Safe Holiday Travels

The Holidays are in full swing and that means the busiest travel time of the year is upon us. Now many might take the train or take to the skies but most hit the highways. According to AAA an estimated 87.7 Million Americans traveled more than 50 miles over the holidays last year and 85% of those people drove.

We all know that driving can be stress full enough but when you mix in ice, snow, stress and screaming children who just want to open those presents you have sitting in back of the car things can be even more challenging. Thankfully our friends at the Better Business Bureau and Comparison Market have a few tips to keep you safe on the road this Holiday Season.

-The last thing we want is to break down on the way to grandmas but if you do you need to be prepared. Make sure to keep a Car Safety Kit with you. It should include a blanket, flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, water, and non perishable snacks such as granola bars. This may seem like a lot but if it’s late at night and you have no way of getting help till someone passes by you need to be ready to wait.

-Keep off you phone but keep it charged! We all know talking or texting on the phone while driving is a bad idea and when you add that to ice and snow things only get worse. However make sure to keep your phone charged and accessible just incase there is an emergency. Nothing is worse than breaking down and then discovering you can’t call for help.

-Check the road conditions before you leave. Now were not just talking about what the roads look like at the moment you leave. Turn on the weather and see what things are going to look like on your way home and plan accordingly. Do you really want to get stuck at you in-laws all night?

-Make sure you have your current proof of insurance with you. It’s always a bad time when you get into an accident but it only gets worse if you forget that updated insurance card on the kitchen counter.

-Winterize your Car. Make sure the oil is changed and the tires are properly inflated. Check the condition of your wiper blades and test out your heater and defroster. Make sure all fluids are topped off and that your breaks are in good solid condition. If you have family coming from out of state especially a warm climate like Florida make sure their car is also ready for the colder conditions and have them take it to a mechanic to do so. Remember many fluids and other car parts sold and used in strictly warm weather climates won’t stand up to the cold of a Chicago winter. It’s very hard to see when that windshield wiper fluid is frozen solid.

-Its common sense but wear your seat belt. It can easily save your life in an accident and in most states it’s also the law.

-Along with wearing those seatbelts make sure your children are properly seated. Obviously infants and toddlers need to be in a child safety seat but did you know that children under 4”9” need to be in a booster seat as well.

-Take your time and slow down. We all want to get to get to that wonderful food as soon as possible but the days before and after Christmas and New years have the heaviest and most dangerous holiday traffic. There is no reason to be in an extra rush if you’re afraid of being late to the party try to leave earlier than you normally would.

-Finally never ever drink and drive!!! We all know that alcohol is a common part of the holiday festivities, and there is nothing wrong with that but please don’t drink and drive. Make arrangements to stay where you are or have a designated driver. Remember that taxi’s are also readily available to get you home safely if you can’t stay where you are at.

We hope these tips help to keep you safe over this holiday season and as always if you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage please visit us at http://www.marsinsurance.com/.

Happy Holidays!!!

Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is only a couple days away and we just wanted to take a moment to share a few turkey day cooking tips to help keep you safe for this holiday.

Remember that over 4000 fires start each year on Thanksgiving Day and most of those are due to cooking related accidents.

Before the cooking begins make sure to clean your oven or stove.

Remember that young children and pets love to be under foot while you are cooking and given how extra chaotic Thanksgiving Day can be it’s a good idea to clear a 3-foot safe zone around your oven.

If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, carefully slide a lid on the pan and turn off the burner. If a fire starts in the oven or microwave, keep the door closed. Then, turn off the oven or unplug the microwave as soon as possible. Leave the door closed until the appliance is cooled down. Using water can splatter a cooking fire around the kitchen.

Finally, when it comes to the turkey, remember that turkey fryers can spew hot oil while you’re cooking so be extra careful. Never drop a frozen turkey into hot oil!!!

We thank our friends at the Washington Herald for this information and remind you all to please be extra careful this turkey day and have fun.

If you have any questions regarding your insurance and turkey fire coverage please visit us at http://www.marsinsurance.com/

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Stay Safe During the Holidays

With the Holidays just around the corner and the decorations about to go up remember December is prime time for home fires. Here are some old and new suggestions for a safe holiday season from our friends at Standard Mutual.

-Look for the fire-resistant label on artificial trees and decorations.

-Buy a natural tree that is really fresh. It should have needles that are hard to pull off.

-For outside decorations, buy only those made specifically for outdoors. Use heavy-duty extension cords and plug them into circuits that have a good ground fault interrupter.

-Get a remote control to easily turn off lights before you go to bed or it rains or snows.

-Avoid fires by staying in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top.

-Put heat resistant candles in places where they can’t burn something or get knocked down.Before lighting a fireplace or wood stove, clear the area of tree boughs, paper and other combustibles. Never burn gift wrappings in a fireplace.

-Put indoor and outdoor lights on a timer.

-If cold weather makes you want to use an indoor heater of any kind make sure it is positioned well away from curtains, trees and decorations.

We hope these tips help to keep you safe during this upcoming holiday season and if you may be wondering if your current insurance policy will cover you in the event that you have a small holiday fire in the home this year or if you have any other insurance questions please visit us at http://www.marsinsurance.com/.

Avoiding a Laundry Room Disaster

There are a number of areas in your laundry room that, if not properly maintained, may be putting your home at risk of water damage. Here are some specific areas in your laundry room that are at risk and what you can do to prevent potential losses.

Washing Machine Connections

• Inspect for tiny leaks in the connections to both the hot and cold water lines. Repair even the most minor leak.
• Check both ends of the water lines for possible leaks. Replace the small hose washers in the line if they haven't been replaced recently.
• Check for discharge hose kinks and cracks. If the hose is brittle or old, replace it.
  

Money-saving Home tip: The most destructive water damage losses in homes come from broken or burst washing machine hoses. In fact, the output of water from a broken hose is approximately 650 gallons per hour! It is recommended that you replace your machine's rubber hot and cold hoses with woven steel hoses. For less than $15 you can get six feet of woven steel hose from your local home improvement store. This simple upgrade could save your home from serious water damage problems.

Hard Water Problems

• In areas with hard or mineral-laden water, if the washer is slow to fill, there's a good chance that the in-line filter is clogged. Turn off the water supply and remove the hoses. Remove t he small wire filters from the washer inlets, or, if not removable, use an old toothbrush, cotton swab or shop vacuum to clean out the clogged filters.
• Is there a steady drip into the washing machine? Grit has probably damaged the shut-off valve. Repair it yourself or call an appliance repair specialist.

Hoses & Filters

• Inspect and periodically replace all types of hoses.
• When replacing hoses, be sure to also install new hose washers.

Utility Sinks

• If the utility sink drains sluggishly, take steps to remove the blockage
• Watch for any sighs of dripping faucets, water damage to the flooring, or leaks in the drain pipe. Do not ignore even a small leak.

Dryer Connections

• If the dryer vent hose isn't tightly connected to the outside vent, repair the clamp or re-tape to seal.
• If dryer lint is accumulating behind and under the dryer, the vent pipe may be clogged. Check that it is free of debris, both from the inside and outside of the house.
• If there are too many twists and turns in the line for the dryer to vent efficiently, make the exhaust more short and straight.

Laundry Room Smart Tips

• Give the utility sink periodic drain treatments to prevent clogs and promote free drainage.
• If at all possible, connect the dryer hose in a straight line with the outdoor vent.
• Metal dryer vent pipes are preferable to the plastic accordion types.
• Hose clamps and good metal HVAC tape can help seal up a poorly connected dryer hose and eliminate excessive moisture and dust accumulation.
• Make it a habit to vacuum around and behind the washer and dryer routinely.
• Keep the laundry area clean, dust and dirt combined with moisture can promote unwanted growth.
• Remember to clean out the dryer lint trap after each load.

Thanks to the Institute for Business & Home Safety for providing this material along with the folks at Kemper Insurance, a Unitrin Company. Visit IBHS for more ways in which to protect your home at www.ibhs.org.

Remember, all of us at Mars Insurance are advocates for home safety.

Student Loans and Life Insurance

Do you have student loans or did you co-sign for any student loans?

Anyone that is involved with student loans should consider life insurance for the student, especially the co-signer. In the event of a serious accident involving death of the student, this is one of the most difficult loans to cancel leaving the remaining loan for the co-signer to pay off. Even filing bankruptcy will not forgive this debt.

On average, the cost of a life insurance policy is around $100.00 a year providing protection of $100,000 which can be used to pay-off student loans. In the event of an unforeseen tragedy, don't you want to have that protection?

Mars Insurance has many life insurance programs available from multiple companies. Contact us today and allow us to provide you with a program that is designed just for you.

Helpful Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Fall is a good time of year to start thinking about preparing your home for winter, because as temperatures begin to dip, your home will require maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape throughout the winter months.

Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for winter:

· Make sure your furnace is in good working order. Check that the furnace filter is clean and replace it if it’s not. Make sure that the thermostat and pilot light are working properly and that the pipe brining fuel to your furnace isn’t leaking or lose.
· Have your heating ducts cleaned. The ducts should be vacuumed every five years.
· Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and wind could cause weak tree trunks or branches to break, damaging your home or car, or injuring someone walking on your property.
· Remember all of the leaves falling off your trees this autumn? Well, a lot of them will remain in your gutters. Cleaning them out will help prevent water from building up and freezing in the gutters.
· As long as you’re cleaning out leaves, make sure none are clogging your chimney. Install a screen over the chimney top after cleaning.
· Check the caulking around doors and windows to make sure there’s no cracking or peeling. Re-caulking, if needed, prevents cold air from entering your home. Why pay a higher heating bill if you don’t have to?
· Keep snow and ice from building up around the bottom of the garage door so that it closes completely and doesn’t warp.
· Frozen water pipes can crack and spew gallons of water all over your home. You can prevent this by draining your outdoor hose bibs and by keeping your heat on even when you are away from home.
· Keep the house warm. The temperature in the home should be at least 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls, where the pipes are located, is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 will not keep the pipes from freezing.
· Make sure steps and handrails are in good shape. Broken stairs and banisters can become even more dangerous when covered with snow and ice. Make repairs now to prevent someone from falling and being seriously injured.
· Get to know your plumbing. Learn how to shut off the water, and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes do freeze, time is of the essence. The more quickly you can shut off the water, or direct your plumber to the problem, the better chance you have of preventing the pipes from bursting.
· Take special care if you plan to be away from home. If you are not going to be in your home this winter for an extended period of time, have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting. Also, hire someone to check on your home on a regular basis. That way, a problem can be fixed quickly, lessening any damage. Activity at your home also reduces the likelihood that it will be burglarized.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Look to Mars Insurance for more helpful tips on claim prevention. Ask Mars Insurance to review your policies to make sure you have the coverage you need in the event of a major loss.

Protecting Your Home with Enough Coverage

If you're like most homeowners, you probably purchased enough insurance to equal the market value of your home. Unfortunately, this can lead to underinsurance. Why? Because the cost to rebuild your home completely is usually greater - often tens of thousands of dollars greater - than its market value.

According to a 2009 survey, nearly two-thirds of houses in the United States are underinsured. Of those houses, the average homeowner has enough insurance to rebuild only about 80% of his or her home according to Marshall & Swift/Boeckh 2009 Insurance to Value Index.

Reconstruction Costs vs. Market Value

Instead of insuring your home based on market value, it's best to purchase homeowners coverage based on the reconstruction cost.

While market value is based on fluctuating marketplace conditions for a house and a lot in a specific area, reconstruction cost is the amount of money it takes to completely rebuild your house with building materials that match the type and quality of the originals as much as possible.

When the reconstruction cost exceeds the market value, your home is underinsured.

That means without enough of the right coverages, you could be stuck with a big bill after a catastrophic loss - when you're least able to afford it.

Example: Tough Math for Underinsured Homes

Estimated Reconstruction Cost: $200,000

Amount your Home is Insured for: $150,000

What your out-of-pocket expense

may total if your home is destroyed: $ 50,000

What makes reconstruction costs rise? There are a number of factors that can increase reconstruction costs:

• Building materials are very susceptible to inflation and are more expensive for reconstruction contractors who purchase them in smaller quantities than new home builders do.


• Changes in building codes can add complexity and additional labor charges to a reconstruction project.


• access to the reconstruction site due to old growth trees and neighboring homes can equal more costs.


• Increased contractor demand after a disaster can also drive up costs.


• Homeowners who reconstruct their homes face extra costs for demolition and debris removal, which is usually necessary before a home can be rebuilt.

Insuring your Home Improvements

If you've updated or renovated your home, but haven't increased the home value listed in your policy, you could be underinsured. Additional square footage and upgraded materials are just a few things that can boost a home's value.

The good news for you? You're reading this blog and therefore, you know that we can help you through the insuring process of your home.

The information provided was courtesy of Grange Insurance.

Household Tips for Handling Gasoline

Most accidents occur in the summer months due to an increased use of gasoline for farming or recreational purposes (i.e. bonfires, burning leaves, boating, yard work, etc.). A lack of understanding of the explosive nature of gasoline by the general public seems to contribute to both its improper storage and misuse as a solvent, engine primer or fire starter. Gasoline burns decrease markedly in the winter months.

Most injuries associated with these products occur in the home, however, where the improper use and storage of gasoline and other flammable liquids can result in both personal injury and property damage. Knowing how to prevent these injuries can protect you and those you love from a devastating burn injury. The first step to ensure a safer home environment is to increase your awareness and identify potential hazards. The next step is to make the necessary changes in behavior and your environment. Change in the environment and modifying high-risk behaviors involves eliminating the cause of the problem, thereby reducing the risk.

Here are some helpful tips from the American Burn Association on how to handle gasoline with care in household situations:

• Don't smoke, use matches or other ignition sources anywhere around gas. Gas vapors can travel far from gas containers in enclosed areas.



• Use gasoline only in well-ventilated areas.



• Turn off equipment and let it cool before filling the gas tank.



• Never use gas to start the charcoal on a grill. Use a proper charcoal starter.



• Store gasoline in approved containers in a cool, well-ventilated area such as a shed or a garage that is not near the house. Keep only a minimum amount on hand.



• Never use glass or plastic bottles for gasoline storage.

According to a 2000 report by the National Fire Protection Association based on 1993-1998 data, the following are the gasoline-related annual estimates:

Community Fire & Burn Prevention Programs Gasoline Safety Campaign
• Over 140,000 fires, including 120,000 in vehicles (most of them unoccupied, fortunately).
• Over 6,000 residential fires.
• About 500 deaths.
• Thousands of hospital emergency room visits.
• Nearly $500 million in direct property damage costs from gasoline-related fires.

(Source: The U.S. Home Product Report, 1993-1997, Flammable or Combustible Liquids, National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division, Quincy, MA, August 2000).

Additional information is available from the American Burn Association at http://www.ameriburn.org/

Remember, SAFETY FIRST!!

Keep following Mars Insurance for future blog posts on safety tips, insurance information and general need to know information.

Trailer Tips

This is the time of year for camping trips and boating adventures and you may find yourself pulling a trailer along behind your vehicle as you travel.

We would just like to share these safety tips from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to help keep you safe as you tow that trailer.

• First check your vehicles owners manual to verify the gross vehicle weight and towing capacity for your car or truck. You will need to know this information to make sure your vehicle is up to the job.


• All vehicles handle differently and this is even more true while pulling a trailer. Even if you have pulled a trailer with your car or truck before something as little as the hookup, used to attach the trailer to your vehicle, can make a big difference in how you drive. So make sure to practice some turns and basic maneuvers around your neighborhood or another slower traffic area before hitting the road for the big trip.


• Please know the height of your trailer so you don't get stuck under a bridge or tunnel. Remember, just because your car made it doesn't mean that the big box you're pulling will.


• Do a final test on all electrical connections and make sure all your brake lights and signals are working on your trailer. Also, do a final check and make sure that the hitch is still hitched correctly. You never know who may have bumped into things as the car was being loaded up before that big trip. Watching your trailer roll away in the rear view mirror is not a good way to begin a vacation.


• Drivers pulling trailers need to overshoot their turns to make them wide enough so the trailer's path won't pull them off the road. Think of how you see a semi-truck make a turn.


• Allow EXTRA room when changing lanes. Don't forget your vehicle is suddenly longer than it was the day before.


• Make sure to test your brakes and get a feel for how they will respond with that extra weight pushing you forward.

We hope these tips help keep you safe this summer and if you happen to be looking to get insurance on that new trailer you just bought or the toys that you may be towing with it, please feel free to contact us at www.marsinsurance.com with any questions.

As always have fun but please stay safe.

The Shocking Truth About Lightning

As storm season swings into full force we thought it would be a good idea for everyone to take a minute and brush up on their lightning safety.

Lightning is very dangerous and can injure people even when they are not directly struck, such as when it strikes a tree and creates a side flash injuring those who are standing nearby.

According to the National Weather Service, being struck directly or indirectly causes injuries to the nervous system and the brain. These can include memory loss, depression, fatigue, burns, hearing problems, light sensitivity and dizziness.

Take these simple steps to help protect yourself against the dangers of lightning strikes,

• Stay out of its path, lightning can strike as far as ten miles away.


• When you hear thunder you are within striking distance and should seek safe shelter immediately such as a sturdy building or an enclosed car.


• When inside a home or building stay off corded phones, computers and any other equipment that puts you into direct contact with electricity.


• stay away from indoor and outdoor pools, tubs, showers, and other plumbing that could conduct electricity.


• When you are inside wait at least thirty minutes after the last clap of thunder before going outdoors.

We thank our friends at Standard Mutual for these lightning safety tips and hope you have a fun and safe summer, and as always if you have any questions regarding your insurance needs please contact us at http://marsinsurance.com/

Driving Tips for Teens

A teen’s first years behind the wheel bring newfound freedom and responsibility, but also potential danger.

Following are a few safety suggestions to share with your teens:

DID YOU KNOW…..using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of .08 blood alcohol content which is legal intoxication?

COMMIT…to never using a cell phone to talk while driving. Be sure to check your states laws as some states prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using a cell phone while driving.

DID YOU KNOW….the number one cause of death for teenagers is traffic crashes? For every teen driver killed, there are two other individuals killed.

DECIDE….to drive reasonably. Picture your mom or dad, or even your drivers’ ed teacher, sitting in the seat next to you.

DID YOU KNOW …. 20 percent of teens start drinking and THEN choose a designated driver? 30 percent of teens pick a driver who has been drinking.

AVOID….drinking and driving. If you cause a crash, especially one that involves injury or death, the stakes get high quickly. It’s not a matter of whether or not you’ll go to jail, it’s how long.

DID YOU KNOW….distractions while driving – texting, talking on the phone, multiple passengers, changing the radio or ipod, and driving late at night – increase the odds that you or someone else on the road will be killed or injured?

CHOOSE….to drive responsibly. Make a conscious decision to steer clear of distractions while behind the wheel. Driving in itself is multitasking.

DID YOU KNOW….a lot of accidents happen when turning left?

BE EXTRA CAREFUL….when making left-hand turns and obey the speed limit.

MAKE IT A HABIT… to never leave home without your seatbelt on, even if it’s just through the parking lot or down the street. Most accidents happen within 1 mile from home.

These helpful tips were provided by Standard Mutual Insurance.

Call Mars Insurance for additional tips and options that are available to keep your teens safe.

Beat the Heat!!

As the hazy, lazy days of summer approach, we all do what we can to stay cool. To help your house conserve energy and stay cooler, consider the following:

• Make certain airflow to your outdoor air conditioning unit is not blocked by shrubbery or other obstructions.


• Keep draperies, blinds and shades closed during the hottest part of the day.


• Keep windows and doors tightly closed when operating air conditioning equipment.


• close closet doors in air conditioned rooms.


• Close all openings into the attic from Air-conditioned areas.


• Turn off unnecessary lights and computers when not in use.


• Check your air conditioning or furnace filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed (usually every 2 to 3 months)


• Plan cook-free meals of cold cuts, fresh vegetables, fruits and salads. This will keep the use of the oven to a minimum.


• Do your cooking, showering, washing, clothes drying and ironing in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler.

Information provided by American Electric Power Co.

We hope your enjoy your summer and hope you contact Mars Insurance for your insurance questions.

Attention Automotive Repair Industry........

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has made a new rule, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) (Subpart HHHHHH) that mandates by January 10, 2011, those that engage in spray applications to motor vehicles must comply. The primary focus is to limit the amount of heavy metal (chromium, lead, manganese, nickel or cadmium) that is emitted due to spray applications. These standards mandate a spray booth that contains and filters the emissions form spray operations, as well as spray guns that comply and training to the operators of the equipment. The point of this regulation is to protect the environment, but it does mandate the use of an approved spray paint booth. A summary of these regulations my be found on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/area/paint_stripb.pdf and http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/area/autobodybs.doc.

Insurance companies will also be looking to see that you have complied with the new rules.

Mars Insurance is here to help you plan ahead with your business so that you may comply with regulations.

Reconstruction versus New Construction

Information provided by Marshall & Swift/Boeckh

With the changes in the insurance regulations and with the rising insurance costs, many individuals are looking for ways to ensure that their homes are protected while also reducing their insurance costs. However, what you don't realize is that some of the ways to reduce your insurance costs is placing you at risk.

Today, many reasons individuals get property valuation is due to re-financing, a new mortgage, home equity line of credit, establishing a selling price and for insurance purposes. However, the way property valuation is calculated can vary depending on its ultimate and methodology.

Whether properties are insured adequately depends on the type of replacement cost estimate they depend on, the coverage they purchased, and that magic ratio. Insurance to Value (ITV). The ITV estimating methodologies are designed to calculate property estimates that represent the fullest exposure and insurance carrier may experience in the event of a loss.

Because Reconstruction Cost is more comprehensive than Replacement Cost New, it is a better representation of what a carrier may expect to pay following a loss, and thus the most reliable method for determining Insurance to Value at the policy inception or renewal.

The distinctions between Replacement Cost New valuations and Reconstruction Cost valuations are important to understand because a carrier's goal is to provide the homeowner with an equitable and fair settlement. Additionally, because policy and settlement terms are frequently subject to negotiation and court interpretation, it is essential that carriers receive premiums based on the fullest exposure on each building - the building's Reconstruction Cost.

Research shows the the actual cost to reconstruct a building after a total loss is on average greater than Replacement Cost New (Appraisal). This is because Replacement Cost New valuations do not include costs arising out of current building codes or from a variety of costs and fees which were presented above and these are commonly present in total losses.

Have questions? Call us! We'll help you understand.

Continuing our Education to better serve YOU

Mr. James Klocek attended the CIC institute in Burr Ridge Illinois on May 19th, 20th and 21st, 2010. Mr. Klocek, who is the president of Mars Insurance Agency in Crystal Lake Illinois, has successfully completed the annual continuing education requirement of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors.

To earn this prestigious designation, Mr. Klocek attended five courses covering all phases of the insurance business and passed five comprehensive examinations. Additionally, The National Alliance requires annual attendance in the program to maintain the designation.

Mr. Klocek is a 26 year veteran of the insurance industry and has been a CIC since 1999. Mr. Klocek believes the insurance profession is best served by those who acquire and maintain a high standard of professionalism by meeting the continuing education requirements of the Certified Insurance Counselors Program.

Be Protected from the Flood

With the spring showers of April & May, sometimes come high waters and the potential for flooding. Here are some suggestions for protecting your home, business and possessions from flooding:

1. Seal doors and windows; build barriers around window wells; elevate washer, dryer and water heater in basements and relocate items. Much flood damage comes from basement floods.


2. Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water, and have the tools on hand to do the job.


3. Assemble a kit including first-aid supplies, required medications, canned food, a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person in your household, protective clothing or rain gear, a battery-operated radio and flashlights.


4. Store insurance policies, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from home.


5. Buy flood insurance! Ask your agent about getting a flood insurance policy. Your home insurance policy does not protect against flooding, which is the most common natural disaster in the U.S.
   

Ask us about protection against flood.

There are a number of areas in your laundry room that if not properly maintained, may be putting your home at risk of water damage. Here are some specific areas in your laundry room that are at risk and what you can do to prevent potential losses.

Washing Machine Connections

Inspect for tiny leaks in the connections to both the hot and cold water lines. Repair even the most minor leak.

Check both ends of the water lines for possible leaks. Replace the small hose washer in the lines if they haven’t been replaced recently.

Check for discharge hose kinks and cracks. If the hose is brittle or old, replace it.

Money-saving Home Tip: The most destructive water damage losses in homes come from broken or burst washing machine hoses. In fact, the output of water from a broken hose is approximately 650 gallons per hour! It is recommended that you replace you machine’s rubber hot-and-cold hoses with woven steel hoses. For less than $15 you can get six feet of woven steel hose from your local home improvement store. This simple upgrade could save your home from serious water damage problems.

Hard Water Problems

In areas with hard or mineral-laden water, if the washer is slow to fill, there’s a good chance that the in-line filter is clogged. Turn off the water supply and remove the hoses. Remove the small wire filters from the washer inlets, or, if not removable, use an old toothbrush, cotton swab or shop vacuum to clean out the clogged filters.

Is there a steady drip into the washing machine? Grit has probably damaged the shut-off valve. Repair it yourself or call an appliance repair specialist.

Hoses & Filters

Inspect and replace periodically all types of hoses.

When replacing hoses, be sure to also install new hose washers.

Utility Sinks

If the utility sink drains sluggishly, take steps to remove the blockage.

Watch for any signs of dipping faucets, water damage to the flooring, or leaks in the drain pipe. Do not ignore even a small leak.

Dryer Connections

If the dryer vent hose isn’t tightly connected to the outside vent, repair the clamp or re-tape to seal.

If dryer lint is accumulating behind and under the dryer, the vent pipe may be clogged. Check that it is free of debris; both from the inside and outside of the house.

If there are too many twists and turns in the line for the dryer to vent efficiently, make the exhaust more short and straight.

Laundry Room Smart Tips

Give the utility sink periodic drain treatments to prevent clogs and promote free drainage.

If at all possible, connect the dryer hose in a straight line with the outdoor vent.

Metal dryer vent pipes are preferable to the plastic accordion types.

Hose clamps and good metal HVAC tape can help seal up a poorly connected dryer hose and eliminate excessive moisture and dust accumulation.

Make it a habit to vacuum around and behind the washer and dryer routinely.

Keep the laundry area clean. Dust and dirt combined with moisture can promote unwanted growth.

Remember to clean out the dryer lint trap after each load.

*Information brought to you by Kemper

Keep watching for more helpful tips from Mars Insurance Agency

Spring ahead with these home maintenance tips.

Your home is one of your most important possessions. By keeping it properly maintained, you can reduce the risk of a loss. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips.

• Test your smoke detectors monthly, and change the batteries annually or as needed

• Replace all high-intensity bulbs with fluorescent bulbs that don’t produce as much heat.

• Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material.

• Remove all dead trees in your yard, and keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.

• Repair cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walkways to provide a level walking surface.

These tips provided by Travelers Insurance. For more information contact Mars Insurance.

Help Fight Animal Cruelty

For over 140 years, the ASPCA has been making a difference in the lives of animals across the country. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Plans can make a difference in the life of your pet with affordable pet insurance.
Every plan that's purchased benefits the ASPCA, so you'll be helping thousands of animals by protecting your pet with us and make sure you'll always be able to give your pet the best care possible with pet insurance.

Visit the site today and get a quote for your pet and begin helping to fight animal cruelty today.

https://www.petinsurancestore.com/parsers/brokerparser.aspx?agencyid=87

Contact Mars Insurance today... we can help make a difference.

Travelers just announced apps for Smartphones

Travelers just introduced its first mobile applications for iPhone® and BlackBerry® smartphones. The new mobile tools provide auto accident assistance for iPhone and BlackBerry smartphone users.

Auto Accident Help on iPhone. Designed for both Travelers’ customers and non-customers who have just been in an auto accident, the Auto Accident Help application for iPhone is now available through iTunes.

The accident reporting tool is free to download and easy to use. Accident Help is a guide that walks consumers through the steps to take when they are in an accident, and enables users to create and email an accident report, including guidance on what photos to take and what information to record. Additionally, Travelers' customers have the added advantage of starting an auto claim process directly through this application.

Immediately after an accident, it is natural to feel unsure about what steps to take....Travelers has addressed this in the new mobile application....How is that for staying in contact with consumers' needs?

Ask us to quote your coverage with Travelers.

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Effective January 1, 2010, Illinois Vehicle code has been amended to read as follows:

A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication devise to compose, send, or read an electronic message.

1) The new laws ban motorists from sending text messages while driving in Illinois.

2) It is illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving through a highway construction zone or school zone.

In addition, it will become illegal to compose, send or read text messages, instant messages and e-mail on a cell phone or surf the internet while driving. The ban also includes personal digital assistants and portable or mobile computers, but does not include global positioning systems (GPS) or navigation systems.


You can read further by visiting the Illinois Secretary of State’s website http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/ and look for 2009-2010 Law Updates - #625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 new.
You may also visit http://www.dot.state.il.us/ for more updates.

Our goal is to keep you safe and up to date with the latest information. If we can help you with your insurance, please visit our website at http://www.marsinsurance.com/.

Drive Safely!

How much auto coverage do I need?

Almost every state requires you to buy a minimum amount of auto liability coverage. Chances are that you will need more liability insurance than the state requires because accidents cost more than the minimum limits. If you’re found legally responsible for bills that are more than your insurance covers, you will have to pay the difference out of your own pocket. These costs could wipe you out!

Talk to your agent about purchasing higher liability limits to reflect your personal needs. Buying just on price is never a good idea.

You may also consider purchasing an umbrella or excess liability policy. These policies pay when your underlying coverages are exhausted. Typically, these policies cost between $200 and $300 per year for a million dollars in coverage. If you have your homeowners and auto insurance with the same company, check out the cost of coverage with this company first. If you have coverage with different companies, it may be easier to buy it from your auto insurance company.

In addition to liability coverage for your auto, consider buying collision and comprehensive coverage. You don't decide how much to buy. Your coverage reflects the market value of your car and the cost of repairing it.

Decide on a deductible—the amount of money you pay on a claim before the insurance company reimburses you. Typically, deductibles are $250, $500 or $1,000; the higher your deductible, the lower your premium.

Talk to one of our agents and determine the best course of action for your insurance.

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