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Tailgating, “Stay Off My Bumper!”

May 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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When we say “tailgating” we are not talking about the tailgating where you enjoy food and drinks with friends right before a football game. Tailgating is when a driver rides up on the back end of another car in front of them too closely. According to research by the Highways’ Agency, tailgating is of the top reasons for car accidents. When someone tailgates it decreases the period of time that driver has to react and inevitable leads to car accidents.

Just imagine what would happen if someone’s being tailgated and an animal crosses the road right in front of that car and they are forced to slam on the breaks. What if it was a child running across the road? Because of the immensely short time period that this occurs, the tailgater will have no time to react and end up driving into the back end of the car in front of them or swerving off the road to avoid the car. If you were the one tailgating then you would be responsible for BOTH the car accident and those who were injured. It’s plain and simple, just don’t do it!

Here are some tips to avoid tailgating related accidents:

  1. Use the 2 second rule- when conditions are good, keep at least a 2 second distance behind the car in front of you.
  2. Give yourself plenty of time to get to destinations-  if you can help it don’t put yourself in a rush! Have plenty of spare time so you don’t need to feel you are late to getting to your destination.
  3. The larger the car, the greater the distance- larger automobiles require a greater distance to stop so take this thought in if you drive a large vehicle and increase the distance between you and the car in front of you!
  4. Weathers bad? Double the distance- when the roads are icy or wet don’t ever ride up on someone’s rear bumped, this is just a recipe for disaster that is to come. Use a rule of at least 4 seconds of distance between cars or a distance you know is safe.

Tailgating can cause road rage and also hurt other’s in the process. You may think it will speed up the driver in front of you, but in most cases it just creates problems! If you have any questions about this, or any other insurance related topic, please feel free to contact me at (845) 986-1177.

Filed Under: Auto Insurance, Current Stories Tagged With: , ,

Ways to Best Protect Your Business from Theft

February 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
wi-fi-drive-by-and-burglary-net-thieves-3-million-and-prison-time

Has your business been a victim of theft? Hopefully this has not happened to you, or anyone you know for that matter. If it hasn’t, then you may wish to take the appropriate actions to ensure it does not! But if it has, don’t get robbed twice! Here are ways to best protect your business:

  1. Doors: All outside and security doors should be of solid construction and not a cheap buy. If hinges are exposed to the outside then they should be pinned to prevent removal.
  2. Locks and Padlocks: There should be deadbolt locks on all doors used to enter the building. For best security, all locks should consist of hardened steel, double cylinder deadbolts with removable collars.
  3. Windows and Sensor Alarms: All windows should have locks that can easily be secured closed with glass break sensor alarms. Burglar-resistant glass usages are also optional.
  4. Lighting: You want the lights in your building to provide the MOST visibility possible during the night, both inside and out. Put more attention on lighting areas around doors and other possible entries.
  5. Alarm System: The alarm system should be set up by a CERTIFIED alarm company with a central monitoring station. It would be in your best interest to publicize its presence with the alarm company’s sticker or yard signs.
  6. Safe: A reliable safe should be able to be anchored securely, fireproof, and burglar-resistant. Use it to lock up valuables when business is closed and remember to only give access to people you 100% trust!
  7. Security Cameras: Having security cameras in and around your place of business (especially directed at important areas) gives you those extra eyes to catch thieves when you aren’t there. The best part is the footage can’t be altered and can be saved over long periods of time if you ever need to go back to take a look!
  8. Trusted Employees: Having the best security system or security safe on the market does you no good if you are handing out keys and security codes to new employees.

Be smart with the information you give out and keep your business protected the best you can by following these 8 tips. Also, check with your Independent Insurance Agent to ensure that your business Crime coverage is adequate for you exposure.

Filed Under: Business Insurance, Current Stories Tagged With: , ,

Hurricane Sandy Heading Towards Hudson Valley

October 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Warwick Flooding 2011

It appears inevitable that Hurricane Sandy will be a dangerous storm producing heavy winds and lots of rain.  There is a good chance the power will be out and flooding could occur.  It’s honestly too late to increase or add insurance coverages.  Plus most of our companies will not allow us to provide Insurance ID cards for a new vehicle until their restrictions are lifted!

However it is not too late to get prepared in advance.  We won’t reinvent the wheel but instead try to provide a few websites with important information:

National Hurricane Center  
Orange & Rockland
FEMA
Human Society (don’t forget your pets!)
Weather Channel
American Red Cross App

Most importantly, if you are our client and incur a claim, we have several ways you can report it:

  1. Call our office 845-986-1177 or 800-562-2771.  If you go to voicemail you have two choices
    1. Press 2 to hear a list of companies.  When you hear your company just press the corresponding number
    2. Press 1 to be transferred to a client relations professional
  2. After normal business hours, or if you can’t get through to the main numbers call 866-255-3439
  3. Website – Click here to go to the Claims section of our website

The key to making it through this storm is careful planning, well in advance.  The time to start is now!

Filed Under: Auto Insurance, Business Insurance, Current Stories, Home Insurance Tagged With: , , ,

What are the Signs of Identity Theft?

September 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Identity Theft

Identity theft is the misuse of another’s individual personal information to fraudulently acquire loans, credit, employment, healthcare services, rentals and mortgages. Once an identity thief has your personal information, the possibilities are limitless for that individual.  Make sure you protect and prepare yourself for any sort of identity theft!  The best way to recognize identity theft is by continuously paying close attention to your accounts and bank statements each month, and by checking your credit report on a consistent basis.

Be aware of the following signs of Identity theft:

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Filed Under: Current Stories, Personal Insurance Tagged With: , ,

Know Your Options Before Renewing Your Personal Property Policy

August 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Your insurance policy can’t accurately protect your assets without knowing a little bit about your personal circumstances. Before initiating or renewing your personal property policy, a homeowner should take time to understand their options and policy requirements.

What discounts are available to me?  Having all of your insurance policies with one company is a smart way to save! There are significant multi-policy discounts available! Other ways may consist of installing a burglar alarm and/or fire alarm system and having smoke detectors, depending upon the company and your personal circumstances, discounts will vary.

How much money would I have to pay to rebuild my home?   Most homeowners have confidence in that if their home is destroyed, their homeowners insurance will rebuild their house (this is not always the case).

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Filed Under: Home Insurance, Personal Insurance Tagged With:

When’s the Last Time You’ve Taken a Household Inventory?

July 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

If you stopped what you are doing right now to think about all of the items you own at home, would you be able to list off every single item? This should get you thinking of the last time you reviewed your personal property limits on your homeowner’s policy. Before you know it, an accumulation of new items can build up (along with their values!).

A complete and up-to-date home inventory will save you money, preserve your assets, and expedite the claims process. You wouldn’t want to face a damaging event (fire, flood, robbery, etc…) that destroys your property, and not seemost of it repaid. A home inventory would:

  • Allow your insurance agent to provide owners and renters with a policy and limits that matches one’s needs.
  • Allow you to prove the range of your losses when you file an insurance claim.
  • Provide a memory jog and stress relief.
  • Help to identify the items destroyed if any sort of disaster was to strike.

Disasters strike randomly, and without notice, so it is important to make sure the thingsmost valuable to you can be replaced if needed! If you’re not sure of the last time you have taken a home inventory or even if you have taken one at all, then make sure you do itsoon!  You can find a home inventory solution by visitinghttp://www.seely-durland.com/client-resources and clicking on HOME INVENTORY on the right hand side of the page.

Filed Under: Current Stories Tagged With: , , ,

Save Money on Rental Cars the Right Way

June 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Most rental car businesses are strict with their minimum 25 years of age to rent AND drive their cars. The reason is that statistics show that drivers under 25 years of age are much more likely to be involved in an accident.   As a parent, you may rent a car but then choose to allow an undisclosed (not included on contract), under 25 year old driver to take the wheel.  This is contrary to the terms of the agreement.

There are some car rental agencies that will allow 21 to 24 year olds to rent a car with a young driver surcharge. So what are your options to save some money after correctly listing your 21-24 year old as a driver and paying the surcharge?  Here are some options:

  1. Choose small, economical cars – do not fall prey to rental car companies steering you towards a large upgraded car, it will be more money to pay.
  2. Check the restrictions of the car – you may be charged with an unexpected high bill if you’re roaming in restricted states according to your rental car company.
  3. You rarely need extra insurance – review your own auto insurance policy and credit-card agreements, they will usually already have you covered.
  4. Avoid airport fees – you are likely to pay for airport surcharges, drop-off fees or taxes levied by local governments.
  5. Don’t prepay for gasoline – this is unlikely going to be the best deal for you.

One does not want to get themselves into a situation of receiving a call saying that your son/daughter has just been in a car accident while driving a car rental under YOUR name, and your insurance company will not pay for damages because you disregarded the car rental contract. Utilize these tips to save every penny you can, and eliminate the possibility of losing coverage from damages done to a rental car due to an unauthorized driver and pay the surcharge!

 

Filed Under: Current Stories Tagged With: , , ,

What Driver’s Education Programs Can do for You!

June 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Ever get the feeling like you don’t have the patients or time to teach your teenager how to drive when their big sixteenth birthday comes around? Some reports claim that up to 50% of teens fail their learners permit test on their first try. There seems to be some sort of overwhelming anxiety for new drivers to receive their learners permit and this stress can be put on you, the parent. This is why parents should enroll their sons/daughters into a Drivers Education Program. A New York Drivers Ed. course is always recommended and often required prior to attaining your learner’s permit, and eventually, your Driver’s License…

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Filed Under: Current Stories Tagged With: , , , , ,
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