Ottawa County Agency, LLC

The internet can be confusing.....

noreply@blogger.com (wildcatsthree) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:45:20 PDT

Don't be a target for burglars

noreply@blogger.com (wildcatsthree) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:49:01 PST

Did you know that most burglaries happen between 8 AM and 5 PM, and over 50% of thieves enter the home through an open window or door? Most burglars spend less than 2 minutes trying to enter your home and search for homes that look unoccupied.

So the first thing to do to safeguard your home is to keep doors and windows locked, even if you're only leaving for a few minutes. Here are some helpful tips to keep thieves away:

Install an alarm system and display the security decals in your windows, or put up a yard sign. The system should have sensors for all doors and windows, and motion sensors for the master bedroom and living room. The reason is that's where thieves will look for cash, jewelry, guns or valuable electronics.
Install deadbolt locks to your doors. Only leave the keys in the inside lock if your door doesn't have glass as a burglar could break the glass and turn the key. If you install double cylinder locks that require keys on both the inside and outside, be sure to keep the keys where all household members can get to them in case of an emergency.
Never hide spare keys under your doormat, above the door, in a planter or anywhere near the doors - these are the first places a thief will look. When purchasing a new home, change the locks right away - don't assume the previous owners have given you all their keys. And never have your name and address on your key rings.
Put timers on lights, the television and stereo and stagger the times to give the appearance that someone is always at home.
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back around your entries so thieves don't have a place to hide while trying to break in.
Avoid having valuable items visible through windows from the outside. Have curtains or blinds drawn when you're away, but leave them parted just slightly to give the appearance that someone is home.
Replace hollow-core doors with a solid door. Door hinges should be on the inside. Sliding glass doors should be secured with a bolt lock to keep them from being slid open or lifted out of the track. Bars on basement and garage windows are also a helpful deterrent.
If going away for a few days, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers, or stop delivery until you return home. Leave a car in your driveway, or better yet ask a neighbor to use your driveway while you're away. Arrange to have your lawn mowed or snow shoveled. Have a neighbor put your trash out and collect the empty cans on garbage day as thieves look for all of these as signs of an empty home and easy mark.
Change the frequency code on a new garage door opener or newly purchased home. Keep your garage door closed and locked, especially if your garage is attached to your house; once inside your garage, thieves have a secluded space and can take their time breaking into your home.
Exterior house doors should have peepholes installed so you can see who's at the door without opening it. Safety chains aren't strong enough and can be broken with enough force.
Ask any service people for their ID. If they arrive without an appointment, have them wait outside while you call their office to verify that they are who they say they are.
Make an effort to meet and get to know your neighbors. Notify the police if you see any suspicious people or vehicles in the area. Join your neighborhood watch program or start one if one doesn't exist in your neighborhood.

Insurance help for young adults

noreply@blogger.com (wildcatsthree) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:54:11 PST

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.