There are a number of tips here, please scroll all the way down!
Credit Rating: A big factor in determining the premium of a personal auto policy has nothing to do with a person's driving record--it's his or her credit record. According to Conning and Company, more than 90 percent of insurers use an applicant's credit history--his or her insurance risk score--to slot him or her into a certain program.
When a person applies for auto insurance, the insurer asks for permission to pull his or her credit information. The insurer then secures a credit report from one or more of the credit bureaus--TransUnion; Experian; or Equifax. For more information on credit reports or to secure a copy of your own report, go to http://www.credit.com.
Credit scores range from 300 to 850. If your score is below 650, you may have trouble getting insurance or you may have to pay a higher premium. In order to improve your credit score, keep in mind the following factors that influence the score.
* Payment history: The largest factor is credit and loan account payment history. A steady record of on-time payments going back several years shows responsibility.
* Debts owed: The number of accounts you currently have, including type and balance. Try to have just a few active accounts with low balances.
* Length of credit history: The longer your credit history, the better.
* New accounts: Every time you apply for a new account, a record of that application appears on your credit report and drops your score. Limit the number of applications you submit.
* Balance of accounts: It is best to have between two and six open credit cards and one or two loans.
* Negative records: collections, judgments, and bankruptcy filings will drop your score.
TIPS YOU CAN USE: PROTECTING AGAINST DAMAGE FROM SEWER BACKUP
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), damage from a sewer backup can cost a homeowner anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. Unfortunately, most homeowners are not aware that their homeowners insurance policy does not cover such damage. Just as many homeowners on the Gulf Coast learned after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that their policies did not cover flood damage, others are learning that the policy on which they have relied for so long does not cover damage from sewer backup.
An endorsement is available to add such coverage to the homeowners policy. Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) publishes the HO 04 95, which provides $5,000 of coverage for damage done to a home by "water, or water-borne material." For a modest annual premium of $40 or $50, this endorsement covers such damage caused by sewer or drain backup, as well as that caused by sump pump failure.
Of course, you would rather this not happen to you even if it is insured. Here are some things you can do to avoid or minimize damage from backed-up sewer systems.
* Do not put grease, paper towels, diapers, or other refuse down toiletsor sinks. This will help you prevent clogs in the pipes that connect your home to the sewer.
* If your sump pump, French drain, or other flood control system is connected to the sewer main, you should have a plumber remove that connection. Typically, such an arrangement is illegal.
* You should install a backflow-prevention device. The investment of between $500 and $5,000 will go a long way toward protecting your home.
* If you do have a sewer or drain backup into your home, you shouldthoroughly clean the affected areas with disinfectant. Be sure to completely dry the area, as well, in order to prevent disease and further damage from mold and mildew.
Remember, Your Homeowners Policy DOES NOT Include FLOOD Insurance
Hurricane season begins June 1, and already the experts are saying it will be a very busy season! Your homeowners policy DOES NOT cover a FLOOD exposure! One out of four floods occurs in low-to-moderate risk areas. How can you tell if you are in flood zone? Go to www.floodsmart.gov and plug in your address. You will then know just what type of flood risk you are living in. Even if you are in a low risk area, that does not mean that a flood can't happen. For example, you know that neighbor next door to you with the above ground pool? If that water were to break free and inundate your property, you would not have any coverage for it under your homeowners policy. However, a FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY will protect you in case of the damage from the water. An IMPORTANT fact to remember is that FLOOD INSURANCE carriers a 30 day waiting period. Call AISC today and we can get it started for you!
PENNDOT REMINDS MOTORISTS TO WATCH FOR CHILDREN ON THEIR WAY BACK TO SCHOOL
HARRISBURG
– With school starting in the next couple of weeks, PennDOT today reminded motorists to be alert for school buses and children on their way to, or from, school."School bus safety is important and we want to make sure everyone reaches their destination without incident," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E."With summer winding down and the school routine beginning, motorists need to take the added precaution of watching for students who are boarding or exiting school buses, respecting school crossing guards who are working to ensure children arrive safely at school or home, and obeying traffic laws regarding school buses and school zones."
PennDOT reminds motorists to obey Pennsylvania's school bus stopping law. When approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, motorists in all directions must stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Motorists who encounter a school bus on the opposite side of a divided highway should slow down but they are not required to stop. A divided highway is one that is clearly separated by a divider, such as a concrete barrier or grassy median.
Motorists convicted of violating the law face a 60-day driver's license suspension, five points on their driving record and a $250 fine.
PennDOT also reminds motorists to watch for children who may suddenly dart into the street or from between parked cars, and children walking or riding their bikes to school. In addition to being alert around school bus stops, motorists need to obey speed limits through school zones, which are posted at 15 miles per hour. Failure to obey the posted speed limit in a school zone will result in a fine and three points on a motorist’s driving record.
Students are reminded to take extra precautions to ensure their safety at school bus stops. PennDOT offers students the following school bus safety
TIPS:
- Get to the bus stop 5 minutes early to avoid having to run across the road to catch the bus;
- When waiting for the school bus, stay at least five steps away from the curb or roadway to avoid traffic;
- Wait for the driver's signal before crossing in front of the bus. Be sure to look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT to see that all cars have stopped.
- Avoid the "school bus danger zone" by staying at least 10 giant steps away from the bus on all sides so the bus driver can see you. If something is dropped and it is close to, or under, the bus, be sure to tell the driver before retrieving it;
- NEVER walk behind the school bus;
- When getting on and off the school bus, make sure all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure so they don’t get caught in the bus' handrail or door;
- Talk quietly while on the bus so the driver is not distracted; and
- Remain seated at all times and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before exiting.
