Going Green Insurance Incentives
photo credit: america.gov
Happy Earth Day on Friday! It reminds us to finally make that change toward creating a better environment. Stop putting it off and do it; whether it’s to drive less, use reusable mugs, take shorter showers, or get involved in improving your local community.
But did you know that there are incentives available for being green from insurance companies?
Be Green and Get a Discount
According to Insurance Information Institute, here are ways to save:
- Pay as you drive insurance programs: It uses a device to track the miles and speed and depending on the program you get discounts for driving less.
- Hybrid vehicles: Some auto insurers give discounts off your premium for driving a hybrid.
- Efficiency and sustainable homes: Homes that are LEED certified may receive premium discounts.
- Rebuild green homeowners insurance: Added endorsement if you rebuild with eco-friendly material if your home is lost in a disaster.
- Self-generated energy: Homeowners that generate their own geothermal, solar, or wind power and sell surplus energy to local power grid can provide discounts.
Make some positive changes and save!
Motorcycle Insurance
photo credit: Iain Farrell
In the past couple of weeks, I’ve noticed an increase in the number of motorcycles on the road. For me, this has always been a sign of that springtime is here! According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, motorcycle riding has become more popular in recent years. Unfortunately, with this comes an increase in motorcycle crashes and fatalities. While proper safety precautions such as wearing helmets are important for your personal safety, motorcycle insurance is the best way to protect your financial security and the property of others:
Different coverages include:
- Liability Coverage: covers personal injury and property damage that you may cause to someone else. It does not cover you or your motorcycle.
- Collision Coverage: covers damage to your motorcycle if you’re involved in an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: covers damage to your motorcycle caused by any event excluding fire, theft or vandalism.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: covers you and your property if damage is done by someone that is uninsured or underinsured.
Lower rates are available depending on your age, driving record, location, motorcycle type, and rider-training courses.
Enjoy the springtime but stay safe motorcycle riders! To find out more call us today at 877-500-6997 or visit our website.
Steps to Take to Prevent Car Theft
photo credit: neoliminal
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, in the U.S. a vehicle is stolen about every 40 seconds and only a little over 50% of cars are recovered.
Ways to Prevent Theft:
- Park in well lit areas
- Always lock doors and keep windows rolled up
- Leave personal valuables out of sight in the trunk
- If possible, keep your car in a locked garage
- Have your windows tinted
- Keep registration card in your wallet
- Use emergency brake when parked
- Have an anti-theft device or alarm system on your car
If your car is stolen, report the following information:
- Year, make, model, and color of your car
- Approximate time it was stolen
- Description of any suspicious people seen around the area and your car
- Any witnesses
Always be aware of your surroundings. Remember it is you, me, family and friends that ultimately pay for car theft. According to the Insurance Information Institute, one-fourth of car insurance premium goes to pay for car theft claims.
Boat Insurance: Speed and Size Matters
photo credit: patient.ghost
As the weather begins to warm up and signs of spring appear, it is the indication that it is time for boat season. Bringing your boat out for the first time after a long winter season you might to make sure everything is in order – including your boat insurance.
The Basics
There are different types of coverage depending on the size and speed of your boat.
- Small boats with no motor or less than 25 mile per hour horse power can be insured under your homeowner or renter insurance.
- Larger and faster boats will need a separate boat insurance policy.
Two Policy Types
- Actual Cash Value: This policy covers replacement costs minus the deprecation. Partial loss is determined by total repair costs minus a percentage for depreciation.
- Agreed Amount Value: You and your insurer agrees on the boat value and will cover that amount in event of a loss. Partial loss is replaced without deduction for depreciation.
Other Boat Insurance Coverage includes:
- Injuries to people on-board
- Property damage
- Guest passenger liability with permission if the owner
- Medical
- Theft
Possible Discounts:
Ask your insurer about these possible discounts:
- Diesel powered versus gasoline
- Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers
- Ship-to-shore radios
- Good boating discount (2 year claim-free)
- Safety education courses
Once everything is set go out and enjoy the breeze. If you have any questions contact Moria McNeill at 415-257-2125!
Do you have Earthquake Insurance?!
It’s probably no question that earthquakes have been on everyone’s mind especially if you’re like me and living in California. According to California Earthquake Authority, only 12 percent of Californians have earthquake insurance. This means about 9 out of 10 homeowners and renters are left unprotected to the disaster. U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer are trying to change that.
Earthquake Insurance Affordability Act
Under this proposed act, it aims to lower costs of earthquake insurance from non-profit, state-run programs. The hope is to encourage more people to buy earthquake insurance without costing federal taxpayers. In an Insurance Journal article, the two senators state, “Following major disasters, the federal government spends billions of dollars in response efforts. By enacting the Earthquake Insurance Affordability Act and increasing the number of individuals with insurance, the cost of disaster recovery to the federal government could be substantially lower.”
Earthquake Insurance Notes
Earthquake policies are separate from your homeowners insurance or property insurance. There are different kinds of deductibles depending on your location and needs. You can also have a policy put together to cover other structures and living expenses additional to your home.
We would love to go over this with you. Call us today 877-500-6997 or apply online.
Remember natural disasters cannot be predicted but you can be proactive in preparing for the possibility!
St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips
St. Patrick’s Day is known for its celebration and drinking green beer. People are cheerful and out to have a good time. Unfortunately, this can turn dangerous when intoxicated or buzzed drivers get behind the wheel. According to Forbes, St. Patty’s Day isn’t the most dangerous holiday for drivers but it does come in at number 8.
Unlucky on St. Patty’s Day
Don’t let yourself fall into bad luck on this holiday. We recommend you take these precautions:
- If going out, establish a designated driver or take a cab
- If possible, try to stay off the roads
- Know your limits
- Eat and drink water with alcohol
- Wear your seatbelt
- If the party is at a friend’s house, ask to stay the night
You can count on DUI check points on St. Patty’s Day. If you get caught, your insurer will find out. DUI’s will increase your auto insurance rates. This will most likely be a huge increase too.
So be smart and safe on the holiday.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! Forget to wear your green!
Potholes? Get Coverage
photo credit: Oran Viriyincy
Who has not encountered potholes? I know I have. Growing up in the mountains, I had to master the art of dodging them. However, sometimes you cannot seem to avoid them especially as winter continues and more pop up. They can really cause some damage to your vehicle. Nevertheless, there are different types of coverages for pothole damage under optional collision.
What can this policy cover?
- Damage to tires from potholes
- Damage to the car
- Collision into an object or another car
It is important to go over the type of coverage you need for your area. Talk to your insurance broker about it. If you’re interested in learning more, let us know!
Safety Tips and Insurance Tips for You and Your Teen Drivers
photo credit: intothelens4149
Teen drivers are more likely to get into an auto accident because they are inexperienced drivers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, from ages 15 to 20, auto accidents are the leading cause of deaths. Inexperience mixed with driving at night, distractions from friends, speeding, tailgating, and alcohol are all contributing factors.
Getting a drivers license is an exciting time for your teenager. There are many benefits with it but also risks. It is important to take precautions:
Choosing the right vehicle
- Avoid cars that encourage recklessness. Sports cars are probably not the best choice as they encourage speeding.
- Avoid cars that are less stable. Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and trucks have a higher center of gravity which makes them less stable. It can cause more rollovers.
- Avoid older cars without air bags.
- Choose a car with proven crash protection.
What safety precautions to take?
- Driver’s education course and drivers training. This is required in some states. It will help your teen become more comfortable behind the wheel.
- Safe driver program: this will help outline a contract for responsible driving with your teen.
- Talk about the dangers of distractions such as alcohol, texting, cell phones, radio, and friends.
- Watch out for the other guy! You might be obeying the rules of the road but you never know what other drivers will do. Be on defense.
- Prepare your teen driver what to do if there is an accident.
What about insurance tips?
It’s no secret that auto insurance is more expensive for inexperience drivers than experienced ones because the risk is higher. But here are some tips to help decrease that amount.
- Many auto insurance companies give discounts for good grades.
- Some auto insurance companies give discounts for drivers training programs.
- Check with your insurance for rates on different vehicles. Sports cars and expensive cars have higher rates.
- Better safety rating offer a better rate.
If you know any other tips for teen drivers, leave a comment!
What to do if you’re in a car accident?
It can be a scary thing to be in a car accident even if it is minor. Your heart is pounding and you need to figure out what to do next. However, it is knowing what to do that will make things easier and possibly save lives.
What to do at the scene?
- Make sure it’s safe to get out of your car and check if anyone is injured
- Call the police and report the accident and injuries
- Protect the scene by setting up flares and warning people approaching the scene
- Exchange names, addresses, driver’s license, car make and model and insurance information with other driver
- Get names and badge numbers of police officers
- Take pictures of the accident
- Call a tow truck if necessary
- Call your insurance to report the accident promptly
How to prepare for the possibility of an accident?
- Keep your auto insurance information in the glove box
- Keep a pad of paper and pen in your car
- Carry a disposable camera to take pictures (you never know if your phone may be dead)
Accidents are stressful, so use caution when driving and prepared. Drive Safe!
Insure That New Valentine’s Day Jewelry
photo credit: Silly Eagle Books
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and most people don’t think of insurance for this day. Nevertheless, it is a $16 billion dollar industry. It’s the biggest day for giving cards, flowers, and chocolate. According to Business Insider,
- 141 million Valentine cards will be exchanged worldwide
- $1.7 billion will be spent on flowers
- $1,011 billion on chocolate and candy.
- Spending on jewelry is expected to reach $3.5 billion
It’s a day where it’s safe to say people indulge and spoil the ones they love. This is amount of money spent, why wouldn’t you want to protect your new jewelry? It’s not just a gem or a piece of gold; someone bought it for you to express love. It’s semimetal.
What you should know about insuring your jewelry:
Jewelry can be covered in standard homeowner policy under the perils included in your policy. These can be loss caused by fire, windstorm, theft and vandalism. However, there are limitations. These limitations are in liability amount and loss due to loose stone and broken clasps.
Steps you can take for the right coverage:
- Have your jewelry appraised
- Select a coverage with broader protection such as valuable articles coverage
- Work with an insurance broker to get the coverage you need
We hope everyone has a Happy Valentine’s Day! Feel free to contact us with any questions.
