Guaranty Association Benefits Company

Imagine this: you take your family for five star rated mini-golf you have heard so much about when you realize you missed the turn. As you try to find out where you are going, you fail to realize that the road goes ahead from four lanes to two. (Did I mention that you are not familiar with the area?) Before you know it, the traffic comes to a complete stop. Except you. You guessed it - an accident occurs. Now what? You're six hours away from home, not sure what you need to do, or where you should go. Fortunately, there are answers to these questions, but it may take a little planning on your part to make it a little less stressful scenario.

Before leaving home, you must complete a risk assessment. Make sure you can answer the following questions: What would you do if your vehicle was involved in an accident and you were unable to drive? Want to rent a vehicle? Would you have the vehicle repaired locally or transported home? If you had it repaired locally, would you need to return to your holiday destination after repairs are completed? These questions, and others, cause a lot of stress and even panic after an accident.

Once you have thought about your questions, discuss the details of the coverage of your auto insurance policy. If you have rental coverage, you may find that your policy limits the amount of your daily rental. In most cases, this may not be a problem, but if you travel in a minivan and your policy pays only for a four-door sedan, you may find yourself in a difficult situation. You will also need to see what is covered if you need to tow your car. Most car insurance policies will pay for towing if your vehicle is disabled due to a car accident, but it is generally limited to what is considered reasonable and customary. For example, the towing of your vehicle 50 miles to a repair center is reasonable; towing your vehicle 285 miles would be neither reasonable nor customary. Charges for extra miles can be your responsibility.

in mind, you should weigh the costs and benefits of both repair your car on site and transporting your vehicle at home. If you choose to have repairs done on site, this would be an ideal opportunity to reach out to your independent agent. Very often, they prefer to work with certified repair facilities and your agent can help you get in touch with them. You should also consider the additional costs associated with returning to your vacation spot to collect your vehicle (fuel, loss of income, accommodation, etc.). If you choose to have your vehicle transported home, consider a company that specializes in everything, as opposed to a towing service. In most cases, transportation of your home vehicle is more economical than return to collect your vehicle. Contact your independent agent so they can help you make the best decision based on what is covered in your policy.

Accidents happen, but you do not have to let it ruin your holiday. With careful planning, you can be better equipped to move forward incident. You can even consult the brochure "What to do after a car accident" to help them know what to do after an accident. Do you have tips on how to relieve stress after an accident?

In today's world, it is easier than ever to make the service experience less traditional way customer. Thank you to advances in technology such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, there are a number of ways for people to find just about anything they want. This can include comparison shopping, consumer reports, and find information about a particular product or service, if you want to get or if you already have. The list of possibilities is endless.

As an active consumer, I am happy that most of my favorite companies have websites that I can use to access a lot well maintained information contained in a very short time. I consider this one of the best types of customer service the company can offer consumers! I especially love the sites where I can create my own and follow my information that relates to that business. An example of this would be my insurer. I have an online account with them and in no time, I can log in and pay my insurance bill each month without having to lose a check, stamp, or the waiting time waiting for a representative the customer service!

Excellent customer service has increased beyond even websites! Most companies today have some sort of application for their products or services. One of my favorite apps on my smartphone is Meijer application. It is synchronized with my right mPerks account and I can save money while using it. I love how easy it is to find a good or see listings for the week. Most trips to Meijer really make me happy because I feel like this company really cares about me, because of the great coupons and discounts I receive from using their app on my phone.

What are your thoughts? Did you feel extra benefits in customer service through technological advances? Do you have a favorite application or website you use often? I would like to hear your answers!

Your teen is nearly sixteen years and looks forward to his license / her driver. How exciting for you two! You will not be obliged to / take her to places like school, practice, home of a friend, and piano lessons. There is something to say about all the free time you'll save when your teen gets a driver's license. But as with most changes, this so-called "freedom" comes with a price -. Not only financially, but also presents parents with a new set of worries, the safety of young drivers

There is no secret that the lack of experience and immaturity may play a huge role in the success of your young driver. The Insurance Information Institute (III) provides an overview of why their level of maturity and experience are of concern:

• The lack of adolescence experience affects their recognition, and response to hazardous situations and results in danger practices such as speed and tailgating.
• teens can be easily distracted. The activities that take the attention of drivers on the road (talking or texting on mobile devices, eating and talking with passengers) are a major security threat.
• Teenagers have a greater chance of being involved in an accident if other teens are in the vehicle.
• night driving is another major factor contributing to the higher risk of accidents among young drivers.

fear and anxiety that you think your teen being behind the wheel is true. Studies indicate 80 percent of all young drivers will police reported a crash in the first three years of driving. Worse, the National Security Administration of Road Transport (NHTSA) refers to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for teenagers.

As a parent, you want to give your teen the tools he needs to be a safe driver, rather than a statistic. A tool that I highly recommend is the security program teenSMART® ADEPT Driver ^{®. The program has been proven to reduce the risk of being in an accident up to 30 percent! teenSMART is downloadable software you install on your home PC using realistic simulations of driving, videos, exercises in the car and other parent-teen activities.}

• teenSMART identifies and addresses six behavioral and social factors that cause more than 0 percent of all collisions of adolescence.
• New drivers learn to anticipate dangerous situations, to develop critical decision-making skills, become aware of their environment, and expect the unexpected.
• teenSMART help new drivers gain the skills they need to become better drivers now rather than waiting for these skills to improve over time

Your company insurance can offer such a program at a reduced cost. check with your independent insurance agent today to see if your insurance company offers teenSMART! Once your teenager complete the program and pass the certification test, their vehicle could be eligible for savings. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that you helped provide your teen with additional knowledge about driving safely.

The first time I jumped a plane and cheated death floated successfully on the ground under a piece of cloth, I walked right into the wing of another aircraft. I was so pumped from the adrenaline rushing through my veins that I not only realize that the plane was in front of me, I did not know the wing gashed open my forehead.

I may have been ahead of my time; today people do these things distracted than ever through technology. Did you see online videos of people so engrossed in their phones as they walk in front of cars, falling into pools, or a trip down steps that they did not know existed? When most people think of the costs of technology, they think of financial costs, but there are other more subtle costs as well

Finance costs -. Some financial costs are easy to identify as they are costs that do not just exist for many people before the revolution in technology. Cable TV, Internet, and cell phone plans are all costs that previous generations did not have. Other costs are not as easily identifiable as they are simply built right into the product. Have you ever wondered how a car would cost if it was not loaded with technology

Opportunity Costs - More than likely, we have all experienced the inability to make a purchase when a store or lost power or Internet access.

Costs of training, I also left the stores after growing frustrated by the cashier does not seem to know how to work the register -. The awkward cashier also highlights the huge training costs that come with technology. Companies spend a lot of money training and retraining of employees each time a new piece of software comes out, or a new piece of technology is used

Privacy cost -. It seems that technology is now an end to privacy. People use applications such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to document their entire lives for the world to see. Some companies are now a lot of money on the collection of data you

costs time -. If you're not careful, technology can be a huge waste of time. Have you decided to go online for just a few minutes to check Facebook and find yourself jumping from news item to the new item? Suddenly, a few minutes turned into hours

physical costs -. All this technology is a major distraction. The videos mentioned above clumsy people might be funny, but there are also many accidents-texting while driving and even deaths are no laughing matter.

The technology is constantly evolving and we continue to do our best to adapt. What are some of the costs that you experienced while trying to maintain?

Who in their right mind wants to think about all the things that can go wrong on their wedding day? Certainly not this girl! My big day is officially 8 months and 13 days. You can not imagine the excitement that runs through my veins right now. I feel good - I have everything booked from our website to our photographer. Our cake is ordered and reserved hotel. But there is still so much to do as invitations, flowers, decorations - I can literally feel the stress slipping into my shoulders. So imagine my concern that I came across an article online on the cover of the room hire. Wait, what ??

Yep - you got it. Hall rental coverage. It was not even a fragment of worry until I read about it. Do I need to panic? I guess I have to consider the building of damage consequences; it is not so exaggerated. For example, a candle could catch the curtains on fire or other destructive occurrence could take place. (I would assume our wedding will be elegant enough that customers will not be throwing chairs through windows). How will we pay for damages, especially since we paid for the wedding? I mean, the place actually forces us to hire a police officer out of service. Is it not enough

I'll let you in on a little secret - ?! Your homeowners policy might actually provide coverage for the place! You should definitely check with your independent agent to see if you're covered, but in general, a facility that is rented for short-term special occasions such as meetings, picnics and weddings is covered by your home insurance as long it is used for a non-commercial event. Do not be surprised if the request confirmation of the installation of the cover. And keep in mind your policy does not cover the cover the owner of the rental property. Whether or not they have their own policy, you are responsible for damages caused during your rental period.

WHEW! It was a close, I almost freaked. I'm calling my insurance agent today! Will you, before your next event?

The benefits described here are in the most general terms, and subject to the conditions and actual policy exclusions. For the actual wording cover, conditions and exclusions, see the policy or contact your agent.

was coming to an end; approach autumn and colder weather soon follow. As cooler weather approaching, it is a good idea to think about how you can help your car take care of you. After all, your car is likely your only means of transportation to get you from point A to point B.

As an expert in automobile and car enthusiast claims, I have to both a professional and personal experience with the mechanics and vehicle use. I think it would be a good idea to make vehicle maintenance a habit like a colder approach time, and I've included some tips to get you started.

1. Tire pressure. The air pressure in your tires drops about 1 psi for every 10 degree drop in temperature. Keeping tires properly inflated, you will not only maintain good fuel consumption, but will prevent under-inflation can lead to tire failure and a potential accident.

2. Belts and hoses. Colder temperatures can weaken the rubber from which these parts are made. Verifying the integrity of belts and hoses and replace them before they fail, help keep you from being stranded on the side of the road waiting on the tow truck.

3. Windshield wiper and washer. Make sure you fill your wiper tank antifreeze wiper fluid liquid. fluid coupled with new wiper blades will allow you to maintain visibility at any time of year, but especially when the ice and road salt or debris can accumulate on your windshield and harm your anti-freeze visibility.

4. The cooling liquid. Check your coolant to ensure that it is at the right level to prevent costly engine repairs. Coolant not only prevents overheating in summer and freezing in winter, but it also consists of anti-corrosive properties which prevents the accumulation of rust in the engine.

5. Engine oil. Make sure it is at the appropriate level and you have the viscosity of the oil in the right engine designed for colder temperatures. The cold outdoor temperatures and thicker oil, slowing the flow. This can lead to premature wear due to increased friction when starting your engine.

6. Battery. Extremely cold temperatures can kill a car battery as easily as extreme heat. Plus a battery, the more likely to go to cold temperatures. Check the age of the battery. If it is close old or more than five years, consider replacing it. This will probably save you a major drawback that batteries usually fail at the worst possible moment.

7. Emergency Kit. Consider creating an emergency kit including jumper cables, flashlight, road rocket, basic tools, and a thermal blanket. These items can help you save in the event of problems with your vehicle occurs.

Remember, take care of your vehicle and you can count on her to take care of you. I hope I have helped to stay safe there with my maintenance tips. Do you have other tips you want to share? Please leave your suggestions below!

Fifty-one minutes after reading this blog, someone will die on a road in the United States following a drunk driver. Let's say that sink in a moment.

The insurance industry is no stranger to the bar and tavern shows, but insurance of bar and tavern accounts can be uniquely challenging due to significant factor - the consumption of alcohol. Any establishment that serves alcohol should consider a responsible alcohol coverage, which provides the appropriate insurance for anyone who serves alcohol. And alcohol does not just mean beer; it may include mixed drinks, wine or premium alcohol. A typical commercial liability policy does not provide enough coverage because of the exclusion of liability of alcohol, since no coverage is provided in the sale, service or distribution of alcohol (except for very few situations otherwise known as "host liquor"). liquor liability coverage is an important coverage for restaurants or gourmet establishment also.

bar owners can be put in claims and lawsuits that include allegations of over-serving customers. Arguably the most devastating claims are those for customers leaving the bar drunk and are involved in an accident of motor vehicle. And even if the boss was the driver of the vehicle, the bar is considered responsible for potential on-portion and failure to adequately monitor the intoxication of the boss. Often the driver, if they survive the accident, goes to prison, but the civil action may be brought against the bar.

alcohol-related complaints do not always result in death, but they present an exhibition that can not only damage the reputation of the bar, but could jeopardize the company's survival at all fact

consider some horrific statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) :.

• on average, 30 people die every day on US highways after accidents involving a driver intoxicated
• in 2013 :. 10,076 people were killed in alcohol-related accidents; 1149 were under 14 years
• In 2010: .. More than 1.4 million people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

What can bar owners do to protect themselves? A main objective of the management of this risk is implementing training to serve customers and monitoring for intoxication. Knowing the signs of when a boss has "had enough" and stop service is an important step towards customer safety. There are multiple security programs that can provide necessary instructions, such as training for intervention procedures (TIPS) or alcohol Management Techniques (TAM) and various state programs approved too many to mention. In addition, some states actually require companies to provide server training as a condition of obtaining a liquor license. By controlling alcohol consumption at the server level, these proactive measures help to reduce the potential exposure of the bar

Tell your independent insurance agent. they can help you recognize your specific insurance needs. By having the right cover in place and proactive to minimize poisoning, you are not only protecting your business, but the public at large. We can not control the overall national statistics, but all we can do - both a bar and a boss at the time - could make our little corner of the world a little safer. That this well as well.

The covers here are described in the most general terms, and subject to the conditions and actual policy exclusions. For the actual wording cover, conditions and exclusions, see the policy or contact your agent.

What is an actuary? Believe me, it is a valid question. When I tell someone I'm an actuary or that I studied actuarial science in college, I often get an interesting answer. Besides the usual spectrum confused facial expressions, questions like "Is this related to biology?" Are not uncommon. Even if Along Came Polly, with Ben Stiller as an actuary working in the industry of life insurance, has made some progress in dispelling the mystery of the actuarial profession, we still have a long way to go .

so what is an actuary? The Society of Actuaries (yes, there is such a thing) tries to clarify by saying: "An actuary is a professional who analyzes the financial consequences of risk. Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to study uncertain future events. "

Now that the riveting sounds, right? Often when I explain what I do, people respond with" I'm happy not to have to do it, I'm bad at math! " but even if the words "mathematics" and "statistics" to sound kind of boring, which is far from the case. Actuaries are integral to many organizations, particularly in the insurance sector.

Actuaries are trying to bridge the gap between the outside world and what goes on inside the walls of businesses we work with. In the insurance sector, information is constantly flowing in society such as information about its products, users of these products, and everything happens when the two interact. An actuary is a bit of an interpreter of this information. We take data oceans, analyze and examine each undulation, and try to separate the noise that matters.

We are doing everything to get a better understanding of the big picture. It is a bit like trying to find the needle in the haystack, and the haystack, the more gratifying that the needle. Our goal is to understand what the proverbial ocean of information tells us not only about the past but also about what we can expect in the future for the people in charge can prepare properly and keep the ship sailing along smoothly.

There is a small caveat that comes into play with predicting the future - we are not always right. Of course, we do our best to get as close as possible, but ultimately, even an assumption may be incorrect.

In other words, actuaries are much like your local meteorologist. They return on the time we have known in the past and on this basis, they take a shot at what will happen tomorrow, the next day, and perhaps a week if they are feeling ambitious. As actuaries, we can do the same thing, except that we are supposed to project what will happen a year or two, or ten from now, rather than a few days on the road. It's pretty cool if you ask me! And even if we are not always spot-on, we still paid to do. Are you in a career that's hard to explain? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

The turkey was carved, nothing remains of the pie, and your jeans are fitting a little tighter than ever. So what's next? Some may relax inside watching football with their families, but some can brave the cold to endure long lines and suffer in crowded stores. To do what, exactly? You guessed it - Black Friday shopping

Black Friday shopping can be as much a tradition for your family is the turkey on the table, but have you ever stopped to think what we did want to support those winter, crowded conditions, year after year and call it fun? As a customer, do not you wonder why you make a particular purchase in a particular store?

The majority would agree, these are the best deals and low prices that attract us into a frenzy, but I like to think he's a little something called customer service. I do not mean the typical services to have the product that we want an organized payment process, or even the low prices that are promised. I mean the feeling, the experience and memory that is created with such an event. For me it is the genuine smile and friendly welcome when walking into the store, holding a warm conversation about who I'm buying the gift for, or perhaps he is associated spirited singing Christmas carols just to keep the kids smiling and buyers. All these pieces create a shopping experience that I will keep with me for years to come.

Black Friday is a matter of millions of dollars for many stores. This may be a direct result of the experience they create for their customers; it is these experiences that lead consumers to store the same year after year. And often it can be the same experiences that make buyers out a store and never come back.

So when you are braving the masses on the busiest day of the year races back and see why you made the choices you make as a customer. And whatever your role - as customer, retailer or service representative - try to put yourself in the shoes of others; Is what you can offer, even a simple smile, to help make them memorable?

I would like to hear about your favorite Black Friday shopping store! Please tell me your story in the comments below.

It is that time of year again, so let me say "Happy Holidays" and "Merry Christmas!" This is the season of warmth and family gathering so Mr. safety is here with some ideas that will keep the carefree holiday

Let's talk about this very important symbol holidays -. the tree! Over the years, many people have opted for the convenience of artificial trees. However, there are about 25-30 million live Christmas trees sold in the United States each year. But did you also know that every year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees? By taking a few simple precautions, you can make your holidays safer. Here are some tips to help you carefully decorate your Christmas tree this year:

Lift the tree

• If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• For a live tree, select a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall to the touch.

Place the tree

• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Place the tree where it will not block an exit
• Before placing a living tree in the stand, cut 1 "- 2". from the base of the trunk
• Add water to the tree stand and be sure to add water every day! (Click here to view the video NFPA showing how flammable a dry tree is opposed to a tree is watered every day).

lighting of the tree

• Use lights that are marked by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace strings of lights with worn or broken cords or connections from loose bulb.
• Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for light bulbs screwed. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for number of LED strands you can connect safely.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed

after Christmas

• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to make it last longer and prevent hazard.
• Dispose of the tree when it starts to drop needles. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in your house or garage, or even placed outside against your home. The best idea is to check within your community to find a Christmas tree recycling program.

Enough of do's and don'ts of the season. I wish you a warm and safe stay. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!

Have you noticed the new craze buzzing around this holiday season? Drones, otherwise known as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), was one of the most popular gifts in 2015. A UAS is defined as an unmanned aircraft is flown using GPS software and is much like a model reduced aircraft or aircraft hobby. While most retailers provide security and packets of information brochures on drones and responsibility to steal, new gadgets of new risks.

To help counter some of the new risks of liability and keep the airspace safe for all users, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently unveiled a process registration for owners of small UAS. The new registration requirements for UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds and under 55 pounds, including freight such as onboard cameras

The FAA registration includes the following :.

• owners UAS using the model airplane hobby or leisure purposes should register as a user; All UAS owned by the registrant can use the same identification number. (Registration is valid for three years).
• Registration must be completed by February 19, 2016 to all owners of small UAS who has used an unmanned aircraft exclusively as a model airplane before 21 December 2015.
• a UAV weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered, even if it is used for recreation or leisure.
• UAS owners purchased for use as a model of airplane after December 21, 2015, must register before the first flight out.
• registered owners must be at least 13 years.

So that the average homeowner can do for themselves, their children and protect property against drones? The best answer to this question is to see what coverage is available in their homeowners policy. A standard homeowners policy would most likely classify as a model drone or aircraft hobby, until it has been used or designed for transporting people and / or goods and the owner receives no compensation for its use. Property damage or drones would likely be covered by part of the personal property of the policy, subject to the deductible of the policy.

Other hazards to consider are bodily harm and injuries. There have been some cases of injury caused by drones. There is also the possibility of lawsuits associated with the invasion of privacy because cameras can be attached to drones. Not to mention removable cameras could be considered as goods, which would eliminate the coverage of politics altogether owners.

If you received a drone this holiday season, remember to talk to your local independent agent to see what the coverage of your homeowners policy provides; it may be prudent to add some extra liability coverage.

The covers here are described in the most general terms, and subject to the conditions and actual policy exclusions. For the wording of the cover, conditions and exclusions, please contact your policy or agent.

Original post written by Eaton & Berube Insurance and shared with permission .

Although the weather can be unpredictable, we expect the winter to be accompanied by freezing rain, sleet, snow and ice, and just a small amount of precipitation winter can lead to dangerous driving conditions. Of fighting against freezing rain and sleet and hail, use the following winter driving safety tips to ensure that you stay safe on the road this winter

• pre-plan your route and be aware of changing weather conditions.
• Proper maintenance is just as important to take extra care when driving. It is crucial to ensure that your car is tuned and ready for winter before the next storm hits. Do not forget to check the tire pressure, which decreases by about one pound for every 10 degrees of temperature. Low tire pressure can make the operation of your vehicle difficult and dangerous.
• Have your mechanic check the heating and cooling systems. A 50-50 mixture of antifreeze and water has a lower freezing point, making the best mix of cold weather.
• Considering that your car can easily get stuck when driving in snow and ice, it is best to keep your gas tank near full at all times.
• Check your wipers and top of your washer fluid.
• Keep your vehicle completely free of ice and snow, including your headlights. Not only is it safer for you and other drivers, but you'll also have a better gas mileage.
• Remember that salt accumulation on your headlights can also significantly reduce your visibility at night, so make sure you clean your headlights regularly.
• Slow down! Allow enough travel time to avoid speed to get to your destination. Even if you stay in control of your car, other drivers around you can not. Maintain security following the braking distance can be more difficult.
• Avoid distractions. It is more important than ever to refrain from texting or talking on the phone while driving in the snow and ice.

The loss of control of a vehicle can be a terrifying experience, and that is unfortunately common in the winter when temperatures drop and roads become smooth. To avoid unnecessary skid, slide or accident when driving in snow and ice, keep the following winter driving tips and safety techniques in mind:

• Slow down before corners and curves
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• Plan ahead for lane changes.
• Beware of ice sheets, piles of wet leaves and shaded areas, which are likely to skid risk.
• Anticipate stops near intersections.
• Do not over speed your vehicle in deep snow.
• If you feel your vehicle starts to skid, do not panic. Steer in the direction that the vehicle slips until you can feel your car to regain traction. Then slowly straighten your wheels and keep rolling.

With slippery winter precipitation comes a renewed need to keep driving safety tips winter in mind. To better protect you and others while driving in snow and ice, it is important to be careful and to always put safety first, avoiding distractions at all costs

- See more:. Http: // www .eatonberube.com / category / blog /

graduate college is still overwhelming experience very exciting. I just came out last spring, and the reality is still slowly sinking. If you are a millenarian reading, you can probably relate. Or maybe you have a son or daughter who farm in graduation. Whatever stage of life you are, you can probably understand the feelings and emotions associated with entering the "great person" world.

Decide what to do for the rest of your life is not an easy task. You might find you ask a lot of questions: how do I know what I really want to do? Will I like what I do? Are the possibilities of my current career advancement? If these sound familiar, you may want to consider learning about a career in the insurance industry.

When I graduated college, I never thought I see myself in the world of insurance. To be honest, I always thought it was a rather boring subject. But work came in the insurance industry and I took a chance on him. Here I am, seven months later and happy I said "yes" to the offer

Do not misunderstand. I wake up every morning, dazed and bushy tail, waiting to rush off to work. But what I like coming to work is the mental satisfaction of having done to where I am. I work in a constantly evolving industry that continues to force myself to do my best and to continue to increase my knowledge. I know that when I come to work, my company really values ​​my efforts and made great strides to help me grow professionally.

The insurance can be a very rewarding career. By promoting your knowledge to track industry trends, you make yourself more marketable as a professional, opening the door to promotions. One great thing about the industry is that there are many facets; if you are not fond of a particular position, it is pretty easy to transfer to a role more suited to your skills. If you are looking for a career that comes with endless opportunities, this is it!

I'll admit, the insurance industry is very complex, but with the dedication of my colleagues and managers, I feel I'm learning very quickly. So if you are looking for this career that you enjoy and push you to be your best, I beg you to give this industry a shot. If anything, you will gain useful knowledge that can help you in your own activities. This industry really makes you strive for greatness and can make for a very rewarding career!

Being a volunteer reserve officer in the traffic division to an administrative authority of local law in Colorado is a very rewarding aspect of my life, but also very dangerous. I wanted to share some tips in case you're ever in the unfortunate situation of being fired at a traffic stop

First thing -. Each year, many officers are injured by other motorists while making a traffic stop "routine". The most common problem officers face is distracted drivers; Police motorists become hypnotized by the flashing lights on cars, especially at night, and accidentally hit the officer, causing injuries. Please move to the next lane if it is safe to do so!

Now, if you find that the officer activated his / her emergency lights and siren and tried to shoot you, follow these tips to ensure the safety of everyone:

• Recognize the order quickly. Signal that you'll stop and do it as soon as you can manage safely.
• Pull off the road as far as possible or pull in the driveway or the nearest parking. This demonstrates a concern for the safety of the officer.
• You must turn off your vehicle, but you can leave the keys in the ignition.
• Once you have stopped your vehicle, stay inside and wait for the officer to approach you. Any sudden movement, if the door or the people in the car, can make uncomfortable officer then tell your passengers to remain seated.
• If you are stopped after dark, it is encouraged that you turn on the dome light inside your vehicle
• Try to have your license and registration ready when the officer arrives the car to avoid having to bend over and dig through the glove box - .. that makes us nervous as
• in states that allow concealed carry, quietly inform the officer that you have a gun in the vehicle and show your hidden transport permit.
• BE POLITE. Sarcasm and / or crying will not help your situation.
• BE PATIENT. Once an agent has collected all relevant information from you, he or she will likely return to the police car. The agent has a protocol to follow during a traffic stop that includes a search warrants and verification of your identity in circulation, so there may be some delay before their return.
• If you officer issues a citation traffic, listen carefully to what he or she says and ask questions if necessary. In most cases, the citation should include a hearing date with a way to waive the court appearance and pay the fine directly. Remember, signing a citation is only a recognition you received the ticket.
• After being released from the vehicle to stop, signal your intention to enter the floor and make due consideration and only when it is safe to do so.

I hope that you should never use any of these tips, but if you do, remember that the number one goal in mind is that the agent everyone gets home safely to their families. Please drive carefully!

Have you ever had one of those days when you are working furiously on a deadline and your computer crashes or a power outage and you forgot to save your document? This happened to me recently at one of our beautiful summer thunder and hail storms. To put it nicely, all I could say was "UGH !!" Not only interrupted my trade, but I'm completely lost the work of half a day.

one of the common issues a control specialist losses could ask while visiting your business is, "do you have a continuity plan in the ? business "most of the time, a business owner will reply: But as my recent experience, we sometimes become comfortable with our daily activities and forget to take that extra step to ensure that we can" Yes. " . recover from an unexpected mishap Here are some tips to help you keep your business running as close to normal as possible if your computer crashes, the power out, or worse, a fire or a natural disaster affecting your business:

• save and backup all computer files on a regular basis.
• Using a resource offsite or a service that allows you to access your computer files from a location other than your business.
• Keep an updated "book inventory" of the list.
• Create a current employee's written phone tree and the contact information of suppliers.
• Having a written business continuity plan that provides instructions to start immediately a physical inventory, the books were closed as of the date of the loss, maintaining accurate records of expenditures to accelerate recovery operations, such as renting a temporary installation, and other important elements needed to run your specific business.

for more information on business operations continuously, contact your agent or loss control consultant. You can also check Insurance 101 :. Business interruption coverage video or visit the link "Interruption Basics" on the Resources page to central-insurance.com

People do not think spring cleaning involves their computer, but believe it or not, your computer can be very unorganized quickly; think of all those unnecessary files and forgotten documents that have been piling up. Keeping your computer organized is easier than it seems. Here are some tips to help prevent your computer from becoming your next puzzle :.

1. Use folders to organize your office

your desktop can quickly become cluttered with shortcuts, duplicate files and screenshots can slow down your computer and make it difficult to find what you are looking for. You can avoid this by creating folders to organize your files and shortcuts. Create a folder on a Mac by right clicking on the desktop and select "New Folder"; for a Windows-based computer, right click the desktop and select "New" then "Folder." You can easily rename your file folders and drag and drop here to help you stay organized.

2. Do not be afraid to remove unnecessary or duplicate files.

unused files and copies of documents may take much space on your computer. The "Downloads" folder is often forgotten and files here are generally required. Save space and improve the speed of your computer by removing those unnecessary files.

3. Clear your Internet browser.

Cleaning the cache of your browser and browsing history regularly is a great thing to do. How you do this will vary depending on your browser, but you can usually find an option to delete history in "Options" or Some browsers may ask if you want to clear the cache and cookies too "Menu" .; regularly and you can improve the speed of your browser, as well as keep your computer more secure.

4. Scan your computer for viruses.

This is really important because analyzing your computer against viruses and other problems can not only improve the performance of your computer, it can save the life of your computer! While there are many programs that can scan your computer, I suggest to use anti-virus and anti-malware programs such as Malwarebytes and Advance Care System; both are free to download and easy.

5. Back up. Save. And save!

One way to ensure that your computer is clean and safe is to back up important files and programs on another hard drive. An external drive or flash is a great option if it has enough memory available. You can even use an external or flash drive to store your computer files so they do not take up valuable space.

Hopefully these five simple tips will help you keep your computer clean and organized, not to mention save you a few headaches! Please let me know if my advice helped, or if you have additional suggestions by leaving a comment below.

As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. Obviously, make a profit and keep your company culture are of paramount importance. In addition, there are taking pay, stay competitive, stay on top of new laws on health and tax, comply with national and local regulations, etc., etc. It's easy to forget the important changes that have occurred in your business and should be considered in your insurance policy. Your annual renewal of the policy is a great time to consult your independent agent and make sure you are properly protected and not to pay for coverage for exposures that you can not have.

Here are some areas to consider 60 to 0 days in advance of your renewal:

• is the name of your business changed or is there a new Doing business As (dba)?
• has changed the legal entity (eg a company incorporated or has been formed in an LLC?)
• the nature of the business basically the same? Are there operations or divisions that have been abandoned?
• Is your building insured to the value? This is very important if there is a coinsurance clause.
• was your total personal property has increased or decreased over the last year?
• Have you made improvements to your building as a new roof or installing a sprinkler system? These can qualify your property coverage for credit.
• Have your payroll or sales of books changed since last year? Overall responsibility is often evaluated on one or both of these exhibitions. Workers Compensation is assessed on the payroll.
• Have you removed or added vehicles and not advised your agent? Did you hire new drivers?
• How old are the vehicles in your fleet? If some of your vehicles are older than 10 years, you may want to consider dropping the physical damage coverage on them.
• Is this your business eligible for free a discount on the location of the drug on your workers compensation policy? If so, send documents to your agent.
• Finally, do you need extra blankets such as employment practices liability, cyber liability, employee theft, or professional liability?

Your independent agent is there to help you make the renewal process goes smoothly and that you are protected. They may even have a renewal checklist that will help you. Take some time before your next renewal to discuss these results of renewal issues.

$ 0.10 1975

$ 0.22 1985

$ 0.32 1995

05 $ 0.39

$ 0.44 2010

2012 $ 0.45

do you know that these years and dollar amounts represent? The constant slope from stamp costs since 1975! As technology evolves and the cost of using traditional mail increases, companies and individuals looking to make use of current day technology to save money; technology that includes e-invoicing and e-policy.

What are E-Invoicing and E-political? Instead of receiving a paper copy of your policy or invoice, you will be notified by email when your billing statement or insurance policy are available for online viewing. E-policy is typically used in insurance to display political declaration pages, auto ID cards, etc.

But why use these options? There are many advantages. Many companies offer credit for enrolling in E-invoicing and / or E-political. Documents are received in a timely and safe time. And do not forget the obvious advantage of using these e-options, it helps to preserve the environment:

• If 20% of households switch to electronic bills, statements and payments, 1.8 million trees would be saved each year.
• Within a year, the transition to electronic billing, statements and payments would help to avoid releasing US households on average 63 gallons of wastewater into the environment.

If you 're reluctant to sign up for these options, I would like to share an idea with you that I learned recently. Sites begin their Web address with "http" or "https". If the web address begins with "https", the "s" at the end means secure. When entering private information such as banking or credit card on a website, you should always be sure that the web address starts with "https". And same is the website address begins with "https", you should always take steps to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable company.

So the next time you decide if you should take advantage of e-option, I hope this information and advice has helped you to be informed by e!

do you use e-options? Why or why not?

- The holidays are in full swing and that means lots of holiday parties. These gatherings are great fun, full of good company, bad gifts and good drinks. Most of us have hit a little too hard eggnog at one time or another, but too often, someone will also get behind the wheel. This decision can change the lives of many people in an instant.

drunk driving is a serious problem in America. According to the website Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), there were 9,878 deaths DUI-in 2011. This equates to a DUI-related death every 53 minutes. Add to that the fact that someone is injured every 0 seconds following a DUI-related incident.

Repeat offenders are a problem in the United States. MADD's website says: "About a third of all drivers arrested or convicted for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcohol are repeat offenders" For example, Massachusetts class 40 ^{. e} of 51 states (Washington, DC is listed as a separate entity) for impaired driving. the ranking is based on the number of deaths related to traffic DUI-in every state, with the number having the percentage the lower and the number 51 having the highest percentage. Thirty-six percent of all traffic deaths in Massachusetts are linked DUI. There have been 115 deaths DUI in the most recent year, an increase 8.5 percent compared to the previous year. in comparison, Rhode Island ranks 46 ^e overall, but there was a decrease of 26 percent of DUI deaths in previous year. According to the most recent figures, there are 22.253 persons who were caught drunk driving three times and 4840 that were taken five times in Massachusetts. Other states that rank worse than Massachusetts in drunken driving statistics are not that high a number of recidivists

Another interesting statistic :. Vermont has one of the lowest-related deaths DUI traffic numbers to 18. While the number death has not changed from 2010 to 2011, the percentage of deaths related to impaired driving rose from 25 percent to 33 percent. Another indication of the seriousness of the problem. Visit www.madd.org to see where your state ranks in driving statistics intoxicated.

Some states have a mandatory ignition interlock effect program where repeat offenders are required to have a breathalyzer system installed in their vehicle. The vehicle can only be started after the driver blows into the device to show that they are under the legal limit for alcohol consumption. Based on the statistics listed above, it slows down the problem. Something more must be done and tougher penalties for repeat offenders is only part of the solution.

The real solution lies with all drivers in America. Make the conscious decision to call a cab or ask a sober friend drive home if you've had too much to drink. This Christmas, drink responsibly and sober driving.

In today's world of ever growing technology, email is used frequently, but not always correctly. Here are some dos and don'ts to help improve your email tag.

E-mail Dos

• DO know the purpose of your e -mail and make sure that you make your point clear and concise manner.
• DO know your audience and if they rarely use e-mail, a call letter or by telephone may be a better method of communication.
• DO sure the subject line is about the e-mail content.
• DO spell check and proofread your email before sending
• DO check the tone -.? how it will be received
• DO make sure you have the correct recipient (for example, check your mailing list).
• DO remember to type unto others as you would they type to you.
• DO answer all their questions.
• DO be careful when using HTML and attachments. HTML may not be readable by some e-mail tools. Some mail servers block HTML, large attachments or some attachments type of file automatically.
• DO think of a work e-mail as a communication link.
• DO have a friendly hello and provide a signature, contact information, and company Web site.
• DO store necessary emails in a long-term folder as you see fit.

Don'ts E-mail

• NOT be too long. If you have a lot to say, send a note, letter, or provide details in an attachment.
• NOT use email to avoid an uncomfortable situation or to cover a mistake.
• NOT send an email anger. It is easy to heat, and with e-mail we feel anonymous. We often write things that we could never say to someone's face. If you are upset, not far from the computer and cool. Ask yourself if you say this to the person if you were face to face. If you say, do not send it.
• NOT write in capital letters, as this could be seen as an angry tone.
• NOT send confidential / private via email.
• NOT use e-mail for everything that reflects poorly on you or anyone else if it reaches the wrong mailbox. Remember that anything you send can become public property. It can be transmitted, saved, and printed by people it was never intended to be, and can be used as evidence in court.
• NOT use email for anything obscene, defamatory, abusive or racist. This is not part of an e-mail as a joke.
• NOT use e-mail for messages that can be easily misinterpreted. Because we do not have the tone of voice or body language to give us more clues, people often questions what it means an email.
• NOT keep people waiting for a response. Respond as soon as possible. Good time management rule to be used for standard response is within 24 hours.

These are only some of the most basic advice that we often overlook or forget. They are much more resources and email etiquette tips on the Internet. Do you have any favorite tips or email pet peeves that you want to share?

I smile when I remember to run to the school house to catch my favorite cartoons. I also remember many dates with my wife, walking to the theater or stay and rent a movie. To date, we still enjoy a good show, but once we had children of our time television has become very limited. There were two problems we encountered here. First, we could never find anything we wanted to watch. Second, our cable bill was out of hand. Just a few years we have taken a jump and canceled the cable completely - an experiment to see if we could rely on online video. Surprisingly, we did and looking back, I do not regret at all.

I'm not suggesting you drop your cable or dish, but I think it's good to know what is there. There are already many options and there is a growing trend. The locations below are the video that can be watched from your computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Some are free, others have a small charge. With some configuration, you can even watch them on your TV.

Netflix. I'm sure you've heard of Netflix and receive DVDs by mail. While DVDs are still an option, the company focuses on streaming content. By far, Netflix has the largest selection of movies, and a wide selection of TV shows. 7.99 $ / month.

Hulu. The basic service Hulu is free for current television episodes. Passing Hulu Plus, you get access to past seasons and a wider choice of films. Warning, lots of advertisements for treating! Free or $ 7.99 / month.

Amazon Prime. Amazon may not have much to offer as Netflix, but it is still an important variety. And membership comes with other benefits like free shipping on most orders and free rentals Amazon Kindle book. 79 $ / year.

YouTube. YouTube was the way to get the word out for small independent films that never make the theater or DVD, but you may not know there is also a large selection of older shows and full length movies. Free.

TV Channel sites. Most channels you receive by cable offer you free access to recent episodes of their programs from their websites. NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC and PBS are some examples. Free.

Crackle. This is the one I just learned about and were trying. It is owned by Sony and is very limited in their content, but the price is right if you find anything you are interested in. Free.

iTunes / Google Play. They are similar to the brick and mortar video rental store: when you want a movie that you pay by the title. This is your best option for all new and hard to find movies. $ 1.99 and up / show.

The next time you want to watch a movie, try the Internet rather than your cable or dish TV. You might be surprised what you find. Are there any streaming sites you use that I missed?

I just returned from a road trip of 10 days from Ohio to Idaho with my family. What was unique about this trip is that he was thrown with almost no planning. There was a death in the family and the schedule was tight for the funeral. We barely had time to pack! You might say that both parents and five young children in a van without a plan is crazy, and there were certainly moments of madness. I am happy to say that we got through despite everything on the fly, all with the help of our smartphones.

Based on my experience, I have some recommendations on mobile applications for your next trip :.

1. Hotels Any national chain should have an application, such as Holiday Inn or Hilton. We need a very special accommodation, which limited our options. Sometimes we wanted a pool for children, and other times we just wanted something close because everyone was asleep. Most of our reservations were made within an hour of arrival.
2. Entertainment. Redbox is great because it allows you to return movies everywhere. We rent a movie for children in one state and then come back later that day in another state. In addition to looking for the nearest location, it is convenient to decide on a movie and book on the road.
3. Maps. We had endless questions answered and Google Maps. What restaurants are nearby future cities? Which restaurants will be at the output? If we stop in an hour, what city would it be? We even had to search "where is the nearest hospital" along the way.
4. Mobile Banking. We need money at some points on the trip, and the application of our bank has an ATM locater. We used 7-Eleven for gas and an automatic gratuity distributor, saving us an extra stop.
5. Weather. We had a range of temperatures, and wanted to know what the weather was when we came to a stop. Wyoming our phone alerted us to a Blizzard warning, so we took an early decision to pack up and leave the hotel early to avoid the storm. Both the Weather Channel and Weather Bug applications are popular choices.
6. Gas. Gaz friends can really be your friend when you travel! When you're in the middle of nowhere, it's good to know where it is gas. When you have the choice, it is good to know where the cheapest gas is!
7. Google. Although this is not an application, your web browser can be very handy during road trips for all other answers you need. Nebraska How did his name? What is with these wooden structures randomly by road in Wyoming? What is the history of Council Bluffs? These are some of the curious questions we had on the road, and it was great to learn as we traveled.

This is not our first trip highway and it certainly will not be the last, but I learned a bit about the smartest trips using our smartphones. And yet I feel that I have not scratched the surface of what is possible. I'd love to hear your experiences with advice for long trips, and your favorite apps for travel.

So your old dear grandmother, who is in the nursing home, bought a new Harley and seems to have gone on a road trip down to Daytona. Yeah, I think not. Identity theft is a major concern for many people, and rightly so. Stealing someone's identity is easier than ever because of online shopping, more sophisticated to glean information of credit cards means, and the ignorance of people about how little information is needed to to steal your identity. According safeidentityprotection.com, your name and address or date of birth is really all an identity thief needs to get started on the misuse of your personal financial information

There are many ways that identity thieves can obtain personal information about you. The easiest way is to find a wallet or credit card lost or stolen these objects of an unsuspecting victim. Thieves also through garbage for financial records or other documents containing sensitive information on them. Other ways thieves get this information includes call unsuspecting people and pretend to offer deals on vacation or loans at low interest rate, but require personal information in order to proceed. There is also a practice known as "phishing", where the thief uses malware to comb your computer to obtain personal information. In other cases, tricks "phishing" victim to provide personal information on what appears to be a "legitimate" website or other electronic correspondence. In some cases, thieves have a handheld scanner that can be used to simply slide your credit card - it gets all the information on the card to a new card can be produced using the information of your account

. So what can you do to protect yourself? The FBI website offers several preventive measures for people to take.

• received credit card Shred old bank statements and other financial documents. If you do not have a shredder so make sure you cut these with scissors to help deter thieves.
• Never give personal information by phone, email, or mail unless you initiated the contact with the entity requesting the information.
• always store your personal information in a safe place.
• Protect PIN and passwords. An Excel spreadsheet protected by password is a good way to keep track of all your passwords and login information.
• Carry only the minimum amount of identifying information (never carry Social Security cards on you).
• Remove your name from all mailing lists for cards and pre-approved credit telemarketers.
• Order and carefully consider the biannual copies of your credit report and review your monthly bank statements.
• request that the DMV to issue an alternative license number if you currently use your social security number.
• BE AWARE!

If you are a victim of identity theft, be sure to contact your bank / credit card companies to notify any unauthorized charges. If new accounts have been set up in your name that you have not authorized, be sure to immediately contact the companies and notify them by phone and in writing of fraud. Also contact the police in the community where it is believed that the identity theft took place. Make sure you document the names of people you talk to, and a summary of the call and when the call took place. Some insurance companies offer coverage for legal fees and fees for the filing of documents to get your credit restored. Check with your insurance agent to see if you have coverage and application.

For more information please visit the FBI website. Have you been victim of identity theft? Please share your experiences and tips with us!

With the unofficial start of the summer last weekend, many of us make vacation plans and heading outside to enjoy the weather. But for those who live in the western part of the United States, this time of year marks the beginning of the season wildfire.

As I write this blog, firefighters near Santa Barbara, California fighting fires that erupted Monday near the National Forest Los Padres. Santa Barbara County Fire Captain David Sadecki was quoted in USA Today saying. "It's still in the spring - it is not even summer - and it's hot as it is August or September"

The Weather Channel lists the footprint of the current national drought to 19%, and a new perspective to the federal drought released last week shows the southwest quadrant of US drought conditions persist or intensify over the next two months.

escalating drought conditions mean wildfires are more likely than ever to occur, and in areas not yet affected by the forest fire places. If you live in an area with the potential for a fire forest, it is important to be prepared and protected

:. be prepared

• the Suite Wildfire by FireWhat can put information on rescue forest fires in the palm of your hand with one of the three applications.

• Wildfire page to Ready.gov offers preparation and safety tips before, during and after a wildfire.

• Wildfire ... are you ready? Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) and the US Fire Administration is a comprehensive booklet full of useful information to prepare for, protect you during and recover from wildfire.

• Wildfire page on the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety Web site contains a wealth of information including Wildfire Home Assessment & Checklist to help you develop a risk assessment of your home and learn how to protect against forest fires.

• on Wildfire Ready web page organized by the State of Colorado, insurance partners, CBS4, and firefighters provides information on how to be "Wildfire Ready."

be protected :.

• Reviewing the tenant's policy with your agent to make sure your limits are adequate and your coverage is up to date on your own or

• If you forced to evacuate, your insurance policy may provide coverage for living expenses. The HO-3 The basic policy provides coverage for loss of use for up to 14 days when a civil authority prohibits you from using your home. This covers your living expenses in a hotel and the extra cost of eating out for meals.

• If your home is actually burned in the fire and is not fit to live, plus standard owner policies provide coverage for any necessary increase in living expenses incurred by you so that your household can maintain its normal standard of living.

• If your home and belongings are lost to fire, having a household inventory can speed up your claim settlement. It's easy to do - .. Central See of how-to video

For additional resources, see the Tips and Web Tools on our website at www.central-insurance.com

Does your home ever been in the path of a wildfire? Share your experience with us.

I went shopping for a printer, and recently there were three shelves full of different printers. As I look at the price and features of labels, trying to make a decision, my 4-year-old daughter goes to the only white printer and said, "Dad, cute thereof" And I had not even. decided inkjet or laser ...

Whether you are buying a printer for your home or office by identifying how you will use the the printer will go a long way in helping you to choose the right printer If your main use is ...

• Photos -. .. professionals use laser printers but ink jets to bridge the gap for home use
• black & white text - laser printers create clear black text
• special paper (stationery, cardstock) - .. look for something with a power right paper, usually inkjet
• speed / volume - lasers generally have high print speeds and capacity of the paper tray.

cost

inkjet printers starting under $ 70, but laser printers can easily eclipse $ 400. If you are looking for something between $ 100 and $ 400, there are several options available for both types. Of course, you have the ongoing cost of replacement ink cartridges to consider as well. Laser cartridges are much more expensive, but when you look at cost per page (CPP) printing, the laser begins to gain an advantage. Also, if you do not print often, inkjet cartridges can waste ink or dry, increasing the CPP published by the manufacturer. Some inkjet printers with individual color cartridges (cyan, magenta and yellow in the same cartridge) require replacing the entire cartridge. Printers with dedicated cartridges for each color are more effective - just replace the color that runs out. Laser cartridges do not dry out, because they contain the powder.

quality

Historically dominated by laser printers, inkjet close the quality gap. The compromise is speed. If you have time to wait, inkjet produce the quality of a laser for most of your printing needs. Laser printers are capable of producing quality at a faster pace

Features

Here are some questions to ask yourself before buying :.

• Need color? Black Only printing can save you a lot of money. monochrome printers are cheaper and only buy black cartridges can save you 50 percent or more.
• Are you just print or do you need your printer for fax, scan and copy capabilities?
• do you want to be able to print from anywhere in your home or office? Then you'll want a wireless printer. Technology continues to improve. Your computer, tablet or phone must support wireless printing as well.
• Need to print from your smartphone? Many printer manufacturers have applications that let you print directly from your phone.

I decided on a color laser printer with wireless capabilities and mobile, but skipped the multi-function options. The printer was on sale and replacement cartridges seems to be a reasonable price. My daughter was happy as well, since we took the house of the white printer.

You have a printer that you just love (or hate)? Tell me about it!

Working in the field of customer service, I deal with a variety of difficult customers. There are those who can get along well with your colleague, but their personality you simply rub the wrong way. Then there are those who are difficult to treat for everyone. But perhaps the most difficult type of customer is one who is simply angry and ensure that everyone they speak is aware of their anger until their problem is resolved.

Whatever type you are dealing with, research indicates that customers who complain are still likely to continue to do business with your company s' they feel they have been treated correctly. An estimated 0% of customers who believe they have been wronged never complain, they simply take their business elsewhere. Here are some suggestions to help you cope with a difficult customer and keep their business:

1. treat them with respect. Contrary to the customer, you are not angry that you are in control of your emotions. If you lose this control, the situation can go from bad to worse.
2. See empathy. Put yourself in the client's skin and try to understand why they are angry. Whether or not the complaint is valid, your response must always be firm but compassionate. If the customer feels that you really care about their situation, they can calm down and be more rational.
3. Listen. This can be a very difficult task, but most angry customers just need to vent their frustration and will usually calm down a bit. Interrupting most likely will not help the situation. After allowing the customer vent, try a simple line "I understand your frustration or" I'm sorry you have this problem, "followed with," I will do my best to help you solve this problem. "
4. Avoid blame. Obviously, you never want to place blame on your client as this will most likely inflame their anger. On the other hand, you do not want to accept the blame on you or your business as this could lead the client to the question of the competence of your company. Just let the customer know that you will try your best to solve their problem.

After dealing with a difficult customer, take the time to do a breathing / short calming exercise. This will help you clear your mind so that your prospective customers will not feel the effects of the previous situation.

These are just some suggestions to deal with difficult customers or angry. What works for you?

Many of my neighbors have been recently stolen. They live within a mile of my house. With these flights and all that is happening in the world today, all that is on my mind is how can I protect my house, my family and myself? After searching the Internet, talk to the officers of the local police, and referring to my own common sense, I set up a few things in my life that could help others.

• [systèmedesécurité Home. A home security system is obviously a good idea, but there are so many options to choose, which do you choose? A suggestion of a local police officer was to have a "Shatter alarm glass." This alarm will alert you if the glass in a door or a window is broken, even if it is unopened.
• external security features. If you have a security system or not, outside safety signs are a great idea! Houses with signs and security lights have proven to be avoided by criminals as opposed to houses that are dark or show any signs of security. Put a sign on every door and a sticker on each window. Like everything else, they are available on the Internet (eBay has hundreds to choose from.) My only suggestion is to make sure that the security provider is still active.
• Warning System Driveway. When this outside motion detector is triggered by a vehicle entering your entry, the indoor unit will chime an alert. This is an inexpensive way to warn customers (or intruders).
• There's an app for that! There are many home security applications that give additional information on home security and applications that are actually used for surveillance.
• Secure your doors and windows. One of my favorite ways is a door stop alarm that emits a loud siren sound when activated (only an investment of $ 5.)
• Make your house the 'inhabited air. Brighten things it means that your exterior lights are on timers, motion detectors, or simply whenever it's dark. Enable Radio / TV on until so it can be heard outside a window or exterior door.
• Know your neighbors. The neighbors who know each other look.
• always see who he is. I live in a very small town and we rarely strangers knocking on our door so it is human nature to open the door without verifying who it is first. Not anymore! Always check first!
• Arm yourself. It is a good idea to have something in your nightstand or under your bed to help defend yourself. I have a bat, a taser, and wasp spray (do not try to sneak up on me!). Why wasp spray?!? Some wasp spray will spray up to 20 feet! (Mace pepper spray would do too.) Keep your spare car keys in your nightstand is also a good idea for you to ring your car alarm to alert the neighbors and scare off intruders.

The purpose of this blog is to inform readers about the options and safety awareness at home. However, we recently had a training session on the scale of the company to educate employees on what to do if an active shooter enter the building (or other public place we happen to be). In this session, we showed a video entitled "RUN HIDE BATS TOI Surviving an Active Shooter Event" which explains what to do in an active shooter situation The three main points are as follows:....

• RUN -. If you can get safely out If you evacuate a building, go out with your hands visible and listen to everything that a police officer can tell you to do
• hIDE -. If you can not get in safely, then hide Barricade the door if possible, turn off the lights, Silence your cell phone , and hide where you are out of range of the shooter.
• fIGHT -.. If all else fails and you are unable to run or hide, be prepared to fight Find what you can to arm you

for more tips safety at home, check out this interactive graphic SimpliSafe (this link is just for your information, it is not a product or a supplier approval) ..

what measures do you take to you and help keep your family safe?

A car accident is a jarring experience, and most people are often uncertain as to the information to collect from the other party or parties concerned. Accidents are frustrating in nature and lack of relevant information can cause delays in settling your claim that only adds to the frustration. The following is a list of information you should be sure to get after an accident to help ensure a smooth claims process.

• License Information. This should include the full name, license number, date of birth and address of the driver. Make sure you get this information as the owner of the vehicle is not always the driver.

• Registration Information. Note the year, make, model, license plate number, and color of the vehicle and the insurance company if listed. Make sure you look at the vehicle itself to verify that the record belongs to the vehicle involved in the accident. You will also want to take the name and address of the owner listed on the registration if the driver is not the owner.

• Location. Record the location of the accident. Make sure you have the street address if possible or note the landmarks if no house number is available. Be sure to get the names of two streets if you are at an intersection.

• passengers. Write down all passenger names and addresses in the other vehicle. At the very least, be sure you know how many are in the vehicle so you can make your insurance company know. This information may be needed if there is injury to the accident.

Provide this information to your carrier as soon as possible or the insurance agent so they can get the claims process started immediately. More information you can provide, the fewer complications and delays you. And do not forget to provide your driver's license and information to the other party involved so they can get the claims process started at their end as well. Insurance companies talk to each other during a protest, so if one side has the information and the other not, the application may be delayed.

If the police are involved, they will usually give a form of exchange of accident will provide most of the information for each of the parties involved. Share this information with your operator or agent so they can file the application for you.

Have you ever been in an accident? Did you know what to do to get the claims process started quickly? Tell us your story in the comments section below.

For more on what to do after a car accident, watch our video above.

Although the calendar says that summer is technically not even half over, the outdoor fun and vacations are sinuous in many parts of the country. Schools are back in session shortly and the football season will kick off before we know it!

This is the time of year, I often get questions about the necessary cover to protect students who are absent from school. Such requests are common for parents who send their children to college for the first time.

The courts have long determined that dependent child away to school is still legally a resident of the home of their parents. In fact, with the policy of contracts used by many insurance companies, there are situations where no additional coverage must be purchased.

Of the policies most commonly used owners, a student under 24 is covered by his or politics as long as they are enrolled full-time at the school and have been a resident of house before moving to attend school from its owners parents.

then, that the covers have your students while they are away at college? First, they are protected by the section of the personal responsibility of your homeowners policy for bodily injury or damage they cause. However, it is important to note that the intentional acts are not covered. Your son or daughter will face new responsibilities and exposure, so it is a good time to consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy to provide an additional layer of liability protection for your family.

Regarding the equipment that will be moved into the dorm room, coverage for personal property is available up to an amount that is equal to 10% of the limit of personal property coverage the parent policy. Personal property includes things like clothes, small furniture and appliances, and electronics. Of course, the policy deductible is applicable in case of loss of property, such as theft of personal property.

Electronics, such as a laptop or tablet, can be one of the biggest concerns. Some insurance companies allow these items to be shown separately on the policy owners so that a deductible would not apply to a loss. However, I often discourages this type of coverage on most of those items that I think it is prudent for the insured to make himself small losses. Small losses may be regarded unfavorably by insurance companies, may increase the premium at renewal time, or could even cause the coverage being interrupted when combined with other losses.

In some cases, the student (or parents) can sign a lease for an apartment off campus. While it is possible that the cover may still be available through the policy of the parents, which is often a good opportunity to equip the student with the insurance policy of their own tenant to ensure that n 'there is no coverage issue. See our blog for more reasons than you need renters insurance!

Last but not least, we sometimes get requests to add a building owner to a tenant policy. Essentially, this means that the landlord requires the tenant to carry insurance coverage - particularly liability coverage. In such cases, the owner may be added to the policy as additional interest. This allows the building owner / owner to be on the policy statements and to notify in case renters insurance canceled. The approval of additional interest does not provide coverage to the owner.

I hope this summary is useful to families who will visit the campus this fall. To learn more about protecting your child to college, check out our Dorm and Don'ts for your student, for students, some exclusions may apply, and back to school list should include a Check Up Blog insurance.

policy coverages described above are in the most general terms and are subject to the exclusions and real political conditions. For specific coverage details and exclusions of the policy, refer to the policy itself or contact your agent.

It has been estimated that 75 million Americans are exposed to a significant risk of earthquakes in 39 states, according to the US Geological Survey. And it was before the hydraulic fracturing process.

According to an article from the Insurance Information Institute, a combination of increasing urban development in seismically active areas and many buildings elders do not meet current building codes suggest the potential cost of an earthquake is likely to increase. In many parts of the country today, there is also much discussion about "fracking" and its contribution to the recent seismic activity. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is the process of extracting natural gas from shale rock layers deep within the earth. Hydraulic fracturing can reach natural gas trapped in shale that was once unattainable by conventional drilling techniques. Although fracking has helped untold wealth for many landowners and natural gas companies, some say the technique has also contributed to the increase in seismic activity and earthquakes. The most recent studies have shown that earthquakes induced fracturing-are much less dangerous than natural, but many owners are now reviewing their own policies to determine if they are covered in case of an earthquake .

What the owner will find is that most non endorsed homeowners policies exclude or have very little cover for the movement of the earth. the movement of the Earth to home insurance purposes includes earthquakes, including shock waves from earth tremors or before, during and after a volcanic eruption; landslides, mudslides, or mudflow; subsidence or sinkhole; or other movement of the earth including the sinking, rising, or displacement caused by an act of nature or otherwise.

So what should a landlord? Contact your independent agent and ask for earthquake coverage is trusted on your policy. These endorsements vary from company to company when it comes to price and coverage. Some will have separate deductibles for your franchise policy owners. Most will have other exclusions such as masonry veneer, flood, and filling of land resulting from the earthquake. The cost of this coverage varies depending on many criteria for your home, including the location, cost, construction materials, and age.

In addition to the insurance, you can take other steps to fortify your home. Do some profitable home improvements such as securing cabinets and furniture to the walls, installing safety shutoff valves for gas lines, and water heater bracing are some of these steps. What other measures can you suggest to protect your home against damage from the earthquake?

It was very early on a Sunday morning when I get an email from my credit card company alerting me on load potentially fraudulent. Apparently someone in Texas used my card number to buy materials for the renovation. As I learned is generally the case, the thief charged a dollar to ensure that the purchase goes through, and once he did, he became a frenzy of spending free-for-all proportions epic.

This made me think about how we as a company protect the private information of our customers. What steps do we take to ensure the online safety of our customers? Do we ensure that we are not volunteer information about the phone? It is so important that we can identify who we are talking on the phone. Although we're pretty sure he's the real customer, it is possible that we cheated.

Here are some tips all customer service professional can follow to help protect the private information of their customers ¹

• Find out what types of customer information your company collects and how it is used
• Create a privacy policy procedures to support
• .. Train employees and educate your customers on your policy.
• Ask the client's permission. give them the possibility of prohibiting the collection and distribution of their personal information.
• Apply your policies. Teach your staff how to explain the client's policies when requests can not be met.

I was one of the lucky ones who could be notified before significant damage was done to my credit, but many others aren 't so lucky. Credit cards with social security numbers and even addresses, we must be diligent in ensuring that customer information is protected. For more on cyber-security and protection of customers' personal data, watch our video above. You can also visit our blog posts Devastation Fight against a data breach and do not deny the threat of attacks by denial of service.

What policies does your company have in place for the processing of personal data of customers?

¹ Estep, Meredith. Customer Confidentiality: Protecting. Unitiv.com . July 7, 2010.

Tablet vs laptop. If you're in the market for new technologies, there is a question you have to ask. Can you get by with a single pill? Is a laptop computer better for you? Each person uses their technology differently, so to help you decide which device is right for you here are some of the best features of each.

Advantages of a laptop

• Power. a main advantage of a laptop on a tablet is power. Laptops generally have more powerful processing equipment, allowing a wider range of uses, faster performance and better multitasking.
• Built-ins. The laptops have a keyboard and integrated mouse. A physical keyboard is better to enter into long blocks of text, and a mouse is more effective than a touch screen to switch windows and clicking on links.
• Accessories. If you need a powerful multitasking or treatment or the need to be able to use an accessory device or specific storage, a laptop may be the best alternative.

the advantages of a tablet

• affordability. tablets are one of the most affordable options around when it comes to media, games, and the Web.
• usability. and touch the icon screen is a tablet designs are easy for newcomers to understand. Sweeping from one screen to another is much easier to grasp than typing the Windows key or navigating a file tree.
• Size. small tablet size makes it more mobile. Laptops can be portable and easily packed into a laptop bag, but the tablets are truly mobile and can be used on the move instead of standing still.
• The life of the battery. The tablets provide excellent service life of the battery. The smaller, less powerful processors, mobile are more efficient battery.
• Apps. Where laptops use software, tablets use applications. Applications can take advantage of motion sensors, GPS data, and integrated cameras. Applications are also generally less expensive than PC software. Many applications are completely free.

When deciding between a laptop and a tablet, clear decision can be based on your needs. But in today's world, using the two together can be your best option!