http://www.insr4less.com/blog/View The Augustine Insurance Group Inc.'s Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.insr4less.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:acb4af65-c000-4a2d-959f-fecfb9e33d87urn:uuid:743534bf-b17c-4e0c-9df0-c209fe1e8042open 09:00 am closed 04:00pmMon, 16 Jan 2012 15:04:00 -0600open 09:00 am closed 04:00pmurn:uuid:f85d796c-eaa6-4b8b-b75e-6017e3bf5559Insurance study: Women are better drivers than men By Jason Kandel, KNBC In the proverbial battle of the sexes, women are better drivers than men. Or so says a new study by an online auto insurance group that hopes to dispel the long-standing not...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:46:14 -0600<h1 class="gl_headline">Insurance study: Women are better drivers than men</h1> <div class="postBody"> <div class="postText"> <div class="vine-p p-content_ArticleText clearfix"> <div class="articleText"> <p><em><strong>By Jason Kandel, KNBC</strong></em></p> <p>In the proverbial battle of the sexes, women are better drivers than men. Or so says a new study by an online auto insurance group that hopes to dispel the long-standing notion that women are bad drivers.</p> <p>Some 80 percent of all fatal and serious car crashes are caused by male drivers, the study says. It says women are 27 percent less likely than men to cause auto accidents. In 2007, statistics reveal men were involved in 6.1 million car accidents while women were involved in 4.4 million.</p> <p>Male drivers outnumber females 3 to 1 for DUI violations, according to the study.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Women-are-Better-Drivers-Than-Men-Study-137202638.html" title="Women are Better Drivers Than Men: Study" target="_blank">Read the original story at NBC Los Angeles</a><br /> <br /> "It's almost scary how bad the average American man is at driving," 4autoinsurancequote CEO James Shaffer said. "Blame it on whatever you want &mdash; high testosterone, higher propensity to take risks, or higher levels of aggression, but the fact remains &mdash; men simply make too many mistakes behind the wheel."</p> <p>The study "Women Are Bad Drivers &mdash; Fact Or Fiction?" compares traffic violation, accident, and insurance price statistics between men and women.</p> <p>The study shows how traffic violations are higher for male drivers in almost every single category from reckless driving, failure to yield, seat belt violations, or speeding.</p> <p>The average six-month policy for a man costs $765 while it only costs $698 for women.</p> <p>The study confirms information that has long been known, said Pete Moraga, a spokesman with the Insurance Information Network of California. But he said that the gap between male and female driving habits is quickly closing.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>urn:uuid:96596911-85a6-4bc9-a82b-972d8de16809Be Prepared &mdash; Is Your Vehicle Ready? Get your vehicle winter-ready with a maintenance check-up. Don&rsquo;t wait for winter to have your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, tires, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers, and ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:49:25 -0600<h3>Be Prepared &mdash; Is Your Vehicle Ready?</h3> <p>Get your vehicle winter-ready with a maintenance check-up. Don&rsquo;t wait for winter to have your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, tires, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers, and ignition system checked. </p> <p>Make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready for the rigours of winter. Keep your fuel tank sufficiently full &mdash; at least half a tank is recommended.</p> <p>Make sure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid in the reservoir that is rated a minimum of -40&deg;C temperature range. Keep an extra jug in the vehicle. </p> <p>Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof. After starting your vehicle, wait for the fog to clear from the interior of the windows so you will have good visibility all around. </p> <p>Have your tires checked before winter begins. Remember to check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather. </p> <p>The condition of your vehicle&rsquo;s tires is important. Worn or damaged tires can hamper your ability to drive safely. It is best to replace tires before the tread depth is the regulatory minimum of 1.5 mm.* Studies indicate that a 3mm deep tread can stop a vehicle on wet pavement in a 25% shorter distance than a tire with 1.5mm deep tread. Drivers should check the manufacturer&rsquo;s wear indicator mark on tires to see if they need replacing. All tires have tread wear indicators, which are small bars of rubber found between the tread blocks of a tire. When the tread is worn flush with the tread wear indicators, the tire has reached its wear limit and must be replaced as it no longer provides sufficient traction in the rain or snow. ** </p> <p>Regular or "all-season" tires, including wide and high-performance tires, may be adequate in some areas; but may not be suitable for driving in the snowbelt regions of southern Ontario and throughout the north. If you live and drive in these areas, consider using winter tires. They improve driving safety by providing better traction, braking and handling during frost, snow, slush, and particularly under icy conditions. Installing four winter tires provides greater control and stability. Never mix tires of different tread, size and construction. Also, consider adding traction control and stability control options when purchasing your next vehicle. </p> <p>*Recommended tread depth from the Highway Traffic Act. Regulations 611 and 625.</p>urn:uuid:a9e57b04-14f4-4913-aefa-465ab2704e9eWinter is upon us, and winter driving comes with it. While safety is an important consideration all year long, there are certainly some auto maintenance jobs and safety checks that are specific to chilled air and winter driving that are a good idea t...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:46:15 -0600Winter is upon us, and winter driving comes with it. While safety is an important consideration all year long, there are certainly some auto maintenance jobs and safety checks that are specific to chilled air and winter driving that are a good idea to check into before we're knee deep in the season. To be sure you don't end up a road popsicle, or even worse end up with your holiday budget on ice thanks to unexpected repairs, have a look under the hood to be sure things are ship shape. As with any change of season, you should go to your <a href="http://autorepair.about.com/od/regularmaintenance/index.htm">regular maintenance</a> log to make sure you are up to date on the maintenance items that should be taken care of throughout the year. The change of seasons is a great time to go through some once-a-year or twice-a-year auto maintenance tasks.urn:uuid:63b32b1c-eecb-4f84-a582-50f27c65b806Here are safe winter driving tips to reduce accidents and coverage rates. 1. Drive slowly. Leave early to avoid speeding, especially when conditions are hazardous. When there is snow and ice on the road, traction is reduced and so should the speed of...Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:26:16 -0600Here are safe winter driving tips to reduce accidents and coverage rates. <p>1. Drive slowly. Leave early to avoid speeding, especially when conditions are hazardous. When there is snow and ice on the road, traction is reduced and so should the speed of a car. If the weather is exceedingly dangerous, save unnecessary trips for when conditions improve. The best way to prevent an accident and keep automobile insurance rates low is to avoid driving when unneeded.</p> <p>2. Increase the follow distance. A three second follow distance from the car ahead should be followed in normal conditions. When roads are slippery or at nighttime, this time should be increased to at least five seconds. Rear-ending someone will be an at-fault accident and will likely increase the policy.</p> <p>3. Use brakes effectively. If brakes are slammed on quickly, the car will usually spin out of control. Drivers should anticipate slowdowns and gently apply pressure. Most cars today have anti-lock brakes that should not be pumped but should have consistent pressure applied.</p> <p>4. Be aware of where ice forms. This is usually on overpasses, bridges, intersections and shady areas. Slow down and remain alert. If the car hits a patch of black ice, remove pressure from the gas pedal and do not brake. Do not overcompensate with the steering wheel; rather, make small and slow adjustments. When the car regains traction, reduce speed and stay alert.</p> <p>5. Do not rely too heavily on technology. Even if the automobile has four-wheel drive, new winter tires, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes, good driving techniques still need to be employed.</p>urn:uuid:b88b4f93-c379-4fbe-be46-0d05e554df83riverside dr location: wed 10 - 3, thursday closed, friday open ft campbell location: wed 10 - 3, thurday closed , friday closed Have a Happy Turkey Day and Thanks to all of our clientsWed, 23 Nov 2011 07:56:36 -0600riverside dr location: wed 10 - 3, thursday closed, friday open<br /> <br /> ft campbell location: wed 10 - 3, thurday closed , friday closed<br /> <br /> Have a Happy Turkey Day and Thanks to all of our clientsurn:uuid:cacb4483-5556-479e-aa5e-6193185d4d92prog ad.pdfMon, 21 Nov 2011 14:44:16 -0600<a href="/img/~www.insr4less.com/NewFolder/prog ad.pdf">prog ad.pdf</a>urn:uuid:24ed1aaf-2458-4ef0-a22d-07e6e8282d68http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000596241993Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:44:37 -0600<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000596241993">http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000596241993</a>urn:uuid:f872dd78-465e-45c8-ad27-bd8a564dec4bMost Americans saw their insurance bills jump this year, according to a new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The average employer-based premium for a family increased a startling 9% in 2011. Over the next decade, rates are expected to double....Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:16:49 -0500<p>Most Americans saw their insurance bills jump this year, according to a new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The average employer-based premium for a family<strong> </strong>increased a startling 9% in 2011. Over the next decade, rates are expected to double.</p> <p>The Kaiser report is only the latest piece of research to indicate that ObamaCare isn&rsquo;t driving down health care costs, as its proponents promised, but is instead accelerating their rise.</p> <p>This year, the average premium for a family hit $15,073 &mdash; $1,303, or 9%,<strong> </strong>higher than the year before. And that&rsquo;s on top of increases of 5% in 2009 and 3% in 2010.</p>urn:uuid:5b140a6c-865d-4eef-a3cd-8157e32438c2Government-run auto-insurance schemes in three provinces continue to charge some of the highest rates in the country, according to a new study. &nbsp; But the highest auto-insurance premiums are apparently in a province with no such government monopo...Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:40:09 -0500Government-run auto-insurance schemes in three provinces continue to charge some of the highest rates in the country, according to a new study. <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>But the highest auto-insurance premiums are apparently in a province with no such government monopoly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The study, released Monday, found that Ontarians pay the highest rates of any Canadian drivers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Fraser Institute, a right-leaning think-tank, found that the average auto-insurance premium in British Columbia was $1,113 in 2009 &mdash; the most recent year for which data are available &mdash; $1,049 in Saskatchewan, and $1,027 in Manitoba.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ontario had the highest average premium at $1,281, while the lowest average premium, $642, was found in Quebec.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Fraser Institute chalked up the high Ontario premiums to a combination of high levels of insurance fraud driving up claims costs, rate-setting regulations and mandatory minimum liability and accident-benefits laws.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The think-tank estimated the insurance costs based on publicly available data.</p>urn:uuid:c3b157a9-9e07-4d28-87b4-6070d36f9173Despite laws in nearly every state requiring auto insurance, one in seven drivers in the USA goes uncovered. That's according to an industry group that estimates 13.8% of motorists are uninsured, a number that has climbed during the economic downtur...Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:22:03 -0500<div class="inside-copy">Despite laws in nearly every state requiring auto insurance, one in seven drivers in the USA goes uncovered. </div> <p class="inside-copy">That's according to an industry group that estimates 13.8% of motorists are uninsured, a number that has climbed during the economic downturn as many financially-pressed Americans allowed their insurance to lapse.</p> <p class="inside-copy">"Over the last 20 years, uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate have tracked fairly closely," says David Corum, vice president of the Insurance Research Council, a non-profit supported by insurers.</p> <p class="inside-copy">Insured drivers pay a hefty price for fellow motorists who have no policies &mdash; $10.8 billion in 2007, according to the most recent data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.</p> <p class="inside-copy">"Most of the people that do have insurance have coverage that includes uninsured motorist coverage &hellip; to protect them (if) they're injured in an accident caused by another motorist who does not have insurance," Corum says.</p> <p class="inside-copy">Automobile insurance is compulsory in every state except New Hampshire, says Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute&mdash; but that doesn't deter scofflaws.</p> <p class="inside-copy">"Laws in most states have proven ineffective in reducing the numbers of drivers who are uninsured," Worters says. "Some drivers can't afford insurance, and some drivers with surcharges for accidents or serious traffic violations don't want to pay the high premiums that result from a poor driving record. It is costly to track down violators of compulsory insurance laws, and unless the odds of getting caught are high and the penalties severe, drivers will continue to flout the law."</p> <p class="inside-copy">The rate of uninsured motorists varies widely &mdash; from 4% in Massachusetts to 28% in Mississippi, according to the IRC.</p> <p class="inside-copy">In Massachusetts, drivers must show proof of insurance before they can register a vehicle. Insurance commissioner Joseph Murphy attributes his state's low rate of uninsured motorists largely to that requirement. About half the states have a similar requirement, according to the Insurance Information Institute.</p> <p class="inside-copy">Mississippi, however, has no way for police to determine whether a driver has coverage, says insurance commissioner Mike Chaney. He says he worries about privacy and entrapment if data are misused, and his state doesn't require proof of insurance. "The legislature has never had the fortitude or the backbone to do it," he says.</p>urn:uuid:ed55ad3d-51f9-4a73-b71b-35ea204cf244<img src='https://www.foragentsonly.com/images/back_to_top.gif' align='left' />Tennessee Customers Offered Assistance Following Storms Wed, May 11, 2011 Your customers may have been affected by the recent weather. We recognize that they have a lot to deal with right now, and the last thing we want them to worry about is their...Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:59:18 -0500<a name="20217">Tennessee Customers Offered Assistance Following Storms</a> Wed, May 11, 2011 <br /> <br /> <p>Your customers may have been affected by the recent weather. We recognize that they have a lot to deal with right now, and the last thing we want them to worry about is their auto insurance. </p> <p><strong>Counties Affected:</strong></p> <p>Anderson, Blount, Bradley, Carter, Cocke, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Morgan, Polk, Rhea, Sequache, Sevier, Sullivan, Union, and Unisoi, Shelby (Memphis), Tipton, Lauderdale, Dyer, Lake </p> <p>If your customer has a bill due, please encourage them to call us at 1-800-876-5581. We can help if they're concerned about maintaining their coverage, or need extra time to make a payment.</p> <p>This applies to all Progressive insurance products, including Private Passenger Auto, Motorcycle, Boat, RV, and Commercial Auto.</p> <p>For customers who have signed up for their funds to be processed electronically, we&rsquo;ll continue to withdraw their insurance payment from their bank as usual, unless they ask us to stop.</p> <p>We hope you and your family are safe as well. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact your local account sales representative.</p> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.foragentsonly.com/news/statenews.aspx#"><img alt="" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" src="https://www.foragentsonly.com/images/back_to_top.gif"></img></a><br />urn:uuid:129572f4-151c-4d67-96f8-780e5797b65a<img src='https://www.foragentsonly.com/images/back_to_top.gif' align='left' />Tennessee Customers Offered Assistance Following Storms Wed, May 11, 2011 Your customers may have been affected by the recent weather. We recognize that they have a lot to deal with right now, and the last thing we want them to worry about is their...Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:59:12 -0500<a name="20217">Tennessee Customers Offered Assistance Following Storms</a> Wed, May 11, 2011 <br /> <br /> <p>Your customers may have been affected by the recent weather. We recognize that they have a lot to deal with right now, and the last thing we want them to worry about is their auto insurance. </p> <p><strong>Counties Affected:</strong></p> <p>Anderson, Blount, Bradley, Carter, Cocke, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Morgan, Polk, Rhea, Sequache, Sevier, Sullivan, Union, and Unisoi, Shelby (Memphis), Tipton, Lauderdale, Dyer, Lake </p> <p>If your customer has a bill due, please encourage them to call us at 1-800-876-5581. We can help if they're concerned about maintaining their coverage, or need extra time to make a payment.</p> <p>This applies to all Progressive insurance products, including Private Passenger Auto, Motorcycle, Boat, RV, and Commercial Auto.</p> <p>For customers who have signed up for their funds to be processed electronically, we&rsquo;ll continue to withdraw their insurance payment from their bank as usual, unless they ask us to stop.</p> <p>We hope you and your family are safe as well. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact your local account sales representative.</p> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.foragentsonly.com/news/statenews.aspx#"><img alt="" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" src="https://www.foragentsonly.com/images/back_to_top.gif"></img></a><br />urn:uuid:441eeeee-1b58-4b76-a064-78f0a856e418To: AUTO, NATIONAL AND TRANSPORTATION EDITORS Contact: Wade Newton, Alliance, +1-202-326-5571, or J.T. Griffin, MADD, +1-202-974-2470 &nbsp; &nbsp; WASHINGTON, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A broad range of safety, auto, insurance and alco...Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:16:33 -0500<p>To: AUTO, NATIONAL AND TRANSPORTATION EDITORS</p> <p>Contact: Wade Newton, Alliance, +1-202-326-5571, or J.T. Griffin, MADD, +1-202-974-2470</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>WASHINGTON, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A broad range of safety, auto, insurance and alcohol industry groups and companies has called on Congress to pass legislation to provide funding for an advanced drunk driving detection research program which could lead to more than 8,000 fewer highway fatalities each year and a nationwide economic cost saving of approximately $130 billion annually. </p>urn:uuid:8fca4d39-9b0c-4cd5-8d82-f9b5490ea931 $1 billion in new help to flailing homeowners 66 You recommend this17%You don't recommend this83% Shared 824 times ...Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:16:14 -0500<div class="posttitle" id="ahead"> <h1>$1 billion in new help to flailing homeowners</h1> </div> <ul class="stb-minitb" id="stb-minitb"> <li class="stb-mincmnt"><a href="http://money.msn.com/home-loans/article.aspx?post=c029dd6b-1143-4bec-9734-89acadc7b682&amp;GT1=33032#" title="Read comments" class="stb-minbtn stb-mincmntbtn">66</a></li> <li class="stb-minrate"><a href="http://money.msn.com/home-loans/article.aspx?post=c029dd6b-1143-4bec-9734-89acadc7b682&amp;GT1=33032#" title="You recommend this" class="stb-minbtn stb-minyesbtn">You recommend this</a>17%<a href="http://money.msn.com/home-loans/article.aspx?post=c029dd6b-1143-4bec-9734-89acadc7b682&amp;GT1=33032#" title="You don't recommend this" class="stb-minbtn stb-minnobtn">You don't recommend this</a>83%</li> <li class="stb-minshare"><a href="http://money.msn.com/home-loans/article.aspx?post=c029dd6b-1143-4bec-9734-89acadc7b682&amp;GT1=33032#" class="stb-minbtn stb-minshrbtn">Shared 824 times</a></li> <li class="stb-minextra"> <div class=" fb_reset" id="fb-root"> <div style="top: -10000px; width: 0px; height: 0px; position: absolute;"> <div><object name="XdComm" id="XdComm" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always"> <param name="_cx" value="5080"> <param name="_cy" value="5080"> <param name="FlashVars" value=""> <param name="Movie" value="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/yx/r/WFg56j28XFs.swf"> <param name="Src" value="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/yx/r/WFg56j28XFs.swf"> <param name="WMode" value="Window"> <param name="Play" value="0"> <param name="Loop" value="-1"> <param name="Quality" value="High"> <param name="SAlign" value=""> <param name="Menu" value="-1"> <param name="Base" value=""> <param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="Scale" value="ShowAll"> <param name="DeviceFont" value="0"> <param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"> <param name="BGColor" value=""> <param name="SWRemote" value=""> <param name="MovieData" value=""> <param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"> <param name="Profile" value="0"> <param name="ProfileAddress" value=""> <param name="ProfilePort" value="0"> <param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"> <param name="AllowFullScreen" value="false"> <param name="_cx" value="5080"> <param name="_cy" value="5080"> <param name="FlashVars" value=""> <param name="Movie" value="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/yx/r/WFg56j28XFs.swf"> <param name="Src" value="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/yx/r/WFg56j28XFs.swf"> <param name="WMode" value="Window"> <param name="Play" value="0"> <param name="Loop" value="-1"> <param name="Quality" value="High"> <param name="SAlign" value=""> <param name="Menu" value="-1"> <param name="Base" value=""> <param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="Scale" value="ShowAll"> <param name="DeviceFont" value="0"> <param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"> <param name="BGColor" value=""> <param name="SWRemote" value=""> <param name="MovieData" value=""> <param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"> <param name="Profile" value="0"> <param name="ProfileAddress" value=""> <param name="ProfilePort" value="0"> <param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"> <param name="AllowFullScreen" value="false"> <param name="_cx" value="5080"> <param name="_cy" value="5080"> <param name="FlashVars" value=""> <param name="Movie" value="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/yx/r/WFg56j28XFs.swf"> <param name="Src" value="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/yx/r/WFg56j28XFs.swf"> <param name="WMode" value="Window"> <param name="Play" value="0"> <param name="Loop" value="-1"> <param name="Quality" value="High"> <param name="SAlign" value=""> <param name="Menu" value="-1"> <param name="Base" value=""> <param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="Scale" value="ShowAll"> <param name="DeviceFont" value="0"> <param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"> <param name="BGColor" value=""> <param name="SWRemote" value=""> <param name="MovieData" value=""> <param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"> <param name="Profile" value="0"> <param name="ProfileAddress" value=""> <param name="ProfilePort" value="0"> <param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"> <param name="AllowFullScreen" value="false"> <param name="movie" value="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/yx/r/WFg56j28XFs.swf"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></object></div> </div> </div> <iframe name="f297e8b2dddff58" title="Like this content on Facebook." class="fb_ltr" id="f332e417c8310a" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?action=like&amp;channel_url=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fconnect%2Fxd_proxy.php%3Fversion%3D3%23cb%3Df1e0cc485f7d57f%26origin%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fmoney.msn.com%252Ff4f2b94fda04f3%26relation%3Dparent.parent%26transport%3Dpostmessage&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;font=arial&amp;href=http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.msn.com%2Fhome-loans%2Farticle.aspx%3Fpost%3Dc029dd6b-1143-4bec-9734-89acadc7b682%26gt1%3D33032%26scptb%3Df&amp;layout=button_count&amp;locale=en_US&amp;node_type=link&amp;sdk=joey&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=90" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border: currentcolor; width: 90px; height: 21px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></li> </ul> <div class="pst_st"> <h2>Only about 30,000 are expected to get these interest-free loans, which can eventually be forgiven by the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program.</h2> </div> <div class="pst_dt">By <a href="http://money.msn.com/keyword.aspx?author=XAhkTUB1SIb_T9Pjnamq4dgPRrrxR7Yf8">MSN Money partner</a> on Wed, Jun 22, 2011 1:36 PM</div> <div id="placeholder_1"></div> <div class="pst_bod" id="abody"> <p><b><i>This post comes from Marilyn Lewis at <a href="http://money.msn.com/" title="http://money.msn.com/">MSN Money</a>.</i></b></p> <p> </p> <p>The word (OK, two words) for today is: <i>Get moving</i>.</p> <p> </p> <p>Homeowners have until July 22 to get pre-screened for a new, <a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlphome" title="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlphome">interest-free government loan</a> intended to help delinquent homeowners stave off foreclosure. In fact, for those who play by the rules, the loan isn't really a loan -- it's a gift.</p> <p> </p> <p>No reason is offered for the short deadline, only that the next four weeks are for "pre-screening" applicants. After that, presumably, selected homeowners will be allowed to apply.</p> <p> </p> <p>The $1 billion in aid -- money provided in the <a href="http://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/Documents/Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Top%2010%20Things%20You%20Should%20Know%20About%20the%20Dodd-Frank%20Wall%20Street%20Reform%20and%20Consumer%20Protection%20Act.pdf.p" title="http://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/Documents/Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Top%2010%20Things%20You%20Should%20Know%20About%20the%20Dodd-Frank%20Wall%20Street%20Reform%20and%20Consumer%20Protection%20Act.pdf.p">Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act</a> (.pdf file) -- was announced this week. </p> <p> </p> <p>"The program, known as the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program, is expected to help up to 30,000 distressed borrowers, according to HUD," says <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/hud-program-to-aid-distressed-borrowers/2011/06/20/AGxdjYdH_story.html" title="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/hud-program-to-aid-distressed-borrowers/2011/06/20/AGxdjYdH_story.html">The Washington Post</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p>That's about $34,000 apiece, on average. Sounds great, but of course there are plenty of caveats and qualifications.</p> <p> </p> <p><b>Who's eligible?</b></p> <p>Apply if:</p> <ul> <li>You're (involuntarily) unemployed or underemployed after losing a job or because of a serious medical condition. </li> <li>You're at least 90 days delinquent on your mortgage payments on your primary home. </li> <li>You've received a notice of foreclosure. </li> <li>Your income has dropped by at least 15%. </li> <li>You're likely to be able to resume home payments within two years. </li> <li>You meet the income eligibility criteria. Roughly, that's if your household income in 2009 was at or below $75,000 a year or 120% of the <a href="https://www.efanniemae.com/sf/refmaterials/hudmedinc/" title="https://www.efanniemae.com/sf/refmaterials/hudmedinc/">area median income</a> for a household size of four.</li> </ul> <p><b>These loans can become gifts</b></p> <p>These "bridge loans" of up to $50,000 are "<a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/how" title="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/how">forgivable</a>," says HUD. They appear to be carefully constructed to reduce the incentive for <a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=underwater+mortgage&amp;go=&amp;qs=n&amp;sk=&amp;sc=8-19&amp;form=MSMONY" title="http://www.bing.com/search?q=underwater+mortgage&amp;go=&amp;qs=n&amp;sk=&amp;sc=8-19&amp;form=MSMONY">underwater homeowners</a> to <a href="http://money.msn.com/home-loans/are-you-foolish-to-pay-your-mortgage-weston.aspx" title="http://money.msn.com/home-loans/are-you-foolish-to-pay-your-mortgage-weston.aspx">walk away from their homes</a>. </p> <p> </p> <p>Here's how the program works: </p> <ul> <li>Lucky approved homeowners will get one-time help to become current on overdue mortgage costs and make monthly (first lien) mortgage payments (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) for a maximum of two years or $50,000. </li> <li>The loan becomes a junior lien against the borrower's home. No payments on the loan are due for five years if the borrower stays current on mortgage payments and meets other requirements. After that, the loan balance is reduced by 20% a year until nothing is owed and the junior lien is eliminated.</li> </ul> <p>The loans are available only in 32 states and Puerto Rico. Participating states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.</p> <p> </p> <p><b>Tips:</b></p> <ul> <li>You can fill out the <a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlpsurvey" title="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlpsurvey">pre-screening questionnaire</a> beginning in the middle of <a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlpsurvey" title="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlpsurvey">this page</a>. </li> <li><a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlpstates" title="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlpstates">Look here</a> to find eligibility requirements and application details for most states. </li> <li><a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlpsimilar" title="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/ehlp/ehlpsimilar">Check here</a> for help in Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland and Pennsylvania. </li> <li>Here's a <a href="http://www.nw.org/network/foreclosure/nfmcp/documents/EHLPDocumentChecklistforHomeownersSelectedintheLottery.pdf" title="http://www.nw.org/network/foreclosure/nfmcp/documents/EHLPDocumentChecklistforHomeownersSelectedintheLottery.pdf">checklist of documents</a> (.pdf file) you'll need to apply. </li> <li>To get help applying from an agency or counselor, go to <a href="http://www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org/network/nfmc_lookup/" title="http://www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org/network/nfmc_lookup/">the bottom of this page</a> and choose a participating state. (It won't work if you select a state that's not in the list above). </li> <li>Call toll-free (855) 346-3345 or email <a href="mailto:ehlp@nw.org" title="mailto:ehlp@nw.org">ehlp@nw.org</a> with questions. </li> <li>Or get help from a HUD-approved <a href="http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm" title="http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm">housing counseling agency</a>.</li> </ul> <p><b>Watch for fraud</b></p> <p>Beware of fraudsters, who are bound to crop up like toadstools after a rain. <a href="http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2011/06/feds-offer-1-billion-bailout-for-homeowners.html" title="http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2011/06/feds-offer-1-billion-bailout-for-homeowners.html">ConsumerAffairs.com says</a> that legitimate agencies won't phone you. You'll have to call them. </p> <p> </p> <p>The rules require that you <i>personally<b> </b></i>apply for the loan. In other words, if someone calls you, asks for advance payment and promises to apply on your behalf, you've hooked a con artist and you'd be a dope to participate.</p> <p> </p> <p>On the other hand, <a href="http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2011/06/feds-offer-1-billion-bailout-for-homeowners.html" title="http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2011/06/feds-offer-1-billion-bailout-for-homeowners.html">ConsumerAffairs</a> says, the actual, legitimate government program itself can sound a little fishy:</p> <h5>It may sound like a classic foreclosure rescue scam: a limited-time offer for a free government loan to save your home. But this time the offer is legitimate.</h5> <p><b>The rest of the states</b></p> <p>You may be wondering: Why only some states? </p> <p> </p> <p>The answer: Homeowners in the other states already are getting billions of dollars in help from the <a href="http://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/financial-stability/housing-programs/hhf/Pages/default.aspx" title="http://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/financial-stability/housing-programs/hhf/Pages/default.aspx">Hardest Hit Fund</a>. <i>Post continues after this video about Florida's Hardest Hit Fund.</i></p> </div>urn:uuid:059cf384-4a4e-41f6-8a26-7d642357cbf6Renters insurance is one of the last things most people think about when they move into an apartment. About 95% of home owners purchase insurance for their house and belongings, while only 55% of renters purchase insurance to protect their assets. ...Fri, 27 May 2011 16:25:46 -0500Renters insurance is one of the last things most people think about when they move into an apartment. <br /> <br /> About 95% of home owners purchase insurance for their house and belongings, while only 55% of renters purchase insurance to protect their assets. Most renters do not realize that if there is a problem where they live, they are not covered by the landlord&rsquo;s insurance. Fire, lightning, theft, roof and plumbing leaks can all damage to your personal property, thus the need for renters insurance.<br /> |<br /> In addition, most renters insurance policies also provide coverage for additional living expenses and liability. Additional living expense will cover your living expenses in another location if your home or apartment becomes unlivable following a loss. Liability coverage provides bodily injury and property damage protection in the event you are liable for damage you cause to someone else&rsquo;s property or for injuries to others while they are on your premise.<br /> <br /> <strong>Some common misperceptions about renters insurance include:</strong> <ul> <li> Renters insurance is too expensive. For the price you would pay to see a movie a week, you can purchase a renters policy. A basic policy can cost as little as $100 per year.</li> <li> I don&rsquo;t have many valuables. A renters policy can cover everything from your clothing to electronics and household appliances. These things really add up if you had to replace all of your belongings following an apartment fire.</li> <li> I&rsquo;m a safe person, I don&rsquo;t need coverage. If you live in an apartment with more than one unit, you need to be concerned about the neighbors. Smoking in bed, grilling on a deck, and leaving their stove on are all things that are not your fault, but can cause a fire that damages your unit, and your possessions.</li> <li> A renters insurance policy may also qualify you for a discount on your automobile policy. All things considered, renters insurance is a &ldquo;must-have&rdquo; for most tenants.</li> </ul>urn:uuid:45d440b1-e7aa-4160-887f-0f37febeb8d3Combining policies Many insurance companies provide discounts for both your home and auto insurance under the same provider. Discounts also are available for other insurance policies such as boat, RV, motorcycle, golf carts, etc. Multi-policy discoun...Thu, 26 May 2011 17:50:15 -0500Combining policies<br /> Many insurance companies provide discounts for both your home and auto insurance under the same provider. Discounts also are available for other insurance policies such as boat, RV, motorcycle, golf carts, etc. Multi-policy discounts are a great way to save on overall premiums. <br /> Low deductibles<br /> If an insurance deductible is low, the cutsomer may be paying too much. A simple trick is to have an agent provide a price for a $500 and a $1,000 deductible. Customers probably will be surprised at how this small change can affect your annual premium. <br /> Get discounts<br /> Companies reward consumers with a variety of discounts. Be sure to ask if any of these apply:<br /> &deg; Teen drivers with good grades<br /> &deg; College student away from home with no car<br /> &deg; Safe driver discounts<br /> &deg; Vehicle safety ratings<br /> &deg; Anti-theft devices<br /> &deg; Low vehicle mileage per year &mdash; carpool?<br /> &deg; Good credit<br /> &deg; Advanced shopping discount, shopping ahead of when a policy expires<br /> &deg; Paying in full or automatic payments via EFT or credit cars<br /> &deg; Hybrid car discounts <br /> Unneccessary coverage<br /> With an older vehicle that isn't worth a lot, it may not make sense to pay extra for collision or comprehensive insurance.<br /> If disability insurance already has been purtchased, savings could be realized by eliminating medical payments coverage as part of an auto insurance policy. <br /> Umbrella policies<br /> Umbrella policies provide an extra cushion of insurance protection. It covers damage claims caused by you or your dependents. This policy kicks in when auto or homeowners policies reach their limit. <br /> Let's say a payment of $700,000 is required from an auto accident. If an auto insurance policy has a liability limit of $300,000, a $1 million umbrella policy will cover the remaining damages. In today's society, lawsuits and large jury verdicts are not uncommon. This inexpensive policy can be well worth the cost.urn:uuid:6d24cc7f-c45b-44f1-bcae-2ff534b83566<img src='http://www.insurance.com/imagesvr_ce/9117/violations.jpg' align='left' />Car insurance rates soar as tickets pile up By Chris Kissell Posted : 05/23/2011 1diggdigg Print RSS Car insurance rates soar for drivers who have one moving violation and jump by more than 50 percent after three violations, according to...Thu, 26 May 2011 10:31:19 -0500<h1>Car insurance rates soar as tickets pile up</h1> <div class="publish"> <div>By Chris Kissell</div> <p>Posted : 05/23/2011</p> </div> <div class="yui-g ind article"><!-- Tools - Start here --> <div class="tools"> <div class="facebook"><fb:FB:LIKE class=" fb_edge_widget_with_comment fb_iframe_widget" layout="button_count" show_faces="true" width="150"><span><iframe name="f1367834b546854" title="Like this content on Facebook." class="fb_ltr" id="f2ade916fb0aeb4" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?channel_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insurance.com%2Fauto-insurance%2Fsaving-money%2Fcar-insurance-violations.html%3Ffb_xd_fragment%23%3F%3D%26cb%3Dffa093649eba09%26relation%3Dparent.parent%26transport%3Dfragment&amp;href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insurance.com%2Fauto-insurance%2Fsaving-money%2Fcar-insurance-violations.html&amp;layout=button_count&amp;locale=en_US&amp;node_type=link&amp;sdk=joey&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border: currentcolor; width: 150px; height: 21px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></span></fb:FB:LIKE></div> <div class="socialMedia"><span class="db-body db-compact"><span class="db-count">1</span><span class="db-copy">digg</span><a class="db-anchor"><span style="color: #000000;">digg</span></a></span></div> <div class="twitter"><iframe tabindex="0" title="Twitter For Websites: Tweet Button" class="twitter-share-button twitter-count-horizontal" src="http://platform0.twitter.com/widgets/tweet_button.html?_=1306423555076&amp;count=horizontal&amp;lang=en&amp;text=Car%20insurance%20rates%20soar%20as%20tickets%20pile%20up&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insurance.com%2Fauto-insurance%2Fsaving-money%2Fcar-insurance-violations.html" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width: 110px; height: 20px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> <div class="socialMedia"> <script src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=1"> </script> <iframe src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/badge/embed/1/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insurance.com%2Fauto-insurance%2Fsaving-money%2Fcar-insurance-violations.html" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border: currentcolor; width: 74px; height: 18px; overflow: hidden;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div> <div class="print"><a href="javascript:window.print()"><span></span><span style="color: #0066cc;">Print</span></a></div> <div class="rss"><a href="http://www.insurance.com/api/rss.ashx"><span></span><span style="color: #0066cc;">RSS</span></a></div> </div> <!-- Tools - Ends here --> <div class="articleContent"> <p><a href="http://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance.aspx"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><img width="301" height="200" title="Car insurance violations" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px; float: right;" alt="Car insurance violations" src="http://www.insurance.com/imagesvr_ce/9117/violations.jpg"></img>Car insurance</span></a> rates soar for drivers who have one moving violation and jump by more than 50 percent after three violations, according to an Insurance.com analysis of more than 32,000 insurance policies sold in 2010.</p> <p>Drivers who bought a one-car, single-driver policy last year and had one violation in their driving history paid an average of 18 percent more for car insurance than drivers with no violations.</p> <p>The numbers get worse as your offenses pile up. Drivers with two violations paid 34 percent more for insurance, and drivers with three violations tacked on a whopping 53 percent to their insurance costs when compared to drivers who were violation-free.</p> <table width="421" align="center" bordercolor="black" style="height: 102px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 133px;"><strong>Number of violations<br /> </strong></td> <td valign="top" style="width: 128px;"> <p><strong>Average annual premium</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 151px;"> <p><strong>Percentage increase compared to zero violations</strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 133px;"> <p>0</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 128px;"> <p>$1,119</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 151px;"> <p>_</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 133px;"> <p>1</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 128px;"> <p>$1,318</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 151px;"> <p>18 percent</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 133px;"> <p>2</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 128px;"> <p>$1,497</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 151px;"> <p>34 percent</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 133px;"> <p>3</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 128px;"> <p>$1,713</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 151px;"> <p>53 percent</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Some of the <a href="http://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/saving-money/how-violations-affect-your-car-insurance-rates.aspx"><span style="color: #0066cc;">violations that hurt</span></a> your car insurance rates include:</p> <ul> <li>Speeding tickets </li> <li>Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol </li> <li>Careless or reckless driving </li> <li>Running red lights</li> <li>Failure to yield or stop at a sign</li> <li>Fleeing from police</li> <li>Driving the wrong way down a divided highway</li> <li>Improper passing</li> <li>Unsafe U-turn</li> <li>Failure to use a child restraint<strong><br /> </strong></li> </ul> <p>Soaring rates for multiple infractions do not surprise Robert Passmore, spokesperson for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, an industry trade group.</p> <p>He says insurers raise rates on repeat offenders to account for the higher risk of insuring such drivers.</p> <p>"It's a pattern of behavior," Passmore says. "If a person has one ticket in 10 years and someone else has three tickets in six months, you tell me [who is going to get the lower rate]."</p> <p>The news is especially bad for drivers age 65 and older. A separate analysis of nearly 400,000 rate quotes from 2010 found that quoted car insurance rates for drivers in the 65 and older age group jumped 57 percent after two violations when compared to drivers with no violations. The next closet age group &ndash; drivers ages 55 to 64 &ndash; saw a less damaging 47 percent rise in their quoted rate after two violations.</p> <h3><strong>Lowering your car insurance rates</strong></h3> <p>Which violation hurts your rate the most?</p> <p>"Obviously, a DUI is going to be one of the worst" for rate increases, Passmore says. But he adds that each insurer calculates rates differently, so a specific type of violation may be priced higher by one insurer than by another.</p> <p>If an insurer raises your auto insurance rate after a violation, there are still ways to cut those costs, including:<br /> <br /> The Augustine Insurance Group. Clarsksville , Tn <a href="http://www.insr4less.com">www.insr4less.com</a></p> </div> </div>urn:uuid:8c2ca0f5-9194-4328-b370-628599f1953b With gasoline prices teetering at nearly $4 a gallon, pain at the pump is crimping some Memorial Day travel plans. The auto club AAA is projecting that 34.9 million Americans will take trips at least 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend, an u...Wed, 25 May 2011 14:28:20 -0500<div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;border: medium none;"> <p>With gasoline prices teetering at nearly $4 a gallon, pain at the pump is crimping some Memorial Day travel plans.</p> <p>The auto club AAA is projecting that 34.9 million Americans will take trips at least 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend, an uptick of 0.2 percent - or 100,000 travelers - over last year's 34.8 million.</p> <p>But soaring gas prices are a deterrent, causing travel to be relatively flat, despite a better economy.</p> <br /> <br /> </div>urn:uuid:b7b32826-ce93-4612-b6dd-2403854ab1e3<img src='http://www.insr4less.com/img/~www.insr4less.com/auto_TN.png' align='left' />Mon, 23 May 2011 13:56:53 -0500<img alt="" src="/img/~www.insr4less.com/auto_TN.png" />urn:uuid:7291234a-1ae8-48d4-b0b6-8a4e4a34bfb5 Free Pet Injury Coverage Now Available on Commercial Policies Starting March 8, 2011, you can provide your commercial customers up to $1,000 w...Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:29:41 -0500<table id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_StoryContent_TitleTable"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h1>Free Pet Injury Coverage Now Available on Commercial Policies</h1> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_StoryContent_contentTable"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="pg_text"> <p>Starting March 8, 2011, you can provide your commercial customers up to $1,000 worth of coverage at no additional cost when their dog or cat is injured in a covered collision.</p> <p>One in five companies allows dogs at work, meaning Fido or Fluffy often tag along in your commercial customers&rsquo; vehicles. Help give them peace of mind that their pets are protected.</p> <p><strong>Getting the coverage</strong><br /> Existing Progressive Commercial customers with Collision coverage on at least one vehicle on the policy now receive Pet Injury coverage at no additional cost. New customers who are interested in the coverage should purchase Collision for at least one vehicle on the commercial policy to get the pet benefit. </p> <p><strong>Unleash your sales potential</strong><br /> Pet Injury coverage makes it easier for you to gain new customers and retain existing customers by giving pet owners additional reasons to consider us when shopping for commercial auto insurance.<strong></strong></p> <p>To remind them, order our pet promotional items, available via the Brand Express or through your Progressive salesperson.</p> <p>They&rsquo;ll also receive notification about the new coverage via an insert in their renewal packets.</p> <p><a href="/pdf/PetInjuryFAQ.pdf" target="_blank">Here are answers</a> to the most common questions about Pet Injury coverage. Or, contact your Progressive Commercial sales representative for additional details.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> <br />urn:uuid:30167c68-3695-4767-bd90-549b4b32f609<img src='http://www.pellmansauto.com/Services/PreventiveMaintenance/imgs/seasonal-checkup.jpg' align='left' /> Fall and Spring Check-Ups Fall and Spring Check-Ups Service Includes: Oil and filter change (up to 5 quarts oil); Battery service, Radiator drain &amp; fill, and a complete inspection including: Visually inspect air filter, fuel filter, brake &am...Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:09:13 -0500<div style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px;"> <h1>Fall and Spring Check-Ups </h1> <div class="pm_img"><img alt="seasonal checkups in boulder" src="http://www.pellmansauto.com/Services/PreventiveMaintenance/imgs/seasonal-checkup.jpg" /> </div> Fall and Spring Check-Ups <p>Service Includes: Oil and filter change (up to 5 quarts oil); Battery service, Radiator drain &amp; fill, and a complete inspection including: Visually inspect air filter, fuel filter, brake &amp; chassis, clutch operation, belts, hoses, lights, wipers, tires, cooling system, exhaust system, shocks &amp; struts, suspension, steering, and alignment. Check all fluid levels, and condition where applicable. </p> <p>Why: Prepares your car for changing road conditions specific to the upcoming season. </p> <p><img alt="automobile checkups in boulder" src="http://www.pellmansauto.com/Services/PreventiveMaintenance/imgs/camping.jpg" /> </p> </div>urn:uuid:c89b66ff-4999-4ad5-8fa8-b28b1ea35dfa<img src='http://www.naic.org/Email_art/consumer_alert.gif' align='left' /> YOUR ANNUAL INSURANCE CHECK-UP: Five Questions to Ask Your Agent About the Insurance on Your Home Without looking, wh...Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:05:11 -0500<table width="750" align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 750px;"> <p><img alt="" width="750" height="77" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.naic.org/Email_art/consumer_alert.gif" /></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table width="750" align="center" border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 172px;"> <p class="style30"><strong>YOUR ANNUAL INSURANCE CHECK-UP:<br /> </strong><em><strong>Five Questions to Ask Your Agent About the Insurance on Your Home</strong></em></p> <p class="style28">Without looking, what is the value of the contents of your home covered by insurance? Is a flood covered? If someone is hurt while visiting, will insurance pay medical expenses? Whether a renter or an owner, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) suggests a review of all insurance policies annually. It is a chance to brush up on what is covered, and to evaluate whether the coverage is still adequate (or too much) for your current situation.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p><strong>When reviewing your policy, find the answers to these three questions:</strong></p> <p><strong>1. What type of coverage do I have?</strong></p> <p><em>Homeowners or Renter&rsquo;s.</em> &nbsp;A homeowners insurance policy covers the structure, belongings and legal obligations if someone is injured at your home. A renter&rsquo;s policy does not insure the structure, but otherwise provides similar coverage. To review a list of coverages that are in a typical homeowners or renter's policy, go to <a href="http://www.insureuonline.org/">www.InsureUonline.org</a>, select the appropriate life situation on the right, then click on the "Home" tab.</p> <p><em>Replacement Values.</em> &nbsp;Check the type of replacement value provided in the policy. <strong>Actual cash value</strong> (ACV) is the amount it would take to repair damage to a home or to replace its contents <em>after</em> allowing for depreciation. <strong>Replacement cost</strong> is the amount it would take to rebuild or replace a home and its contents with similar quality materials or goods, <em>without</em> deducting for depreciation. Click <a href="http://www.naic.org/Releases/2008_docs/disaster_survey.htm">here</a> to learn more about how the difference between replacement cost and ACV could affect a claims payout.</p> <p><em>Liability Limits.</em> &nbsp;Liability insurance protects you from legal obligations arising from accidents involving visiting non-residents. With a few exceptions, such as auto or boating accidents, all-purpose liability coverage follows wherever you go. An umbrella policy can extend the liability limits of a homeowners or renter&rsquo;s policy if the policy limit is insufficient.</p> <p><em>Medical payments.</em> &nbsp;Homeowners and renter's polices typically include limited medical expense payments for injuries occurring on your premises to visiting non-residents. It may also cover medical expenses of another individual injured by you, a member of your family or a family pet while away from the home.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>2. How much coverage do I need?</strong></p> <p><em>Make a home inventory.</em> &nbsp;A home inventory is the best way to determine the appropriate level of coverage needed for contents. It is also a useful tool to have in case of a loss. When doing the home inventory, make sure to include as much detail as possible about the items. Click <a href="http://www.naic.org/index_disaster_section.htm">here</a> for a home inventory worksheet and tips to get started.</p> <p><em>Do not over insure.</em> &nbsp;Homeowners do not need to insure the value of the land a home sits on, but coverage should include any outdoor structures on the property. For both homeowners and renters, concentrate on an accurate list of belongings and be sure liability limits are at a proper level.</p> <p><strong>3. What are my deductibles and discounts?</strong></p> <p><em>Save money on homeowners or renter&rsquo;s insurance.</em> &nbsp;Deductibles and discounts are generally the easiest places to save money on this type of policy. Most companies offer discounts for people who have more than one type of insurance policy with them, and for people who have had few claims or are long-term customers. When it comes to the deductible &ndash; which is the amount you have to pay if there is a loss &ndash; usually the higher it is, the lower the premium. It's normal to consider raising a deductible to save on premium, but remember, the bill will be that much more following a claim.</p> <p><strong>After reviewing the policy, call your agent or insurance company and ask these five questions:</strong></p> <p><em>1. Is the coverage on my home and its contents adequate? Is it too much?</em></p> <p>The home inventory will help this. If you have any special items like art, jewelry, memorabilia or collections (such as stamps or coins), mention that, too. These items may require special coverage. And, running a small business at home will affect the premium, so mention that.</p> <p><em>2. Is my premium as low as I can expect it to be? Are there additional discounts available? Can /Should I raise my deductible? What about mitigating against damage from local threats?</em></p> <p>Mitigation &ndash; or taking steps to reduce a potential loss before it happens &ndash; can help limit your home's exposure to certain local risks (such as wildfire or hurricane). Ask if there are risk mitigation programs and discounts available.</p> <p><em>3. Are there any losses &ndash; like flood or earthquake &ndash; I need to worry about that are not covered in my current policy? </em></p> <p>Neither flood nor earthquake are covered by a standard homeowners or renter&rsquo;s policy. There are optional insurance policies for both disasters. Ask about available options or visit <a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/">www.Floodsmart.gov</a> for details on flood insurance. </p> <p><em>4. Would my long-term financial health benefit from an umbrella policy?</em></p> <p>An umbrella policy provides excess liability limits and possibly other additional coverages above a homeowners or renter's policy. For example, an umbrella policy can extend the liability to $1 million or more above the $250,000 limit of liability that might be in a basic homeowners policy. As your asset portfolio grows, your insurance company or agent may suggest an umbrella policy for better protection.</p> <p><em>5. Has anything changed in my coverage in the last year?</em></p> <p>Insurers may change policy terms at renewal, but they must notify you first. Read all notices and information sent from the insurance company. When talking with the agent, ask if there are any anticipated changes when the policy renews.</p> <p><strong>More Information</strong></p> <p>Get educated about your insurance choices. For more information about homeowners or renter&rsquo;s insurance and the basic coverages in a policy, go to <a href="http://www.insureuonline.org/">www.InsureUonline.org</a> and choose the life stage that best fits your life situation. Or download the NAIC Consumer's Guide to Home Insurance <a href="http://www.naic.org/documents/consumer_guide_home.pdf">here</a>.</p> <p>For specific questions about coverages or about an insurance company or agent, call the consumer representatives at your state insurance department. To quickly find their contact information go to <a href="http://map.naic.org/" title="http://map.naic.org/">http://map.naic.org</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: right;"><em>January 2011</em></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table width="750" align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 131px;"> <p><a href="http://www.insureuonline.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="" width="125" height="127" id="_x0000_i1025" style="border: 0px solid;" src="http://www.naic.org/Email_art/InsureU_logo_minishado.gif" /></a></p> </td> <td style="width: 619px;"> <p class="style16"><strong>About the NAIC</strong> </p> <p class="style16">Formed in 1871, the <a href="http://www.naic.org/">National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)</a> is a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The NAIC has three offices: Executive Office, Washington, D.C.; Central Office, Kansas City, Mo.; and Securities Valuation Office, New York City. The NAIC serves the needs of consumers and the industry, with an overriding objective of supporting state insurance regulators as they protect consumers and maintain the financial stability of the insurance marketplace. For more consumer information, visit <a href="http://www.insureuonline.org/" target="_blank">insureUonline.org</a>. <br /> <br /> </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #ffcc66;" colspan="2"> <p class="style12" style="text-align: center;">You are currently subscribed to the "NAIC News Release" electronic service.<br /> For information regarding this service, please contact:<br /> The NAIC Communications Division, 2301 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, 816.783.8003.</p> <p class="style12" style="text-align: center;">To unsubscribe from the "NAIC News Release" electronic service,<br /> send a blank e-mail to the <a href="mailto:leave-commpress@list.naic.org?subject=Remove%20from%20commpress">News Release</a> service. <br /> Or, <a href="http://www.naic.org/insprod/monthly_bulletin/exit_monthly_bulletins.jsp">click here</a> to unsubscribe from the NAIC website. </p> <p class="style12" style="text-align: center;">To unsubscribe from all NAIC Electronic Services, send a blank e-mail to <a href="mailto:optoutservices@naic.org?subject=Remove%20from%20all%20NAIC%20Electronic%20Services%20and%20commpress">NAIC Opt Out</a> services.</p> <p class="style12" style="text-align: center;"><strong>&copy;2011 National Association of Insurance Commissioners. All rights reserved.<br /> <br /> </strong></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <strong><img alt="" width="1" height="1" src="http://eforum.naic.org/db/2316749/331545/1.gif" /></strong>urn:uuid:63604860-e113-42d8-b147-58e42d2b8e10 Snapshot Discount by Augustine Ins on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 5:08pm Progressive Insurance Game-changing Snapshot Discount in national advertising and media push Program rolling out in more states; expect customer calls and inquiries Early...Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:11:21 -0500<div> <h2 class="uiHeaderTitle">Snapshot Discount</h2> </div> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="mbs mbs uiHeaderSubTitle lfloat fsm fwn fcg">by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000596241993">Augustine Ins</a> on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 5:08pm</div> <div class="uiHeaderSubActions rfloat"></div> </div> <div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"> <div> <p>Progressive Insurance</p> <br /> <br /> <p>Game-changing Snapshot Discount in national advertising and media push</p> <p>Program rolling out in more states; expect customer calls and inquiries</p> <p>Early adopters. Trendsetters. Revolutionaries. The in-crowd.</p> <p>That's us.</p> <br /> <br /> <p>You've known for years what other states are just now discovering: Snapshot is a game-changer.</p> <br /> <br /> <p>Today, we're launching a major national advertising and media campaign for Snapshot. Helping customers save up to 30 percent more on their car insurance is just the beginning; Snapshot is smart insurance. It lets customers earn the discount they deserve.</p> <br /> </div> </div>urn:uuid:39091427-0d34-46ef-9bc9-e8d1efe30ef9Helpful Information For May 2010 Flood Victims &nbsp; NEW! Most Tennesseans Can Now Purchase Flood Insurance To verify the status of any licensed Contractor or any business licensed by our Regulatory Boards, please use http://ver...Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:38:05 -0600Helpful Information For May 2010 Flood Victims <div class="Gold"><br /> <br /> <p class="Attention" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <ul class="LargeBold"> <li>NEW! <a href="http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=52059">Most Tennesseans Can Now Purchase Flood Insurance</a><br /> <br /> </li> <li>To verify the status of any licensed Contractor or any business licensed by our Regulatory Boards, please use <a href="http://licsrch.state.tn.us/">http://verify.tn.gov</a>.<a href="http://licsrch.state.tn.us/"></a><br /> <br /> </li> <li>People with insurance-related <strong>questions&nbsp;or complaints</strong>&nbsp;should email Consumer Insurance Services at <a href="mailto:CIS.complaints@tn.gov">CIS.complaints@tn.gov</a>,&nbsp;or call 615-741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029. </li> </ul> <br /> <br /> <ul class="LargeBold"> <li>People with&nbsp;questions or complaints&nbsp;about <strong>other</strong> consumer issues should&nbsp;email Consumer Affairs at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:consumer.affairs@tn.gov">consumer.affairs@tn.gov</a>,&nbsp;or call 1-800-342-8385. </li> </ul> <br /> <br /> <ul class="LargeBold"> <li>People with questions <strong>or complaints</strong>&nbsp;related to the Regulatory Boards should&nbsp;e-mail <a href="mailto:reg.boards@tn.gov">reg.boards@tn.gov</a>, or phone numbers for specific boards are available <a href="http://tennessee.gov/commerce/boards/contact.shtml">here</a>.<br /> <br /> </li> </ul> <ul class="LargeBold"> <li><a href="http://www.agriculture.utk.edu/news/releases/2010/10-05-flooda.html">Flood Recovery Tips from UT Extension</a></li> <li><a href="documents/Flood-RelatedFraud_000.pdf">Flood Related Fraud </a></li> <li><a href="documents/20100513UsedCarPurchaseFloodBrochure_000.pdf">Buying a Used Car After a Natural Disaster </a></li> <li><a href="http://health.state.tn.us/environmental/mold.htm">Health Effects of Mold </a></li> </ul> <p style="margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p> </div>urn:uuid:09c96217-a76a-41a5-b2cc-78b8f128d41e Loyalty Rewards Program The Progressive Loyalty Rewards Program provides our Auto, Motorcycle, Boat, and RV customer...Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:01:54 -0600<table id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_StoryContent_TitleTable"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h1>Loyalty Rewards Program</h1> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_StoryContent_contentTable"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="pg_text"> <style type="text/css"> </style> <p>The Progressive Loyalty Rewards Program provides our Auto, Motorcycle, Boat, and RV customers with benefits and savings for simply staying with us longer. </p> <p>Participation in the program is free and the benefits of the program increase with each renewal.</p> <p><strong>Loyalty Level Rewards </strong></p> <p>An <strong>example</strong> of the membership levels and benefits are shown below*. Or you can view the benefits in the <a href="/AgencyAdmin/BrandExpress/BrandExpress.aspx?tab=sr&amp;cat=desktop_reference">Brand Express</a>. <br /> <br /> Note: The Loyalty Rewards Program is not available in all states. Please speak to your Account Sales Representative for more information.</p> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table width="484" id="Table1" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 3px solid; border-left: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-top: #c3cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 2px solid;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 490px;"> <table width="484" align="left" class="pg_sm_text" id="RealTimeIDs" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4"> <tbody> <tr class="sm_txt" style="padding-left: 5px;"> <td valign="top" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; width: 137px; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"><strong>Loyalty <br /> Membership <br /> Benefits</strong></td> <td valign="top" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; width: 75px; color: #bcc1c6; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Silver <br /> 6 months insured with us or another company </strong></div> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; width: 76px; color: #be9969; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Gold</strong> <br /> <strong>1 year insured with us or another company</strong> </div> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; width: 76px; color: #808285; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Platinum<br /> 3 years insured with us or another company </strong></div> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; width: 78px; color: #00b2ee;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Diamond<br /> 4 years insured with us</strong></div> </td> </tr> <tr class="tableRowAltRep pg_sm_text" bordercolor="#808080" bordercolorlight="#808080" bordercolordark="#ffffff" style="background-color: #ffffff;"> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"><a href="/news/story.aspx?id=17288#u" title="Unlimited Small Accident Forgiveness" class="links" target="_blank">Unlimited Small Accident Forgiveness</a></td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #bcc1c6;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #be9969;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #808285;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #00b2ee;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr class="tableRowAltRep pg_sm_text" bordercolor="#808080" bordercolorlight="#808080" bordercolordark="#ffffff" style="background-color: #ffffff;"> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"><a href="/news/story.aspx?id=17288#n" title="Network of Preapproved Repair Shops" class="links" target="_blank">Network of Approved Repair Shops</a> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #bcc1c6;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #be9969;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #808285;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 10px; color: #00b2ee;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr class="tableRowAltRep pg_sm_text" bordercolor="#808080" bordercolorlight="#808080" bordercolordark="#ffffff" style="background-color: #ffffff;"> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"><a href="/news/story.aspx?id=17288#r" title="Renewal Guarantee" class="links" target="_blank">Renewal Guarantee</a> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #bcc1c6;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #be9969;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #808285;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> <td align="left" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #00b2ee;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr class="tableRowAltRep pg_sm_text" bordercolor="#808080" bordercolorlight="#808080" bordercolordark="#ffffff" style="background-color: #ffffff;"> <td align="left" valign="top" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"><a href="/news/story.aspx?id=17288#c" title="Continuous Insurance Discount" class="links" target="_blank">Continuous Insurance Discount </a></td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid; padding-top: 10px;"> <div style="background-color: #bcc1c6; height: 20px;"></div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid; padding-top: 10px;"> <div style="background-color: #be9969; height: 30px;"></div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid; padding-top: 10px;"> <div style="background-color: #808285; height: 40px;"></div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: #c2cfdb 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div style="background-color: #00b2ee; height: 41px;"></div> </td> </tr> <tr class="tableRowAltRep pg_sm_text" bordercolor="#808080" bordercolorlight="#808080" bordercolordark="#ffffff" style="background-color: #ffffff;"> <td align="left" style="border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;"><a href="/news/story.aspx?id=17288#l" title="Large Accident Forgiveness*" class="links" target="_blank">Large Accident Forgiveness</a>* </td> <td align="center" style="border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;">--</td> <td align="center" style="border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;">--</td> <td align="center" style="border-right: #c2cfdb 1px solid;">--</td> <td align="left"> <p style="text-align: center; color: #00b2ee;"><strong>&radic;</strong></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p class="pg_note_text">* You&rsquo;ll find each customer&rsquo;s specific benefits in his/her policy summary here in FAO. </p> <p>&copy; 2011 Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates. The Progressive Loyalty Rewards Program is the property of Progressive and is nontransferable. Progressive reserves the right to change or discontinue this program at any time. Additional conditions may apply. Not available in all states and situations.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> <br />urn:uuid:315d2609-1ca9-42b3-aa99-4539bc433c67Here are safe winter driving tips to reduce accidents and coverage rates. 1. Drive slowly. Leave early to avoid speeding, especially when conditions are hazardous. When there is snow and ice on the road, traction is reduced and so should the speed of...Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:31:06 -0600Here are safe winter driving tips to reduce accidents and coverage rates. <p>1. Drive slowly. Leave early to avoid speeding, especially when conditions are hazardous. When there is snow and ice on the road, traction is reduced and so should the speed of a car. If the weather is exceedingly dangerous, save unnecessary trips for when conditions improve. The best way to prevent an accident and keep automobile insurance rates low is to avoid driving when unneeded.</p> <p>2. Increase the follow distance. A three second follow distance from the car ahead should be followed in normal conditions. When roads are slippery or at nighttime, this time should be increased to at least five seconds. Rear-ending someone will be an at-fault accident and will likely increase the policy.</p> <p>3. Use brakes effectively. If brakes are slammed on quickly, the car will usually spin out of control. Drivers should anticipate slowdowns and gently apply pressure. Most cars today have anti-lock brakes that should not be pumped but should have consistent pressure applied.</p> <p>4. Be aware of where ice forms. This is usually on overpasses, bridges, intersections and shady areas. Slow down and remain alert. If the car hits a patch of black ice, remove pressure from the gas pedal and do not brake. Do not overcompensate with the steering wheel; rather, make small and slow adjustments. When the car regains traction, reduce speed and stay alert.</p> <p>5. Do not rely too heavily on technology. Even if the automobile has four-wheel drive, new winter tires, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes, good driving techniques still need to be employed.</p>urn:uuid:1c9102e0-a798-4d44-832d-62b6304d9453<img src='images/stories/pia2.jpg' align='left' /> The Augustine Insurance group&nbsp;is now member of PIA! 01/31/11 Professional Insurance Agents is a voluntary, membership-based trade association representing profess...Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:02:27 -0600<table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="contentheading" style="width: 100%;">The Augustine Insurance group&nbsp;is now member of PIA! </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" colspan="2"> <div>01/31/11 <img width="87" height="113" title="pia2.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" alt="pia2.jpg" src="images/stories/pia2.jpg" />Professional Insurance Agents is a voluntary, membership-based trade association representing professional, independent property/casualty insurance agents. </div> <p class="Body_Text">The challenges facing today&rsquo;s insurance professionals are many, and too frequently, allies are few and far between. PIA is dedicated to building the future for insurance professionals everywhere. We are unrivaled in our ability to meet members&rsquo; needs, providing a focused legislative voice, information, education, networking opportunities and tools to help members prosper and grow. </p> <p class="Body_Text">We are proud to&nbsp;announce you that&nbsp;AIFS Inc.&nbsp;Services&nbsp;is now member of PIA! </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>