Go Slow While Shoveling Snow

Our friends at Standard Mutual Insurance have given us some good information on snow shoveling that we thought would be beneficial to share with all of you.

Snowstorms can be deadly in many ways, shoveling the white stuff is one of them. Hundreds of people die each year from heart attacks suffered while shoveling snow.

The American Heart Association says those most at risk are middle-aged or older and sedentary. Cold requires the body to work harder to keep warm. Combine that with the exertion of shoveling and it strains the heart. Wet, heavy snow is the most dangerous.

The association gives this advice:

• Wear layered clothing. Take the outer layer off if you get hot. Less clothing will also help you move better.
• Push it, don’t lift it. Use a shovel with a curved plade. Push snow to the side of a walkway, even if it leaves a narrower path to walk on. For a driveway, push only enough snow to the side for one car to get out. If you must lift, use a smaller shovel on walkways that doesn’t allow you to pick up as much snow. It may take a little longer to clear a path but it will be easier on you in the long run.
• Use a leaf blower instead. When several inches of snow are predicted, power up your leaf blower and blow off the walkway and drive way two or three times before the snow gets deep.
• Take breaks. Don’t feel that you have to do the whole shoveling job at once. If you feel tired, stop and rest or go inside for a time to recover. Don’t push yourself.
• Shovel before dinner. Eating a heavy meal before you shovel your driveway puts additional strain on the heart.

Dealing With Snow Plows

• Washington State DOT cautions you never to crowd a snowplow.   The front of the plow extends several feet and may cross the center line or shoulder.

•  Give plows plenty of room.  They turn and exit frequently.  Stay back about 15 car lengths.

• Snowplows throw up a cloud of snow.  Never drive into a snow cloud.  There could be a plow inside.

• If you are behind a plow, stay there or use extreme caution when passing.

Never Use Cruise Control on a Rainy Day

Cruise control is designed for normal road conditions.  It doesn't know when the pavement is slippery.  Under slick conditions, you need to be in complete control and monitoring the road conditions.  You're more likely to notice hydroplaning if you're not relying on the cruise control.  In some cars, it is possible that the wheels may actually spin faster when in or engaged in cruise control and the car hits a slippery spot.  When the tires make contact with the firm road again, the car can skid or lose control.

On most cars, the cruise control is disengaged by tapping the brake.  In an emergency situation, this adds a fraction of a second to your response time as well as the risk of the braking action itself causing a loss of control on a slippery road.

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance Agency or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Winterizing Your Home

Here are a few simple steps that can help you stay cozy indoors during this cold, winter season and save on heating costs, as well.

• Have your heating system checked by a professional annually.  This will ensure that your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money.  If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove.  Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup or creosote and then clean to lessen the risk of a fire.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated.  If necessary, insulate walls and attic.  This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your home’s power energy and reduce your home’s power demands for heat.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.  This will provide an extra layer of insulation keeping more cold air out.
• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of old newspapers; cover the news papers with plastic to keep out moisture; let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing; know how to shut off water valves.

Source: New York State Emergency Management Office website

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at marsinsurance.com

Survey: Risky Online Behavior Exposes Many to Lawsuits

Feb 16, 2010

Nearly 30% of people have cleaned up their social networking profiles for job interviews, and the economic downturn has made them more cautious about posting on social media sites.

A new telephone survey sponsored by the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies reveals that more than one in four (27 percent) individuals say they have posted a comment on a news site or blog.  One third of 18 to 34 year-olds have posted a comment to news sites or blogs.  And 37 percent of those respondents making $100,000 or more have posted a comment.

The survey, which polled 1,000 Americans, shows that while some people are being cautious about putting personal information online, many are unaware of the liability exposures associated posting comments to blogs or other Internet sites.

"A foolish post or a tweet could cost you a job or even trigger a libel lawsuit," says Christine Alderman, vice president of Chubb & Son and new product and services manager with Chubb Personal Insurance.  "We all should think twice before posting any comment online."

The survey also asked respondents about obtaining permission to share copyrighted online materials.  Sixty percent of respondents said they rarely or never obtain permission to cut and paste articles, other information or artwork from copyrighted websites before emailing them out and distributing them to others.  One in four (25%) respondents said they always obtain permission.

Only 2 percent of respondents said they have lawyers review comments before posting them on their blogs.

"This raises significant risk issues for the owner of the blog," says Alderman.  "There are different schools of thought with regard to allowing comments to be posted directly to the site versus reviewing  comments before they are posted.  The safest and most conservative approach is to require pre-registration before allowing comments and to preview the comments before they appear online.  This may not be practical for everyone, but there are other ways to protect yourself."

Forty-five percent of the respondents were members of one of the following social networking sites: Facebook (37%), MySpace (19%), LinkedIn (9%), and Twitter (6%).  Nearly 60 percent of respondents earning $100,000 or more belonged to one of these sites.

The telephone survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corp.

Source: Chubb Group of Insurance Cos., www.chubb.com/personal

Find this article at http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/2010/02/16/107401.htm

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com .

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.

•Check your air conditioning or furnace filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed.

•Plan cook-free meals of cold cuts, fresh vegetables, fruits and salads.

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

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance Agency or visit our website at http://www.marsinsurance.com/.



Source: American Electric Power Co.

Boating Safety Tips

Have a safe boating season by following these tips:

•Take a boating safety course offered by your state DNR, Law Enforcement, or U.S. Coast Guard agencies.
•Make sure your boat is in top operating condition and that there are no tripping hazards.
•The boat should be free of fire hazards and have a clean bilge.
•Have safety equipment that is required by law on board at all times and maintained in good condition, also be sure to know how to use it.
•File a float plan with a relative or friend, or at the very least, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
•Have complete knowledge of the operation and handling of your boat.
•Know your position and where you are heading.
•Maintain a safe speed at all times to avoid collision.
•Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions.
•Know and obey federal and state regulations and waterway markers.
•Maintain a clear, unobstructed view forward at all times. “Scan” the water back and forth; avoid “tunnel” vision. Most boating collisions are caused by inattention.

Remember to always practice safety while operating any vessel or vehicle.
Also remember to have the proper insurance in place. No one ever plans to have a loss, but they do happen. Keep peace of mind by having your boat coverage in place.
Let Mars Insurance help you with your personal insurance.

Water Water Everywhere!

Am I protected from a flood? PROBABLY NOT!
Flooding occurs in EVERY state! Many people find out too late that they are at risk for flooding, and even worse that their property insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.
• Your Homeowners policy DOES NOT cover flood loss to your home and contents.
• In certain areas, the chance of a flood is 25% greater than a loss due to a fire during a 30-year mortgage.
• 6 out of every 10 declared disasters involve flooding.
• Homes in areas where there is new construction or where there have been other events such as forest fires, may be in greater danger than in the past because of changes to the land around them.
• 25% of all floods occur outside of a high-risk flood area.
• Federally backed mortgages in certain areas require flood insurance policies for the life of the mortgage.
To ensure that your property and belongings are protected, call your independent insurance agent.
Even if you already have a flood policy, you may want to discuss coverages with your agent to ensure that your policy is up to date.
For all your insurance needs please contact Mars Insurance Agency or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com
Information courtesy of Travelers.

Bicycling "Rules of the Road"

Bicycles are considered to be toys by some people, but for others they are a means of transportation and exercise. But whatever their purpose, bicycles can be dangerous if they are not operated with safety sense in mind.
Here are some “rules of the road” for serious bicyclists:
• Bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles, so obey all highway signs and regulations.
• Ride off the right-hand side of the road, with traffic, not against it.
• Ride single file.
• Only cycles with 20-in wheels, or less, are permitted on sidewalks.
• Use arm signals to indicate stopping or turning.
• Bicycles must yield to pedestrians.
• Lights are required for nighttime riding.
• A bicycle must have a horn or bell to sound a warning when necessary.
Source: Safety Sense Enterprises, Inc., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance Agency or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com.

Drive Safely And Defensively

Because cars have changed and new features are being added all the time, leaders of safe driving courses say these are the best ways to avoid an accident:

Know your car, its features and how to use them.

Focus on driving. Do nothing else including texting, eating or conversing with passengers, especially in traffic.

Stay alert. if you can't remember driving the last 50 miles, your mind is not on driving and you won't be able to react quickly to an emergency.

Intersections are danger zones. Be extra careful. If turning left, keep your wheels straight until you are turning.

Keep side mirrors adjusted to give a full view of what's behind you and what's coming on either side.

Stay a car length's distance behind the car ahead for every 10 miles per hour you are driving. Add an additional distance if it's raining.

At night, park in well-lighted areas. Don't park between 2 vehicles that are larger than yours. You won't be able to see when you back out.

If you have a close call or a near miss, analyze the situation to see what you could have done to avoid it.

There are instances where you must yield the right of way. Assume that there are no instances where you are guaranteed the right of way.

For more information contact Mars Insurance Agency or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Inexpensive Home Maintenance Can Prevent Big Expenses in the Future

For a few hours of time and a small investment, you can do a lot to protect your property. Even renters can ensure comfortable surroundings with some of these tips:

Get energy efficient. If you have not yet installed a programable thermostat, now is the time to do so. You can reduce your cooling costs by 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Thermostats cost between $40 and $70.

Seal around the tub and shower. Cracked or poorly sealed calking around tubs, showers and sinks can lead to water damage to floors, walls and the ceilings below, say experts writing in Money magazine. When you see cracks or gaps, buy a $5 tube of caulking and reapply.

Prevent fires. Check your fire extinquishers to see if they are still charged. If you need a new one, buy an extinquisher that works on both kitchen and electrical fires. The National Fire Protection Agency recommends one that is labeled ABC. Cost is about $40.

Prevent Shocks. Electrical outlets near water in the kitchen and bathroom should have ground fault circuit interrupters that protect from a shock. They have "test" and "reset" buttons. If you need one, the GFCI costs about $10, but you should hire an electricial to install it.

Service the garage door. Spray penetrating oil such as WD-40 into the hinges and rollers so the door will open and close more easily. Test the safety reverse mechanism by placing an object in the door's path to see if it stops. WC-40 costs about $7.

This information is courtesy of Standard Mutual Insurance Company. These tips are small in cost, large in safety.

Be safe and keep watching this blog for additional tips and useful information.

Contact Mars Insurance to see how we may better serve you or visit us on the web at www.marsinsurance.com.

Pet Blog Up and Running

I would like to let everyone know that Bark, Purr and Insure is finally back up and running. Visit our pet blog at www.barkpurrandinsure.com

Mini-Physical Exam
Make the home checkup an extension of the normal attention you pay your dog, and he will not even know that he is being “examined.” It doesn’t matter where you perform the exam, as long as both you and your dog are comfortable.
Skin and Coat
Weekly grooming provides a good opportunity for evaluating the health of the skin and coat. Pass your hands over your dog’s body, feeling for swelling, asymmetry, or sensitive areas. Call the veterinarian if you discover patches of hair loss, the black flecks that signal the presence of fleas, scabby or reddened areas, or skin bumps. With your dog facing away from you, gently lift the tail and take a quick peek at the rear end. If you see tan-colored rice-size objects, you are probably looking at packets of tapeworm eggs, which require veterinary treatment. Next, use a moist paper towel to clean away any feces. In long-coated dogs in particular, feces can get caught in the fur and, if trapped against the skin, can cause serious problems. If the hair has become matted, use scissors to carefully cut out the mats yourself, or, better yet, take your dog to a vet or groomer, who can use clippers to remove them.
Ears
With our dog facing you, gently pull up on the earflap and look at the inner surface and down into the ear canal. The ears should be clean and light pink in color. Any discharge, redness, swelling or odor is abnormal. Never insert anything into your dog’s ear canal- doing so can aggravate an ear condition or even cause trauma or infection.
Eyes
Face your dog head-on and examine the eyes. They should be bright, and both pupils should be of equal size. There should be little if any tearing at the corners of the eyes, and the inner eyelids should not protrude. Gently roll down the lower eyelid with your thumb; the tissue lining the lid should be pink, not white or red. Be sure your dog is not squinting with either eye.
Mouth and Nose
With your dog facing you, lift up the lips to examine the gums and teeth. The gums should be pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling. The teeth should be clean, without nay brownish tartar. Sniff your dog’s breath; while a dog’s breath is never pleasant, a strong, fetid odor is abnormal and may indicate a problem. Excessive drooling can also be a sign of oral disease. There should be no nasal discharge.
Information courtesy of ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs

Visit www.isyourpetcovered.com
Remember the priority code is BR10MARS87

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Avoiding Laundry Room Disasters

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 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 f 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, bother 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.

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Not Even for a Minute

Most well-meaning parents have done it. On a hectic day of running errands with children in tow, we have left the kids in the car “just for a minute” while running into the dry cleaners, convenience cart or dropping another child off at school. It seems like a harmless thing to do and definitely shaves minutes off a hurried day. However, the results of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle can be deadly.
KIDS AND CARS urges parents to NEVER leave children unattended in or around a vehicle- “Not even for a minute.”
Below are just a few examples of what has happened to children who were left unattended in an automobile:
Heat stroke that led to permanent brain damage or death
Injuries or deaths occurred because a child climbed out of the car seat and shifted the car into gear.
Became ill or worse from heat or car fumes
Abducted when someone broke into the car
If the vehicle is running or the keys are left in the ignition, the risks dramatically increase for the following:
Vehicle stolen (the car and the children)
Setting the vehicle in motion by unattended children
Children becoming seriously injured or die by activating power controls
Safety Tips:
Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even to run a quick errand.
Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway
Keys should never be left within reach of children
Always make sure all child passengers have left the vehicle after it is parked
Walk around and behind a vehicle prior to moving it
Make sure that another adult is properly supervising children before moving your vehicle
Consider installing cross-view mirrors and/or a back up detection device on your vehicle
If a child is locked inside a car, get them out as quickly as possible. If they are very hot or seem sick, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks right away.
Teach your children to never play in, around, or behind a vehicle
Be especially careful about keeping children safe in and around cars during busy times, schedule changes, and periods of crisis or holidays.
It is important to realize how potentially dangerous it is to leave unattended children in or around a vehicle. Just a reminder…Your children are priceless.
This information was provided by KIDS AND CARS, an organization dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangers of leaving children unattended in or around motor vehicles. For more information, visit www.kidsandcars.org.
For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Tips for Dealing with Melting Snow and Ice

In light of the excessive snow and ice that has shut down multiple states, here are answers to two of the most frequently asked questions now that the thaw is upon us.
If your client carries a water backup endorsement, coverage is triggered when water backs up through the sump pump or floor drain.
Groundwater coming through walls and windows is generally not covered unless it escapes directly from a pipe without communication to ground.
Here are some tips you can share with your clients in advance of the melting snow, to help them avoid possible water intrusion.
Make certain to rake your roof, even if you can only rake the first four or five feet from the gutter.
Be careful when approaching roof overhangs with icicles; they can drop at any time.
Make certain that the sump discharge pipe outside your home is not blocked by ice or snow.
Shovel snow away from the perimeter of your home as that will reduce the amount of water entering the ground next to your home’s foundation while the snow melts.
If possible, have a back-up power source for your sump pump.
Check to make sure your power service lines are clear of ice and snow as these can detach from the home and leave you without electricity increasing the risk of frozen pipes and backup of your sump system.

(c) Kemper. All rights reserved.
Visit us at www.eKemper.com

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Dealing With Ice Dams

Ice dams occur when ice builds up along the eaves of your roof. Ice dams form when snow and ice melt off the main part of your roof and re-freeze when they reach the eaves. This happens because the eaves (the overhangs at the edge of your roof) tend to be colder than the rest of the roof. If the ice dam grows large enough, it may prevent water from draining off the roof. The water can then back up underneath the roof shingles and make its way inside your home.
You can take immediate steps to help prevent damage from ice dams:

Clearing snow and ice off the roof before it melts is the best way to keep ice dams from forming. If your roof is accessible from the ground, a roof rake can be a safe and effective way to remove snow from the edges of the roof where ice dams occur.

If your roof is not accessible from the ground, a contractor may be able to help.

If you cannot safely access your roof from the ground, it is best not to try. Never attempt to climb on a snowy or icy roof, and never place a ladder on snowy or icy ground. Also, keep in mind that chipping the ice with a mechanical device can be dangerous and may result in damage to the roof.

Make sure to shovel around downspouts so that your gutters can drain freely. This will help prevent ice buildups in gutters.

Properly insulating and ventilating your attic will help reduce the chances of snow melting on the roof and refreezing at the eaves.

If you have already contacted a licensed and insured contractor to help with emergency repairs, be sure to document any expenses so they can be considered for reimbursement.

© 2011 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. CE-10223 New 1-11

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

What to do if You Drive Off the Pavement Edge

You may drive off the road or be forced off the road for any number of reasons, so it’s good to know what to do- and what not to do- if it happens. It’s not about returning to the road quickly, it’s about returning to the road safely. Follow these steps:
If the shoulder is wide enough and your path is clear
Continue to look at the road ahead. Drive all the way onto the shoulder. Gradually stop and “collect yourself.” Wait for a large gap in traffic, and then drive back onto the road.
If you can’t drive all the way onto the shoulder and stop
Continue to look and steer straight ahead. Do not try to steer back onto the road immediately- this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and crash.
First, if you’re driving at a high speed and you suddenly steer sharply, you may accidently drive into oncoming traffic.
Second, if your tires are close to the pavement edge and you attempt to drive back onto the road, they may “scrub’ against the pavement edge making it very difficult to drive back onto the road. If you do drive back with your tires scrubbing, you may lose control and crash into another vehicle or into something on the side of the road.
If there are no obstacles directly in front of you
Steer to “straddle” the pavement edge. Move the tires that are off the road away from the pavement edge, and then steer parallel to it. This will prevent your tires from scrubbing. Most importantly, continue to look at the road ahead.
Do not slam on the brakes!
Ease off the gas pedal. If you need to brake, brake very gently. If you brake hard wile your tires are on a different surface, this can cause your vehicle to skid.
Slow down gradually
Slowing down will help you get back onto the road without losing control. If there are no obstacles in front of you, slow down to 25 mph or less before mounting the pavement.
Take some time to “calm down”
If you have room, drive all the way off the road and as far onto the shoulder as possible to stop.
Wait until it’s safe
After you’ve slowed down or stopped, wait until there is a gap in traffic. Do not try to drive back onto the road if there is traffic in your lane, an adjacent lane, or any oncoming traffic.
When the road is “all clear,” turn the steering wheel about one-quarter turn to the left. Drive back onto the pavement. When all of your tires are on the pavement, steer back to the right to stay in your lane.

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

10 Ways to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases

In light of our pet blog being down for repairs I would like to post this blog and remind everyone that Mars Insurance does right pet insurance.

10 Ways to Prevent Zoonotic Disease Threats to Your Family and Your Pet
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses which can be transmitted from pets to people or infect both animals and humans. Here are some ways to protect your loved ones from Zoonotic diseases:
1. Wash your hands often when touching, playing with or caring for pets.
2. Never handle the stool of any animal without wearing disposable gloves or using a plastic barrier.
3. Avoid kissing your pet or letting your pet lick your face.
4. Do daily “tick checks” on yourself, your kids and your pet. If you find a tick, use tweezers to slowly pull it out. After removing the tick, immerse it in rubbing alcohol. Wash the tick bite would and your hands with soap and water.
5. If you are pregnant, ask someone else in the family to clean the cat’s litter box. I you must do it yourself, wear gloves and immediately wash your hands after changing the litter.
6. Wash your hands after gardening or working in soil where pets may have relieved themselves.
7. If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap and water right away and administer first aid. I you are concerned, contact your healthcare professional.
8. Make sure your pet is protected against disease threats in your area.
9. Baring your pet to a veterinarian for a wellness exam at least twice a year, so problems can be detected or prevented.
10. Talk to your veterinarian and visit www.NPWM.com for more information about preventing Zoonotic diseases.

Information courtesy of the American Veterinarian Medical Association

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Just For Fun- Banana Fun Facts

Bananas are America’s number 1 fruit.
As bananas ripen, the starch in the fruit turns to sugar, therefore the riper the banana, the sweeter the taste.
There is no such thing as a banana tree; bananas grow on plants.
Bananas are a significant source of potassium and vitamin B6; they also contain lesser amounts of folic acid and vitamin C.

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Hands-Free Cell Phone Systems Make Driving Safer

Many states are targeting distracted drivers. The use of cell phones and texting while driving are at the heart of legislation
Highway safety experts don’t agree on whether hands-free cell phones are enough of a distraction to merit bans. Many question the value of cell phone laws of any kind because, for one thing, they are very difficult to enforce.
Jim Vondale, Ford’s safety vice president, recently visited safety groups and government officials in Washington, D.C., in an effort to gain support for the Sync hands-free system offered on all Ford models. The system is for talking, texting and entertainment.
Ford research shows that when drivers were asked to perform several driving tasks while using the system, there was no difference in the ability to do them. When drivers When drivers using the Sync system were asked to acknowledge a pedestrian, for example, their response time was less than when they used a hand-held phone.
Vondale says the real risks are hand-held phones, younger drivers, and texting people while driving.
According to USA Today, many high-end vehicles now have hands-free systems such as General Motors’ OnStar satellite communications system and BMW’s Bluetooth system.
Other distractions… It is well documented that drowsy drivers cause more severe consequences than drivers using a cell phone.
Studies by Virginia Tech found that reading or turning around to get something in the back seat while driving can be riskier than talking on a cell phone.
What you can do… Get enough sleep so you won’t be drowsy while driving. If you get sleepy anyway, pull over and take a nap.
Never text on a hand-held phone while driving. Pull over and do it.
Whether your phone is hand-held or hands-free, keep on-the-road conversations short to reduce your risk of being a distracted driver.

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Winter Driving: A Few Things to Remember

Headlights should be on
Four-wheel drive won’t help you stop any faster
Abrupt action while steering, braking or accelerating could make you lose control of the vehicle.
Make your own driving decisions. Cruise control can’t see ahead or judge the condition of the road.

Source: Standard Mutual Newsletter

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Winter Driving Tips

Preparing your vehicle for the winter season now will help ensure your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.

1. 
   
   Have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle: battery; wipers and windshield washer fluid; antifreeze; ignition system; thermostat; lights; exhaust system; flashing hazard lights; heater; brakes; defroster; oil level.


2. 
   
   Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. You may also want to carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle for heavy snow conditions. This depends on the laws of your state. Check your state and county laws to see what is allowed on the roadway.


3. 
   
   Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal and maintain at least a half tank of gas throughout the winter season. It may also be beneficial to carry a bag of salt or sand in your vehicle. Not only does this give a little extra weight in the vehicle but can be used to give extra traction if the vehicle gets stuck in the snow or on ice.


4. 
   
   Finally, plan long trips carefully. Listen to the local media report or call law enforcement agencies for the latest road conditions.

Source: New York State Emergency Management Office website

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The difference between Comp and Collision

Do you know the difference between Collision coverage and Comprehensive coverage for your vehicle? First up -- these are the two main coverages that protect your car:

Collision: With Collision coverage, the insurer will pay to repair damage to your car when you hit, or are hit by, another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. When you buy Collision, you choose a deductible, typically $250 or $500 but can go higher. This is the portion you pay if you have an accident. Remember, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. The insurance company then pays for the remaining costs to bring your vehicle back to pre-accident condition.

Comprehensive: With Comprehensive coverage, the insurer will pay to repair damage to your car that's caused by something other than a collision, such as fire, theft, vandalism, hail, or flood. They also pay for damage caused by hitting an animal, and they pay for a rental vehicle if your car is stolen when you have rental coverage listed on your policy as an additional coverage. Like Collision, when you buy Comprehensive, you choose a deductible.

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at http://www.marsinsurance.com/

Learn how we can cover your car, your house, your pet, your health, your valuables and anything that is important in your life. Do you have a wedding in your future? Learn about wedding insurance at http://www.marsinsurance.com/personal-insurance/wedding/ .