New Illinois Law on Off-road Vehicles, ATV's, Golf Cart's & Snowmobiles

ATV, Golf Cart, Snowmobile, and off-road vehicle owners often make the mistake of not having Liability coverage. There may be a false sense of security since many times off-road vehicles aren't driven off of private property or on paved roads.

Effective January 1st, 2010, Illinois will require all off-road vehicles that are taken off personal property to have Liability Insurance.

We have companies available to answer the insurance requirements for your specialized toys.

Talk to us about this new insurance requirement and we'll find a policy to fit your needs.

Please understand by endorsing these vehicles onto a homeowners policy may not provide you with the important coverages to protect you and your family.

Call us today....we can help!

815-459-0711

marsinsurance@marsinsurance.com

http://www.marsinsurance.com/

You winterize your home, but did you know you should winterize your car too?
It is recommended that the following steps are taken to ensure your car is ready for winter weather.
1) Fluids are at the correct levels, including oil, transmission fluid, coolant, windshield wiper fluid (type suitable for low temperatures), and power steering and brake fluids.
2) All safety-related devices are working – battery, tires, brakes, lights, etc.
3) Tires have plenty of tread for adverse road conditions.
4) If you live in an area with heavy snows, snow tires are installed and underneath the car are protected from salt on the road by an oily spray. (Check with your auto dealer for recommendations)
5) Spark plugs checked or replaced.
6) Coolant system is operational – yes cars can overheat in the winter!
7) Windshield wiper blades recently replaced.
8) Fuel system is clean.
9) Gas tank is always at least half full, preventing condensation that leads to frozen gas lines.
10) A can of de-icer is kept in the house in case the car locks freeze.
11) An emergency survival kit is in the car, including flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, extra clothing, bag of sand, shovel, windshield scraper, booster cables, water container, road maps, tow rope, flares and non-perishable food.
This list is not all-inclusive and particular precautions may not be appropriate in all circumstances. You are encouraged to use good judgment.
You can also contact our office for your AAA Roadside assist membership so that you are covered for those unexpected emergencies. Email us at marsinsurance@marsinsurance.com or call us at 815-459-0711.

Know your Light Bulbs

Do you know the difference between light bulbs?
With so much focus on "going green", many folks are changing light bulbs.
Resently, in our area, there was a fire as the result of Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs or CFL. The fire was the result of using a CFL bulb on a dimmer switch

Many people don't read the warnings associated with these products as they feel its a light bulb, what kind of warning can there be? You screw it in and blink on the light!

CFL's are fine bulbs, however, you need to read the fine print (not always easy to locate and many times very small and easily overlooked). These bulbs are NOT to be used on dimmer switches. Underwriters Laboratory has tested CFL bulbs. Fires are rare, but the potential still exists if you use the wrong bulb on a dimmer switch.

Bottom line? Before you change a light bulb read the box. One more tip: Look for the "UL" mark. That means the product has been tested for safety.

What does this have to do with insurance you ask?
This is a safety issue to prevent you from losing whats important to you, filing a claim on your insurance and preventing the loss of a loved one.

Mars Insurance Agency is concerned for your safety. Protect all that is important in your life.

Unicare Health Leaving Illinois

Effective January 1, 2010 Unicare Group and Individual Health insurance has been bought out by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.
We can help you!!!
Call us and we can answer all your questions regarding the change and how it will affect you.
Rob Jost is our Life and Health specialist. Call or email him at rjost@marsinsurance.com for assistance with your policy or to secure new coverage

Welcome to Mars Insurance Agency

We are Mars Insurance Agency and have been in business for over 40 years. We are located in Northern Illinois and service all of Illinois and Wisconsin.

At Mars Insurance Agency we are committed to the relationships we build with our customers and our companies. It is through these relationships that we are able to provide outstanding service and products and assist in identifying the specific insurance requirements allowing our customers peace of mind and security for years to come.