Safe Driving on Ice and Snow

Driving safely on icy roads

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

Keep your lights and windshield clean.

Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid:

Take your foot off the accelerator.

Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.

If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.

If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.

If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid:

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.

As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck:

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.

Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.

Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.

Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.

Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.

Try rocking your vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Most importantly, if you don't have to drive, stay off the road and stay safe.

Information provided by the Weather Channel.

The Good and Bad of Credit Scoring

Most people are aware that one of many underwriting factors used in determining one's actual auto or homeowner insurance rate is credit scoring.  What many do not know is that a good credit score helps to lower your insurance cost.  The Insurance Information Institute, according to a recent article from Safeco Insurance, indicates that upwards of two-thirds of policyholders have a lower premium because of good credit.

The bad side of credit scoring is that the other one-third of policyholders have higher premiums due to their credit history.  The remedy is obviously trying to improve your credit in the future to more favorably affect your insurance premiums.

So, the next time you receive the privacy notice from your insurance company indicating that your credit score has affected your insurance premium, do not think that this is a bad thing.  You are most likely in the two-thirds of those policyholders who are getting better premiums because of good credit.


Frank Zimmerman

Insurance Explained

Happy 2013!


We thought we would start off the New Year explaining the general principles of insurance.

Many people wonder why rates continue to go up when they have not had a claim; therefore we would like to explain the logistics of insurance.

Imagine a giant swimming pool; Insurance is much like that giant pool.

Looks refreshing doesn't it?

When you purchase a policy you are paying into that pool.
If you file a claim against your insurance policy because a roof has been damaged or a car was hit, the claim is being paid out of that pool rather than from the money you have paid in for your premiums.

In addition to that very few people stay with the same company for any extended period of time so you are starting over in a different pool every time you switch companies.

Say a neighborhood of 100 houses is hit with hail damage and they all need their roof replaced. Each roof may cost $18,000 to replace…that means one neighborhood in the U.S. could cost insurance companies $1,800,000 for one storm. Usually these storms hit several neighborhoods in any given region. Millions upon millions of dollars are paid out for just one storm.

Over the course of one’s life, it will take a long time to pay $18,000 in insurance premiums to account for the value of a roof replacement. Example: if your homeowners premium is $1,000 a year, it would take 18 years to pay enough premium to pay for the roof replacement that was claimed on your policy.

Because of the high rate of storms we have had in 2011 and 2012, insurance companies have needed to increase premium rates to be able to cover everyone within the "pool" mentioned above which we all share.

It may be very frustrating and inconvenient but we can all find comfort in knowing that if we get hit with some bad luck we will have insurance to fall back on. Insurance is there for those catastrophic losses.

We hope this has shed some light on the operations of insurance companies.

As always, if you have any questions or need clarification we are always willing to talk to you!

We at Mars Insurance hope that 2013 will be your best year yet!



Mary K. Marsh

Mars Insurance Agency Inc

How Are Your Winter Driving Skills????

Driving during the winter takes specialized skills  in order to stay safe.  While the seasoned driver  may feel as if driving  in the winter months is common sense and second nature, a newer driver may not be aware of what to do to avoid an accident.

Test your knowledge for winter safety........................

WINTER DRIVING SAFETY QUIZ (answers at end)

1.  Hydro-planing is caused by:

     A.  Water spray from other vehicles

     B.  Lack of windshield wiper fluid

     C.  Driving too fast on wet roads

     D.  Icy roads

2.  While water turns to ice at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, ice can form on roadways when the air temperature is above 32 degrees.

     True

     False

3.  The first winter storm of the season is considered by many to be the most dangerous because:

     A.  Many motorists are not prepared for winter weather.

     B.  Emergency crews may not be prepared.

     C.  You may not be accustomed to driving during winter weather conditions yet.

     D.  All of the above.

4.  It is beginning to snow and the roadway is almost snow covered.  Any delay could cause you to miss your appointment.  What should you do?

     A.  Move to the left lane to pass slower traffic.

     B.  Find somewhere safe to park and call ahead to let others know you will be late.  Continue driving  
          cautiously  if it is safe to do so, or stay put until conditions improve.

     C.  Convoy with four-wheel drive trucks that drive fast.

     D.  Take an alternate rout with less traffic to slow you down.

6.  You are at a four-way stop.  The roadway is snow covered and icy.  You have the right of way and proceed into the intersection as a vehicle approaches from the right.  The other driver is unable to stop and hits your vehicle in the intersection.  This accident is:

     A.  Preventable because you failed to anticipate that the other driver may have difficulty stopping.

     B.  Non-preventable because the other driver failed to stop.

     C.  Non-preventable because the other driver did not anticipate ice at the intersection.

7.  Steps to reducing weather-related accidents include:

     A.  Reducing speed

     B.  Increasing following distance

     C.  Turning and braking carefully on slippery roads

     D.  All of the above

8.  Ice forms more readily in the following areas:

     A.  On bridges and overpasses

     B.  Shaded areas

     C.  At intersections

     D.  All of the above

9.  During severe, adverse weather, such as heavy snow, glaring ice, torrential rain. or very strong winds, you should:

     A.  Follow the vehicle in front of you.

     B.  Find a safe place to park and wait for conditions to improve.

     C.  Wait for a police escort.

     D.  Block the roadway to stop traffic.

10.  To increase visibility during adverse weather conditions, you should:

     A.  Flash your headlights.

     B.  Turn your four-way flashers on.

     C.  Turn your headlights on.

     D.  All of the above.



Answers:  1 = C, 2 = B, 3 = T, 4 = D, 5 = B, 6 = A, 7 = D, 8 = D, 9 = B, 10 = C.

Drive cautiously and defensively!!!

Let us know you you did at https://www.facebook.com/MarsInsurance

The Little Christmas Cabin - Julie Shoffner

The Little Christmas Cabin


I have always considered myself a creative soul so it’s not surprising that most of my favorite holiday memories revolve around the act of making something either with someone or for someone. Whether I’m preparing a meal, baking cookies or making ornaments I have always enjoyed creating something unique and special for the people I love. Now that I am a parent I especially enjoy making things with my seven year old son. Aside from the usual cookies and candies we make, we have a special project that we work on every year for my husband. Many years ago my husband’s grandfather crafted a small log cabin that he placed under the family Christmas tree. When my husband was a little boy his mother started adding some additional details to the little Christmas cabin. A light was added on the inside as well as some little chairs and a tiny table. She even added a tiny flower painting on the wall. My mother-in-law has since passed on and my husband has inherited the little Christmas cabin. Now every year my son and I add a little something to it to make it more like a cozy little home. One year we added a Christmas tree inside. Last year we added a reindeer and some bears outside. This year my son added six little Christmas carolers. If you look close enough at the photo below you can see two tiny carolers singing by the tree. Maybe next year there will be a turkey dinner on the table too.

Another project my son and I do each year once the weather is below freezing is to make Ice Lanterns. A easy way to make your home look warm and cozy on a cold winter night. This is espcially pretty when there is snow on the ground or when you are hosting a holiday party.

How to Make An Ice Lantern:

You will need a large bucket, a plastic container smaller than the bucket (a coffee can works well), duct tape and a tea light or flamless candle.

1-fill the bucket 3/4 full of water. (if you want to get fancy you can add a bit of food coloring to the water)

2-place the smaller container inside the bucker of water but don't let it fill up with water.

3-place some rocks inside the smaller container to weigh it down so it sits about half way down into the water in the bucket but not all the way to the bottom.

4-place a strip of duct tape across the top of the large bucket so it holds down the smaller container in the water. Set aside until frozen solid.

5-run warm water over the outside of the large bucket to remove the ice from the bucket. Run some warm water inside the small container to loosen and remove it. This leaves an indentation in the lantern into which you can place the candle.

You can make several of these to line your front stairs, sidewalk or driveway!

Have a wonderful Holiday.

Julie Shoffner

Michelle Welch-Howe's Christmas Treasure

When I was a child growing up, before getting married and having a family of my own, Christmas Day was always celebrated at “moms” house with lots of family and even sailors from the Great Lakes Naval base. The Christmas Day celebration holds many great memories for me. The hustle and bustle of the decorating, the cleaning, the cooking and even the frantic clean up after we opened our presents from Santa on Christmas morning. Back in those days, my mom always prepared a sit down meal for all to enjoy. As the years have progressed, Christmas Day is still celebrated at my parents’ house, a little simpler, but with the same jubilant atmosphere. My mom now makes an easier meal that we all contribute towards and it is served buffet style. I treasure the continued tradition of my Christmas Day festivities, especially enjoying my four children appreciating the day and building it into their holiday excitement.

My mom has already designated me to carry on this wonderful family tradition of our Christmas Day gathering when she feels that it is time to pass it on. Although, I host many parties throughout the year, this one will be different and held with special honor.



Here is one of my favorite things my mom makes on Christmas Day:



SIMPLE CREAM PUFFS:

Pastry:

1 cup Water

½ cup Butter not oleo

1 cup Flour

4 eggs



Heat oven to 400 heat water & butter to heavy boil, stir in flour, stir over heat for 1 minute=should form a ball. Remove from heat, beat in eggs all at once. Drop dough approx. 3" apart on baking sheet bake 35-40 minutes cool completely & cut off tops.



Filling:

1 8oz Cool Whip

2 Instant french vanilla pudding mix

2 cups Milk



Blend milk & pudding until thick & fold in cool whip. Spoon onto puff & replace tops. Refrigerate after making.

Yield:12 cream puffs

Happy Holidays!
Michelle Welch-Howe

Collector Car Season

As the weather warms and the trees blossom I am reminded that collector car shows are just around the corner.  I always look forward to these shows so I can see the classics restored. 

The amount of work these folks put into the cars of yesteryear returning them to original or enhancing them shows a love and appreciation for a day gone by.   You just can't help but to stop and stare when you see one of these beauties.

With that in mind, many folks may not know that there are special policies available for classic autos.
Collector vehicles are different than a typical car in just about every way possible.  Generally speaking, collector vehicles are driven less and are better cared for by the passionate people who own them.  This makes them best suited to a special collector vehicle policy.  However, collectible vehicles often end up on a standard auto policy which means they have less protection than they need and their owners end up paying more for the coverage.

Collector car policies allow for an agreed value on the vehicle and other coverages reflective of the true needs of these special vehicles.  You put time, love and extensive parts into the vehicle for it's restoration, why not insure it for the money you have in it?

In the process of restoring your vehicle?  Coverage can also be geared to you with the restoring process.

•Instant new purchase coverage


•Auto Show Medical Reimbursement
•Spare Parts coverage

These are just some of the coverages a collector car policy can offer you.
Additional endorsements can be added to cover tools, parts, traveling to name a few.

Consider looking into a specialty policy for that special car you have poured so much of yourself into.

If your current agent doesn't offer such a policy, contact us and we'll talk you through the process.  At Mars Insurance we've got you covered for your Illinois and Wisconsin Auto Insurance.

OH DEER! BEWARE!!!

The annual cost of deer-vehicle collisions in the United States is almost $4 billion. A 2010 study by State Farm Insurance and Fortune magazine predicted there would be 1.1 million such crashes before 2010 ended.

Though the mating season from October to December brings the most crashed, Bambi and his pals are crossing the roads throughout the year.

Pennsylvania had the highest number of crashes last year at 102,165, followed by Michigan with 101,174. Among the 35 states where at least 7,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur per year, New Jersey and Nebraska posted the largest increase, 54 percent. In all the states, crashes increased by more than a third from the previous year.

Some drivers avoid roads through forests and areas of heavy brush where deer can appear suddenly. Others drive at a reduced speed to give them more time to stop and the deer more time to cross.

 

At night, using high-beam headlights allows the driver more time to spot a deer.

Be aware of deer crossing signs and believe them. Deer generally use the same routes each day to find water, food and their resting places. They are most active from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Deer travel in groups so when you see one deer, there could be several others coming behind it.

Brake, don’t swerve. Swerving to avoid a deer can cause a more serious crash, such as into an oncoming car in another lane, or swerving off the roadway and into a tree or a utility pole. The goal is to maintain control of the vehicle

Information provided by our friends at Standard Mutual

For more information visit http://www.marsinsurance.com/

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.

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

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