68% of survey respondents agreed that most funny car insurance ads were about saving money. While respondents ranked coverage as the most important consideration when shopping for car insurance, 74% admitted that the commercials focused on price caused them to forget about coverage choices that affect how  well they are protected.

Interestingly, more than half of survey respondents admitted that even after they bought car insurance, they still weren’t certain they had made the right decision. Insurance terms can be confusing, and some of the current advertisements muddy the waters even more. That’s why it’s important to consult with an insurance expert before making an insurance decision.

We like a good laugh the same as the next person, but we think it’s time to get serious about your car insurance.  You need to know what you’re buying and to know that your family is protected.  If you have questions about your car insurance and what is covered, call us for a free consultation.

Just a couple of tips on when you call an emergency number.  First, find someone who can speak the local language fluently if you can’t.  You always want to:

Speak slowly and clearly.

State your name, location of the emergency and telephone number.

Provide as much information as possible:

• Who you are
• Who is involved
• What is wrong
• Where you are

Stay on the telephone and follow any instructions that the emergency operator provides.

This page with emergency international numbers is updated the most frequently of any page that we’ve seen.  So, it’s a good place to start if you’re looking for an emergency number in another country.

A little advance planning can make a world of difference…whether you’re traveling for work or for pleasure.

This free guide is designed to teach parents how to help their teens strengthen their privacy and safety on Facebook, the guide features important topics such as:

–How to parent Facebook users
–Managing reputation in the digital age
–Actual risks in social media
–Managing your privacy on Facebook
–Reporting problems
–And more.

Download your copy from iKeepSafe site.

The good news: you can buy a lot of protection without spending a lot of money. Here are five ways you can reduce the cost of insurance:

-Buy policies from same insurer
-Raise your deductibles
-Check rates before you buy
-Look for discounts
-Maintain good credit

With a little knowledge and advance planning, you can save money and protect yourself.  Call us for a free consultation to review your policies, and let us see if you can do more with less.

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Study Before You Go – Learn as much about the destination as possible, review driving directions, places to dine, etc.  If you’re visiting a foreign country, take a little time to understand their local customs for appropriate dress and demeanor.

Practice Hotel Safety – Be familiar with the staff who can monitor who enters and exits the building. Ask for a room on a higher floor near the elevator but away from emergency exits, stairwells, and any renovation work. Don’t open your hotel door to someone you don’t know.

Copy Travel Documents – Make two copies of important travel documents, and leave one set at home or work.

Pack Light – Less is more when packing – both to keep from being weighed down and to prevent being the target for pickpockets.

Review Insurance Coverage – Many car insurance policies cover rental cars too, but it’s a good idea to check to make sure you’re covered. If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll want to verify medical insurance coverage in the event of an accident or illness.

The Best Vacations & the Best Business Trips are the ones that you remember fondly.  With a little advance planning, your vacation or business trip can be safe, hassle-free and memorable.

1. Are there other deductible options that are cheaper? You can often raise your deductible to save money.  But, don’t go it alone because your risk level fits in here too.  Ask your insurance agent if this is for you.
2. What are all the different coverages, and do I need these?  You may not need roadside assistance if you have it through AAA or another provider.  If you have multiple cars, you may not need rental car insurance.  Don’t take what you don’t need.
3. How do your current rates compare to other companies? Comparing auto insurance is smart. Don’t assume you have the best rate because you may be paying more than necessary.  On the other hand, look at more than just premiums because you want to know about the service you receive if you have a claim.
4. Is there a multi-policy discount available? Choose the same carrier for your insurance policies, and ask about multi-policy discounts.
5.  What are my payment options? Choosing to pay your premium in full is usually less expensive.  Many companies charge a fee if you pay in monthly payments.

Don’t go it alone because that’s the best way to get burned. Choose an insurance agent that you trust…some who is knowledgeable, experienced, and has good judgment. Or, contact us. 

We’re always happy to review your policies and find ways that you can save money while still protecting your assets.

1. Have a routine physical. Visit your doctor before
   beginning a new exercise program so that you know and understand your limits.
2. Gradually increase time and intensity. Don’t be the weekend warrior where you do too much at the beginning.  Not only do you risk injury when you do this, but it’s also the path to burnout.
3. Warm up slowly. Stretching or walking goes a long way in preventing injuries.
4. Stay hydrated.  Try to drink 16 oz. of water in the two hours before your workout and then drink water during your workout to replace lost fluids.
5. Pay attention to your body.  Sharp pain, dizziness or other physical weaknesses are signals that something is wrong.  Don’t push through it.
6. Dress properly. Using appropriate equipment for each sport, proper footwear, and clothing will help you stay comfortable and safe.

Whether you are a newbie to the gym, joined an exercise group or just want to get a little more fit in 2012, take time to get started.  Then, you’ll have a lot more staying power that if you started out too quickly.  Ready, Set, Let’s Exercise!

While many employers still offer disability insurance, just as many employers don’t offer this insurance.  Be sure that you’re informed about disability insurance at your place of employment.  Because the bottom line is that if you’re working, you need to make sure you have income to support you and your family in case disability strikes you.  If you aren’t covered, it’s time to take a hard look at protecting your earnings. 

Many people think that worker’s compensation will cover them, but this kicks in only if your disability is job-related.  And Social Security?  Sure, it’s there, but it takes time to qualify for it.  And, it’s difficult to qualify too.  And, it’s not going to kick in for short-term disabilities.  So, don’t count on worker’s comp and social security when you evaluate your disability needs.

Don’t leave your future to chance.  Turn the “Forgotten Risk Factor” around, and make sure you’re protected against disability.   If you have questions about disability insurance, stop by our office.  We’ll analyze your current coverage and explore your other options.

You may be too sleepy to drive if you:

• Have trouble keeping your eyes open and focused.
• The inability to keep your head up.
• Daydream or have disconnected thoughts.
• Drift from your lane or off the road.

Tips from the AAA foundation to avoid driving drowsy:

• Before a road trip make sure to get a solid 7 hours of sleep before getting on the road.
• If you find yourself driving drowsy pull over immediately.
• Drink a caffeinated beverage.
• Schedule a break every 100 miles or 2 hours.
• Travel with an alert passenger.
• Avoid driving at times when you are normally asleep.

Avoiding drowsy driving is one more way to practice safe driving.  Stay alert to stay safe.

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Market values, which include your land as well as your home, can change quickly as the real estate market moves in your area. So, there’s always some fluctuation in the market price.  Homeowners insurance is based on replacement value of your home….the actual structure of the house.  If you’ve priced construction costs for anything recently, you can easily see that replacement is not cheap, and in many cases, construction costs have increased.  So, it’s more important than ever to make sure that you’re sufficiently insured. 

Most homeowners benefits for an annual insurance review.  The replacement cost of your home can increase when you renovate, close in a screen porch, or update your home.   Plus, building costs change, and that directly impacts your replacement value. 

Why take a chance on being under-insured or try to estimate how much insurance you need on your home?  Call us for a free analysis of your homeowner’s insurance needs.  Better yet, we’ll take the time to review all your insurance needs….and in many cases, we can save you money.