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Archive: May 2018

Summer Accident Insurance Facts

Summer is made for fun. Boat outings, summer road trips, street fairs. The last thing anyone wants to think about is making a theft or an accident claim. But let’s face it: it happens, especially in the summer.

Vandals, Mischief, and Theft

The return of summertime always means that theft and accident insurance claims go up. Here’s how to help reduce the chance that your property and belongings will strike the bad guys as the perfect targets this summer.

Leave no items, not even those that aren’t very valuable, in plain view in your car. Stowing them in the trunk before you leave home is always your best bet. Even when shopping it’s not a bad idea to stow your items in the trunk. Always try to park as near to your destination as you can, or at the least in a well-lit area as it can go a long way for safety.

Boating and RVing

Summer has a way of making us all want to ht the water or the highway. Great lakes, rivers, national parks and ravel resorts seem to call our names. No surprise, then, that accident insurance claims for boats and RVs jump significantly during the spring and summer.

Simple prevention methods can make a big difference in helping to ensure that you and your family’s chances of boating or RV accident insurance claims are reduced. When you’re on the water, all boat passengers should wear life jackets!

Just got your very first RV? Keep in mind that a significant percentage of RV accident claims are related to drivers who are inexperienced in operating these large vehicles. Taking an RV safety class before you put the wheels on the highway can really help you and your family stay safe.

No matter what type of vehicle you operate this summer, be sure to do a thorough check to ensure that it’s road or sea worthy. Engine fluids should be topped up and fresh, boat bottom well maintained, RV tires properly inflated, etc. And whether on the road or on the water, keep a well-planned emergency aid kit on board.

Tire Blowouts

Summer sees more long-distance road travel than any other season. So it’s no wonder that summer time blowouts have a lot to do with a rise in accident insurance claims. These blowouts can cause serious injury and damage. Under-inflation is a primary reason for them.

Checking tire pressure every two weeks with a tire gauge is a sound vehicle maintenance habit to get into. Follow the tire pressure recommendations in your owner’s manual. You should also be able to find that information inside the driver-side door or inside the trunk.

Also regularly check for tire wear, cracks, or sharp objects pushing into the walls or treads. Include regular checks for tread depth. Using a penny to ensure you have proper depth works very well. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread has worn too thin. Time to replace those tires!

Motorcycling and ATVing

With motorcycles and ATVs, accidents can be particularly deadly. Wearing the proper gear can make the difference between life and death. Riding wear should include boots, gloves, jackets, helmets and long pants.

Vigilance saves lives, too. Keep a “weather eye” out for obstacles, both living and inanimate. Things like animals crossing the roadway, potholes, and loose gravel can all cause wipe-outs.

Fatigue While Driving

A recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation shows that 60% of U.S. drivers admit they have operated a vehicle while feeling sleepy. 37% admit to falling asleep behind the wheel. As the days heat up in summer, hot weather contributes to an uptick in accident insurance claims.

Don’t risk your life or those of your passengers. If you’re driving alone and become groggy, pull into a safe area as soon as possible and rest until the fatigue passes. If there’s another licensed driver in the vehicle, trade shift in driving.

The more you know about how the summer season impacts these aspects the better you, your family, and your friends can enjoy themselves. Making sure your insurance is current and up-to-date will increase your peace of mind, too.

 

How to Clean Your Gutters

Many homeowners take their gutters for granted. They think that if they ignore the fact that they are clogged with leaves and other debris, the problem will eventually go away. But of course it doesn’t work that way. It only gets worse, and could eventually lead to sagging gutters, flooded basements or even foundation problems. Gutters do an important job, directing water away from the perimeter of your house. Regular maintenance may keep your gutters in tip-top shape, helping prevent water damage and keep your home looking nice.

Clogged gutters may cause all kinds of issues with your home:

Water Damage – properly functioning gutters and downspouts direct water away from the structure of your home. Clogged gutters and downspouts may potentially cause water to collect around your foundation and, as a result, get into your basement.

Loosened Gutters – the weight of water, twigs, and other debris may help loosen gutters and cause them to pull away from their attachments. This may lead to damage to your siding or trim.

Ice Dams – if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are a common occurrence during winter, your clogged gutters may cause ice dams. An ice dam is when water flows over the edges of a clogged gutter and then freezes, potentially forcing water into your home. Ice dams can also become so heavy they may rip the gutter right off your home, resulting in costly repair bills.

Vermin – clogged, damp gutters may also be an inviting home to carpenter ants, mosquitoes and even rodents. And, if these pests are living in your gutters, there’s a chance they might make their way into your home.

How often you should clean your gutters:

Twice a year is a recommended, once in the spring and once in the fall. It may also be a good idea to periodically chem them for debris during the year. If your house is surrounded by trees, it may be a good idea to clean your gutters three or four times a year. And if in the winter you notice any ice dams, consider contacting a professional to come remove them as it may be too dangerous to attempt yourself.

Cleaning Gutters 

Since cleaning your gutters requires you to get on a ladder, it’s always safest to leave this job to a professional. However, if you decide to clean your gutters yourself, always remember to put safety first:

Gloves – hand protection is critical due to the possibility of sharp objects in the gutter.

Dust mask – dried, clogged gutters can be very dusty, and a dust mask can help prevent you from breathing in this dust.

Safety goggles – debris may fly back at your when cleaning, so wearing safety goggles to help protect your eyes is a must.

Ladder and spotter – you should always have someone nearby to hold the ladder for you.

Garden trowel – it can be used to scoop the debris out of the gutter.

Bucket – use a bucket to collect the debris you’re cleaning out of the gutter.

Some debris may be stuck, and it may take some effort to remove it. Be careful not to damage the gutter. After the large debris is removed, use a garden hose to wash out the remaining dirt.

Taking some time to focus on cleaning out your gutters may help keep water out and prevent damage to your home. Proper gutter maintenance can be vital to defending your property from water. And remember, always use good judgement to decide what’s appropriate for your situation and what is safe.

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