Insuring Your Bicycle

With gas prices being elevated, beautiful summer weather surrounds us and vacations occurring, I am seeing more people taking the time to ride bikes. Many of whom ride to work daily to save the gas expense, some ride merely for the enjoyment while others for exercise.

If you are one of the many people who take time to ride, perhaps you have invested in a higher quality bike.  Did you ever think about how that bike might be covered by insurance?

Our friends at the Insurance Information Institute (III) have provided the following helpful information for all you cyclists out there.

A bike can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a basic model to several thousand dollars for a fast, light racing bike. In 2010 (the most recent data available) there was over $6 billion in bicycle sales in the United States, according to the National Bike Dealers Association.

Fortunately, bicycles are covered under the personal property section of standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. This coverage will reimburse you, minus your deductible, if your bike is stolen or damaged in a fire, hurricane or other disaster listed in your policy. Under most policies, you would also be covered if the bicycle is stolen from your car.

You can insure personal property like a bike in two ways—for its actual cash value or its replacement cost. If you have an actual cash value policy, you would be reimbursed based on the depreciated value of the bike. With replacement cost you would be paid the cost of replacing your current bike less the deductible.

Homeowners and renters insurance policies also provide liability protection for harm you may cause to someone else or their property. If you injure someone in a bicycle accident and he or she sues you, you will be covered up to the limits of your policy. It does not matter if you own or rent the bike; if you have a home or renters insurance policy, you will have liability protection. Most people have $100,000 to $300,000 worth of liability protection as part of their standard policy. But higher amounts of coverage are available. Your homeowners or renters insurance policy also includes no-fault medical coverage in the event you injure someone. This way, they can simply submit a medical claim to your homeowners insurance company without suing you. This coverage usually ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.

When purchasing a new bicycle, keep the receipt and call your insurance professional immediately. And

keep in mind that bike accessories such as a helmet, pump, lights, saddle bag and clothing can add up and are included in your insurance coverage.

If you own a particularly expensive bicycle, you may want to consider getting an endorsement to your homeowners or renters insurance policy. A number of insurance companies have endorsements for sports equipment; some specifically for bikes. The endorsement may have broader coverage and there will likely be no deductible. Your insurance professional can review your coverage options with you.

One of the best ways to make you are properly insured is to have an up-to-date home inventory of all your personal possessions, including your bike and accessories. A home inventory can help you purchase the correct amount of insurance and make the claims filing process easier if there is a loss. The I.I.I. provides free, online home inventory software atKnowYourStuff.org, as well as a home inventory app.

Basic Bike Safety
The I.I.I. recommends the following safety measures for cyclists:
1. Protect your head: Never ride a bike without a properly fitted helmet.
2. Make sure your bike is safe to ride: Your bike should fit you properly. A good bike shop can adjust your bicycle so that it fits your body comfortably, and check all parts of the bike to make sure they are secure and working well.
3. Follow the rules of the road: Bicycles are considered vehicles on the road; therefore riders must follow the same traffic laws as drivers of motor vehicles. Always ride with the flow of traffic, on the right side of the road, and as far to the right of the road as is practicable and safe.
4. Be predictable: When you ride, consider yourself the driver of a vehicle and always keep safety in mind. Ride in the bike lane, if available. Take extra care when riding on a roadway. Courtesy and predictability are key to safe cycling.
5. Be visible: Take responsibility for making yourself visible to motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. Wear bright colors and have lights mounted on your bike if you plan to ride after dark.
6. Stay focused and alert: Do not wear headphones as they hinder your ability to hear traffic. Be aware of your surroundings and ride defensively. And, don’t try to talk or text while cycling.
7. Take safety classes: Bike clubs, bike shops and community groups offer a range of classes on everything from preventing helmet hair when you get to the office to cycling tips for children. These organizations are familiar with the cycling conditions in your area.


For more information on Rules of the Road for Biking Safety  and Tips for a Better Ride, visit
League of American Bicyclists

Rules of the Road - http://www.bikeleague.org/content/rules-road-0

Ride better tips - http://www.bikeleague.org/content/ride-better-tips

Camping & Outdoor Safety

More and more families are enjoying the pleasures of camping and outdoor life. Some advance planning will make camping trips more enjoyable and safer.  Look for a campsite that offers good drainage, with a good combination of sun and shade.  Check the area for hazards, and instruct children about things to avoid such as poisonous plants, wild animals and moving vehicles.

Here are a few more safety tips to help you enjoy your time in the great outdoors:

• Wear shoes, sandals or moccasins at your campsite; glass, cans, sharp rocks and hot embers can hurt bare feet
• If you bring perishable food, use a portable ice chest to keep it from spoiling
• Keep the site clean. Dispose of cans, bottles and garbage safely in a campground trash can or appropriate receptacle
• Obey signs and warnings concerning wildlife.  If raccoons, skunks, porcupines or other small animals come to your campsite, scare them away with a flashlight or a loud noise.  IMPORTANT:  Don't keep food in your tent where it can be smelled by animals -- store it away from the campsite
  
• Never leave a fire unattended.  When finished with it, spread the burned pieces/embers out, soak them touroughly with water, and then cover them with sand

These safety tips will keep you and others safe but it will keep the campground clean and safe from fires.

Information was provided to us by Safety Sense Enterprises Inc.

Please remember while you are away, do not share your events on social networking sites as it tells people you are not at home and leaves your home vulnerable to break in.

Be sure to have someone check on your home regularly - having lights scheduled to turn on and off at various times in different rooms is recommended to appear as if you are at home.  Remember, lights turning on and off at the same time could indicate a homeowner is away.
If you have pets, remember to either board them away from the home or be sure to have someone come to check on them daily.

Safety For Your Home While Traveling

It’s so exciting to go on a vacation, isn't it?  To go on a trip to a new, exotic place.  It’s hard not to be excited, right?  There are so many things to do before you go – pack your bags, check with the airline, make sure the camera is charged….did you pack the sunscreen?  One of the most important steps in preparing for a trip is to make sure that your home is secure while you are away.  There are several easy steps you can take to make sure your home and property are safe in your absence.

First and foremost, make your home look like it’s still occupied!  There are several ways to do this.  This is an easy one especially if you have an animal at home that will need tending while you are gone.  Have a trusted friend or neighbor come by daily (at varying times) to take care of your pets.  If you don’t have a pet at home, have someone come by and bring in your mail.  Having your mail service stopped is a sure sign to a burglar that no one is home.  If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, have someone come by and shovel your walk or mow your grass, water the garden or take out your trash on garbage day.

Most people will use a timer on their interior lights to make it look like they are home.  While this is a good idea, if you set an interior timer to go off at the same time every day, if a would-be burglar is watching your house this will indicate that you are not home.  The trick is to purchase a timer that can be set for varying times of day or if you have the ability, control the lights at home from your cell phone while you are gone – at different times during the day and night.  You also might want to consider installing a motion sensor light inside that way if someone does get into your home they may be fooled into thinking that someone is there after all and change their mind about what they’re doing.

 In addition, DON’T advertise on-line that you are going to be away and for how long!  This is very hard for people to resist.  It’s so tempting to want to tell all of your 300 closest social media friends that you are going on a fabulous trip.  Try to resist uploading vacation photos while you are still away.  I know you think everyone else wants to see the play by play of your vacation but they can wait until you have returned.
Other good rules of thumb are to make sure to have your electronics plugged into a surge protector so that in the event of a power outage your computer and television are not damaged.  Keep your thermostat set between 55 and 80 degrees and have someone run the water for a bit when they come by to check on the house.  This will ward off damage from frozen pipes.   Be sure to take your insurance agents phone number and your insurance policy number with you on your trip.  This way in the event that something does go wrong while you’re away, you will know just who to call.  Bon voyage!

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!!!

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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.

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

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

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

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/.

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/