October 14, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

Green Insurance

For consumers and business owners committed to “going green”, a wide range of insurance options are now available. Below is a breakdown of some of the innovative, eco-friendly products, services and discounts offered by many insurers.

Vehicles

Hybrid discounts. Some auto insurance companies offer premium discounts of up to 10 percent for those who drive hybrid vehicles. A similar discount may also apply to hybrid-electric boats and yachts. Some auto policies have the option of adding an endorsement to upgrade to a similar model hybrid vehicle after a total loss.
Alternative fuel discounts. If your car uses an alternative energy source, such as biodiesel, electricity, natural gas, hydrogen or ethanol, you could be eligible for a discount on your premium.
Pay as You Drive (PAYD) programs. Several insurers offer PAYD programs, in which a device or sensor in the car tracks miles driven, as well as speed. Depending on the program, different techniques are used to collect the information; some take odometer readings, others may use GPS systems. The information is then used to reward policyholders who drive fewer miles than the average driver by providing them with discounts. According to some estimates PAYD subscribers may decrease their miles driven by 10 percent or more, saving consumers money while reducing accidents, congestion and air pollution.

Homes

Insurers are helping to promote sustainable building practices by offering green homeowners and commercial property policies, including:

Premium discounts for those whose homes meet stringent efficiency and sustainability standards, e.g., LEED certified homes (LEED is short for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and is a recognized environmental standard in the building world).

Homeowners coverage that replaces/rebuilds after a loss with more eco-friendly materials is often offered as an endorsement to a standard homeowners policy. Some companies will pay homeowners extra if they replace old kilowatt-hungry appliances with Energy-Star devices and recycle debris rather than send destroyed materials straight to a landfill. (The Energy-Star label means the appliances meet an energy-savings rating created by a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.)

For homeowners who generate their own geothermal, solar or wind power and sell any surplus energy back to the local power grid, there are now policies that cover both the income lost when there is a power outage caused by a covered peril and the extra expense to the homeowner of temporarily buying electricity from another source. Policies generally cover the cost of getting back online, such as utility charges for inspection and reconnection.

Businesses

Green commercial property insurance policies and endorsements—some of which are directed at specific segments of the business community such as manufacturers—allow building owners to replace standard systems and materials with green ones, such as energy efficient electrical equipment and interior lighting, water conserving plumbing and nontoxic and low odor paints and carpeting, after a loss. In the event of a total loss, the policy will often cover the cost of rebuilding as a green certified building. This coverage may also pay for engineering inspections of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning systems, building recertification fees, replacement of vegetative or plant covered roofs and debris recycling. Some cover the income lost and costs incurred when alternative energy generating equipment is damaged.

Source: Insurance Information Institute, “Green Insurance” www.iii.org website. Accessed November 24, 2015. http://www.iii.org/article/green-insurance

© Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. This content is strictly for informational purposes and although experts have prepared it, the reader should not substitute this information for professional insurance advice. If you have any questions, please consult your insurance professional before acting on any information presented. Read more.

October 13, 2014 By Julian Aston Leave a Comment

IN: The Dangers Of Distracted Driving: Don’t Text & Drive

Dear Valued Customer,

In this issue of “——————-” we focus on the dangers of distracted driving.

There are numerous distractions that could endanger a driver and their passengers. Text messaging is by far the most alarming distraction because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver.

The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the danger it poses. Read on to find facts and statistics that are powerfully persuasive. If you don’t already think distracted driving is a safety problem, please take a moment to learn more. Please share these facts with others; together, we can help save lives.

We appreciate your continued business and look forward to serving you.

Kind regards,

October 13, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

Texting
Using a cell phone or smartphone
Eating and drinking
Talking to passengers
Grooming
Reading, including maps
Using a navigation system
Watching a video
Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.

The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the danger it poses. On this page, you’ll find facts and statistics that are powerfully persuasive. If you don’t already think distracted driving is a safety problem, please take a moment to learn more. And, as with everything on Distraction.gov, please share these facts with others. Together, we can help save lives.

Got questions? Visit our FAQ! Want even more information? Look at sample research reports.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, “WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?” http://www.distraction.gov website. Accessed November 28, 2015. http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html

October 13, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

Key Facts & Statistics

The number of people killed in distraction-affected crashes decreased slightly from 3,360 in 2011 to 3,328 in 2012. An estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, this was a nine percent increase from the estimated 387,000 people injured in 2011.
As of December 2012, 171.3 billion text messages were sent in the US (includes PR, the Territories, and Guam) every month.(CTIA)
10% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
Drivers in their 20s make up 27 percent of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes. (NHTSA)
At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.(NOPUS)
Engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times. (VTTI)
Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. (2009, VTTI)
Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use. (VTTI)
A quarter of teens respond to a text message once or more every time they drive. 20 percent of teens and 10 percent of parents admit that they have extended, multi-message text conversations while driving. (UMTRI)

October 13, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

State Laws

For the most current information on State laws, please refer to the map below.

Click on an individual state or territory to learn more on its specific laws.

44 states, D.C. Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers.

12 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving.

Note: A primary law means that an officer can ticket the driver for the offense without any other traffic violation taking place. A secondary law means an officer can only issue a ticket if a driver has been pulled over for another violation (like speeding).

August 5, 2014 By Julian Aston Leave a Comment

IN: Tire Safety: Everything Rides On It

Dear Valued Customer,

In this issue of the “—————–“ we focus on tire safety.

Read on to digest driving safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, learn how to take care of your tires; key ingredients in avoiding a blowout are pressure, alignment, rotation and tread, review a lifesaving tire safety checklist, and much more.

We hope that you will share this invaluable information by forwarding this eNewsletter to your family, friends and colleagues.

We appreciate your continued business and look forward to serving you.

Kind regards,

August 5, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

Tire Safety: Everything Rides On It

Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits (not carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards, and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are the most important things you can do to avoid tire failure such as tread separation or blowout and flat tires. These actions along with other care and maintenance activities can also:

– Improve vehicle handling;
– Help protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and crashes;
– Improve fuel economy; and
– Increase the life of your tires.

This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety, including information on the following topics:

– Basic tire maintenance;
– Uniform Tire Quality Grading System;
– Fundamental characteristics of tires; and
– Tire safety tips.

Booklet in English pdf

Booklet in Spanish pdf

Use this information to make tire safety a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Recognize that the time you spend is minimal compared with the inconvenience and safety consequences of a flat tire or other tire failure.

For more information, call 888-327-4236

Source: NHTSA, “Tire Safety: Everything Rides On It” http://www.nhtsa.gov website. Accessed November 28, 2015. http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Tires/Tire+Safety:+Everything+Rides+On+It

August 5, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

How To Handle Tire Blow Outs

If you suffer a tire blowout while driving, the type of vehicle you are driving will play a major part in your ability to maintain control. Vehicles such as SUVs and vans are much more prone to flipping over after suffering a blowout because of their high center of gravity. Vehicles such as sedans are less prone to flip because their center of gravity is much lower. Imagine a block of wood laid out on its broad face versus the same block lying on its narrow side. The block lying on its narrow side is much easier to tip over than the one laying on its broad face. The same principle is true with cars and SUVs. A tire blowout can be an especially scary emergency but, if you know how to handle it, it doesn’t have to mean a complete loss of control.

First, you should never allow your tires to become so worn that they are on the verge of blowing out. An easy method to see of your tires have enough tread remaining is the penny check. Using a penny, stick it into the tread. If you can still see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tires are too worn and they need to be replaced immediately. However, even with good tires, a blowout is still possible.

Here are a few Tire Safety Tips from the National Safety Commission.

When your tire blows, the car will want to veer toward the side with the blown out tire. This makes losing a front tire especially treacherous. Losing a rear tire will be similar to skidding on ice whereas losing a front tire will be similar to a skid combined with sluggish steering control. If your tire blows out, here is what you need to know.

Don’t apply the brakes. The lack of a tire on one side will make your braking uneven or “asymmetrical” and can cause your car to veer off even more.

Concentrate on steering. No matter what type of emergency you are experiencing, whether it is skidding, hydroplaning, or a blowout, the first thing you want to do is concentrate on steering the car in the direction you want it to go. Fight the urge to over steer. Small adjustments, to keep the car centered in your lane, are what is needed. Don’t worry about the hazards on either side, just look at where you need the car to go and steer toward that point.

Allow the car to slow down gradually. Again, you don’t want to apply the brakes and take the chance of veering off. With a blown tire, the car will slow down on its own pretty quickly.

Softly apply the brakes only when you have fully regained control of your vehicle.

Steer the car off the road. Once you are completely off the road, turn on your hazard lights and get out of the car. If you are going to try to change the tire yourself, don’t attempt to change it unless you are far enough off the roadway that you can work around the car without getting close to the roadway. If you can’t change the tire, call for a tow truck. Never attempt to drive the vehicle on the steel rims. That will cause a lot more damage.

Always keep these procedures in the back of your mind. If you are mentally prepared to deal with a vehicle emergency, chances are you will respond to the emergency correctly rather than panicking and making things worse.

Source: The National Safety Commission, “How To Handle Tire Blow Outs” http://alerts.nationalsafetycommission.com/ website. Accessed December 1, 2015. http://alerts.nationalsafetycommission.com/2012/02/how-to-handle-tire-blow-outs.html

August 5, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

Be Tire Wise

Tire Tread

Be TireWise, because the only thing between you and the road are your tires.

Yearly estimates back up that statement. On average:

Drivers in the United States put more than 2,969 billion miles on their tires,
There are nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes, and
Almost 200 people will die in those crashes.

Many of these crashes can be prevented through proper tire maintenance—including tire inflation and rotation—and understanding tire labels, tire aging, and recalls and complaints.

Because safety is our top priority, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation want to make sure you have the tools to avoid being in one of those 11,000 crashes. TireWise is your resource to help you make smart decisions to keep you and your family safe, whether you’re in the market to buy new tires or want to extend the life and safety of the ones on your car or truck.

TireWise is also a resource for tire manufacturers, sellers and other partners to provide essential information to consumers for choosing and caring for their tires.

The next time you’re in the garage, remember these handy tips to get the most out of your tires.

Source: NHTSA, “Be Tire Wise” http://www.safercar.gov website. Accessed November 28, 2015. http://www.safercar.gov/tires/index.html

August 5, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

IN: Impaired Driving – Lifesaving Things You Can Do

Dear Valued Customer,

Every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. The focus of this issue of “—————–” is to provide you with the lifesaving things you can do to counter the scourge responsible for nearly one-third (32%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

Read on and get the facts about drunk driving, understand how big the problem actually is, get the Tools to Prevent Drunk Driving, learn how to avoid a DUI, and much more. Then share this invaluable information by forwarding this eNewsletter to your family, friends and colleagues.

We appreciate your continued business and look forward to serving you.

Kind regards,