Rules for the Road

Auto accidents account for more young person deaths in the United States than all other causes combined. These statistics are startling and sobering, especially if there are young drivers in your household. Here are some rules to discuss with your young driver prior to allowing them out on the road:

• Establish parental authority for use of the vehicles, rules and consequences.
• Establish the driver’s responsibility for insurance costs and other auto expenses.
• Explain the pitfalls and legal consequences of breaking the law.
• Forbid eating, drinking, smoking and horseplay while driving.
• Eliminate distractions such as loud music and cell phones.
• Keep your insurance card, driver’s license and owner’s card handy in the event of an accident or traffic violation.
• Lock the car and never leave it running.
• Check in when arriving at a destination and when leaving to return home.
• Make sure to always wear a seatbelt.

For more information on auto insurance coverage and policies, please contact Gunn Mowery at 1-800-840-1243, or e-mail us at info@gunnmowery.com. Become our Facebook fan at Facebook.com/GunnMowery

 

Tips for Avoiding Water Loss

Among homeowner’s worst nightmares is to return home after an hour, day or week away to a water claim.

Pipes break, washer hoses deteriorate, and roofs leak. Unfortunately, many times these periols occur when the home is empty. When the homeowner returns, there can be catasrophic damange.

If this happens to you, please keep the following safety precautions in mind:

• Do not walk in any standing water, as it could be charged from an electrical outlet or appliance.
• Look up before entering a room to make sure water is not coming from the ceiling. If the ceiling is wet, be aware for potential collapses.
• Determine if the water could be coming from the back up of a sewer or drain. This water is considered grossly unsanitary and any contact can cause illness.
• Find the source of the leak and safely shut it off as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Finally, contact Gunn Mowery to report the claim. We will asist you in contacting the proper insurance carrier. For more information on homeowner’s coverage and policies, please contact Gunn Mowery at 1-800-840-1243, or e-mail us at info@gunnmowery.com. Become our Facebook fan at Facebook.com/GunnMowery

New Driver in the House?

Many new teenage drivers receive very little professional driving instruction prior to gaining their freedom as a new driver.

In fact, behind-the-wheel driver training programs in school districts are some of the first programs to be cut from tightening school budgets.

Ford Motor Company wants to help young drivers be safe and responsible. They created a website called, “Driving Skills for Life,” to help train young drivers.

The site emphasizes the importance of hazard recognition, vehicle handling and space and speed management. Training videos and other educational resources are available for students and parents.

Visit www.drivingskillsforlife.com to ensure your young driver is fully equipped for their new independence on the road.

Please note that the website program does not take the place of behind-the-wheel professional training, but can be used as a supplement to this training.

For more information on auto insurance coverage and policies, please contact Gunn Mowery at 1-800-840-1243, or e-mail us at info@gunnmowery.com. Become our Facebook fan at Facebook.com/GunnMowery.

Condominium Coverage Can Differ In Each Situation

Before you purchase condominum insurance, try to find what is covered by your condo association’s master policy.

Generally, these policies cover only the structure of the building, but it varies depending on your state and particular condominium. It’s important to do your homework to find what is and what isn’t covered so you can make sure your personal policy covers the rest.

What kind of coverage do you need?

The type of coverage you need greatly depends on your unique situation. Common coverages including theft, damage and personal liability incidents. Depending on your residence, you may also need flood insurance or other special coverage.

A Gunn Mowery agent can help you plan for the coverage you need. You may want to ask yourself the following questions as you decided on the details of your insurance policy:

• What parts of the condo am I responsible for?
• How much would it cost to replace or repair my condo?
• How much are all of my personal items worth?
• Do I have have valuable items in my condo, such as jewelry, antiques, fine art or collectibles?
• Do I run a business out of my home, or often work from home?

For more information on condominium insurance, please contact Gunn Mowery at 1-800-840-1243, or e-mail us at info@gunnmowery.com. Become our Facebook fan at Facebook.com/GunnMowery.

Disability Insurance Statistics

Below you will find disability information that you may find useful. May is Disability Awareness Month.

- More than 1 in 5 adults believe that unemployment or Social Security will cover them if they become disabled. – Disability Literacy: How Consumers Rate Today, April 2005, The Hartford

- Less than half — 39-percent — of the 2.1 million workers who applied for Social Secuirty Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in 2005 were approved. - Social Security Administration, Office of Disability and Income Security Programs

- The average monthly SSDI benefit is $1,004 — Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet 2008

- In 2007, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities receiving SSDI payments in the US was 17.1% - U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2007

- Over 85-percent of disabling accidents and illnesses are not work related, and therefore not covered by workers’ compensation. – National Safety Council®, Injury Facts® 2008 Ed.

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For more information on workers’ compensation coverage, please contact Gunn Mowery at 1-800-840-1243 or e-mail us at info@gunnmowery.com.