You can save up to 7% on your auto insurance, depending on which plan you choose.
Get the ERIE Rate Lock feature: ERIE Rate Lock allows you to pay the same premium year after year, even if you file a claim. Your rates will only change if you add more remove a driver to your policy, or if you change addresses.
Consider increasing your deductible: Carrying a higher deductible will lower your auto insurance premium.
Take a look at your mileage: Are you working from home a lot more and driving less than before the COVID-19 pandemic? Based on your annual miles driven, you may be eligible for lower rates.
Bundle your coverage: If you have multiple policies with ERIE Insurance, you can earn a multi-policy discount when you combine your auto, home, or life insurance policies.
“Act of God” is a common term in the insurance world. However, it may not be clear to you what it means. When you own a car, a business, or a home, it is natural for you to take certain steps to protect your assets. Understanding the term “Act of God” can help you better protect yourself with the proper insurance coverage.
What does “Act of God” mean?
An event that is considered unpreventable is considered to be an act of God.
What types of events qualify as an act of God?
Windstorms, lightning strikes, hail storms, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. It is important to note that not all acts of God may be covered in a typical insurance policy. Call us to speak with one of our insurance professionals if you have questions about this.
Does auto insurance cover acts of God?
Your auto insurance policy will cover acts of God if you obtain what is known as comprehensive coverage. This coverage includes protection against natural disasters and other types of damage not caused by a collision. For instance, if your car is vandalized or an animal runs out in front of you, comprehensive coverage would help you cover the costs to repair your vehicle or cover you for a total loss.
What about home insurance?
A typical homeowners insurance policy usually covers some acts of God. Two exceptions to this are flooding and earthquakes. If you live in a flood zone area or one that is prone to earthquakes, you will want to obtain flood insurance for floods or a separate coverage for natural disasters.
Is an act of God the same thing as force majeure?
While these two terms are similar, force majeure is more commonly used in business and construction contracts. It refers to circumstances deemed unforeseeable that would prevent a contract from being fulfilled.
If you have any questions about acts of God, call us at (301) 948-2010. We will be happy to help you!
Imagine. You wake up in the morning on a beautiful, sunny, summer day. There isn’t a single cloud in the sky. You’ve woken up early enough to be able to enjoy your morning at a calm, relaxing pace. You walk downstairs to your kitchen, get yourself a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, and you sit down at your kitchen table to enjoy your delicious breakfast. Everything is going great! You’ve got a crisp dress shirt on and freshly pressed dress pants. You’re feeling especially confident this morning because you’ve just sprayed yourself with your newly purchased cologne that you got over the weekend.
And then, you walk out to your car, turn the key in the ignition, and…it won’t start! Let’s take a look at how something so awful could happen to you.
Dead Car Battery: This is the most common reason for why a car will not start. A battery tester can help you determine whether or not your battery is weak. If you determine that you have a dead or weak battery, consider jump starting your car with jumper cables. After doing this, give your car some time to run, so that your alternator can recharge the battery.
Battery corrosion: Having clean battery posts is essential if you want your car to start and run properly. If you’re not sure how to clean battery, seek a professional’s guidance.
Bad starter motor: When you turn the key in the ignition, if you hear a single clicking sound, this could mean there’s a problem with the electrical connection. Starters typically need to be replaced between every 30,000 and 200,000 miles.
Clogged fuel filter: A fuel filter’s main purpose is to keep debris from getting into your car’s fuel system. When the filter is clogged, it’s possible that not enough fuel can reach your engine. A general rule of thumb is to replace your fuel filter every two years or every 30,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Failed fuel pump: A failed fuel pump needs to be fixed by a professional.
Bad timing belt: The purpose of a timing belt is to ensure the engine’s valves open and close at the proper interval so that the values and pistons never touch. A failed timing belt can be extremely dangerous because it can lead to a failed engine. Generally, timing belts need to be replaced every 60,000 miles or every 5 years, whichever comes first.
Bad ignition coil: The ignition coil transforms a battery’s voltage into an electric spark. A damaged ignition coil means there isn’t enough juice to do that. In order to test the strength of the current running through the coil, you’ll need a multimeter—a tool designed to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance.
Always remember, if you encounter a problem with your car that you’re not confident or comfortable fixing yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional to do that job for you.
When it comes to the subject of life insurance, a lot of people become uncomfortable when asked
Thinking about one’s mortality is an understandably uncomfortable subject matter. However, when it comes to protecting those whom you care about most after you’re gone, don’t you want to be able to say that you did everything you could to protect them financially? Purchasing a life insurance policy is a wonderful way to do just that.
So, how much life insurance do you need? It is recommended that you take your annual income and multiply that number 10 to 15 times as a starting point. However, how much coverage you purchase should ultimately factor in any anticipated financial obligations including debts, children, or aging parents.
There are number of factors that are considered when quoting someone for a life insurance policy.
Age
Typically speaking, the younger you are, the less expensive a life insurance policy is going to be. This is because when you are younger, you are, generally, in better health. Insurance companies consider you less of a risk to them. The cost of life insurance policies increase between 4.5% and 9 % each year to put off purchasing coverage.
Zip Code
Depending on the state in which you live, some policies may or may not be available to you. Each state may have its own individual regulations that could affect what kind of life insurance policy you can get.
Term Length
When considering how much life insurance coverage to purchase, consider how much your greatest financial obligations cost i.e. your mortgage. Make sure you purchase enough coverage that will cover these obligations in the event of your sudden death, so that your family is not left with an insurmountable burden.
Policy Coverage Amount
The larger the death benefit, the higher your insurance premiums will be.
Before your premium is calculated, you will be asked for have a medical examination administered for yourself. The exam results will help determine your insurance premium.
How to Determine How Much Coverage to Purchase
Add up your assets
Add up your debts and financial obligations
Subtract your assets from your debts and financial obligations
Decide your policy’s term length
Call us at (301) 948-2010! One of our experienced life insurance professionals will be happy to assist you in going over any and all questions you may have about different coverages.
There are many who dream of one day owning a swimming pool. With owning a swimming pool comes certain responsibilities, that, if ignored, can lead to serious injury or even death. In order to minimize the risks, make sure you follow these helpful tips so that you and your family remain safe at the pool.
Enjoy the warm weather and remember to follow these safety tips with your family and friends.
A lot of people turn themselves away from the prospect of owning an electric vehicle. Reasons for this may be the cost or overall reliability of the car. While these concerns are valid, research suggests that buying a vehicle strictly based upon pricing may not be the wisest approach.
Since the majority of drivers finance their vehicles, consider approaching cost not by the sticker price, but how much it will cost you per month for your car.
When you look at purchasing a vehicle from the standpoint of factoring in fuel savings, maintenance costs, and state incentives for electric vehicle purchases, buying an electric vehicle may start to look a lot more economical than purchasing a gas car.
Researchers studied six electric models: the Hyundai Kona Electric SEL, the Kona Electric Limited, the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro, the Kia Niro EV EX Premium, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus, and the Nissan Leaf. Each model was compared against an equivalent combustion-engine vehicle from the same brand.
The firm determined the monthly cost to own each vehicle over its financing term, including loan payments, maintenance, gas/electricity costs, insurance, and other taxes and fees. Researchers modeled costs across all 50 states, accounting for a federal $7,500 tax break for clean-vehicle purchases, state-specific programs, and energy costs in different states.
The Kona Electric SEL and F-150 Lightning Pro were cheaper to own per month in every state despite carrying a $10,000 premium over their gas counterparts. Annual savings for those vehicles added up to $800 and $1,400, respectively. Three other models — the XC40 Recharge, Leaf, and Kona Electric Premium — had cheaper monthly costs in about half the country. Where they were more expensive, it was often by $15 or less, the report said.
Once a loan for an electric vehicle is paid off, the overall costs for the consumer drop significantly since he or she does not need to factor in the cost of gasoline. According to the report, costs can range between a savings of $1,500-$3,000 per year compared to a gas-powered car.
Test the AC
When you begin to face those blazing-hot summer temperatures, you’ll probably want to turn on your air-conditioning system. Make sure it’s working properly before temperatures start to rise. It’s not fun driving in a car in the middle of the summer without air-conditioning!
Check the air pressure in your tires
Winter weather can take a serious toll on the well-being of your tires, causing significant wear and tear and overall damage. When inspecting your tires, look closely to see if they are under-inflated or over-inflated. Both scenarios can be problematic. Most passenger vehicles recommend a tire pressure between 30 and 35 psi (pounds per square inch). Your car’s owner’s manual will detail specifics about what is appropriate and necessary for your particular vehicle.
Change vehicle fluids
Some vehicle fluids can either thin or evaporate in warm temperatures. Make sure you are topping off your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid, so you’re ready and able to take on the summer heat.
Coolant is especially important in the summer, so that your engine doesn’t overheat. Having your engine overheat can lead to more serious problems and, if not addressed, can lead you to a costly insurance claim.
Change your oil & filter
If you want to ensure your vehicle’s longevity, one of the best ways of doing so is by changing the oil regularly. Fresh oil will keep your car safe from wear and tear. An oil filter can ensure you that any contaminants are removed from your car’s engine oil.
Test your brakes
Driving along and having your brakes fail can lead to serious consequences including bodily injuries and even death. Make sure you are testing your brakes regularly.
Squealing, growling, or grinding sounds are never a good sign. That means it’s time to get your brakes changed. If your vehicle is pulling you to one side or the other, this is another sign that you need to change your brakes. Make sure to take your car in for inspection and possible repair.
Replace your windshield wipers
Visibility is definitely one of the most important parts of driving a car. During summer months, dust and pollen tend to build up on windshields. Use your windshield wiper fluid to clean this off. Check or replace your windshield wipers every season.
Clean or replace your air filters
Air filters keep pollutants from coming in through vents. This is extremely crucial during warm months where pollen counts are at their highest. Old filters can lead to problems with your air conditioning system.
A general rule of thumb is to change your air filter at least once a year.
Get your car detailed
Not only will you feel better emotionally, but driving a clean car can actually save you from potential costly repairs to your car. That’s right. Hot temperatures have the ability to melt plastics. Additionally, food that’s left inside your car for extended periods of time could damage its interior – not to mention the foul smell.
Keeping your car’s exterior clean can help preserve the paintjob, protecting it from harmful sun rays or damages caused by birds or insects.
Rotate your tires
Your car’s tires are not all going to experience the same kind of wear and tear at the same time. Experts recommend that you rotate your tires between every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Move a safe distance away from the crash site, but do not leave the scene.
Witnessing a car accident can be quite startling. It’s important to remain calm if are a witness in a collision. Do not panic and make sure to leave enough room for emergency vehicles to get to the places they need to be. Every second counts in serious accidents involving injuries to other parties. Do not forget to turn your flashers on, so that other vehicles that approach you or drive past you are able to see you clearly. Before exiting your vehicle, look around you to make sure the surrounding area is clear.
Help secure the scene.
While you do want to make sure that everyone involved in the accident is okay, it is important to not tamper with the evidence at the scene that will help paint a clear picture of the events at the scene and what actually happened. Police and emergency services will want these answers, as well as a clear, safe path to any injured parties to provide them with the attention and care they need. Do not let anyone leave the scene of the accident. It is important to remember that tempers may be high depending on the nature of events that occurred, so always protect yourself first.
Call the police.
When you dial 911, be ready to describe the nature of the emergency to the police and provide the location. It will be important to be able to describe the scene as well. The more informative information you can provide to emergency services, the better prepared they will be to provide proper care to any injured parties.
Check on the victims.
Ask the victims if they are hurt or are in need of any assistance. Offer you phone to them, so they can call family members or friends. Finally, consider setting up road flares around the scene in order to give the scene some security. Drivers of other vehicles will see the flares and know not to approach the scene.
Take photos of the damage to the vehicles involved in the accident
Taking photos of damage at the scene can assist others in legal disputes that may arise as a result of the accident. The victim of the crash may want to use any photos that may help them in providing proof in court that they were not at fault. These photos may also be of helpful to insurance adjusters in assessing whether or not the vehicles involved are salvageable or if they are total losses.
Give a statement and offer your contact information
If police and/or emergency services are called to the scene, you may be asked to describe what happened that caused the accident. Be as thorough as possible. Offer the best way to contact you to the police should they need to get any additional information regarding the accident from you in the future.
When searching for a home, what comes at the top of your list of priorities? Perhaps getting the opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of nature, enjoying the views of the countryside as you sip on your morning tea. Or maybe you are looking for a home with an open kitchen concept, affording you the opportunity to host large family gatherings. If you have children, maybe finding a home in a fantastic school district is what is most important to you. Here’s a list of elements that will be undoubtedly important and necessary to consider when purchasing your next home.
The Right School
This isn’t something that you should ignore, even if you don’t have kids. The school district in which you make your home can have a profound influence on your home’s value. So, when it comes time to sell, living in a home in a good school district may help you in your quest to get the most out of selling your home.
If you do have children or are planning to start a family, looking into the potential schools your child may attend will definitely be something you want to think about. As always, if you decide that these schools are not up to your standards, you can always consider a private or charter school nearby.
Culture and Visual Appeal
Before buying a home, take a look around the neighborhood to see if it is up to your liking. Are lawns tidy or unkempt? Are there bars on windows? Are the homes properly maintained? The visual appeal of a neighborhood can reveal a lot about the kind of people that live there are if you will be satisfied, comfortable, and happy living there. What about the culture? Does it mesh well with your lifestyle? These are all important factors to consider, so take your time.
Crime Rate
Of course you shouldn’t drive around a neighborhood looking for criminal activity. To safely check on crime rates in a particular neighborhood, visit crimereports.com for a map of offenses as well as what is trending regarding criminal activity. Additionally, by visiting familywatchdog.us, you can access a map that notes nearby sex offenders.
Convenience
What kind of home best suits your particular lifestyle? Do you prefer being within walking distance of local coffee shops or clothing stores? Do you prefer to have a short commute to work every morning? Do you enjoy going to sporting events? Maybe living close to a metro station is something you want to seriously consider. Whatever you situation may be, take some time to think about what kind of daily life you want to live and think about whether or not a particular home will best give you that opportunity.
Anticipating possible change and preparing for it is the best way to be ready for the unexpected. While COVID-19 certainly uprooted the lives of many people all over the world, business owners were forced make some changes to their daily operations to ensure the overall health and survival of their business. And, while employees of these businesses were able to keep their jobs, they were forced to make changes to their daily lives as well.
By taking the proper preparation steps, your car may be able to survive extended periods of time sitting in your garage with no issues whatsoever. Here’s what you need to know to get your car ready for that long-term storage period.
If you prepare your vehicle for storage properly, it will not be damaged. Negative effects of time on a car that remains undriven can appear sooner than you might think.
Fuel: Did you know that fuel can go bad? When exposed to oxygen, fuel can degrade. To combat this, keep your fuel stored in an airtight container. When this is not done, it takes between three to six months for fuel to go bad. When gasoline goes bad, you may be looking at costly repairs to your vehicle’s fuel system.
Battery: A typical car battery lasts between three and five years. It’s important to drive your car regularly because, as you drive, your car’s alternator continually recharges the battery in order to replenish the power being used. A car that has been sitting for a long time without being driven has no way to charge its battery, therefore leading to its demise.
Rust: Damp conditions will oftentimes lead to rusted metal. Therefore, it’s important to store your vehicle in a dry environment to prevent its parts from rusting. When roads are salted in the winter, cars are more susceptible to being rusted. If not properly addressed, rust can certainly worsen over time.
Tires: Your tires may begin to develop flat spots if left stored for a month or more without being driven. It can get worse if the tires have low tire pressure. If you’re lucky, your tires may lose these flat spots after having been driven on for a while. If not, you may be forced to purchase a whole new set of tires. That can be expensive.
Belts and hoses: It’s important to regularly inspect your belts and hoses. When a vehicle is in storage, the belts and hoses of the car may need to be replaced in as little as three to five years.
Pests: Mice and other rodents can do serious damage to your vehicle, chewing on wires and insulation.
How Do I Prepare My Vehicle For Storage?
Add fuel stabilizer: Adding a chemical fuel stabilizer can help prevent your gasoline from degrading.
Charge your battery: Depending on whether your battery is completely dead or just needs to be slightly charged, you’ll need the appropriate charger to perform this task. Make sure to purchase a battery maintainer or “trickle” charger. These particular chargers are specifically designed to be left plugged in and connected to your car while it’s parked.
Wash your car: Keeping your car in pristine order can help prevent it from rusting and suffering paint damage.
Keep it covered: Unless you have a garage, it may be a good idea to get a car cover to keep dirt and moisture away from your vehicle. Try not to park your car on grass. The excess moisture can accelerate rusting.
Add fresh fluids: Used engine oil, brake fluid, and power steering fluid can trap contaminants that can potentially damage your car over time. Adding fresh fluids to your car can help prevent further damage.
You’ve spent years paying your off your car and the day has finally come when you can officially say you own the car! This is a great milestone that you can take a lot of pride in!
Now is the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate your auto insurance. You may be asking yourself a few questions related to your auto insurance.
While paying off your car is a remarkable achievement, quickly moving to remove coverages from your auto insurance is not something that we necessarily recommend. After all, if you do not have enough insurance coverage, you may be stuck with the remaining balance of the bill in the event of an auto accident. Your policy will only cover the limits that are listed on your declarations page (the first page of your policy).
Before removing any insurance from your current policy, we recommend you review your policy with one of our experienced agents who can answer any and all questions you may have related to your auto insurance coverage. One question you may want to ask is, “What are my state’s legal limits for auto insurance?” The last thing you want to have happen is be deemed responsible for an auto accident that is serious enough where it exhausts all of your limits and requires even more money to cover things like medical expenses for injured parties. That money would need to come out of your own pocket. To avoid this, make sure you have the proper insurance coverages listed on your policy so that you will be covered in the event of a catastrophic accident.
Whenever you have an auto accident, before your insurance kicks in, you will first be required to pay your insurance deductible.
There are two types of coverage when it comes to auto insurance: comprehensive and collision. While both of these coverages are not required by law, if you are financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender may require you to carry these coverages on your auto insurance policy. When determining the right course of action for you, consider these questions:
Comprehensive coverage refers to any damage caused to your vehicle by anything other than a collision. This includes the following:
It’s important to remember to call us once your car is fully paid off. We’ll need to remove the lienholder from your auto policy. If this step is not completed, in the event of an accident, your insurance carrier is obligated to issue a check to the name listed on the policy. When this information is inaccurate, expect a delay because we’ll need to stop the check and it will take some time to issue another one.
When was the last time you reviewed your insurance policies? Circumstances in life change all the time. And although we may not be able to know what the future holds for us with absolute certainty, we can make smart decisions that will put us in the best possible position financially. Here are five reasons why you should review your insurance policies at least once a year.
Getting married
Getting divorced
Your child is leaving home
Starting a new job
Starting a new business
Starting a family
Having your elderly parents move into your home with you
Purchase or receive an expensive gift
Death in your immediate family
Paying off your mortgage
As changes in your life occur, so too should your insurance coverage. Review your insurance policies at least once a year, so that if you have gaps in certain areas of your coverage, those areas can be addressed by one of our insurance professionals. We can help you add any supplemental insurance coverages or additional policies.
Sometimes, state laws can change. That means that minimum required insurance coverages can change. To make sure you always have enough coverage, call us so we can keep you in the clear and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Let’s say you just sold your home and are either downsizing or renting. Naturally, the won’t need as much insurance coverage as you had previously. The same thing goes for when you sell a valuable possession like a piece of jewelry or maybe a valuable piece of art.
Whenever you make an addition to your home, naturally, that is going to increase the value of your home. Therefore, you should be ready to update your insurance coverage to make sure these new additions are properly covered.
If you choose to bundle both your home and auto insurance, you may be eligible for discounts. There are a number of different ways to save money on your insurance. Everything from adding a newer vehicle with more advanced safety features, to providing proof that you are driving much less nowadays, we may be able to help you save considerable amounts on your policies.
The same conveniences we enjoy as drivers in the United States have also resulted in some bad habits over time. When drivers commit these bad habits, they are putting both themselves and other drivers on the road at risk of harm. Here are the biggest mistakes drivers make when driving on the highway.
Generally speaking, the far left lane is typically reserved for vehicles traveling at higher speeds. The unwritten rule here is that unless you are passing or moving faster than the flow of traffic, you should keep your vehicle to the right. Using the left lane when you are driving slowly or not keeping up with traffic may result in traffic buildups. When other drivers see this, they may feel encouraged to make more aggressive moves on the road.
When we are tired, our ability to focus is greatly affected. Also, our reaction time may be compromised as well. These are dangerous realities that make our roads much more dangerous for ourselves and other drivers on the road. If you feel tired, pull over to the side of the road or take the nearest exit to a rest stop. Make sure you rest before continuing your journey.
Have you ever been driving along for long stretches at a time with nothing but the open road in front of you? During these moments, we may feel more compelled to speed. After all, there aren’t any police around. Why shouldn’t we do everything we can to get to our destination faster? The answer is simple. We could lost control of our vehicle. It is also possible to feel fatigue when we have nothing around us to stimulate our minds. Unfortunately, long stretches of road have the ability to have that effect on us. If you know you are about to embark on a long journey, plan rest points ahead of time. Doing so will keep both yourself and other drivers safe.
Commercial trucks are big vehicles. Because of this, they tend to have large blind spots too. The general rule of thumb is if you cannot see the driver in his side mirror, he can’t see you either. Be cautious when driving near these big commercial vehicles.
We are all aware of the fact that there are speed limits on roads and highways. They are there for a reason. Exceeding these speeds limits can put you and other drivers in a dangerous situation. Also, nobody likes paying speeding tickets.
Your best defense against getting into a serious accident is you. While cars have become more advanced with technology over the years, you should not solely rely on your car’s technology systems like automatic emergency braking or your blind spot indicator lights to keep you safe. Use your eyes and stay focused behind the wheel. You and your ability to focus are your best defenses against a serious auto accident.
When you use your turn signal, you are alerting other cars around you of your plans to move to different lanes. These turn signal lights are meant to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
When driving at night, it makes sense that you would want to use your high-beam lights. After all, they afford you up to 300 more feet to your visibility. However, it is important to remember that as you are going in one direction, other cars are likely coming towards you in the opposite direction. And, these high-beam lights can seriously impair the oncoming driver’s vision, possibly resulting in an accident. It’s okay to use your bright lights, but turn them off once you see a car coming in your direction.
You won’t see traffic lights or intersections while you’re driving on the highway. However, you will see cars attempting to merge onto the highway. Oftentimes, these cars are traveling at considerable speeds. It’s important to give them enough time and room to merge safely. Adjust your speed or move over to another lane to make room for these merging vehicles. Doing so may prevent an accident from occurring.
Your side mirrors are meant to give you the ability to see cars next to you and behind you. Always check your mirrors before attempting to switch lanes. And remember, always use your turn signal before making your move.
As the cost of living continues to climb, many homeowners have reconsidered the idea of moving. Instead, homeowners are choosing to stay put and to make improvements on their current homes. Add a shortage of inventory and low mortgage rates to the equation and it begins to make sense why homeowners are not actively searching for a new place to call home.
When it comes to home improvements, a finished basement can prove to be a wise decision. Any wasted space can quickly become a play area for your children, an entertainment room, or a weight room for yourself and your family members. When placing a home on the market for sale, a finished basement has the potential to catch far more eyes of potential buyers than a home without a finished basement. Additionally, you can justify bumping up the selling price when you have a finished basement. Your home will undoubtedly show more effectively at an open house. Real Estate agents will thank you later!
It is important to note that, if you do not take the necessary proactive measures before taking this smart step in finishing your basement, you could be faced with a damp, musty mess on your hands that will cost you more of your time, money, and sanity.
When moisture is able to accumulate in a fixed space, that leaves the possibility of a number of negative outcomes including: mold, mildew, and musty odors. In addition, floors can become ruined, and drywall and framing materials can be destroyed.
Signs of moisture build up include but are not limited to: condensation on pipes, damp walls, and wet spots on your floors.
Cleaning out your gutters and caulking the cracks in your walls is a good way to prevent matters from getting worse and putting a potential costly home insurance claim on your hands. Other ways to secure your home may include adding French drains and a sump pump. If you think matters are beyond your control, consider calling in a professional to assess the situation.
Adding insulation around the exterior walls of your basement is a surefire way to ensure your home is protected. Insulation will help regulate the temperature. Various forms of insulation that are appropriate for a basement include:
Sprayed foam
Bubble foil
Foam board
Fiberglass
When you build your home, it is important to choose materials that are strong enough to withstand the wrath of water. For your walls, consider shing moisture-resistant drywall. As far as your floors are concerned, consider using luxury vinyl planks and tiles. If you choose to go the carpet route, remember to install a vapor barrier like dimpled polyethylene in order to prevent water damage.
When you are finishing your basement, it is important to keep in mind that your furnace, water heater, electric panel and wiring, and water pipes and sewer lines are easily accessible. If you ignore this, you may be forced to cut through drywall in order to make a necessary repair, which will certainly cost you more. In order to make these areas accessible, do the following:
According to the International Residential Code (IRC), a basement living space should have clear floor-to-ceiling height of at least 7 feet. Recessed light fixtures can help you save headroom.
Basements can become frigidly cold in the winter. Since space heaters can pose a threat to your home’s well-being due to the risk of a fire, consider installing electrical baseboard heating instead. Because hot air rises, baseboard heat can help keep your living space warm.
Windows can add more natural light into your home. Before you begin installing lights, add windows anywhere you can. Nobody enjoys being in a dark basement. We’ve all seen Home Alone, haven’t we?
Add handrails along your stairways. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Be sure to have your home professionally inspected for radon. A professional can better assess the radon levels inside your home to make sure everything is safe.
If you are planning to add a spare bedroom to your basement, make sure you have an emergency exit nearby.
Consult your local building department before starting any renovation or building project for your basement. There are always guidelines that need to be followed and you wouldn’t want to be in a position where something you’ve completed goes against the departments legal guidelines.
As you have probably already imagined, any kind of renovation or addition, especially a finished basement, is going to add significant value to your home. As such, you will want to call us to make sure these new additions to your home are properly added to your home insurance policy. We will help make sure that, in the event of a total loss, your home is restored back to its original state.
How Do I Protect Myself During Periods of High Winds?
Get yourself indoors
Your safety is what’s most important during a storm. A home and a car can always be repaired or replaced. You can’t be. As tempting as it may be to be close to the storm for a good viewing, elect to at least stay a safe distance away from any windows if you want to watch the storm.
Take shelter
If for any reason you are unable to get indoors, try to find a place that has cover like a parking garage or overhang. Do not stand next to roadways.
Pull over
If you’re in the unfortunate situation of driving during a storm, slow down and keep both of your hands firmly on the steering wheel to maintain control. If possible, create more space between your car and cars around you. For example, if you’re in the middle lane and there is a car to your left in the left lane, move your car over to the right lane. As always, check your rearview and side mirrors before changing lanes. If the rain is too heavy to the point where you feel unsafe to continue driving, pull over and turn on your hazard lights so that other cars on the road can see you. Park away from trees or other objects that could fall and hurt you or damage your vehicle.
How Do I Protect My Home From High Winds?
Trim your trees
Dead trees and loose branches can pose a serious threat to your home. Make sure you remove any dead trees and trim any loose branches because they can scratch or dent your car as well as damage the siding of your home. You also don’t want any broken windows. Better to be safe than sorry. Make sure trees and branches are also a safe distance away from any power lines.
Secure shutters and gutters
Frequently inspect your shutters, gutters, and siding of your home. Repair them before the storm hits.
Protect windows and doors
Storm shutters may prove to be a healthy, wise investment if you live in area that is prone to have a lot of storms and high winds.
Store outdoor furniture and other items
Pool furniture like tables and chairs should be properly stowed out of harms way. High winds have the ability to pick up furniture, pillows, and trash cans.
Have your roof professionally inspected
Consider hiring a professional to inspect your roof. Their skills in identifying problem areas will prove to be extremely helpful to you. They can advise you on what your next steps should be, whether it’s to replace to loose shingles or to have the entire roof replaced. They can also help you through the insurance claim process.
Call us!
Most homeowners are not thoroughly familiar with everything that is listed in their insurance policy. Much like some legal documents, insurance policies contain language that may seem confusing to some. Our experienced insurance professionals will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have related to your insurance needs. It’s important to remember that once a storm has been identified, it’s too late to add any additional coverage you might need to protect yourself from a storm. It’s better to already have that coverage in place on your policy. That way, you know you’re covered.
How Do I Protect My Vehicle During High Winds?
Find covered parking
Parking your car in a garage is the safest way for your protect your car during a storm. If you do not have a garage and are out and about during a storm, consider parking at a shopping mall to wait out the storm.
Use a car cover
If you do not have access to covered parking or a garage, use a car cover to protect your car from flying debris during a storm. Be sure to park away from trees.
Obtain comprehensive insurance coverage
There are two types of insurance when it comes to auto insurance: collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is anything other than a collision with another vehicle and is the only coverage that it optional for you to obtain. However, we do highly recommend it. During periods with high winds, flying debris can dent or scratch your car. The only way to cover this kind of damage is by having comprehensive coverage.
All of us have been affected by the COVID pandemic in one way or another. One industry in particular that has had something of a domino effect that has taken a toll on consumers is the automotive industry. As you pass car dealerships, you may see fewer cars on the lots. That’s only one obvious difference. Something a little more impactful is the effect on repair shops and aftermarket parts industries. These industries have been faced with parts and labor shortages, shipping delays, and an increase in wait times as well as rising repair costs. Naturally, this has frustrated both those working in these industries as well as the consumers who depend on them.
Services being most affected by supply shortages are ones involving electronics. Supplies needed to regulate temperature, onboard computers i.e. powertrain control modules, body control modules) and heated seats are some of the most difficult to find. Additionally, the supply of oil filters and brake rotors are taking a hit; before the pandemic, repair shops were in healthy supply of these items. The most common delay in parts that repair shops are facing are brake pads, brake rotors, batteries, filters, and some tires. As a consumer in need of immediate help, this can be quite frustrating. That is why it is a good idea to plan ahead.
If you’re looking to purchase a used car, it might to be a wise decision to delay that purchase, at least for now. This is especially true for those who do not have a car to trade in. For those who do have a car to trade in, the value of the car being traded in can be applied to the purchase of your newly obtained vehicle.
With the current state of the used car market, vehicle owners are actually more willing to hold on to their current cars due to the fact that the prices of used cars has skyrocketed. Repair costs have gone up because the cost for the replacements parts also went up.
To combat the changes in the repairs market, consumers should plan ahead and anticipate when maintenance or repairs will need to be made. To do this, put an amount of money aside every month strictly for this purpose. Schedule your maintenance appointments far in advance and mark them on a calendar, so that you can hold yourself accountable. Always pay attention to the road and cars around you while you are operating a motor vehicle. Do not text while driving.
Finally, if you are in need of repairs to your vehicle, it is suggested that you stick with the repair shop of which you are most familiar. Being a regular customer of a shop may give you a leg up in terms of service in both the amount of time it takes to make the repair and the overall level of customer service you receive.
Water Damage
It is a common misconception that most water damage to homes is caused by hurricanes and heavy rains. However, it is non-weather water damage that usually takes the bulk of home insurance claims. Problems related to plumbing, such as pipes bursting, and drains and valves malfunctioning, as well as appliance issues are considered non-weather.
Weather-Related Roof/Flashing Damage
Wind, hail, falling objects i.e. branches and limbs, heavy snow, and freezing rain can potentially cause catastrophic damage to your home. Taking preventative measures before storms occur is a good way to minimize any damage. Inspect your trees and trim and loose branches as they could spell a threat to your home’s siding or any cars you have parked outside. Remove ice dams in order to prevent costly home insurance claims during winter.
Frozen Pipe Damage
During winter, frozen pipes may be the one threat to your home that could spell doom for your wallet. Of course, it’s always important to have enough home insurance coverage, but what may be even more important is to take the necessary steps to prevent a disaster from occurring in the first place. In the winter time, consider leaving a slight drip in your faucets. The continuous flow of water can help prevent your pipes from freezing. Additionally, consider installing a smart thermostat that can notify you if the temperature outside reaches a frigid level.
Theft
Unfortunately, there are people out there who, if presented with opportunity, will steal from you. To minimize the threat of theft from your home, consider installing outdoor lighting and create the appearance of you being home if you’re actually not. Lights that are set to timers are a good way to create the illusion of presence when it actually isn’t so. Any steps you can take to deter thieves are smart moves on your part.
Fire
Fires can not only pose a threat to your home, but also your own personal safety. Cooking, overloaded circuits, or not using a wooden stove properly are among leading causes of home fires. If you start a fire in a fireplace, never leave it unattended. Before leaving a room, make sure that fire is put out.
Having a roof over our heads is something that all human beings long for and, quite honestly, need. When we buy a home, one of the most important steps we take before purchasing our new home is getting the home inspected. This way, before we sign on that dotted line, we can go back to the seller and discuss any and all repairs or replacements we would like to have addressed before the sale of the home is completed. Just as an inspection of the interior and exterior of the home is important, so too is a roof inspection. After all, a strong, well-constructed roof is what protects us from the elements of nature i.e. water, wind, falling objects, etc. The key to maintaining a healthy home is being proactive when it comes to maintenance and inspections.
Avoid Costly Repairs By Getting a Professional Roof Inspection Having a professional conduct an inspection of your roof can help you avoid all sorts of expensive problems down the road. These problems are as expensive as they are time-consuming. A good inspector knows what to look for when it comes to problem areas of your roof and will happily address those concerns with you, so that you can fix the problem before it reaches catastrophic levels. Taking the time to find a reputable roof inspector will protect both your bank account as well as give you peace of mind knowing that your roof is in solid shape for years to come. Inspections Are Necessary At Least Once A Year While we cannot control the weather, we can make educated guesses as to what mother nature has in store for us, at least weekly. It is a good idea to pay attention to the weather forecast, so that you can be proactive in protecting your home and your car from potential damaging storms. A well-trained roof inspector has the knowledge and ability to pinpoint problem areas you need to address and how to address them. The idea here is to prevent catastrophic expenses out of your own pocket. While it is of paramount importance to have home insurance coverage, it is equally as important to make sure you roof is in good condition, so that the limits of your home insurance policy become exhausted due to a violent storm. Remember, your insurance policies are in place to protect you, but can only do so up to your policy’s limits. Any outstanding dollar amounts will have to come out of your own pocket. Legitimate Roofer Will Not Charge For a Roof Inspection You should never pay for a roof inspection. Professional roofers will provide an expert inspection as a part of their own services. Make Insurance Claims Easier Most homeowners do not spend the time to read every line of their insurance policies, nor do they understand some of the language within the policy. Professional roofers are available to conduct inspections and can help you prepare an insurance claim if a problem is seen. Peace of Mind Would you use a hand surgeon to perform brain surgery? We would hope not. Hiring someone who is equipped with expert knowledge of their craft will undoubtedly give you the peace of mind you deserve, knowing you and your home are safe from harsh winds, heavy rain and snow, and other elements.
|
It seems like everyone is dealing with rising gas prices. If you are interested improving your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, follow these five easy steps:
Get rid of excess clutter Aside from the fact that driving a clean car can reduce stress, too much clutter in your vehicle can contribute to your car being weighed down. When this happens, your car’s fuel efficiency is negatively affected. As little as 100 pounds can cause your vehicle to not perform at its optimum level. To combat this, remove items such as backpacks, books, cargo boxes, bike racks, and roof racks. Limit Idling If you have a newer car, you might notice that it has built-in technology that allows it to gradually reduce its speed on its own. Some cars have capabilities that shut off the engine when the car comes to a complete stop. It restarts once the brake is released. Sitting idle in traffic actually uses up more fuel and gives off 80% more pollution than when your car is moving. The next time you come to a stop, or if you’re waiting for someone, consider shutting off your engine in order to save some fuel. Drive the speed limit More pressure applied to the gas pedal results in more gas being used. In other words, when you drive over the speed limit, your car’s fuel economy suffers immensely. And you’ll definitely have to make another visit to the gas pump sooner than you probably want to. So, whenever possible, use cruise control and certainly drive the speed limit if you want to improve your gas mileage. Check your tire pressure Underinflated tires can result in an increase of at least 3% when it comes to fuel consumption. Not to mention the fact that you are putting far more strain on your vehicle’s engine with underinflated tires. This is because it is taking more effort to drive the same speed as you would with tires with proper tire pressure. By making sure that your tires have the proper pressure, you are ensuring that they perform at their best and are protecting them from premature wear. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual can tell you the correct PSI for your tires. Perform regular maintenance Dirty air filters, spark plugs, and connections can all affect your car’s fuel economy. When you perform routine maintenance on your car, you are preserving the health and prolonging the life of your vehicle. Your vehicle will be far more efficient and will produce far less emissions. Make sure you are always replacing air filters, getting oil changes when necessary, and getting tire rotations when you need to. Your wallet will thank you for it.
|
When was the last time you looked through your cabinets in your kitchen at home? Did you know that many of the everyday household cleaning products you have may be dangerous? It’s important that you read the labels and, if you have small children, talk to them about the potential dangers of these cleaning products.
Being poisoned is not always immediately obvious. There are four primary ways in which people can be poisoned:
Here are a number of different cleaning products you should look out for in your home as they may be harmful if ingested:
Of course you want to protect your children and those whom are most vulnerable in your household. In order to prevent an accident from occurring, follow these tips:
Keep chemical products and medications in their original containers.
If you are going to take medication, make sure the light is on in the room you’re taking it in. Always seal your containers after use.
Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Keep your cleaning products far out of reach of children and always keep them locked up and out of sight.
You may keep products in different areas of your home.
Kitchen: Food poisoning may occur if your food is not stored at the proper temperature. If you have children, use child-proof locks on your cabinets, so that young children are not able to access cleaning chemicals. Since a lot of these chemicals are stored in the cabinets under the sink, it’s a good idea to have these locks on these cabinets. Small children could easily open them when you’re not looking.
Bedroom: Everyone wants to have peace of mind while they sleep. Carbon monoxide in an odorless, colorless gas that is undetectable without carbon monoxide alarms or detectors. Put these in your bedrooms, so that you will be notified if there is a problem. If you have pets, make sure that any plants you buy for your house are not toxic.
Garage: Never leave your car engine running with the garage door closed. Paints, antifreeze, oil, and gasoline should be placed and stored far out of reach of children.
Bathroom: Medications can prove deadly if not handled safely. Keep any medications locked away and far out of reach of children.
When you think of the word insurance, what words come to your mind; Protection, security, peace of mind. This is what every human being longs for throughout their life. People get insurance to protect themselves from experiencing financial hardship.
Umbrella insurance coverage is excess liability coverage, meaning additional coverage. If you have this kind of insurance policy, the limits on your umbrella policy will kick in once the limits on your auto, home, or watercraft insurance policies become exhausted. Umbrella policies come in handy when you are faced with an expensive situation.
Umbrella policies can cover you for situations where a home or auto policy cannot. For example, if you are ever sued for libel, slander, or defamation, an umbrella policy can help cover these costs.
Liability insurance only covers you for as much as is written in your policy. For example, let’s say you cause an auto accident where the driver of the other vehicle is seriously injured. Their injuries are serious enough to require lengthy hospital stays. In fact, their medical bills total $400,000. Your auto policy only covers a maximum limit of $300,000 in liability insurance. How are you going to cover the remaining $100,000? Your umbrella policy can cover the remaining costs. This is just one reason why it is such a good idea to obtain umbrella insurance coverage.
What An Umbrella Insurance Policy Won’t Cover
Umbrella insurance also covers you for situations that are not typically found in an auto or home insurance policy. For example, in this day and age, countless people use social media. If you were to post something defamatory about another person online, you could potentially be used by that individual. Other instances might include false arrest, imprisonment or detention, malicious prosecution, wrongful eviction or entry, and invasion of privacy.
Do You Need Umbrella Insurance?
Obviously, the choice is ultimately yours, but it is wiser to have excess insurance than not enough. There are just too many circumstances you may find yourself in life that are beyond your control. Additionally, if you are someone who is well known in the world, like a celebrity or someone with a high status in society, you may be a target for people coming after your assets.
How Much Umbrella Coverage Do I Need?
Determine the value of your assets. Umbrella insurance coverage—at the very least—should cover your net worth. This is what you could potentially lose should you ever face a lawsuit.
Another consideration you should think about is your future income loss. How much do you think you stand to lose if you are faced with a catastrophic lawsuit? If you injure someone in an auto accident that leaves them paralyzed and unable to work, that person may sue you for all of the future earnings they have lose being unable to work.
Comprehensive coverage protects you against losses caused by something other than a collision i.e. theft, vandalism, fire, and damage caused by weather. Yes, this includes hail damage.
It is important to remember that, before the coverage contained in your auto insurance policy kick in, you must first pay your auto insurance deductible. This is the agreed upon value you pay out of your own pocket before your auto insurance coverage covers the rest of the damage caused (up to your policy’s limits). Figure out what deductible amount you are comfortable paying up front and then talk to one of our insurance professionals who will be happy to assist you in reviewing your coverages.
Hail can be pretty nasty and can cause a variety of damage to your vehicle. In some cases, hail can even cause enough damage to your vehicle to the point it is deemed a total loss. This occurs when it is determined that the value of the damage caused to your vehicle exceeds the value of the vehicle itself.
You can take certain measures to prevent hail damage to your car. First, pay attention to the weather forecast. Whether you listen to the weather forecast on your television first thing in the morning or you read the forecast on your phone app, being proactive in figuring out what kind of weather is going to be in your area is a great way to prevent any potential damage to your car. Also, if you have a garage, consider storing your vehicle inside the garage if bad weather is headed your way.
If you find yourself caught in the middle of a hail storm, follow these steps to ensure the safety of yourself and any passengers in your car with you:
Stop driving and pull over to a safe area
If possible, find cover such a garage or a parking ramp for overhead protection. In some cases, an underpass may be an option to consider, but don’t forget to pull over far enough to avoid traffic and to turn your flasher on, so that other cars notice you.
Park your car at an angle
By doing this, any hail is more likely to hit the front of your vehicle and your windshield is reinforced to protect you from rocks and debris. Your side windows are not.
Stay inside your car
Your own personal safety is more important than any damage caused to your car. Remember that during any kind of storm you find yourself in. Your car can always be repaired or replace.
Protect yourself
Cover yourself with a blanket while lying facedown inside your vehicle. Instruct anyone else in your vehicle to do the same to protect themselves from debris.
Stay connected
Turn your radio on so that you stay up-to-date on current weather conditions.
How to Report Hail Damage
Call our office at 301-948-2010 to speak with one of our experienced agents who will happily answer all of your questions with regard to your situation. They can also help you determine if it is better to file a claim under your auto insurance policy or if the damage is insignificant enough to not proceed with a claim.
Remember, our experienced insurance professionals are always hear for you for answer any and all of your insurance questions. We know how unpredictable life can be! We’re here for you!
A destructive storm comes through your town, wrecking havoc every which way it can. Everything from flooding to fallen down trees, there is no way we can prevent these events from happening. While this is true, it is possible to minimize the damage to your home if you take certain preventative measures ahead of time.
Obviously, having the proper amount of home insurance coverage will help you cover the financial burden of having to repair or replace something that has been damaged from a storm. But, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your home from further damage, protecting your bank account at the time.
Wind
Gusts of wind have the ability to knock over outdoor furniture or pick up tiny branches that could potentially scratch your car. Strong winds can cause trees to fall on your house, resulting in a costly home insurance claim. To prevent events like this from happening, pay attention to weather forecasts and consider moving furniture to covered areas around your home. Pick up loose branches in or around your yard or in your driveway.
Nonweather-Related Water
Conduct regular inspections of your dishwasher, washing machine, and toilets inside your home as they are the most common sources of leaks and water damage inside homes. Check your hoses for wear and replace it if needed. If you plan to be away from your home for any considerable amount of time, think about shutting off your main water valve to give yourself peace of mind. No one wants to worry about potential water disasters while they’re on vacation.
Hail
As stated before, anticipated bad weather and taking necessary preventative measures ahead of time is the best way to protect your home from damage. While we can’t control how hail moves or where it strikes, we can move our valuables out of harms way. For example, If you have a garage, move your car inside before the bad weather comes. That way, you won’t have to worry about dents, dings, or scratches caused by hail or other objects flying around.
Weather-Related Water
Making sure that your roof is in prime condition is an excellent way to make sure your home will be protected from torrential downpours. If you live in an area that tends to have periods of heavy snow, make sure to remove the snow accumulation from your roof before it melts and leaks into your house. Your gutters should always be clean, too.
Theft
When it comes to your protecting your car, keeping it inside your garage may be your best option to prevent thefts from occurring. If that is not an option for you, be sure to remove any valuables from your car before going inside your home. You can also lock them away. It’s best to keep anything valuable out of plain sight. In addition, installing home security systems, motion detectors, alarms, and cameras may help deter thieves from entering your home. Finally, keep your windows and doors locked.
Do you enjoy the feeling of sitting in a clean car? Keeping your car clean and orderly will not only decrease stress and anxiety; it will keep your safer behind the wheel by minimizing potential distractions.
Water Bottles
Many water bottles of made from plastic. Plastics contain BPA, a harmful chemical that can potentially leak into the water. This chemical is believed to cause cancer.
Medication
Many medications are meant to be stored at room temperature. When exposed to hot temperatures for extended periods of time, a drug’s potency may be greatly diminished, thus effecting its ability to perform its intended purpose.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen can potentially lose its effectiveness if left exposed to high temperatures for a long time. Hot temperatures can also cause the bottle containing the sunscreen to expand and eventually explode, creating a mess no one wants to clean up.
Glasses
Leaving your glasses on the dashboard is a surefire way to make them too hot to handle or wear. Additionally, sunrays can alter the frames of your glasses.
Personal Belongings
Items such as your wallet, cell phone, keys, and passport are valuable and are prime targets for potential thieves. Never leave these items in your car, especially in plain sight. Take them with you or leave them at home.
Lighters
Lighters already present a potential fire hazard when you use them. When left exposed to nature’s elements, you could be looking at an extremely dangerous and costly situation. Don’t leave flammable liquids inside your car.
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans have the ability to combust when exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods of time. This goes for both hot and cold temperatures. To be safe, leave your personal hygiene products in your bathroom at home.
Are you considering buying a hybrid vehicle? Perhaps you’re tired of having to stop by the gas station every few weeks to fill up. Or perhaps you’re frustrated with the increases in gas prices at the fuel pump. Or maybe you think that by buying a hybrid now, you’ll save more money in the long run because gas prices are high. Whatever your reasoning, you’re set on buying a hybrid vehicle. But, is it really worth it?
Insurance companies know that people who are buying hybrids are saving more on fuel and tend to cover more distance than drivers of gas cars. So, naturally, those fuel savings will be eaten up by higher insurance premiums.
Typically, an insurance company is going to charge more to insure a hybrid vs. a gas-powered car because it costs more to manufacture a hybrid. The average damage claim for a hybrid is significantly higher than that of a gas-powered car. Therefore, drivers who use hybrid vehicles to get around are deemed a higher risk. Driving behavior is another factor that insurance companies factor in. For example, drivers who use hybrids are more likely to drive longer distances during peak hours of traffic. The main motivation they have is to save fuel and money during rush hour. With heavier traffic comes to more likely possibility of a collision with another vehicle.
There are other reasons why it will cost you more to insure your hybrid instead of a gas car.
You may ask, “Are hybrid cars more safe to drive or are they more dangerous?” Hybrid cars tend to be safer to drive. But, the costs to repair them are so much higher. If you are driving a hybrid car, you are paying more for the safety it provides you. Hybrid safety records indicate they perform better than gas cars with regard to incidents involving higher speeds.
At the end of the day, you’re going to be paying more if you drive a hybrid vehicle instead of a gas car. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so think about what is best for you before making a decision on what kind of car to buy.
We cannot know precisely what the future holds for us. That’s why it’s important to do everything we can to anticipate and prepare for the unexpected. It’s the only way to ensure our own financial security. One way to do this is by carrying enough coverage on your auto insurance policy. While having the proper amount of protection is necessary, have you ever pondered ways to reduce the costs of your insurance? There are ways you can save.
Take Advantage of offered discounts
Depending on what insurance carrier you have, you may be offered certain discounts on your auto insurance. For example, Erie Insurance offers a number of possible discounts you could consider.
Multi-policy Discount
Erie offers a number of different insurance policies. Whether you have a home policy with Erie or an auto policy, combining your coverages may make you eligible for a discount. If you have a current home insurance policy with Erie and add auto insurance, for example, you may see your costs reduced. Erie offers discounts that range from 16%-25%, depending on the state in which you live.
Other Ways to Save
If you child’s school grades are a B average or higher, or if they rank in the top 20% of their class, you may be eligible for a good student discount. This discount generally lasts until the driver reaches the age of 25.
Being a safe driver can help reduce your insurance costs. Think about it this way; before an insurance company takes on a new client, they usually review their driving record. If you are deemed a safe driver with no claims on your auto insurance, you will likely be quoted with a much lower rate than someone who has a history of multiple claims. This is because the insurance company sees that the driver with more claims is more of a risk to insure. The higher the risk, the more expensive the cost. The lower the risk, the lower the cost. Make sense?
Take a Defensive Driving Course
There are advantages to taking a defensive driving course. For instance, you can reduce the number of points on your license if you take a course in defensive driving or accident prevention. If you are looking for auto insurance, provide us proof that you took a defensive driving course and we can help you obtain a discount. Only drivers who are under the age of 21 are eligible for this discount. Please note that this discount does expire after a time, but it can be renewed if you take another course.
Should I Downsize My Vehicle?
You may think that downsizing your vehicle will greatly reduce your insurance costs. This is not necessarily true. For example, while hybrid vehicles may be better for the environment, these types of vehicles are worth more money and therefore, cost more to insure. Hybrid vehicles are built with more advanced technology. This means they are more expensive to produce. If you own a hybrid and it gets stolen or totaled, your insurance would need to cover a higher cost to replace it.
Increase Your Deductibles
Your deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. These amounts typically range between $250 to $1,000. Generally, the less you pay in your deductible, the higher your annual insurance premium will be. With a higher deductible, your annual insurance premium will be lower. Depending on your comfort level and your driving confidence, you choose the best option that best fits your needs.
Review Your Coverage
Are you currently carrying something on your insurance policy you do not need? For example, if you are driving an old car that is on the verge of dying on you, it may make more sense to drop collision or comprehensive coverage. Why? Because the insurance company may choose to deem the car a total loss since the value of the vehicle at the time of the accident is less than what it would actually cost to repair it.
Pay-In-Full
Typically speaking, you will pay less for your auto insurance if you agree to pay for the full sum of the policy upfront rather than paying in installments i.e. monthly.
When the roads are slick with snow or ice, your tires, naturally, have a harder time getting traction on the surface beneath them. Slow down and be gentle with your steering and your movements to ensure the stability and overall safety of yourself and your vehicle. Remember, easy does it.
There may be situations you find yourself in that are slippery that also hinder your ability to see in front of you. In these particular cases, it’s essential that you take extreme care and caution while driving. If you can see, however, do your best to look as far down the road as possible. See what’s in front of you and what’s around you and anticipate. Driving more slowly will afford you more time to react in the event of a fallen tree or branch or if a rock jumps up and hits your windshield.
When was the last time you paid attention to the little symbols in front of your steering wheel? These are indicators that illuminate when your car needs something. Basically, your car is sending you a signal saying, “Pay attention! I need some help!”! One symbol that you should pay particular attention to illustrates squiggly lines behind the outline of a car. When this light flashes, it means that the wheels of the car are slipping. It would serve you well to ease up on the accelerator if you ever see this. Once you do, your tires will regain their grip on the road, making it far less likely you will lose control of your car and cause a collision.
Additionally, if you are turning and you see a blinking light, this is what is known as the stability-control system telling you that the car is starting to slide from its intended path. To regain control of the situation, slowly ease up on the gas pedal. Do not accelerate around corners in town on slushy or snowy streets. Remember, it’s best to drive slowly and carefully in these conditions, so in case something happens suddenly, you’ll have plenty of time to react safely.
If you ever feel your car beginning to slide or skid, always look to where you want to go, not to where your car is going in the given moment.
Whenever you feel your car sliding or skidding, do not slam on your brakes. For a front-wheel skid, where the front tires lose traction and the car turns in a wider arc than you expect, slowly ease off of the gas. When you do this, the front tires should regain their grip on the road surface.
If it’s your rear wheels skidding, turn your steering wheel in the same direction in which the rear of your vehicle is sliding. Gently ease off of the accelerator and do not brake. As your rear wheels regain their tread, steer your car back in the original direction.
Every new vehicle on the road today comes standard with an anti-lock-brake system (ABS). If you find yourself in a situation where your car is sliding and you cannot recover yourself, push the brake pedal down hard and do not let up. The computer system in your car that supplies the ABS will keep each wheel braking as aggressively as possible based on the available traction.
Before you do this, make sure there are no cars or objects within close range of your vehicle to ensure that you don’t get hit from behind.
All-Wheel Drive vehicles can put you into a false sense of security as a driver, especially on slippery roads. It’s important to note that just because you are driving an all-wheel drive vehicle doesn’t mean you are protected in snowy or slushy weather conditions. Drive with the same amount of caution as you would driving any other type of vehicle.
Put simply, winter tires provide far more traction and tread on road surfaces than other tires. They perform best in the snow and slush, and even ice.
When observing the road, shiny is bad. This typically means there’s either ice or water on the road surface. Slush behaves like deep water, making it far more difficult to gain proper traction on a road surface.
If you’re about to embark on any kind of road trip or extended period of time on the road, it’s important to have survival supplies and tools in case of an emergency. So, be sure to have a snow shovel in your car during winter. Salt is another good tool to have if you encounter slick surfaces.
Depending on the state in which you live, you’ll be faced with different requirements regarding how much coverage you carry on your auto insurance policy. Although states around the country carry different requirements, there are some parts of auto policies that remain constant: bodily injury liability, personal injury protection, property damage liability, collision coverage, and comprehensive and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily Injury Liability refers to any injuries you yourself (the policyholder) are responsible for. In other words, if you are deemed the at-fault party in an auto accident and the person or person in the other vehicle or vehicles sustain injuries, you may be responsible for paying for their medical care.
Liability Insurance is one of the most important coverages you can purchase. This is due to the fact that serious accidents may involve serious injuries to one or more persons. You may end up being sued for large amounts of money, and your insurance policy will only cover you up to your own policy’s limits. This means that if any medical expenses exceed your limits, you are forced to cover the rest out of your own pocket. We recommend limits of $250,000 for Bodily Injuries and at least $100,000 for Property Damage. You don’t want injured parties coming after your home, your savings, or assets. Protect yourself.
Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Any treatment for injuries sustained in the auto collision will be covered under this portion of your policy (up to your policy’s limits). This also includes medical payments, lost wages, and the cost of replacing services usually performed by the injured party. This coverage may also cover the cost of funerals.
Property Damage Liability
Any damage you cause to someone else’s property will be covered under this section of your auto insurance policy. This also includes drivers whom you give permission to drive your vehicle. In addition to a vehicle, this type of coverage may also cover trees, telephone poles, fences, buildings, or other structures you may strike with your vehicle.
Collision
This type of coverage covers costs for damage to your car resulting in a collision with another vehicle, or an object i.e. a tree or telephone pole. Damage from potholes is also covered under this category.
Although you are always responsible for paying your insurance deductible first, collision coverage will reimburse you for the costs to repair your car to its state before the collision occurred. If you are deemed not at fault in the accident, your insurance company will attempt to recover the amount they paid from the other party’s insurance company. If in this process, your insurance company is successful, you will also be reimbursed the amount of your deductible.
Comprehensive
Any losses due to theft or any damage caused by something other than a collision with another car or object will be covered here. Comprehensive coverage covers fires, falling objects, missiles, explosions, earthquakes, windstorms, hail, floods, vandalism, riots, malicious mischief, or contact with animals i.e. birds or deer.
It is important to understand that comprehensive insurance coverage must be purchased separately from property damage.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you, a member of your family, or someone you deem a designated driver is hit by an uninsured motorist or someone who does not carry enough coverage to pay for the damages you sustained during an accident, if you have this type of coverage on your auto policy, your insurance company will handle the costs and then reimburse you. A hit-and-run situation also falls under this category, so if you are ever hit by someone who leaves the scene of the accident, you will be covered.
Being stuck on the side of the road due to a flat tire is one of the most dreadful situations a person may find themselves in. This is because you may be left exposed and unprotected from oncoming traffic or you’re stuck in an area with horrible cell phone reception, or it’s an area that is sparsely populated which means it will take a while before someone comes to your rescue. Sounds like a horror movie, doesn’t it?
For most people, services such as AAA provide the roadside-assistance that is needed in these situations.
If you choose to change your tire yourself, make sure to read your owner’s manual first. It will tell you precisely which tools to use and how to use them, so you will ensure that your vehicle is not damaged during the tire-changing process. It’s good to practice at home a few times to make sure you’re performing all the steps properly. Plus, when you’re at home, you won’t have the added stress of oncoming traffic.
How to Change Your Car’s Tire
During winter, it’s common to see a significant increase in energy use. Space heaters require a lot of energy in order to run properly and effectively. Be careful when using such devices if they are outdated or if your electrical system altogether is old. Space heaters may present a clear fire hazard if left unattended. Never use these devices for any other reasons other than those stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.
During those bitterly cold, icy times of year, your roof may be pounded by significant amounts of snow and ice. Freezing temperatures contribute to the abuse your roof sustains. Additionally, condensation and ice dams are your roof’s nemesis. All of these factors put stress on your roof.
Whenever you’re faced with frigidly cold temperatures outside while keeping the inside of your home warm, the drastic differences in temperature tend to damage the caulk on your windows. When this happens, cold air is able to seep through cracks, thus defeating the whole purpose of keeping your home insulated and warm. In order to effectively repair caulked areas, wait for temperatures to rise a bit. This will ensure that the caulk cures the way it’s supposed to.
Harsh winters can inflict brutal damage to various areas of your home. When wood rots, you’re leaving an open invitation to termites as temperatures will increase come spring time. Once temperatures are warm enough, go ahead and proceed with repairing any damage with wood epoxy. You may want to consider replacing the whole door frame of the damage is severe.
To ensure that you won’t be experiencing cold air coming into your home, another way to solidly prevent this is by making sure your weatherstripping is in good condition. If you see any damage, replace it and you shouldn’t have a problem anymore.
Frozen or bursting pipes can be one of the most costly insurance claims because of the severity of damage they can cause to your home.
You should seriously consider insulating your pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape BEFORE the cold weather comes. Every hose should be completely drained of water and disconnected. Make sure your water is turned off on any faucets that are outside your home. As far as your faucets inside your home and concerned, consider leaving a slight drip coming from each faucet to prevent freezing.
The good news is that many homeowners are proactive when it comes to prepping their driveways, sidewalks, and steps for the winter. Some place ice repellant on these areas before the freezing temperatures and snow storms hit. The bad news is that many chemicals used in these repellants have the ability to damage driveways and steps. This, in addition to your shovel, can cause cracks, chips, and loose bricks. Use a de-icing agent that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals if you want to prevent this from happening. Finally, if you don’t want to face snow and ice removal yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
Stay Proactive
The best way to prevent severe damage to your home and costly insurance claims is by taking necessary preventative measures. The sooner you take those measures, the better chance you have at protecting your home and your wallet.
The beginning of a new year presents the perfect opportunity to start fresh. Countless people all over the world use the end of the year to come up with their New Year’s resolutions. This past year has been a challenging one for many. As we reflect on everything that’s happened, we can use this new year to make sure we’re all putting ourselves in the best positions to be successful.
Exercise
Going for walks, running on the treadmill, lifting weights…anything you can do to keep your body moving. Movement is essential to maintaining good health. Yes, you can get rewarded for getting into better physical shape. Quitting smoking is also beneficial because it can help get you a lower rate for a life insurance policy.
Consider adding ERIE Auto Plus to your current auto policy
With ERIE Auto Plus you get:
Create a home inventory for all of your possessions
If you experience a disaster like a fire or a flood, it’s possible that many – if not all – of your possessions would be either damaged or destroyed. Having a well-organized home inventory on hand can assist you in working with your insurance company to make sure your claim payment is maximized. Additionally, your insurance claim process will be much faster if you already have your inventory completed.
Time for an Annual Review
Just as would be the case if you were visiting your doctor for your annual checkup, it’s a good idea to approach your insurance coverage with the same importance. Have you made any significant changes in your life? Call our office at 301-948-2010 and ask to speak with one of our licensed insurance professionals. They will happy to answer any questions you may have related to your home, auto, life, or business insurance policies. Our agents can also review your current coverages to see if you’re eligible for any discounts.
If we didn’t have access to a car, calling a taxi service is what we used to do. While we still have that option, times have certainly changed. Using rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft seem like common practice nowadays. While these services have made getting from place to place easier, have you ever wondered about the risks? Before someone drives for Uber, the company does put them through a screening process. But, there are also several steps you can take to ensure your safety while using the service.
Get your ride indoors
Instead of waiting outside by yourself while checking your phone for your ride’s arrival, wait inside until the app shows that your driver has arrived to pick you up.
Check Your Ride
Always be sure to check the make and model of the vehicle you ordered a ride from. The driver’s photo, the vehicle’s license plate number, and the make and model of the vehicle are all provided for you on the Uber app. Never get into a car where the vehicle or identity of the driver doesn’t match what is listed clearly in the app.
Ask the driver to confirm your name
Along with the Check Your Ride safety tips, it’s a good idea to ask the driver to confirm your name before entering the vehicle. Your driver will see your first name in their app. Your driver’s name shows up in your app, too. To be safe, ask your driver who they are scheduled to pick up. The driver may also ask you for your name to confirm the correct pick up and also to give them peace of mind.
Be a back-seat rider
Sit in the back seat. This will help to ensure your safety and that you can exit the vehicle on either side. Watch out for any traffic as before you exit the vehicle. Sitting in the back seat also gives both yourself and the driver some personal space.
Always wear your seat belt
Other than the fact that it’s the law, wearing your seatbelt is the most effective way to prevent injuries or death related to car accidents.
Share your trip information with your loved ones
While you are on route, press “Share trip status” in the app to share your driver’s name, photo, license plate, and location with a close friend or family member. This will give both yourself and those who care about you peace of mind knowing you’re safe. This also will give them a text message or push notification that helps track your trip and ETA.
Protect your personal information
Uber uses technology that allows you to keep your personal information secure by keeping it anonymous. Your pickup and dropoff addresses are also stored in a driver’s trip history. In select areas, the Driver app will also only show the general area in which a trip began and ended.
Follow your intuition
If you ever feel unsafe or uncertain about a particular car or driver, you can call 911 by using the Emergency Button located in the Uber app. The app allows you to share your location and trip details in real time with the 911 dispatcher. Always make sure that your phone is charged before accepting a ride with any rideshare service.
Be kind and respectful
Being kind and respectful of drivers and/or fellow passengers is a good way to keep them and yourself safe during your trip. Don’t look for trouble.
Give feedback about your trip
Any time you use Uber, once your trip is concluded, the app will ask you to rate your trip. By giving your feedback, you’re helping to keep Uber safe for other patrons. Uber has a response team that will follow up with you in case you have a safety issue while on your trip.
How long does a DUI stay on my driving record?
Typically, a DUI will remain on your driving record for three to five years, depending on your state. Please keep in mind that a driving record is very different from a criminal record. A DUI could potentially stay on your criminal record for life. It is a very serious violation and should never be taken lightly.
Depending on the state in which you live, a DUI may be also be referred to as a DWI (driving while intoxicated, OMVI (operating a motor vehicle impaired, or OVI.
Insurance rates vary from person to person. When an insurance company considers coverage for a potential client, it bases its rates for that client based upon a number of factors. Some of those factors may include age and driving history. If a driver has a long history of claims, they are considered to be a higher risk client. Therefore, they would most likely be given a higher rate for their insurance coverage.
Several factors will dictate how much your insurance rate will increase in the event you get a DUI. These factors my include the amount of time passed since your DUI, your age, as well as your driving history.
The same goes for DUIs. Drivers who have DUI violations will have to pay a higher rate for their insurance. This is because the insurance company deems them a riskier client. In some instances, this particular person may even be denied coverage entirely. So, a situation like this is considered extremely serious.
If I’m in an auto accident while drunk, am I still covered under my insurance?
If you are ever involved in an auto accident while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are still covered on your auto policy, up to the limits stated on your auto policy. This includes any damage that your car sustains, damage to the other person’s car, as well as any injuries sustained.
Once a DUI is removed from your driving record, you will most likely see a decrease in your auto insurance rate.
If you are ever issued a “DUI”, you’re likely jeopardizing your ability to retain your auto insurance. It is likely that your current carrier will drop you from their client list.
The moral of the story here really is that you should never drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but if you are a current Erie Insurance customer, call 1-800-367-3743 if you have questions regarding your auto insurance, including questions regarding DUIs.
As temperatures drop, nothing makes us feel warm and cozy quite like a log in the fireplace with our family gathered closely around us. As we appreciate the comfort and warmth that a fireplace can provide for us, it is important to remember that playing with or close to a lit fire is dangerous for children. Please follow these helpful safety tips to ensure that your loved ones may enjoy time with family.
While the fire is burning, keep a window cracked open, so that fresh air can circulate into your living space.
Be sure to keep the damper or flue open before starting the fire. Doing this until the fire is completely extinguished will help draw smoke out of the house. To check the damper, look up in the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. Do not attempt to close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
Use dry and well-aged wood. Wood that has become wet or green tends to cause more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. When wood is dry, it tends to burn more evenly and produce far less smoke.
Smaller pieces of wood that are placed on a grate burn more rapidly and produce less smoke.
Make sure your fireplace is free of ashes left behind from previous uses of your fireplace. Levels of ash at the base of your fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less. Thicker layers restrict the air supply to logs, thus causing more smoke.
Consult a professional to inspect your chimney at least once a year.
It is important that you inspect your chimney for any animal nests or other blockages. These can prevent smoke from escaping which can be dangerous.
Install safety screens in front of your fireplace to prevent possible burns to children. This includes gas fireplaces.
The area around your fireplace should be free and clear from any objects that could be flammable (i.e. furniture, drapes, newspapers, books, etc.). Having any of these items too close to a fire could spell disaster.
Never leave a room that has a fire going in the fireplace. Make sure it is fully extinguished before either leaving the room or before going to sleep or before leaving the house. Do not leave small children unattended in a room where a fire is burning.
Leave fireplace tools far out of reach of children. Additionally, remove any lighters or matches.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These should be tested every month to make sure they are functioning properly. Batteries should be changed at least once a year. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous odorless, colorless gas, so you need to have working carbon monoxide detectors to make sure you and your family remain safe in the event of an emergency.
Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
Have a conversation with your children about the potential dangers of fire.
Inspect the Exterior Walls of Your Home for Holes
Even the tiniest holes where cables and wires enter your home can allow cold and freezing air in. Use insulation to provide a protective covering to patch any holes. Seal off any cracks or wear in your windows and doors with new weather stripping or caulk.
Shut off the water to outside spigots
Plumbing is especially at risk to freeze when temperature drops below freezing. To make sure your home is protected from a potential disaster, disconnect any hoses and insulate your hose bibbs by using towels or rags.
Insulate your pipes
This might be the most important step you take in protecting your home this winter. Frozen pipes can burst, resulting in having your home flooded. This can lead to a catastrophic home insurance claim if you are not prepared. Make sure you take those necessary steps ahead of time, so your home is not at risk.
Allow your faucets to maintain a very light drip
Your water bill is not going to skyrocket if you take this step. It’s a helpful step because you will have that consistent drip of water that can protect against having your pipes freeze. Make sure that both your hot and cold lines are opened slightly. Finally, open your cabinets in your kitchen to allow for more air circulation. By doing this, your home’s heating system will keep the pipes warm.
Shut off your water at the meter
Always know where your crescent wrench is just in case you need to shut off your water at the meter.
Keep your garage door closed
By keeping your garage door closed, you are preventing cold air from entering, thus protecting hot water heater and any other plumbing that may be located inside your garage.
Keep your gutters clean
Clogged gutters may lead to possible ice and ice dams forming on your roof. Make sure they cleaned out throughout the winter season.
Run your ceiling fans in reverse
By doing this, you are allowing warm air to come back into your living space. Not only are you keeping your living space warm when you do this, but you are saving money on your energy bill as well!
Inspect your fireplace before using it
This really depends on how often you use your fireplace. But, a general rule of thumb is to have your fireplace inspected at least once every two years. If you ignore this, you may be leaving your home at risk for a house fire due to creosote build up. Getting a professional to inspect your fireplace will give you the peace of mind you need and deserve.
Are you leaving town?
Ask a family member, friend, or neighbor whom you trust to keep an eye on your home if you plan to be away for any extended period of time. Before you leave, make sure your thermostat is set to an appropriate temperature to prevent any unexpected problems when you return home.
If you’ve ever been to the mall, you’ve certain walked into a Bed, Bath & Beyond or a Yankee Candle at least once. As soon as you step foot inside one of these stores, your nose is immediately hit with inviting fragrant candles and other scents. Did you know that burning candles accounts for 7,610 house fires every year? Candle burning is especially common during the colder months as families do everything they can to stay warm. To keep everyone safe inside your home, here’s what you can to prevent a potential disaster from occurring.
Stay close by – If you notice that your candle has a high, flickering flame, it’s time to extinguish it.
Keep an eye on your kids and pets – Don’t let your kids run around and be rambunxious around flames. Also, keep an eye on your furry friends to make sure they don’t tip any candles over. Finally, don’t let your kids or your pets fall asleep next to a lit candle.
Create more space – If you are going to use candles, make sure the areas around where you place them are free of clutter and rest on a stable surface. Do not place candles next to or close to anything that could catch fire.
Move flammable items – Candles should be kept at least a foot away from other items while burning.
Always trim the wicks – Wicks that are uneven are more likely to burn unevenly, drip, or flare up. Wicks should be trimmed to a ¼ inch for best use.
Read the label – Not all candles are the same, so it’s very important to read the label to make sure you know how long it’s safe to burn your specific candle.
Dip that wick – A wick dipper can help you prevent hot wax from splattering and can also keep your wick protected. They can also eliminate the black smoke you see when you decide to blow out your candle.
Know when it’s time to throw it away – Burning a candle down to the end of its life can be a serious fire hazard. Don’t do this! Instead, if it’s a freestanding candle, throw it away once it reaches two inches. If it’s a candle that rests in a container, it’s time to throw it away once it reaches half an inch.
Invest in quality – Cheap candles don’t last and, oftentimes, are less fragrant than more expensive ones. Pay attention to how many wicks a candle has. The diameter of the candle is important, too. If they diameter is too small, the candle can not only burn faster, it can create a bigger flame. Be careful with these kinds of candles.
Go flameless – There are alternatives to flammable candles. Consider flameless candles, pod warmers, or plug-ins.
While candles can certainly put you and your family in the spirit of the holidays, it’s important to always practice smart safety techniques. Additionally, if you haven’t called us about your homeowners insurance coverage lately, we can help you better understand what is covered and what isn’tif and when you need to file an insurance claim.
Life can get pretty crazy around the holidays. From coordinating schedules with family members to buying gifts, you may feel a little overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done to have a fun and memorable holiday with family. But, what about cooking? What about being safe in the kitchen? If you have little ones, you may be familiar with the scenario of having them run around the house making lots of noise while you’re trying to cook. Kitchen safety is always important. And around the holidays, it can be a challenge with all of the outside distractions. Here’s what you can do to ensure that you and your family remain safe.
The holidays are meant to be a joyous time when many have the opportunity to spend time with those they love most. By following these tips, we’re confident that you will be able to enjoy your holiday with your loved ones while keeping everyone safe.
be proactive and take the necessary preventative steps to ensure your home is protected when it gets frigidly cold outside.
Not only can winterizing your home keep your energy costs down; it can prevent astronomical, ruinous costs later.
Indoors:
Windows & Doors: Having cold air seep into your home through cracks can be annoying. To prevent this, inspect your windows and doors and replace any weather stripping that appears to be worn. Caulking cracks can help keep that cold air from entering your home. In addition to caulking, drapes, curtains, shades, blinds can help you prevent heat from escaping your home.
Fireplace: Inspect your fireplace closely and remove any soot or ashes. Cracks could potentially become a fire hazard if not addressed sooner rather than later. Some maintenance steps for your fireplace may be better suited for a professional to take a look at. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Furnace: Hire an HVAC inspector to look over your furnace. Your furnace should be thoroughly cleaned and your filter should be changed every 90 days.
Thermostat: No one likes to live in a cold home during the winter time. However, it may serve you well to know that you can save up to 1% on your energy bill for every degree you lower your thermostat during the winter. Have you considered replacing your thermostat with a smart model? They can help you save on heating costs as well.
Other home heating: Space heaters—however comforting—can be dangerous if not used properly and carefully. It is estimated that 44% of house fires are caused by space heaters, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: In preparing your home for the winter, one of the most important steps you should take is checking to see that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Additionally, gather your family members and review your emergency plan just in case you need to get out of your house quickly. Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency can help save your life.
Outdoors:
Gutters: Clogged gutters can cause a variety of problems for your home if not attended to: problems with your foundation, wall and ceiling damage, and even insect infestation.
Roof: Have your roof inspected by a professional before winter arrives. Repair any damages to shingles.
Trees and Landscaping: It’s important to know how to spot a diseased tree. When a tree is not strong and has weak branches, both heavy snow and strong winds can potentially know the tree down, thus causing an even more serious problem.
Lawn equipment: Be sure to drain the oil and gas from your lawn mower before storing it away for the period of time you won’t be using it. It only takes a few weeks for gasoline to separate and potentially cause damage to your engine.
Snow removal supplies: Inspect your snow removal equipment to make sure they are no signs of wear. It’s important to have a solid, heavy duty snow shovel. If heavy snow on top of your roof is not removed quickly, once it melts, it could possibly seep through cracks and enter your home, causing water damage to your interior. This can be a costly fix.
What to Put In Your Home Emergency Kit
Disaster can strike at any moment, so it’s important to always be prepared. And in order to be prepared, we have to think ahead. If I ever experience an emergency, what kinds of items would I need to ensure my safety and survival? It’s an extremely important question.
Items you most definitely should have:
Finally, if you’re ever in an emergency and are able to shelter in place and you notice that your cell phone’s battery is about to die, change your voicemail message. In the voice recording, give your precise location and explain that you do not have a way to charge your phone. When someone tries to call you and hears the message, they will be notified that you are in need of help and will know where to find you.
Halloween is this weekend! Countless trick-or-treaters look forward to this holiday every year. There are always those looking to cause mischief whenever the opportunity arises. Unfortunately, Halloween is one of those times. The good news is that there are several steps that parents and kids can take to keep themselves safe.
Due to the fact that trick-or-treaters tend to walk the neighborhood streets when it’s dark outside, they become more at risk of being hit by a car on Halloween. If you’re behind the wheel at night on October 31st, you should be mindful of the fact that there will be little kids around. Help to keep them safe by paying close attention to the road in front of front of you and your surrounding areas. Put the cell phone down, turn your music down, drive with your lights on, and slow down!
If you’re a parent and you’re taking your little ones around the neighborhood in search of that delicious candy, take a flashlight with you. Because it’ll be dark outside, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors to make sure that you will be visible to drivers on the road. Carry flashlights with you, so that you can see drivers and drivers can see you.
What are you planning to dress up as this year? We hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!
Uncleanliness is a recipe for prolonged disorganization and stress in our daily lives. It is also one of the leading contributors to chronic allergic reactions. In fact, over 50 million people in the United States experience or have experienced allergies.
Some people are born with certain allergies. However, it is also possible to develop allergies throughout your lifetime if you do not take necessary precautions. Let’s face it. Allergies are annoying. And life should be enjoyable. Don’t allow allergies to get in the way of your happiness and peace of mind.
So, the real question is: How often should you deep clean your house? Let’s be honest. Deep cleaning an entire house is extremely time consuming. While we may feel fantastic once we accomplish this, very few have the time necessary to do a thorough job of deep cleaning. What’s the solution you ask? Focus your attention on the areas of your home in which you spend the most time. For example, you probably spend a lot of time in your bedroom, your kitchen, and your bathroom. Both of these areas, if cleaned well, require a substantial amount of time. Make your bed every morning. It feels good to come back to your bedroom with a freshly made bed after a long day at work. It will give you the feeling of peace and calm you desire. Additionally, your cooking and preparation areas in your kitchen require a lot of attention. You don’t want food particles to get stuck in the little crevices of your stove or your countertops to be covered with grimy food. If you leave this for an extended period of time, it becomes more difficult to clean (not to mention, more time-consuming).
Weekends, or any time you spend away from work, give you an opportunity to do your weekly cleaning. These tasks may include: dusting furniture, sanitizing sponges, wiping down kitchen appliances, mopping kitchen and bathroom floors, cleaning living room furniture and mirrors, scrubbing and disinfecting the bathtub, and washing your towels (after 3 uses).
Washing your bedsheets should be a frequent practice, even more so if you have allergies or have particular sensitivities.
Wiping down frequently used areas or places that are frequently touched by people is very important. Be sure to sanitize doorknobs and railings at least once a week.
Having a dirty refrigerator is not only unpleasant; it can lead to serious illness if you aren’t careful. You should always be paying close attention to expiration date labels on your food and drinks. Eggs and meat tend to give off particularly unpleasant smells if left in the refrigerator too long. Always remember, prolonging time away from cleaning areas like refrigerators will only make the task more frustrating and difficult.
Areas of your home that require annual deep cleanings include: windows, fireplace and chimney, gutters, drapes and curtains, dryers and vents, and carpets and upholsteries. Because these tasks tend to present more of a challenge, be sure to dedicate a full day to completing them.
If you keep your home clean and organized, you’ll not only prevent yourself and others from falling ill, but your mental health will improve significantly. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get started on that deep cleaning!
House fires are among the leading causes of insurance claims, personal injuries, and death in the United States. Let’s talk about how you can prevent fires from breaking out in your home. As the weather gets colder, the need to stay warm becomes more crucial. With the increased use of heating devices in the home, in addition to fires start inside a fireplace, the threat of a house fire also increases. Are you taking every necessary precaution to prevent such a disaster from occurring? Your family depends on you to keep them safe. Your pets are completely dependent upon you being a responsible parent. Would you really put them at risk? Here are ten ways to reduce your risk of house fires:
Having properly functioning smoke alarms inside your home is the best way to avoid a house fire. They can instantly alert you to the sign of danger to yourself and others. If they aren’t working, a devastating tragedy could take place in the event of a fire. Make sure you test your alarms at least every 6 months.
Get your heating sources inspected by a licensed professional. Your air filters should be cleaned out. Space heaters are a good way to stay warm during the cold months, but they may also pose a threat to your safety if not used properly. Keep them away from anything flammable and make sure areas around them are cleared of dust and/or debris.
Apart from the fact that living in a clean space works wonders for your mental health and will help keep you calm, relaxed, and happy overall, a dirty stove or oven can spell potential danger for your home. While it may not be your lack of experience with cooking that causes a fire to break out, food particles that are left behind from previous cooking sessions could cause a fire if they are too close to a burner.
Additionally, hanging curtains—when left too close to a stove—can catch fire. Anything that is kept too close to a flame could catch fire. This is why it is so important to keep your cooking areas clean at all times.
Don’t leave your stove or oven on and unattended. The football game wait.
Cleaning lint from your dryer could be one of the most tedious chores you could complete. However. that doesn’t take anything away from how important it is to do and do properly. Lint that is left lingering could potentially start a fire.
If you have a dog, you’ve probably experienced the unfortunate reality of chewed cords or cables. Before plugging in any of your cords, make sure there are no signs of them being chewed or frayed. If they are, you could have a potential disaster on your hands if you’re not paying attention.
Cords should never be placed underneath rugs as they could get extremely hot.
Many household products, how ever effective in their abilities to keep your surfaces and other areas clean, also that unfortunate ability to cause fires. Be sure to read the warning labels of your cleaning products before using them. If any of your cleaning products are exposed to excess heat, they could potentially combust, causing a fire. Always store them in a cool, dry space.
Who doesn’t enjoy the scent of a burning candle during those colder months? Not only does it keep you warm, but you get the pleasure of that aromatic scent filling your nostrils. Still, it’s important to always be safe when using candles as they could potentially cause a fire. When you are finished using one, place the lid back on top of it. Keep candles away from any loose clothing or from carpets or rugs. If you have little children, teach them about the dangers of playing around candles.
It may sound obvious, but it still needs to be said. Never leave a room before extinguishing a fire going in a fireplace. Also, ashes from a fire tend to be hot. So, make sure you give them ample time to cool off before disposing of them.
Fires can break out suddenly with little to no warning. This is why it’s so important to have a good fire extinguisher handy in your home. Train every single member of your family on how to responsibly use a fire extinguisher. You can’t always be around to protect them.
Conduct a Home Inventory
Disaster can strike at any moment. And home inventories are one of your best defenses against a disaster such as a fire. Write down the value of everything valuable in your home. For those particularly pricey items such as jewelry or paintings, you may consider getting a professional to appraise them for you. If you have documented evidence of something’s value, it is much more likely you will get that amount back or at least close to it in the event of a loss.
The topic of life insurance is often met with frowns, discomfort, and reluctance. And we understand why. Thinking about your own death is not an easy think to contemplate. However, obtaining a life insurance policy may be one of the smartest decisions of you life because it can help provide for your loved ones after you’re gone.
Much of the hesitation surrounding life insurance are several misconceptions about how life insurance works. In fact, most of these misconceptions are flat-out myths altogether. To understand life insurance and its importance, read further.
I don’t need life insurance because I’m either single or married with no children.
Just because you aren’t married or have children doesn’t mean a life insurance policy wouldn’t benefit you loved ones greatly. In the event of your untimely death, the money from a life insurance policy can help you loved ones pay off any debts you left behind. A mortgage and paying off a car are serious matters. Your loved ones already have to cope with the heartache of you not being around anymore. Why make matters more difficult with financial burdens?
I can’t afford life insurance.
This is a commonly shared belief. Believe it or not, life insurance is extremely affordable. A policy may be customized to fit your specifics needs and budget. And, in the case of life insurance, a little can go a long way. In fact, policies may be less expensive than that cup of coffee you’re buying every morning on your way to work. Call our office and ask to speak with one of our experienced life insurance professionals. They’ll be happy to answer any and all questions you may have.
I’m a stay-at-home parent that doesn’t earn an income. I have no need for life insurance.
Just because you may not be earning a paycheck doesn’t mean your time isn’t valuable. In fact, if you’re a stay-at-home parent, chances are that the tasks you’re completing on a daily basis could cost thousands and thousands of dollars every year if you were going to pay someone to do them. Hiring professional caregivers or house cleaners doesn’t come cheap. If you were to die, a life insurance policy could help to cover the costs of hiring some help for your loved ones.
I have a life insurance policy through my employer. If I choose to take on another job or get fired from my current job, I can take the policy with me.
When you purchase your own life insurance policy, you afford yourself more options and more overall flexibility. If you have life insurance through your work and you either lose your job or decide to leave it, typically, your life insurance policy stays with your employer. You can’t take it with you. This is another good reason to get your own life insurance policy. When you buy your own policy, you’re also able to customize it to fit your specific needs.
My beneficiaries will have to pay income taxes on the proceeds from my life insurance policy.
Generally speaking, your life insurance policy is income-tax free. This means that, if you were to pass away, your beneficiaries would be required to pay taxes on the benefit issued to them in the policy. However, any interest payments on top of the policy may be subject to a tax.
If I get a term life insurance policy, I can’t convert it to a permanent or whole life insurance policy.
Depending on the type of policy you buy, you may be granted an opportunity to convert your term life insurance policy to a permanent or whole life insurance policy. Call us to speak with one of our life insurance professionals at length. It is important to note that, most of the time, life insurance policies that are in force for a specific period of time must also be converted within a very specific period of time.
I don’t need life insurance once my children are legal adults.
If you die, a life insurance policy can help your loved ones pay for a funeral. If they do not anticipate possible estate taxes, a life insurance policy can help them with those surprise financial burdens. Finally, if you want to leave your children an inheritance, a life insurance policy is one way to make that a reality.
I have a comfortable amount of savings, so I don’t need life insurance.
The average cost of a funeral is over $7,000. It’s great if you have money saved for your children, but do you really want your children to have to use most of that money for your funeral? Saying goodbye is hard enough. Don’t add financial stress on top of what your loved ones are already struggling with.
Colder months can be a brutal time of year for your car if you’re not proactive about vehicle maintenance. Neglecting the warning signs that your car needs some much needed attention could take a serious toll on your wallet. Here are ten fall maintenance tips that, if you use them, will help you live much more stress-free during the fall and winter months.
Replace your Wiper Blades
It’s an unfortunate reality, but a reality nonetheless. Wiper blades wear out after a while. In severe weather conditions consisting of heavy rainfall or snow, you’ll need wiper blades that are up to the task of providing you with clear visibility when you’re out on the road. Generally speaking, wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months.
Test Your Heater/Defroster
Having to drive a car that won’t heat itself properly isn’t fun, especially when temperatures are freezing. When you turn your heater/defroster on, check to see how effectively your car is defrosting itself. If it is taking longer than usual, it may be time to get it repaired or replaced.
Change Your Oil
Most cars today have built-in oil indicators that tell you just how much oil is left in your car. Whether you drive a newer car or are still trying to get those last few miles out of an older one, be sure to be mindful of when the last time you changed your oil was. If you wait too long, your car’s performance will suffer and you may be left with an expensive repair on your hands. Remember, being proactive about your vehicle maintenance can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
Have Your Tires and Brakes Inspected
If your tires lack the proper amount of tread to grip road surfaces, and if your brakes fail on you, you’re leaving yourself at dangerous risks of peril when you’re behind the wheel. Not to mention if you have your loved ones in the car with you. Ask yourself, would you really want to put them at risk? Don’t do it.
Check Your Lights
This doesn’t take much time at all. Simply walk around your vehicle with your lights turned on. If you notice any cracks, breaks, or one or more of your lights not illuminating, you’ll want to take your car to a dealership or repair shop immediately. Not only is it dangerous to drive with malfunctioning or broken lights, but a police officer will certainly pull you over and issue you a ticket for driving your car without properly working lights.
Check Your Air Filter
Don’t know how to test your air filter? Don’t worry. Place your air filter in front of a 60-watt light bulb. If you can’t see through the filter, you know it’s time to replace it. If you don’t know how to replace the air filter yourself, contact a skilled technician to provide that service for you.
Have Your Battery Checked
Weather is getting colder. Pretty soon, it’ll become cold and treacherous. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re stranded on the side of the road in freezing conditions because your car battery died on you. It’s better to get your battery looked at sooner rather than later. Batteries can also have loose wires and cable connections. Loose wires and wet conditions? No, thank you. Get a professional to take a look at your battery before it’s too late.
Top Off Your Fluids
How many fluids are there? Well, for starters, check that your washer fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid are all topped off. This is especially important and needed in cold weather conditions.
Refill Your Cooling System
If your engine is overheated, you potentially have an expensive repair on your hands. Make sure your coolant is full with a 50/50 combination of water and coolant.
Check Under Your Hood
If you look under your hood, you’ll probably see some obvious signs of wear and tear. If signs of wear and tear are visible, take your car to a professional to have it inspected. They can tell you what needs to be repaired and/or replaced and how much everything will cost. A little rule of thumb is if you hear any strange noises or smell anything unusual underneath your hood, it’s time to have your car inspected.
How many of you have ever played a sport? Typically, in sports, scoring points is a good thing. If you’re talking about your driving record, well, that’s a different story. Practicing safe driving techniques is not only a surefire way to keep points off your driving record; it’s a foolproof way to keep your auto insurance rates low.
Motor Vehicle Departments of different states across the country as well as various insurance companies use speeding tickets and other violations to track your driving record. The more points you actually have, the higher your insurance rates will likely be. In addition, the severity of the infraction determines the amount of points you will be penalized with. For example, while a speeding ticket may get you one point, with a DUI, you’ll be racking up a monumental 6 points! Let me say again, you do not want points on your license!
Insurance carriers give higher rates to individuals with poor driving records because they present a greater risk to them financially. Once you reach a certain number of points, your policy may be surcharged, resulting in you having to pay a higher insurance premium.
Moving violations will likely add points to your license. Such violations may include but are not limited to: speeding, reckless driving, illegal turns, failing to come to a complete stop, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and accidents in which you are deemed the at-fault party.
An analysis by Wallethub determined that an Erie policyholder’s insurance rate will increase by 5% after being issued a speeding ticket. Now, it’s important to remember that if you’ve committed infractions in addition to speeding, for example, your insurance rate will likely increase more than someone who just has the single speeding violation. In North Carolina, a speeding ticket will cause your premium to increase up to 54%. According to carinsurance.com, if you are a licensed driver in Maryland and are caught speeding between 11 and 16 miles over the speed limit, you could face a rate increase of up to 18% on your insurance premium. Rate increases vary by state.
If you text while driving, not only are you putting yourself and other drivers at serious risk of injury, but you are also potentially risking your insurance rates to sky-rocket. In fact, if you cause an accident in Maryland, you are looking at 3 points being added to your driver’s license. This goes on top of the point you already earned if you were speeding. If you licensed in Virginia, say hello to 3 points on your license if you’re caught texting while driving. States all over the country are really cracking down on chronic texters. If you want to keep your insurance rates low, put the phone down while you’re behind the wheel.
As hard a hit as your insurance premium may take if you commit these violations, there is a silver lining. Depending on the state in which you live, a speeding ticket will only affect your auto policy for 3-5 years. If you don’t want to pay the higher premiums for years, you have the option of taking a defensive driving course that would result in the ticket being expunged from your record altogether. Also, you can call one of our agents at 301-948-2010 to see what discounts you may qualify for under your Erie policy.
Did you know that September is National Baby Safety Month? Whether you already have little ones running around or if you are expecting, as parents, you always want to keep your babies safe and out of harm’s way. Whatever situation you find yourself in, updating your insurance policy might be something to strongly consider.
Keeping Your Baby Safe In the Car
Choosing the right car seat can be a challenge. Whatever car seat you decide to buy, make sure it is federally approved. Car seats should always face the rear of you vehicle until your baby is at least two years old or until they reach the top weight and height recommendations of the car seat manufacturer. This is typically around thirty pounds and thirty-six inches (3 feet).
Installing a mirror can provide you with much needed peace of mind that your baby is safe in your car while you are driving. Additionally, giving your child the ability to see themselves and you can help keep them from getting bored.
Preventing Your Baby From Falling
Never place an infant carrier on a countertop or table. Keep them on the floor to prevent the risk of a fall. Additionally, it is important to remember to never leave your baby unsupervised on a bed, couch, changing table, or any other high surface. Even more, consider installing baby gates on the top of stairways to prevent your baby from experiencing a dangerous fall.
Smoking and Fire Safety
Do not smoke or allow anyone else to smoke around your baby. Clothing, hair, and skin can all carry smoke particles, so it is important to not smoke outside either.
Even if you do not have babies or children, having a properly functioning smoke alarm in your home is of paramount importance. Be sure to change your smoke alarm’s batteries every six months. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home. Finally, since carbon monoxide it an odorless, colorless, deadly gas, you need to have a properly functioning carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.
Preventing Baby Burns
Don’t hold an infant while you’re cooking, eating or drinking. Before you feed your baby, make sure the temperature of the food is at a safe temperature for consumption. If you are handling pots and pans on the stove, make sure they are not facing outward to prevent to possibility of a dangerous spill.
Having a Baby Safety Kit On Hand
As parents, we always want to do everything we can to protect our babies. If you are ever facing an emergency or just want peace of mind while traveling, it’s a good idea to have a safety kit with you. These kits often include items such as: extra formula, clothing, a first-aid kit, and medicine.
Buying your first home is one of those memorable accomplishments that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Once you have signed on the dotted line and taken official ownership of the property, you’re going to want to—if you haven’t already—think about some essential items to pick up for your home to make your experience of living in your home that much more enjoyable. Here is a substantial list of items to consider purchasing after you’ve bought your home.
Safety Equipment:
Smoke Alarms: You should have smoke alarms installed in every room of your house including each bedroom, outside your bedrooms, and on every level of your home. If your home has a basement, don’t forget to install a smoke alarm there, too.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Not to say that Carbon Monoxide is more dangerous than smoke, but it is an odorless, colorless gas that can prove deadly if it isn’t detected sooner rather than later. Be sure to install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially in places where people sleep.
Fire Extinguishers: It’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy in case a fire breaks out while you’re cooking in the kitchen.
Safety Ladder: If you live in a home that has more than one level, seriously consider purchasing a ladder. Ladders can make the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency.
First-Aid Kit: Having a healthy stash of bandages, ointments, wipes, and other products is a good idea in case someone gets injured in your home.
Emergency Kit: Water, canned foods, flashlights, batteries, a can opener, flares, dust masks, tools like a wrench or pliers, maps of your area, a cell phone and a charger, prescription medications, eyeglasses, matches, personal hygiene items, pet food and supplies, an extra change of clothes.
Essential Items for Security of Your Home:
New locks: Any time you purchase a new home, it’s important to change the locks immediately to ensure the safety and security of yourself and your family.
Motion-sensor lights: These kinds of lights illuminate when they sense movement in a given area. They’re not expensive and are relatively simple to install.
Home safe: A secure box in which to store valuable documents like IDs or passports, birth certificates, banking information, and other sensitive information is always a good idea.
Window treatments: Believe it or not, installing blinds is one way to deter criminals from breaking into your home.
Video doorbell: Cheaper than security cameras, video doorbells can provide you with the peace of mind you want by giving you access to video footage of any action taking place at your front door. You can also link this capability to your smartphone, so you can always keep an eye on these areas even when you’re away from your home.
Items for Indoors:
Vacuum: Not all vacuums are created equal and different vacuums work more efficiently depending on how they are designed and what kind of surface they are being used on. It’s okay if you want to spend your money on an automatic vacuum that will work its way around your home on its own, but if you want more of a deep clean, consider purchasing a standard one.
Mop: If you have a home that has hardwood or composite flooring, a dust mop will serve you well. Consider purchasing one with a long handle, so you don’t have to spend all of your time on your hands and knees.
Plunger: No further explanation is necessary here. This is a must-have.
Broom and dustpan: When you own a home, the time will inevitably come when you spill food crumbs on your floor. Also, dust can build up on your floor and in hard-to-reach areas. A broom and dust pan are a must-have. Consider buying a dust pan with a long handle to avoid having to squat down every time you need to reach something.
Air purifier: These are great if you want to reduce the amount of allergens and pollutants in the air. Also, green plants can help improve your air quality as well.
Pencil sharpener: The days of manual pencil sharpeners should have been gone a long time ago. Buy yourself an electric pencil sharpener that can rest on top of a desk or table. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle this way.
Dehumidifier: Humidifiers are great if you want to decrease the dryness of your living space. But, what if you have the problem of too much moisture in your home? Get yourself a dehumidifier to use in your basement and living areas.
Batteries: Having a healthy stockpile of batteries will save yourself at least a few trips to the store. Figure out which items you use regularly that require battery use and create an inventory. That way, you’ll have a better chance of not buying too few or too many.
Power strips: Power strips are nice to have because they can help you cut the costs of your energy use.
Outdoor Items
Lawn equipment: A lawnmower, a leaf blower, and hedge trimmers for your bushes. Make sure you have enough space in your storage areas as these items can take up quite a bit of space.
Shovels: Depending on what kind of work you’re about to do, not all shovels will get a particular job done. In any case, you should always get yourself a snow shovel.
Hose: Choose one that will suit your needs. You’ll also need a nozzle. Please do not forget to store it away during the winter because a frozen hose can present a big problem!
Door mats: Family and guests are bound to track in dirt into your home. A door mat can help your minimize what is carried into your home. If that fails, consider asking your guests to remove their shoes before entering your home.
Snowblower: Snowblowers can be your saving grace if a huge blizzard comes into your area and wreaks havoc. They’re far more efficient than shovels, alone.
Have you ever experienced a catastrophic event that almost ruined you financially? Windstorms or hail damage are commonly covered perils under a typical homeowners insurance policy. A peril is something that has the potential to cause damage to your property i.e. fire and smoke, lightning, explosion, vandalism, damage from an aircraft, car or vehicle, theft, falling objects, weight of ice, snow and sleet, and water damage. You may think that, because water damage is listed here, that a flood would fall under that category. Actually, floods are not covered by homeowners policies. Floods are covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, better known as FEMA.
Protecting your home against flooding is something that all home owners should consider. Before purchasing a flood insurance policy, however, you should take some time to consider just how likely the area in which you live will have to endure a flooding situation. To get a better idea and overall understanding of flood possibilities, take a look at this flood map provided by FEMA. Enter your address in the search bar to analyze your specific area’s flood zones or simply click “Search All Products” and choose your state, county, and community to view reports of your area’s flood history.
The process by which you prepare your home to combat flooding will depend greatly on where you live. If you do live in an area that is prone to flooding, consider these steps:
Raise your home on stilts or piers: The idea here to create enough space between flood water and the base of your home, so that water is not able to enter your home.
Install foundation vents or a sump pump: Foundation vents allow water to flow through your home as opposed to pooling around it. This method of flood prevention significantly decreases the pressure that flood water can place on your walls and basement windows. Using sump pumps are, oftentimes, an effective way of pumping water out of basements where flooding tends to occur frequently. To ensure that this method is fool-proof, consider installing a sump pump that has a battery backup just in case you lose power.
Apply coatings and sealants: Coating and sealants—when applied to cracks in walls, windows, or doorways—can help prevent flood water from seeping into your house.
Install check valves on your pipes: All pipes that lead into your home should be fixed with valve for the purpose of preventing sewage from entering your home. Ask one of our agents about Sewer Line Backup Coverage provided by Erie Insurance.
Raise your electrical outlets and switches: For the same reason as raising your home on stilts or piers, raising your electrical outlets and switches can help prevent a disaster in which you would experience significant electrical damage. Water and electricity are not a safe combination.
Grade your lawn away from your house: Using heavy soil that contains either and sand allows surface runoff to be lead to an appropriate, safe place. This way, you don’t have to worry about excess water building up around your home.
Leave space between mulch and siding: Wet mulch can lead to dangerous situations because it can rot your home’s siding, resulting in leaks. You want your home to have the ability to fully dry after rainstorms.
Point your downspouts away from your house: If runoff is not pointed away from your home, it could potentially pool around your home, eventually leading to leaks in your basement.
If you are experiencing an emergency flood situation, following these important steps could spell the difference between saving your home and a complete and utter disaster.
Spending time in the backyard with your friends or family should always be a joyous time. They provide families an opportunity for fresh air,
Establish Safety Rules
If you’ve ever been a parent, you know how much of a challenge it can be to keep your kids away from potentially dangerous situations. Babies are always putting objects into their mouths while toddlers or kids who are a little bit older and always running around getting their hands and faces dirty. It’s important to help your kids to understand that the rules you set in place and meant for their own safety.
Don’t chase, push, or wrestle while playing on slides, climbing walls, or swings.
Store your bikes, backpacks, and any other personal items away from play areas to avoid any potential tripping or falling.
Always wear close-toed shoes. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or any other items that could potentially get caught in equipment.
Use equipment the way it is intended to be used. Do not stand stand on swings. Do not jump from high platforms. Do not walk up slides. In fact, when it comes to slides, be extra cautious, especially with slides made from metal as they tend to get extremely hot in the summer.
Stay clear of areas like the garage or shed as potentially dangerous tools are often stored here. Parents should always keep an eye on their children while they’re playing and should encourage them to always stay in sight.
Inspect Your Yard for Possible Hazards
Young kids are always testing their limits. Whether by themselves or through peer pressure from friends, kids may have a tendency to ignore certain signs or danger to be thought of as cool. Do your best to inspect your yard ahead of time to make sure there are no hazards that could hurt or injure your child.
Supervise children at all times
Kids should always have an adult supervising them as they play outside. If necessary, take rest breaks. Always remember to drink plenty of fluids and apply and re-apply sunscreen and insect repellant as needed.
Install a fence
Fences are great ways to ensure that you kids will stay in your yard. Of course, this isn’t to say that you should leave them unsupervised as they could jump over the fence. What is important is that you set clear boundaries with your children to help them understand where they can play and what areas are off limits. Another option is to fit your youngest children with GPS trackers just in case they wander off when you’re not looking.
Remove poisonous plants and flowers
Young kids tend to be unfamiliar with poisonous vegetation. Therefore, it’s probably best to remove these threats altogether. Before giving your kids permission to play in the backyard, do you due diligence and conduct a thorough inspection of your yard, being sure to remove any poisonous plants and/or flowers. If your child happens to ingest one of these plants or flowers, call the American Association of Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Improve the security in and around your pool
Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under four years of age; most of these tragedies occur in home swimming pools. In addition to your swimming pool, make sure your hot tub’s cover is securely fastened when it’s not being used.
Pool area doors should remain closed and locked when the pool is not being used. Always remember, no matter how many sensors or high-tech security gadgets you install, nothing beats having an adult supervising children as they play.
Use caution while grilling
Make sure that your grills are away from any play areas and always keep your kids away from the grilling area. Never leave a grill unattended. Once you’re finished grilling your delicious food, be sure to put away all items such as lighter fluid, matches, and propane.
Check play structures for signs of wear
Naturally, equipment wears over time. Be sure to periodically inspect your play sets and playground equipment for signs for wear. Obvious signs could be rotting wood, exposed bolts, damaged floor boards, or loose steps and railings. Repair these unsafe items before allowing your child to use them again.
Get rid of the trampoline
Although trampolines may seem like a lot of fun, they can be extremely dangerous if used improperly. Countless children have been injured while using trampolines—the majority of them suffering broken bones. Studies have shown that 75% of injuries related trampoline use have occurred when more than one person was using the trampoline at the same time. To ensure the safety of your children and their friends, do not allow this behavior. It is important to note that many homeowners insurance policies may not cover trampoline-related injuries.
In the event that an individual outside of your immediate family does suffer an injury while on your property, you may be at risk of a serious lawsuit. You may be held liable for such injuries. Because of this, it’s a good idea to get yourself a liability insurance policy to cover the cost of potential medical costs. Call our office to discuss a Personal Catastrophe Liability insurance policy with one of our experienced insurance professionals today!
Ignoring Your Check Engine and Other Warning Lights
When you first purchase a vehicle, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your owner’s manual. There, you will learn how to properly care for and maintain your vehicle. If you follow the appropriate steps related to your vehicle’s maintenance, you will undoubtedly prolong the life of your car.
With the introduction of hybrid vehicles and other advancements in technology, car manufacturers have been able to modify cars in such a way that makes it very easy to know when it is time for you to take it in for a maintenance check. For example, the 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid has a 15% oil indicator that becomes illuminated once the vehicle reaches that point. Once you see this light, you know it is time to take your car in for an oil change. It is important to stick to these maintenance guidelines if you do not want your car to malfunction down the road (pun intended). Ignoring these warning signs could be extremely detrimental if not catastrophic for both your car and your wallet. Repairs for these circumstances are not cheap.
Waiting Too Long On Routine Vehicle Maintenance
If you skip routine engine coolant changes, you are risking early water pump and heater core and radiator failure. Coolant changes can cost around $175. Replacing a heater core is far more painful for your wallet, costing around $1,300.
Delaying oil or transmission fluid changes can cause problems for your car where the repairs cost even more. If your engine fails, you’re looking at forking up at least $4,000 while rebuilding your transmission will cost you around $3,500. These are not inexpensive repairs, so keeping up with fluid changes for your car are of paramount importance.
Ignoring Unusual Noises
Have you ever been distracted by something while behind the wheel that had forced you to brake suddenly? Did you hear an unusual or alarming sound? Whether your brakes are squeaking or grinding, you may have a problem on your hands.
Light squeaking may mean it’s time to change your brake pads and/or rotors. It definitely means it’s time to have your car serviced by a professional. Remember, ignoring these tell-tale signs could spell certain doom for your car if you don’t act sooner rather than later.
If you hear something that sounds more like a screeching or grinding sound, you may have a serious problem on your hands. What it could mean is that your brake pads are so wore down and thin that the brake disc and caliper and rubbing together. The average cost of replacing your brakes is roughly around $235. It may cost you more depending on how new your vehicle is. Just as there are different models and grades with cars, the same goes for brake pads. You pay more for higher quality pads.
Ignoring Smells
Another reason why it’s so important to keep up with regular maintenance checks is that by the time you notice an unusual smell coming from your car, you may be in trouble. An oily burning smell means either that oil or fluids are leaking onto your hot engine and exhaust components. If you don’t take care of this problem immediately, burning fluid has the potential to cause a fire under the hood of your car. This can outright destroy your vehicle!
If you smell burning rubber, it could mean that your drive-belt system is about to fail. If this happens, your car’s engine may overheat and become damaged. If you have a burning smell coming from your brakes, it means they are not operating the way they should be. The bottom line is if you smell anything unusual coming from your car, take it in for an inspection immediately!
Driving On Worn Tires
We all know that tires cost a lot of money. So, it is understandable when car owners try to wait as long as possible before having to replace them. The problem with that is, when you wait to replace your tires, you run the risk of getting into an accident.
When tires wear below the 4/32-in. mark, traction decreases. This makes it noticeably more difficult to have your vehicle come to a complete stop and increases the likelihood of hydroplaning on wet pavement. For example, a car traveling at 70 mph requires 100 more feet to stop with 2/32-in. tire tread than 4/32-in. tread.
It’s not just driving at high speeds with low tread tires that presents a problem. If you’re driving along with worn tires at just 20 mph and slide into a curb, you could potentially suffer damage to your vehicle amounting to around $1,500. Of course, you could file a claim through your insurance company, but, in that case, you’re still responsible for paying a $500 deductible before your insurance kicks in. Additionally, this incident would count as an “at-fault” accident on your driving record.
Driving Your Car When It’s Overheated
Several factors can contribute to having your car overheat. Coolant leaks, a failed radiator fan, and a failing water pump, and a handful of other reasons can cause overheating. Ignoring the warning signs of your car overheating can result in an enormous cost for repairs.
Many cars today have aluminum engines. When an aluminum engine overheats, it has the potential to suffer total head gasket failure. Once the gasket fails, coolant can then leak into the crankcase where it can completely destroy engine bearings. It can also leak into the exhaust, resulting in the destruction of the catalytic converter. It’s like the epitome of a snowball effect. When something goes wrong, and then something else, and then something else, your problems progressively and steadily get worse and worse. And when it comes to your car, those problems—when left unattended—can cost a considerable amount to fix (if they can be fixed at all).
If you ever see pools of wet stains on your driveway, it could mean that your car is leaking some kind of fluid. Motor oil is brown in color while coolant can either be green, yellow, orange, red, or blue. Transmission and power steering fluid is either bright or dark red. Sometimes, power steering fluid can be gray. New brake fluid is more of a honey color while older fluid is darker.
It’s extremely important to keep all of your vehicle’s fluid levels at the recommended levels to ensure it operates at its highest level. Ignoring the warning signs could spell catastrophe for your wallet.
We can never know when an accident is going to occur. That’s the whole point of having insurance, to protect us from the unexpected. We understand how shocking and traumatic accidents can be. When you’re involved in an auto collision, oftentimes, you’re not able to immediately process what’s just happened. And, filing a claim with your insurance company probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. Once the sheer shock of the collision has worn off, it’s important to take the next step. You’re probably going to want to file a claim. We’ll take you through the process to make sure it’s easy, understandable, and stress-free.
When should I file an insurance claim?
If and when you are ever involved in an auto collision, the first step you are going to want to take is to assess the amount of damage to the vehicles involved. Minor dings and scratches may present damage in which the cost to make repairs does not exceed your auto insurance deductible (this is the amount of money you have agreed to pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the remaining costs up to your policy’s limit). If this is the case, filing a claim may not be your best option since filing too many claims may lead to an increase in the cost of your insurance or an outright cancellation. If you do choose to move forward with filing a claim, your insurance company will send out an insurance adjuster to assess the damage and will make a determination as to how much repairs will likely cost. If the claim is approved, you will receive a check in the mail to cover the cost of repairs. Again, you must pay your deductible beforehand.
There are certain scenarios in which you should strongly consider filing a claim:
When someone is injured.
If anyone involved in the auto collision is injured as a result of the collision, you should file a claim with your insurance company.
When it’s not 100% clear who the at-fault party is.
Sometimes, it’s not perfectly clear who is responsible for damages related to an auto accident. If this is ever the case, exchange insurance information with the other driver and let the insurance companies figure out what exactly happened. A police report may help aid you in this case as well.
When your vehicle is deemed a “total loss” or you simply cannot afford to cover the cost of damages.
In the event of a “total loss” accident, it is likely that you are looking at considerable costs pertaining to damages. In this case, filing a claim is the best way to go.
If you are ever uncertain about whether or not to file a claim, it’s a good idea to talk to your licensed insurance professional who can guide you through the claims process and answer any questions you may have.
When you’re at the scene of an accident, if it’s necessary, call the police. A police report may assist in determining what exactly happened at the scene and only makes the process run more smoothly for yourself and your insurance company.
Document Everything and Exchange Information
The information you’ll need from the other driver is as follows:
Name, address and phone number of the other driver, and, if possible, a photo copy of their driver’s license.
Insurance policy numbers
Year, make, and model of all vehicles involved as well as license plate numbers
Taking photographs of vehicle damage can help your present evidence in court if a lawsuit is filed against you. Additionally, photos provide evidence to your insurance company and help them determine payouts as well.
Notes regarding any conversations you had with those involved in the accident and any witnesses who were at the scene.
Call us at 301-948-2010
Our licensed insurance professionals are here for you to guide you through the claims process, so you’re able to have the peace of mind you deserve.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is very real, very dangerous, and is something that should not be taken lightly.
What happens when you develop Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? It’s not pretty. When there is too much carbon monoxide in the air and you breathe it in, that poisonous gas is taking the place of healthy oxygen within your red blood cells. When this happens, oxygen is not able to reach your body’s tissues and organs in order to function properly and effectively. The effect can be devastating and can even lead to death.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning include: dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. Even worse is, because carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, people who may be asleep or intoxicated may suffer irreversible brain damage before even realizing there is a problem. That’s why it is so important to have your carbon monoxide detector routinely checked to make sure they are functioning properly.
Carbon Monoxide gas is especially dangerous when it is able to be released in enclosed spaces and areas. For instance, one should never use a charcoal grill indoors because carbon monoxide from the fumes has the ability to build to dangerous levels. Additionally, smoke inhalation during a house fire can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Those At Highest Risk for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
Potentially Devastating Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Ways to Combat And/Or Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Because carbon monoxide gas is both odorless and colorless, it is virtually undetectable to humans. Therefore, preventative measure are really the only way to protect yourself and your family. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Install carbon monoxide detectors: Wherever members of your family sleep, a carbon monoxide detector should be placed in or near every room of your house. Regular battery checks are essential to ensure everyone’s overall safety. Conduct these checks at least twice a year. If the alarm does go off, do not take the time to try to discover where the leak is coming from. Instead, remove yourself and your loved ones from the house and move to a safe area immediately. Once you are safe, call 911 or your local fire department for assistance.
Open your garage before starting your car. This really should go without saying. We’ve all see what happened to the character Peter Russo in the show “House of Cards”, right? Now, although that was a fictional show, it correctly and effectively demonstrated the devastating effects of carbon monoxide gas on the human body. Carbon Monoxide gas thrives in small, enclosed areas. It is important to remember that.
Use gas appliances as recommended.
Keep your fuel-burning appliances and engines properly vented.
Space heaters
Furnaces
Charcoal grills
Cooking ranges
Water heaters
Fireplaces
Portable generators
Wood-burning stoves
Car and truck engines
It is of paramount importance that, if you have a gas fireplace, that you keep it in good, healthy condition. This means having to properly inspected for gas leaks every year. Conduct yearly cleaning sessions for your chimney and flue.
Keep your vents and chimneys unblocked during any remodeling. Remove any tarps or debris to ensure airways are clean and clear.
If an incident has occurred in a given area, do not return to that specific area until a thorough investigation of, and/or repairs to, the area is conducted. Your local fire department or utility company can could be of assistance with this. You can also call your own inspector.
Be extremely cautious when working with solvents in an enclosed area. Methylene chloride, which is a solvent commonly found in certain paints and varnish removers, can break down into carbon monoxide when it is inhaled. Exposure to this may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
When COVID-19 first hit, home owners and renters all over the country suddenly became hermits, reluctant to leave the comfort, safety, and security of their own homes. The fear of becoming infected with a virus that, at the time, no one knew very much about, was paralyzing. Once distancing and travel restrictions were lifted, consumers stormed out of their homes and back into the world, eager to have some fun!
It is commonly understood that supply and demand have a direct and important connection. When supply is high and demand is low, prices go down. When supply is low and demand is high, prices go up. This is what we have been seeing as it relates to renting cars. And as such, consumers have been finding it hard to get their hands on a rental car when they want to travel. Why? Well, as travel restrictions eased and restaurants lifted their social-distancing limitations, people immediately took the first opportunity they could to return their lives to some semblance of normalcy, like a desperate fish out of water.
Areas with warmer weather are seeing the most dramatic jumps in prices. Hawaii and Orlando, FL have seen a drastic influx of travelers that has overwhelmed the supply of available rental cars. Before travel restrictions were eased, many car companies elected to sell off their unused inventory in order to stay afloat and not feel the painful effects of the loss of business. Businesses needed the demand to stay at a high level and that just did not happen during the virus outbreak. And, to make matters even worse, the current semiconductor chip shortage has made the process of finding new cars to fill their fleets a lot longer. Going back to that concept of supply and demand, if there is a shortage of supply, the cost of renting a vehicle is going to go up. That jump could be significant in certain areas of the country, especially in areas that attract a lot of tourists or vacationers.
Experts recommend planning farther ahead if you want to plan a family trip. The farther in advance you make your plans, the likelihood your rental car prices will be lower and more manageable are good.
Car Dealerships may be a good option for anyone who is planning to take a road trip. This is because, unlike what you see at rental car places where the prices are inflated, the prices are fixed at car dealerships.
The best way to combat high prices for rental cars is to plan your trips and vacations well in advance. Safe travels!
A certificate of insurance is a document proving that an insured party has insurance coverage. Typically, a certificate of insurance is requested by the clients of the insured. Verification of insurance coverage is provided to third parties that an individual or entity has insurance coverage. If an individual hires a contractor to paint his house, that individual will call an insurance company and request a certificate of insurance. This document reassures the hirer
The certificate of insurance is not identical to the actual insurance policy, but it does contain important information that is also listed on the policy. The coverage offers the insured protection from any claims pertaining to liability. It is important to remember that, if and when someone files a claim against the insured for a particular incident, that incident must have taken place within the policy period. The policy period is the length of time the policyholder is provided insurance coverage.
There are different types of certificates of insurance: certificates of property insurance, general liability insurance certificates (these are typically issued when a claim is made against the insured), Workers’ compensation certificates, which are used to show evidence of an employee’s or contractor’s insurance coverage pertaining to work-related incidents. There are also certificates of insurance for automobile liability.
The insurance policy may provide liability coverage for damages caused by fire on the insured’s property. If the insured is deemed legally liable for the damages, they are then required to pay for the damages. Medical expenses to cover any injured parties who suffer injuries on the insured’s property may be provided by an insurance policy. Auto Insurance policies provide compensation for any injured third parties in the event of an injury suffered during an auto accident. If an insured is involved in a serious at-fault accident involving other parties and his or limits of liability are exhausted, excess liability coverage would kick in to cover medical care like hospital visits, etc. This kind of coverage must be purchased separately from general auto insurance coverage. It can be added as an endorsement on the policy. Having excess liability coverage is always a smart idea because it can protect an individual from suffering financial ruin.
The certificate of insurance should be very clear and specific in stating what is covered and should conform to the specific terms and conditions stated within the contract. This prevents any misunderstandings of coverage between the insurance company and the insured.
We’ve all come across something we don’t fully understand while reading. This may be especially true when it comes to the subject of insurance. Although insurance may seem like a painfully dry, uninteresting topic, understanding – it and how it works – is essential and extremely helpful in leading a stress-free life. The following are essential terms with which you should become familiar.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) – As soon as you drive your brand new car off the lot, its value decreases quite significantly. This is called depreciation.
Replacement Cost – Depreciation = Actual Cash Value (ACV)
Adjuster – If you ever have to file a claim with your insurance company, that company will obtain an adjuster: a person tasked with the responsibility of determining if a loss is covered by an insurance policy, and, oftentimes, write a check to the insured party.
Agent – an individual who sells insurance policies on behalf of a particular insurance carrier. One individual may work for a privately owned insurance business that works with one or multiple insurance carriers.
Assured – another term for the person being insured on the policy.
At-fault – the party who is liable for damages sustained by another party. In the case of an auto accident, “at-fault” would mean the person responsible for the auto collision.
Bodily Injury – this refers to an injury a person sustains. In terms of auto insurance, bodily injury liability coverage is specifically designed to cover the costs resulting from such an injury.
Carrier – another way of referring to your insurance company. Ex: Erie Insurance, Travelers Insurance, Progressive Insurance
Claim – a claim is a formal request made by the insured to restore themselves to their previous state before the time of the loss.
Claimant – any individual or entity that is requesting payment from an insurance company.
Coverage – specific protections or benefits that are usually outlined in your insurance policy. Coverages can be found on the Declarations Page.
Damage – Monies the at-fault party is required by law the pay to the injured party.
Declarations Page – the page in your insurance policy that lists all of the important, essential information i.e. name, address, policy number, coverages, limits, premiums, deductibles, and dates of coverage.
Deductible – in the event that you file a claim with your insurance company, your deductible is the pre-set, agreed upon amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers your claim up to your policy’s limit. In case you suffer damages totaling $6,000 and you have a $500 deductible, you would first pay the $500 and your insurance company would cover the remainder, up to your policy’s limit.
Estimate – the amount of money predicted, usually by an adjuster, to be made in order to repair or replace the covered property that is damaged.
Insured – the person or organization for which the insurance company is providing coverage. The insured’s name is typically listed on the declarations page.
Insurer – the company or organization tasked with providing insurance policies to the insured.
Liability – the legal obligation an at-fault party has to pay for damages sustained by the affected party. For example, if you are hit by a driver of another vehicle, the driver of the other car is liable for damages to your car and, possibly, your person.
Limits – an agreed upon dollar amount that the insurance company pays for a specific coverage for a particular claim. If the limits on the policy are exhausted, the insured party would be responsible to pay for any outstanding balances.
Loss – damage caused an insured piece of property. A “covered loss” refers to any damage or injury an insurance policy provides protection for. For instance, damage caused by a wind storm is covered. Damage caused by flood is not covered under a typical home insurance policy. Rather, the insured would need to obtain flood insurance separately through FEMA.
Named Insured – the person or entity for which the insurance coverage is being provided. This person or entity is typically listed on the declarations page of the insurance policy. In terms of business insurance, the named insured is the business, while its employees are insured only while performing their specific duties for the company.
Policyholder – Similar to “insured”, this term refers to the person or entity being covered by the insurance policy. Again, this name would appear on the declarations page.
Premium – An agreed upon amount that the insured pays the insurance company in order to be provided coverage.
Replacement Cost Coverage – Unlike with Actual Cash Value, this type of coverage refers to the cost of replacing property while not factoring in depreciation due to normal use or wear and tear over time.
Believe it or not, there are many common misconceptions about insurance. A popular one is the idea that, if you drive a red car, you pay more for your auto insurance than someone who drives a car of a different color. The truth is, the color of your car has absolutely no affect on the cost of your auto insurance. What does determine how insurance premium (what you pay) is the age of the vehicle, the make, and the model. Additional factors may be your credit history and where you live.
If your car suffers damage in an auto accident, your insurance will automatically provide you with a rental car.
Rental Reimbursement is an optional coverage apart from your standard auto policy. It must be purchased separately and added as an endorsement to your auto policy.
If your car is deemed a total loss in an accident (when it costs more to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident state than the actual value of the vehicle), you are no longer required to make your car payments.
We have both good news and bad news in a situation like this. The bad news is that your car’s value depreciates as soon as your drive it off the lot. As a result, if you are involved in an accident, it’s possible that the value of the car is less than the cost to restore it to its original state. Ask one of our insurance agents about how gap coverage can help you in paying off a balance you may still owe on your car.
Your landlord’s insurance policy covers your personal belongings.
Typically speaking, your landlord’s insurance policy will only cover the structure in which you live. Your personal belongings must be protected by your own renters insurance policy. To ensure that you get as much money as possible to recover your lost or damaged items, seriously consider doing an inventory that states, in detail, what each item is worth. In order for your insurance company to reimburse you properly, it’s best to have this inventory completed before the time of the loss.
Homeowner’s insurance only needs to cover the market value of your home.
The easiest way to avoid having to think about construction and labor costs in case your home is destroyed, talk to one of our agents about Guaranteed Replacement Cost. It’s the best kind of coverage when it comes to rebuilding your home back to its original state.
Floods are covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy.
False. Flood Insurance is handled by FEMA. If you either live in a flood zone or have a mortgage on your home, you are required to have flood insurance.
If your belongings are destroyed, your insurance will buy you all new stuff.
If your personal belongings are destroyed in a disaster such as a fire, you are going to need new stuff. When it comes to replacing your lost items from a covered claim, make sure that you have Replacement Cost Value Coverage on your policy because it’s the only way you’ll be able to have your insurance cover the cost of a new television. If you have Actual Cash Value instead, it means that your insurance will give you the value of what it deems to be the cash value of your television at the time of the loss. For instance, if you have a television that is ten years old, obviously, that television’s value is going to be less now than it was when you first bought it ten years ago. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’ll get Actual Cash Value for your loss.
You will always be paid the stated value for your “scheduled” items.
If you have items “scheduled” on your insurance policy, there’s a chance they may only be covered by the current Replacement Cost Value up to your stated limit on your policy. Ask one of our agents about your options when it comes to coverage limits.
You don’t need an insurance agent.
When it comes to covering your most valuable possessions like your home, your cars, your business, and even your life, it’s probably a better idea to let an experienced insurance agent give you the guidance you respectfully deserve rather than relying solely on yourself. Call us today! 301-948-2010 We’re here for you!
Think of umbrella insurance as extra coverage. If you have certain coverage limits on your auto insurance policy and you’re involved in an at-fault collision, it’s possible that those limits may be exhausted through having to pay the costs for vehicle damages or medical payments for the other party if they’re injured. An umbrella policy kicks in once those initial limits are exhausted and will likely cover the rest of the costs.
No matter where you stand in regards to your career, whether you’re just starting a new one or you’re preparing to retire, having a solid umbrella insurance policy in place has some important benefits. If you don’t have one and you suffer a catastrophic financial hit, such as a lawsuit, you’ll certainly wish you had one in place beforehand. Every decision you make in life comes at a cost.
Imagine this scenario. You’re driving along on the road, going 65 miles and hour in a 40 mph speed limit zone. To add insult to injury, you’re texting while driving, so your eyes aren’t focused on what’s in front of you. You approach an intersection when the traffic light turns red. You’re still not paying attention. You fly through the light, crashing your car into two other cars in the middle of the intersection. This is just one scenario. Accidents can happen at any moment.
That’s a pretty terrible situation to imagine, isn’t it? Unfortunately, this kind of situation happens more often than you’d think. That’s why it’s so important to have that extra coverage in place just in case something unexpected happens.
Umbrella Insurance isn’t just limited to your automobile. It can also help you cover damages related to your home insurance. For example, if you host a part at your house and someone slips and falls, breaking their ankle, although having someone injured in your home is terrible and unfortunate, your umbrella policy can help you cover the costs of their medical care. Your umbrella policy can also help to protect you against being sued.
Every situation is different and it is understood that not everyone is going to have the same needs. However, in terms of protecting yourself and your peace of mind, it’s best to have that extra protect in case you face a catastrophic event. Call our office at 301-948-2010 to speak with one of our experienced insurance professionals to learn how umbrella insurance can benefit you now.
A lot of people may be hesitant to purchase a life insurance policy. They may think it’s too expensive. The truth is that a life insurance policy is much cheaper if you buy it when you’re young and healthy because insurance companies consider healthy people far less at risk of dying than someone much older who may also be in poor health.
If You’re Getting Married
Once you get married, you not only have yourself to take care of, but you have someone who, not only loves you, but depends on you to be their partner through life. If one of you dies unexpectedly, a life insurance policy can help with any financial woes or struggles that may occur.
If You’re Planning to or Already Have Children
We all know that having babies costs money. Everything from feeding them to buying diapers for them, to paying for child care, those expenses certainly add up. A life insurance policy can help ease your stress level when it comes to providing for your kids.
To Cover Lost Income
If you die and you left loved ones behind who solely relied on your income, an adequate life insurance policy will help them cover those monthly mortgage and car payments.
Funerals
It’s a sad reality, but a reality nonetheless. Funerals cost money. No one likes to think about having to say their final goodbyes to a loved one. A life insurance policy can help ease the burden of having to pay for a funeral. Although you may be gone, your loved ones can take comfort in knowing they did everything they could in saying their final goodbyes.
Pay Off Debt
Unfortunately, debts don’t just disappear if you die suddenly. If you and your spouse both signed on that dotted line for a mortgage, now that you’re no longer around, your spouse may have to carry the heavy load of the repayment. Another scenario may be creditors coming after your estate. Your loved ones already have to deal with the heartbreak of losing you. Don’t add financial burdens and struggles to that mix.
College Funding
Countless Americans borrow money through student loans in order to pay for college. Did you know a solid life insurance policy can provide an excellent way to supplement your payments? Paying for higher education is definitely a costly endeavor. And life insurance can certainly help! Talk to one of our experienced agents about how a life insurance policy can benefit you!
If You Own A Business or Are a Co-Owner of a Business
If you are a business owner, you’ll want to make sure that your family as well as your employees are protected in the event of your untimely death. Running a business isn’t cheap and requires a lot of different expenses. From office supplies to payroll, a life insurance policy can help those you leave behind.
Estate Taxes
If you’re concerned about your children’s inheritance, a life insurance policy can help protect them from inevitable inheritance taxes they are going to be hit with. A life insurance policy can help cover those costs.
Life Insurance Is More Affordable Than You Might Think
On average, you’ll pay more for your daily cup of coffee than you pay for your life insurance. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that these types of policies tend to become more expensive the longer you wait to purchase one.
Peace of Mind
Although none of us can know what’s going to happen in the future, a life insurance policy can help put your mind at ease, knowing that no matter what happens, your loved ones will be protected.
Call our office at 301-948-2010 to speak with one of our experienced life insurance professionals. They can help you find the coverage that best fits your needs.
If you’re planning a vacation on any extended period of time while you’ll be away from home, it’s important to take necessary steps to ensure that your home is properly secure.
Give the Appearance That You’re Actually Home
In this day and age, thankfully, we do have ways to make it look like someone is home even if they actually aren’t. Taking steps like setting times on lights, radios, and televisions so they have turn off and on automatically may be an affective way to deter criminals from breaking into your home. Now, we’re not saying you need go all out “Kevin-McAllister-style”, but making your home look occupied is definitely smart. Additionally, you should cut your grass before you head out on your vacation and, if you have more than one car, park it in your driveway. Another option is having one of your friends or neighbors park their car their while you’re gone. Window blinds and curtains should positioned normally. Do you best to keep expensive furniture or home appliances out of plain sight.
Lock Your Doors
As is the case whenever you leave your home, you should always lock up. Don’t forget to also close your garage.
Be Mindful of What You Share on Social Media
We live in a day and age where sharing photos and videos online is the norm. Everything from Facebook, to Instagram, to Twitter, we’ve become very comfortable with posting what we do in our daily lives on the internet. Though this can be fun to do with close friends and family members, you’re taking a risk every time you do this because it’s a way for criminals to become incentivized to break into your home while you’re away.
In order to prevent burglars from knowing you’re away, be sure to change your privacy settings on your social media platforms to private or share them with your friends only.
Get Help From Your Neighbors
Telling a trusted friend or neighbor about your plans to be on vacation may be another option you’d want to consider. It’s good to have an extra set of eyes of someone whom you trust to be on the lookout for anything unusual surrounding your home. Providing them with a spare key is also something you can do.
Install Security Cameras or Alarms
Having security cameras in or around your home is an effective way to deter criminals from breaking into your home. After all, if they do, it’ll be much easier to track them down if they attempt to flee the scene because you’ll have a detailed image of them on camera. You may also be eligible for certain discounts on your home insurance if you do have either security alarms or cameras. Talk to you one of our experienced agents for details on this.
Remove Your Spare Key
We’ve all tried to think of clever places to hide our spare keys. It may just be easier to remove that worry from your mind altogether by removing your spare key or entrusting it to a friend or neighbor while you’re gone.
Unplug All Appliances
To prevent fires or possible power surges, consider unplugging all of your electronics and/or appliances while you’re away from home. Be sure to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and make sure they are functioning properly before you go on vacation. Although accidental fire is covered under your home insurance policy, it’s best to avoid that headache in the first place by having a fire extinguisher easily accessible.
Have you ever been curious about what it would take to increase the value of your home? There are several steps you can take to make your home more valuable. Not everyone will have the same reasons for doing this and that’s okay. Whether you are planning to add little ones to your family, having a family member move in with you, or just want to simply do something that will add some extra value to your home for resale purposes, there are several steps you can take to do just that.
Make It More Attractive
One of the best ways to have your house get more attention from potential buyers is by making it catch the eyes of people who drive by. Whether it’s beautiful landscaping with blossoming flower bushes, or a freshly painted front door, your house will get more attention if you take the time to improve its exterior.
Two of the most used rooms in a house are the kitchen and the bathroom. Therefore, it would be wise to put in the necessary time to make these two places look as attractive as possible. You don’t have to break the bank for a remodel either. On average, basic kitchen remodels recover 81% of its cost in added value while more elaborate ones that have stone countertops, state-of-art appliances, and custom cabinets recuperate 53%.
It’s a similar story when it comes to remodeling bathrooms. If you’re putting in new flooring and updating some fixtures, as opposed to mustering up cash for a more upscale remodel, if you’re more concerned about getting a better return on your investment, it’s best to take the conservative approach with the remodel. Heated floors, custom cabinets, and designer fixtures have a 56% return on investment as opposed to 70% for a midrange remodel.
Make It Low Maintenance
If you want potential buyers to be excited about the prospect of owning your home, consider making repairs to the property to take that burden off of them. By doing this, you may be justifying that potentially higher listing price.
In addition to replacing old water heaters or air conditioning systems, consider replacing the carpet floors with hardwood flooring. If you don’t want to replace the floors with hardwood, a composite material is easier to maintain and clean than carpet. It’s also cheaper.
Make It More Efficient
Depending on the area in which you live, updating your home to make it more energy-efficient may prove to be a wise choice if you’re looking to sell.
Consider double-paned windows, enhanced attic insulation, LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances in order to increase your home’s value. This could also prove as an effective way to make your home more attractive to energy-conscious buyers.
Solar Panels tend to prove effective in the long run when it comes to increasing the value of a home. However, if you’re looking for a quick boost in sale price, you may want to choose not to proceed with installing solar panels since they tend to be more costly. Additionally, installing them can be challenging.
Make It Bigger
Increase your square footage. It tends to have an enormous positive impact on a home’s value. Converting a room you’re not using into an additional bedroom or finishing a basement or building a deck are all good ways toad value to your home.
Make It Smarter
Everyone wants to feel safe inside their homes, especially those who have small children. Devices such as thermostats, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, security cameras, door locks, and enhanced lighting all help to make homeowners feel safer.
Although having these devices inside your home may not add value in terms of cash, it does make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Installing these devices is also a lot cheaper than replacing a roof or renovating a bathroom.
Are you planning a family road trip? It’s great to have the opportunity to get away with family. But, unfortunately, we can’t always prevent accidents from happening. Before hitting the road, there are several important points about how auto insurance works that you should be aware of. By understanding how auto insurance works, you will also be able to make sure your auto insurance coverage is sufficient.
If You are Taking Your Own Car
If you plan to take a road trip with family or friends and you plan to use your own car, there are a few things you should know: First, always understand that the auto insurance policy follows the car. That means that if you allow your friend Johnny to drive your car during your journey on the road and Johnny gets into an at-fault accident, it will not be Johnny’s auto insurance that kicks in to cover any damages to your car or the car of the other party. Your insurance will pay for the damages. And, depending on how severe the damages are, you may be forced to fork up some cash out of your own pocket if your policy’s limits are exhausted.
Also, each state is going to have different requirements related to auto insurance coverages and the minimum amounts of coverage you will need to have from a legal standpoint. For example, Maryland’s auto insurance limits are: $30,000 minimum per person/$60,000 minimum per accident/$15,000 minimum for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage is $30,000 minimum per person and $60,000 per accident. To compare, New York’s state limit requirements are: $25,000 for Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 if one person is killed in an accident, $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 if two people are killed in an auto accident. Property Damage limits are $10,000. If you have an auto insurance policy in one state and get into an accident in another state, your auto insurance company will bump up your limits to that of the other state’s. Be careful not to disqualify yourself from this policy by doing something that is deemed unlawful i.e. driving will intoxicated.
If You Are Renting a Car
If you have comprehensive coverage for a vehicle that is listed on your auto policy, the cost of a rental car is covered in the event of a covered comprehensive loss. This coverage is $20 per day/$900 per loss in Maryland, in Virginia, the coverage limit is $600, and $15 per day or $450 per loss in North Carolina.
Driving to Mexico
If you drive to Mexico, understand that rental cars purchased in the United States are not covered once you cross the border into Mexico. However, if you are driving a car that you own yourself, collision coverage will apply in the event of an accident. Rental cars that are obtained in the United States are not covered overseas.
Driving in the rain can be tricky, and if you’re not careful, could put you in a dangerous situation. Rainy conditions directly correlate with higher numbers of auto accidents. Understanding that these conditions can affect your ability to safely operate your vehicle can help you to drive more safely.
If Possible, Wait for the Weather to Improve
If you do not feel comfortable driving in the rain and can delay your commute until the weather improves, do it. It’s not worth putting yourself in danger if it is not necessary to drive in wet conditions.
Double Check Your Car’s Equipment
You always want the equipment in your car to be functioning properly, especially in rainy conditions. Before taking your commute, inspect your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers to make sure they are working properly. The tread on your tires should also be in good condition. If your tires are worn down, you are at much higher risk of hydroplaning and losing control of your vehicle.
Slow Down
Following the speed limit is always a good idea when you’re driving. In wet conditions, it’s actually not a bad idea to slow down because your visibility may be impaired when it’s raining heavily and there may be excess water on road surfaces, making it more difficult to come to a complete stop when you need to.
Turn on Your Headlights
Again, visibility is always important, especially in rainy conditions. Not only will you be able to see better, but other cars around you will be able to see you and react accordingly.
Use Your Windshield Wipers
It’s important to use your windshield wipers when it’s raining. Using them will greatly improve your visibility. In addition to windshield wipers, there are several other products you can use to combat the rain from impairing your vision when you’re behind the wheel. Certain sprays can be applied to your windshield that will allow the water to bounce off of the glass. Still, even when using these products, it is recommended that you still use your windshield wipers.
Maintain a Safe Distance Between Cars
Because it will take you longer to come to a complete stop in rainy weather because excess water can lift your tires off of the road surface, it is important to keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. If you see large puddles of water on the road surface, consider changing lanes to move around them. As always, be aware of other cars around and always use your turn signal.
Avoid Heavy Braking
It is not recommended that you use cruise control when you are driving in wet conditions. This may seem obvious, but it is important to maintain your focus and attention on your need to brake when you need to and accelerate when the time calls for it. Always pay attention to the road in front of you and minimize distractions.
Watch Out for Standing Water
Standing Water can present a danger to you and others. It’s best to avoid standing water when you can. It can grab your tires and cause you to hydroplane, thus possibly making you lose control of your vehicle. As mentioned earlier, be on the lookout for other cars around you and use your turn signal and side mirrors to notify cars that you intend to change lanes and you can see if you have enough distance between you to move to another lane.
Let Off the Gas When Hydroplaning
It is not uncommon to hydroplane in rainy weather conditions. If this does happen to you, stay calm and gently take your foot off of the accelerator. Steer your car in the direction the front of your car needs to go in. Don’t make any sudden turns and don’t brake hard.
Ventilate Your Car
When it rains, humidity levels tend to increase. Because of this, you may notice your windshield and windows start to fog. To combat this and improve your visibility, turn on your car’s ventilation system. As always, if it’s raining very heavily to the point where you can’t see, consider pulling over to the side of the road and wait for weather conditions to improve before moving on.
Becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have in their lifetime. As a parent, wouldn’t you do anything and everything you could to protect your child? Children don’t understand the potential dangers of everyday living, so it’s up to parents to teach them and protect them. Of course, we can’t be with our children every second of every day. For example, when they are in school playing basketball with their friends at recess, it’s possible they may fall and scrape their knee. We can’t have our eyes on them all the time, but we can console them and comfort them when they get injured.
Unlike young children, babies are completely dependent upon their parents. Everything from feeding to clothing to helping them walk, parents need to always be there. Driving with them in the car is no different.
If you want to keep your little ones safe in the car while you’re driving, you’ll want to pay attention to a few important steps:
Not all car seats are created equal. Nor do all car seats fit in every car. Depending on the age of your child, you’ll want to choose a car seat that keeps your child secure when you’re on the road.
It’s important to remain as safe as possible while you’re driving. It’s a good idea to avoid having loose objects in the car while you’re driving. If your baby is craving attention, it’s best to pull over somewhere safely to give your baby the care he or she needs. Loose toys could cause injuries.
Just as is the case with car manufacturers recalling their vehicles in the event of a malfunction, car seat manufacturers may tr to notify you of a potential problem they’ve found with their product. An effective way of becoming aware of these product issues is by registering your car seat with the manufacturer. When you do that, if the manufacturer finds a problem, they will notify you by mail.
A rearview mirror can be small and can leave your vision limited in the event of an emergency. Consider installing a mirror in your backseat, so you can keep a better eye on your little one. You will gain better peace of mind knowing your child is safe because you’ll be able to watch them more closely.
If you are not confident your car seat is installed properly, consider having it checked. It’s better to be safe than sorry. There are many public safety departments that offer free installation and safety checks.
Shoulder straps should be positioned at or slightly below the shoulders. The clip should be positioned at about the height of the armpit.
Yes, car seats do come with expiration dates. Read your owner’s manual to find the date of when your product was manufactured. You car seat should be replaced at least every six years from the date the car seat was manufactured. Regularly inspect your car seat to check for cracks or breaks or visible defects.
Have you ever wondered why your auto insurance rate increased? You probably are not alone in your curiosity. There are several factors that may affect your how much you pay for your auto insurance.
Depending on where you live in the country, the amount you are required to pay for your auto insurance may differ. Each individual state may have certain requirements it deems necessary that would ultimately affect your auto insurance rate. Additionally, if you elect to buy more coverage than what is deemed the bare minimum legally, you will probably end up paying more.
One way auto insurance companies determine what they charge for auto insurance is your age. Because young drivers are far less experienced behind the wheel, insurance companies assume that they will be more likely to get into accidents. Once a driver turns 25, their rates begin to decrease. One the other side of the coin, seniors (those 65 years of age or older) are, oftentimes, charge a higher rate for their insurance because they may have slower reaction times or worsening vision, etc. Additionally, seniors are more likely to become injured if they are involved in an auto collision.
If you bought a more expensive car, you are more likely to pay more to insure it. Cars like BMWs or Ferraris are made overseas and are then shipped to the U.S. Because of this, less of these cars are made. Therefore, insurance companies increase the prices to insure these types of vehicles.
Your driving record ultimately affects how much you will end up paying for your auto insurance. If you are a safer driver with less claims on your policy, your insurance company will take note of this and provide you with a lower rate. If you tend to be a more aggressive driver who gets speeding tickets or gets involved in a lot of accidents, your insurance company will see you as a high-risk driver. High-Risk drivers pay more for their insurance than safe drivers do.
The more distance you drive, the more you will end up paying for your auto insurance. Insurance companies consider how often you are on the road when determining your insurance rate. Longer periods of time on the road may mean longer distances traveled. The more amount of time you spend on the road, the higher chance you may become involved in an auto collision. If your commutes tend to be on the shorter side, you may likely pay less for your policy.
If you have poor credit, insurance companies may charge you more for your insurance. If you live in a state that is not either California, Massachusetts, or Hawaii, your insurance company will take your credit history into account when determining your insurance rate. If you have a great credit score, you may be able to save some money on your insurance.
Drivers with good driving records can pay up to as much as 40% less for their auto insurance than drivers with bad records. This is due to the fact that a lot of insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving. Keep in mind that if you file a lot of claims through your insurance company, regardless of whether or not you were at-fault in the accident, your rates may increase significantly. If you are involved in an accident, do not be surprised if your insurance rate jumps up for the next 3 to 5 years. If you have more experience behind the wheel, you may end up paying less for your insurance. For example, new drivers older than 25 tend to pay more than their peers who have had many years of driving experience.
Where you live may affect your insurance rate. People who live in cities that have higher crime rates statistically or heavy traffic areas tend to be charged more for their insurance. Because rural areas tend to be far less congested, the people who live in these areas likely will be paying less for their insurance policies.
If you are married, you are in luck! Insurance companies look at married couples are the least risky drivers to insure! Compared to other drivers, married couples are involved in 50% less accidents! Do not wait to let your insurance company know if you are married! You could safe yourself some money!
Believe it or not, in most states, it is not against the law to discriminate by gender. Statistically speaking, men under 25 pay the most for their auto insurance (about 15% more than their female counterparts). Once individuals reach the age of 30, insurance rates tend to become more similar.
So, you have just passed your driver’s test and gotten your driver’s license! Congratulations! You have taken an important step towards gaining your independence and becoming an adult. While this is a great accomplishment, it is important to keep in mind that you should approach your newly found freedom responsibly and carefully. When you are behind the wheel, your actions affect not only yourself, but other drivers on the road.
It is extremely important to obey all traffic laws. Traffic laws are in place to keep yourself and others safe on the roads.
Slow down!
Montgomery County in Maryland has a lot of speed cameras. If you do not want your speeding tickets to be mounting, seriously consider slowing down while you are driving. Additionally, slowing down will afford you more time to react in case something unexpected occurs.
Keep Your Car In Good Running Shape
The better condition you keep your car in, the longer it is going to perform at a high level for you. Changing the oil regularly and getting other regular maintenance checkups for your vehicle can prolong its life. In addition to oil changes, rotating your tires and checking fluid levels are extremely important.
Wear Your Seat Belt
Not wearing your seat belt when you are driving your car is against the law. Passengers should also wear their seat belts at all times. This will help prevent potential injuries or death. Statistics show that, when it came to fatal accidents, 56% of teens were not wearing their seat belt at the time of the accident. Please buckle your seat belts.
Avoid Distractions
Having your eyes anywhere other than on the road is a recipe for disaster when you are operating a motor vehicle. Do not text and drive, do not play games on your phone, do not try to change the radio station. If you have other passengers in your car, make sure they are not horsing around in the back seat. It only takes seconds for something bad to happen. If you are paying attention, you have a better chance of avoiding a dangerous situation.
Adjust Your Accessories
Really, this should be done before you actually start driving your vehicle. Adjusting your seat to a comfortable position and adjusting your mirrors are actions you need to take to ensure that your visibility is good. You need to be able to see where other cars are around you.
Don’t Tailgate
If you do not create enough distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you, there is a higher chance of having a rear-end collision if the car in front puts the brakes on. For every ten miles per hour, make sure you are at least one car length behind the one in front of you. This should afford you enough time to come to a complete stop when you need to.
Be Prepared
Always have your important documents stored in your car. That way, in the event of an emergency, you will have what you need when the time arises.
Be Mindful of the Weather
Always pay attention to the weather forecast. Rain and snow and ice can present dangerous driving conditions. If the roads are wet, slow down. You do not want your car to hydroplane. This happens when your tire is lifted off of the road surface by water.
Do not drive under the influence
Driving while drinking or under the influence of drugs is not safe. It is also against the law.
The more you practice safe driving techniques, the better overall driver you will be.
On April 1st, Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed the month of April as Maryland’s Flood Awareness Month. And for good reason. Each year, floods are responsible for more deaths than any other natural disaster.
As it is predicted that storms are going to increase in both frequency and intensity over time, the necessity and importance of obtaining flood insurance is becoming even more essential.
Governor Hogan’s Administration is joining forces with the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the Maryland Insurance Administration, the Maryland Department of Planning, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Environmental Service, the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, and the Maryland Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers in an effort to encourage residents of Maryland to learn more about the various flood hazards they could face.
Maryland’s bays and tributaries are subject to flooding after either short periods of heavy rain or prolonged steady rain. Additionally, hurricanes and tropical storms can cause tidal flooding.
Flood Insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), not specifically though any particular insurance carrier or provider. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood insurance; it needs to be purchased separately. It is important to note that flood insurance policies can be purchased from an insurance carrier under contract with FEMA.
You may be wondering what exactly is covered under a flood insurance policy. If disaster strikes and your home is flooded, it can help cover: your home and its foundation, your electrical and plumbing systems, air conditioning equipment, furnaces and heaters, appliances i.e. washers and dryers, refrigerators and stoves. It can also cover damage to your personal possessions like your clothing, furniture and electronic equipment. Under a typical flood insurance policy, your personal property is only covered on an actual cash value basis. The maximum coverage amount for a flood insurance policy is $250,000 for the structure of the home and $100,000 for the contents of the home.
When you buy a flood insurance policy, it is also important to remember that there is a waiting period of 30 days before your flood policy takes effect. Do not wait until you need it to get it.
Without a flood insurance policy, relief from damage caused by flooding usually comes in the form of loans. If your area is deemed a disaster area, the federal government may provide no-interest or low-interest loans as an effort to assist in the recovery process. You are still responsible for paying these loans back out of your own pocket. Having a flood insurance policy in place just in case a disaster strikes could protect you against possible financial ruin.
As stated earlier, there is a waiting period of 30 days before a flood insurance policy goes into effect, so it is best to get the ball rolling towards obtaining a policy sooner rather than later.
When it comes to medical questions and emergencies, who is that we turn to for answers? Who is it that we turn to for the reassurance we so desperately need that everything is going to be okay? Doctors. Doctors are the ones on the frontlines when it comes to protecting us from and educating us about illnesses and various medical conditions. With the outbreak of the Coronavirus last year, several have had their lives upended. From having businesses close, to people losing their jobs, to tragically losing loved ones, COVID-19 has certainly made life more challenging. Thankfully, we’ve had doctors to help those who have fallen ill. Today is Doctors’ Day, a day where we show our appreciation for physicians all across the country who help save lives every day.
Little was known about this particular virus for a long time. A rush to find effective vaccines to combat the virus were implemented almost immediately. Thanks to the courageous efforts of scientists, researchers, and doctors, vaccines were and still are being distributed to people all over the country.
Doctors’ Day was first observed all the way back in 1933, in Winder, Georgia. It was originally meant to honor the efforts of Dr. Crawford W. Long, the first doctor to use ether anesthesia on a patient.
Doctors’ Day has been observed every year on March 30th, dating back to 1933. It was celebrated for many years before it became a legal holiday on March 30, 1958, when the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution that commemorates Doctors’ Day and on October 30, 1990, President Bush signed the legislature after it was approved by both the House and the Senate.
Other countries around the world have been celebrating the achievements of medical professionals and advancements in medical technology, science, and care for a long time. For example, Spain, Cuba, and Argentina all celebrate on December 3rd in order to pay respects to Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay, who was responsible for identifying mosquitos as the root cause of yellow fever.
We are extremely thankful for all of the doctors, surgeons, nurses, and physicians who work tirelessly every day to keep all of us safe!
Winter weather has the potential to cause serious damage to our lawns. Frigid temperatures reek havoc on grass, plants, and flowers. With spring comes warmer weather and conditions in which lawns and foliage can really flourish if properly tended to. Caring for your lawn in spring is not difficult and regular attention to your lawn may prove to be exactly what your lawn needs in order to be in tip-top shape throughout the season. Your lawn may just end up being the envy of the neighborhood.
If you want to have an immaculate lawn for spring, follow these easy, important steps:
Tune up your lawn mower: Everything from changing the oil, air filter and spark plug, making sure that your mower is clean will ensure that it is functioning properly.
Spend some time raking: When it comes to preparing your lawn for new growth, the first step you should take is to rake. Raking helps break up something called thatch: the layer of dead turfgrass lying between the healthy vegetation of the grass above and the root system and soil underneath. If this layer becomes too thick, it can pose problems for your grass.
In addition to raking in the fall, do not become complacent and ignore your lawn in the spring time. In fact, because winter weather can cause so many damage to your lawn, it is especially important to rake in the spring in order to remove all of the dead blades of grass from the winter. Another benefit of raking is that it may help to prevent something snow mold, which is a lawn disease that makes it extremely difficult for new, healthy grass to penetrate the diseased areas. Raking can fix this.
Get a Lawn Aerator. A lawn aerator creates openings in the turf which allows both water and air to get through the soil and reach the grassroots. It is important to note that spring may not be the ideal time to do this because aeration holes provide a perfect opportunity for weeds to grow. You don’t want to spend your spring cleaning up all of those weeds that could potentially damage your lawn.
Assess your Soil
Grass likes a neutral pH level. So, if you ever see moss coating the ground, it may be a sign of acidic soil which can be neutralized by adding ground limestone. This process does take some time as the liming holds gradually.
Overseeding
If your lawn has a lot of bare patches due to consistent heavy traffic, it may be in need of grass seed. Grass seed will help your grass grow more efficiently. Once you pour seed over existing grass, apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Once the grass germinates (typically after 5 weeks), apply quick-release nitrogen fertilizer.
Fertilize
Although it is important to fertilize, you want to be careful when you do it. Too much fertilizer in spring may lead to disease and problems with weeds. Many lawn experts recommend a lighter feeding in the spring and a heavier feed in the fall.
Apply Postemergent Herbicides (Or Pull Weeds)
If you do not want to spend a lot of time and energy pulling weeds, consider applying a postemergent herbicide to kill your weeds. It is more effective to use one for broadleaf weeds. Do this in the fall rather than the spring. However, reaching down to the root of the problem by weeding may prove to be more effective long-term.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been doing its best to uproot any semblance of normality in our everyday lives. As the weather gets warmer, all of us have an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and the wonders of mother nature: the hot sun illuminating the sky and warming our bodies. It is up to us to take advantage of the nice weather and remove ourselves from the confines of our homes that have become something we so desperately want to escape from. If you want to appreciate what mother nature has to offer in spring, here are some ways you can get into better shape while being outdoors.
Working out indoors using a treadmill was found to be less enjoyable than moving the workout outside. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air!
2. Join a sports league.
The pandemic may have some of us feeling extremely isolated. With warm weather comes the start of intramural sports leagues that provide people with an opportunity to exercise, but even more importantly, human beings are social creatures and long to be around others. This is natural. Sports leagues provide that much needed chance to be around our peers and socialize. From these social events could come life-long friendships.
3. Ride Your Bike to Work
This one is greatly going to depend on where you live and how far your commute is, but choosing to ride your bike to work instead of driving is a great way to get some exercise in. We all have busy schedules and busy lives and this could be an opportunity for us to improve our overall health. If you find that your commute to work is too long for you to use a bike, you can still find paths around your area that may be suitable for your needs.
4. Become a Volunteer
Are you interested in helping to build houses? Or maybe you love dogs and would love an opportunity to be a dog walker at an animal shelter nearby. Whatever your interests, all it takes is a little proactiveness and research to find great volunteer opportunities in your area. Not only will you be helping people in your community, you will probably feel great about doing something in service of someone else.
5.Go to the beach
Did you know that it takes more energy to run on a beach than it does to run on a track? Don’t let this deter you. Swimming in the ocean is another great way to get some exercise while enjoying the sunlight. It may also be possible to join a beach volleyball team. Especially during these trying times, this is a great way to break away from feelings of isolation and to finally become social again.
6.Find an Outdoor Fitness Class
Not everyone is going to take a liking to following YouTube exercise videos at home. Typically, you are by yourself and the whole idea here is to get outside and finally enjoy the nice weather. Whether it is yoga or pilates you are into, or maybe it is something else, call up a friend and sign up for an outdoor exercise class
7.Just get outside
Step outside and look around. Do you enjoy going to the park? If you find a park bench, use it to practice your push-ups. You can also practice stretching. You do not necessarily need weights or expensive exercise equipment to get into the best shape of your life. Get creative. You can do it!
Are you the type of person who has a car filled with clutter? Maybe you have items scattered all over your car in different areas. Or maybe you have a trunk filled with items it would take you a week to organize. In the event of an emergency, there are a number of essential items you will want to have stored in your car. What are they?
You can buy various emergency kits that contain different items. Here’s what we recommend in terms of what you should keep in your car in case something unexpected happens that leaves you stranded.
Not everyone is going to face the same challenges when it comes to their car. If you are the type of person that spends a considerable amount of time in your car, your needs may be slightly different from others. If you think you fall into this category, consider keeping the following items in your car just in case disaster strikes.
Safety Supplies: First-Aid Kit, Flashlight, Matches (or another tool you can use to start a fire)
Energy bars or MREs – energy bars are great to give you a quick boost if you have been stranded for a while. We understand you most likely are not going to find yourself in a military situation, but MREs (meals ready to eat) only need hot water to be ready for your consumption. If you are facing dire straits, these are an option for you.
Water bottles – It is recommended that men drink about15.5 cups of water every day (3.7 liters). It is recommended that women drink about 11.5 cups of water per day (2.7 liters). When it comes to storing water in your car, be careful not to store water in plastic bottles in hot temperatures as the chemicals in the plastic may seep into the water leaving it unsafe to drink. Glass bottles or gallon jugs are a better option.
For Winter Emergencies
In addition to the items mentioned above, you may consider keeping these other items handy:
Emergencies can occur at a moment’s notice and it is important to be prepared.
Winter has the potential to cause significant damage to your home if you do not take certain necessary preventative steps. Everything from leaks to fallen trees to damaged siding, it can become expensive to cover the costs of repairs to your home. What about frozen pipes? Frozen pipes are one concern. What really causes heads to roll is if they burst! Here’s what you can and should do to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Insulation is probably one of your most effective ways to protecting your pipes from the possibility of freezing. When it comes to insulation, you have several options. First, you can wrap your pipes with a foam covering; Polyethylene is an effective material to use. Insulating your pipes is a good idea, even if your area is not often the host of hard freeze conditions. It is better to be safe than sorry. Apart from using foam coverings, you can also wrap your pipes in heat tape or heat cables using a thermostat control. Do not install any insulation without first reading the directions from the manufacturer.
Cold air has a tendency to sneak its way through cracks and crevices. It is important that you seal off these areas with a good caulk. This is especially important to do in areas where pipes run from inside to outside your home like dryer vents or water pipes.
If colder temperatures begin to settle in, an effective way of preventing your pipes from freezing is by maintaining a slight drip from your faucets in your kitchen, bath, and laundry room.
If you are going to be away from your home for any significant amount of time, it is best to inform a trusted neighbor so they have the chance to check-in on your home, reassuring you that no pipes have burst in your absence.
If you suspect frozen pipes in your home, turn on our faucets. If you only see a very gentle drip, you may have a frozen pipe. Inspect your water supply lines, paying attention to any really cold areas. Do this carefully, so you do not miss any areas that may have breakage. If, during your inspection, you see broken or burst pipes, call a professional plumber immediately.
If you want to thaw your frozen pipes, open the faucet of the particular pipe. The flow of water will help the water melt more quickly.
If you have pipes that are exposed, wrap them in a heated pad and turn the temperature up. Take a hair dryer, turn it to the high setting, and move the hot air back and forth around the pipe. Another way to combat frozen pipes is to wrap them in heated, wet towels. These would need to changed frequently because they tend to lose heat rapidly. Finally, place a space heater close to the area of the frozen pipe. Once the pipes are thawed and the water pressure returns to normal, you can remove it.
We live in a day and age where the cars we drive have state-of-the-art cooling systems that allow for engines to maintain a safe temperature, so the car can perform at its highest level in any situation. However, there are instances when your vehicle may overheat. If you would like to learn how to prevent overheating or how to fix an overheating problem, please read on…
There are several reasons why an engine would overheat. Usually, this happens when there is a problem with the vehicle’s cooling system that does not allow heat to leave the engine compartment. More often than not, this is due to a leak or blockage somewhere within the cooling system or other components of the car.
Over time, parts of your car are going to suffer wear and tear. Rubber hoses, gaskets, and water pumps can leak. When this happens, your car’s cooling system may be affected. Also, if you have a consistent long commute for work every morning, eventually, the stop=and-go traffic has the potential put very serious strain on your car’s cooling system. This is why it is so important to have regular maintenance check-ups conducted by an experienced professional who knows what to look for.
When you are driving, it is extremely important to pay attention to any alerts your car may be giving you. If you see lights flashing or any indicators being illuminated, get to a repair shop as soon as possible. Putting this off could spell disaster for your wallet.
So, what should you look for to know if your car is overheating? Again, if any of these problems are occurring, seek professional maintenance assistance immediately:
If you any steam coming from underneath the hood of your car.
The temperature gauge for your engine is reaching “H” or is moving into the red area of the gauge.
If you smell any strong odors coming from the front of the car, get to a maintenance shop as soon as you can.
To combat the effects of overheating, it is a good idea to have some essential items on hand:
If your car is overheating, take these next steps:
Turning off the heater will potentially lower the temperature of your engine. If you see the warning light turning off or if the temperature gauge goes back to neutral, you should be okay.
Pull over. If you are driving along and your car starts to overheat, it is best to pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine to give it time to cool. If you have the towing option on your Erie Insurance auto policy, you can contact their roadside assistance to come help you. Their number is 1-800-367-3743. You will want to select OPTION 2.
Be patient. If you do not have roadside assistance, it is best to stay calm and wait at least 15 minutes for the engine to cool. It is possible that the engine coolant has reached a scorching temperature, so please do not attempt to open the hood at this time.
Add coolant. Before you add coolant, please make sure you are wearing some heavy-duty gloves. You will want to unscrew the reservoir cap and, using a funnel, gently pour the coolant into the hole of the funnel. Using a funnel allows you to control how much coolant you are adding and prevents a mess.
Drive your car to a service station. Coolant does not directly address the problem you may be having with your car if it is overheating, but it may buy you enough time to get to a service station to have it looked at. A professional will be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with your car and what needs to be done to fix the problem.
There is nothing we can do to stop the ebbs and flows of life. Nor should we focus our energy on trying to do so. It is simply a losing cause. If we take a different approach and take the time to appreciate how each day is different, chances are that we will be much happier. Ebb and flow is defined as a recurrent or rhymical pattern of coming and going or decline and growth. As the seasons change, it is our responsibility as home owners to protect and preserve our homes. After all, our homes are a great investment. Since there is nothing we can do to stop the seasons from changing, we need to take a proactive approach to that preservation. Winter, oftentimes, brings the most destruction to homes. Everything from frozen pipes bursting, to flooded basements, to leaking ceilings, if we do not take the necessary preventative steps, we can find ourselves in a serious financial dilemma. Thankfully, spring is far more forgiving. The weather is actually beautiful with lots of radiant sunshine and clear skies. Yes, we do run into those rainy days, but we are not at risk of having our plants freeze to death. Here are a number of steps we can take to protect our home during spring.
Clean Your Gutters: When your drains are clogged, you leave your home at risk of being damaged by excess water, leaks, and flooding. Make sure your downspouts are positioned in such a way to drain away from your home’s foundation. All debris like leaves, grass, dirt, mulch, etc. should be cleared out of the gutters and downspouts.
Inspect Your Roof: Having a healthy roof is essential to preserve your own personal sanctuary that is your home. It is what protects your home from nature’s elements. When you are inspecting your roof, you want to look for any loose shingles or tiles and any cracking. An old, worn roof could spell disaster if not attended to swiftly and properly. If you do not feel comfortable inspecting the higher areas of your roof (generally, these are areas you are not able to inspect properly from the ground), it is a good idea to hire a licensed roofer who possesses the knowledge and skill to return your roof to its pristine condition.
Check Seals Around Windows and Doors: Cold weather can cause the areas around your windows to loosen and/or crack. To prevent further damage, use caulk to seal off your windows. Not all caulk is created equal, so make sure you are using what is going to most effective given the elements. For example, for your exterior windows, you should use a caulk strong enough to withstand harsh sun rays, water, and changing temperatures. The tube of caulk should tell you if it is meant for exterior surfaces. For your interior windows, use a caulk that does not contain harmful fumes. This kind of caulk should hold paint well. For your rooms that may get humid (bathrooms), you will want to use a caulk that is both waterproof and mold-resistant. It is important to note that you should never caulk over old caulk. If caulk has hardened, scrape it off with a steel putty knife and then apply the new caulk.
Service Your Home’s Cooling System: : Life without air conditioning can be rough. Consider having your home’s cooling system checked at least one month prior to the start of summer.
Check Smoke Detector Batteries: Actually, this is a step that should be taken not only during spring. It should be a year-round routine. Check the batteries of all of your smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. This could mean the difference between life and death. Do not take that chance.
Spring Cleaning for the Disposal: When was the last time you thought about cleaning your garbage disposal? To do this, feed a tray of ice cubes through it while running cold water.
We all take risks every single day. Some of those risks, like driving, may be unavoidable. What can we do to ensure our own safety as well as the safety of others around us while we are behind the wheel? We can practice something called defensive driving.
What is defensive driving?
Defensive Driving is a set of skills one has to defend themselves from possible collisions with other vehicles on the road. Whether caused by bad drivers, drunk drivers, or hazardous weather conditions, there are several steps one can take to make sure they remain safe while on the road.
Give yourself extra time to reach your destination: It does not matter where you are going. While we cannot control the weather, we can take it upon ourselves to anticipate poor weather conditions by paying attention to weather forecasts, so we can make an informed, educated decision about how to proceed with our days. For example, if you know you are going to have an important appointment with your doctor, you can be proactive in finding out what the weather is going to be like that day and plan accordingly. If weather conditions are going to be rainy or icy, it would be a good idea to leave earlier for your appointment, so you do not feel rushed. Stress can lead you to make poor choices while behind the wheel. Road rage is not your friend. Aggressive driving is what we are trying to avoid.
Be able to control your speed on the road: As mentioned earlier, road rage is not your friend. Stay calm and focused while you are operating a motor vehicle. Not only will you be keeping yourself safer, but you will also be protecting other drivers around you. If you have a long commute with long stretches of road in front of you, consider using your cruise-control option in your car. This will allow you to conserve your energy and maintain your focus on what is in front of you.
Be prepared to react to other drivers: This is important. While we cannot control other drivers on the road, we can help protect ourselves by anticipating actions of other drivers. In order to protect yourself, maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you. Stay in your lane. If you are able to maintain a safe speed and a safe distance, you should be able to give yourself ample time to react should another driver do something. Because you have taken steps to anticipate bad driving techniques, you will avoid a collision and a potential insurance claim.
Do not expect other drivers to do what you think he or she should do: As stated before, ways to keep yourself safe are to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you. Giving yourself that safe distance will buy you more time to react to a bad driver. If another driver is texting while driving, because you have maintained a safe speed and distance, it will not matter that they are not paying attention to the road. You will avoid a collision.
Use proper etiquette and driving techniques while on the road: We all learn how to properly operate a motor vehicle when we take our driver’s test. We all have to pass it before we get our learner’s permit. That is not to say that once you get your learner’s permit, you are suddenly an expert driver. We should all use our turn signals before switching lanes, maintain a safe distance between ourselves and the cars in front of us and around us, and stay calm behind the wheel.
Stay alert and avoid distractions: In most states, it is now against the law to hold your cell phone while driving. Texting while driving is against the law. Some police officers will pull you over just for having your cell phone in your hand. Eating behind the wheel can be another distraction because it, oftentimes, forces you to take at least one hand off of the wheel and your eyes off of the road. Finally, if you are listening to music or the radio, consider leaving the volume level at a place that allows you to hear other cars around you. For example, if a car is honking at you, you will be able to hear it. If a police cruiser or an ambulance needs to pass you, you will be able to hear it and move out of the way.
Defensive Driving is the best way to keep yourself safe while driving. You will be able to protect yourself as well as other drivers around you. And finally, you will be taking preventative measures to keep your insurance rates from increasing. No one wants to have their insurance rates go up or to have their insurance policy canceled altogether.
Taking consistent maintenance steps regularly throughout the year is the best way to avoid a long, tedious, and perhaps, expensive process. Winters can be especially unforgiving when it comes to repairs if you are not mindful of the time it takes to properly maintain your home. Leaving the warning signs unattended may result in some harsh lessons. If you want to avoid costly repairs, it is best to prepare your home for the winter. Here are some steps you can take to protect your home, your wallet, and your sanity.
Check your Gutters and Drainage
Rain always presents a challenge when it comes to keeping your gutters and drains clean and free of clutter. If you take a proactive approach to maintaining your gutters, you will prevent your need to replace them. Additionally, clogged gutters and drains have the potential to lead to roof damage.
When a gutter clogs with leaves and debris, it can cause a strain on your roof. Ice can be particularly troublesome, as it can thaw and strain your gutters. To make sure your gutter is cleaned properly, flush it out with a hose.
Test Your Sump Pump
Testing your sump pump to make sure it is functioning properly can help prevent a basement from flooding or your home’s foundation suffering immense damage. Repairs for these could prove very costly. A properly functioning sump pump, when plugged in, should have a humming sound.
Check Your Window Wells
Natural light coming into your basement is a great way to provide ventilation. Window wells prevent soil from building up on window fixtures.
If the lining along your window wells fail, you leave your home at risk for flooding. A flood inside your home could require costly repairs.
Clean Your Dryer Vents
The lint inside your dryer, if not properly cleaned out, can present a dangerous fire hazard to your home. It is extremely important to regularly clean out your dryer vents to prevent a problem from occurring. Naturally, you will most likely have to do this more often during the colder months, as your dryer will get more use. In addition to preventing a fire from occurring, you will also be improving your energy efficiency.
Check Your Electrical System
The last thing you want to have happen is your electricity failing when it gets really cold! To ensure this does not happen, you should inspect your breaker wire for bad insulation and any discoloration.
If you need any assistance, it is a good idea to hire an experienced electrician to do a thorough inspection for you.
Bleed Your Radiators
This process should be completed every winter. Turn on all of your radiators to the highest temperature possible. Wait a few minutes and then turn of the central heating system to give them time to cool off. Turn off the radiator and open the bleed valve. Place a tray underneath the valve and let the air escape. Any water that escapes will be caught by the tray. Do not be alarmed when you see the water dripping. It is perfectly normal.
Avoid Ice Dams
When temperatures drop to freezing conditions, ice dams can form that prevent melting snow from draining properly. When this happens, you leave your home at risk of leaks in ceilings, insulations, and walls that could prove extremely costly.
Increase ventilation and add insulation in order to regulate the temperature of your roof. Any air leaks should be properly sealed.
Prevent Your Exterior Pipes From Freezing
This might be the most important step you can take to protect your home during the winter months. If a frozen pipe cracks and thaws, it can release hundreds of gallons of water in a single day. This could present a disastrous problem for your home as well as your wallet.
Inspect your pipes for signs of weakness. If you see any moisture on faucets and connectors, it could mean your pipes are nearing their decline and are in need of replacement. Do this as soon as possible to avoid catastrophic damage.
All of your pipes should be properly drained. It does not hurt to check on this a second time a few days later to make sure that all water has fully drained.
To provide extra protection for your exterior pipes, a foam covering is a great way to add some extra insulation.
Prepare for Winter Storms
Winter can bring harsh weather conditions consisting of heavy rain, snow, sleet, and hail. If you have a generator, take the necessary steps to make sure it is functioning properly. It is a good idea to keep back up batteries for flashlights the event of a power outage.
Having a battery-powered radio is a good way to stay informed with regard to changing weather conditions or local emergencies.
When we are little, we don’t necessarily spend a lot of your time thinking about maintenance. After all, oftentimes, our parents prepare our meals, help us to bathe, and drive us to get our haircuts. We are not required to think about the idea of maintenance because our parents maintain everything for us. Of course, they could teach us the importance of cleaning our room, brushing our teeth, and keeping an overall organized way of living. But, unless they are proactive in that area, we are left to fend for ourselves. As a result, many of us may not appreciate the importance of maintenance until we are old enough to drive or when we buy our own car.
Nearly every child has dreams of growing up and being independent. It may seem a little ironic because once they reach adulthood, children long for those innocent, childhood years when they could depend on their parents to do everything for them. We’ve all heard the expression, “Ignorance is bliss”. There is a certain sense of pride one feels when they reach the point in their lives when they are able to take care of themselves. A young adult feels that sense of pride when they are handed the keys to their first home or their first car. Once an individual is given the responsibility to live on their own, maintenance may just be one of, if not the most, important parts of their everyday life.
For many, cars are an enormous investment. And although cars depreciate in value overtime, as the owner of a car, one wants to do everything they possibly can to prolong the lifespan of their car. Additionally, keeping up with the maintenance for your car can greatly impact its resale value in a positive way.
Inspect and Maintain Your Tires: Have you ever been driving along on the road and it feels like your car is leaning to one side? If so, one of your tires may have low tire pressure. Ignoring this can cause severe and unnecessary strain on your vehicle’s engine. Always keep an eye on your tires’ pressure levels and adjust them accordingly. When you take your car in to get an oil change, ask the workers to check the tire pressure for all of your tires. They will tell you if you are in good shape or if you need an adjustment.
Change the Oil: It is a common thought that changing your oil every 3,000 miles is sufficient, but, you may be able to extend that time period if you choose a higher-grade oil. Some oils allow your vehicle to perform at a higher level for up to 5,000 miles. When you take your car in to get an oil change, ask about the different types of oil that are available. Also, not every type of oil is going to be suitable for your car. This is generally based on three factors: the oil viscosity, whether to use synthetic or non-synthetic oil, and your car’s mileage. Ask a service team member for assistance if you are unsure.
Check the fluids: To make sure your car keeps running smoothly, you should check:
Check the Air Filter:
Remove the air-filter element from your vehicle. To check its condition, hold it up to a strong light. If you can’t see any any light passing through it, it is time to replace it. Having a properly functioning air-filter will increase your car’s fuel efficiency. Additionally, it has been said that changing a clogged air filter has the potential to increase acceleration by 6 to 11 percent on modern fuel-injected cars. Other studies have indicated that doing this can save up to fifteen cents per gallon at the gas pump. Changing your air filter can help reduce emissions as well.
Inspect your Brakes: Unless you are an expert in vehicle maintenance and know exactly what to look for in this area, it is probably best to have an experience professional do a thorough inspection of your cars brake system. They can tell you if it is time to replace them.
Check the Battery: Look closely at the battery’s terminals and cables to ensure they are securely attached. If your battery has removable caps, check its fluid level every few months.
We learn a lot as we get older. How to properly maintain and care for our cars will not only make us more confident in leading a healthy and happy life; it will save us loads of money over time.
We all have moments where we contemplate how to better ourselves as individuals and how to improve our lives. Some of us may struggle with figuring out the best or most effective way to go about doing that. The key is to not spend so much time dwelling on how you’re going to accomplish what you want to. So many of us are told that it’s important to have a plan for our lives and to set goals that help us fulfill those goals. While this is most definitely true, it’s important to realize that getting started is, actually, more important. If we spend all of our time planning, we won’t have any time for executing that plan. So how can we improve our lives and get the most out of each day?
Drink More Water
Drinking a glass of water is the first thing we all should do when we wake up in the morning. Why? It helps regulate digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. If you are ever feeling thirsty, do not ignore that feeling. It’s your body’s way of telling you it needs to be replenished with fluids. In addition to improving digestion and circulation throughout the body, drinking more water will improve your skin. Healthier looking skin will improve your confidence, too!
Eat More Veggies
Vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals the body needs to perform at its best. Whether you are talking about physical strength or brain function, vitamins and minerals such a vitamin A, C, and E, as well as magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and folic acid help to keep your body and brain in top shape. For potassium, foods such as avocados and sweet potatoes are great sources.
Eat Less Processed Foods
Processed foods contain a lot of artificial ingredients, are high in sugar and fructose corn syrup, refined carbohydrates, and are low in what is good for your body such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also low in fiber. When you eat too many processed foods, you are more likely to gain excess weight, which, overtime, may lead to health risks like diabetes. Instead, eat more foods in their natural states. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables and meat or fish.
Meditate
There are several reasons why we should meditate every day. Research has shown that meditation may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fibromyalgia. Additionally, meditation may decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. If you are having trouble sleeping, meditate may help to calm your mind and fight against insomnia.
Develop and Stick to An Exercise Plan
Regular exercise can improve your mood and decrease stress and anxiety. Furthermore, holding yourself accountable to something, especially something that is good for you, will buy you less time to be concerned about matters that are, perhaps, out of your control.
Spend Less Time On Your Phone And Watching Television
Engaging in conversation and activity with others around you will prevent you from feeling isolated and alone. Instead, get outside and exercise. Being on your phone all the time may negatively affect your relationships as well. Prolonged periods of sitting down and not moving may greatly affect your physical health in the long run.
As is a common tradition in the United States, as well as many other places around the world, countless individuals look to the new year as a means to flush out the negative energies or bad practices they may have had in their lives the previous year. Others may seek to continue strongly their positive pursuit of happiness. This begs us to ask a least a few questions of ourselves: How do we as individuals define our own happiness? What is true happiness? And is it even possible to achieve? Let’s discuss.
American and pop culture teach us to put material wealth at the forefront of our desires and ambitions. Day after day after day, we see commercials on television showing the new, flashy car or the luxury watch that we need to have. We’re told that by obtaining these material goods, that our social status in society will be greatly improved. It’s important to distinguish between pleasure and true, sustainable prosperity. Getting that next text message from a love interest makes us feel good. Buying that new sports car makes us feel good. When we receive this positive reinforcement, our brains release the chemical dopamine, which takes us to a place of sheer joy. However, like any effect of a drug, it wears off and we long for more and more and more. Is that sustainable? Oftentimes, it isn’t.
So, how can we channel our energies and desires in a direction to actually improve our overall happiness? The answer may be self-improvement. For example, taking an interest in and learning a new instrument not only can give you a feeling of worthiness and happiness, it can give you a feeling of fulfillment. Playing an instrument is something that will stay with you. Unlike that fancy, new sports car that rusts and depreciates over time, it’s something that’s sustainable.
Perhaps one of your resolutions is to quit smoking. According to a 2000 study, it was found that cigarette manufacturers increased their advertising in January and February. Sabotage is actually one of the biggest threats to having your resolutions fail. Besides advertisers, another threat to resolutions, however unintentional it may seem, is family members. For example, if one of your resolutions is to lose weight in the new year, having a batch of freshly baked cookies resting on the kitchen counter is, at the very least, unhelpful.
There are steps we can take to assist ourselves in ensuring our resolutions do not fall by the wayside. Those steps are: reduce, implement, and celebrate. We need to make sure that our resolutions are small and manageable. Implement a plan of action that we can confidently stick to. Again, it’s important to be mindful of remaining focused on a small goal. Finally, we should reward ourselves when we accomplish something, even if it’s by doing something small for ourselves.
Every year, we as Americans partake in this tradition of self-improvement. In order to ensure we remain on track, let’s make sure we remain grateful. What do I mean? Well, take at least 15 minutes and jot down what you are grateful for. Update the list weekly by adding an additional two items. If you feel you’re a sharper thinker when you’re outside, go for a walk and contemplate this important list that way.
This pandemic has certainly upended many of our lives. Let’s take a step back and refocus our attentions on what we can control versus what is out of our hands.
It’s happened. Coronavirus has entered your home. You can’t seem to fathom how this could be possible. You’ve been washing your hands religiously, maintaining social-distancing guidelines, and have wiped down your surfaces over and over again. Still, it happened. Now is not the time to despair. It’s time to take care of your loved one and protect yourself at the same time. You may observe certain symptoms like a dry cough, extreme fatigue, and loss of a sense of smell or taste among others. Just as when anyone becomes ill, even if it’s not necessarily with COVID19, it’s a good idea to keep your distance until they get tested. Here’s what you should do:
Call the doctor or your county’s health department to report their symptoms and to ask if they can get tested. If they are approved for testing, help them get a testing location. There should be multiple locations around your area. Some CVS Pharmacies do offer drive-thru testing. If you choose this method, it may take a few days to get the results back. Costs of testing may vary depending on his or her medical insurance.
If they can’t get tested right away, it’s best to take the necessary precautions and to act as if they do have the virus. In other words, keep your distance as best you can.
If you are living with someone who is ill, give them a specific space or area that the can quarantine themselves in. This will serve to protect both yourself from contracting the illness and them from passing it to you.
If the person is sick, make sure they are always coughing into their mask or cloth, or elbow or a tissue to prevent the spread of any germs or particles into the air.
Washing your hands with hot water and soap is always best, but use alcohol rub if you don’t have access to soap and water.
Wipe down surfaces with soap and disinfectants.
Don’t touch your face or rub your eyes if you haven’t washed your hands.
It’s very important to keep a constant lookout for the sick individual because this virus can take a turn for the worse rather quickly. Offer them both physical and emotional support whenever you can, without getting too close.
There are certain warning signs of danger when it comes to COVID-19 that you should be aware of: trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure that doesn’t go away, confusion or can’t be woken up, or a blue color in their lips or face.
Designate a bedroom for them to stay in. They shouldn’t leave that bedroom except to go to the bathroom. Keep everyone away from them. Also, if you can, open a window to get the air circulating inside.
Designate a sick bathroom for them. If you only have one bathroom, you’re going to need to clean the surfaces inside the bathroom every time they use it.
Follow safety guidelines related to medication to reduce fevers like ibuprofen. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Keep track of when and how often the sick person is taking the medication.
Make sure plenty of blankets, pillows, books, magazines, TV, or a computer are available for their leisure while they are recovering. Make them as comfortable as possible. Keep a phone charger near their bed, so they can call or text you if they need something.
Bring food to them on a tray and maintain your distance as you give it to them.
Keep their laundry separate from yours. This may sound excessive, but it’s important to remember that germs can pass through clothing as well. You want to take any and all precautions to make sure you don’t get sick, too.
Go through your entire house and clean all surfaces and areas thoroughly.
We understand that these have been trying times for many. All of the recommendations included here are steps you should already be taking to prevent the spread of germs and ailments even if it’s not COVID-19.
For more information about how to care for someone with COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website.
The sudden nature of a car accident can leave us alarmed, stressed, and disoriented. Hit-and-Run accidents may be even more startling because you have the guilty party fleeing the scene of an accident. This is against the law and is considered a crime.
If someone hits your vehicle and drives off, follow these steps:
Call the police: Hit-and-Run accidents happen suddenly. Once the shock of having another car collide with yours wears off, do your best to remember details about the accident: the color of the vehicle that hit you, the make and model, and the license plate (if you didn’t catch the whole license plate number, it’s okay. Write down as much as you can remember. Those details will help the police in their investigation)
Find out if there were any witnesses: If you see any witnesses at the scene of the accident, be sure to get their contact information in case either the police or your insurance company needs to reach them for information.
Take photos: If you can, take some photos of the accident scene and the damage to each vehicle.
Be sure to report the hit-and-run within 24 hours: it’s very important to report this within the 24 period because these incidents are considered crimes. Once you report the incident to the police, they may tell you to take your vehicle to a repair shop. It’s also a good idea to get the officer’s name, badge number, and phone number in case either you or your insurance company needs to follow up with additional questions. It’s extremely important to report this incident to the police. Otherwise, it may be deemed an “at-fault” accident by your insurer, thus increasing the cost of your insurance.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hit and Run Accidents?
These types of accidents are only covered by your insurance if you have collision coverage. Collision coverage is optional, but it is highly recommended that you get this coverage. If you choose not to, you may be responsible for paying for the damages to your vehicle.
Do I have to pay my insurance deductible after a hit and run accident?
Any time you file a claim through your insurance company, you are required to pay your deductible. Once you pay that, your insurance will kick in the cover the rest of the cost of your claim.
Will a hit and run accident increase the cost of my insurance?
As long as you report the accident to the police within 24 hours and your insurance company doesn’t deem the accident “at-fault”, your insurance shouldn’t be affected.
In the event of an accident, it’s important to remain calm, so you can gather yourself and focus on the important next steps you need to take. Getting all of the appropriate information from the police and the other parties is extremely important and will make the repair process that much easier.
Do you ever notice your Pepco bill seems to be a bit higher in the colder months? That’s probably because you’re cranking up the heat in your home. Don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal to see a difference in expenses when comparing fall and winter to spring and summer. Just in case you were wondering about ways to lower your energy bills during the winter, read on…
Are you not entertained? We mean when you’re inside your home. You may depend on your electronic devices like laptops and televisions for fun while indoors. It’s important to know that even when a device appears to be off, if it’s still plugged into an electrical outlet, it’s still using energy. Consider investing in a smart power strip which prevents appliances and electronics from using energy when they’re powered off. It’s all about keeping those energy costs down. This can help!
This is a bit of a no-brainer. Putting on more clothes is going to keep you warmer. Let’s move on to the final tip!
Connect all of your electronically-powered decorations to smart power strips to cut back on expenses!
It’s that time of year again! The most wonderful time of the year! Everything from what you’re going to prepare as a meal for your family, to what gifts you’re going to exchange, all of the details make up a very busy time! There’s another item on that important list of “To-Do’s”: what kind of Christmas tree are you going to buy this year?
Choosing a Christmas tree can be an overwhelming endeavor because all of the trees may look so similar. Some have better needle retention than others, which may be an important factor when considering which tree you want to buy if you have small children. Apart from worrying about your children picking up needles from the floor, the cleanup process may prove to be longer than you’re willing to tolerate.
Some trees give off a strong fragrance, so if you’re sensitive to certain smells or have certain allergies, be cautious before making your purchase.
A very important factor to consider is the strength of the tree’s branches. If you’re more of a minimalist, you have a lot more options available to you. If you’re the type of person that has accumulated countless ornaments over the years and you like to place every single decoration you can think of on your tree, you may consider a tree with sturdy branches to withstand all of the weight of your ornaments. A tree with soft foliage is probability a more suitable option for family’s with children or pets to prevent injuries from occurring.
You can buy your tree from a local nursery or a farm where you can select and cut your own. Some nurseries already have trees cut, so you may be able to skip that step. Still, it’s important to examine the trees before making your choice. If you see a tree with a lot of needles underneath it, it means the tree is not in good condition and you shouldn’t buy it. Another way to see if you’re buying a healthy tree is by gently guiding your hand from a branch on the tree to its tip. It’s important that the tree not drop any needles when you make this motion because it means it’s strong and durable and will last.
After you take your tree home, make sure you’re always providing it with plenty of water. Negligence in this department may prove dangerous because, as a tree dries out, it can become more prone to catching fire. Always be mindful and keep an eye on your water dish beneath your tree and make sure it’s full.
The most common species of trees in Maryland are the following: Douglas Fir, White Pine, Colorado “Blue” Spruce, Scotch Pine, Norway Spruce, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir and Concolor Fir. Different species have different establishment costs, management requirements, and marketability.
One of the best ways to reduce the amount of distractions we have while we’re operating a motor vehicle is by keeping our hands free, so that both of them can have complete control of the steering wheel.
Invest in a cell phone holder: For those of you who use your cell phone as a GPS, cell phone holders can be used to lock your cell phone in a fixed, secured position, so that you don’t have to be tempted to pick it up while you’re driving. The costs are minimal and these items can be found on amazon.com or at Best Buy.
Podcasts or Playlists: A lot of people like to listen to music or to podcasts while they’re driving. This is normal and perfectly safe as long as the volume isn’t so loud to the point where it hinders your ability to hear anything else around you i.e. a passenger’s voice or another car’s horn. It’s imperative that you keep your eyes on the road at all times while you’re behind the wheel. Podcasts are a great choice because they usually focus on one topic at a time, so you’re less inclined to use your hands to change to another topic or to another song. If you enjoy music more than podcasts, consider creating a playlist ahead of time for your travels, so you’re not tempted to touch the dials on your radio or your cell phone.
Don’t apply makeup in the car: Any time you do something that requires your eyes to move away from the road in front of you can present potential danger. Applying makeup is no exception. Serious injury could occur should you hit the vehicle in front of you!
Avoid eating or drinking: The truth is that no one can really multi-task effectively. Sure, you have two hands, so you think you can use one for one thing and the other for something else. It’s important to remember that you’ll never be able to give the proper attention to a single task if you attempt something else at the same time. Getting distracted is easy in these situations. Additionally, if you’re drinking a hot beverage, the possibility of spillage could result in a personal injury.
Limit distractions with passengers: When you’re having a conversation with another passenger, you may sometimes feel the need to turn your head towards them to acknowledge what they’re saying or to see if they’re acknowledging you. Don’t do this.
Let dropped items go: If you happen to drop something while driving, do not attempt to pick it up. Wait until you arrive at a red light to pick it up. If it’s easier for you, when you finally stop at the red light, put your car in park and then pick up the item you dropped. That way, the car won’t shift forward until you put the car back into drive.
Don’t become distracted by kids and dogs in the backseat: However adorable as they may be, rowdy children can present potential risks to your safety if they’re rough-housing in the backseat. That, compounded with shouting or screaming can escalate matters to a point you don’t want to have come to pass. As far as dogs are concerned, make sure they are properly secured in a pet seat. Many of them can be attached the your pet’s leash.
Don’t turn up the volume: You won’t be able to hear potential emergency vehicles attempting to pass you if your music is too loud. Keep your music volume to a reasonable level.
Avoid rubbernecking: Have you ever slowed down to see the aftermath of an auto accident? Don’t do it. It clogs traffic and requires your eyes to move away from what you should be focused on: what’s in front of you.
Avoid fixing your attention on pulled-over vehicles: In the words of Obi-wan Kenobi, “You don’t need to see his identification. Move along.”
Avoid tailgating: Maintain enough distance between yourself and the car in front of you, so that if you’re ever in situation that requires you to brake suddenly, you won’t slam cause a collision. You’ll avoid potentially injuring the driver in front of you, let alone getting them upset. No one wants that.
Avoid rowdy passengers: Being rowdy in the car isn’t worth causing an accident. Leave the rowdiness for when you reach your destination.
Wear sunglasses and use your visor: Make sure you have your sunglasses available at sunrise and sunset, when the sun is at its most powerful.
Don’t smoke and drive: This is similar to eating and driving because it requires one hand to not be the steering wheel.
Avoid basic grooming tasks: Don’t shave, adjust your clothing, or do your hair while you’re behind the wheel of your vehicle.
Don’t put your convertible top up while in traffic: Although some cars have this feature available that allows you to do this with the simple push of a button, it may become distracting for other drivers near you. If you must, pull over on the side of the road before adjusting your convertible top.
Don’t overreact to outside stimuli: Road rage is a serious issue. While it’s normal to react when someone honks their horn at you, it’s best to not fly off the handle at them. Instead, take a deep breath and remain calm. Road rage incidents have the potential to hurt you and others around you.
Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed a national holiday during one of the most trying times in our nation’s history: 1863, during the time of the Civil War. How did Thanksgiving come to be one of the most important celebrations in the United States? Let’s take a little trip back in history, shall we?:
It’s September 1620. A ship called the Mayflower leaves Plymouth, England. Religious liberty and a freedom to be landowners is at the forefront of the minds of its 102 passengers. This would not be an easy journey by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, these brave souls would endure some of the most treacherous conditions known to man. After a dangerous journey that spanned 66 days, they planted themselves near the edge of Cape Cod; their original plan was to arrive at the Hudson River. A month later, the passengers of the Mayflower would settle their own village at Plymouth.
The colonists aboard the Mayflower battled everything from freezing temperatures to outbreaks of horrible disease. Half of the group would succumb to disease before spring. In March of that year, the remaining crew reached land where they would be greeted by someone they certainly did not expect: an Abenaki Native American who would greet them in their native English.
After meeting the colonists, the Native American would leave them and return days later with another Native American. Some of you may have heard of him before. His name was Squanto. This meeting with Squanto would prove to be one of the most fruitful meetings in human history, for it gave the colonists the opportunity to learn how to grow their own crops, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish, and how to identify poisonous plants.
Why is Thanksgiving celebrated in November? Well, in November of 1621, after the colonists successfully harvested their first corn, Governor William Bradford organized a feast in which he invited Native Americans from various tribes to eat with the colonists. Additionally, at the height of the Civil War in 1863, Abraham Lincoln wanted to bring the country together. In his proclamation, he wanted all Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife and to “heal the wounds of the nation”. He scheduled a Thanksgiving for the last Thursday in November.
While there are some Native Americans who strongly disagree with how the history and significance and Thanksgiving is taught to Americans due to the, oftentimes, violent history between Native Americans and European settlers, it is important to remember that through no time in human history has there ever been conflict between human beings. In fact, people engaging in violent conflict is well-documented. From the times of the Caesars to when the Scottish people fought for their freedom against the English crown, it was clear that, although leaders did their best to avoid armed conflict, bloodshed was unavoidable. The conflict between the Native Americans and European settlers was not an unusual occurrence. Human beings have fought amongst each other for centuries. What is important to remember is how peoples from completely different backgrounds were able to put their differences aside and come together to celebrate what they had in common: a mutual need for trade, land, negotiations, and yes, the absence of armed conflict. The survival and prosperity of their individual tribes was more important.
We are living in uncertain times. The outbreak of the Coronavirus has tested us as Americans, challenging the very ideals we so strongly hold in our hearts. This Thanksgiving, may we all take a moment to remember what brings us together, what we have in common and what values we all share as members of this great country. We have an opportunity to remind ourselves of what it truly means to be an American. It’s not something that we should ever take for granted.
sources: https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving
How often have you driven your car and noticed the fuel light on? This is a signal that you need to refuel your vehicle. Many drivers think they can push their vehicles to the limit when it comes to fuel, only refueling at the last possible moment. We strongly advise against this. We’ll explain why.
When you drive your vehicle while the low-fuel indicator light is illuminated, your car is running on reserves (10-15%) of your fuel tank’s capacity. When you run your car during these situations, the fuel pump is not getting the necessary lubrication it needs to function at its optimum level. Over time, ignoring this may erode and/or overheat the engine. To put it plainly, the cost to fill up your gas pails in comparison to repairing your car’s engine. The dangers of a failing fuel pump may range from poor performance, to not accelerating properly, to not starting at all.
In addition, your car’s fuel pump has a filter, which can get dirty rather quickly if you drive on low fuel. Because any sediment or dirt sinks to the bottom of the fuel tank, the result could be blockage of the filter, thus resulting in a costly repair.
When you’re driving your car with the low-fuel indicator light on, you don’t have the time to comparison shop for the cheapest gas. Also, driving under these circumstances leaves you little choice than to stop at the nearest gas station.
If you want to avoid running out of gas in the future, keep your eyes on your fuel meter to make sure you’re not running too low. Remember, filling up more often may mean you’re spending money at the gas pump more often, but the overall cost each time will be less. An easy way to find cheap gasoline is by using smartphone apps. They can tell you if you’re close to a cheap gas station.
Another way to increase your fuel economy is by turning off your vehicle’s air conditioning system. This is especially important if you’re in dire straits of running out of gas.
Go easy on the gas pedal. Driving aggressively also takes a toll on your vehicle’s fuel economy. The faster you drive your car, the less efficient your car’s fuel economy will be. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fast acceleration and constant braking can decrease your gas mileage from 15% to 30% at highway speeds. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, fuel economy drops from 10% to 40%.
Generally speaking, it’s best to keep your fuel tank above a quarter full in order to avoid the possibility of driving on what is considered to be low fuel. Again, driving on low fuel can lead to you being stranded, it can be damaging to your car’s engine, and can seriously hurt your wallet.
In an emergency situation, a properly-functioning smoke detector could mean the difference between life and death.
When it comes to protecting your family, you want to make sure you’re taking all of the necessary steps to ensure their safety. Smoke detectors are an important part of safety in a home. Their purpose is to detect and warn you of smoke inside your home.
Smoke detectors are usually very affordable and are available for purchase at most hardware and department stores. Having a smoke alarm installed in every room of your home accounts for the reduction of risk to life by 50%. Once started, smoke alarms immediately alert the closest fire department and can end up saving lives. Why risk precious time without a smoke alarm when the consequence is so harsh?
It’s not only important to install smoke alarms inside your home. Proper maintenance of these life-saving devices is equally as important, if not more so. A smoke alarm that does not work properly actually poses more of a threat than not having one at all because it gives you a false sense of security. It is possible to purchase smoke detectors that do not require batteries, but if you buy some that do require them, make sure to read the instructions on how to properly install them, so your smoke alarms can function properly.
Fires can start anywhere. Common causes of fires include: grease fires, electrical fires, fires caused by flammable liquids like gasoline, Christmas Tree fires, candles, smoking, space heaters, outdoor fires, and yes, children. It’s important to always keep an eye on your littles ones because, naturally, they are little explorers that will wander off anywhere once something sparks their curiosity. If your child wanders off out of your sight and accidently starts a fire, a smoke alarm may buy you valuable seconds to find them and remove them from a potentially harmful situation. Electrical fires tend to be extremely dangerous due to their ability to spread rapidly.
If you live in an apartment complex, it is especially important to have a properly functioning smoke detector. All types of smoke alarms need to be connected to the central grid of a buildings fire alarm, so if a smoke alarm goes off, it alerts the entire building of potential danger. The connection to the grid also has the ability to inform the authorities of the presence of the fire. Every second counts when lives are at stake. Not having a smoke detector that works gives you a false sense of a security and may lead to you not springing to action fast enough to get to safety in the event of a fire. Don’t take the chance. It’s not worth it.
Exercise more.
Not only does exercising regularly have the potential to help you lose weight, but it has profoundly positive effects on your psychological health. Exercise releases dopamine, a chemical that plays a role in how you feel pleasure, into your brain. It also has the ability to help us focus, plans, and strive to improve in various aspects of our lives. Even those who don’t see a dramatic change in their physical appearance from regular exercise do tend to have better brain health.
Get more sleep.
Lack of sleep may lead to feeling extremely irritable and short-tempered. Additionally, people who are sleep-deprived have a more difficult time recalling pleasant memories, but recall unpleasant ones just fine.
Move closer to work.
Most of us don’t spend too much time focusing on it, but we spend a lot of time behind the wheel. We drive back and forth to work five days out of the week and we do it twice a day. What’s worse is we never take the time to consider the negative effects surrounding our commutes because the factors involved are always everchanging. For instance, on some days, the traffic may be light and easy-flowing. On other days, what usually takes us thirty minutes takes us an hour and fifteen minutes. Because these instances are often spread out, we never grow accustomed to them. As a result, our attitudes are negatively impacted. When we are stressed or upset about something, that can have a tendency to seep its way over into our work, affecting our job performance. The negativity begins to snowball, eventually resulting in a catastrophic event.
Spend more time with friends and family.
Material possessions may bring you happiness, but oftentimes, that happiness is fleeting, meaning that it is short-lived. Clothing goes out of style, cars age and break down and depreciate in value. It’s our relationships with friends and family that bring us true happiness and feelings of fulfillment.
Go outside.
Studies have shown that prolonged periods of sitting down are bad for our health. In fact, such conditions as obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels have been linked to this. Many of us work office jobs that require us to sit at our desks for long periods of time. It’s important to get up and stretch periodically to increase circulation and blood flow in the body. Additionally, being outside for at least twenty minutes when it’s warm versus being stuck inside has proven to increase happiness and overall productivity in the workplace.
Give back to your community.
You might think that spending money on material possessions such as cars, shoes, TVs, or expensive jewelry can bring you satisfaction and happiness. Temporarily, yes, this may be true. But, remember what we were saying about how our relationships with other people is what really brings us happiness? Human beings are social creatures who need human-to-human contact. It’s a necessary thing for both or mental and physical well-being. Acts of service like volunteering at a soup kitchen or participating in a clothing drive for the less fortunate or just being involved with a recreational sports league can bring us immense happiness because we are surrounded by people we care about and people who care about us.
Plan a trip. But, don’t actually take one.
Having a goal, working hard towards achieving that goal, and then finally being successful in accomplishing your goal is incredibly satisfying. Studies have shown that getting a break from work can improve our overall happiness. Have you ever gotten really excited about the prospect of going on an extended vacation? Didn’t you feel really happy about the idea of getting away from the stresses of everyday life? It’s been said that time period of time leading up to vacation creates much more happiness than the period after the vacation is over.
Meditate.
Reserve some time out of your day for meditation and self-reflection. Meditation can help improve focus, clarity and attention span. YouTube has several videos you can follow to practice meditating. Light some candles to create a relaxing ambiance and then get started.
Every year, we create New Year’s resolutions for ourselves. I know. It’s October and I’m already talking about New Year’s resolutions. I get it. Stay with me for a second, though. Typically speaking, these lists focus on self-improvement: getting in shape, reading more books, taking more time to meditate, taking a cooking class, etc. There are several reasons why these resolutions fail. What’s one of the main reasons: They’re not specific enough. When you talk about any kind of personal goal, it will serve you better to be as specific as possible. For example, if you want to lose weight, consider writing down a particular date on your calendar, so you have an opportunity to chart your progress. These kinds of personal goals are common among people. But, what about making changes to your daily life?
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, countless Americans all over the country may be living in fear of getting sick. It’s important to know that there is hope. We need hope. We need positivity. We need positive reinforcement in our lives. How can we ensure our own safety and the safety of those around us? One way we can protect ourselves is by keeping our cars clean and pristine.
Many cleaning solutions can be effective for killing germs. In fact, you may have a lot of these hanging around your house. According to the CDC, cleaning solutions that contain at least 70% alcohol are effective against coronavirus. Soap and water are safe to use for most auto interiors—especially fabric interiors.
Most leather interiors in cars contain urethane coatings for protection. Because of this, it is safe to use alcohol on these surfaces. However, using alcohol persistently may lead to damage and discoloration over time. It’s safer to use simple soap and water.
If you do have leather interior in your car, proper care is essential to prolong the integrity and life of your leather. You should use a good leather cleaner and a good leather conditioner after your cleaning.
For fabric interiors, it’s important to not use too much soap and water. Soap suds can be a problem. If you scrub too hard, you may create soap suds that can soak through the fabric, working its way to the cushion underneath. As a result, a musty smell and possible mold can build up over time. To prevent this from happening, use a little amount of water and laundry detergent.
Once you are finished cleaning your surfaces, it’s important to remember to wash your hands. If you have dirty hands and touch your car’s surfaces, that dirt and griminess will rub off and you’ll have to start from square one. It may be a common belief, but washing your hands consistently is still one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Although coronaviruses can remain on surfaces, it is still believed among medical experts that the primary means of transmission is through respiratory transmission.
Whether you are at work or at home, maintaining a clean, clutter-free area has proven to improve mental health, relieve stress, and prevent us from becoming physically ill. Why not make this a permanent practice in our daily lives?
For many, buying a home is the single most important investment they will make in their lifetime. Because of this, it’s especially important to protect that investment the best way you can. To help you better understand how a homeowners insurance policy works, let’s break down the six basic coverages of a typical homeowners policy:
Dwelling
What does the dwelling portion of a homeowners policy cover?: This coverage pays to restore your home to its original state before the insurance claim was filed. Anything from fire, windstorm, hail, lightning and vandalism is covered.
How much coverage do you actually need?: This value is determined by the estimated cost to rebuild your home which may be determined by an insurance adjuster.
Other Structures
Other Structures are any structure that is detached from the dwelling such as a shed, a fence, or a detached garage. If you were ever in a situation where filing a claim with your insurance company was necessary to restore these structures, this portion of your homeowners insurance policy would apply.
How much coverage do you actually need?: Typically speaking, most insurance policies cover detached structures about about 10% of the total amount of insurance that you carry on your home.
Personal Property
Your personal property are basically your belongings i.e. clothing, furniture, kitchen items.
How much coverage do you actually need?: There is more than one way to go about covering your personal property as it relates to insurance. Normally, actual cash value or ACV is included in a typical homeowners insurance policy. Replacement Cost Coverage is optional. In order to effectively determine the cost of your personal property, it is highly recommended that you do a home inventory. A home inventory is a breakdown of everything in your home from clothing in your closet, jewelry, kitchen utensils, cookware, exercise equipment, entertainment systems, etc. It is much more difficult and a much longer process to determine these values if you do not have a home inventory to refer to. Oftentimes, you won’t remember every little thing in your home. Take care pictures of your items and determine the value of each before disaster strikes. You’ll be thankful you did!
Loss of Use
If you suffer a disaster like a fire or a windstorm or any other covered loss that effectively makes it impossible to live in your home, Loss of Use will pay for additional living expenses during the process of having your home rebuilt. For example, if you need to stay in a hotel, these costs will be covered under the Loss of Use portion of your homeowners insurance policy.
How much coverage do you actually need?: Typically, Loss of Use Coverage is approximately 20-30% of your dwelling coverage limit.
Personal Liability
This particular coverage is for instances when another party is injured as a result of an occurrence in your home i.e. a slip and fall. This coverage also applies to another party’s property being damaged while in your home.
How much coverage do you actually need?: A typical homeowners insurance policy offers $100,000 of personal liability coverage per occurrence. If you feel you may need higher limits, we will be more than happy to discuss your options with you. Now, a homeowners insurance policy has certain limits regarding coverages for injuries. One option you may want to consider is purchasing an umbrella policy. An umbrella policy is extra coverage that would kick in if the limits under your homeowners insurance policy were exhausted. If an incident does happen in your home where someone becomes injured and you are sued as a result, your investments and savings could be at risk. Purchasing an umbrella policy may be a very wise choice.
Medical Payments
If someone suffers an injury while on your property that requires medical treatment, this portion of your insurance policy would cover that. Your policy’s limits are listed on your policy’s declarations page (the first page of your policy). It is important to keep in mind that if injuries sustained are bad enough to exhaust your policy’s limits, you are directly responsible for covering the remaining costs. Again, this is another reason why obtaining an umbrella policy is smart.
No one knows when disaster may strike. Of course, no one wants to go through life in fear of financial ruin. Planning for the future and giving yourself a sense of security and peace of mind is what insurance is all about. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your futures! We’re here for you!
October is finally here! And that means holidays are just around the corner. We’re still facing certain challenges due to the novel Coronavirus and, as human beings, naturally, we are social beings. Therefore, we need human contact in our daily lives. In order to accomplish a sense of normalcy back into our lives, there are certain steps we can take to achieve this.
Celebrating holidays through the use of Zoom meetings, FaceTime, and WhatsApp have given us the opportunity to stay connected to the ones we care about. These methods pose little to no risk of person-to-person spread of COVID-19. Still, before gathering with your loved ones, it’s a good idea to be sure you aren’t carrying any symptoms. Additionally, consider the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in your immediate and surrounding areas and make your ultimate decision based upon that. If your area has a considerable amount of confirmed cases, it may be wiser to keep things virtual for now. You may find current statistics in your area here:
https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html
Keep all areas around food and drinks clean. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that handling food contributes to the transmission of the virus. And although it’s always a good idea to keep surfaces disinfected, this is not considered one of the main ways in which the virus is transmitted. Maintaining proper hygiene is important and is something we should all strive for, regardless of having a social event or not.
We hope that everyone continues to stay safe during these uncertain times.
Steak. Fish. Chicken. Shrimp. Peppers and sausages—what do you like to grill? Enjoying grilling with friends and family is something we all can appreciate. While we enjoy these moments with our loved ones, it’s important to take certain safety measures:
How often do you watch the news? Hidden within the hours of broadcasts may be something extremely important and something that should never be overlooked. We’ll explain…
Stories of vehicle recalls may pop up in the headlines and it’s important to pay attention. More important is to not ignore these warnings as they could pose a potential threat to the safety of yourself and your family. Hundreds of people have been either injured or killed by defective air bags. This statistic has brought on the largest and most perplexing vehicle recall in our country’s history. Seventy million vehicles have been affected from 19 automobile makers.
A vehicle recall is a manufacturer’s effort to remove faulty, potentially hazardous vehicles from our roads. Typically, a recall involves a piece of equipment from the car that does not meet the safety standards and regulations at the federal level. Tens of millions of vehicles are recalled every single year. So, once again, it’s extremely important to pay attention and be aware.
Recall notices are typically sent by your vehicle’s manufacturer via mail. Make sure you’re always checking your mailbox, so you don’t miss an important recall notice. If you’re at all concerned about the possibility of missing a notice, there are alternative methods to get the information. You can sign up for notification emails from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
Your vehicle’s VIN number can help you see if your vehicle has a recall notice. In addition, the NHTSA’s website has useful information regarding vehicle-related products i.e. car seats, tires, and equipment. Your vehicle’s VIN number can be located on the lower left of your vehicle’s windshield. Your vehicle’s registration also has this information.
It is understandable that receiving a recall notice for your vehicle can be stressful. Here’s the good news: It’s free to get the problem fixed! That’s right! Your vehicle’s manufacturer is required by law to fix the problem free of charge. It is not uncommon for manufacturer’s to issue refunds for the labor.
If you ever suspect something faulty with your vehicle, you should report it to NHTSA immediately. You can either report the problem on their website or call their vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or toll-free at 1-800-424-9393.
By staying up to date on your vehicle’s functionality, we can all work together in making our roads a lot safer! We’re here for you!
Bonfires are a fun, popular way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family on those cooler days and nights. It’s important to remain educated about bonfire safety. What are some of the Do’s and Don’ts of bonfire safety? Let’s explore…
Do’s
Don’ts
It’s important to note that consuming alcohol has contributed to over 60% of burns suffered at campfires, beaches, and bonfires. Always have a sober adult present to act as overwatch.
As temperatures drop, the idea of a bonfire is most certainly an attractive one. Being surrounded by family and our closest friends is definitely something we want to be able to do. At the end of the day, we all want to have an enjoyable, memorable experience. Practicing these Do’s and Don’ts will help you do just that.
Picture this. You were just involved in an accident. Your car is damaged enough to the point where it’s not drivable, so you’re going to need a rental car. When you go to the rental car place, the person behind the counter asks you if you want to buy rental car insurance. Confused? You may or may not need to get rental car coverage. We’ll explain…
At the end of the day, the choice is going to be yours and yours alone. Just remember that not all rental car companies offer the exact same coverage for their rented vehicles. It’s best to discuss your options with your insurance agent first.
Now, every time you’re involved in an auto accident, you will be responsible for paying your deductible. Your deductible is an agreed upon amount of money that you may out of your own pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in to cover the remaining costs to repair your vehicle. The purpose of your auto insurance coverage is to make you whole. In the case of an auto collision, your vehicle will be restored to its original state before the time of the accident.
When you speak to your insurance agent, consider the following questions:
Getting coverage from your rental car company IS NOT mandatory. It’s important to understand that. Your own personal auto insurance policy can cover you when you’re driving your rental car. A typical auto insurance policy automatically covers liability (that’s the coverage that applies in cases when you’re the at-fault party). Collision and Comprehensive coverage, although not required, are certainly recommended to have on your auto policy. This kind of coverage will cover the costs to repair your vehicle. It’s important to note that in cases where you are leasing a vehicle, this kind of coverage is usually required. If you are in a situation where you are not making monthly payments for your car, this coverage is optional. Comprehensive coverage would handle everything that is not considered a collision i.e. fire and explosions, vandalism, damaged related to theft, storms, falling objects, windshield cracks or chips, and damage caused by an animal i.e. hitting a deer.
Before you agree to the terms of the rental car company, under the following:
Some rental car companies charge for loss-of-use: This charge would apply in cases when you are in possession of the rental car and it becomes damaged to the point where you can longer drive it. Typically speaking, loss-of-use is not covered under ERIE Insurance policies. Your rental car company may or may not offer additional insurance to cover this situation. Call us if you have your auto insurance through one of our other carriers.
Rental car companies oftentimes charge for diminished value and have other administrative fees: If the rental car is damaged while in your care, custody, and control, the rental car company may claim that the vehicle is less valuable now because it had to be repaired. You may be subject to additional fees from the rental company as well.
Think about who else may be driving the vehicle: If someone in your household will be driving the rental car, your own auto policy will cover them. If anyone other than your family members will be driving the vehicle, coverage from the rental company may be something to consider.
Read the rental car agreement very carefully: Potential loss of use, diminished value and administrative fees may be covered by the rental car company. However, it is extremely important to understand that the rental car company may limit who can actually drive the vehicle. If the vehicle is damaged or deemed a total loss when someone who does not fall under the extended family category is driving the vehicle, the rental car company may deny coverage.
We have one final note to consider: Before you drive off the rental car company’s lot, conduct a thorough examination of the exterior of the vehicle, checking for any dents or scrapes. Notify the company of anything you see right away, so they do not come after you when you return it, saying you are responsible for the damage.
Your ability to anticipate an upcoming hurricane is extremely important and is something that you should prepare for. How well you prepare could be the difference between staying afloat, leading a pathway to eventual recovery, and financial ruin.
Preparing the outside of your home is essential to minimizing any potential damage caused by the hurricane. If a hurricane is in your area, you should do the following:
It’s a good idea to put together a survival kit in case of emergencies. The following items should be in your survival kit:
Hurricane Watch
During a Hurricane Watch, you should do the following:
Our lives have been upended since the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus. Many of us have had to cancel vacation plans we may have had for months. Vacation may be one thing. But, what if we have a job that requires us to travel far across the country or to another country altogether? Sometimes, we don’t have a choice.
If you must travel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend following certain steps to ensure your own safety as well the safety of those around you:
Depending on where you are traveling, you may encounter a situation where you are required to wear a face covering or quarantine yourself for 14 days. In order to avoid these unpleasantries, check for restrictions at your destination before you make your final decision. Your most reliable source for this kind of information is a state or local health department website. Changes occur frequently, so be sure to stay up-to-date.
Due to the fact that it’s considerably more difficult to practice social distancing while on an airplane, the CDC and FAA have issued precautionary measures for potential passengers. Most major airlines in the U.S. are requiring both crews and passengers to wear face coverings. These measures may differ depending on the airport or airline. Check their websites for details.
To help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented more vigorous cleaning procedures at security checkpoints.
TSA employees have made various changes to the process of screening passengers before they board flights. For example, passengers have been asked to wear masks during screening, but may be asked to adjust them for proper identification. Each individual is allowed to travel with one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces in their carry-on luggage. Keep in mind that these containers will need to be screened. Food items should be in a plastic bag and put in a bin for proper screening. Keeping food separate from other items may reduce the time it takes to be screened by security. Instead of placing them in bins, items such as keys, wallets and phones should be stored in carry-on bags to minimize handling of these items.
If you and your friends are planning to hit the road for a roadtrip, here are few things you might consider before starting leaving:
If you’re traveling by bus, do your best to maintain proper social distancing, wear a mask, and use hand sanitizer (until you have an opportunity to wash your hands) until you reach your final destination.
If you’re staying at a hotel, be sure to follow all health and safety guidelines being implemented.
As always, if you’re feeling sick, stay home.
A lot of people dream of having their very own swimming pool, their very own personal escape from the heat on hot summer days. It’s important to understand the responsibilities that go along with owning and maintaining a swimming pool as well as the potential risks.
Swimming pools are meant to be enjoyed, giving many relief from blistering temperatures. If you’re a parent, always keep an eye on your children when they are either in the water or on the pool deck.
Here are a few ways you can protect your loved ones while they are enjoying their time at the pool:
We hope everyone is able to enjoy the beautiful weather this summer all while being safe! We’re here for you!
How many of you have dreamed of having your own home garden, imagined the wonderful smells of fresh basil, thought about taking that first bite into a freshly picked plump red tomato? Since the outbreak of COVID-19, have you found yourself with more time at home? If so, now may be your perfect opportunity to build your own home garden oasis.
Now, some of you may be intimidated by the thought of building your own home garden. But, don’t fret. We’re going to guide you through an easy-to-follow, step-by-step process to make this dream a reality for you!
First, you’ll need to create the bed frame in which your soil and plants will rest. To do this, understand that the frame itself will need to be at least six inches high. This height provides easy access and gives the roots substantial room to grow and flourish.
Step 1: Measure and mark the length of the walls you’ll want to have for your garden and then cut the boards. Keep your fingers a safe distance away from the saw. Measure and cut 2 x 4s for the corner posts so support the walls of your garden. They should match the height of the garden bed wall. If you want additional support, cut posts to install along the walls.
The boards for each wall should be clamped together. Set the corner posts on top of the wall boards, flush with the ends of the 6-foot walls and set back 1-1/2 inches from the ends of the shorter walls. Drill pilot holes and attach the posts with screws. If you choose to cut additional posts for more support, those should be attached as well.
Drill pilot holes and connect all the sides with screws to form a box. The posts should be on the inside of the bed.
Choosing Your Location
It is essential that the location for your garden has enough sun exposure. Without enough sunlight, your plants will not grow.
Choose a flat area that has ample access to sunlight to build your raised garden bed.
Remove with a shovel any ground that restricts the bed frame from resting on a flat surface.
It’s possible to stack your raised garden beds, so you can grow plants with long root stems. If you want to add a second level to your garden, repeat the steps you took to build the initial bed frame with a second level of lumber.
Line with Landscape Fabric
This may be one of the most important steps you take when building your raised garden bed. Create a barrier between the soil in the bed and the soil in your yard in order to keep weeds and grass from growing in the bed from below.
Add Your Soil to Your Raised Garden Bed
When you use a raised garden bed, it allows you to control soil and amendments to help the plants you are growing to flourish. It’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure the best health for your plants:
Add Seeds or Plants to Your Garden Bed
Your next step will be adding seeds or plants to your garden bed. Enough space is necessary between the plants or seeds in order to allow them enough room to grow.
Arrange everything in such a way as to not have the taller plants block sunlight from the shorter ones.
As your plants grow, make sure you support them with stakes, props or cages.
Consider using bird netting to keep unwanted visitors to your garden.
Be sure that your plants are consistently getting enough water.
Once established, it is recommended that plants need about one inch of water per week in order to grow.
Now comes the fun part! What should you plant in your garden? Well, it really depends on what you like! If you love salads, consider planting the following:
If you want a kitchen garden, consider planting the following:
If you like fresh salsa, consider planting the following:
We hope you enjoy the outdoors as you embark on your home garden journey! We’re here for you!
Automobile Accidents occur every single day. In fact, over six million car accidents occur each year in the United States. The initial shock of being in a accident can feel traumatic, leaving you disoriented. It’s important to remain calm and focused, so you don’t forget these very important steps you need to take:
Each year in the United States, over a million people suffer burn injuries that require medical attention. 50,000 of those require hospitalization, 20,000 have major burns over at least 25% of their body; 4,500 of those people succumb to their injuries.
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, we’ve seen a surge in the number of people being admitted to the hospital for burns and other injuries. You may ask yourself why this is happening. The answer isn’t as shocking as one might believe: because restaurants and other public areas have placed restrictions upon their establishments limiting the number of patrons, more and more people are spending time at home. And that means more time in the kitchen. Now, whether you’re a master chef or a beginner, accidents do happen. There are several things you do to protect yourself and your loved ones while you’re at home.
Kitchen safety is extremely important and practicing good habits while in the kitchen can prevent you or a loved one from being injured.
• If you’re going to be cooking, it’s best to avoid wearing loose clothing. If you have long hair, tie it back.
• Remove any and all loose jewelry that may become tangled around pot handles.
• Always keep your oven gloves or mittens near you and use them! Never try to pick up a hot pot or pan without wearing some kind of protection.
• Never leave your pot or pan handles facing out. Young children can grab them, resulting in a dangerous spill.
Being safe in the kitchen isn’t only limited to avoiding burn injuries. Food poisoning is another potentially disastrous scenario. There are ways to protect yourself.
• Check your bread for any signs of discoloration or mold. If you find some, throw them away.
• Don’t leave temperature-sensitive foods out in the kitchen: raw meat, fish, and various dairy products like yogurt or milk can spoil fast. It’s best to put them in the refrigerator or the freezer right away.
• Clean up spills immediately. A wet floor can lead to slips and falls.
• If you’re handling raw meats or fish, always remember to wash your hands afterwards.
Do what you can to avoid distractions.
• It’s okay if you use your cell phone to listen to music while you’re cooking. It’s best to create a playlist that you enjoy, so you don’t feel the need to change the song every few minutes. Taking your eyes away from the stove or the oven for an extended period of time could be catastrophic, not only because of potential injuries, but you may end up burning your food!
• Try to limit the amount of people hot surfaces. If you have too many people moving around the kitchen, especially around hot surfaces, someone could get burned.
Keep any sharp objects like knives or skewers away from children.
As insurance professionals, we understand the risks of being in the kitchen. Managing risks is what we do. We’re here for you!
Typical boat insurance policies have two basic sections: physical damage and liability. Physical damage pertains to accidental loss or damage to the boat and its machinery. Various parts of the boat would be covered in this section of the policy: the hull and engines, sails, personal property, and any other operating equipment that is essential to the boat’s functionality.
Liability Coverage
The liability section of the policy is where you will find your coverages for your legal obligations to third parties, as well as damage caused to someone else’s property as a direct result of operating your boat. For example, let’s say you’re on your boat with your family and some guests. One of the guests on your boat slips and falls, breaking their ankle. The broken ankle would be considered bodily injury. Your policy would also cover you if someone died while on your boat.
Medical Payments Coverage
Another part of a boat insurance policy that is very important is your coverage for medical payments. If the event of an injury to another party, your Medical Payment coverage would cover the costs for any first aid treatments, an ambulance, hospital bills, and any other costs resulting from an injury on your boat. You’ll want to make sure that you have coverages for in place for when people are either coming aboard your boat or if they’re leaving. Always makes sure you have enough coverage on your policy to cover potential injuries to yourself or members of your family.
Uninsured/Underinsured Boat Coverage
When it comes to legal operation of a boat, liability insurance is not required. Therefore, in some instances, it is not unlikely that someone may not be carrying liability insurance on their boat policy. Uninsured/Underinsured Boat Coverage is meant to cover you for injuries sustained that are caused by an operator of another boat that doesn’t have liability insurance on their boat policy.
How Much Will It Cost to Insure My Boat?
This is not a simple question to answer. There are several factors that go into determining the cost of insurance for a boat. For instance, the value, length, and age of the boat; type of boat, type of engine, where you plan to use your boat, and claims history. Naturally, someone who has a long history of filing insurance claims for their boat is going to pay a higher cost than someone who has a clean slate because they are deemed to be higher risk. As is the case with other types of insurance, there are ways to lower the cost of your premium. The easiest, and perhaps most commonly used way is to select a higher deductible for your policy. This is the money you would pay up front out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in. It may also be possible to include something called a lay-up period which is a period of time in which your boat is not being used (typically during the winter months). Your insurance underwriter may offer a discount for each month you are not using your boat.
Call our office to discuss your options for boat insurance today! We’re here for you!
Life is unpredictable and disaster can strike at any moment. Insurance provides you with peace of mind knowing that if something unexpected happens, you’re going to be okay. You won’t face financial ruin. Determining how much it would cost you to rebuild your home can be a giant headache.
What is Guaranteed Replacement Cost?
Guaranteed Replacement Cost ensures that no matter how much it costs to rebuild your home in the event of a claim, your insurance policy will cover you.
Why should I buy Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage?
For many people, buying a home will be the biggest investment of their lifetime. So, it makes sense that they’d want to do everything in their power to protect that investment. It’s actually not uncommon to think that protecting your home with enough insurance coverage costs more than the home itself. The reality is that the insurance company is not insuring your home with the idea of buying it from you. Rather, the goal is to insure your home with enough coverage in case an unforeseen event happens. So, instead of thinking about what you paid to purchase your home, think “How much would it cost if a builder needed to completely rebuild my home?”
The most important thing to remember about guaranteed replacement cost is that this coverage gives you peace of mind, knowing that no matter how bad the damage to your home is, even if you have to rebuild from the ground up, your insurance will cover you.
As a Homeowner, Do I Have Choices as to What Coverages I Want?
Yes. In the insurance business, Guaranteed Replacement Cost is only one option you have for coverage as a homeowner. Listed below, you will find a detailed breakdown of some of the differences between these coverage options.
Replacement Cost vs. Guaranteed Replacement Cost
Guaranteed Replacement Cost offers something that the other coverages do not: peace of mind. This means that no matter how severe the damage to your home is, your policy will cover you. Period. Replacement cost is a little different in that it has a specific limit of coverage. This coverage amount is listed on your policy’s declarations page. Your insurance company will not exceed that dollar amount. This is why, as a homeowner, it’s essential that you are comfortable with the amount of coverage you choose to have on your homeowners insurance policy. If you do not have Guaranteed Replacement Cost, you will likely be responsible for paying the remaining balance out of your own pocket.
Example: Let’s say your home is insured at a replacement cost value of $350,000. In reality, it’s going to cost $400,000 to rebuild your home back to its original state before the loss occurred. You must find a way to pay the extra $50,000 or accept the realization that your newly-built home will not be the same as the one you had before.
Extended Replacement Cost vs. Guaranteed Replacement Cost
Again, Guaranteed Replacement Cost is going to give you the most coverage out of all of these options. Extended Replacement Cost basically gives you a little bit of extra wiggle room with regards to your loss.
If you have this coverage with Erie Insurance, that added protection sums up to 25% more than the listed dwelling amount as seen on your policy’s declarations page. For example, let’s say your home is valued at $600,000. With this particular coverage, your policy will give you an additional $150,000 to put towards replacing your home. As stated earlier, if it is determined that the costs to rebuild your home are exhausted before it restored back to its original state, you will be responsible for the remaining costs, whatever they may be. In the cases of a natural disaster, it is, oftentimes, determined that this coverage is not sufficient enough to cover the full cost of restoration. Guaranteed Replacement Cost is your best option in these cases.
Guaranteed Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Actual Cash Value is typically going to be your least expensive option. However, it is commonly known and understood that the less something costs, the less value it has. This means that if you buy something cheap, expect less in return.
Actual Cash Value is a coverage that is for a pre-determined amount. No more. In addition, some insurance policies may factor in depreciation. For example, in cases where a home has an aging roof, you very well may end up with less money than your policy indicates. That’s definitely a tough situation to be in.
Guaranteed Replacement Cost versus Actual Cash Value is simply a case of most coverage vs. least coverage. Also, Actual Cash Value leaves you most at risk of having to pay out of pocket in the case of a catastrophic claim.
It is very important to remember that Erie Insurance does not offer Actual Cash Value for the dwelling on your primary home. This coverage is only available for secondary homes like vacation homes.
In short, Guaranteed Replacement Cost is always going to be your best option when choosing how to insure your home. No matter what happens, you will be covered!
We’re no longer living in an age where owning a car is not a necessity. As Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”. Thankfully, our cars are able to get us from Point A to Point B with relative ease. By purchasing your auto insurance through ERIE, you’ll get a number of amazing benefits that will give you the peace of mind you deserve, so you can live your life the way you want to.
Multi-Policy Discount: When you bundle your home and auto insurance with Erie, you may be eligible for the multi-policy discount. This discount does not only apply to combining your home and auto coverage. For example, if you renting a home or if you own a condo instead of a home, you can combine one of these policies with your auto insurance.
ERIE Rate Lock: This feature can be added to your auto policy at any time. It gives you the opportunity to pay the same rate for your auto insurance every year. If you’re involved in an accident, your rate will not increase until you make certain changes to your policy. For example, your rate can change if you add a new car to your policy, add another driver like a son or daughter, or if you change your address.
ERIE Auto Plus: With this endorsement, you can cover all of the vehicles listed on your auto policy for up to $35 per policy. For every year you don’t file a claim, your deductible will decrease by $100 each year up to a maximum amount of $500.
Pets: We all love our furry friends! And we all dread the idea of them getting hurt. If your pet is injured in a covered auto accident, Erie will cover the costs of vet bills up to $500 per pet (maximum of 2 pets for a total limit of $1,000).
YourTurn: Are you a competitive person? Are you ready to put your safe-driving skills to the test? When you and other drivers in your family sign up to use ERIE’s YourTurn Phone App, you’ll be able to track and keep records of your family members’ scores, latest locations, trip details and streaks. Let the games begin!
New Auto Security: With ERIE’s New Auto Security endorsement, you have the opportunity to have your new vehicle (or 2015 vehicle that’s “new” to them) replaced without worry of depreciation. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss and you had a lease or a loan still on the vehicle, Erie will cover the difference between the actual cash value of the vehicle and what was still owed on the lease/loan. This is known as gap coverage on your auto policy.
Rental Cars: If you file a claim for a covered accident or loss, ERIE can offer Transportation Expense Coverage. This coverage is meant to cover you for the duration you don’t have access to your damaged vehicle.
Full Payment Discount: If you are able to pay your auto insurance premium in full up front, ERIE has a discount available for you.
Roadside Service: If you’re ever in a situation where your vehicle breaks down and you’re stranded, for around $5 per vehicle, you can add this coverage. This coverage gives you that added peace of mind knowing ERIE will save the day should something unexpected happen.
55+ Driving Discount: For all of your years of safe driving, ERIE wants to reward you. Call us to discuss this offer with one of our agents today.
Reduced Usage Discount: If you plan to store your vehicle for 90 consecutive days or more, ERIE can offer you a discount in most states (Not available in Kentucky).
Accident Prevention Course: Refreshing your driving skills if you’re 55 years old or older may make you eligible for a discount on your auto insurance policy.
Call us at 301-948-2010 to discuss your auto insurance coverage today! Also, be sure to follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages! Just search Boizelle Insurance Partnership on Facebook and follow @boizelleinsurance on Instagram! We’re here for you!
We are living in uncertain times. With the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, families all over the country have been told to practice safe social-distancing and quarantine. Although these actions have been deemed necessary by world leaders, it still leaves us wondering when our lives can and will return to some semblance of normalcy. It is not uncommon – in these times – to feel down or depressed. So, it’s important to surround yourself with those you love. If you live alone, do the best you can to reach out to a friend or a loved one. If you know an elder who struggles to move around or who lives alone, consider bringing them groceries. We may not be able to have physical human contact right now, which is oh so important to our mental health and overall well-being, but we can take advantage of our technological advances. Pick up the phone and call someone, schedule a zoom meeting with your friends, FaceTime your grandparents, WhatsApp your in-laws. We can all do more to stay connected to each other.
Take a virtual trip at home
With travel restrictions in place and our own fears of contracting COVID-19, perhaps it’s time to try another way to see your favorite vacation destination. At least, until things return to normal. The Internet is an extremely effective and powerful tool that we have today. It allows us to see places all over the world we never even imagined. We can even see Antarctica if we wanted to! Okay, okay…you probably don’t want to imagine yourself in such a cold place. Maybe something far warmer, with the sun beaming down upon you. The Caribbean? Pretty much anything is possible with the Internet.
What to eat and drink while we’re all stuck at home
If you need some help deciding what to cook at home during quarantine, there are several tools you can use for some inspiration. YouTube videos are a great way to find recipes you enjoy. You can follow along with your favorite dishes and create something truly spectacular for yourself or your loved ones! While you’re in the kitchen making pasta and meatballs, why not turn on a little Frank Sinatra to really brighten the mood?
Wine Happy Hour
Since you’re away from your friends, why not buy a bottle of a wine and create a zoom meeting where you can interact with your friends? If you’re like me, you can talk about how much you miss baseball or going out to the movies. Sitting in your seat at the ballpark with a sausage and peppers sandwich on a toasted hoagie roll with mustard…an ice-coke to wash it all down! And don’t forget the chili dogs, nachos and peanuts! Who else misses Nationals’ baseball? **tear**
What to watch at home during quarantine
If there’s ever been a legitimate excuse to binge-watch your favorite shows, now’s the time! If you’re a comic-book or superhero enthusiast like me, Arrow and The Flash are great! If you have the STARZ channel, you can still watch Spartacus if you rent of buy the seasons or episodes. Unfortunately, it’s no longer on Netflix. Tiger King has proven to be an extremely popular choice!
Play with your pets
Our Frenchie has never been happier! Usually, we need to wake up and leave for work in the morning. Because we’re all working from home right now, she’s the happiest dog in the world!
How to stay in shape during quarantine
Gyms have been said to be some of the most risky places to be right now. Typically, germs are everywhere because as people are exercising, they sweat. And…yeah. It can get pretty nasty! When gyms finally open again, I think everyone is going to see cleansing wipes at every workout station around. Could that become the new normal? Going back to YouTube, it’s a wonderful source to find workout videos that you can follow along to. I know that a lot of people like to use weights when they work out. If you don’t have access to them right now, buy some gallons of milk and do some lifting exercises. Stretch bands and yoga are also really great! You can find step-by-step yoga instructional videos on YouTube that you can follow along to. If you’re having a hard day, you can also find videos with a focus on meditation to help you bring your mind back to a sense of tranquility and peace. My wife and I like to light candles or burn incense to create a more relaxing atmosphere. It’s almost like being in a spa!
Reward your children for completing chores
As I was researching information for this blog, I came across a fantastic idea! Since we’re all at home, perhaps it’s a good idea assign certain tasks to your children during the quarantine. To make it more fun, have a family movie night, but create a movie theater atmosphere where you have popcorn and candy. Make movie tickets that your kids can buy with the money they earned from doing their chores. It’s a great learning experience where your kids can learn the value of completing a job well and getting rewarded for it!
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Let’s all stay connected to each other!
There’s no greater compliment we receive than when you refer your family members, friends, and neighbors. Because of your trust, our agency continues to grow as the DC area’s preferred source for home, auto, business, and life insurance.
So, we want to continue with our tradition of saying “thanks to you” for recommending us.
For decades, Children’s National has held a special place in our hearts. Which is why we want to keep giving back to those who need our help the most – the kids in our community.
Here’s all you do to participate:
What happens then?
We will mail your “Thanks to You” Referral Reward of a $25 VISA gift card, and send a gift of $25 to Children’s National. The referred party is not required to purchase a policy.
What better time than now when everyone is thinking about how to better protect themselves and their families? Who do you know that wants the absolute best in protection? Who’s buying a car, a boat, or an RV…shopping for a home, or a vacation home, or investing in rental property…who’s having a baby…who’s moving, starting a business, growing a business. We’re an independent insurance agency so we can help them with a policy that fits their needs.
We hope to always prove worthy of your support and confidence. Please enjoy our way of saying thanks, and thanks again.
Requirements: To qualify for a Thanks to You Referral reward, you must be a current client of Boizelle Insurance Partnership, and you must be at least 18 years of age. The referred party must have prior insurance and a qualified record (not high-risk or hard-to-place).
Eligibility to enter expires: August 1, 2022.*
*Boizelle’s “Thanks to You” Referral Program may be extended or readministered at the discretion of Boizelle Insurance Partnership.
.post_meta .comments {
display: none;
}
.post .post_wrapper .desc p:last-child {
margin-bottom: 0;
padding: 0px 0px 10px 0px;
line-height: 180%;
}
How to Choose a Deductible for Your Auto Insurance
Not all auto insurance policies are alike. In fact, one of the most important decisions you will make before committing to an auto insurance policy is choosing your deductible. When you have an auto accident, your deductible would be the amount of money that you would pay out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in.
Here’s an example of how your deductible would work pertaining to your auto insurance. You’re involved in an accident. You then go to your favorite collision repair shop to get an estimate of what the cost would be to repair your vehicle and restore it back to its original state. The people at the repair shop tell you it’s going to cost $3,500 to repair it. Now, let’s say that you have a deductible of $500. Before any repairs will be made by the repair shop, you would be responsible for paying the first $500 of the full cost of repairs. Your insurance policy would then cover the rest. It’s important to note that your deductible only applies to repairs made to your own vehicle.
It is not uncommon for people to typically choose a deductible between $100 and $1,000. Depending on the state, deductibles could range from as low as $100 to as high as $10,000. Our agents can break down your options in simple terms so you can choose deductible that fits your budget.
Some insurance carriers offer something called a diminishing deductible. Erie Insurance is one of those companies. This is a great endorsement that can be added to your policy. For every year of safe driving, your deductible could be lowered by as much as $100 per year of driving without filing a claim on your auto insurance policy. If you keep a consistent track record of no accidents, your deductible to be diminished to nothing. That’s right! Zero!
Whenever you’re involved in an accident, it’s important to remember to get the other party’s insurance information. If you are deemed not responsible for the damage to the vehicles involved, you should file the claim through the other party’s insurance company. And, you will not be responsible for paying your deductible under your own auto policy.
The more money you commit to pay upfront (your deductible), the less your auto insurance premium typically is. If you’re not sure which deductible to choose, don’t worry. One of our agents can guide you through the process.
Before choosing a deductible, you should consider the following:
Life is unpredictable. It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. One way to make sure you’re ready if a problem strikes is to have money set aside for emergencies. That way, you won’t panic or have to scramble for cash.
As each new year begins, all of us take some time to reflect. We reflect on our goals, our accomplishments, and how our lives have changed. Perhaps you had a goal to go the gym three times a week. Or maybe, you told yourself you were going to travel more. Whatever the case may be, we all have different goals, different needs, and it’s up to us as individuals to have the discipline and tenacity to stay focused on what we need to do to make our lives better for ourselves and our families.
All of us may have resolutions that we set for ourselves as individuals, but how much thought have you given to creating a better life for your loved ones? Let’s talk about how paying attention to your insurance needs can make your life a whole lot easier and more enjoyable, so that you can live each day with the peace of mind you deserve.
The holiday season is nearly here, which means many shoppers will be driving in and out of store parking lots for the better part of a month. All that activity can up anyone’s chances of being in a parking lot accident. Which may lead you to wonder: How does insurance cover parking lot accidents?
If you damage someone else’s car in any way, it’s your responsibility—and possibly even the law—to leave a note if the other driver is still shopping.
“Not leaving a note is considered a hit-and-run in the vast majority of states,” says Dave Freeman, vice president and manager of Personal Lines Underwriting at ERIE. This applies even if it’s just a small scratch.
Unfortunately, some people won’t do the right thing. If you return to a dented or dinged car, you can ask around to see if there were any witnesses. If there aren’t any, ask the store if they have security cameras. “More and more stores are investing in cameras, which is giving investigators an opportunity to review an accident,” says Dave.
Sticky Situations
An at-fault driver’s auto insurance should cover the property damage they caused to the other vehicle. If the incident is a hit-and-run—or if the at-fault driver has no auto insurance or not enough insurance—you’ll have to rely on your own auto insurance to cover the damage. That’s assuming you purchased optional collision coverage on your own vehicle. Also, uninsured motorist property damage coverage that is available in some states protects your car if it’s struck by a hit-and-run driver. (A deductible may apply.)
Just keep in mind that you’ll likely need uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. This insurance coverage is optional in some states and mandatory in others. It covers you and your passengers’ damages if you’re injured by a hit-and-run driver, an uninsured driver or a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Your insurance agent can tell you more about this important coverage.
There is usually an at-fault driver when there’s a parking lot accident. But there are some cases where an accident is two drivers’ fault—for instance, two people may back out at the same time and hit each other. What typically happens in these cases is that each driver files a claim with their own insurance company.
Prevent Dings, Dents, and Accidents
From slowing down to parking at a distance from other cars, there are lots of ways to help prevent parking lot accidents. Yet nothing is foolproof. If you do get in a parking lot accident, Dave recommends not leaving a nasty note or getting into an argument—things can quickly get out of control. Instead, simply take down the contact information of any witnesses and call your insurance company.
Instances like these show how important the right auto insurance is. Talk to Boizelle Insurance to learn more about getting the right coverage for your car.
Originally by: Amanda Prischak, Erie Insurance
They say that the only constant in life is change. And that’s true whether you’re 18, 80 or somewhere in between.
One thing to consider when life changes is your insurance coverage. Here are six common transitions that your Erie Insurance agent can help you navigate.
You’re off to college.
With Erie Insurance, full-time students younger than 24 are automatically covered under their parents’ homeowners policy. Part-time students (or students who are 24 and older) may need to take out a renters insurance policy. If you choose to live in an apartment instead of a dorm, think about purchasing a separate renters insurance policy. (Learn more about renters insurance below.) When it comes to car insurance, you don’t need your own policy if you’re taking a family member’s car to school. If you’re a co-owner on the vehicle or if you own your own car, you probably need your own policy.
You’re renting your first place.
You found the perfect place, but since your landlord’s policy doesn’t typically cover your stuff, you’ll want to look into getting your own renters policy. In addition to protecting your belongings, a renters policy also provides worldwide liability protection for a situation like harming someone while riding your bike. If someone is hurt in your apartment, your policy most likely would pay his or her medical bills. A renters policy will often cover additional living expenses if your apartment is damaged and you can’t stay there because of something like a fire. There are many affordable options—plus, you can qualify for a discount if you purchase both a renters and an auto policy from ERIE. In some cases, the discount can pay for pay for most (or all!) of the renters policy.*
You just got married.
If you’re just starting out, you’ll definitely want to look into life insurance. Life insurance can be the most affordable way to help ensure that you or your new spouse is able to carry on if the unthinkable were to happen. Also remember to ask about your auto insurance. You could qualify for discounts, including a multi-car discount if both cars are insured by ERIE. Finally, you may need extra coverage on an engagement or wedding ring. With an Erie Insurance homeowners or renters policy, your coverage for lost or stolen jewelry is capped at $3,000. So if your ring is worth more, you’ll want to consider separate coverage.
You welcomed a bundle of joy.
You may have binkies, diapers and formula on your mind, but another thing to consider is life insurance protection for your family. Everyone needs financial protection—even a stay-at-home parent. With life insurance, you can provide for your loved ones even if…well, you’re not there.
You retired and are renting a place somewhere warm for the winter.
No penalty for sand between the toes! If you’re going south, an extra policy is not needed in the majority of cases. That said, a lot depends on the policy you already have, how long you’ll be gone and what kinds of things you’ll be taking to your temporary home. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to check in with your agent before you head south.
You or a loved one is entering an assisted living facility.
When it’s time for help with care, it’s a good idea to consider a renters policy if you or a loved one is entering an assisted living facility. A renters policy covers belongings—and, more important, personal liability. For instance, renters insurance could cover your loved one if he or she was responsible for injuring someone.
Many people can’t afford to pay big medical bills out of pocket, so definitely contact your Boizelle Insurance before making the move. Life may change, but one thing that doesn’t is being able to rely on us. You can always turn to us when it comes to making sure you’re protected at every stage of life.
*Individual policies may differ.
Originally by: Amanda Prischak, Erie Insurance
That means, a whole year early, you could start saving 50% or more on your car insurance!
What’s more, you’d have some of the best, most comprehensive coverage you can get. ERIE is known for exceptional, customer-friendly service and timely follow-through. In other words, when you need help the most, it’s there for you.
You don’t have to do anything differently. Just call Boizelle Insurance Partnership at 240-780-8635. Tell us when you’re 24 years old, and we’ll quote you the Adult Rates you’re entitled to.
The annual apparition of spooky skeletons, broomstick-riding witches and carved pumpkins is a sure sign Fall is well under way. Second only to Christmas in terms of how much consumers spend on decorations, Americans of all ages seem to love celebrating Halloween.
The Halloween spirit has spread to the inside and outside of the home as well, with homeowners setting up elaborate displays that range from haunted houses in the basement to graveyards on the lawn, as well as high-tech LED lighting outdoors. When planning and setting up your Halloween decorations, it is a good idea to consider any potential risks involved. Taking steps to prepare your property and to protect any visitors can help spare you from a truly frightening night.
Be Aware of Dangers that Might Not be Visible During the Night
Remember that Welcoming the Neighborhood Inside Also Invites Risk
Be Smart about Where You Place Decorations
Set Up Spooky Lighting with Caution
Choose Decorations Wisely
Do Not be Frightened by the Risks
Originally by: Travelers Insurance
There are lots of ways to get insurance coverage these days, but working with one insurance agent and company for your business, home, auto, and life insurance has a lot of advantages. Here are four:
The Licensed insurance agents at Boizelle Insurance have a lot of experience helping people with their insurance needs. We’ll explain what types of coverage are available, answer your questions and can help make sure you have the right coverage at the right price. To get started, contact Boizelle Insurance today.
1ERIE® life insurance products and services are provided by Erie Family Life Insurance Company, a member of Erie Insurance Group, and are not available in New York. See individual policies for specific coverage details. Certain terms and limitations may apply. Refer to our disclaimer for additional information.
Originally by: Carolyn Sennett, Erie Insurance
Just part of our personal commitment to serve you, includes our desire to identify areas where we can help to protect you.
To this end our agency was the first to develop a system to protect you from loss if you misplace your keys. Replacing keys and rekeying locks can cost you hundreds of dollars. Micro chipped keys and fobs alone can cost hundreds and require time consuming trips to the dealership.
You attach the enclosed Reward For Return Tag to your keyring. Your tag has a unique identification number which is already assigned to you in our secured database. If your misplaced keys are found, the finder will call our office with your ID number. We contact you with the finders contact info and we pay the finder a reward. You can arrange to retrieve your keys without revealing your name or residence. We are happy to assist in this process if you desire.
This is a free service which is provided to you as a token of our appreciation and concern for you.
The very best business insurance policies offer you more than just a piece of paper outlining what they do and do not cover. They also offer valuable services that benefit your business in a variety of ways. These services should not only take care of you when something goes wrong but help you avoid it in the first place. Do you have a great business insurance policy? Find out for sure by thinking about how well it measures up when it comes to the following services.
1.Trusted advice: This is where your insurance agent should shine. Whether it’s quote time, claim time or anytime in between, your insurance agent should be someone you can count on. They should understand your business and its unique risks so they can recommend the right coverage. This matters because the last thing you want is a coverage gap that could put your business at financial risk.
How ERIE measures up: ERIE is represented by independent agents in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Like you, each agent is a local business owner who cares about the community. Your Boizelle Insurance agent will take the time to get to know you and your business so they can recommend the coverages your business really needs to be fully protected.
2. Risk control services: A good business insurance policy doesn’t just help you when bad things happen—it also helps you prevent bad things from happening in the first place. That’s where a risk control consultant comes in. Risk control consultants who work for an insurance company help business owners by evaluating potential hazards and recommending measures to help a customer reduce risks. Just a few of the ways they do that is by assisting with resources for the development of disaster recovery plans, conducting workplace surveys, providing resources to help a customer become aware of OSHA regulations that impact the business and more.
How ERIE measures up: As a part of many ERIE policies, you have access to a locally based risk control consultant who can evaluate potential risks in your business and recommend measures to help you reduce those risks. ERIE—which was the first insurance carrier to fly a drone to investigate a claim—was the first insurer to outfit commercial risk control consultants with Google Glass. ERIE recently conducted a test program of risk control consultants who used Google Glass during typical business visits.
3. Great claims services: Quick to act, compassionate, knowledgeable—these are all things that you want from your insurance company when it comes time to file a claim. Unfortunately, many people find out too late that their insurer’s claims service is less than stellar after going through a claim. To get an idea of whether your insurer will stand by you, talk to current customers who’ve been through a claim with that company. It’s also a good idea to check out ratings from respected research companies like J.D. Power.
How ERIE measures up: ERIE’s award-winning claims service has a reputation for getting customers back in business fast. That responsiveness is part of the ERIE mission of being Above all in Service®. It also helps that ERIE has claims offices in every state in which it does business, meaning help is never too far from home.
Not entirely convinced your business insurance policy is up to snuff? Then talk to Boizelle Insurance. We can evaluate your current policy and tell you more about the great services you should be getting in addition to great coverage.
By: Amanda Prischak, Erie Insurance
Let me share a story with you about a friend of mine. Let’s call him “Brandon.” Recently, Brandon bought a new car, but opted out of certain coverages like gap insurance to save a little money on his monthly premium.
Unfortunately, he got into an accident and his car was deemed a total loss, less than a year after he bought it. He owed more than the car was worth and had to actually pay money to get out of his loan. Had Brandon been properly insured, his coverage would have helped him out so that he could have been less financially impacted.
Moral of the story? Being properly insured is something that everyone—even young adults—should think about. Here are three reasons why:
Peace of mind
No one ever wants anything bad to happen to them. However, sometimes not-so-great things come when we are least expecting it. The right amount of insurance coverage can help get you through tough times.
For me, the peace of mind that insurance brings helps me worry less about unexpected large bills.
Protection
You may say to yourself, “I’m young … what could I possibly have to insure at this point in my life?”
The answer is “a lot.” You have yourself (think liability insurance for when you drive, life, health, etc.), your car if you have one, your home or apartment–even your belongings that you’ve worked hard for, like your electronics, clothing, furniture and more.
Just because you can’t see the benefits of insurance right away like you can a tangible object, if you gamble and go without insurance, you could cost yourself more in the long run. By paying smaller amounts now through your insurance premium, you protect yourself from higher costs that may happen in the future. Think of it as a way to budget for the tougher times in life.
Support
When you buy insurance, you’re also getting an advocate to help you through a trying time.
An insurance company may be able to help you get the money related to an accident, find a mechanic, get through a travel problem, and more. Insurance professionals are experts in helping people through difficult situations.
Insurance is there to help you manage whatever life may throw at you in the future. Think of it as a way to budget for the tougher times that inevitably find us all at certain times.
By: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, Progressive Insurance
A vacation home can be a wonderful luxury and sometimes even a good investment, but there are some important factors to consider before making the leap into second-home ownership—such as insurance costs. Just like your primary home, you’ll need to insure your vacation home against burglary, fire, weather damage, liability and other risks. Because insurance can add significantly to the price of buying and owning a vacation home, you may want to consider the likely insurance costs before deciding on a specific property.
Key Factors Impacting Vacation Home Insurance Costs
For a number of reasons, insurance for a vacation home can be more expensive than the coverage on your primary residence. Notably, your second home may often be unoccupied, putting it at greater risk for theft, vandalism and undetected damage, like burst water pipes. When you shop for a vacation home, it’s important to recognize that the following factors will impact your insurance costs:
Location—The location of any home is always a factor in pricing insurance policies, but it can be especially significant for vacation homes. The very location that makes a vacation home desirable may also make it more expensive to insure. For instance, a ski house or hunting lodge in a remote or mountainous area could be at greater risk for damage due to wildfire. A beach house may be more exposed to wind damage or storm surge from a hurricane. These location-based risks will impact the price of coverage, and in some cases may even incur higher deductibles.
In addition, if the home is located in a flood zone, you’ll be required to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, but coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from some private insurance companies (like Boizelle Insurance). The cost of NFIP flood insurance for second homes has been increasing and there are also special surcharges that you will be required to pay. You can check the cost of flood insurance for a specific location by going to www.floodsmart.gov. You can also lower your insurance costs by choosing a location with less risk—for instance, further from the beach, down the mountain or in a gated community where there is security.
Type of Property—As is the case with any house, a vacation home’s age and types of building materials used will impact the cost of insurance. In addition, these costs will vary depending on whether your second home is a single-occupancy house, a condominium or a townhouse. A condominium, for instance, may have lower insurance costs because the homeowners association maintains and insures the exterior of the property and may provide security. Generally, the cost of insuring the structure of the unit will be included in the monthly maintenance fees. Your personal condo insurance will cover your belongings and specific areas of the unit listed in the policy.
Amenities—If your vacation home has a pool, hot tub or other special amenity that adds risk, you may pay a higher insurance premium. You may also want to purchase more liability protection as these items are considered “attractive nuisances” that lead to a higher probability of liability claims being filed.
Ways to Save on Second Home Insurance Costs
While the price of insurance will increase the total cost of ownership of a second home, there are steps that you can take to help make insurance more affordable:
Will You Rent Your Property?
If you plan to rent your vacation home to others, your homeowners insurance costs will likely increase, and you may need to purchase additional coverage. Your insurance needs will depend on how often you rent out the property and for how long. For a one-time short-term rental, you may be able to add a simple extension (an “endorsement”) to your existing homeowners policy. On the other hand, if you plan to regularly rent out your second home, you may need separate business coverage or a landlord policy. While some rental services, such as Airbnb and VRBO, offer coverage for homeowners, it’s important to read the fine print to determine limits and exclusions.
Because renting your second home entails additional, more complex risks, it’s a good idea to consult with your insurance professional. Call Boizelle Insurance today!
Originally posted by: Insurance Information Institute
Writing a check for car insurance isn’t your favorite thing in the world. We get it. Here are a few tips to help you get great auto insurance coverage—while paying less:
At Erie Insurance, it’s our job to keep you safe and covered—but great coverage doesn’t have to break the bank.
Contact Boizelle Insurance to find out how you can reduce your premiums while keeping the level of protection you have learned to expect.
Originally Posted by: Erie Insurance
Do you know how much it takes to raise a child these days? Are you sitting down?
That would be almost a quarter of a million dollars.
It costs $245,000 to raise a child born in 2013 until they hit 18, according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
This is not about a luxury upbringing. This is no Kardashian-esque baby outfitted in cashmere onesies. This is not about a privileged college education, because these numbers do not include the cost of college. That’s extra. Add on about $18,000 a year for public and $41,000 a year for private college.
This number—$245,000—is a place to live, food, clothes, health care…the basics.
You’re here to take care of these expenses now. But what happens if something were to happen to you? If an average middle-income family is spending around $13,000 a year on their child, that money would have to come from somewhere.
That’s where life insurance comes in. If you take between one and two percent of what you already spend on your child each year—or about $200—it could pay the yearly premium for $250,000 in term life insurance coverage. If something happens to you, your child would be okay financially.
We’ve used a healthy 30-year-old dad or mom (who doesn’t smoke!) who gets a 20-year level term policy for the above example. Age and health will vary the amount of your premium—as your age increases or health decreases, the price goes up.
But the truth is, setting aside one to two percent of what you’re already spending on your child is a small price to pay to protect them. There’s no reason to wait. To help you figure out how much life insurance you might need, contact Boizelle Insurance. We can help you decide the amount and type of protection is right for you, and how affordable life insurance can be to protect the ones you love most.
By: Erie Insurance
Some people equate life insurance with tragedy and death. In truth, life insurance is for the living. Without it, the sudden demise of a key breadwinner could leave a family stranded without the resources to maintain their lifestyle—or even retain their home.
Not so long ago, professionals recommended that families carry a life insurance policy with a death benefit of 10 times their annual household income. Today, however, in light of rising house prices in many parts of the country, spiraling college costs and low interest rates most advisors now recommend up to 20 times your household income.
Unfortunately, most American families are underinsured. The gap between what households have and what they need is nearly $320,000, according to LIMRA’s study Closing the Life Insurance Gap, 2015.
If you’d like to get a working idea of how much life insurance you may need (or how much more you may need), you can use our quick Life Insurance Needs Calculator.
A Cornerstone of Your Financial Plan
Life insurance is a cornerstone of your financial plan, for these reasons.
Remember, Boizelle Insurance can help you determine what coverage is right for you and your family. Give us a call today to get started.
Originally Posted by: Marvin H. Feldman, Life Happens
You probably never want to imagine that a customer would sue you or your business for discrimination or sexual harassment, but it does happen unfortunately.
Customers, vendors, clients or other non-employees may allege that one of your employees engaged in a wrongful act such as sexual harassment or discrimination (age, sex, race, disability, etc.).
“Businesses that deal directly with the public generally have more vulnerability to customer claims or third-party claims,” said Christie Lucas, vice president and business insurance product manager at Erie Insurance. “Given the very nature of their business, they have more exposure to these risks.”
Businesses that deal with the public routinely could include restaurants, retail stores, auto dealerships, contractors, hotels, religious institutions, schools, medical offices and real estate professionals, among others, Lucas said.
Are you covered?
The next question in your mind should be are you covered? Many business owners may not realize —or realize too late—that they have a gap in their insurance coverage.
Most standard Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) policies generally offer a measure of protection against lawsuits brought on by employees alleging wrongful acts (sexual harassment or discrimination) or wrongful termination. But EPLI generally does not cover you when a customer sues you for discrimination or sexual harassment.
What is third-party coverage?
To narrow the gap in coverage, you may want to add third-party EPLI coverage, which you can purchase and add to your policy as an endorsement. An insurance professional like Boizelle Insurance Partnership can tell you more about the benefits of the coverage and cost.
In addition to checking on your insurance coverage, it’s equally important to do all you can to prevent third-party claims. Businesses should have harassment and discrimination policies in place and conduct employee training routinely.
Erie Insurance customers have access to loss prevention resources from Hartford Steam Boiler, ERIE’s partner in offering this coverage. For example, you would have access to online resources such as model employee handbooks, policy checklists and a library of web-based training topics. A legal helpline is also available so you can connect with an experienced attorney to talk about specific issues and concerns. If a covered claim occurs, you’ll also have access to claims professionals and attorneys who have experience with these sensitive matters.1
1 Coverage and associated services provided under an arrangement with The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company.
By: Erie Insurance
When you think of insurance, you probably think of the most common insurance policies: life, health, home, and auto. But if you’re a boat owner, there is another insurance policy that needs to be at the top of your list – boat insurance.
Unlike automobile insurance, boat insurance is not required in every state. Having such a policy for your boat, however, protects your financial security should an accident occur.
“Boat owners should at least carry liability insurance, which covers them for any damage they may cause to someone’s property or if they cause an injury to someone else,” says Dave Freeman, vice president of Personal Lines Underwriting at Erie Insurance. “If you want protection for your own boat – including permanently attached equipment, any boating equipment and accessories, outboard motors and boat trailers – you need to carry physical damage coverage.”
The comprehensive physical damage coverage Freeman mentions protects you in the event your boat sustains direct physical loss of or damage to your boat, equipment, motor and/or trailer. Another more basic coverage is Named Perils coverage that protects you should an accident occur due to fire, lightning, cyclone, tornado, windstorm, theft, vandalism or malicious mischief, collision while waterborne, collision, overturn and derailment on land or the loss of the entire motor overboard.
Another coverage every boat owner should consider is the uninsured boater’s protection policy that covers insured boaters if they are ever involved in an accident with an uninsured boater.
While most claims would be covered under these coverages, boat owners looking for more protection may also consider a medical payments coverage that covers injuries sustained on a boat. You might also consider emergency services coverage in case emergency service to the boat is required. You also have the option to insure your boating equipment and even the personal effects you bring on your boat, such as clothing, fishing equipment, canopies, tools, radios and cameras.
Finally, sailboat owners may be interested in a spars and sails racing extension, which covers damage to the sails, spars and rigging during a pre-arranged racing competition.
ERIE’s boat insurance policy protects boaters anywhere in the continental United States, Washington D.C. and Canada as well as the waters that stretch along the coastline. To learn more about this policy and specific coverage available, call Boizelle Insurance. We can walk you through the coverage you need.
It’s time to have some fun now that the logistics are out of the way. Enjoy the warm weather and head out onto the water!
Originally Posted By: Erie Insurance
Bret Boizelle sits down with Charles Chapman of RE/MAX Realty Services to provide important tips for homeowners seeking quality insurance.
When you buy your dream bike, you probably can’t wait to take that first ride. Before you do, you’ll want to get a few things in order before you set off. Just one is motorcycle insurance.
Just like you wouldn’t go without auto insurance for your car, you don’t want to forgo coverage for your motorcycle. Motorcycle insurance protects your investment in your bike, of course. But it also protects you—as well as others—from the unexpected.
There are several coverages you’ll want to consider for your bike. They include:
Erie Insurance now offers improved motorcycle coverage for your motorcycle so you can ride easy. Contact Boizelle Insurance to learn more and get a free quote.
Originally Posted by: Erie Insurance
Bret Boizelle is my go to source for Commercial and Business Insurance needs for my clients. I cannot operate my agency if it was not for Bret and the expertise of Boizelle Insurance Partnership. As a Broker of a Health and Retirement Planning Agency in Rockville, my clients always ask me for a different insurance product. Bret and his whole team have helped many of my clients and thank you again for your expert client service and resources.
1 Acceptance The Use Of Boizelle Insurance Partnership website. Your access to and use of Boizelle Insurance Partnership website is subject exclusively to these Terms and Conditions. You will not use the Website for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these Terms and Conditions. By using the Website you are fully accepting the terms, conditions and disclaimers contained in this notice. If you do not accept these Terms and Conditions you must immediately stop using the Website.
2 Credit card details
Boizelle Insurance Partnership will never ask for Credit Card details and request that you do not enter it on any of the forms on the Boizelle Insurance Partnership website.
3 Advice
The contents of Boizelle Insurance Partnership website do not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making or refraining from making, any decision.
4 Change of Use
Boizelle Insurance Partnership reserves the right to:
4.1 change or remove (temporarily or permanently) the Website or any part of it without notice and you confirm that Boizelle Insurance Partnership shall not be liable to you for any such change or removal.
4.2 change these Terms and Conditions at any time, and your continued use of the Website following any changes shall be deemed to be your acceptance of such change.
5 Links to Third Party Websites
Boizelle Insurance Partnership website may include links to third party websites that are controlled and maintained by others. Any link to other websites is not an endorsement of such websites and you acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for the content or availability of any such sites.
6 Copyright
6.1 All copyright, trade marks and all other intellectual property rights in the Website and its content (including without limitation the Website design, text, graphics and all software and source codes connected with the Website) are owned by or licensed to Boizelle Insurance Partnership or otherwise used by Boizelle Insurance Partnership as permitted by law.
6.2 In accessing the Website you agree that you will access the content solely for your personal, non-commercial use. None of the content may be downloaded, copied, reproduced, transmitted, stored, sold or distributed without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. This excludes the downloading, copying and/or printing of pages of the Website for personal, non-commercial home use only.
7 Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
7.1 The Website is provided on an AS IS and AS AVAILABLE basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind whether express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security and accuracy.
7.2 To the extent permitted by law, Boizelle Insurance Partnership will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss or damage whatever (including without limitation loss of business, opportunity, data, profits) arising out of or in connection with the use of the Website.
7.3 Boizelle Insurance Partnership makes no warranty that the functionality of the Website will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected or that the Website or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or anything else which may be harmful or destructive.
7.4 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall be construed so as to exclude or limit the liability of Boizelle Insurance Partnership for death or personal injury as a result of the negligence of Boizelle Insurance Partnership or that of its employees or agents.
8 Indemnity
You agree to indemnify and hold Boizelle Insurance Partnership and its employees and agents harmless from and against all liabilities, legal fees, damages, losses, costs and other expenses in relation to any claims or actions brought against Boizelle Insurance Partnership arising out of any breach by you of these Terms and Conditions or other liabilities arising out of your use of this Website.
9 Severance
If any of these Terms and Conditions should be determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction then such Term or Condition shall be severed and the remaining Terms and Conditions shall survive and remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable.
10 Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of USA and you hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the USA courts.
For any further information please contact us.
We know your boat is an important investment – even more important when you add accessories, equipment, and a trailer. At Boizelle Insurance Partnership, we will help you sort through the many boating insurance options and arrive at the best coverage for your specific needs at a competitive rate.
We tailor your boat insurance to fit your individual needs. We take into consideration what kind of boat you own and what activities you enjoy when using it, where you live, and what kind of waterway (ocean, lake, river…) you will be using . For example, if you own a fishing boat, we offer optional fishing equipment coverage. If you enjoy water-skiing, we provide watercraft liability. So, whether you own an antique boat, power boat, sail boat, ski boat, fishing boat, pontoon, houseboat, or pleasure boat, Boizelle Insurance will customize the right boat insurance policy to protect you, your friends, family and your boat.
Our boat insurance policies come with plenty of options for specialized coverage, such as Roadside Assistance, On-Water Towing, Total Loss Replacement, and more. Liability limits, deductibles, additional coverages and discounts may vary to meet your needs.
Some boats, such as small sailboats, rowboats, canoes and small power boats, may be covered under a renters, condo or homeowners policy.
Contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership to discuss your boat insurance needs. Our experienced agents will guide you through the process and discuss your options and possible discounts, to make sure that all your boating experiences are pleasurable and worry free.
Renters insurance is an affordable way to cover your belongings and potential liability—whether you’re renting an apartment, condo or house. When you rent, you will need to protect your personal property and insure against others’ claims of damage or injury. Contrary to what some believe, your landlord’s insurance does not offer you that protection.
The landlord of your rented home has insurance, but it probably only covers the building or structure where you live… not your belongings or your liability for accidents. If your possessions are stolen during a break-in or damaged by a fire or severe weather, a renters insurance policy will allow you to recover their value. If someone is injured during an accident in your home, renters insurance can help protect you in the case a liability lawsuit.
Even if you think you own very little, it adds up fast… your clothes, electronics, jewelry, furniture…You may have several thousands of dollars or even tens of thousands in property that would need to be replaced. A renters insurance policy is inexpensive, often less than a dollar a day, and gives you peace of mind. The unexpected can happen at any time. That small daily cost will save you thousands.
For particularly valuable items, like jewelry, antiques, artwork, firearms…, you can add a personal articles policy to cover it.
Typically, there are two types of renters insurance policies available and they differ in their method of reimbursement.
Many landlords require in their leases that tenants carry renters insurance and you must provide a copy of your insurance policy before you sign the lease. Often, the landlord must be listed as an “additional insured.” This ensures that a renter or tenant understands that the landlord is responsible only for his building and not for the renters belongings or damage to the property. It also ensures that the tenant has coverage for them and both parties are protected.
Our experienced agents are always happy to review your current renters policy and answer any questions you may have about your insurance. Contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership to discuss your personal situation and what type of renters policy will provide you the best and most complete protection.
Condos are a great alternative to renting an apartment or owning a single family home, but they come with their own unique insurance needs. Condominium insurance provides coverage for your personal belongings as well as coverage for structural improvements to your dwelling and additional living expenses if you are forced to temporarily relocate during a repair or rebuilding of your unit following a covered disaster.
As the owner of a condo unit, you obviously don’t own the entire building or complex. You own your own unit and share ownership of the rest of the complex with all the other owners. The condo association has a master insurance policy which covers the condominium building and common areas, including elevators, hallways, walkways, the lobby, and basement, and liability insurance for the association. They also have by-laws or association rules which state what is insured through the master policy and what is not. Unfortunately there are many cases where that insurance policy won’t cover you or your things—like a break in, water damage to your walls from the unit above, or someone injuring themselves in your unit. That’s why you need condominium insurance designed specifically for condo or co-op owners.
Condominium policies help protect your personal property and the interior of your unit. The unit owner is usually responsible for insuring everything within the walls of the condominium. This includes both contents (furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry…) and structural items (countertops, cabinetry, built-ins, flooring, window treatments…). You will also have liability protection for bodily injury or property damage to others. In the event of a fire or other disaster, the association’s master insurance policy will cover rebuilding the complex, but your personal condo insurance policy will be needed to replace your belongings and everything else within the walls of your unit. Most policies will include coverage for losses arising from:
In addition to your condo insurance policy you might also want to include:
The insurance professionals at Boizelle Insurance Partnership have extensive knowledge and expertise in condo insurance. Contact us now for a complimentary review of your current policy. We are happy to answer your questions and help you with coverage choices and possible discounts so that you and your belongings are fully covered at a price within your budget.
As they say: Your home is your castle. At Boizelle Insurance Partnership, we understand that your home could be the most valuable financial investment you have. But it’s so much more than that. Your home is the place where you raise your family and make memories, your haven from the outside world, and in many ways, your reward for years of hard work and dedication.
Homeowners insurance helps you by protecting against loss resulting from home related damage or disaster. Our insurance professionals offer knowledge, in-depth experience, and the expertise to customize a homeowners policy that meets your needs and your budget. Our mission is to make sure that you are properly insured and that your most important asset is always protected.
Contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership to learn more or to get a quote. Our experienced agents are happy to review your current homeowners policy and discuss the many options and discounts available. Our agents are always here to help you.
Your car is an essential part of your daily life. But accidents happen and you need to feel confident that you are protected from loss. The agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership will make sure that you have the appropriate amount of coverage to protect you, your passengers, your vehicle, and other drivers or pedestrians on the road. Our seasoned agents offer personal attention, knowledge, and service, so that you’ll have the information you need to choose the car insurance coverage that makes the most sense for your situation at the best price available. Our goal is to leave nothing to chance.
Generally, auto insurance coverage includes property, liability and medical insurance.
Today’s auto insurance options are much more complicated than just your age, make and model of your car, and driving record, and there are many factors that may affect your eligibility for discounts. Reviewing your auto insurance, before you have an accident, is the best way to prevent gaps in coverage and make sure you are fully protected. Boizelle’s insurance professionals are happy to review your current policy and discuss your options and possible discounts. Call or email us today. We’re here to protect you from the unexpected!
Your car is an essential part of your daily life. But accidents happen and you need to feel confident that you are protected from loss. The agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership will make sure that you have the appropriate amount of coverage to protect you, your passengers, your vehicle, and other drivers or pedestrians on the road. Our seasoned agents offer personal attention, knowledge, and service, so that you’ll have the information you need to choose the car insurance coverage that makes the most sense for your situation at the best price available. Our goal is to leave nothing to chance.
Generally, auto insurance coverage includes property, liability and medical insurance.
Today’s auto insurance options are much more complicated than just your age, make and model of your car, and driving record, and there are many factors that may affect your eligibility for discounts. Reviewing your auto insurance, before you have an accident, is the best way to prevent gaps in coverage and make sure you are fully protected. Boizelle’s insurance professionals are happy to review your current policy and discuss your options and possible discounts. Call or email us today. We’re here to protect you from the unexpected!
Your car is an essential part of your daily life. But accidents happen and you need to feel confident that you are protected from loss. The agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership will make sure that you have the appropriate amount of coverage to protect you, your passengers, your vehicle, and other drivers or pedestrians on the road. Our seasoned agents offer personal attention, knowledge, and service, so that you’ll have the information you need to choose the car insurance coverage that makes the most sense for your situation at the best price available. Our goal is to leave nothing to chance.
Generally, auto insurance coverage includes property, liability and medical insurance.
Today’s auto insurance options are much more complicated than just your age, make and model of your car, and driving record, and there are many factors that may affect your eligibility for discounts. Reviewing your auto insurance, before you have an accident, is the best way to prevent gaps in coverage and make sure you are fully protected. Boizelle’s insurance professionals are happy to review your current policy and discuss your options and possible discounts. Call or email us today. We’re here to protect you from the unexpected!
Thank you for filling out our referral form! A member of our staff will review the information you submitted as soon as possible. We will get back to you with any questions or concerns we may have!
If you’re looking for insurance, you’re interested in lowering your auto insurance rates. Have you ever wondered how auto insurance rates are determined?
Insurance companies must balance rates with the cost to cover claims. Factors that may affect the cost of your policy:
Auto insurance rates vary by state too. Rates in any given state are based in part on historical claim frequency and repair costs for car accidents or theft, as well as other factors like the cost of medical care. Within a state, some territories have higher rates than others.
Keeping Rates as Low as Possible
Why are auto insurance rates rising?
Insurance companies pay claims using the money collected from their Policyholders. Higher auto repair costs, higher medical bills, and costlier auto accident lawsuits have made claims more costly to settle.
ERIE does all it can to control expenses and offer low rates, but as the costs increase for goods and services, premiums must be raised to cover those expenses. Premiums could also increase on individual policies because additional drivers are added, there is a change in the autos insured, or an accident or violation results in the loss of a discount.
Erie Insurance is committed to keeping your auto rates as low as possible through fiscal responsibility and disciplined underwriting practices. ERIE further lowers your rates through numerous discounts.
ERIE also offers ERIE Rate Lock®, which helps you avoid auto insurance rate increases. Even if you have a claim, your rates won’t change until you make certain changes to your policy:
We’d like to explain the details in person or on the phone. Contact Boizelle Insurance to get an auto quote that includes ERIE Rate Lock®.
By: Erie Insurance
Figure out how much your stuff is worth.
“There is value to everything when it comes to renters insurance,” says Terry McConnell, vice president, Personal Lines Underwriting, at ERIE. “Most people underestimate the value of their contents, but once they itemize them, they realize there’s a dramatic difference from what they initially thought.”
To get a clear idea of your belongings’ worth, check out ERIE’s Home Inventory Record.
Decide between actual cash value and replacement cost.
Actual cash value takes depreciation into account when calculating the worth of your belongings. So if you bought a brand new laptop for $1,000 five years ago, you’ll only be reimbursed for what the laptop is worth in today’s dollars minus depreciation.
Replacement cost is a better option: It reimburses you for the original value of the item (or one of similar kind and quality at today’s replacement cost if the item is no longer available) and costs only slightly more than actual cash value.
Consider earthquakes and other disasters.
Boizelle Insurance can tell you more about adding these extra coverages to your renters insurance policy.
Choose a deductible.
Think about how much premium savings you’d want from picking a higher deductible and how much you could afford to pay out of pocket should you experience a loss.
Think about extra protection for any valuables.
ERIE offers $3,000 worth of coverage for any one item that’s stolen. If you own pricey items like jewelry, furs or silverware, you’ll probably want to add an endorsement to your renters insurance policy to make sure they’re fully covered.
Pick a liability limit
“Think about all the ways you could accidentally hurt someone,” says McConnell, “and you’ll see there are many.” If your dog bites another animal or person, you’ll be held responsible, for example. That kind of lawsuit can get pretty costly if the injured person has any long-lasting physical scars or impairments. (If you’re concerned about having enough liability protection, consider an umbrella policy that offers an extra $1 to $5 million in coverage.)
Finally, remember that no matter where or what you’re renting, Boizelle Insurance is always there to help you get the right coverage at the right price.
By: Ashley Weber, Erie Insurance
Sometimes businesses just happen. You’re providing care, making clothing alterations or offering writing advice to friends, families and neighbors—just because it’s what you do. Then, one day, someone recommends you and someone you don’t know asks, “How much for your service?” Are you ready to charge? How much will you have to pay taxes? And when should you buy insurance for business?
These questions, when they come up, are both exciting and daunting. But whether you’re an accidental entrepreneur or one who’s driving a startup with a business plan in mind, insurance should be top of mind. It’s a financial tool that can help you protect your investment and manage your liability.
Here are five types of insurance to consider:
Property and General Liability – Property insurance helps protect the business’s property, such as computers, equipment and building. It can also protect your income against unexpected loss due to fire (for example). Liability insurance protects business owners from claims of injury or property damage incurred by others as a result of your operations.
Auto Coverage – Just like you insure your personal vehicle, you may need coverage on vehicles you use for business.
Business Catastrophe Liability – These polices extend the amount of coverage on your general liability, commercial auto liability, professional liability and employers liability policies so you’ll have more protection in case of a catastrophic situation where you’re held liable. (AKA, someone decides to sue you.)
Employment Practices Liability – This is an endorsement you can add to your property and general liability insurance to protect you specifically in case an employee sues you for sexual harassment, discrimination or other common employment issues.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage – This insurance provides coverage for injury or disease sustained by your employee arising in the course and the scope of their employment, regardless of negligence on your part and may be required to comply with your state’s workers’ compensation law.
When insurance isn’t required by law, it’s up to you to decide how much coverage you need and for what assets. But navigating the choices can be difficult. The 2013 U.S. Small Business Commercial Insurance Study from J.D. Power and Associates reports that face-to-face consultation positively impacts a small business’s experience when it comes to insurance.
If you’re an accidental entrepreneur or a startup looking for help, contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership at 800-783-2421.
By: Catherine Amick, Erie Insurance
There are lots of spooky things about Halloween. Just a few include ghosts, goblins and the unfathomable: running out of Halloween candy.
Not many people add insurance to this list, despite the fact that a coverage gap could leave you and your family in serious financial trouble.
Read on to learn about six of the scariest insurance misconceptions and how you can protect yourself.
Six Scary Insurance Misconceptions
Insurance companies can’t cover floods and earthquakes at reasonable rates since they tend to be so devastating. Fortunately, there are options for both risks. Earthquake coverage is typically offered as an endorsement while the federal government offers flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It’s definitely worth considering since people who live outside of high-risk flood areas file more than 20 percent of NFIP claims. What’s more, just one inch of water can cause major damage to your home.
Your homeowners and personal auto policies may not adequately cover your business activities. If you operate a home-based business or another small business, explain your situation to your insurance agent. He or she can advise you about any additional coverage you may need.
There is a big difference between actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost. ACV reimburses you based on how much an item is worth after factoring in depreciation. Guaranteed replacement cost is much better: with it, your policy pays the cost of rebuilding or repairing your home or replacing your possessions without a deduction for depreciation.
Anyone can be involved in a serious accident. Most of the time, incidents are caused by simple negligence like forgetting to lock the fence surrounding your pool before a child finds his way to it.
Accidents of this nature have the potential to cause financial catastrophe to people of any financial means. Without proper coverage, you could also lack the resources to compensate someone for their injury and hardship.
If your car is involved in an accident, it’s your responsibility since you granted permission for someone to use your car. So your insurance will cover the damage, and the accident will go on your insurance record. This could result in a higher premium. The lesson? Limit how much you loan your car—and only choose trustworthy drivers.
Parents—both those who are employed and stay-at-home—aren’t the only ones with a need for life insurance.
Does anyone else (like a parent) depend on your income? Then life insurance is probably a good option for you. Do you own a home with someone else? If so, could the surviving partner carry the full load of the mortgage? Or maybe you simply want to leave money to your favorite charity or relative. It’s also wise for business partners to take out life insurance on each other so they could afford to purchase a deceased partner’s outstanding shares.
There’s no need to fear a potential coverage gap. Simply give Boizelle Insurance Partnership a call. We can tell you about affordable options that give you the protection you need. Don’t worry–we won’t try to sell you ghost insurance (a real insurance coverage).
By: Amanda Prischak, Erie Insurance
Auto insurance typically follows the car rather than the driver. This means that your insurance will likely pay if your friend crashes your car.
There are two exceptions. The first is when the damage and/or injuries exceed the available limits on your policy. In this instance, it’s possible that your friend’s insurance would kick in to cover the outstanding balance.
Another exception can occur when someone drives your car without your permission. “This can get confusing,” says Dave Freeman, Vice President, Personal Lines Underwriting at Erie Insurance. “For example, imagine a college roommate grabs the keys and borrows another roommate’s car. Some courts say permission was implied; others say express permission was necessary. It really varies by jurisdiction.”
Will the Accident Go on My Record or His?
When you let someone else drive your car, you are taking responsibility for their behavior. So the accident becomes part of your insurance history.
It’s also possible that your rate may go up. Your insurer bases the rate on your likelihood of filing a claim; when you loan your car to someone who may not be as careful or have as much experience driving as you, your rate needs to reflect that.
If you’re with ERIE, you can help avoid a rate increase with the ERIE Rate Lock® feature.* (Not available in New York or North Carolina. Limited to three years in Virginia.) Even if you have a claim, your rate won’t change unless you add or remove a vehicle from your policy; add or remove a driver from your policy; or change your primary residence. Boizelle Insurance Partnership can tell you more about ERIE Rate Lock®.
The accident may also show up on your friend’s driving record. This is especially likely if a police report gets filed after your friend crashes your car.
The Lesson
Freeman advises drivers to be selective when loaning their cars. He also says it’s important to let your insurance agent know if someone else regularly drives your car. “If someone is a regular operator of your vehicle, you should add him or her as a driver on the policy,” says Freeman. “If you intentionally fail to disclose the person as a driver, the claim could potentially be denied if that person has an accident.” (The only exception is a spouse who lives in the same household— he or she is automatically a “named insured” on the policy.)
To learn more about auto insurance and ERIE Rate Lock®, contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership at (301) 948-2010.
*ERIE Rate Lock® does not guarantee continued insurance coverage. Insured must meet applicable underwriting guidelines. Premium may change if you change policy coverages, deductibles or pay plan. Patent Pending.
By: Amanda Prischak, Erie Insurance
When it comes to homeowners insurance, not all policies are created equal. And that’s important to remember when it comes to protecting what could very well be your biggest asset.
Check out the list below to see what you need in homeowners insurance.
The right limit: You need enough insurance to let you rebuild if you have a total loss. So don’t risk it by choosing a lower limit in an effort to save a few dollars.
One thing to remember when it comes to the right limit is the increased value your home may have after a home improvement project. Always report any home improvement project ASAP to your insurer so they can adjust the limit if necessary.
Guaranteed replacement cost: When you have guaranteed replacement cost, you can rest easy knowing that you could rebuild your home after a major loss without worrying about depreciation, policy limits or insurance construction costs once you’ve repaired or replaced the damaged property. This is definitely a better option than actual cash value, which takes depreciation into account when calculating the amount of your reimbursement.
Enough liability coverage: Your homeowners liability coverage protects your assets in the event someone gets hurt on your property. It also offers coverage for some incidents that happen away from your home (for instance, if you run your bike into someone).
Lawsuits aren’t as uncommon as you might think, and they have the potential to wipe out many people’s net worth. That’s why most people will want to have at least $300,000 of liability coverage. You might also consider a Personal Catastrophe Liability policy, which adds an extra $1 to $5 million of coverage to your homeowners as well as your auto insurance.
Loss of use: If your home was a total loss or became uninhabitable after a covered loss, do you know where you would stay and how you would pay for the extra expense? Loss of use coverage offers you reimbursement for costs to stay at a hotel or rent an apartment in the event of a covered loss.
Endorsements that let you customize your coverage: Everyone’s risk factors are different. That’s why you’ll want the option of adding earthquake coverage along with inland marine coverage for high-value items you may own. Another important coverage that many homeowners need is flood coverage, which is offered as a separate policy by most carriers.
Two other endorsements that many homeowners find beneficial are Identity Recovery coverage and Sewer & Drain Backup coverage.
A reliable deductible: Many homeowners recovering from a disaster such as a hurricane get sticker shock when they learn their deductible isn’t a dollar amount that they chose, but rather a percentage of the limit on their policy. These named-storm percentage deductibles are almost always higher than dollar-amount deductibles—and sometimes significantly so.
Unlike many carriers, ERIE’s named-storm deductible is a specific dollar amount rather than a percentage of your homeowners limit. What’s more, you also have the option of choosing different dollar-amount deductibles for different causes of loss.
The backing of a financially sound company: If you have a claim, you want the backing of a company that can pay it. One way to find out if your company is financially sound is to check the rankings from Ward and A.M. Best that are released each year. In addition to earning an A+ rating from A.M. Best and ranking among Ward’s Top 50 performing property/casualty insurers, ERIE also earned kudos for being among America’s 50 most trustworthy financial institutions.
A knowledgeable local insurance agent: It’s no secret insurance that can be complicated. To simplify things and get trusted advice, it’s a good idea to work with an insurance agent you trust. Boizelle Insurance Partnership is an insurance expert you can count on to help you get the right coverage at the right price. Call us today at (301) 948-2010 to review your homeowners insurance and ensure you are protected.
By: Amanda Prischak, Erie Insurance
Your car is an essential part of your daily life. But accidents happen and you need to feel confident that you are protected from loss. The agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership will make sure that you have the appropriate amount of coverage to protect you, your passengers, your vehicle, and other drivers or pedestrians on the road. Our seasoned agents offer personal attention, knowledge, and service, so that you’ll have the information you need to choose the car insurance coverage that makes the most sense for your situation at the best price available. Our goal is to leave nothing to chance.
Generally, auto insurance coverage includes property, liability and medical insurance.
Today’s auto insurance options are much more complicated than just your age, make and model of your car, and driving record, and there are many factors that may affect your eligibility for discounts. Reviewing your auto insurance, before you have an accident, is the best way to prevent gaps in coverage and make sure you are fully protected. Boizelle’s insurance professionals are happy to review your current policy and discuss your options and possible discounts. Call or email us today. We’re here to protect you from the unexpected!
1 Acceptance The Use Of Boizelle Insurance Partnership website. Your access to and use of Boizelle Insurance Partnership website is subject exclusively to these Terms and Conditions. You will not use the Website for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these Terms and Conditions. By using the Website you are fully accepting the terms, conditions and disclaimers contained in this notice. If you do not accept these Terms and Conditions you must immediately stop using the Website.
2 Credit card details
Boizelle Insurance Partnership will never ask for Credit Card details and request that you do not enter it on any of the forms on the Boizelle Insurance Partnership website.
3 Advice
The contents of Boizelle Insurance Partnership website do not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making or refraining from making, any decision.
4 Change of Use
Boizelle Insurance Partnership reserves the right to:
4.1 change or remove (temporarily or permanently) the Website or any part of it without notice and you confirm that Boizelle Insurance Partnership shall not be liable to you for any such change or removal.
4.2 change these Terms and Conditions at any time, and your continued use of the Website following any changes shall be deemed to be your acceptance of such change.
5 Links to Third Party Websites
Boizelle Insurance Partnership website may include links to third party websites that are controlled and maintained by others. Any link to other websites is not an endorsement of such websites and you acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for the content or availability of any such sites.
6 Copyright
6.1 All copyright, trade marks and all other intellectual property rights in the Website and its content (including without limitation the Website design, text, graphics and all software and source codes connected with the Website) are owned by or licensed to Boizelle Insurance Partnership or otherwise used by Boizelle Insurance Partnership as permitted by law.
6.2 In accessing the Website you agree that you will access the content solely for your personal, non-commercial use. None of the content may be downloaded, copied, reproduced, transmitted, stored, sold or distributed without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. This excludes the downloading, copying and/or printing of pages of the Website for personal, non-commercial home use only.
7 Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
7.1 The Website is provided on an AS IS and AS AVAILABLE basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind whether express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security and accuracy.
7.2 To the extent permitted by law, Boizelle Insurance Partnership will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss or damage whatever (including without limitation loss of business, opportunity, data, profits) arising out of or in connection with the use of the Website.
7.3 Boizelle Insurance Partnership makes no warranty that the functionality of the Website will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected or that the Website or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or anything else which may be harmful or destructive.
7.4 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall be construed so as to exclude or limit the liability of Boizelle Insurance Partnership for death or personal injury as a result of the negligence of Boizelle Insurance Partnership or that of its employees or agents.
8 Indemnity
You agree to indemnify and hold Boizelle Insurance Partnership and its employees and agents harmless from and against all liabilities, legal fees, damages, losses, costs and other expenses in relation to any claims or actions brought against Boizelle Insurance Partnership arising out of any breach by you of these Terms and Conditions or other liabilities arising out of your use of this Website.
9 Severance
If any of these Terms and Conditions should be determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction then such Term or Condition shall be severed and the remaining Terms and Conditions shall survive and remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable.
10 Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of USA and you hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the USA courts.
For any further information please contact us.
Information about our Organization and Web site Modern information and communication technologies play a fundamental role in the activities of an organization like Boizelle Insurance Partnership. We are based in USA .
Our principal activity is: Insurance
Our privacy policy covers Boizelle Insurance Partnership and its Web site:
Organization Name: | Boizelle Insurance Partnership |
Address: | 845-K Quince Orchard Boulevard |
City, Zip: | Gaithersburg, 20878 |
State: | MD |
Country: | USA |
Controller: | Boizelle Insurance Partnership |
Web Sites(s): | https://www.boizelle.com |
Providing Visitors with Anonymous Access
You can access our Web site home page and browse our site without disclosing your personal data.
The services and links of our Web siteOur Web site does not enable our visitors to communicate with other visitors or to post information to be accessed by others.
Our Web site does not include links to third party Web service providers.
We automatically log personal data by means such as programming or we link information automatically logged by such means with personal data about specific individuals. We do so for the following purposes: customer service, insurance quotations and policy administration.
We do not use cookies to store personal data nor do we link non-personal information stored in cookies with personal data about specific individuals.
Data Collection and Purpose Specification
We collect the personal data that you may volunteer while using our services.
We may also collect information about you from other sources, such as public records or bodies, or private organizations.
We do not collect or use personal data for any purpose other than for the purposes of providing insurance quotes and policy administration.
If we wish to use your personal data for new purposes, we will notify you before such use occurs and we offer you the means to consent to those new purposes:
Disclosure and Visitor Choice We do not disclose your personal data to our subsidiaries or other organizations.
Where we disclose your personal data for purposes which are different from those mentioned above, we offer you the opportunity to consent to disclosure.
Confidentiality / SecurityWe employ an encrypted transmission method to send us the following types of personal data:
We have implemented security policies, rules and technical measures to protect the personal data that we have under our control from:
All our employees and data processors, who have access to, and are associated with the processing of personal data, are obliged to respect the confidentiality of our visitors’ personal data.
We ensure that your personal data will not be disclosed to State institutions and authorities except if required by law or other regulation.
You can ask us whether we are keeping personal data about you by:
Upon request, which you can indicate by:
We will provide you with a readable copy of the personal data which we keep about you – although we may require proof of your identity before sending such information.
We will provide the information without any charge.
We allow you to challenge the data that we hold about you and, where appropriate, you may have the data rectified or amended
Organization Name: | Boizelle Insurance Partnership |
Address: | 845-K Quince Orchard Boulevard |
City, Zip: | Gaithersburg, 20878 |
State: | MD |
Country: | USA |
Controller: | Boizelle Insurance Partnership |
Web Sites(s): | https://www.boizelle.com |
Your insurance score is simply a rating that is generated from information off your credit report. Why does a credit report matter when you’re buying auto insurance? It is considered a good indicator of the type of driver you will be. It helps tell the insurance company if you will be prone to accidents or make a lot of insurance claims. This allows insurance companies to compute more accurate rates. Each insurance company has a different way of using this information, but in general, the better your credit report, the better your rates.
In many cases, the three biggest factors affecting your insurance score are your accident and insurance claim history and your credit report. Values are assigned to each predictive factor, and the values are then added together to determine your insurance score. The lower your score, the lower your risk.
Though insurance scores use information from your credit report, they do not look at income or job history when making rate decisions. An insurance score is not a credit score. Credit scores are used to tell people how likely you are to repay the amounts you have borrowed. Insurance scores tell a company how great a risk you may be to file a claim. Regardless of your score, whether high or low, an insurance company will not deny you auto insurance. If it’s high, you’ll end up with higher rates, but you won’t be turned away.
So, what types of factors affect your insurance score?
Favorable Factors
Unfavorable Factors
You can lower your insurance score by keeping your credit report in good standing. Pay mortgage and loan payments on time, keep credit accounts up to date and avoid taking out numerous credit applications in a short period of time. Also keep a fair amount of available credit open. By doing this, you’re not only lowering your insurance score but you’ll also be saving money by getting more competitive rates. Your insurance professional will be happy to review your current policy. Talk to your agent today.
To request a policy change, please complete the following form. Upon receipt of the request, a licensed Boizelle agent will contact you. Please note change requests will not go into effect without verbal or written confirmation from a licensed agent of the Boizelle Insurance Partnership.
A data breach is a security incident in which sensitive, protected or confidential information is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen or used by an individual unauthorized to do so. Data breaches may involve financial information, personal health information, personally identifiable information, trade secrets of corporations or intellectual property.
A number of industry guidelines and government compliance regulations mandate strict governance of sensitive or personal information to avoid data breaches. If anyone who is not specifically authorized to do so views such information, the business entity is said to have suffered a data breach. If a data breach results in identity theft or a violation of government or industry compliance mandates, the organization may face fines, civil, or even criminal prosecution.
A Data Breach or Cyber liability policy is insurance coverage for liability that arises out of unauthorized use or unauthorized access to electronic data or software within your network or business. It’s important to remember that your business liability policy does not cover a data breach. A Data Breach liability policy fills that gap.
Data Breach Insurance protects your business against the expenses associated with a data breach, which can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. A lawsuit resulting from a data breach means your business is responsible for paying legal fees, court-ordered judgments or settlements, and other court-related costs. In addition, your business will probably have to notify customers or clients of the breach, provide them with credit monitoring services, and invest in public relations efforts to repair your business’ image. When you do carry Data Breach Insurance, it protects your business’ assets by paying for these and other related expenses. Data Breach or Cyber liability coverage allows you to focus on rebuilding and restoring your customers’ faith in your business without worrying about the data breach-related expenses.
There’s no policy that will prevent data breaches. The best your insurance can do is to help your business recover from a breach. The experienced agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership will help you evaluate your data liability risks and build your policy around the needs of your business. An online retailer will have very different needs than a brick and mortar business with a small web presence. The size of the business, the number of customers, the type of data, and other factors will affect the coverage you need. Contact us today to create a data breach liability policy that works for your business.
ERIE’s most prestigious award, given to agencies who exemplify all that is best in ERIE agents including: profit, growth, tenure, attitude, education, and consistency.
Awarded to agents who perform highest in measures of quality agency performance in auto and property production and service to customers.
Thank you!
We have received your request for proof of insurance and will process it immediately. If you have any questions, please contact bret@boizelle.com.
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, protects companies and individuals in the event that a client holds you responsible for a service you provided, or failed to provide, that did not have the expected or promised results. Many call it Errors and Omissions insurance. Others call it professional liability insurance. Whatever you call it, it covers you for errors (or omissions) that you have made or that the client perceives you have made.
Even if the allegations are found to be groundless, thousands of dollars may be needed to defend the lawsuit. This can bankrupt a company or individual and have a lasting effect on the bottom line.
When you think about professional liability or E&O insurance, you think lawyers, accountants, architects, etc. But, if you are in the business of providing a service to clients for a fee, you have an E&O exposure and need professional liability insurance. This includes businesses like advertising agencies, printers, web hosting companies and event or wedding planners. You need to consider what will happen if the service is not done correctly or on time, and it ends up costing your client money or harms their reputation.
By not purchasing an E&O policy, a company may be taking a serious financial risk. These losses are not covered under general liability or business owner policies.
The knowledgeable and experienced agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership are happy to review your current professional liability insurance policy and discuss the details of errors and omissions and whether it is right for you and your business. Call today to talk to one of our business insurance professionals.
Key person insurance, commonly called key man or key employee insurance, is an insurance policy taken out by a business to protect the business from financial losses that would occur from the death or extended absence of an important member of the company. Key person Insurance policies are usually owned by the business and the business is the beneficiary under the policy. The purpose of the policy is to compensate the business for losses sustained with the loss of a key income generator and enable business continuity.
Many businesses have a key person or persons who may be responsible for the majority of profits, or has unique and hard to replace skills that are vital to the company. An employer may take out a key person insurance policy on the life or health of any employee whose knowledge, work, or overall contribution is considered uniquely valuable to the company. The business does this to offset costs, such as hiring temporary help or recruiting a successor, and losses, such as its ability to transact business until successors are trained, which the business is likely to suffer in the event of the loss of a key person. Should death or disability suddenly occur, key person insurance could be the difference between the company’s downfall and its continued success.
Our knowledgeable and experienced agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership can help you examine the many options for protecting your company against the loss of a key person. Contact us to discuss a policy that best suits your needs and protects your business. The cost of a key person insurance policy is usually quite small in relation to the benefit received when a key worker dies or becomes unable to work.
Thank you for submitting our change of address form. We will get back to you if we have any questions or issues regarding your submission.
You will never need to “re-qualify” to maintain your life insurance so long as premiums are continuously paid. Should a policy lapse, you may need to have a new policy and “re-qualify.”
There is no limit to the number of beneficiaries you can have on a policy, and the death benefit is divided in a manner of your choosing. While there are some exceptions, generally beneficiaries can be changed at any time and as many times as you want.
Depending on the policy, the amount of coverage may be amended once a policy is purchased. In some instances, additional underwriting questions may be required.
If you purchase life insurance for your children while they are young, you will generally pay less in premium. Health can also change, and ailments can sometimes lead to becoming uninsurable. In this instance, universal or whole life is recommended.
No. The proceeds a beneficiary receives from a life insurance policy are not taxable.
While life insurance is designed to protect your dependents, you can choose anyone to be a beneficiary. If you plan on having children in the future, it may be a good idea to consider purchasing a life insurance policy since rates generally go up as you get older.
In many cases, you can still get coverage, even if you have been treated for something like heart disease or some types of cancer. Your ability to obtain life insurance not only depends on your medical condition, but how well it is controlled.
Yes, although the premiums may be higher. The medical exam is fairly simple, consisting of height and weight measurements, a blood and urine exam, in addition to basic questions about your overall health.
If you do not have life insurance and pass away suddenly, your loved ones could be burdened with funeral and death expenses, medical bills, and other outstanding debts.
It is always recommended to consider a personal life insurance policy. There are a number of factors to consider: your employer may not offer enough life insurance, you may lose your coverage if your job situation changes, your plan doesn’t provide enough coverage for your spouse, and an employer-provided plan may not be your cheapest option.
Yes, as both people, whether they work or not, have a financial stake in the marriage. If one were to pass away, you would still need finances to cover what the other was responsible for, i.e. income, child care, etc.
Choosing the right type of life insurance can be confusing depends on a number of factors. Do you need life insurance for a specific period of time? Do you need a large amount of coverage, but have a limited budget? Do you want to accumulate a savings element that will grow on a tax-deferred basis? An agent can help you answer these questions.
The amount of life insurance that you need may differ depending on your lifestyle and living situation. A number of factors including debt, annual income, future obligations, and dependents should all be considered when selecting an appropriate policy. An agent can help advise you on a coverage plan.
Permanent life insurance is a policy that is designed to cover the life span of the insured party. Some policies can combine the death benefit with a savings component. Permanent life insurance is also commonly known as whole life and universal life insurance.
Term life insurance is a policy that runs for a designated amount of time, usually ten, twenty, or thirty years.
The best time to buy life insurance is when you are young, since the longer you wait, the more expensive coverage becomes. An agent can consult you on which insurance plan is most appropriate depending of your living circumstances.
Life insurance pays a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the death of the insured party.
There are a variety of ways to lower insurance costs. However, it is most important to make sure that your business is properly covered should a loss occur. The greatest way to maintain a low annual cost is to mitigate claims, and an agent can assist you having a proactive plan in place for your business.
If your business uses subcontractors, it is important to make sure they carry their own workers compensation insurance. If they do not, you will be on the hook for covering them at the end of your term on your own policy. Always ask for certificates of insurance from subcontractors before they begin work on a project.
Depending on the type of business and your insurance carrier, premiums can be affected by such things including: years in business, number of employees, annual sales, payroll, and more. An insurance agent can help explain the cost of your particular insurance program, as well as ways to save money.
Professional Liability protects professional advice and service providing business from lawsuits brought against for claims of negligence, often not covered under a general liability policy.
Coinsurance clauses are used by insurance companies to prevent businesses from underinsuring their property. Generally, coinsurance requires a business to have coverage for at least 80% of the true value of the property. If a business does in fact underinsure their property, they can be penalized and in turn become a coinsurer with the insurance company in the event of a covered loss.
Business interruption coverage pays for the loss of income a business suffers after a disaster. This can be the result of a disaster-related temporary shutdown of the business or due to the rebuilding process after a loss.
If you own a car that is titled under a business entity, it must be insured under a commercial auto policy. If you have any uncertainty, it is best to consult with an insurance agent.
A business owner’s policy is a package policy which combines general liability and business personal property together, often resulting in a lower annual premium. Endorsements may also be added to these policies, which are often tailored to meet the needs of the specific type of business being insured.
Most Homeowners policies are extremely limited when it comes to insuring a business. In some cases, a Homeowners policy may exclude certain coverages which could make you vulnerable to out of pocket expenses in the event of a loss. In order to have sufficient coverage, it is best to consider having a separate business policy to cover property and liability expenses.
The property you use to operate your business should be covered under your insurance program, as well as the personal property of others while it is on you business’ premises or in your business’ possession.
Even without major assets, it is still suggested that you carry business insurance to protect yourself against lawsuits, frivolous or not. A major coverage under a general liability policy includes defense costs, which would be out of pocket expenses if you do not carry proper insurance.
Workers Compensation laws differ by state. In many states, you are required to carry workers compensation as soon as you have at least one part time employee. An employee is viewed broadly under worker compensation law and includes part-time and full-time, seasonal and temporary workers, and trainees. A licensed agent can advise you on your specific needs.
Business liability or general liability insurance covers you against lawsuits brought against your business for property or bodily injury to a third party, as well as advertising and personal injury expenses. Every business is at risk of having lawsuits brought against them, so it is a good idea to carry it as part of your business’ insurance program.
Even if you are just starting out, business insurance is important to consider. Many businesses are required to show proof of insurance before they are allowed to begin working with other business partners. An agent can assist you in determining what coverages are appropriate for you.
Depending on your homeowner’s policy, losses which may be excluded include, but are not limited to: flood, earthquake, or water backup from a sump pump. Some of these coverages may be added to your policy for an additional cost.
Insurance companies pull some relevant information from credit scores to determine your insurance score, which can affect your eligibility with a company and your overall premium.
The deductible on your home insurance policy is the amount at which you self-insure at the time of loss to your property before the insurance company pays; the higher the deductible, the lower the premium.
A personal umbrella policy offers another layer of liability protection above and beyond your underlying auto, home, boat, RV, and motorcycle policies. The policy starts at $1 million in additional liability and goes up from there, generally in increments of $1 million.
It depends on the policy. Generally there is coverage as long as the child is a full-time college student. There can be restrictions for the age of the child, so it’s best to check with your agent regarding this coverage.
Yes. Most homeowners policies will cover “additional living expenses” or “loss of use” costs that result from a covered loss. Your agent can advise you on how much coverage your particular policy carries.
While actual cash value deducts for depreciation over time, replacement cost coverage guarantees that damaged property will be replaced at the actual cost of the item at the time of loss.
Coverage for these items on a homeowners policy is often limited. It is best to consult your agent to determine what limits are necessary to protect your valuables.
In this case, you will need a landlord’s policy, which provides protection for the building you rent out, your personal property inside the rental property, legal costs, and loss of income.
Typically, condo owners are required to insure a portion of their property, depending on what the master policy states. A standard condo policy will provide coverage for your personal property and walls-in coverage for your unit. Not all townhomes are condos, so you should check your tax record to see how your townhome is classified.
Sewer and drain backup coverage can be added to your homeowners policy. Most policies do not automatically provide coverage for this.
No, while a homeowners policy does cover some types of water damage such as accidental discharge or overflow of water from a plumbing or heating and air conditioning system, flood insurance is provided by FEMA, a government program.
Yes. Homeowners policies provide coverage for water damage caused by accidental discharge or overflow from plumbing or heating and air conditioning units.
An insurance policy that has been in force for more than 60 days can only be cancelled when:
Non-renewing a policy can be decided either by you or the insurance company once the policy expires.
Generally, it is a good idea to review your homeowner’s policy every two to three years. If you make any additions to your home, it is best to contact your agent immediately.
Your insurance agent will need to following information to begin a quote:
This is particularly important for possessions that are high in value or difficult to replace.
A home inventory is a written or recorded list of your personal possessions. This protects you as the insured in times of a loss where an item may be difficult to replace and helps to ensure you purchase enough insurance.
It is a good idea to insure your home up to the cost to fully construct the home from the ground up. Insurance companies calculate this using special software by looking at specifications like location, square footage, type of construction, and special features in the home.
Yes. Anti-theft and safety features are just a couple factors that can affect your auto insurance rate. High value cars can also result in higher premiums due to the higher cost of repair.
Everything from what you drive to where you live to your marital status can affect your auto insurance premium. It is always best to talk to your agent about your auto policy to understand what you are purchasing.
There is no “one size fits all” policy for auto insurance. While states have minimum liability limits that you must carry to comply with the law, they are often inadequate in cases of an accident. Your agent can advise you on appropriate coverages and limits depending on your circumstances.
As soon as your teenager starts driving, it is important to speak to your agent so they can add them to your policy. Failing to report a new driver may lead to complications with claims so it is always best to talk to your agent ahead of time. Generally, it is best to add your child to your policy to begin with, but there are some circumstances under which the child might need to purchase their own insurance, so it’s best to consult with you agent.
Most states do not require your child to have their own insurance when learning to drive with a permit. However, as soon as your child receives his or her license, they need to be added to your policy.
Each insurance company has their own policy concerning cancellations. If you develop a poor driving record and have multiple claims, you may no longer be a desired candidate for an insurance company and see your policy up for cancellation. Each company also sets their own policy about late payments, so contact your agent as soon as possible if you have missed a payment or you know ahead of time that you might need to pay late.
If you are in an accident with an at fault driver who does not have any insurance or inadequate limits to pay for damages you sustain, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy will pay the claim up to the limits listed on your policy under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
As long as you are driving a rental car within the United States or its territories, your personal auto policy will cover damages sustained while driving the rental up to your policy limits. If you do not carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, it will not be carry over to the rental vehicle.
Collision covers damages to a vehicle when the driver is at fault. For example, if you rear end a vehicle and damage your bumper, collision will kick in and pay to have it repaired.
Comprehensive is also called “other than collision” coverage. It protects your car against losses that are outside your control like hail, vandalism, and hitting a deer.
In most instances, insurance coverage follows the vehicle. If you give an individual permission to drive your car, remember that any claims caused by other drivers will be recorded on your policy, which can affect your premium.
Remember that insurance companies like safe drivers. The best way to make sure you consistently earn the lowest premium possible is to limit the number of tickets and accidents you have. There are also adjustments you can make to your actual policy, such as increasing the deductible on your policy; the higher the deductible, the lower the premium.
There are a variety of coverages available to drivers on the road. You will want to purchase liability protection, which covers damages to a third party in an accident. If you have a newer vehicle, you will want to add physical damage coverage, which pays for losses sustained to your vehicle. Your agent can consult you on which coverages you may want to select.
Depending on the type of business you own, you will be exposed to a vast number of different risks. Insurance professionals can help navigate you through the complexities of various coverages and create a program that is customized to fit what you need.
Unlike driving a car, you can legally own a home and not carry homeowners insurance.
However, if you have a mortgage, banks will often request that you have insurance. It is highly recommended that regardless of your situation, you have homeowners insurance so that you protect your assets in case of a catastrophic loss.
Yes. The law requires all autos to carry at least state minimum liability coverage. Minimums vary by state and your agent can best advise you on appropriate protection limits.
“I needed workmans comp insurance and had no idea where to go. My uncle referred me to Boizelle and they were wonderful to work with. Bret was extremely helpful. He explained the quote in great detail. I understood exactly what I was paying for and what my coverage included. They were one of the few companies that provided me a quote the same day! I would recommend them to anyone looking for insurance. In a world where we lose human connection they were a breath of fresh air to deal with. Very professional and polite.”
“Anna recently secured an additional Erie/Boizelle insurance policy for our new home. She was extremely diligent, professional, and caring about our needs, including tackling a tough time crunch before the settlement date of our new home. She even took our file home with her during the snow storm when your offices were closed, to ensure that our lender received proof of insurance in time for settlement.
We are once again working with Anna, this time on a landlord policy. I have no doubt it will be a smooth and enjoyable collaboration again (how many people can say that about dealing with their insurance company?!).
Thanks for having such great people like Anna at Boizelle.”
“I was with Hartford for 25 years and wish I had been contacted by Boizelle a long time ago. Bret did an incredible job and not only saved me money, got me with a better company.
I have been in business 30 years and would without hesitation recommend their services.”
“I was approached for commercial insurance and was very impressed by their responsiveness and attitude. The rate came back lower than my current carrier – and I have been happy ever since. They call to check in every few months, and I eventually decided to insurance my home with them as well. Would definitely recommend Boizelle Insurance Partnership to anyone who is tired of high rates and poor customer service!!”
“Just wanted you to know that we have been so pleased, ALWAYS, with the service we have gotten from your insurance agency. We started with you almost when YOU started — back in the 70’s, I suppose.
From the person who answers the phone to any of the agents — we always were so taken care of! AND, the fact that you still have a live person who answers the phone, is a testament to your commitment to customer service.
We’ve loved, and will continue, doing business with Boizelle Insurance.”
“I have both renters and car insurance through the Boizelle Partnership.
When it comes to customer service, VaShawn and the Boizelle team are second to none. VaShawn possesses a great deal of knowledge on the insurance products provided by Boizelle and a true understanding for his clients’ needs. If you need to get insurance, don’t go anywhere else.”
Thank you for contacting us! We will get back to you as soon as possible.
As a policyholder with Boizelle Insurance Partnership, we are committed to seeing that you are able to file any insurance claim as easily and quickly as possible. If you experience a loss, feel free to contact us directly, so that we may help in your time of need. As an independent agency, we represent many insurance carriers and each company has its own guidelines for filing claims. It is a good idea to consult your policy to be sure you are notifying the correct company. Your agent can explain the claims process and offer suggestions to help expedite your claim.
Note: If you are filing a claim outside of our business hours, we recommend that you contact your insurance company directly. The phone number and website address of each of our carriers are below. Follow the links/instructions provided. If you have difficulty contacting the company or submitting online, please contact our office during business hours, so that we may help you.
No need to keep track of phone numbers and addresses for each company that you use. Just scroll down to find your insurance company and click on the logo link to make your payment or to find the company’s customer service phone number. Be sure to have your policy number available.
If you have difficulty connecting or would like further help for any reason, the Boizelle Insurance Partnership representatives are always here to help you and answer your questions. Contact us by phone or convenient email form for assistance.
A certificate of insurance is often required by contract between two parties doing business together to insure what coverages your policy currently has.In order to issue the form properly we are required to have certain information.
Please fill out the form below to receive a personal account review. Please include any concerns or input you have in the message field.
In 1956, William Boizelle’s warehouse burned to the ground and with it, he lost his manufacturing business. He wasn’t appropriately insured. It was a lesson he never wanted anyone else to have to learn the hard way.
So, he decided to sell insurance, starting out of his home.
George Boizelle followed in his father’s footsteps, starting his own agency in 1970.
Boizelle Insurance Partnership, now a union of the two companies, is one of the largest property and casualty agencies headquartered in the Washington metropolitan area, and one of Erie Insurance’s most honored. Besides taking top place for sales and service, Boizelle Insurance has also won Erie’s award as its top quality agency.
The founding principles of giving clients the very best protection at the very best price possible remain the cornerstone of the way Boizelle Insurance conducts business today.
On one level, life is made up of a series of decisions that determine where you’re going and where you end up.
How to protect your family and your future is one of those decisions.
The best possible homeowners and auto insurance policy options are one. We’re independent, so we can tailor the best insurance coverage to meet your particular needs at the most competitive rate.
But we all know that good protection goes well beyond a policy. Just as important is how you’re taken care of when life throws you a curve ball.
Look for reputation. How does almost 60 years of experience sound?
When you need help, you can depend upon the team at Boizelle Insurance Partnership to be there. With the kind of true personal attention that proves rare these days. With real experience that makes what can be a difficult process simpler and more streamlined. And with the level of excellent service that keeps you feeling reassured.
At Boizelle Insurance, we take pride in offering our clients the industry’s very best combination of price, protection and service. As a result, many of our clients only decide who will protect them once, remaining with us throughout their lifetimes, referring generations of their families, neighbors, and friends.
Boizelle Insurance Partnership offers a wide selection of insurance protection to cover all your needs. As your life changes, we’re here to make sure your insurance coverage changes with it. Whether you’re shopping for a quote, seeking answers to an insurance question, or filing a claim, you can count on the trustworthy and experienced professionals at Boizelle Insurance Partnership to guide you through the process.
Business insurance can be complex, but having the right insurance professional on your team can make all the difference. It’s all about the fit. Your Business: Your Insurance Agency: Your Insurance Carrier. Making sure you’re covered everywhere you’re exposed can mean the difference between your business’ success and failure. There are many options to consider.
How about the relationship you have with your insurance agent? Is he or she knowledgeable? Trustworthy? Helpful? Reliable? Responsive? How long has the agency been in business? Are they independent, affording you options?
Just as you’ve built your business in your area of expertise, Boizelle Insurance Partnership has a long-standing history of appropriately insuring and being there for our clients. We have the resources to be what you need.
In Commercial Insurance, we begin by listening and getting a clear understanding of your present position and plans. We know you have a lot to protect. So we take the time to:
Then, when the unexpected happens… a lawsuit, an injury on your business premises, fire, an injured employee, even the death of a business partner…you have the right coverage to stay up and running, protected from:
Whatever your size, whether you’re a sole proprietor or employ hundreds, we’re equipped to devise a fitting plan. We can cover your workforce, facilities, vehicles, property, data and more.
We also analyze where we can save you money without sacrificing protection.
Contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership. You’ll find us thoroughly committed to helping you manage the hurdles, so your business and plans stay on track.
Life insurance is one of those subjects nobody really wants to think about. But it can make all of the difference in the world.
Simply, it gives you financial protection to cover your responsibilities to your family, employees, business partners… So you can confidently move forward, living life, knowing if something happens, those you care about can continue on, doing the things they currently take for granted.
Life insurance can also afford you additional benefits and investment opportunities within your lifetime.
With Boizelle Insurance Partnership, you’ll feel good knowing we’ve got you covered. Up front. And throughout your life.
We’re better at the beginning because we’re independent. Unlike others, our agency isn’t handcuffed to one insurance company. So, we have a bevy of options to best match your needs at the lowest cost.
And you can count on us, when it matters most, for the long run. Boizelle Insurance has a nearly 60-year reputation for being there for our policy-holders. So you can be confident, when you’re not around to take care of your loved ones, good people are.
After all, the right life insurance is only as good as the company and agency providing it. Leave your beneficiaries in a stronger position with these advantages:
We’ll help you define your needs and choose the right coverage amount and policy period for you. Use life insurance to:
Essentially, you choose your life insurance, and forget about it. But there will be times to “tune-up” your coverage, when you:
Talk to us. Boizelle Insurance Partnership. Good thing we’ve got you covered.
Yes. The law requires all autos to carry at least state minimum liability coverage. Minimums vary by state and your agent can best advise you on appropriate protection limits.
There are a variety of coverages available to drivers on the road. You will want to purchase liability protection, which covers damages to a third party in an accident. If you have a newer vehicle, you will want to add physical damage coverage, which pays for losses sustained to your vehicle. Your agent can consult you on which coverages you may want to select.
Remember that insurance companies like safe drivers. The best way to make sure you consistently earn the lowest premium possible is to limit the number of tickets and accidents you have. There are also adjustments you can make to your actual policy, such as increasing the deductible on your policy; the higher the deductible, the lower the premium.
In most instances, insurance coverage follows the vehicle. If you give an individual permission to drive your car, remember that any claims caused by other drivers will be recorded on your policy, which can affect your premium.
Collision covers damages to a vehicle when the driver is at fault. For example, if you rear end a vehicle and damage your bumper, collision will kick in and pay to have it repaired.
Comprehensive is also called “other than collision” coverage. It protects your car against losses that are outside your control like hail, vandalism, and hitting a deer.
As long as you are driving a rental car within the United States or its territories, your personal auto policy will cover damages sustained while driving the rental up to your policy limits. If you do not carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, it will not be carry over to the rental vehicle.
If you are in an accident with an at fault driver who does not have any insurance or inadequate limits to pay for damages you sustain, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy will pay the claim up to the limits listed on your policy under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Each insurance company has their own policy concerning cancellations. If you develop a poor driving record and have multiple claims, you may no longer be a desired candidate for an insurance company and see your policy up for cancellation. Each company also sets their own policy about late payments, so contact your agent as soon as possible if you have missed a payment or you know ahead of time that you might need to pay late.
Most states do not require your child to have their own insurance when learning to drive with a permit. However, as soon as your child receives his or her license, they need to be added to your policy.
There is no “one size fits all” policy for auto insurance. While states have minimum liability limits that you must carry to comply with the law, they are often inadequate in cases of an accident. Your agent can advise you on appropriate coverages and limits depending on your circumstances.
Everything from what you drive to where you live to your marital status can affect your auto insurance premium. It is always best to talk to your agent about your auto policy to understand what you are purchasing.
Yes. Anti-theft and safety features are just a couple factors that can affect your auto insurance rate. High value cars can also result in higher premiums due to the higher cost of repair.
As soon as your teenager starts driving, it is important to speak to your agent so they can add them to your policy. Failing to report a new driver may lead to complications with claims so it is always best to talk to your agent ahead of time. Generally, it is best to add your child to your policy to begin with, but there are some circumstances under which the child might need to purchase their own insurance, so it’s best to consult with you agent.
Unlike driving a car, you can legally own a home and not carry homeowners insurance.
However, if you have a mortgage, banks will often request that you have insurance. It is highly recommended that regardless of your situation, you have homeowners insurance so that you protect your assets in case of a catastrophic loss.
It is a good idea to insure your home up to the cost to fully construct the home from the ground up. Insurance companies calculate this using special software by looking at specifications like location, square footage, type of construction, and special features in the home.
This is particularly important for possessions that are high in value or difficult to replace.
A home inventory is a written or recorded list of your personal possessions. This protects you as the insured in times of a loss where an item may be difficult to replace and helps to ensure you purchase enough insurance.
Your insurance agent will need to following information to begin a quote:
Generally, it is a good idea to review your homeowner’s policy every two to three years. If you make any additions to your home, it is best to contact your agent immediately.
An insurance policy that has been in force for more than 60 days can only be cancelled when:
Non-renewing a policy can be decided either by you or the insurance company once the policy expires.
Yes. Homeowners policies provide coverage for water damage caused by accidental discharge or overflow from plumbing or heating and air conditioning units.
No, while a homeowners policy does cover some types of water damage such as accidental discharge or overflow of water from a plumbing or heating and air conditioning system, flood insurance is provided by FEMA, a government program.
Sewer and drain backup coverage can be added to your homeowners policy. Most policies do not automatically provide coverage for this.
Typically, condo owners are required to insure a portion of their property, depending on what the master policy states. A standard condo policy will provide coverage for your personal property and walls-in coverage for your unit. Not all townhomes are condos, so you should check your tax record to see how your townhome is classified.
In this case, you will need a landlord’s policy, which provides protection for the building you rent out, your personal property inside the rental property, legal costs, and loss of income.
Coverage for these items on a homeowners policy is often limited. It is best to consult your agent to determine what limits are necessary to protect your valuables.
While actual cash value deducts for depreciation over time, replacement cost coverage guarantees that damaged property will be replaced at the actual cost of the item at the time of loss.
Yes. Most homeowners policies will cover “additional living expenses” or “loss of use” costs that result from a covered loss. Your agent can advise you on how much coverage your particular policy carries.
It depends on the policy. Generally there is coverage as long as the child is a full-time college student. There can be restrictions for the age of the child, so it’s best to check with your agent regarding this coverage.
A personal umbrella policy offers another layer of liability protection above and beyond your underlying auto, home, boat, RV, and motorcycle policies. The policy starts at $1 million in additional liability and goes up from there, generally in increments of $1 million.
The deductible on your home insurance policy is the amount at which you self-insure at the time of loss to your property before the insurance company pays; the higher the deductible, the lower the premium.
Insurance companies pull some relevant information from credit scores to determine your insurance score, which can affect your eligibility with a company and your overall premium.
Depending on your homeowner’s policy, losses which may be excluded include, but are not limited to: flood, earthquake, or water backup from a sump pump. Some of these coverages may be added to your policy for an additional cost.
Depending on the type of business you own, you will be exposed to a vast number of different risks. Insurance professionals can help navigate you through the complexities of various coverages and create a program that is customized to fit what you need.
Even if you are just starting out, business insurance is important to consider. Many businesses are required to show proof of insurance before they are allowed to begin working with other business partners. An agent can assist you in determining what coverages are appropriate for you.
Business liability or general liability insurance covers you against lawsuits brought against your business for property or bodily injury to a third party, as well as advertising and personal injury expenses. Every business is at risk of having lawsuits brought against them, so it is a good idea to carry it as part of your business’ insurance program.
Workers Compensation laws differ by state. In many states, you are required to carry workers compensation as soon as you have at least one part time employee. An employee is viewed broadly under worker compensation law and includes part-time and full-time, seasonal and temporary workers, and trainees. A licensed agent can advise you on your specific needs.
Even without major assets, it is still suggested that you carry business insurance to protect yourself against lawsuits, frivolous or not. A major coverage under a general liability policy includes defense costs, which would be out of pocket expenses if you do not carry proper insurance.
The property you use to operate your business should be covered under your insurance program, as well as the personal property of others while it is on you business’ premises or in your business’ possession.
Most Homeowners policies are extremely limited when it comes to insuring a business. In some cases, a Homeowners policy may exclude certain coverages which could make you vulnerable to out of pocket expenses in the event of a loss. In order to have sufficient coverage, it is best to consider having a separate business policy to cover property and liability expenses.
A business owner’s policy is a package policy which combines general liability and business personal property together, often resulting in a lower annual premium. Endorsements may also be added to these policies, which are often tailored to meet the needs of the specific type of business being insured.
If you own a car that is titled under a business entity, it must be insured under a commercial auto policy. If you have any uncertainty, it is best to consult with an insurance agent.
Business interruption coverage pays for the loss of income a business suffers after a disaster. This can be the result of a disaster-related temporary shutdown of the business or due to the rebuilding process after a loss.
Coinsurance clauses are used by insurance companies to prevent businesses from underinsuring their property. Generally, coinsurance requires a business to have coverage for at least 80% of the true value of the property. If a business does in fact underinsure their property, they can be penalized and in turn become a coinsurer with the insurance company in the event of a covered loss.
Professional Liability protects professional advice and service providing business from lawsuits brought against for claims of negligence, often not covered under a general liability policy.
Depending on the type of business and your insurance carrier, premiums can be affected by such things including: years in business, number of employees, annual sales, payroll, and more. An insurance agent can help explain the cost of your particular insurance program, as well as ways to save money.
If your business uses subcontractors, it is important to make sure they carry their own workers compensation insurance. If they do not, you will be on the hook for covering them at the end of your term on your own policy. Always ask for certificates of insurance from subcontractors before they begin work on a project.
There are a variety of ways to lower insurance costs. However, it is most important to make sure that your business is properly covered should a loss occur. The greatest way to maintain a low annual cost is to mitigate claims, and an agent can assist you having a proactive plan in place for your business.
Life insurance pays a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the death of the insured party.
The best time to buy life insurance is when you are young, since the longer you wait, the more expensive coverage becomes. An agent can consult you on which insurance plan is most appropriate depending of your living circumstances.
Term life insurance is a policy that runs for a designated amount of time, usually ten, twenty, or thirty years.
Permanent life insurance is a policy that is designed to cover the life span of the insured party. Some policies can combine the death benefit with a savings component. Permanent life insurance is also commonly known as whole life and universal life insurance.
The amount of life insurance that you need may differ depending on your lifestyle and living situation. A number of factors including debt, annual income, future obligations, and dependents should all be considered when selecting an appropriate policy. An agent can help advise you on a coverage plan.
Choosing the right type of life insurance can be confusing depends on a number of factors. Do you need life insurance for a specific period of time? Do you need a large amount of coverage, but have a limited budget? Do you want to accumulate a savings element that will grow on a tax-deferred basis? An agent can help you answer these questions.
Yes, as both people, whether they work or not, have a financial stake in the marriage. If one were to pass away, you would still need finances to cover what the other was responsible for, i.e. income, child care, etc.
It is always recommended to consider a personal life insurance policy. There are a number of factors to consider: your employer may not offer enough life insurance, you may lose your coverage if your job situation changes, your plan doesn’t provide enough coverage for your spouse, and an employer-provided plan may not be your cheapest option.
If you do not have life insurance and pass away suddenly, your loved ones could be burdened with funeral and death expenses, medical bills, and other outstanding debts.
Yes, although the premiums may be higher. The medical exam is fairly simple, consisting of height and weight measurements, a blood and urine exam, in addition to basic questions about your overall health.
In many cases, you can still get coverage, even if you have been treated for something like heart disease or some types of cancer. Your ability to obtain life insurance not only depends on your medical condition, but how well it is controlled.
While life insurance is designed to protect your dependents, you can choose anyone to be a beneficiary. If you plan on having children in the future, it may be a good idea to consider purchasing a life insurance policy since rates generally go up as you get older.
No. The proceeds a beneficiary receives from a life insurance policy are not taxable.
If you purchase life insurance for your children while they are young, you will generally pay less in premium. Health can also change, and ailments can sometimes lead to becoming uninsurable. In this instance, universal or whole life is recommended.
Depending on the policy, the amount of coverage may be amended once a policy is purchased. In some instances, additional underwriting questions may be required.
There is no limit to the number of beneficiaries you can have on a policy, and the death benefit is divided in a manner of your choosing. While there are some exceptions, generally beneficiaries can be changed at any time and as many times as you want.
You will never need to “re-qualify” to maintain your life insurance so long as premiums are continuously paid. Should a policy lapse, you may need to have a new policy and “re-qualify.”
Your car is an essential part of your daily life. But accidents happen and you need to feel confident that you are protected from loss. The agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership will make sure that you have the appropriate amount of coverage to protect you, your passengers, your vehicle, and other drivers or pedestrians on the road. Our seasoned agents offer personal attention, knowledge, and service, so that you’ll have the information you need to choose the car insurance coverage that makes the most sense for your situation at the best price available. Our goal is to leave nothing to chance.
Generally, auto insurance coverage includes property, liability and medical insurance.
Today’s auto insurance options are much more complicated than just your age, make and model of your car, and driving record, and there are many factors that may affect your eligibility for discounts. Reviewing your auto insurance, before you have an accident, is the best way to prevent gaps in coverage and make sure you are fully protected. Boizelle’s insurance professionals are happy to review your current policy and discuss your options and possible discounts. Call or email us today. We’re here to protect you from the unexpected!
As they say: Your home is your castle. At Boizelle Insurance Partnership, we understand that your home could be the most valuable financial investment you have. But it’s so much more than that. Your home is the place where you raise your family and make memories, your haven from the outside world, and in many ways, your reward for years of hard work and dedication.
Homeowners insurance helps you by protecting against loss resulting from home related damage or disaster. Our insurance professionals offer knowledge, in-depth experience, and the expertise to customize a homeowners policy that meets your needs and your budget. Our mission is to make sure that you are properly insured and that your most important asset is always protected.
Contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership to learn more or to get a quote. Our experienced agents are happy to review your current homeowners policy and discuss the many options and discounts available. Our agents are always here to help you.
A repairman slips on an icy stairway while leaving your home, resulting in a jury award for injuries and lost wages in excess of your home insurance liability.
While swerving to avoid a deer in the road, a driver covered by your auto policy accidentally hits a motorcyclist who’s medical and repair bills total more than what your auto insurance covers.
Your dog bites a child and causes serious injury resulting in expensive medical bills.
What happens if the settlement following an accident far exceeds your insurance coverage? A personal umbrella insurance policy provides an additional layer of personal liability protection. A single umbrella policy covers all underlying policies you own (auto, home, condo, motorcycle, boat, etc.) and kicks in if or when the liability limits on these policies are exhausted. Boizelle Insurance Partnership wants to be sure you have that extra protection and avoid devastating loss.
If your assets exceed the liability coverage included in vehicle or property insurance, you should consider a personal umbrella policy. These assets can include home equity, college and retirement savings, a second home, stocks and bonds, and even future wages or inheritance.
You’re held liable for causing a car accident and the cost to cover the damages and injuries is $500,000. The liability limits on your Auto policy are only $300,000.
In this case, your auto insurance would pay only $300,000 for the entire accident, and you would be responsible for the remaining $200,000 out of your own pocket.
In addition, a personal umbrella policy provides coverage for claims that may be excluded by other liability policies, including false arrest, libel, slander, liability coverage on rental units you own, and defense and court costs.
For as little as a $1 a day or less, you can have the peace of mind of knowing you’re protected. So why take the risk? The experienced and knowledgeable agents at Boizelle Insurance are always happy to discuss the best insurance options available to fully protect you and your family, now and into the future. Contact us today to discuss whether an umbrella policy is right for you.
Condos are a great alternative to renting an apartment or owning a single family home, but they come with their own unique insurance needs. Condominium insurance provides coverage for your personal belongings as well as coverage for structural improvements to your dwelling and additional living expenses if you are forced to temporarily relocate during a repair or rebuilding of your unit following a covered disaster.
As the owner of a condo unit, you obviously don’t own the entire building or complex. You own your own unit and share ownership of the rest of the complex with all the other owners. The condo association has a master insurance policy which covers the condominium building and common areas, including elevators, hallways, walkways, the lobby, and basement, and liability insurance for the association. They also have by-laws or association rules which state what is insured through the master policy and what is not. Unfortunately there are many cases where that insurance policy won’t cover you or your things—like a break in, water damage to your walls from the unit above, or someone injuring themselves in your unit. That’s why you need condominium insurance designed specifically for condo or co-op owners.
Condominium policies help protect your personal property and the interior of your unit. The unit owner is usually responsible for insuring everything within the walls of the condominium. This includes both contents (furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry…) and structural items (countertops, cabinetry, built-ins, flooring, window treatments…). You will also have liability protection for bodily injury or property damage to others. In the event of a fire or other disaster, the association’s master insurance policy will cover rebuilding the complex, but your personal condo insurance policy will be needed to replace your belongings and everything else within the walls of your unit. Most policies will include coverage for losses arising from:
In addition to your condo insurance policy you might also want to include:
The insurance professionals at Boizelle Insurance Partnership have extensive knowledge and expertise in condo insurance. Contact us now for a complimentary review of your current policy. We are happy to answer your questions and help you with coverage choices and possible discounts so that you and your belongings are fully covered at a price within your budget.
Renters insurance is an affordable way to cover your belongings and potential liability—whether you’re renting an apartment, condo or house. When you rent, you will need to protect your personal property and insure against others’ claims of damage or injury. Contrary to what some believe, your landlord’s insurance does not offer you that protection.
The landlord of your rented home has insurance, but it probably only covers the building or structure where you live… not your belongings or your liability for accidents. If your possessions are stolen during a break-in or damaged by a fire or severe weather, a renters insurance policy will allow you to recover their value. If someone is injured during an accident in your home, renters insurance can help protect you in the case a liability lawsuit.
Even if you think you own very little, it adds up fast… your clothes, electronics, jewelry, furniture…You may have several thousands of dollars or even tens of thousands in property that would need to be replaced. A renters insurance policy is inexpensive, often less than a dollar a day, and gives you peace of mind. The unexpected can happen at any time. That small daily cost will save you thousands.
For particularly valuable items, like jewelry, antiques, artwork, firearms…, you can add a personal articles policy to cover it.
Typically, there are two types of renters insurance policies available and they differ in their method of reimbursement.
Many landlords require in their leases that tenants carry renters insurance and you must provide a copy of your insurance policy before you sign the lease. Often, the landlord must be listed as an “additional insured.” This ensures that a renter or tenant understands that the landlord is responsible only for his building and not for the renters belongings or damage to the property. It also ensures that the tenant has coverage for them and both parties are protected.
Our experienced agents are always happy to review your current renters policy and answer any questions you may have about your insurance. Contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership to discuss your personal situation and what type of renters policy will provide you the best and most complete protection.
We know your boat is an important investment – even more important when you add accessories, equipment, and a trailer. At Boizelle Insurance Partnership, we will help you sort through the many boating insurance options and arrive at the best coverage for your specific needs at a competitive rate.
We tailor your boat insurance to fit your individual needs. We take into consideration what kind of boat you own and what activities you enjoy when using it, where you live, and what kind of waterway (ocean, lake, river…) you will be using . For example, if you own a fishing boat, we offer optional fishing equipment coverage. If you enjoy water-skiing, we provide watercraft liability. So, whether you own an antique boat, power boat, sail boat, ski boat, fishing boat, pontoon, houseboat, or pleasure boat, Boizelle Insurance will customize the right boat insurance policy to protect you, your friends, family and your boat.
Our boat insurance policies come with plenty of options for specialized coverage, such as Roadside Assistance, On-Water Towing, Total Loss Replacement, and more. Liability limits, deductibles, additional coverages and discounts may vary to meet your needs.
Some boats, such as small sailboats, rowboats, canoes and small power boats, may be covered under a renters, condo or homeowners policy.
Contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership to discuss your boat insurance needs. Our experienced agents will guide you through the process and discuss your options and possible discounts, to make sure that all your boating experiences are pleasurable and worry free.
Flood damage can happen to anyone. You don’t have to live in a high-risk flood zone to be affected by a flood. Floods and flash floods can occur anywhere and just an inch of water can cause damage to your property. For better or for worse, Mother Nature doesn’t play favorites. But even if you’re not required to have flood insurance, your home could still be at risk.
Most flood insurance is written through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Flood insurance covers the structure of your home and your personal property from flood damage and is available to you whether you are a homeowner or renter. It will replace the structure of your home to what it was before the flood damage. It will also pay for your possessions at a depreciated amount. Renters are covered for possessions only. If your home has been improved with a furnished, finished basement, those improvements are not covered by the NFIP policy. However, appliances and fixtures typically found in an unfinished basement will usually be covered. If you are a victim of a flood and your area is declared a major disaster by the President, then federal aid could be available.
If you own a home located in a designated flood zone and you have a mortgage, your bank will probably require you to carry a flood insurance policy. Though you may believe your homeowners insurance covers such damage; that is not the case. Even if you do not live in a designated flood zone, you should consider securing a flood insurance policy if your home and possessions are at risk from melting snow, overflowing creeks, ponds, or rivers. The experienced professionals at Boizelle Insurance Partnership understand the guidelines and can help you build the right flood insurance policy for your individual situation.
Flood insurance policies require a 30 day waiting period from the date of purchase to go into effect. Exceptions are only made in a few specific circumstances such as if you’ve purchased a new home and the closing is in less than 30 days.
Speak with one of our knowledgeable agents, experienced in the options and coverage choices of flood insurance. We’ll help you create the right flood insurance policy for your needs.
When the open road calls, you and your motorcycle are ready to roll. You will want the security of knowing that you, your ride and your passenger are protected in the case of damage, accidents and theft.
Motorcycle coverage protects most bikes, including street bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, standard motorcycles, scooters, touring motorcycles, dirt bikes, trikes, classics, and other 2-wheeled rides.
Motorcycle policies come in all shapes and sizes, too. So whether you’ve got a Harley-Davidson or a Vespa, we can help you find the right policy tailored to meet your needs.
Most riders are required to have at least bodily injury and property damage coverage. You can, however, choose to round out your policy for better protection. Specific coverages may include:
If your motorcycle has non-factory-standard elements, like a custom paint job, chrome parts or other added accessories, like sidecars, trailers, or other equipment, you should consider additional coverage with your Boizelle insurance agent for your motorcycle insurance.
Various insurance discounts may be available, depending upon your age and driving record, your bike’s type, style, age and location and whether you are a member of a motorcycle association and/or have completed a motorcycle safety rider course.
For more information about motorcycle coverage and discounts, contact one of our experienced insurance professionals at Boizelle Insurance Partnership. We’re ready to help you customize a policy that’s right for your motorcycle and lifestyle.
Protect your vehicles as well as your employees with commercial auto insurance because road conditions, weather and other drivers on the road are simply beyond your control. At Boizelle Insurance Partnership, we know that covering business auto and other commercial vehicles against losses is an important part of your business insurance portfolio. From plumbing trucks to snow plows, catering vans, to stretch limos, Boizelle Insurance provides business auto protection for virtually every type of business – including yours. We will help you sort through the many options and create a policy that fits your specific needs perfectly.
Typically, a business auto insurance policy carries the same basic types of coverages that you would carry on your personal vehicle insurance. Though similar, a policy for commercial car, truck, SUV and other business vehicles may differs in many ways, with many possible variations and options, depending upon your business circumstances and needs. They usually include:
You have many options and variations to consider for your business vehicle coverage. Let the experienced and knowledgeable professionals at the Boizelle Insurance Partnership make the process an easy one. We’re happy to review your current policy and make suggestions to limit your exposure. Contact us today to discuss your business and specific commercial auto needs.
General liability insurance provides vital protection for your business. This protection, also known as business liability insurance or commercial general liability insurance, protects your business should injury or property damage occur to others as a result of your business operations.
Business insurance is usually a bundle of coverages, custom-designed to best protect your particular type of business against many general risks as well as those that might be unique to your industry.
Commercial General Liability coverage kicks in when your business is faced with a lawsuit alleging bodily injury or property damage.
For example, someone might claim that your business:
General Liability Insurance protects your business against claims brought against the company as a whole, as well as claims brought against individuals on the company’s behalf. If you, an employee, or your company is sued, your General Liability policy covers the costs of investigating or defending those claims, which might include paying attorney fees, witness fees, court expenses, and more up to your stated limits. Commercial liability policies may also cover bond premiums, settlements, and judgments that arise from covered lawsuits, including the medical costs for someone suing about an injury.
If your policy includes business interruption coverage, it may also pay for the income you lose while defending yourself in court, along with certain other expenses you may incur to return your business to normal operations.
In addition to the four major types of business insurance coverage, there are other policies you might need to consider, depending upon the scope of your business. These include:
Make sure you and your business are adequately protected with a commercial liability insurance policy. Contact Boizelle Insurance Partnership today to discuss your business and the many options available to you. Our knowledgeable professionals are always here to help you and are happy to review your existing policy and make appropriate recommendations.
The idea behind workers’ compensation insurance is simple. It’s a no-fault insurance program. As an employer you pay for workers’ compensation insurance and in return your business is covered for work-related accidents. This insurance protects you as an employer against lawsuits arising from workers injured on the job or developing work-related illness… whether it occurs on your workplace premises or elsewhere, including cases of business-related traffic accidents. Workers’ compensation coverage applies regardless of who was at fault.
Workers’ compensation insurance is required by law in almost every state. Each state’s rules and requirements may vary significantly. The insurance professionals at Boizelle Insurance Partnership can help you understand these and other details, so that you not only follow your state’s laws, but make sure your business and employees are adequately covered and protected.
When the unexpected happens, it’s essential that your employees’ medical needs are quickly addressed so they can return to work as fast as possible. Let a Boizelle Insurance agent create a tailored, multi-covered workers’ compensation insurance solution that meets the specific needs of your business.
Workers’ compensation coverage can help pay for doctor, medical, and hospital bills. It will help make up for lost wages and cover rehab and other expenses. If an employee is unable to return to their current position, workers’ compensation insurance may include training with new skills for a new position. If your employee can’t return to work at all, it will pay a long-term benefit. Or, if an employee dies due to a work related accident, it will pay an insurance benefit to their family.
It is important to remember that your business insurance package does not include workers compensation. It is necessary to carry a separate policy for workers’ compensation insurance.
If you’ve just hired your first employee, you might be wondering what you are required to do and what your options might be. If you are a seasoned business owner, you might wonder if you are getting the best rates and the appropriate coverage. Our knowledgeable and experienced agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership are here to educate you about this critical coverage. Contact us today to review your current policy and discuss the best and most cost effective way to protect your business and your employees.
Business Owners insurance (also known as a Business Owners Policy or BOP) protects small to medium sized businesses from a variety of risks including accidents, property damage, loss of income, crime, and more. A BOP is designed for certain types of small-business owners, and bundles liability and property coverages together into a single policy, resulting in a lower annual premium.
Business insurance is a necessity for even the smallest company in order to protect and maintain its financial health. A Business Owners Policy is designed to offer coverage for businesses with fewer than 100 employees and less than $5 million in sales.
Business owners interested in increasing their insurance coverage limits can buy additional coverage to supplement their Business Owners Policy. A Business Umbrella Insurance policy may make a BOP even more effective.
BOPs do not cover professional liability, auto insurance, workers compensation, or health and disability insurance.
In order to qualify for a Business Owners Policy, your business must meet certain criteria. Generally speaking, a business does not qualify for a BOP if it:
The knowledgeable and experienced agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership are happy to review your current business insurance and discuss the details of a BOP and whether it is right for you and your business. Call today to talk to one of our business insurance professionals.
Just as with personal umbrella insurance, a business umbrella policy picks up where your business auto liability, general liability or other liability coverage stops. Umbrella insurance is an economical way to provide extra coverage against bodily injury and/or property damage. This insurance adds additional coverage beyond the amounts available in your company’s underlying policies and it stipulates certain levels of coverage on your company’s various primary insurance policies.
A lawsuit can happen to any business. An employee driving their own car to a meeting accidentally rear ends another car, a patron slips and falls and injures themselves while exiting your establishment, an advertisement lists the wrong phone number, causing annoying calls to an unrelated business, and you get sued.
A business umbrella policy can give you peace of mind by providing increased limits of financial protection to your business from these unexpected risks. And, it’s surprisingly affordable. That’s because the underlying liability policy limits are used first and your commercial umbrella coverage only kicks in after those policies have exhausted their limits.
The main benefit of purchasing a business umbrella insurance policy, rather than opting for higher limits on your individual policies, is that a business umbrella tends to be more cost-effective. You can spend less on premium payments to enjoy significantly greater insurance protection. You may be able to protect more of your assets by investing in an umbrella policy than you would with just liability insurance policies. If you face a legal settlement for an amount above the limits of your standard insurance, an umbrella policy could protect you from draining your bank account and selling your assets to cover the cost, which could ultimately put you out of business.
A business umbrella policy only provides extended coverage to your liability policies. It’s important to note that an umbrella policy will not extend coverage limits on an errors and omissions or professional liability policy.
No matter how well you manage your business, a catastrophe can still occur. And, depending on the circumstances, the resultant claims against your business can far exceed your planned liability insurance coverage. The knowledgeable professionals at Boizelle Insurance Partnership are always happy to review your existing policy and/or discuss business umbrella insurance policy options.
There’s a common misconception that surety bonds are only for construction companies. Not so! While the construction industry uses significant surety credit, many, if not most, companies will need a surety bond at some time. Boizelle Insurance Partnership agents and our carriers have extensive experience in handling the specific surety needs of a wide variety of businesses.
A surety bond is somewhat like a professional co-signer. The bond company is basically promising that you will follow the rules listed on the bond and will not cause financial harm. The contract is among three parties.
If you do not follow the obligations stated on the bond then a claim can be filed on your bond. The bond company will investigate and pay out if they find you at fault. Unlike an insurance policy, if the surety company pays out on the bond, you are obligated to pay the surety company back.
There are two main categories of bond types: Contract Bonds and Commercial Bonds.
Bonds often needed by contractors:
Commercial bonds:
Whether you’re an individual with a business seeking a particular type of bond, or run a business with a variety of bonding requirements, Boizelle Insurance Partnership has many carriers that can provide a surety program that suits your needs with pre-approval and quick bonding solutions. Give us a call today. We’ll work with you to find the best bond solution to meet your company’s needs.
While automobiles have special safety features designed to protect drivers, Boizelle Insurance Partnership has a wheelhouse of options for designing special protections to keep your business safe.
The right coverage can protect you against a host of possible detours and breakdowns. It is unlikely that will come from a cookie-cutter, off the shelf policy. Business insurance is intricate. No two garages are the same, and your insurance program needs to reflect your particular situation and operation.
Because Boizelle Insurance Partnership is independent, we’re not chained to just one insurance carrier. That gives us – and you – flexibility when designing the most comprehensive coverage available, at a price you can afford. Our goal is first and foremost to protect your business from risk.
Possible coverages include:
Our agents provide superior, tailored policies that fit your budget, while containing the dependable, high-quality coverage you can’t receive elsewhere. Boizelle Insurance has established close relationships with a number of the industry’s top insurance companies. We work with experienced risk control representatives daily. Together, we will determine the places your business is exposed to risk and decide how to best fortify you against loss or work-related injury.
The right insurance package to protect your business coupled with the best care possible to keep you up and running, is our goal. We know that’s what you want and that’s what Boizelle insurance professionals deliver. Call or email us today for a comprehensive insurance review or to learn more about Garage and Autobody insurance plans.
Boizelle Insurance Partnership has insured contractors since our inception, so we have a full understanding of the risks you face every day. The type of contracting business you own: electrical, landscaping, excavation, plumbing and HVAC, as well as the size of your operation, affect the types and scale of the insurance you need.
Common coverage options include:
Because we’re an independent agency, we have the fullest range of opportunities available, so we can determine the best insurance products to suit your business type, your location or locations, your company’s size and your specific needs.
We know workplace safety important to you. Boizelle Insurance partners with carriers who have excellent safety programs that will help reduce the risk of employee-related injuries.
Have you ever had to wait too long to receive a certificate of insurance for a new project? We know a delay in starting a job could mean lost income, so we make sure you always receive Proof of Insurance quickly and efficiently.
Allow Boizelle Insurance’s experienced agents to construct an insurance program that protects your contracting business now and into the future. Contact us by phone or email for a comprehensive insurance review or to learn more about insurance for artisan contractors.
Boizelle Insurance Partnership understands the risks you face as a restaurant owner. Accidents happen: a customer slips and falls, an employee is injured, a kitchen fire causes extensive damage. Whether you’re a neighborhood coffee shop, a chain of delicatessens, or a fine dining establishment, we make sure you have the coverage you need to get back on track as quickly as possible.
Restaurant insurance costs may vary significantly from one establishment to another. Your specific premiums will depend on several factors including the size of your business, the number of employees you have on staff, whether you serve both food and alcohol and whether your business includes catering services.
Possible Coverages:
Boizelle partners with insurance companies who may also provide risk control services at no additional cost, helping you mitigate potential claims to ensure your restaurant doesn’t get miss a step. Our experienced agents are ready to custom-design a menu of coverage that will meet your restaurant’s unique needs.
Call or email us today for a comprehensive review of your current restaurant insurance program and safety plan.
Term life insurance provides coverage at a fixed rate of payments for a limited or specific period of time, the term. Unlike whole or universal life, the policy has a set duration limit on the coverage period. Once the policy comes to the end of its term, it expires, and it is then up to the policy owner to decide whether to renew the term life insurance policy or to let the coverage end.
Term insurance is purely risk protection and is not generally used for estate planning needs. It is designed for income replacement. A term policy provides a stated benefit upon the death of the policy owner, provided that the death occurs within the term. However, the policy does not provide any returns beyond that benefit that can be used for wealth accumulation. Simply stated, if the life insured dies during the term, the death benefit will be paid to the beneficiary.
Term life insurance is often the most affordable coverage because it offers protection for a specific number of years. It is primarily use is to provide coverage for the insured’s financial responsibilities upon his or her death. These may include things like:
For example, an individual might choose to obtain a term insurance policy which expires near his or her retirement age based on the premise that, by that time the family home would be owned, the children would have finished their educations, and he or she would have amassed sufficient funds in retirement savings to have financial security.
A term life insurance policy helps give you and your loved ones protection from the unexpected. You know that if something happens to you, your family will have the financial protection they will need into the future. It is the most affordable and the easiest to understand. You specify the length of the contract in 5-year increments, and the policy provides basic protection for you and your loved ones.
The experienced and trusted agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership are happy to review your current life insurance protection and discuss the details of term insurance and whether it is right for you and your situation. Call today to talk to one of our life insurance professionals.
Permanent life insurance are life insurance policies which are guaranteed to remain in force for the insured’s entire lifetime, provided that the required premiums are paid. Premiums are fixed and are based on the age of the insured at the time that the policy is issued, and usually do not increase with age. Normally you pay premiums until death. A permanent life policy usually has both an insurance and an investment component. The insurance component pays a stated amount upon death of the insured. The investment component accumulates a cash value that the policyholder can withdraw or borrow against. The two main types of permanent life insurance are whole and universal life insurance policies.
Picking the right type of life insurance is critical for you and your family, so be sure to do your research to carefully consider which will best serve your needs. The knowledgeable and experienced agents at Boizelle Insurance Partnership are ready to review your current life insurance policies and discuss the options available to you.
Contact a Boizelle Insurance professional to learn more or get a quote.