The crime rate usually rises in the holiday season, due to the pressures it can bring to people. It’s sad, but all too true. At the same time we have to protect our belongings against such predicaments. Whether it’s someone stealing money or other valuable items, it could be in your car or your house or your purse. It is difficult to prevent these acts from occurring but there are some steps you can take to be significantly safer.

1. Don’t leave valuables in your car! If you must store anything valuable in your car, at least make visibility impossible from outside the vehicle. Hiding a laptop under a seat could save you from a break-in.
2. Always lock your doors. Whether it’s to your car, trunk, or house, it can be the easiest access to invite thieves in. If there is an incentive visible of course, there are some who will go to the extent of breaking in through windows or other alternative entries.
3. Have a security system? There are some great services that can keep you alerted in the event that someone has broke into your car or home.
4. Placement is a huge factor. Parking in a well lit area can convince them that they could get caught in the act. Highly populated areas usually don’t seem secluded enough. Closer to buildings, surveillance cameras can potentially catch acts of crime.
5. Plan your shopping a little to make these steps easier to organize and do.
6. Know your possessions well! It can shouldn’t take too long to store all the information about your computer, phones, cameras, TVs, game consoles or any other item. Simply write down the serial number and list what it specifically was. This way you know what all is missing more accurately and can file your claim accordingly.
7. Make sure you’re insured in case of such events!

There are so many different ways to help prevent acts of crime, but sometimes it doesn’t matter. You have to hope for the best situation, and be prepared for the worst. Talk to one of our agents to find out if your valuables are covered in case you become victim to thievery.

Happy Holidays, from LeDoux Insurance Agency!

Call: 800.470.2419

The holiday season always brings both huge sales and chaotic shopping. Almost everywhere sets up for “doorbuster” deals for very limited items. It all might seem crazy, but it’s always nice to save a ton of money for holiday presents, right? Well here are some tips to work smarter on your shopping, not harder.

Don’t forget the little guys! Smaller retailers have similarly good discounts but are both less known and less advertised. Make sure to check what their deals are before setting off on a larger retailer or the mall.

Shop at home! Search deals online to see if they are comparable to the discounts offered in-stores. Amazon.com generally promises to match all discounts. This could save you a lot of time and money, and saving you from aching feet.

Research your shopping list. You should always know what you’re looking for and what comparable items there might be. For example, if you’re shopping for a laptop or tablet, but they run out of the specific model from the ad. Would you know what specs you’d want from another one? You have to make your trip worthwhile right? Searching online prior to your trip to the store can save you from a lot of stress and confusion. Compare products on amazon or other websites.

Time it right. If hitting a bigger store such as Wal-Mart, Target, or Best Buy is your goal, be sure to get there before everyone else. Some people go as far as to pitch tents on the sidewalk and wait in line days ahead of time.

All together, it could be well worth your time to compete your way to some great savings. Hopefully you’ll get the desired gifts for you and your loved ones. However you prepare, make sure to have plenty of snacks and caffeine to keep you awake and energized. Also bringing friends along could save you from a miserable time. Hopefully these tips help save you time and money this year, good luck to you all!

Well it looks like the Fall weather is back, so keep on your toes while on the road! When your tires hit the water they can lose traction, causing you to have less control of your vehicle. Just remember that the roads are getting slick, so they require you to be extra attentive. Be prepared for the worst, make sure you have auto insurance in case an accident does occur.

The time it takes to stop increases when the road is wet, so you should be keeping more of a distance between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Additionally your reaction time is a great dependant as well, so make as much distance as you feel comfortable with. The ideal amount of distance in practical conditions is 2 seconds or more. It could take much longer for your car to stop if it’s sliding. Practicing defensive driver skills can help insure your safety and those around you. Also you should be slowing down much sooner before sharp turns and around intersections to avoid sliding anywhere.  Everyone has their own urgencies, which can easily distort your focus of danger while driving. Visibility is also reduced when rain builds up on your windows. Make sure your windshield wipers are working correctly.

Another great factor to consider is that the weight of your vehicle will affect the amount of time it takes to bring it to a halt. You should pay attention to both your vehicle and those around you. If you’re merging in front of a larger truck, you should always give them plenty of room in case you have to stop afterwards.

Below are a list of general rules you should follow to help make the roads safer for everyone. Most of them might seem obvious, but it’s still a good reminder.

10 Tips to Prevent Car Accidents

1. Avoid drinking and driving.
2. Minimize distractions such as reading newspapers or talking on the cell phone when driving.
3. Properly maintain vehicles. Tune up cars according to maintenance schedule, and especially take note monthly of tire condition.
4. Do not encourage aggressive drivers. Let other aggressive driving behavior roll off your back, or call the police. Losing your temper could worsen the situation.
5. Leave a safe distance between your cars and others. For every 10 miles per hour of speed, leave at least one car length space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
6. Maintain a constant speed. Don’t continually slow down or speed up.
7. Adjust mirrors properly and check the side and rear-view mirrors every 15 seconds.
8. Take defensive driving classes to improve your ability to drive and be better prepared for the unpredictable behavior of other motorists.
9. Proceed with great caution through intersections. Intersections are the center of most accidents. When entering an intersection, look left, then right, then left again to ensure the area is clear.
10. Be sufficiently aware of road conditions and be more visible. Keep your lights on at dusk and dawn and during rain, as is the law in most states. Understand basic vehicle dynamics, such as knowing how to recover from a skid.

(source: Property Casualty Insurers Association of America)

There are many sites you can join to be Social online. Most of them offer specific perks, such as Facebook connecting you with your friends or Twitter where you can follow “what matters to you”. So far there isn’t anything that can fit everyone’s needs, but we’re getting closer.

You might have heard about Google+ already, but maybe haven’t experienced it yet. I see it like this; Google+ offers you a tool to make all the vast variety of connections all in one place. Your one account, where you can keep in touch with friends, stay updated for work, and follow news from your interests. But there’s so much more potential I see here! Collaborate with a team, whether its sports, school/work project, webinars, local marketing, and so on!

Even though it feels like Summer doesn’t come soon enough, sometimes sunny days will sneak up on us! What better way to celebrate the glorious weather than to jump in a lake or take your boat out on the water? To make sure you’re ready, follow these tips to ensure you have a safer, more fun time on the water!

• Wear bright colors so you can easily be spotted if you do fall in the water.
• Pack an extra set of clothes in a sealed plastic bag so you can change in the event your clothes get wet. Even summer evenings can get chilly.
• Evaluate how well your boat or personal watercraft will stay afloat and bring something to use in the event you need to bail water.
• Wear a life jacket! This will keep you afloat, keep you from inhaling water and help hold in body heat.
• Attach a whistle to your personal floatation device so you can get attention if you fall in the water.
• Watch for other boaters or people on shore so in the event of an emergency, you can get attention quickly.
• Things you should always have with you: Life jackets, a throwable floatation device, a tow line, jumper cables, extra paddles and a fire extinguisher.
• Stay alert for signs of bad weather. A shift in the wind, lightening and choppy water can all mean a storm is nearby.

You’ve probably heard the expression, “you can never be too prepared.” That’s pretty much exactly what we’re saying here. Odds are that you’ll have a fun and exciting day, but make sure to be safe. Hope everyone has an amazing Summer!

 

When you drop an earring down the drain, your hope of replacing it no longer has to go with it.

Thanks to a unique provision in some Encompass Insurance policies, customers who lose or misplace personal property such as jewelry, silverware and firearms can have their loss covered, thanks to Encompass’ “mysterious disappearance” provisions in the company’s Elite policy.*

Many insurance policies cover the loss of personal property due to specifically named perils, such as fire, lightning, wind, hail and theft. But Encompass’ Elite policy goes well beyond that.

“In most policies, personal property is typically covered only when a loss occurs caused by a specific peril. If you misplace or lose a piece of jewelry or silverware and you don’t have a separate rider, you’re out of luck,” said Allan Robinson, vice president of claims for Encompass Insurance. “But with Encompass Elite’s Universal Security Policy, we insure against those common losses that can happen any day, to anybody.”

Other features of the Encompass Elite policy include:

• Open perils on tangible personal property – Many insurance policies only cover losses that result from specified named perils – like fire, lightning, wind, hail and theft. The Encompass Elite policy generally covers any cause of loss (except where specifically excluded).
• Back-up of sewers or drains – This feature covers loss to property caused by water that backs up through sewers or drains.* 
• Identity fraud expense coverage – Provides coverage up to $20,000 for expenses you incur as a result of someone who has used your identity for unlawful activities.

*Limits apply.

**Limits apply. Not available in all states.

Encompass Ins. Getting Romantic with candles this Valentine’s Day. Word doc.

Fire safety reminders about candle use

FACT: An estimated 18,000 residential fires are caused each year by the careless or inappropriate use of candles.

 – National Candle Association

There’s a special beauty and tranquility to candles, but a lighted candle is also an open flame – and a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored. In fact, according to the National Candle Association, accidental candle fires account for approximately 5 percent of all U.S. residential fires.

“Sometimes we forget to keep in mind some of the most obvious safety tips,” said Allan Robinson, assistant vice president of claims for Encompass Insurance.

The National Candle Association reminds us of the following tips while burning a candle:

• Never touch or move a burning candle. Never move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquefied.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains (1/2 inch if in a container).
• Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before re-lighting.
• Always keep the candle within your sight. If you are going to leave the room, be sure to first blow out all candles.

 “Should a fire occur in your home, you’ll need to act quickly,” adds Robinson. He urges homeowners to prepare ahead and follow the tips below.

• Have a fire extinguisher handy. Keep at least one on each floor – especially near the kitchen, garage, laundry room and workshop.
• Create a fire safety plan, with a designated meeting place. Talk with your family and make sure everyone knows what to do in case a fire breaks out.
• Designate two exits from your house. If one should be blocked, then you will the other one to use.
• If the home’s rooms and hallways are filled with smoke, then get down close to the floor and crawl to the nearest stairs. You will breathe in less smoke if you stay low.
• If you have a pet, have a plan for taking the pet with you when you leave.

Encompass Ins. Getting Romantic with candles this Valentine’s Day. Word doc.

We have a hard subject to talk about, Divorce is not an easy thing to go through, 45%-50% of first marriages end in divorce. This is something that a lot of people go through and we know it’s not trouble-free; the other thing we know splitting up half of everything is not an effortless process either. The III, Insurance Information Institute, had an article about protecting your assets and how insurance plays a role in this. If you are in the situation of separation there are several facts to know about your insurance.

Auto Insurance

• Splitting one auto policy in two.
  • Splitting Vehicles.
  • Changing addresses.
  • Young drivers on both policies.

If you are no longer in the same household, then you would need to separate the auto policies. Most insurance companies require all drivers in the same household to be listed on the policy. Splitting the vehicles up can protect you from a liability situation. For example, if your former spouse is involved in an accident and is sued, you could be held liable as well if you still have an interest in the vehicle by being listed on the title or registration.

Young drivers can make a big difference on an auto policy. If you have a young driver in the household and they operate a vehicle in each household, they may be required to be added to both auto policies. Check with your agent for further details.   

Homeowners and Renters Insurance

• Moving out of the home.
• Deciding to rent instead of owning a new home.
• One person staying in the current residence.

Often times when there is a separation you cannot remove a former spouse from the home due to both names are listed on the mortgage.  However, due to splitting the household means one person will still need to cover their belongings.  New coverage, such as homeowners or renters insurance would need to be purchased.  

Life Insurance

• Updating beneficiary.
• Changing the of the policy.

The effect of splitting your insurance is a change of liability. With home and auto, if both parties’ names are still on the titles they can be held liable.  This is important and a necessary part of protecting your assets.  We understand this is not a fun subject and unfortunately things happen. If you need additional tips we’re here for you! http://www.iii.org/press_releases/heading-for-separation-or-divorce-protect-your-assets-and-dont-leave-insurance-out-of-the-equation.html