Automobile Insurance—Top five questions

What auto coverage do I need? 

New York Law requires all vehicles to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance in the amount of $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more persons (Uninsured motorists protection subject to the same minimums), $10,000 for damage to property of others, and $50,000 for Personal Injury Protection (PIP), also known as No-fault. This minimum coverage are applicable to any one accident. However, depending on your individual situation, it is advisable that you consider increasing the amounts of your liability coverage depending on your needs and the assets you would like to protect.

What optional coverage should I consider purchasing?  

You may consider purchasing Comprehensive and Collision coverage to protect against theft or damage to your vehicle. Insurers also offer other valuable coverage to protect you and your family, such as Additional PIP and Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists (SUM). It is recommended that you review the Insurance Department’s Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance, located in the Automobile Insurance Resource Center, for more general information about auto insurance. You may also consult with the producer or insurer to help determine the types of coverage that are ideal for you.

Does my policy protect me for liability against a lawsuit from an injured spouse?  

The standard auto policy does not automatically provide coverage for an insured against liability due to death of or injuries to a spouse. However, an insured may purchase Supplemental Spousal Liability, which does provide coverage for an insured against liability due to death of or injuries to a spouse.

What effect does my credit history have on my insurance?  

Many insurers consider consumer credit information as part of their underwriting process and, for those that do, your credit history may have an affect on the premium charged. However, insurers are prohibited from rejecting an application for insurance solely on the basis of credit information and from using credit in any way to terminate a policy or increase the premium on a renewal policy. Insurers are required to disclose the use of credit information to their policyholders.

What discounts are available?  

While all insurers are required to offer certain mandatory discounts (such as for vehicles equipped with air bags, anti-lock brakes or daytime running lights, or for taking a DMV approved Accident Prevention Course), many insurers have a wide range of other discounts that may also be applicable to you. Ask the insurer or producer about the discounts offered by the insurer to see if you qualify or could qualify for any of the available discounts.

 For more visit us on the web or contact us at one of our three locations.  You can also visit the insurance department online.

Cell Phone Safety - Driving Home the Importance

These days, it’s hard to find someone who does not have a cell phone.  Cell phones can be invaluable for those business professionals who spend a lot of time out of the office, or for anyone who wants the added peace of mind knowing they can call for help in an emergency.

Are there laws limiting the use of cell phones while driving?

New York state prohibits the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway. Violators charged for using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle can face a fine of up to $100. Hands-free cell phones, however, are permitted.

In 2013, several changes have been made to the law.  Now you can face up to 5 driving points. If you are a probationary or junior driver you could be looking at a suspension for 60 days and if it happens a second time revocation.  The maximum fines have been increased to $150 for 1st offense,$200 for 2nd offense, and third $400 and lets not forget the surcharge...$93.

Familiarize yourself with your phone

Be sure you review all the literature that comes with your phone.  Understand how to use its many features—including speed dial, re-dial and hands-free options.

Many manuals are available for free online.

Be aware of your surroundings and road conditions

If you find yourself in hazardous driving conditions-whether traffic-or weather-related—let your voice mail system pick up the call.  A few minutes of paying attention, and pulling over in a safe location, could make a huge difference in your safety and the safety of those around you..

Are there laws limiting the use of portable electronic devices used for text messaging or transmitting electronic data while driving?

Effective Nov. 1, 2009, New York state prohibits the use of electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway.

Portable electronic devices include hand-held cell phones, but also include PDAs, laptop computers, pagers, broadband personal communication devices and electronic games.  Violators charged for using an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle can face a fine of up to $150.

Stay calm on the phone and on the road

Don’t use driving time to engage in stressful or emotional conversations.  They can distract you from driving safely and sensibly, even if you are using a hands-free phone.

Cell phones can be an invaluable business tool or your lifeline in a real emergency.  But, remember, when you’re behind the wheel, your most important responsibility is safe driving.

There are new penalties that just went into effect for commercial drivers effective October 28, 2013 - click here for our free report : FREE REPORT FOR MOTOR CARRIERS & COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVERS

For more information visit us on the web at www.tiains.com or contact us at one of our three locations.

Reprinted in parts with permission from PIA Management Services Inc.

Want to Save Money on Gas?

Gas is expected to reach $5 per gallon by next summer.  Wow!!! Here are some tips that might come in handy.

4 Tips on Pumping Gas

Our source for this article is an individual with about 31 years experience in the petroleum industry.  He was kind enough to share some actions to take that will help you get more out of your money.

1. It is wise to buy gas or fill up your vehicle as early in the morning as possible, or when ground temperatures are still cool. Be advised that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below the surface.  The cooler the ground the more dense the gasoline.   When it gets warmer liquid expands.  As a result, buying in the afternoon or in the evening is not recommended.  A gallon might not actually be a gallon.
   
   
   
2. When you're filling up your car, you should not squeezed the trigger of the pump to a fast mode. Triggers have 3 speeds (low, medium, and high).  He advised that one should be pumping on the low mode,  thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while pumping gas.  All hoses at the pump have a vapor return.  If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes back to your tank can become steam.  Those vapors are being sucked up and back into storage tanks, so in retrospect., you are getting "bang for your buck".
   
   
   
3. One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank in HALF FULL.  The reason for this is the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space.  Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine.  Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof.  This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation.  Unlike service stations, petroleum stations make sure that every truck that is loaded is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
   
   
   
4. Finally, never fill up your vehicle when there is a gasoline truck filling up the storage tanks.  When the tanks are filled up, the bottom is being stirred up.  You will pick up some of the gunk that was lying quietly at the bottom.
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   Visit us on the web or contact us at one of  our three locations maybe we can save you some money on your auto insurance too!
   
   
   
   

Snowmobile Registration & Insurance

It’s almost that time of year again! Time for snowmobiling.  Here is some helpful information from the NYS Office of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Display of Registration:

Registration numbers are permanently assigned to a snowmobile when it is registered for the first time.  These numbers stay with the machine from owner to owner until it is destroyed or permanently removed from the state.  DMV provided registration number decals must be displayed on both sides of the cowling of the sled at all times.  The cowling is defined as the forward portion of the sled surrounding the engine and clutch assembly.  Any display position behind the sled cowling (tunnel or seat area) or on the windshield is illegal and could result in an expensive citation for violation of the registration law.

Insurance Requirements:

All snowmobiles operated on any part of a roadway or shoulder of a highway in NYS must be covered by minimum liability insurance.  NYS Parks law requires snowmobilers to carry liability coverage in the minimum amount of $25,000 for an accident involving one person, 50,000 for an accident involving two or more persons, and $10,000 property damage from one accident.  These are bare minimum limits of insurance and are not recommended .   Proof of Insurance must be carried by the snowmobiler and must be displayed upon request of any magistrate, law enforcement officer, or anyone who has suffered personal injury or property damage as a result of the snowmobilers actions.

Trailers and Trailer Registration:

Trailers manufactured specifically for snowmobiles are usually the best choices.  Your tow vehicle should be big enough and have enough power to handle the trailer easily or you will put yourself and your snowmobiles in a very dangerous situation.  All trailers operated on NYS public highways must be registered, inspected and display a license plate with an annual validation tag.  The vehicle used to tow the trailer must be insured.  You must provide the DMV with all required items to receive a valid registration and license plate for your trailer.  Custom built trailers must meet all equipment requirements of section 375 of the vehicle and traffic law and must be assigned a VIN number by the DMV.  Contact your county’s weights and measures office for local weighing stations.

Snowmobile  insurance is generally fairly inexpensive and something we can do quickly.  Visit us on the web or give us a call at one of our three offices for a quote!

For more information about what is needed to register your sled visit : http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Some say it is going to be a rough winter.  I have lived in NY all my life (which is over 4 decades) and so I am used to it.  However, not all of us are.  Here is some advice for those not experienced in driving in the winter snowy months.  The best advice for driving in bad weather is not to drive at all if you can avoid it.  If you have to drive make sure your car is prepared, and you know how to handle road conditions.

Start With A Checkup:

· Check ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses, and belts

· Change and adjust spark plugs

· Check air, fuel and emission filters

· Inspect the distributor

· Check the battery

· Check tires for air, sidewall wear, and tread depth

· Check antifreeze levels and the freeze line

Necessary Equipment:

An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared.  In addition to making sure you have the tune up, a full tank of gas and fresh antifreeze you should also carry the following items in your trunk:

· Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack, tow and tire chains

· Shovel, bag of salt or kitty litter, woolen blanket

· Jumper cables, tool kit, non perishable food items, hard candy etc.

· Working flashlight and extra batteries, two flares

 If You Become Stranded:

· Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.

· To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car at a safe distance away.  Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.

· If you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.

· To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets too keep warm.

· Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

· Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist

For more safety  information visit the National Safety Council website at http://www.nsc.org

We offer discounts for reduced use vehicles as well - those vehicles only driven during winter or summer months.  Visit us on the web at www.tiains.com for a free quote or contact us at one of our three locations!

Want to save money on your car insurance?

Everyone wants to save money on their car insurance.  There are thousands of factors that figure into how much someone pays for their car insurance.  Your driving record, location, claims history, and how long you have been insured are just to name a few. Here are a few tips and discounts usually available:

1)      Defensive Driving:  This discount saves you 10% on the liability and collision portion of your insurance for 3 years and it doesn’t matter who you have your car insurance with!  If you take the course you get the discount.  If you have more than one vehicle you get the discount PER vehicle.  If you have more than one driver on your policy and they take the course they get the savings too!  Great way to save!  You can now also take the course online.  Instead of sitting in a classroom most of the day, go to http://www.tiains.com and sign-up it costs less than $40 and you can start and stop it at anytime and have up to 30 days to complete!

2)      Multi-policy Discount:  If the company you have your car insurance with sells home, mobile home or renters insurance and you take out one of these policies with them, it is very likely that you will receive the multi-policy discount. Erie Insurance offers the multi-policy discount on the home, renters or mobile home and the auto so that’s double the savings!  Go to http://www.tiains.com and ask for a free Erie quote to see how much you can save.

3)      Youthful Drivers:  Do you have a youthful driver on your policy?  Erie insurance gives THREE discounts to youthful drivers if they are insured with you on your auto policy.  The driver training discount if they took drivers education. The youthful longevity discount, if you and your inexperienced operator are claim and violation free. There is a 16 minute video the youthful drivers can watch online or in one of our three offices from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Lastly, the college student discount available for part-time or full-time college students away at school with out a vehicle.

4)      Multi-vehicle discount: If you have more than one vehicle and insure them together you may be eligible for a multi-vehicle discount.  With Erie and with some other companies a snowmobile, four-wheeler, classic car, dune buggy, RV or utility trailer, all qualify!

5)      Senior Discount:  Most car insurance companies offer senior discounts for drivers over 55.

6)      Car Equipment Safety:  Most car insurance companies offer discounts for factory installed air bags, anti-theft devices (like alarms) and anti-lock brakes on all four wheels.

7)      Safe Driver Discount: Some carriers offer safe driver discounts for no tickets, accidents, or claims in the last 5 years.

We are independent agents and can shop around for you with all 7 of the auto insurance companies we work with – many of them offer property coverage as well.  Go to www.tiains.com and get a free quote!