Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Insuring Your Teenager: Tips And Tricks For Saving Money

If your son or daughter has recently reached the age when they are starting to drive, you likely already have enough anxiety without thinking about what your teen driver is going to do for your car insurance rates. Inexperienced drivers usually come with high insurance premiums, and having the facts about insuring your teen driver before contacting your insurance company will ensure you are ready to find the best deal possible. Here are some tips to saving on your car insurance if you have a teen driver!

How Insurance Companies Include Additional Drivers - Some insurance companies assign the most expensive car to the most expensive driver, making them the primary driver for that vehicle whether or not this actually reflects the circumstances. If you have a luxury car, this could cost you a fortune. Your options are to buy your teen an older vehicle or switch to an insurance company that doesn't use this method.

Have Your Agent Shop Around - Getting the best deal with any major purchase involves shopping around. Getting quotes from several companies before adding a teen driver may save you money.  Your agent will not only save you money, but saving you time can be just as important, especially nowadays. 

Keep Their Grades Up - Most insurance companies look at factors such as your teen's grades to gauge responsibility, much as they would look at the credit score of an adult. Requiring good grades as a part of their responsibility as a new driver is a good idea, both for them and your pocketbook.

Driver's Education - Taking a Driver's Education course often provides an insurance discount for teen drivers. It will also give them the skills they need to be safe and accident-free.

Increase Your Deductible - This is always an effective way to reduce your insurance rates, but always be sure you choose a deductible that you can safely afford.  It's a good idea to discuss this with your insurance agent.  He or she will be able to guide you best on making the most informed decision.

Keep Your Teen Accident Free - The best way to keep your rates down and your teen safe is to encourage safe driving practices. This includes having rules about when your teen can drive, the number of passengers they can have in the car, and a no tolerance policy if they violate these rules. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and instilling this mentality in them as new drivers will keep them safe through the years.

These tips can help make the cost of insuring your teen a little less stressful.  We recommend that you give us a call today at 805.351.3851 to discuss your options further.  At Pacific Preferred Insurance Agency, we take pride in delivering "preferred service", "preferred rates", and "preferred coverage", for you and your family. 

We want to be your agent for life!


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Care for Your Christmas Tree and it will Care for You

At Pacific Preferred Insurance Agency, we want you to have a safe and fun filled holiday season.  By properly caring for your Christmas Tree, you can rest assured it will care for you and keep you and your family out of harms way.  

Selecting a tree

1. Get a healthy tree - Don't buy a tree that is losing green needles, or has dry, brittle twigs or a sour, musty smell. Excessive needle loss can be detected by vigorously shaking the tree, or dropping it onto the end of the trunk several times from a height of about 1 ft (30 cm). The loss of old dead needles from the inside of the tree does not indicate that there is a problem with the tree. Mechanical shakers can remove these needles, and reduce the potential for a mess inside the home.
2. Size of the tree - Do not buy a tree that is too large for the area where it will be displayed. Aside from paying more than necessary, up to $10 per ft (30 cm) of height, you will have to cut off a large section of the lower trunk, and possibly the lower whorl of branches. This might ruin the appearance of the lower part of the tree.
3. Bottom of the tree - Note the location of large branches at the bottom of the tree. Be sure that the handle is long enough to allow display of the tree without cutting off the lower whorl of large branches. USDA grading rules specify trees should have a handle 1 to 12 in (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long per ft (30 cm) of height. However, some species are routinely sold without pruned handles, eg, Fraser fir.
3. Shaking the tree - When purchasing a tree from a choose-n-cut farm, have the producer mechanically cut the tree, if possible. This will eliminate dead, loose needles, especially in species such as Virginia pine, white pine, Scotch pine and red cedar. There is less potential mess to reach the home.

Transporting the tree

4. Wrap the tree - If the transport time from the retail lot or farm to the final destination is more than 15 min, it is best to wrap the tree in a tarp, or carry it in an enclosed camper or the back of a pick-up. Strong wind of 60 mph (100 km h-1) on the highway, especially during warm weather, can damage a tree in a short time.
5. Orientation on the car - Put the bottom of the tree aiming forward to protect the needles from being blown off.
6. Tie it securely! - If the tree is carried on the outside of a vehicle, tie it securely. 

Storing the tree before bring it in the house

7. Keep out of the sunlight - Do not leave a cut Christmas tree lying in the sunshine for long periods of time, especially if air temperatures are warm. Fresh trees dry rapidly in those circumstances.
8. Keep it in water - If a tree cannot be immediately displayed in water, make a fresh cut on the base of the trunk, and stand it in a bucket of water in a cool, shaded location, either indoors or outdoors. When the tree is displayed in a water holding stand, a second fresh cut is probably unnecessary, but might enhance water uptake. 

Setting up the tree in your stand

9. Cut off a disk of wood about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm) thick from the base of the trunk immediately before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Do not cut at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree plumb in the stand, and reduces the amount of water available to the tree. Do not cut off too much trunk, resulting in a handle too short for the stand. This would lead to the situation described in (2) and (3) above.

If no saw is available, get the retailer to make a fresh cut on the base of the trunk before departing for home. Assuming that the trip home is relatively short, put the tree in water as soon as possible. Species like Douglas-fir and Fraser fir can go 6 to 8 h after cutting, and still take up water. Do not bruise the end of the trunk or get it dirty.
10. Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not affect water uptake. The use of drilled/pin type devices to supply water directly to holes drilled in the tree is not as effective as displaying the tree in a more traditional type of stand.
11. Use a stand that fits your tree. Some stands have circular rings at the top, so the ring must be large enough so the trunk goes through the hole. Other stands are open, which allows more range in trunk size. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed. Use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. Using stands that are too small is a very common mistake. Fresh trees use about 1 qt (about 1 L) of water per day per in (about 2.5 cm) of trunk diameter. The stand should hold enough water to last 24 h. If the stand goes dry and is subsequently refilled, water uptake may stop or be severely limited, leading to premature drying. Contraptions are available that maintain constant water level in the stand, working on the principle of a commode float.
12. Cold water - Do not use hot water in the stand; it is of no benefit.
13. No chemicals - Do not use chemicals in the stand to prevent evaporation. Water moves into the trunk at the lower cut end, and eventually evaporates (transpires) from the foliage. Evaporation from the surface of water in the stand is negligible, compared to the loss from transpiration. Do not use additives in water, including floral preservatives, molasses, sugar, bleach, soft drinks, aspirin, honey, or other concoctions. The products supposedly block the evaporation of water from the surface of foliage, but in reality have little benefit. Do not use water holding gels in the stand. They reduce the amount of water available to trees. Clean water is the only requirement to maintain freshness. 

Decorating your tree

14. Keep away from heat - Keep displayed trees away from point sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow drying, resulting in less water consumption.
15. Lights - Use only UL approved lights and electrical cords and devices on trees. Check electrical cords and lights for damage prior to placement on the tree.
16. Placement of ornaments - Hang all ornaments that are breakable, have small, detachable parts or metal hooks, or that look like food or candy on higher branches where small children can't reach them. Green floral wire, which can be twisted firmly around branches, is a great way to hang fragile ornaments. More durable Christmas ornaments like candy canes, holiday cards, knitted ornaments on higher branches where small children can't reach them. Green floral wire, which can be twisted firmly around branches, is a great way to hang fragile ornaments.
17. Pets - Keep pets out of the room in which the tree is placed, especially if you can't be there to supervise. Cats are known for leaping onto Christmas trees, especially when pursued by another pet. Use a ceiling hook to keep the tree from toppling. Both cats and dogs can knock down and break glass ornaments, then cut themselves on the pieces. Pets may also gnaw on electrical cords for Christmas tree lights. So hide them when possible, or help prevent injury by purchasing a pet-proof cover for the wiring.
18. Avoid using artificial snow sprays, to which some people are allergic and may cause lung irritation if inhaled.
19. Turn off tree lights when you go to bed or leave the house. Use only UL-approved electrical decorations and extension cords, and check to be sure no cords have frayed since you last used the lights. 

Watering your tree

20. Always keep the tree stand filled with water. Dried sap will form a seal over the cut stump within several hours if the water level falls below the base of the tree. If this occurs, make another fresh cut in the butt-end and promptly fill the stand with water. Use hot tap water which will soften sap and facilitate absorption.
21. How much water - A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the 24 hours after it is cut, and one or more quarts every day after. Maintaining a steady water level prevents the needles from drying out and dropping off and the boughs from drooping. Water will also keep the tree fragrant. Do not allow the water pan to empty or go below the tree base

Taking down the tree

22. Monitor the tree for dryness. If the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
23. Disconnect all electrical devices prior to removing them from the tree.
24. Never burn a tree in a fire place or wood stove. Pine trees have a lot of sap which can flash and also create a chimney fire.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Avoiding Hazards during the Holidays


The holidays are here and our homes have become more hectic as we have friends and family over to visit.  With more people means more electrical items being used and this can result in more potential hazards.  At Pacific PreferredInsurance, we would like to offer you some helpful hints to keep you clear of these potential holiday hazards.

The addition of extension cords during the holiday is one sure way of adding the potential for a fire if misused.  It is best to check each cord to insure they are in good working condition.  You want to specifically look for frays or kinks or even small burn marks, which will be an indication that the cord is susceptible to a fire and should not be used.  As we mentioned in the opening of this article, the holidays bring an increase in foot traffic in our homes, so be sure to keep extension cords out of those paths, as holiday guests may easily trip over these.  It is also wise to never use rugs to conceal cords, because this too can be a fire hazard.

I remember growing up in the Northeast and we had a natural wood burning fire place in our home.  My dad always reminded me to use only well seasoned natural wood or man-made wood logs specified for in home use only.  My mom always reminded me to never throw Christmas wrapping paper in the fire place.  These two lessons have remained with me throughout my life.  Also remember to have proper screens in place to stop embers from flying out of the fire place and into your home.  Now, for those of you living in Southern California, this might not be applicable, but many Californians go up to the slopes in the winter months and this could be helpful when renting a cabin.  

Did you know, each year there are a reported 164,000 ladder related injuries?! Be sure that when using a ladder this year to put up those Christmas lights you use one that is the correct height for the job and that you are using a nonmetal latter, metal ladders of course conduct electricity. Reaching or stretching may cause you to fall. Be sure that the feet of the ladder are positioned evenly from the wall and that the ladder itself is standing on a solid surface. 

If not properly managed, bringing in a fresh tree to your home can become a huge fire hazard.  Do things right and you will enhance the mood of the holiday while being safe.  Some things to remember are to be sure the needles are soft to the touch and secured to the tree.  Ensure that your tree stand holds at least one gallon of water and maintain the water level at all times.  

While preparing your holiday meal there are additional dangers of being burned due to the large number of family and friends trying to help in the kitchen. Steer children clear of the kitchen, most burn accidents happen to small children. Be aware of your surroundings and keep the traffic around hot foods to a minimum. Taking these preventative steps will keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season.

Wishing you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season,

Pacific Preferred Insurance Agency

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Hybrid Vehicles Can Pose Greater Risk to Pedestrians and Cyclists

Hybrid vehicles have better fuel economy, lower emissions, lower fuel costs, increased energy security, and more fueling flexibility.  But, I bet you didn’t know they were more hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists.  That’s right, that hybrid vehicle that has many benefits does have a safety hazard that you should be aware of.


In fact, The National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration has weighed in on the safety risks of driving hybrid and electric vehicles. Their conclusion was that hybrid and electric vehicles are more hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists. Electric engines are near silent compared to combustion engines and don't give the same audible warning as previous cars, especially when traveling at low speeds. Children and the visually impaired are often cited as being the most at risk, and the low noise engines are reported to be putting many pedestrians at higher risk of an automobile collision.

Although new technologies can usher in new risks, moving vehicles have always posed dangers to pedestrians. In 1899, Henry Bliss was run over by an electric cab, giving him the dubious distinction of being the first US auto fatality. But in the same era, horse drawn carriages were taking quite a toll: In New York in 1900, 200 pedestrians were killed by horse drawn carriages.

Car manufacturers are reacting to the new threat by adding artificial sounds to hybrid vehicles to warn pedestrians. The Nissan Leaf EV now makes "wooshing" sounds despite its near silent engine, and Ford held a Facebook poll for users to vote on which artificial engine noise their new car should make, having posted a series of potential noises on YouTube. The noises ranged from more traditional engine sounds to futuristic spaceship noises. These fake engine noises are still being rolled out so they may not stick around since reactions appear to be mixed. 
 
While the ostensible danger of silent vehicles is to pedestrians, drivers can also be at risk of not hearing a hybrid, increasing the potential for collisions. Plus, responsible drivers need to be hyper vigilant about the safety implications for pedestrians. Striking a pedestrian is a highly traumatic event that can result in injury or death. Depending on fault, it can also result in criminal charges or lawsuits. The liability portion of your auto insurance offers some financial protection should you strike a pedestrian. According to the Insurance Information Institute, liability insurance is compulsory in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Only New Hampshire does not have a compulsory auto insurance liability law. The chart on this page offers a breakdown of minimal liability limits for auto insurance by state.

If you live in California and have questions about your auto insurance coverage, why not with a Pacific PreferredInsurance agent today?


Friday, October 28, 2011

Five Mistakes Good Drivers Make and How to Steer Clear of Them

Don’t become a victim of one of the 6.3 million car crashes that occur each year. Here are five critical mistakes good drivers make and what you can do to avoid them.
Mistake No. 1: Overconfidence

Why it matters: Think you’re a good driver? So do 99 percent of people on the road, according to a National Safety Council survey. Never mind that 93 percent fail to follow basic safety practices like turning off cell phones or obeying the speed limit.

What to do instead: Acknowledge your vulnerability. And even with advanced vehicle safety features, don’t take it for granted that your car is going to protect you.

Mistake No. 2: Multi-tasking

Why it matters: A 2004 study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that driver distraction preceded almost 80 percent of crashes.

At 60 mph, you can cover a lot of ground fast — 30 yards per second or the length of a football field in the time it takes to un-wrap a hamburger. If you veer off course, you’d better hope there isn’t a bicycle, pedestrian or vehicle in your way.

Driving under the influence of anything, including everyday distractions, is every bit as debilitating as drinking and driving, experts agree. That includes talking on a cell phone, hands-free or not.  Drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to get into a crash, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. And a hands-free phone doesn’t reduce the risk.

What to do instead: Think of yourself as an airplane pilot — check controls and settings before you take off.  “Train your eyes to look 12 seconds out so you can concentrate on what’s ahead,” suggest experts. “And remember: smart drivers just drive.”

Mistake No. 3: Failing to Secure Loose Objects

Why it matters: Loose items, from pets to pop cans, cause 13,000 injuries in accidents every year, according to the National Safety Council.

Remember high school physics? In a crash, your car comes to a sudden stop, but anything not battened down keeps moving at the same speed. At 30 mph even the smallest object becomes a dangerous projectile. Think of your 4.4-ounce cell phone as a deadly missile aiming for your toddler with a force of 11 pounds, or two bricks. Or imagine your 60-pound black lab hurling against the back seat with the might of 1,200 pounds.

What to do instead: Put your junk in the trunk. Luggage, laptops and other heavy objects are best stowed in a closed compartment or under a cargo net.  Never place objects on or near the airbag module; even a tissue box is nothing to sniff at when an airbag deploys. Keep pets secured in a latched cargo crate or with a doggy seatbelt.

Mistake No. 4: Drowsy Driving

Why it matters: More than half of American motorists admit to driving while drowsy and one in five say they actually nodded off or fell asleep at the wheel during the past 12 months, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine.

What to do instead: Pay attention to your body. Constant yawning, a nod of the head, heavy eyelids, blurred vision and lane drifting are warnings you may be on the verge of falling asleep.  If you’re tired, stop driving. Rolling down the window, drinking coffee and cranking up the stereo are only temporary fixes. You’ll feel more refreshed if you take a 20-minute power nap. During long trips, stop to stretch every 100 miles or two hours. Drive with someone else in the car whenever possible.

Mistake No. 5: Thinking Green Means Go

Why it matters: One in three Americans admitted to driving through a red light or stop sign without coming to a complete stop in a 2005 poll commissioned by Volvo Cars of North America in partnership with the National Association of Police Organizations and the National Sheriffs’ Association.
That means that even if you’ve got the green, you could be right, but you could be dead wrong.

What to do instead: Yield anyway, even if you have the right of way. Look both ways and then look both ways again. Know what it takes to bring your vehicle to a complete stop.

Pacific Preferred Insurance Agency insists that you don’t trust anyone.  We often think that the other driver will do the right thing, but unfortunately they often don’t and we often don’t.  This results in 138 people dying each day in traffic crashes on our streets and highways.