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.

Your identity is your most important asset. Identity thieves strike at any time.
Are you protected by your insurance company?
Are you protected by your bank?
Do you know how or if you are protected?
Many insurance companies now have endorsements that can be added to your policy to offer you an additional layer of protection.
Visit our our new virtual office www.marsinsurance.com .

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.

www.marsinsurance.com

Freezing Pipes - Prevention

If you are located in a region that is prone to freezing temperatures taking steps to prevent frozen pipes can reduce the risk of property damage.

To help protect your pipes from freezing, consider the following:
• Insulate all accessible pipes using pipe insulation (this can be found at your local hardware store).
• Keep all exterior entry, exit and overhead doors to unheated spaces closed as much as possible during the winter months.
• Prior to the winter months, ensure that all cracks, holes, and other openings on the exterior walls are sealed tightly with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity.
• If any pipes are located adjacent to exterior walls or within base-cabinets or in closets, leave the cabinet/closet doors open or use a fan to increase warm air circulation around the pipes.
o If you have rest rooms, kitchens, or service rooms with water sources located on exterior walls, it is likely that the plumbing for these systems is located inside the exterior walls. Or, if you have piping coming up through the floor over an unheated room or unheated crawlspace under your building, it is likely there is plumbing exposed to freezing weather.
• When extreme cold weather is predicted, let all faucets drip to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet. The pressure buildup is the actual cause of bursting pipes.
• Install a water leak detection system, available at your plumbing supply store, which will alert someone to respond in the event water is detected.
• Install a valve that allows you to shut off the water supply during periods when the building may be unoccupied, particularly when colder weather is expected. Be sure to drain your water supply system before leaving the building unoccupied.
• Connect your sprinkler system to a water flow alarm that will alert a responder. In the event of a pipe rupture or a damaged sprinkler head, the responder will shut off the water supply. This will help limit water damage potential.
• If your business is unoccupied for more than 24 hours at a time, you should have a plan in place to inspect the building once a day for freezing pipes during the winter months.
• To check pipes, turn on each water supply faucet individually (both hot and cold) to ensure that there is a steady stream of water present. If the flow of water is slowed, or worse, or there is no flow, then it is likely that your pipe has frozen. Identify the blockage (probably the area of most exposure) and use a blow dryer (do NOT use an open flame torch!) to heat the supply line while leaving the faucet open. Continue heating the pipe until there is a steady flow of water.

Email us at marsinsurance@marsinsurance.com or call us at 815-459-0711.

http://www.marsinsurance.com/

New Illinois Law on Off-road Vehicles, ATV's, Golf Cart's & Snowmobiles

ATV, Golf Cart, Snowmobile, and off-road vehicle owners often make the mistake of not having Liability coverage. There may be a false sense of security since many times off-road vehicles aren't driven off of private property or on paved roads.

Effective January 1st, 2010, Illinois will require all off-road vehicles that are taken off personal property to have Liability Insurance.

We have companies available to answer the insurance requirements for your specialized toys.

Talk to us about this new insurance requirement and we'll find a policy to fit your needs.

Please understand by endorsing these vehicles onto a homeowners policy may not provide you with the important coverages to protect you and your family.

Call us today....we can help!

815-459-0711

marsinsurance@marsinsurance.com

http://www.marsinsurance.com/

You winterize your home, but did you know you should winterize your car too?
It is recommended that the following steps are taken to ensure your car is ready for winter weather.
1) Fluids are at the correct levels, including oil, transmission fluid, coolant, windshield wiper fluid (type suitable for low temperatures), and power steering and brake fluids.
2) All safety-related devices are working – battery, tires, brakes, lights, etc.
3) Tires have plenty of tread for adverse road conditions.
4) If you live in an area with heavy snows, snow tires are installed and underneath the car are protected from salt on the road by an oily spray. (Check with your auto dealer for recommendations)
5) Spark plugs checked or replaced.
6) Coolant system is operational – yes cars can overheat in the winter!
7) Windshield wiper blades recently replaced.
8) Fuel system is clean.
9) Gas tank is always at least half full, preventing condensation that leads to frozen gas lines.
10) A can of de-icer is kept in the house in case the car locks freeze.
11) An emergency survival kit is in the car, including flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, extra clothing, bag of sand, shovel, windshield scraper, booster cables, water container, road maps, tow rope, flares and non-perishable food.
This list is not all-inclusive and particular precautions may not be appropriate in all circumstances. You are encouraged to use good judgment.
You can also contact our office for your AAA Roadside assist membership so that you are covered for those unexpected emergencies. Email us at marsinsurance@marsinsurance.com or call us at 815-459-0711.