Labor Day has come and gone, vacations have ended, and work schedules have changed.  The traffic is back and yes folks, the kids are back to school.

Back to school means kids are back in cars or climbing on the school bus or walking to school. With that I’d like to remind you of a few safety tips:

• Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, with intersections that have crossing guards.
• Teach your child never to talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers.  Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your children don't know well or don't trust.
• Teach your kids -- whether walking, biking, or riding the bus to school -- to obey all traffic signals, signs and traffic officers.  Remind them to be extra careful in bad weather.
• When driving kids, deliver and pick them up as close to the school as possible.  Don't leave until they are in the school yard or building.
• Remind kids to stay seated at all times.
• Be sure that your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult and how to call 911 for emergencies.

We are all going to the same place and attempting to accomplish the same thing. That is, to get our kids to school safe and on time.  Whether you are walking, taking the bus or in the family car, use common sense, be patient, and above all be kind to each other in the parking lot.

1.  Comprehensive coverage doesn’t mean complete coverage
The common misconception of comprehensive coverage is that it covers you in every situation.  However, this is certainly not the case.  Comprehensive coverage simply means you are covered in scenarios other than collisions.  Losses such as theft, flooding, vandalism, tree damage, and fire are common examples of when comprehensive coverage will help you.

2.  Your car affects your rate
The type of car you drive greatly affects what you will have to pay to get your car insured.  If you have a fast, sporty car, you will probably find yourself paying a higher premium.  On the contrary, if you are driving a car with safety features, your rates may be significantly lower.  Many insurance companies are also going green, offering a discount for hybrid cars.  

3.  The higher your deductible the better
If you believe you are a good driver, a high deductible may be a good choice for you.  A deductible is what you have to pay out of pocket in case of an accident before the auto insurance kicks in. It’s best to choose the highest deductible you believe you can afford at any given time.  Doing so will greatly reduce your premium.

4.  Letting your policy lapse can be costly
 When an insurance company sees that someone has been driving without auto insurance, it is required by state law, that you be considered irresponsible.  Consequently, insurance companies will often make you pay for it. 

5.  Electronic payments
Many insurance companies offer discounts for being e-customers.   This will help avoid extra fees such as monthly service charges and postage.   

6.  Packaging your policies
 Discounts, saving you 15-20⁺ % are available when you package your home and auto policies with one company.

As your life changes, so do your insurance needs...

Here are a few "life" situations that should be updated on your insurance policy.   

#1: Marriage

When you get married it makes sense to start combining insurance policies. Combining two car insurance policies into one policy could save you money. As you and your partner move in together and start combining property you need to revisit your homeowners insurance or renter’s insurance policy as well.  Contact your agent if you would like to add an engagement ring onto your policy.  You can list it as a scheduled item for extra protection in case of a loss.   

#2: Switching Jobs

If you have just landed a new job your driving circumstances may have changed. If the new job is farther from home, your annual mileage will be higher. Maybe you will be using public transportation and so you'll drive considerably less.  Make sure to let your agent know because you may qualify for extra discounts on your auto policy. 

#3: Joining a Carpool

With gas prices slowly moving up again, many people are trying to conserve by joining a carpool. This is a definite money-saver; just make sure that you have adequate liability coverage since you will be transporting more people on a regular basis.  Contact your agent to discuss increasing your auto limits.

#4: Refinancing

In recent years, Americans seeking to take advantage of low interest rates have lined up to refinance their mortgages.  It is a good idea to notify your insurance agent because the bank will be requesting an insurance “binder”.  The binder shows the bank that you have proof of insurance otherwise the bank will force coverage which can be very expensive.  Please give your agent proper notice so they can prepare the binder for you in time for your closing.

Stay tuned for more…

The warm weather is here and that means many people can be found by the pool.  The pool is a fun spot for all ages, but also poses safety risks.  These risks can be reduced by good judgment and common sense.  All we want is for you and your loved ones to be safe.  Statistics show, each year more than 300 children less than 5 years old, drown in residential swimming pools- often in pools belonging to their own family.  More than 2,000 children the same age are treated in hospitals for pool-related injuries. 

Here are some safety tips to help keep your family and friends safe around the pool:

• Learn CPR
• DO NOT allow children to swim unsupervised
• If a child is missing, check the pool first, seconds count!!!
• Install a fence or barrier around the pool
• Keep rescue equipment and a phone by the pool
• Install an alarm that will alert an adult when someone enters the pool area unauthorized
• Remove toys that may attract children from in and around the pool when they are not in use

Please be aware and follow any and all safety guidelines in and around pool areas.  Learning, knowing and following safety tips could and WILL save a life.