Head Out to Sea Without Injury

Water sports, relaxing in the sun and splashing in the water are great ways to make memories with family and friends. Sea lovers must be careful near the marina and dock, though, to assure that their getaways are safe ones. If you are hitting the opening waters this season, don’t forget these safety tips!

Dock Safety

• Use forward and reverse at an idle speed when docking and moving your boat near the marina.
• Have bumpers, mooring lines and boat hooks ready before docking.
• Keep all body parts in the boat until you have come to a complete stop.
• Tie the line that holds the boat against the wind first when docking.
• Dock at a marina that has stand pipes, fire extinguishers, good lighting, surveillance cameras and security measures in place.
• Always wear personal flotation devices when on the water, especially those than cannot swim and children.
• Do not swim near a marina since boaters cannot see you when they are trying to dock.
• Wear non-slip shoes on the boat and dock.
• When leaving your boat, turn off any portable heaters on board.
• Keep your boat in good condition with all equipment meeting safety standards established in your area.
• Assure that the marina has the proper power voltage for your boat.
• Add fuel to portable tanks on the dock only; never on the deck of your boat.

To avoid a potential fire onboard, inspect fuel hoses and containers on a regular basis to prevent the escaping vapors from going into bilges. Also check the wiring and all appliances on deck for damage frequently.

As a safety precaution, keep fire extinguishers on deck and fit smoke detectors to the cabin.

For more information regarding boat safety and your insurance, contact your agent.

Golf Cart Safety Tips

As surprising at it may be, there are many golf cart accidents annually, which result in personal injury, property damage and even death. Since golfing is intended to be a fun, relaxing and enjoyable outdoor activity, review the following safety tips to keep you and your fellow golfers safe.

Safety Guidelines

• Drivers and passengers should remain seated while the vehicle is moving at all times.
• Never exceed the maximum capacity for a golf cart – everyone needs his or her own seat.
• Slow down and honk when reaching an “intersection” to alert other drivers and pedestrians of your presence.
• Reduce your speed when approaching pedestrians; they always have the right-of-way. Also, reduce your speed when turning and passing.
• Use the safety mirrors when approaching intersections to ensure that the coast is clear and that you can proceed.
• Your maximum speed will depend on the terrain, weather conditions and the total weight of the vehicle (including passengers and equipment). Generally, you should operate a golf cart at the same speed as a well-paced walk. This means driving no faster than 15 miles per hour.
• Keep your hands, arms, legs and feet inside the golf cart when it is in motion.
• When it is not in use, place the golf cart’s control lever in the “Neutral” position and remove the key.
• Do not go in reverse without looking behind you for potential hazards.
• Do not shift gears while the vehicle is in motion.
• Maintain an adequate distance between you and other drivers, similar to what you do on the roadways in your car.

Much of the same rules and principles apply when driving a golf cart as they do on the road. The bottom line: drive with caution while respecting others. This way, everyone can enjoy the course without having an accident.

We want you to be safe on and off the course. Contact us today to learn about all the ways we help you to protect what matters most!

Stay Safe as You Pedal

According to kidshealth.org, about 300,000 children go to the emergency room each year because of bicycle injuries, some of which suffer fatal head injuries. So, before you and your family wheel your bikes out of the garage, remember these safety tips to remain safe and injury-free on two wheels.

Bicycle Safety Recommendations

Wearing a helmet is the single-most important piece of equipment you can use when riding a bike. In fact, it is so important that Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a division of the federal government, devised safety standards for helmets. When purchasing headgear, always make sure that your helmet contains a sticker stating that it meets the requirements of the CPSC.

about 300,000 children go to the emergency room each year because of bicycle injuries, some of which suffer fatal head injuries. So, before you and your family wheel your bikes out of the garage, remember these safety tips to remain safe and injury-free on two wheels.

Other important reminders about helmets include:

• Always wear a helmet even if you are just going for a quick ride down the driveway or block.
• Helmets should be worn so that they cover your forehead with the straps fastened. Adjust the straps so that they are snug enough that you cannot pull or twist the helmet around your head.
• Take care of a helmet by placing it in its proper storage place and not throwing it around when you are not wearing it. Also, if you fall down, get a new helmet, as it may not be as effective after a crash.
• Place reflective stickers on helmets, especially for kids, so that motorists can see them on the road.

Road Rules:

• Keep an eye out for motorists, even if you are on a sidewalk or trail. A car may pull out from a driveway and not be able to see you coming.
• When crossing a busy road, walk your bike through the intersection as opposed to riding it.
• Watch out for common fall spots such as wet leave piles, puddles, storm gates, gravel, curbs and potholes.
• Always keep your hands on the handlebars.
• Stop and look both ways before leaving a driveway or curb.
• Ride on the right side of the street so you are moving in the same direction as motorists.
• Obey traffic laws just like motorists. That means stopping at stop signs and obeying street lights.
• When riding in a group, do so in a single- file line.

Wearing the right gear is important for staying safe.

• Wear brightly colored clothing and place reflective material on your bike so motorists can see you.
• Do not wear loose pants, have long backpack straps or loose shoelaces. These items can get caught in your bike spokes and can cause you to lose control.
• Always wear sneakers when biking.
• Wear riding gloves to get a better grip on the handle bars. Kids may want to wear them too since they look “professional.”

For more information on bicycle safety, go to a bike shop and ask what they recommend. For more information regarding insurance, contact your agent.

The Benefits of Youth Sports

Physical, personal and social rewards for children

Young athletes cite having fun, learning new skills, making friends and feeling successful as some of the reasons why they partake in sports. But the benefits of youth athletics go much further than this.  

Sports offer a specialized arena where youth can demonstrate their talents and hone their skills. In fact, participating in sports is physically, socially, cognitively and psychologically engaging. Children are working together with others toward a common goal—not just with teammates, but coaches, families and the community as well.

Physical Benefits

Fitness: Kids develop a high level of fitness that is good for their health, while having fun.

Stress relief: Partaking in sports allows kids to clear their heads. Because of this stress relief, many students perform better when they are involved in sports.

Master skills: Kids develop athletic talents while also learning that practice improves skills. The idea that practice leads to improvement provides children with a sense of ownership of their successes.

Healthy lifestyle choices: The most valuable tool used in sports is one’s own body. Because of this, many young athletes tend to refrain from using drugs, drinking alcohol and smoking because they do not want to harm their bodies or their performance.

Personal Benefits

Valuing practice and preparation: Participating in sports shows kids that self-discipline and practice yield positive results. Practicing also explores alternative ways of doing something to achieve better results.

Resiliency: Sports teaches kids about losing, disappointment and moving on from negative experiences.

Controlling perspectives: Athletes learn to be confident in themselves and their abilities.

Leadership: Athletes have the opportunity to serve as leaders of their peers, which teaches them valuable skills for the future.

Identity: Kids on sports teams learn to both identify with the team and to also establish a personal identity.

Time management: Since sports are time-consuming, athletes must learn how to balance them with school priorities and family commitments. This can help make children better able to prioritize their own lives.

Social Benefits

Establishing relationships: Young athletes learn how to form strong bonds with others as they compete and train with one another.

If you have any questions regarding getting your kids involved in sports, contact your child’s school or your local parks & recreation.  If you have any questions regarding your insurance, contact your agent.

Filing an Insurance Claim? Watch What You Say!

Filing Claims 101: All You Need to Know!

Many people are flustered when they file an insurance claim given that claims typically follow devastating events like car accidents, illnesses or home fires.

To help you file a claim in Michigan with ease, below is some useful information you need to make the best of this trying experience.

Navigating an insurance claim can be quite tricky if you are unsure how to approach it. Consider the following recommendations to increase the chance that your claims will be processed successfully. Better yet, put these tips in your wallet or post them on your fridge.

When you are involved in an automobile accident

• Do not apologize to other drivers involved or admit fault under any circumstances.
• Describe what occurred to law enforcement and to your insurance company. If you are unsure, leave it to the authorities.
• Always contact your insurance company immediately after an auto accident.
• Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company; let your company represent you throughout the ordeal.

 When your home is flooded

• The term flood in the insurance world refers to water damage resulting from an overflow of a nearby stream or river. Even if your sump pump did not work and you have 6 inches of water in your basement, you are not dealing with a flood.
• Making references to the wrong terms can cause claims to be denied or elongate the process.
• Review your Homeowners Insurance policy to determine what it covers with regard to water damage.
• Do not guess how accidents occurred. An insurance investigator will determine the exact cause of the claim in question.

When you have a health care claim:

• Avoid calling procedures experimental, investigational or a clinical trial. The claim may be denied if the treatment is seen as unnecessary.
• Do not sign any medical record releases. It is illegal for an insurance company to access your records without your consent, and they should not need them to process the claim.

The most important thing to remember when filing a claim is that the less you say the better. Do not speculate and do not judge; simply give the facts and the insurance company will take care of the rest.

Feel free to contact your agent for assistance throughout the claims process.

Security Tips for Traveling Abroad

Many people enjoy traveling to learn about new and different cultures, history and traditions. As a result, many Americans seek out extreme adventures, with their destinations becoming more and more remote. As this type of travel increases, so does risk of kidnappings, muggings, hotel break-ins and other crimes around the globe. Knowing how to protect yourself is the first step in helping you, and your Michigan insurance policies, have a safe trip, too.

Health and Safety while Traveling Abroad  

• When possible, avoid using taxi cabs. Have your hotel’s concierge service book a driver or car service for you. If you must take a cab, do not provide information about your trip, its duration or its purpose to your driver.
• Place your luggage in the trunk of a cab by yourself after the driver gets out to open it for you.
  • When staying at a hotel, request a room on one of the lower floors, but not the first floor. Ground floors are the least secure, but floors above the sixth are too high for conventional fire equipment to service.
• Bring small door and window locks with you while traveling and use them in your hotel room.
• Do not give a limo company your last name to place on the placard when waiting at the airport; use a mutually agreed-upon code word.
• Bring a flashlight with you on your trip in case the power goes out.
• Always place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door and do not let anyone in, unless you know who they are from looking in the peep hole. When leaving your hotel room for the day, place the television on a local station and place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. This gives the impression that you are a native speaker staying in the room, and that you are in relaxing.
• Place plastic connectors on your luggage when you leave. Though this does not prevent someone from opening your bags, it can alert you that someone has tampered with your luggage.
• Do not stay in hotels with hard keys; only visit those with key cards. They are safer and are not passed around as easily.
• Dress to fit in with the locals. Do not wear expensive jewelry, trendy clothes or carry an expensive purse. Also do not advertise your nationality by wearing T-shirts with slogans.
• Register your travel plans with the State Department at www.travelregistration.state.gov. This will help the government contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S. or if you are in need of assistance abroad.
• Sign your passport and fill in all the emergency information.
• Leave copies of your itinerary and passport with loved ones at home.
• Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws, as you are subject to them while traveling.
• Contact the U.S. Embassies and Consulates at http://travel.state.gov or by calling the Office of Overseas Citizen Services at 888- 407-4747 for assistance while you’re away.

Do not get distracted while you are site seeing. Many times, thieves will work together to distract you while others steal from you. At the same time, always keep a hand on your purse or wallet to make sure that it does not get swiped as you are taking everything in.

To protect yourself while you’re away, consider purchasing a Travel Insurance policy for a nominal fee. These policies provide medical, security and travel-related assistance for Americans abroad.

Preventing Motorcycle Theft

Since motorcycles are easily accessible, they are highly prone to theft. This is why Michigan motorcycle insurance can be costly due to the high risk of theft and injury. If you like to hit the open road on two wheels, be mindful of these theft prevention guidelines to avoid taking a one-way trip down “Loss Lane”.

Tips for Thwarting Thieves

• When you get off your bike, shut off the ignition and then lock it.
• Lock the forks (disk brakes). Purchase locks that are brightly colored to discourage potential thieves.
• Lock multiple motorcycles together if you are traveling in a pack.
• If you are riding alone, lock your motorcycle to a stationary object that cannot be dismantled such as a light pole.
• Install an alarm on your bike that sounds when it is tampered with.
• Park your bike in front of a security camera or close to your room, when staying at a hotel for the evening.
• Check on your bike periodically when you are at a public event, especially shortly after you arrive. A thief may have watched you arrive and waited for you to walk away before making a move. Do you best to avoid the reason to file a Michigan insurance claim.
• Block your bike with a vehicle in a garage.
• Store the title for your motorcycle in your home; not in the compartments or saddlebags on your bike.
• Mark your bike with a unique symbol or mark and take photographs of that. If your motorcycle is stolen, you can present this information to the police.
• Always keep your motorcycle registration and Michigan insurance information with you when riding.

Motorcycle thieves may try and steal your bike when you are putting it up for sale. When potential buyers come to test drive your bike at your home:

• Withhold the title until you have conducted a background check on the potential buyer and his/her payment has cleared. Then, mail the title.
• Verify the buyer’s personal information and cross reference it with their identification.
• Do not allow buyers to take your bike for a test drive after he/she has been dropped off by another person. They may take a ride and never come back.

In addition to theft prevention, you have the ability to be covered. Contact your Michigan motorcycle insurance agent for more information.

Risk Reducing Solutions for Riders

There’s nothing like the freedom you feel when riding but if you’re on the road, you’re at risk. To ensure you’ve got the coverage and financial protection you need, consider the following Michigan motorcycle insurance coverage options.

Liability Insurance Coverage

Most states require you to carry a minimum of liability coverage. Liability Insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. It doesn’t cover you or your motorcycle. Similar conditions apply under your Michigan auto insurance. More specifically:

Bodily Injury Liability – If you are at fault in a crash, you may be responsible to cover the damages for your passenger or the other driver. If so, Bodily Injury Liability typically covers the other driver or your passenger’s expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Property Damage Liability – If you at fault in an accident that causes damage to others’ property, Property Damage Liability covers the expense, such as damage caused to vehicles, private homes, fences and other structures.

Collision Insurance Coverage

Collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident. Your Michigan insurance company compensates for damages, minus your deductible, caused when you collide with another vehicle or object. Keep in mind, Collision Insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism. However, just like Collision Insurance coverage, your policy will pay for damages, minus your deductible, and will cover only the book value of the motorcycle.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance coverage covers damages to you and your property caused by another driver who either is uninsured or underinsured to cover your damages.

This coverage typically pays for medical treatment, lost wages and other damages. If your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance coverage includes property damage, then your motorcycle would also be covered under the same circumstances.

Optional Equipment Coverage

If you decide to add on any optional accessories such as chrome parts, a custom paint job, trailers or sidecars, you should look into obtaining additional or optional equipment coverage. Most Michigan Comprehensive and Collision Insurance coverages will only cover the factory standard parts on your motorcycle.

Top Ways to Save on Your Premium

• Consider raising your deductible
• Keep up your good driving record
• Take a motorcycle safety driving course
• Invest in an anti-theft device
• Ask about our multi-policy discounts

The Value of Your Life

Another thing to consider is having a Michigan life insurance policy in place. A motorcycle is a risky method of transportation and accidents can happen, even deadly. It is imperative that you prepare for the worst. Even if you’re a safe rider, you can’t always guarantee that you’re around “safe” drivers. If you choose to be risky, be sure to protect your family.

Count on the Experts

Call your Michigan insurance agent to learn more about affordable vehicle insurance and personal risk management solutions.

Bounce Away Trampoline Liabilities

Trampolines are a popular form of recreation – popping in backyards around the country. Though trampolines may be fun, they are also a potential liability for Michigan homeowners insurance because of the health and safety concerns of not using a trampoline properly. To minimize your risks and maximize your fun, consider the following recommendations.

Health and Safety Risks

While made for enjoyment, trampolines also pose health and safety risks. From sprained ankles to life-threatening fractures, most injuries result from improper use and/or inadequate adult supervision. Injuries are typically caused by the following:

• Attempting tricks and flips
• Colliding or landing on another jumper
• Being pushed off  or falling off a trampoline
• Landing awkwardly while jumping
• Falling onto the springs or frame instead of the bouncy center
• Jumping, instead of climbing off
• Jumping onto a trampoline from a higher elevation

Safety First

Trampolines are considered attractive nuisances – items that are attractive and enticing to children. If kids are walking by your home and spot the trampoline in your backyard, they may be enticed to head on back and start jumping. In the event that they suffer an injury on your property, you are ultimately liable and the Michigan insurance claim may not work out in your favor.

To protect yourself, consider fencing in your yard and never allow unsupervised individuals to jump when you are not present.

Protecting Your Personal Property

Since using a trampoline can pose serious harm, practice the following precautions:

• Always supervise all users on the trampoline, regardless of their ages or experience levels.
• Only allow one person on at a time.
• Do not allow children under the age of six to use a trampoline.
• Do not place a ladder near a trampoline because it welcomes younger children to climb up and start jumping.
• Do not allow jumpers to do somersaults or flips, as they could land on their necks or heads incorrectly.
• Do not allow jumpers to use the trampoline as a way to jump onto other objects.
• Securely attach safety padding to cover the hooks, springs and frame. Make sure the padding is a different color than the trampoline bed so jumpers can differentiate between the two areas.
• Setup the trampoline on level ground away from trees and other obstacles.
• Install safety netting around a trampoline to provide fall protection.
• Inspect the trampoline before each use to make sure that the springs are secure and that the bed does not have any tears or holes.

To learn more about your homeowner liabilities and ways to prevent losses, contact your Michigan insurance agent today.

Caution as You Cruise on the Open Road

In 2004, more than nine million Americans rode motorcycles to their jobs, for recreational fun and to see the sites. However, according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, of those riders, 4,000 died in an accident. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcycle accidents are approximately five percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet motorcycles represent only two percent of the vehicles on the road.  Michigan motorcycle insurance can help pick up the pieces should you have an accident, but it is highly recommend that you follow the rules of the road to avoid a casualty.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are several key reasons to why motorcycle accidents are prevalent on America’s roadways:

• Motorists fail to see riders when they are coming out of a driveway, making a left turn in front of an oncoming rider or when the motorcycle is in the driver’s “blind spot.”
• Many riders do not obtain the proper motorcycle license and training to learn how to properly operate the bike. Of those who do get licensed, many only learn enough to pass the test.
• Riders speed excessively while also weaving in and out of traffic lanes.
• Riders are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (the cause of almost half of all motorcycle accidents).

Michigan insurance companies consider the above reasons to be high risk.  If you show yourself as being a high risk, it could cost you thousands of dollars in fines and higher premiums on your insurance policy, and possibly even the loss of your license and jail time.

How Can Riders Remain Safe?

• Attend motorcycle training courses and get a license specifically for a motorcycle.
• Always wear a helmet; eye protection; a jacket made of denim, nylon or leather; long pants; boots and gloves.
• Do not drink alcohol or use drugs while operating a motorcycle.
• Read the owner’s manual and learn the capabilities and operations of the vehicle.
• Practice using the controls and gears by sitting on the bike while it is off and parked.
• Follow posted speed limits.
• Turn on your headlines all the time, even when it is sunny.
• Look out for hazards such as potholes, cracks and bumps in the road.
• Exercise extreme caution when you are carrying passengers and always have them wear a helmet, too.

Safety First

Respect motorists so they respect you back! The phrase “look twice, save a life” should be earned, not just expected, especially according to your Michigan motorcycle insurance.

• Do not tailgate or weave between lanes if traffic slow.
• Abide by traffic laws, just like motorists are expected to do.
• Minimize the noise coming from your bike by using a muffler and keeping your radio volume down.
• Always use turn signals to warn motorists of your intentions.

No matter what, coverage is available.  Contact your Michigan insurance agent today to learn more about risk management and insurance solutions for your auto, home and life.