Driver Ed.—Automobile
Insurance 101

     Personal vehicle insurance is an important element in today's mobile society. However, like any type of insurance, you may have to navigate through a maze of options, terminology, and costs associated with insuring an auto. Here's a quick look at some key components of a typical automobile insurance policy:

• Bodily Injury Liability. Perhaps the most important coverage on your policy, this protects you should you cause an accident resulting in injury to others. A severe accident may not only seriously injure someone, it could cripple you financially.
  
  
• Property Damage Liability. Provides the same protection as bodily injury liability except that it covers the damage done to the property of others. This includes vehicles, telephone poles, and the loss of use of damaged vehicles.
  
  
• Collision. Although collision coverage can add considerably to a policy's overall cost, it is a valuable component, especially if you own a newer or higher-priced automobile. This type of coverage insures against damage to the vehicle caused by collision with another car or object, or an overturn.
  
  
• Comprehensive. This covers physical damage to your car caused by events other than a collision or overturn, such as vandalism, fire, theft, hail, or flooding. Like collision protection, comprehensive coverage is optional, but may be required if you have a car lease or loan.
  
  
• Medical Payments. Some policies have separate coverage for costs associated with medical expenses of the named insured or others riding in the insured vehicle. Coverage is generally limited to a stated dollar amount in the policy (e.g., $2,500 per person).
  
  
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage. This coverage helps pay for damages or medical expenses (exceeding the limits of medical payments coverage) in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist. Because some states do not require automobile insurance, or some "risk takers" illegally drive without insurance, uninsured motorist coverage is often a valuable addition to a policy. Insurers in many states also offer underinsured motorist coverage to protect motorists in cases where the other party is insured, but not to the extent necessary to cover the motorist's personal injury damages.
  

     If you would like additional information regarding a current policy or have questions about what type of coverage you should have, please feel free to give us a call.

Anti-Lock Brakes—
Put a Lock on Safety

     Anti-lock brakes can help you control your car's steering in an emergency by preventing the wheels from locking up. But, it can take awhile to get used to them. If you own a passenger car with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, here are some simple reminders:

Maintain firm and continuous pressure on the pedal when braking. Don't pump the brakes. It's normal to hear mechanical noises or feel pulsations in the pedal while braking.

Practice braking in an empty parking lot or other open area. Steer away from danger when applying the brakes.

Allow a distance of at least three seconds between you and the car in front of you whenever possible. Take curves slowly.

Consult your owner's manual for additional driving instructions.

Anti-lock brakes are a great safety feature when used properly. By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can enhance your driving experience.

Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

     According to the U.S. Fire Administration (2001), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), approximately 25,000 people are injured in fires, and over 80% of all fire-related deaths occur in the home. To protect your family's safety, it is critical to learn basic fire safety measures. Here is a room by room checklist, along with tips on handling an emergency if a fire should occur:

Bedroom and Closets

Careless smoking is a leading cause of fire-related deaths in the home. Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended. Also, avoid emptying your ashtray into the trash before you go to bed at night. There may be live embers that could smolder and spark a fire.

Keep clothing away from the heat of closet lights.

Kitchen

Cooking accidents are another major cause of residential fires. If grease catches fire, turn off the stove and cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames. To prevent the fire from spreading, do not at-tempt to remove the pan from the stove.

Check appliances for frayed or damaged cords and plugs. Also, be careful not to overload circuits.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Be aware there are different types. Be sure to choose the appropriate one for your needs.

Basement and Garage

Clothes dryers can also be a major fire hazard. Clean the lint filter after every load and check the exhaust duct regularly. Never go to bed or leave the house with the dryer operating.

Store flammable materials such as paints, solvents, and oily rags in airtight metal containers away from heating equipment. Store highly combustible fuels like gasoline and propane outdoors.

If you have a gas grill, check it for leaks.

Bathroom

Do not leave wet clothes and towels to dry on a heater.

Periodically clean the exhaust fan of dust, lint, and hairspray.

Hallways and Stairs

Install smoke detectors on each level of your house and in hallways leading to bedrooms. Clean them and test the batteries at least twice a year.

Keep hallways free of clutter that could fuel a fire and hinder or prevent an emergency escape.

Living Room and Home Office

Provide adequate ventilation for televisions, stereos, computers, printers, and other electronic equipment. User handbooks generally provide clearance guidelines. Enclosing electronics in storage cabinets can block airflow and cause overheating.

Schedule fireplaces and woodstoves for regular cleaning and maintenance.

Never run electrical cords under rugs or behind curtains.

In General

Make sure light bulbs do not exceed the proper wattage for their fixtures. Generally, the more enclosed the bulb, the lower the wattage should be.

Candles are another common cause of house fires. Keep curtains away from candles. Never leave a candle burning in a room unattended.

If you celebrate Christmas with a real, cut tree, take the following precautions before bringing it indoors. Cut several inches off the trunk and let the tree stand in a bucket of water for several hours or overnight until it is saturated. Once inside, add water to the tree stand daily. As soon as needles begin to drop, or if the tree begins to look brown, remove it from your house.

If a Fire Should Occur . . .

     Unfortunately, not all fires can be pre-vented. Prepare for an emergency by developing and practicing an escape plan. Include at least two escape routes, if possible, and designate a spot outside where everyone can gather for a headcount. Assign someone to assist children and elderly family members. They are at the greatest risk, since they may have the most difficulty escaping on their own, and their lungs may be the most susceptible to damage from smoke and fumes.

     If a fire occurs, you may have only seconds to react. Preventing potential fire hazards and preparing an escape plan are keys for survival. Give us a call if you have questions, or to review your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage on your home and valuables.