Helpful Hints and Frequently asked questions

Am I covered under my automobile insurance policy if I take my car into Canada?

Under a family automobile insurance policy there are territorial limitations for coverage. Canada is one of those territories where coverage is extended. You will want a current insurance identification card in your car as proof of coverage in the event you may need to provide this information. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

Am I covered if I rent a car while on vacation?

Under a family automobile policy the same coverage listed on your policy generally are extended to that rental vehicle. It is important that you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy to have it extend to that rental car. If not than you will need to purchase that coverage from the rental car agency. One thing to remember is that your personal policy will not generally cover the decreased value of the car if it is damaged.

It is important to know that if you travel abroad your policy will not extend outside the territories listed in the insurance contract.

If you rent a car while on business you will need to check with your company's business automobile insurance policy to see if you are covered while renting a car. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

While on vacation I would love to rent Jet Skis, should I purchase the insurance protection the rental company offers?

We strongly encourage and recommend that you do purchase the insurance protection the rental company offers, as there is no protection under your homeowner's policy. You want to be sure that the rental company provides liability protection while you or your family members are operating the vehicle. Be careful to read the fine print, as their policy may exclude coverage for drivers under a certain age.

I have a young driver in my household who is about to get their driver's license. What can I do to prepare my young driver and get the best insurance rate?

Make sure that they complete all of the driver's licensing requirements and you personally take the time to drive with them. You can help form their early driving habits more than anyone.

• Allow your young driver every opportunity to drive while they still have their learner's permit. This will provide a controlled environment while they are fine-tuning their skills.
• Make sure your young driver understands the rules and regulations of the Intermediate Driver's License.
• If they have a grade point average of 3.0 and above they could qualify for a good student discount. The savings can be quite substantial and often amounts to a part time job just for keeping their grades up.
• If your student is away from home a 100 miles or more attending school and they do not have a car with them, they could qualify for a distant student discount.
• We have found that entering into a Teen Driving Contract with your young driver helps them to be more accountable for their actions while operating an automobile.

Click here to view and print out a sample Teen Driver Contract.

How do I take a home inventory and why?

Would you be able to remember all the possessions you've accumulated over the years if a fire destroyed them? Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.

Start by making a list of your possessions, describing each item and noting where you bought it and its make and model. Clip to your list any sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals you have. For clothing, count the items you own by category -- pants, coats, and shoes, for example - making notes about those that are especially valuable. For major appliance and electronic equipment, record their serial numbers usually found on the back or bottom

What does my credit rating have to do with purchasing insurance?

Credit scores are based on an analysis of an individual’s credit history. These scores are used for many purposes such as securing a loan, finding a place to live, getting a telephone and buying insurance. Insurers often generate a numerical ranking based on a person’s credit history, known as an "insurance score," when underwriting and setting the rates for insurance policies. Actuarial studies show that how a person manages his or her financial affairs, which is what an insurance score indicates, is a good predictor of insurance claims. Insurance scores are used to help insurers differentiate between lower and higher insurance risks and thus charge a premium equal to the risk they are assuming. Statistically, people who have a poor insurance score are more likely to file a claim.

Do I need insurance for a child going away to college?

For students who live in a dorm, most personal possessions are covered under their parents' homeowners or renters insurance policies. However, some home insurance policies may limit the amount of insurance for off-premises belongings to 10 percent of the total amount of coverage for personal possessions. This means that if the parents have $70,000 worth of insurance for their belongings, only $7,000 would be applicable to possessions in the dorm. Not all insurers impose this type of limit; give us a call if you would like us to check the limit on your policy.

Safety Tips:

Cell phones and Driving

As of September 2009 six states - California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington State - plus the District of Columbia, had laws on the books banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Except for Utah and Washington State, the laws are all "primary enforcement," meaning a motorist may be ticketed for using a hand-held cell phone while driving without any other traffic offense taking place, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Also as of July 2009 about 20 states have passed laws specifically banning or restricting young drivers from using cell phones.

Air Bag Safety

Air bags, however, can be dangerous. If small children sit unbelted in the front seat, they can be catapulted into the path of a deploying air bag, which inflates with great force. This risk also applies to small adults - who must sit close to the steering wheel in order to reach the pedals - pregnant women and the elderly. Infants in rear-facing safety seats on the passenger side can be severely injured because their heads are in the direct path of an inflating air bag. If your airbag is stolen or it deploys, you must get a new one, but you will be reimbursed under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.

Protecting your house from mold

Caught early, mold can usually be removed by a thorough cleaning with bleach and water. To prevent mold from re-growing, however, it is essential that the source of the moisture be eliminated and the affected area properly dried, cleaned, and if necessary, replaced. Also, remember to bag and dispose of any material with moldy residue such as rags, paper or debris.

Home security

Burglars won't find your home an "easy mark" if they are forced to work in the light, if they have to take a lot of time breaking in, or if they can't break in without making a lot of noise.

Research shows that if it takes more than four or five minutes to break into a home, the burglar will go elsewhere.

Most insurance companies provide 2 percent to 15 percent discounts for devices that make a home safer - dead-bolt locks, window grates, bars and smoke/fire/burglar alarms.

However, when improving the security of your home, don't exchange security for personal safety. Don't make your home such a fortress that you are unable to escape in case of a fire or other emergency.

What to do in the Event of a Natural Disaster - Click here for important information