Keeping Your Car In Good Shape On A Road Trip
A road trip is an American tradition and a great adventure. While you are traveling, your car becomes your home away from home. Many travelers use their cars as a place to eat, a shelter from the elements, and sometimes even a temporary spot to sleep. Even more importantly, you are relying on your vehicle to get you safely from one destination to another.
Before you leave home, give your projected itinerary to someone trustworthy in case something goes wrong with your car. Make sure your auto insurance provides adequate coverage. Our agents will be happy to review your policy with you to ensure you have the coverage you need. In addition, the following tips can help ensure a safe and pleasant road trip.
Tackle This Checklist Before You Leave on Your Trip
- Change the air filter, oil filter, and oil.
- Change the spark plugs if needed.
- Clean your car, inside and out, before you start on your trip.
- Keep a small bag for garbage inside the car.
- Pack towels for cleaning up spills, a dirty windshield, etc.
- Keep your owner’s manual readily accessible.
- Cover the front of the car and headlights with a protective sheet to prevent bug clogs and damage.
- Get sun protectors for the front windshield and side windows.
- Check that you spare tire, tire iron, and jack are where they should be.
- Bring a plastic funnel for adding water or other fluids, as well as a bucket in case you need to use river or lake water in an emergency.
- Pack a fire extinguisher.
- Get a spare car key made and keep it in your purse or wallet in case you lock your keys in the car.
- Do not store luggage over the car if you can avoid it. It creates air friction, slows you down, and lowers your gas mileage.
- Always fill up when the car is still half full, particularly in rural areas.
Pack a Road Trip Survival Kit with Tools and Items You May Need in a Crisis
- Flashlight
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers and wrenches (different sizes)
- Hammer
- Jumper cables
- Chain or towing rope
- Bungee cords
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Blankets
Check the Tires, Fluids, Etc. Before You Hit the Road
Check your car over carefully (or have a mechanic do it) to ensure there are no mechanical problems before setting out on your trip. Items to check include:
- Wipers and wiper fluid
- Tire condition and tire pressure (do not over inflate)
- Coolant/antifreeze
- Fuses
- High and low beams
- Oil, brake fluid, and power steering fluid
- Heater and air conditioner
- Any loose cables
Driving Tips
Finally, remember that the driver is the most important factor in trip safety. Know your limits and stop to rest when you need to. If you are too tired to drive safely, pull off the road or stay in a motel overnight. Go for steady driving over speed to reduce your risk of an accident and improve gas mileage. Listen to music to avoid boredom. Never tailgate, and stay away from large commercial trucks. Proper preparation and the right approach to driving can help make your road trip both enjoyable and safe.
How Safe Is Your Parking Lot?
Businesses can be held liable for injuries that occur on their premises, and that includes parking lots. Depending on the type of business you have, the parking lot may be the most dangerous area on your property. If your parking lot is not owned and managed by a third party and is therefore your responsibility, discuss parking lot safety with your business lawyer and business insurance agent. Our knowledgeable agents can help ensure that your business is protected against liability for parking lot injuries.
Parking Lot Problem Areas Business Owners Should Address
The following are common areas to address in a parking lot for the safety of your employees and clientele.
Proper Lighting
Crimes are committed less frequently during the daytime and in well-lit areas, so proper lighting can be an effective form of parking lot security. Better lighting in the parking lot can help protect your customers and employees, not to mention lower your business’s exposure to liability for parking lot injuries. A well-lit parking lot helps prevent not only crime but also pedestrian trip and fall accidents.
As stated by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), improving lighting to prevent crime is grounded in:
- Situational crime prevention. This perspective focuses on reducing opportunities for crime, while at the same time increasing the potential offender’s perceived risk of apprehension.
- Informal social controls and community cohesion. These play a key role in crime prevention. Installing or improving lighting in a parking lot or other area is a sign of positive investment and signals that efforts are being made to increase safety. This may result in an increased interest among employees, customers, and visitors in watching over the area.
Visible Security Cameras
Criminals who know they are being recorded are much less likely to strike. Visible security cameras can go a long way toward deterring parking lot crime.
Security
Parking lot security is often overlooked. This is a major oversight, as the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) has reported that more than one in 10 property crimes occur in parking lots or garages. According to the Women-Safe Network, 25% of rapes occur in a parking garage or public area. Posting security guards can significantly upgrade the security of your building, grounds, and parking lot. Although cellphones are common, installing an emergency phone that connects directly to the police can also help improve parking lot security.
Traffic Flow
Controlling the flow of traffic can minimize the risk of accidents by preventing cars from driving in the wrong direction. Installing speed bumps, marking parking spaces with visible lines, and designating separate entrances and exits can help you control traffic flow.
Parking Lot Layout
Your parking lot layout should include parking spaces large enough to accommodate most vehicles, with plenty of room for drivers to easily enter and depart. Well-designed pedestrian walkways placed in busy areas of the parking lot can remind drivers to anticipate stopping, discourage pedestrians from cutting across and conflicting with vehicle traffic, and help prevent pedestrian accidents.
Rental Property Myths Debunked
Although landlord-tenant laws vary from state to state, common myths about rental properties are in circulation nationwide. The following are some widely-held beliefs about renting and why they may not be as true as you think.
The Security Deposit Covers the Last Month’s Rent
Although the security deposit may equal a month’s rent, it is not earmarked for that purpose. The last month’s rent and the security deposit are two separate matters. The security deposit is intended to cover repairs or cleaning resulting from greater than normal wear and tear. It cannot be used by the landlord for make-ready repairs and cleaning costs between vacancies.
The Landlord Is Responsible for All Maintenance and Repairs
Not necessarily true. In general, it is the landlord’s obligation to take care of plumbing issues, pest control, and general maintenance. However, there are some things that are not the landlord’s problem, particularly when caused by the tenant. For damages caused by tenant negligence, the landlord may address the repairs and withhold the cost from the tenant’s security deposit.
Whatever the Lease States Is Legally Binding
This is not true unless the lease conforms to the law. Terms of a rental or lease agreement that violate local, state, or federal laws are not enforceable. For example, when the law requires advance notice of entry, the landlord cannot visit the property at any time without warning simply because it is stated in the lease.
The Landlord Is Liable for Tenant or Visitor Injuries Sustained on the Property
Whether this holds true depends on the circumstances surrounding the injury. Landlords have a duty to properly maintain common areas, warn of any hidden dangers, and make safe furnished dwellings on short-term leases. A landlord is only liable for injuries to tenants and visitors when the landlord’s negligence is the direct cause of the injury.
To hold a landlord liable for injuries, the tenant will have to prove that:
- Landlord had a duty to fix a dangerous condition on the property.
- Landlord breached that duty by not fixing the problem in a reasonable amount of time.
- Landlord had adequate warning of the problem and fixing it would not have been unreasonably difficult or expensive.
- Failure to repair the dangerous condition was the cause of the injury.
- Damage that resulted was serious and foreseeable.
- Landlord’s negligence directly caused the injury.
It Is the Landlord’s Responsibility to Insure the Property
Yes and no. The property owner is responsible for insuring the structure. In case of fire, for example, the landlord’s rental property insurance policy will protect the landlord’s investment and cover the cost of rebuilding. However, the landlord’s insurance does not cover replacement costs for damaged personal property owned by the renters, nor does it cover the cost of moving to another location while repairs are being made to the damaged apartment or home. Only a renters insurance policy can provide this type of protection.
Importance of Insurance for Landlords and Renters
A landlord who invests in a rental property will need rental property insurance that may include building coverage, general liability protection, auxiliary structure coverage, flood insurance, and commercial umbrella liability for additional protection. It is important for renters to have their own rental insurance to protect their personal property in case of a covered disaster in the rented dwelling. Our knowledgeable agents can help both landlords and renters find the best available rates for the coverage they need.
How To Protect Your Home From Heavy Rain in Montgomery County, Maryland
Foresight Insurance is an independent “local” insurance agency that would give you an independent advantage for all your insurance needs.
With an independent insurance agent, you have choices. Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. One of the advantages of using an independent agent is that he or she works to satisfy your needs. You are using an expert for an important financial decision and most important, your agent is local and ready to take action to help your immediate needs, especially when you need them most…at the time of your claim.
On this post, we like to talk to you about How To Protect Your Home From Heavy Rain in Montgomery County Maryland
If there’s one word to describe the summer of 2015, it would be rainy.
The wet weather is wreaking havoc on everything from seasonal businesses like golf courses to kids’ summer vacations. It’s also a source of worry for homeowners who fear leaks and flooding.
While it may be impossible to stop every water issue, there are things you can do to protect your home from heavy rain. They include:
- Install (or have a contractor install) a sump pump. Sump pumps drain water from the inside of a structure to the outside. Opt for a battery backup sump pump system—flooding can cause electrical power failures.
- Install (or have a contractor install) a backwater valve. This device prevents city sewers from backing up into your basement plumbing fixtures.
- Have your chimney checked. Cracks in your chimney let water seep in, so hire a professional to check yours.
- Have your roof inspected regularly. Fixing issues as they arise can spare you from big repairs down the road.
- Make sure the seals around your windows, doors and openings are in good condition. If they aren’t, reseal them with caulk.
- Consider buying sandbags. They can save your home from serious damage when heavy rains hit. Simply place them around doors and windows to block water from entering your home.
Sometimes water seeps in even after you take steps to protect your home from heavy rain. If it does, having the right homeowners insuranceis key. You might also consider adding flood insurance to your policy for extra peace of mind.
Not sure you have the right coverage? Then talk to an insurance professional like an Erie Insurance Agent. He or she can tell you more and get you a free quote.
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/heavy-rain
As an independent insurance agent since 2008, Michael Cruz has been providing personal services for the local community in English and Spanish. He understands the importance of customer service and the comprehensive advice that they need to help them make the right decisions.
Michael believes on long-term relationships by educating his customer while protecting all their assets.
Give Michael a call today at 301–213–8630
Your Halloween Safety Checklist For Montgomery County Maryland
Foresight Insurance is an independent “local” insurance agency that would give you an independent advantage for all your insurance needs.
With an independent insurance agent, you have choices. Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. One of the advantages of using an independent agent is that he or she works to satisfy your needs. You are using an expert for an important financial decision and most important, your agent is local and ready to take action to help your immediate needs, especially when you need them most…at the time of your claim.
On this post, we like to talk to you about Your Halloween Safety Checklist For Montgomery County Maryland
You could set your watch to it.
Every Halloween, my mom would set me loose in the neighborhood with a hug and a robust checklist of safety tips: Pay attention, look out for cars, watch where I was going, stay with my group and report home immediately after the candy revelry ended.
Her caution was justified. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Halloween is the most dangerous night of the year for pedestrian fatalities. It’s dark and children are excited and often wearing dark clothes.
Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a checklist of things you’ll want your little candy collectors to have.
The costume:
- A trip-resistant hem: Have kids take a test run in their costumes, and shorten any that might cause a trip. Also make sure they have enough room in there to move freely.
- A nonrestrictive mask or helmet: Make sure your trick-or-treater has a full line of vision outside of their mask or helmet. (Even better: nontoxic, hypoallergenic face paint.)
- Comfortable shoes: Prevent injuries by letting comfort, not cuteness, win the day.
- Flexible props: Make sure any swords or other props are made of soft plastic or rubber that bends.
- Flame-resistant costumes, wigs and accessories: Check the labels to find out for sure.
The extras:
- Reflective tape: Attach it to your child’s costume so cars will have an easier time spotting them.
- A flashlight with fresh batteries: Winter’s coming, and it’s dark this time of year. Make sure to have a flashlight on hand to make it easier to see.
- Emergency identification: Secure your child’s name along with your phone number and address on a bracelet or in the costume. Also have them memorize your phone number and know to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Everything checked off? Then let the candy bonanza begin!
Here’s something that shouldn’t be too scary: Finding the right insurance for your home and family. A better insurance experience starts with an Erie Insurance agent – where you get outstanding coverage, great rates and service from local people who care. Find a local agent or see what makes ERIE different.
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/halloween-safety
As an independent insurance agent since 2008, Michael Cruz has been providing personal services for the local community in English and Spanish. He understands the importance of customer service and the comprehensive advice that they need to help them make the right decisions.
Michael believes on long-term relationships by educating his customer while protecting all their assets.
Give Michael a call today at 301–213–8630
8 Homeowners Insurance Coverages You Need in Montgomery County Maryland
Foresight Insurance is an independent “local” insurance agency that would give you an independent advantage for all your insurance needs.
With an independent insurance agent, you have choices. Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. One of the advantages of using an independent agent is that he or she works to satisfy your needs. You are using an expert for an important financial decision and most important, your agent is local and ready to take action to help your immediate needs, especially when you need them most…at the time of your claim.
On this post, we like to talk to you about 8 Homeowners Insurance Coverages You Need in Montgomery County Maryland
When it comes to homeowners insurance, not all policies are created equal. And that’s important to remember when it comes to protecting what could very well be your biggest asset.
Check out the list below to see what you need in homeowners insurance.
1.The right limit: You need enough insurance to let you rebuild if you have a total loss. So don’t risk it by choosing a lower limit in an effort to save a few dollars.
One thing to remember when it comes to the right limit is the increased value your home may have after a home improvement project. Always report any home improvement project ASAP to your insurer so they can adjust the limit if necessary.
2. Guaranteed replacement cost: When you have guaranteed replacement cost, you can rest easy knowing that you could rebuild your home after a major loss without worrying about depreciation, policy limits or insurance construction costs once you’ve repaired or replaced the damaged property. This is definitely a better option than actual cash value, which takes depreciation into account when calculating the amount of your reimbursement.
3. Enough liability coverage: Your homeowners liability coverage protects your assets in the event someone gets hurt on your property. It also offers coverage for some incidents that happen away from your home (for instance, if you run your bike into someone).
Lawsuits aren’t as uncommon as you might think, and they have the potential to wipe out many people’s net worth. That’s why most people will want to have at least $300,000 of liability coverage. You might also consider a Personal Catastrophe Liability policy, which adds an extra $1 to $5 million of coverage to your homeowners as well as your auto insurance.
4. Loss of use: If your home was a total loss or became uninhabitable after a covered loss, do you know where you would stay and how you would pay for the extra expense? Loss of use coverage offers you reimbursement for costs to stay at a hotel or rent an apartment in the event of a covered loss.
5. Endorsements that let you customize your coverage: Everyone’s risk factors are different. That’s why you’ll want the option of adding earthquake coverage along with inland marine coverage for high-value items you may own. Another important coverage that many homeowners need is flood coverage, which is offered as a separate policy by most carriers.
Two other endorsements that many homeowners find beneficial are Identity Recovery coverage and Sewer & Drain Backup coverage.
6. A reliable deductible: Many homeowners recovering from a disaster such as a hurricane get sticker shock when they learn their deductible isn’t a dollar amount that they chose, but rather a percentage of the limit on their policy. These named-storm percentage deductibles are almost always higher than dollar-amount deductibles—and sometimes significantly so.
Unlike many carriers, ERIE’s named-storm deductible is a specific dollar amount rather than a percentage of your homeowners limit. What’s more, you also have the option of choosing different dollar-amount deductibles for different causes of loss.
7. The backing of a financially sound company: If you have a claim, you want the backing of a company that can pay it. One way to find out if your company is financially sound is to check the rankings from Ward and A.M. Best that are released each year. In addition to earning an A+ rating from A.M. Best and ranking among Ward’s Top 50 performing property/casualty insurers, ERIE also earned kudos for being among America’s 50 most trustworthy financial institutions.
8. A knowledgeable local insurance agent: It’s no secret insurance that can be complicated. To simplify things and get trusted advice, it’s a good idea to work with an insurance agent you trust. An Erie Insurance Agentis an insurance expert in your community you can count on to help you get the right coverage at the right price.
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/need-in-homeowners-insurance
As an independent insurance agent since 2008, Michael Cruz has been providing personal services for the local community in English and Spanish. He understands the importance of customer service and the comprehensive advice that they need to help them make the right decisions.
Michael believes on long-term relationships by educating his customer while protecting all their assets.
Give Michael a call today at 301–213–8630
Top Fire Safety Tips For Maryland Residents
Foresight Insurance is an independent “local” insurance agency that would give you an independent advantage for all your insurance needs.
With an independent insurance agent, you have choices. Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. One of the advantages of using an independent agent is that he or she works to satisfy your needs. You are using an expert for an important financial decision and most important, your agent is local and ready to take action to help your immediate needs, especially when you need them most…at the time of your claim.
On this post, we like to talk to you about Top Fire Safety Tips For Maryland Residents
Did you know that U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 369,500 home structure fires in 2013? And that these fires caused 2,755 deaths, 12,200 civilian injuries and $7 billion in direct damage?
Statistics like these highlight the importance of knowing how to prevent—and react to—fires. That’s the goal of Fire Prevention Week, an awareness campaign sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association.
One person who knows a lot about fire safety is Tom Mueller. Tom owns KLM Insurance Agency in Barrington, Illinois. Before owning his own agency, Tom was fighting fires for more than two decades. Learn some of his top fire safety tips—and one of the most memorable calls he’s responded to.
- How did you decide to become a firefighter?
My dad was a lieutenant in the Chicago Fire Department, so that’s what I knew growing up. He was decorated for valor twice by the mayor and was a member of the first fire company at Chicago’s famous “Our Lady of the Angels School Fire” in 1958.
I went to the University of Texas, where I graduated with a Fire Science degree. From there, I served as a firefighter specialist with the U.S. Air Force before working as a professional firefighter and paramedic with the Schaumburg Fire Department, in a suburb of Chicago. This is the second-largest fire department in Illinois.
I worked in a firefighter capacity for 25 years while working as an insurance agent on the side. My dad always had a second job. That’s because the pay for firefighters was low and he worked 24 hours on with 48 hours off, so it was possible. I always saw him working two jobs, which I thought was natural.
- How does your background as a firefighter serve you as an insurance agent?
They dovetail together in several ways. For instance, I make a point of inspecting all the houses and commercial buildings my agency insures. Most people wouldn’t see the things I see. When I see a fire hazard, I am proactive about letting the homeowner or business owner know about it. Most people are glad to know about the risk and how to fix it.
- What are some of the most common fire hazards you see?
I always start in the basement, where there’s a propensity for fires to start. I often see combustible materials and other clutter stored too close to furnaces.
Overloading electrical circuits, ignoring frayed cords and running extension cords as a permanent source of power are also common hazards. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
Candles are another major source of fires. If you use them, make sure they are in a glass jar—and never leave them unattended.
Around the holidays, you see live Christmas trees that aren’t properly watered. There’s a lot of potential for them to catch fire if they don’t get enough water.
- What are some of your other top tips when it comes to preventing—or dealing with—fires?
It’s really important to talk with your household members about escape plans. This is important even if you have little kids—talking about the plan and play acting it could be a lifesaver.
Speaking of kids, it’s important to keep a close eye on them. The things we take for granted about fire safety are not things they know.
You also want to make sure you not only have fire extinguishers in your house, but also know how to use them. Most people have no idea how to use them properly—they don’t realize that you need to stand back a good distance. Most fire departments offer training on how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
If you’re ever in a fire, remember to always stay low to the ground. Standing up will only expose you to the worst part of the smoke and the heat. Also remember to always close the door behind you, if possible, in order to contain the fire.
- What’s one of the most memorable calls you’ve responded to?
I was once in charge of an engine company when a new guy named Brian came on. Like all new guys, he was excited to catch his first fire.
It ended up being a call for a townhouse fire; as we pulled up, you could see black smoke puffing out from under the eves. The fire had a pretty good start.
Our first task was life safety—double checking that all the occupants of the home were accounted for and out of the building. I then assessed the seat of the fire. (That’s the origin or location of the fire.) This is important because as the fire gets more intense, it gives off a great deal of smoke and it’s hard to see where the fire started. Without knowing that, you don’t know how to direct the engine company with regard to the hose stream.
We determined the fire was in the attached garage; once we “opened up the hose line” (slang for charging the hose with water), it became impossible to see. That’s because the water creates heavy smoke and steam. Brian, the new guy on the “tip” (slang for nozzle), was aggressive in moving forward. But he was slowing down as we gained entry.
Well, we soon found out why. When the overhead door was opened and the air cleared, we saw that Brian got his air tank caught on a burned up bicycle. He actually put out a fire with a bicycle that was burned to a crisp on his back!
No one was injured, and a lady from the neighborhood snapped a photo of our crew after the fire. (See it in the slideshow above.)
Learn more about how to prevent fires by visiting the National Fire Protection Association website.
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/fire-safety-tips
As an independent insurance agent since 2008, Michael Cruz has been providing personal services for the local community in English and Spanish. He understands the importance of customer service and the comprehensive advice that they need to help them make the right decisions.
Michael believes on long-term relationships by educating his customer while protecting all their assets.
Give Michael a call today at 301–213–8630
Swing Set and Tree House Safety For Maryland Residents
Foresight Insurance is an independent “local” insurance agency that would give you an independent advantage for all your insurance needs.
With an independent insurance agent, you have choices. Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. One of the advantages of using an independent agent is that he or she works to satisfy your needs. You are using an expert for an important financial decision and most important, your agent is local and ready to take action to help your immediate needs, especially when you need them most…at the time of your claim.
On this post, we like to talk to you about Swing Set and Tree House Safety For Maryland Residents
A backyard swing set or a tree house can bring hours of fun to your own kids, and make your backyard the go-to place in the neighborhood.
But each year, 200,000 children are treated for playground equipment injuries, with more than half caused by falls to the ground. The same is true for tree houses, with falls and jumps leading to fractures. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe when it’s time to play:
Whether a kid is cautious or a daredevil, falls are inevitable, so it’s a good idea to install a shock-absorbing surface such as mulch or pea gravel around the play equipment and under the tree house.
Don’t allow children to attach things like jump ropes and pet leashes to the play structures. This could quickly turn into a strangulation hazard.
Children should be supervised at all times while using swing sets and tree houses. Communicate with other parents so they’re aware that your backyard play stations are strictly off limits when you’re not around and unavailable to supervise. To make it difficult for young wanderers to access these areas, consider fencing off access to your yard.
For even more tips on playground safety, read this story from Eriesense Blog.
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/backyard-safety-swings
As an independent insurance agent since 2008, Michael Cruz has been providing personal services for the local community in English and Spanish. He understands the importance of customer service and the comprehensive advice that they need to help them make the right decisions.
Michael believes on long-term relationships by educating his customer while protecting all their assets.
Give Michael a call today at 301–213–8630
Life Insurance and Health Conditions For Maryland Residents
Foresight Insurance is an independent “local” insurance agency that would give you an independent advantage for all your insurance needs.
With an independent insurance agent, you have choices. Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. One of the advantages of using an independent agent is that he or she works to satisfy your needs. You are using an expert for an important financial decision and most important, your agent is local and ready to take action to help yoru immediate needs, especially when you need them most…at the time of your claim.
On this post, we like to talk to you about Life Insurance and Health Conditions For Maryland Residents
Whether you’re a young adult, a stay-at-home parent or a retiree, you may have a need for life insurance.
Yet you may have concerns about your health conditions. Many people think certain conditions preclude them from getting life insurance. In reality, many common and manageable conditions won’t disqualify you from being approved for a policy.
The truth about life insurance and health conditions
Although it varies by insurer, many companies will extend coverage to people who experience the following:
1. Health conditions a medical professional is helping you control and manage.
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- These conditions could include high cholesterol, hypertension, asthma, thyroid conditions, heart murmurs, diabetes, being overweight and more.
2. More serious conditions that you had in the past. This can include heart attack or heart surgery, cancer, stroke and other diseases. “Things an insurer will consider include the type and severity of the illness, the time that’s elapsed since the diagnosis, the stability of your health and your treatment regimen,” says John Ptaszynski, chief life underwriter at Erie Insurance.
It’s important to remember that it typically costs more to buy life insurance if you suffer from a health condition or use tobacco. It’s also worth noting that your ability of obtaining life insurance decreases if you suffer from multiple health conditions.
Three things to keep in mind
John advises anyone interested in life insurance to keep three things in mind.
First, never assume a health condition automatically disqualifies you from obtaining life insurance. “Don’t think that you can’t get life insurance because you’re in less than perfect health,” he says. “You may very well be eligible for coverage—so always check with a licensed insurance agent to find out for sure.”
Second, be honest about your medical history. “You may compromise a future claim if you make a material misrepresentation, like failing to mention a major surgery or serious diagnosis,” says John.
As a condition of obtaining life insurance, you will likely undergo a simple medical exam. This exam can reveal certain conditions like high blood pressure or a smoking habit. “It’s just not worth it to not disclose important information about your health,” says John.
And third: If you do have a condition like the two mentioned above, it’s best to apply earlier rather than later. That’s because it could be impossible to obtain coverage if things take a turn for the worse later on. And if things improve, you can always talk to your insurance agent about more affordable options that could be available to you as a result of your improved health.
Your Agent’s there to help
Life insurance and health conditions might sound intimidating or confusing—but they don’t have to be. Your best course of action is to talk with a professional like an Erie Insurance Agent in your community. He or she will be able to give you trusted advice on which coverage options* are available to you and your family.
*Life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/life-insurance-and-health-conditions
As an independent insurance agent since 2008, Michael Cruz has been providing personal services for the local community in English and Spanish. He understands the importance of customer service and the comprehensive advice that they need to help them make the right decisions.
Michael believes on long-term relationships by educating his customer while protecting all their assets.
Give Michael a call today at 301–213–8630
MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR YOUR HOME EMERGENCY KIT IN MARYLAND
Foresight Insurance is an independent “local” insurance agency that would give you an independent advantage for all your insurance needs.
With an independent insurance agent, you have choices. Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. One of the advantages of using an independent agent is that he or she works to satisfy your needs. You are using an expert for an important financial decision and most important, your agent is local and ready to take action to help yoru immediate needs, especially when you need them most…at the time of your claim.
On this post, we like to talk to you about MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR YOUR HOME EMERGENCY KIT IN MARYLAND
It can be hard to imagine several days (or weeks) without power, internet or running water. But in the event of an emergency, anything can happen. That’s why your family should have an emergency plan and supplies ready for any type of disaster.
Depending on where you live, a disaster could mean heavy snow, flooding, a tornado or a hurricane. So make your plan personal – no matter what the weather is like in your area, a little preparedness can go a long way.
What To Have in a Home Emergency Kit
According to Ready.gov, a good rule of thumb is to have enough food, water and essential supplies on hand for 72 hours in case you need to evacuate. If it’s likely that you’ll shelter in place, the Red Crossrecommends a 2-week supply.
Here’s the good news: You can buy a pre-made kit from a number of retailers online, but it’s also likely that you have many of these items lying around your house already. Grab a large, portable, watertight container to start stashing things away. Start building your kit with the essentials first, and then move on to the “nice-to-haves.”
The Basics
- Water (one gallon per person, per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
- First aid kit and/or trauma kit
- Cash and change (in a waterproof container)
- Manual can opener
- Flares or whistle to signal for help
- Dust masks for contaminated air
- Wrench, pliers and other tools (to turn off utilities)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place (if you are stuck at home, work or elsewhere)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with battery-powered or solar charger.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
The Extras
Once you’ve got the essentials, personalize your kit based on the needs of your family (including pets!) and the weather conditions where you live.
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives)
- Eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula and supplies (diapers, wipes, etc.)
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Important family documents in a waterproof container (copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records)
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing for each person
- Unscented household bleach and medicine dropper (bleach is an effective disinfectant and can also be used to treat drinking water)
- Extra food and water
- Pet food and supplies
- Life raft for areas with severe flooding
- Extra blankets and hand warmers for extreme cold
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Fire extinguisher
- Emergency reference material (order these for free at Ready.gov)
We’ve got your back
Uncertainty is part of life, but anxiety doesn’t have to rule your roost. At ERIE, we want to help you feel confident that your home insurance will go the distance if disaster strikes.
Remember: It’s important to protect your home with the right insurance well in advance of any looming forecast. In most places, state regulations prohibit anyone from purchasing a new insurance policy or changing their current coverage at the last minute when catastrophic weather, like a hurricane or severe flooding, is about to strike.
So, while you’re in planning mode: See how our home insurancemeasures up (and request a free quote) – or find a local ERIE agent to answer your questions and design a policy that’s just the right fit for you.
Source: https://www.foresighti.com/how-to-keep-kids-safe-in-the-backyard/
As an independent insurance agent since 2008, Michael Cruz has been providing personal services for the local community in English and Spanish. He understands the importance of customer service and the comprehensive advice that they need to help them make the right decisions.
Michael believes on long-term relationships by educating his customer while protecting all their assets.
Give Michael a call today at 301–213–8630
