Insurance help for young adults

Auto insurance can be quite confusing for a young person faced with buying his or her own policy for the first time. It's important to have an agent you can trust to answer all of your questions both at the time of your purchase and in the future when you need help with changes or a claim. Here are some common questions asked by people purchasing insurance for the first time:

Question: How do I know when to buy my own auto insurance, rather than stay on my parent's policy?
Answer: Normally, when you purchase a vehicle in your own name. Make sure your policy is active prior to taking possession of the vehicle, and before requesting to be removed from your parent's policy to avoid any gap in coverage.

Question: What will I be asked to furnish to purchase my own policy?
Answer: Each state varies, but usually you'll be asked for your driver's license number, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of present insurance.

Question: Is it ok to purchase the cheapest insurance?
Answer: The amount of your monthly premium is important on a limited budget, however you'll want to consider the cheapest rate may be giving you very limited coverage. When comparison shopping, make sure each company is quoting using the same coverage limits and deductible amount.

Question: How do I know what coverages I need?
Answer: Coverage and limits vary from state to state and according to your needs. Generally though, here is a brief description of the different coverages available:
Liability coverage: this covers you for injuries to others and property damage from an accident that is your fault. Most states require you to carry it.
Comprehensive coverage: covers losses not caused by a collision, such as theft of the vehicle, fire, vandalism, etc, minus your deductible amount.
Collision coverage: covers damages to your car from an accident, minus your deductible amount.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverages: pays for your injuries if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver who was at-fault.

Question: How can I lower my insurance premium?
Answer: Maintain a clean driving record, increase your deductible amount, and chose a vehicle that is less expensive to repair - your insurance agent should have a list by Make and Model showing which cars are less expensive to insure.

Question: Do I need to purchase insurance from a rental car company when renting a car?
Answer: Maybe not. The rental company's insurance probably covers liability, medical payments and collision coverages. Many insurance companies extend the liability and collision coverages to rental cars. Be sure to check with your agent before renting a car to be sure.

Question: When I borrow someone's car, am I covered?
Answer: In most states, the coverage follows the vehicle, meaning the owner's insurance policy covers any damage you cause while driving his or her vehicle, provided you have their permission to drive the vehicle.

Wishing You All a Merry Christmas!

glitter-graphics.com

Christmas safety tips for your pets

Christmas decorations and all the festivities associated with the holidays can expose your dog or cat to a lot of stress as well as dangers. A little forethought and consideration for your pet's needs can save you a trip to an emergency veterinarian clinic over the holidays.

Dangers for your pet:

• Plants such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and Christmas Cactus are poisonous.

• Chocolate, artificial snow, and flocking are all poisonous.

• Gift wrapping materials such as ribbons, rubber bands, string, tape, glue and staples are all dangerous if swallowed by your pet.

• Tinsel, if swallowed, can get caught in your pet's intestines.

• Burning candles can attract a curious puppy or kitten.

• A burning fireplace can cause bronchial irritation for your pet.

• A pet can get entangled in Christmas tree light strands. They are also a temptation for a puppy or kitten to chew, and can be coated with Bitter Apple or hot sauce to deter chewing if you notice your pet attracted to them.

• Toothpicks can drop to the floor, and can damage a pet's intestines if swallowed.

• Cooked turkey bones should never be given to your pet, or left where they can get at them, as they can splinter and puncture the pet's intestines.

Suggestions:

• The Christmas tree - Don't place it in your pet's favorite window - chances are it will topple over when the cat or dog tries to look out. You might also consider anchoring it to the wall or ceiling with a hook. If you have a live tree, change the water often, as it contains pine tar, and that is poisonous for your pet. Also, avoid putting breakable ornaments on the lower branches of the tree. You might also try putting a pen around the tree to keep the cat or dog from snooping under the tree.

• Make time for your pet during all the excitement so that he doesn't feel neglected.

• Try to stick as closely as possible to the normal routine, feeding and walking schedule.

• If having guests - If your pet isn't sociable, it's best to put him in a closed room with his bed, food, water, toys and play soft music to drown out the noises. If your pet will be part of the festivities, ask guests not to feed him or give him alcohol. Watch your pet around small children, even if he's never bitten anyone previously.

• Christmas isn't the best time to bring home a new puppy, kitten and especially an older pet. It's better to wait until things have returned to normal, as all the Holiday festivities can be overwhelming for a new cat or dog. If you definitely want to give a pet as a gift, a good alternative is to wrap up a collar and leash, or pet book to be opened on Christmas, with the promise of getting the cat or dog after the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over. It will be easier and less stressful for you as well as the new family member.
  

• New Years Eve - Keep your pet inside in case of fireworks or other noisy celebrations by your neighbors. If that's not possible, make sure his I.D. tags are up to date and on his collar in case he gets scared and runs off.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

The HMO clerk

An HMO accounts clerk had a cabin in the West Virginia mountains and liked to go there for his frequent vacation times. Each summer, he would invite a different friend to spend a week or two up at his cabin. One particular summer, he invited a Czechoslovakian friend to stay with him. The friend agreed.

Early one morning, the clerk and his Czechoslovakian companion went out to pick berries for their morning breakfast. As they went around the berry patch, gathering buckets of delicious red raspberries, along came two huge Bears--a male and female.

The HMO accounts clerk, seeing the two bears, immediately dashed for cover. His friend, though, wasn't as fast, and the male bear grabbed him and swallowed him whole.

The clerk ran back to his car, tore into town as fast has he could, and got the local sheriff. The sheriff grabbed his shotgun and they dashed back to the berry patch. Sure enough, the two bears were still there. "He's in THAT one!" cried the clerk, pointing to the male bear.

The sheriff looked at the bears, and without batting an eye, leveled his gun, took careful aim, and SHOT THE FEMALE BEAR!

"What do you think you're doing?" exclaimed the clerk, "I said he was in the other bear!"

"Exactly," replied the sheriff, "would YOU believe an HMO accounts clerk who told you that the Czech was in the male?"

(courtesy of brodskyagency.com)

ATV Insurance Coverage

All-terrain vehicles are a lot of fun but carry a liability risk the same as your automobile or boat, as well as the risk of theft, vandalism, etc.

Most companies provide specific insurance coverage tailored to ATV's. Here is a general description of coverages available:

Physical Damage coverage protects you from loss or damage to your ATV from vandalism, theft, fire, explosion, lightning, hail, windstorm, damage in transit, and from collision.

Bodily Injury / Property Damage coverage protects you against injuries from a covered accident or damage to someone's property if you're found liable.

Medical Payment coverage protects you against medical expenses for you or a passenger in a covered accident.

It's also a good idea to check into coverage for your ATV in the off-season while it's not in use.