• When temporarily leaving your vehicle, never leave it running or with the keys in the ignition.
• Always lock your car and roll up the windows, even if it is in your driveway. If you have a garage, park your car in it, and close and lock the garage door.
• Park in busy, well-lit areas.
• When purchasing auto stereo equipment, choose items that can be removed and locked in the trunk.
• When using valet parking or taking your car in for repairs, leave only the ignition key with the attendant.
• Turn your wheels sharply toward the curb when parking since this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow the vehicle. Always use your emergency brake, and leave the transmission in park or in gear.
• Look into various antitheft devices for your auto. Ask about auto insurance discounts for antitheft devices, including alarms and window etchings.

Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.

Copyright 2011
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

*****

● “Defensive Driving Discount.” This discount can save you 10 percent on most of the major coverages under your auto policy, such as liability, medical payments, and collision coverage. Defensive driving courses can cost as little as $20 and last as few as 5 or 6 hours. However, the discount normally applies for 3 years. For example, if your auto insurance premium is $100 per month, the premium is $3,600 for 3 years. If liability, collision, and medical payments or personal injury protection coverage constitute 85 percent of this $3,600 premium, the resulting premium subject to this discount is $3,060. In this scenario, the actual premium savings would be $306 (10 percent of $3,060) for that 3-year period. To get the true savings, you must deduct the cost of the defensive driving class. If the cost is $26, the savings in this example would be reduced to $280. If you spend 6 hours taking the class, you are earning $47 per hour in savings—not an unproductive way to spend a Saturday!

● “Good Student Discount.” Statistics show that good students tend to be more reliable and mature than students with marginal grades, leading to better driving decisions. Therefore, many states allow a 5 to 10 percent discount if your student driver makes good grades, usually an overall “A” or “B” average in high school or college. If your child has to pay his or her own automobile insurance, this will be another motivator for him or her to make good grades.

● “Home/Car Discount.” Many insurers offer discounts of 10 percent or more if they pro-vide both your homeowners and personal automobile insurance. This can lower your costs on both policies.

● “Auto Safety Features.” Most insurers recognize that owners with cars containing safety features may have fewer accidents and reduced injuries. Many insurers encourage drivers to purchase cars with anti-lock brakes by giving small discounts for these safety features. Other insurers give discounts for vehicles with airbags and daytime running lights.

● “Auto Club and Professional Organizations.” Some insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts if you are a member of AAA or similar organizations.

● “Multicar.” Many insurance companies provide generous discounts up to 15 percent if you have multiple cars on your policy. This reduces the insurance company’s administra-tive costs, on a per-vehicle basis, in issuing the policy.

● “Claims-Free Customer.” If you have been insured with the same insurance company for at least 3 years and have not experienced any losses, inquire about a claims-free customer discount. These discounts help insurers retain customers with excellent driving records.

Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI. Copyright 2008, International Risk Management Institute, Inc. * * * * *

• Post your vacation plans and pics online, after you return!         
• Enlist the help of your neighbors – Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your newspapers, put your trash out on the curb, open and close your curtains, and park their car at your home a couple of times while you are gone. These actions tell potential burglars that somebody is around, and will keep the property appearing active.
• Put a stop delivery on your mail – An overflowing mailbox is a sure giveaway.
• Get a timer for some electronic items inside the house – You can get these timers at most any hardware store, and they will turn your lights, stereo, television, and radio on and off at the times you choose.
• Buy a few sirens for the doors and windows - These little sirens make big noise when they go off. If the door or window opens, the siren goes off. The noise these things make will send the burglar running most of the time.
• Take extremely valuable things to storage, or leave them with a trusted friend.
• Clear all hedges, bushes, and trees from entry points. Ground floor windows, doors, and even basements are entry points that should be easily seen.
• Insert a block in your sliding glass door. These doors are easy to break into, and a simple two by four or other fitted stick can help immensely. There are some wonderful products on the market that you can buy as well to slide into the track.
• Check to make sure you have adequate insurance in case the worst should happen. If you’re not sure, give us a call and we can help.

Wind damage is a commonly covered peril;  Insurance speak for Yes- you probably have coverage.  However, be sure that your limits are up to date and values have been reviewed.

Check with your Independent Insurance Agent to be sure that your could rebuild your home and replace your contents.