DNT TXT N DRV

Those of you that know how to text, tweet, fb & email on your mobile phone are probably guilty of distractive driving. It is easy to think you can send a quick text, check your email inbox or tweet what you are doing while stopped at a light or sitting in traffic. Truth is, texting while driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.

Car and Driver Magazine conducted a study to see which distraction influences the reaction time to braking while driving a vehicle. They rigged a car with a red light in the windshield to act like a brake light for a vehicle in front of them. When driving 70 mph it took .54 seconds for the unimpaired driver with no distractions to brake. When legally drunk (.08) it added an extra 4 feet, while reading an email it added 36 feet and when sending a text it added 70 feet!

America averages over 75 billion text messages a year. Over 50 percent of teen drivers admit to texting while driving and 40 percent of crashes in urban areas are related to distractive driving. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over 515,000 people have been injured because of distracted drivers and a startling 5,800 people were killed in 2008. Fatality Accident Reporting System concludes that between 2001 & 2007, 16,141 lives were taken because of cell phone use while driving.

Colorado State law prohibits drivers under age of 18 to use hand held cell phones at all. It is also a crime for any driver to text, email or tweet while driving. Governor Bill Ritter signed the bill in 2009 and assigned a $50 fine for first time offenders and $100 fine for second time offenders. It is important for parents to preach to their teen drivers about the dangers of distractive driving and of course lead by example. If you absolutely need to text, tweet, email or fb pull over and come to a complete stop before reaching for your hand held device. Also, those with Blackberries and Android phones can download an application that restricts you from texting while driving.

A text, tweet and email can wait so do not let your smart phone allow you to do something stupid. In one single second your whole life could change for the worse. A BRB, LOL & TTYL can wait.

www.cisforyou.com     

Work Cited

Chester, S. (2010, September 24). Texting while driving responsible for 16,000 deaths in 6 years [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://techcrunch.com/2010/09/24/study-texting-while-driving-responsible-for-16000-deaths-in-6-years

Genachowskis, J. Federal Communications Commission, Testimony to Senate Commerce Committee. (2009). Texting while driving Washington, DC: Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved from http://www.fcc.gov/guides/texting-while-driving

 LeBeau, P. (2009, June 25). Texting and driving worse than drinking and driving [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com/id/31545004/site/14081545

Pay Attention



Can You See the Motorcycle?



Now You Can!



 The Honda Crotch Rocket was traveling 85 mph. The VW driver was talking on a cell phone when she pulled out of a side street and did not see the motorcycle. The vehicle had two passengers and the bike rider was found INSIDE the vehicle. All three were killed instantly. The VW actually flipped 20 feet from where the collision took place because of the impact. This demonstration was placed at the Motorcycle  Fair by policy and Road Safety Department. We all know that accidents DO happen but this one could have been prevented. The driver was making a phone call on her brand new cell phone and did not have her full attention on driving. The motorcyclist was obviously going way too fast and in a split second 3 lives were taken. Please pass this photo on to all young drivers, motorcycle riders and people who use a cell phone while driving.

http://www.cisforyou.com/



The Sun Is Shining so…What’s this talk about Umbrellas!?!

Yes, there is such a thing as an “umbrella policy” in insurance. This policy acts just like it sounds, it covers your underlying policies to protect you financially when dealing with a liability claim. This policy kicks in once your underlying policy limits are exhausted. For example, if your auto liability limit is $500,000 and you get into an accident that exceeds the $500,000 your umbrella would drop down and pay for the additional expenses. Umbrella policies typically run by the millions, starting as low as one million and are only eligible on auto policies that carry at least a single limit of $500,000. Premiums can vary depending on driving record, number of drivers in household, amount of homes etc. Typically a premium is between $150-$200 a year per million. The term “umbrella” in plain words, shields the insured’s assets more broadly then their primary policies would.

Not only does this policy drop down once the primary policy limits are exhausted but it also provides coverage to claims that may be excluded. False arrest, libel, slander and civil suits are prime examples. It used to be that only the wealthy needed or wanted this policy. However, now that anyone can sue for any reason, at any time, an umbrella adds the extra protection you might need. It is important to know that people can be declined from this type of policy and that is why it is important to work with your insurance agent to find out if you are a fit candidate for this extra insurance.

Don’t be caught out in the rain, get an umbrella policy so you aren’t trapped in financial pain!  

Always feel free to visit our site http://www.cisforyou.com/ for a free quote on your auto or home!

Do I need Medical Coverage?

As of January 2009, in the state of Colorado, insurers are required to offer you medical coverage of at least $5,000. This is an extra coverage on an auto policy that pays for the drivers and passengers medical bills no matter who is at fault. Depending on your carrier, coverage can vary between $5,000 to $50,000 and payments are not subject to your deductible. It is relatively cheap and covers you for long term care, hospitalization, dental treatment, ambulance bills and even your funeral. It protects you or your family if you are riding in another vehicle or even just walking down the side of the road.

This coverage is an addition to your health insurance so if you have adequate health insurance you may want to opt out by signing a rejection form. However, for a low premium this coverage is highly recommended. Medical coverage is primary when involved in an automobile accident so it can even help pay off your health insurance deductible if you have not already matched it. Before rejecting this coverage it is important to look over your own health insurance policy and of course discuss the options with your personal auto insurance agent.

At CO Insurance Specialist we are always willing to review your policy, explain coverage’s and give multiple quotes for different options.   

Call us today! 1-888-265-6467

June Events & Holidays!

 June Events & Holidays
Be sure you don't miss out on a holiday or special event this June. Read up on some of the most popular holiday histories and what events you can participate in!

Sunday June 5- World Environment Day- This day was established to stimulate awareness of the environment around the world. This day promotes ways to improve the earths environment and enhances political attention and action. So do your part and plant a tree or join a clean-up campaign.

Tuesday June 14-Flag Day- An American holiday celebrating and showing respect to our flag and the people who designed and created it. The American flag represents independence and unity as a nation. President Woodrow Wilson established Flag Day on June 14th, 1916 even though many cities and states had been celebrating it for years before.

Sunday June 19-Father's Day- CIS wants to honor all of the dedicated and hard working fathers this month. A special Happy Fathers Day to our own Dan Weber and Charles Federico. Dan is a father of 3 children and a grandfather of 2. Charles is a father of 3 children and a grandfather of 11!

Tuesday June 21-First Day of Summer- The first day of summer season for America and the northern hemisphere is the day the sun is farthest north of the year. Also known as the summer solstice it is the longest day and shortest night of the year.

Always feel free to leave a comment and visit us @ http://www.cisforyou.com/ for a FREE Insurance Quote!

Wild Fire Season

Colorado has already experienced multiple wildfires this year that have already destroyed numerous structures and land. The dry and warm Colorado climate is a dangerous recipe for wildfires.  Whether you live in the mountains, on the plains or even in the city it is important to make sure you and your possessions are prepared for a fire. You can also do many different things to prepare your house and landscape to prevent a fire or reduce damage if a fire approaches.

How to prepare your home

·         Thin trees and shrubs that are within 75 feet from your home. Even further if it is on a slope.

·         Clear all vegetation within the first 15 feet of home. Beyond that trees and shrubs should be thinned to allow 10-12 feet between branches

·         Grass and weeds should be less than 6 inches high

·         Trim branches that extend over roofs and completely remove branches that hang over chimneys

·         Keep wood piles at least 30 feet from home

·         If possible use brick, rock or stucco for exterior of home and fencing

·         Roof is most vulnerable in times of fire. Use class A or B roofing materials such as shingles, slate, clay tiles or metal.

·         Cover exterior vents with metal mesh to prevent sparks from entering home

When a fire approaches

Try to remain calm and remember your evacuation plan and materials.

·         Grab your evacuation box (which was explained in previous blog)

·         Notify insurance company immediately to let them know where you are headed and how to reach you

·         Park vehicles in closed garage with keys in ignition and unlocked (this is so crews can move your vehicles if fire becomes threatening)

·         Attach garden hoes to spigots and fill up trash cans and buckets of water so fire fighters can find them

·         Close all doors inside the home and shut off petroleum gas/natural gas valves

·         Move furniture away from windows and remove curtain blinds

If home is damaged

·         Contact insurance company immediately. You will meet with a claims adjuster and someone will inspect the damage. The first check you will receive will most likely not be your final payment but some money for temporary repairs. Most insurance companies include an “additional living expense” clause which covers your expenses if you are ordered to evacuate or relocate for a period of time.

·         In most cases you will receive two separate checks, one for structural damage and one for personal belongings. This is why it is very important to complete a home inventory

·         Take photos of damages and losses, make temporary repairs and save receipts because you will most likely be reimbursed.

Now you know how to prepare your personal belongings, important documents, home and landscape for a fire or evacuation. Be sure to look over your insurance policy and if you have any questions about your coverage’s don’t be afraid to call your agent. At CO Insurance Specialist we have over 30 years of experience and are happy to answer questions or concerns at any time.

http://www.cisofryou.com/  

 Work Cited

Goertzen, J., Moreno, J., & Steffen, J. (2011, May 01). Advance planning critical. The Denver Post, p. 13A.

Plan Ahead

Plan Ahead for a Wildfire

Colorado has already experience multiple wildfires this year that have destroyed numerous structures and land. The dry and warm Colorado climate is a dangerous recipe for wildfires.  Whether you live in the mountains, on the plains or even in the city it is important to make sure you and your possessions are prepared for an evacuation.

Insurance Checkup

The first thing you should do is look over your insurance policy and make sure the replacement cost of your structure (Coverage A) is accurate and would cover 100 percent of your structure. Another coverage you need to check is your personal property (Coverage C) to be sure it is enough and is covered at replacement cost.

Home Inventory

It never hurts to have all of your most valuable and expensive possessions documented. You may want to take pictures or videos of each room and store them on a portable computer or USB port. Make a complete list of major possessions or appliances including where you bought them, make, model, serial number and copy of receipts or appraisals.

Know where documents are at

If you have made an inventory list but do not know where it is off the top of your head then it is not helpful! Try keeping a file box or folders that are easily assessable for you but also in a safe location. You should have a copy or actual document of the following:

House inventory

Insurance policy/contract/agent contact information

Social Security cards

Driver’s license

Credit cards

Vehicle Titles

Passports

Health insurance cards

Birth certificates

Vaccinations and registration records for pets

A disaster kit

It wouldn’t hurt to have an extra pair of clothes, shoes, blankets, towels, medications, car keys and gloves. In most cases there is a red cross at relief sites that would provide you with the essentials but it is always nice to have your own clothes on your back when going through a disaster.

Plan for your pets

Make arrangements in advance for where your furry friends would go in the event of an evacuation.  Also be sure to keep your pets registrations accurate including contact information. Supplies and information for your pet should also be kept in your evacuation kit. For larger animals include the essentials such as food, bandages, supplements, wire cutters, etc that would last up to 14 days.

Follow the steps

Now that you have these few easy steps to prepare for a wildfire take the necessary actions to be ready. When a fire is approaching your home and you have only minutes to evacuate you most likely will panic. Being prepared will lesson your chances of forgetting something and will help you get out of your house faster. Be sure to visit our blog next week to learn about how to prepare your home to lessen the chances of damage and fire-smart landscaping.

http://www.cisforyou.com/