Check your pipes: When water freezes, it expands. When this happens to the water in your pipes, it could result in a messy insurance claim for water damage or potentially no coverage at all if your home is vacant or unoccupied when the loss occurs.

If you plan to leave your home for winter, make sure that your furnace or thermostat is set to at least 60 degrees to avoid potential damage to your indoor pipes. Also, before outdoor temperatures drop to below-freezing levels, shut off outside faucets and wrap exposed piping in heat tape for protection. A professional plumber can advise you on which pipes you will need to maintain.

Secure your roof: When snow piles up, it can get very heavy and the weight can damage your roof. Before snowfall, give your roof a careful visual inspection. Most roof damage is actually below the shingles, so look for buckling, sagging, or otherwise uneven areas. Missing or broken shingles should be replaced. A roofer can best asses any damage that you find and advise on necessary repairs.

Maintain your gutters: Just as too much snow on your roof can be bad, too much water can be just as harmful in the form of leaks or water damage. Keep your gutters clear so that snow and melt water can easily flow off the roof instead of building up on it – potentially causing damage.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

• If you are making a claim due to an accident, exchange information with the other driver, including name address, phone number and insurance carrier.

• Insist on having an accident report filed, even if the damage appears to be minimal on the surface. If you later find out you underestimated the damage and you need to file a claim, you will be glad you have an accident report to refer to.

• Make sure you have the facts straight in your mind and write them down before calling your insurance carrier. Consistency is very important and time can cloud your memory.

• If there is a dispute, you will most likely be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. Refer to your notes and be consistent with what you tell them.

• Contact your insurer as quickly as possible and file a claim whether you are at fault or not. Your insurance carrier will likely attend to your needs long before the carrier of the other party. They will also pursue the claim on your behalf if the other driver is at fault.

• If your claim is in reference to vandalism or theft as opposed to an accident, you need to report the incident and have a police report filled out in order to expedite the process and have your stolen items replaced or your car fixed.

Once your claim is approved, an adjuster will come by to determine the damage and refer you to an auto body shop that can fix your car and get you back on the road. The claims process can be a difficult one, but following these steps can make it as close to hassle-free as you can get.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Have you completed all the maintenance on the car and checked the following:

• Fluid levels
• Time/miles since last oil change
• Tires (wear, age, signs of deterioration like cracks, etc.) & air pressure…don’t forget the spare tire!
• Windshield wiper blades

I’ve made sure to pack:

• Water in the car
• A warm jacket
• A blanket
• A first aid kit
• A flashlight
• A map or GPS

I’ve got a clear and timely plan:

• I know where I’m going
• I know how to get there
• I am allowing enough time for the trip

Some safety tips for the road:

• Get plenty of rest the night before you leave…a sleepy driver is a dangerous driver
• You drive…let your companion do everything else. Put him/her in charge of:
     o The GPS
     o The radio
     o The Blackberry and/or cell phone
     o The air conditioning
• Plan a rest stop every two hours or so
• Arriving late is better than not arriving. Slow down.

Remember that failing to plan is planning to fail. With proper planning and preparation you can have a safe and successful road trip.   Happy traveling!

 Wear a U.S.C.G. approved lifejacket. This is not negotiable or debatable. Remember that it floats…you may not.

 Always secure the engine stop lanyard, if provided, around your wrist. Getting run over by your own boat is both painful and silly.

 Keep your head on a swivel. Be constantly aware of boats, watercraft, surf boards, swimmers and other objects around you. Remember you are in a constantly changing environment.

 Jumping the wake of a passing vessel looks like fun…but is you vision obscured by the vessel passing? Is there another vessel on the other side that you can’t see?

 Alcohol use impairs judgment, do not drink and drive under the influence.

 NO BRAKES!! Maintain a safe distance from other vessels and objects.

 Take a safety course. These are usually offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the local Power Squadron.

These few safety tips will help to insure that when you talk about your experience, it will be about your day on the water and not your day in the hospital.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

 •             Raise your deductible – If you carry a low deductible such as $250-500, raising it to $1000 can save you on your yearly premium.  Having a higher deductible means you may have more out of pocket expenses if you have an accident. 

•             Buy the right car – When shopping for a new car, doing your research and opting for a less expensive or less powerful model can save you money.  Even buying the less sporty model can be less expensive.  When buying a car, ask yourself if the 15 extra horsepower is really worth the insurance premium increase.

•             Research before you move – If you are moving and have a choice of the area you live in, do some research ahead of time.  State and city lines can be the difference between affordable and high rates.  Cities tend to be more costly than rural areas because more traffic and people, means there is more of a chance of being in an accident.

•             Ask about discounts – When purchasing new insurance or speaking with your current provider, ask an agent if there are any discounts that you are eligible for.  If you are a teacher, belong to a certain group or are a “safe” driver, you could qualify for additional discounts.

The above are just a few ways to save on auto insurance.  For other ways to reduce your costs, please contact a PoliSeek licensed representative at 866-540-7335 or www.poliseek.com.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

The first and most obvious is, of course, money. These discounts can be significant. A carrier may offer up to a 15% discount on their auto insurance if the policyholder also has a homeowner’s insurance policy with them. If that client had four cars and two teenage sons, this discount could be substantial, and in fact could be sufficient to pay the entire homeowner premium.

There are two other reasons that come to mind immediately. One has to do with coverage. If there is a dispute regarding coverage between the homeowner carrier and the auto carrier, it becomes academic if they are both the same company.

The other has to do with one’s relationship with the carrier. In the event that luck turns bad and there are several losses, the carrier may be more reluctant to cancel or non-renew the policy, if carrying multiple lines of coverage.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.  No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Breakdowns rarely come with a warning and car repairs usually can’t wait. So having Mechanical Breakdown Protection will save you from the scramble and pressure of coming up with cash for any costly repairs. And this “peace of mind” costs less than your daily cup of coffee over the life of the plan.

There is a simple formula you can use to determine whether MBP is a good fit. First, take into account the age and miles on your vehicle. Then, consider the cost of replacing some of the bigger systems or parts on your car: the engine, the transmission, the air conditioner or a combination of repairs. Finally, ask yourself if you have the money to pay for these expenses if they were to occur.

Keep in mind, going with a MBP typically saves you more money than purchasing an extended warranty and provides you with more coverage and benefits. Visit our site to find a Mechanical Breakdown Protection policy that fits your needs.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you are expected back. Do this so your family will know if and when to call for help if you haven’t returned.

• Do not consume alcohol while riding.

• Wear protective gear including a helmet, warm jacket and pants, gloves, and heavy duty boots.

• Take tools, a cell phone and emergency supplies. If you should breakdown, you may be able to fix the problem with a tool kit.

• Food and water should also be packed for your adventure in case you are stranded for a period of time while you wait for assistance. .

For more information about snowmobiles, including additional safety information, tips for riding with children, and more, please visit http://www.poliseek.com/dont-get-snowed-the-safe-riders-guide-to-snowmobiling.

Poliseek.com carries affordable snowmobile insurance to protect your investment. Protecting your snowmobile from damage and theft is the only way to ensure that you keep riding if something should happen. Please contact a qualified representative at www.poliseek.comtoday for more information.

• Add fuel stabilizer and fill your car’s gas tank. Before storing your car, drive it a few miles to make sure the fuel and stabilizer have completed the fuel system circuit.

• Change the oil and filter.

• Connect a battery maintainer

• Lift the car with jack stands to take pressure off of the tires. If you do not have jack stands, let some air out of the tires so they do not develop a flat spot.

• If possible, store your car in a garage or a cocoon to protect it from paint damage and critter infestation.

Once your car is stored, you may also be able to save some money on your auto insurance by alerting your company that it will be off the road. Since you won’t be driving it for a few months, if possible reduce your coverage to only include, “other than collision” (comprehensive) protection. For more information about auto insurance, please visit PoliSeek.com or contact us at 866-540-7335.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.  No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Homeowner’s insurance discounts you may be eligible for:

• Safety Feature Discounts. – If you have indoor sprinklers, smoke detectors or other fire protection items, you may be eligible for a discount. These safety features make it more likely that your home will be less damaged in the event of a fire.

• Burglar Alarm – Installing an alarm system will not only protect your home and family, but it could also make you eligible for a homeowners insurance discount. Thieves will be deterred if you make it known that you have a system, making your home less expensive for the insurance company to cover.

• Age of home – If you are in the market to move, purchasing a newer home instead of an older one can save you on insurance. New homes are often constructed better and with safer materials, as compared to older homes.

Auto insurance discounts you may be eligible for:

• Multi-car discount – If you have multiple cars in your household, but they are under different insurance providers, you could save by consolidating all vehicles under one policy.

• Anti-theft system – If you have an after market alarm or LoJack system installed in your car, you may also receive discounts. Alarm and recovery systems make it a deterrent for a thief and easier to locate a stolen vehicle.

• Safe driver – If for a period of time you go without traffic violations or accidents, you can then apply for discounts.

• Good student – If you have a student driver that is also good in school, you can qualify for a discount.

To find out which discounts you are eligible for, you should contact your insurance agent. If you are in need of homeowners insurance or auto insurance, www.PoliSeek.com has many different insurance products to meet your needs.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.