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