Helpful tips for new drivers
by Jenean McLoskey I remember the first day I passed my driver’s test. I felt like I was on cloud nine…invincible. I instantly thought about all of the places I was going to go by myself. No more asking my parents or friends for a ride — my ticket to being independent had finally come, and I was ready to take on the road like a pro! Handing the paperwork to the clerk at the Secretary of State was empowering. “This is it,” I thought to myself. “You are about to get your official driver’s license!” I made sure I looked my best for my photo (I even made them take the picture twice) and they said I would receive a hard copy of my license in the mail in 2 to 3 weeks. Walking out that door with the authorization to drive on my own, I couldn’t stop smiling, I felt like a true adult. However, I was far from it. The truth is, I was only 16-years-old and had no idea the weight of responsibility that was on my shoulders now. I’ll admit for the first few months I was driving alone, I was a little scared. I would have to constantly keep rubbing my palms on my clothes because they would get sweaty and slippery on the wheel. If I got beeped at, I took it very personally and thought about what I could have done better. I made sure to make as little mistakes as possible — I didn’t want any of the other experienced drivers thinking I was a beginner at this! Eventually, it got better with practice and I became more comfortable with going on highway ramps, switching lanes and driving in urban areas. If you have a teen that just passed their driver’s test or are currently in driver’s education, remember that this moment is an important, life-changing accomplishment for them. Even though you won’t be physically by their side when they’re behind the wheel, you can still offer them your support and driving wisdom beforehand. I know, it’s easier said than done. Looking back, I didn’t exactly listen to everything my parents told me when I was 16, but I must have retained something since I’m a pretty safe driver now! Sadly, according to the CDC , vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. It’s scary and...
Read MoreWhat to consider when purchasing a boat
by The Foremost Creative Team The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the open water in front of you. Sound appealing? Then you might want to join the ranks of boat owners all over the country. But before you cut through that clear blue, there are some things to keep in mind. Whether you’re buying a fishing boat, cabin cruiser, pontoon or speed boat, different components like cost, horsepower, weight capacity or onboard storage may prove to be more important to you than others. Answer these questions before going boat shopping: Use What are you hoping to use your boat for? All boat styles have a different design tailored to the use. Speed boats may be better for tubing and water skiing, but wouldn’t hold as many people or be as fish-accessible as a pontoon or fishing boat. Maybe you’re in the market for a sailboat, or leaning towards a houseboat. There are so many different varieties of boats, so make an informed decision on which one is right for you (information provided by Discover Boating). Cost What’s your budget? This may help decide whether to purchase a pre-owned boat. According to Discover Boating, new boats depreciate anywhere between 25%-33% immediately after leaving the dealer’s lot. So if you buy a pre-owned boat, someone else has already paid that depreciation cost – more boat for fewer dollars! However, buying a new boat will offer a warranty, the newest technology, and that nice shiny look as you move across the water – the choice is up to you! Capacity How many people are you hoping to go on your boating excursions with? The capacity on personal fishing boats is generally smaller than a pontoon boat, which are made to hold anywhere between 8-15 adults comfortably. Equipment What type of equipment will you want onboard? Here’s some suggestions: Trolling Motor Lights Depth finder Live well GPS Canopy/bimini Stereo Tables Emergency survival kit Fire extinguisher Towing Will your car be able to tow the new boat? According to Auto Bytel, the average 21-foot boat trailer weighs between 500 and 1,000 pounds, while most boats in this size range hover in the 4,000-5,000 pound range. This means that you’ll want an SUV or truck that is rated to tow between 4,500-6,000 pounds in total. Storage Limitations Will your new boat fit in your garage during the off season? Alongside your garage? In...
Read MoreMotorcycle Winter Storage Tips
Your bike is an investment of your finances and your time, and it’s important to think about keeping it clean and safe while the weather is cold and snowy. When you prepare your motorcycle for storage, keep these helpful tips in mind to ensure it’s in tip-top shape for next year! Please note: You should also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for any other winterizing requirements not mentioned in this article. Clean it upGive your bike a good wash and wax and cover it with a breathable cloth cover. This will protect your bike from dirt, dust or other airborne matter in your garage. Gas it upTop off your tank and add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer. Stabilizer prevents your fuel from breaking down and producing a brown residue that can coat your carburetor. Run your engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated gas. Since gas is flammable, do not store a motorcycle with a full tank of gas in an area where there is open flame, pilot lights, sparks or motors. Change the oilJust before you put your motorcycle into storage, change the oil. Used oil that sits in your bike all winter becomes corrosive and can damage your motorcycle’s parts. Check the coolantSince motorcycles are not used in freezing temperatures, many riders overlook the use of coolant. Use a floating-ball device to check if your coolant level is sufficient to resist freezing. If it’s low, always add according to the manufacturer’s directions. Charge the batteryRemove your battery, store it at a temperature above 32 degrees and trickle-charge it once a month. If you’re able to run the bike once a month, leave the battery in the bike and disconnect the negative cable end. Remember the tiresIf you can manage it, store your bike off the ground. If you can’t do this, make sure the tires are properly inflated, set the bike on its stand and rotate the front and back tires every so often to avoid flat spots. By taking the time to properly prepare your motorcycle for storage, you’ll save more time in the spring when you want to take your bike out on the open road. Stay safe, and ride...
Read More7 Tips to Prevent Burst Pipes
1. Slow drip. If your water pipes pass through unheated or unprotected enclosed spaces, consider allowing a slow drip from your faucets to reduce the buildup of pressure in the pipes. Even if water in a pipe does freeze, the pressure release from a slow drip may help to reduce the likelihood of a ruptured pipe. 2. Allow warmer room air to reach enclosed pipes. Where water pipes are vulnerable near exterior walls, open the cabinets under faucets and consider removing basement ceiling tiles to expose these pipes to warmer air from the room. This allows the warmer air from the room to circulate into those enclosed areas and may help to keep those pipes warmer, possibly preventing a ruptured pipe. 3. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees. Maintain a minimum interior building temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Periodically check on any unoccupied buildings or spaces for signs of low interior temperatures or ruptured pipes. 4. Don’t allow inside temperatures to fluctuate. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. 5. Insulate exterior spigots. Protect outdoor spigots with insulating domes or other coverings to reduce the likelihood of those water pipes freezing and rupturing. Disconnect all exterior hoses from outdoor spigots. 6. Monitor space heater use. As always, use extreme caution and constant supervision with space heaters. 7. Shut off water immediately if you notice a leak. If you notice any water leakage, immediately shut off the system control valves that lead to any leaking pipes, to reduce water damage and business interruptions. Immediately contact a licensed and qualified plumber to assess the situation to prevent further damage and to make necessary...
Read MoreTips for getting your classic car back on the road
The classic car experts at Hagerty® have put together the following start-up checklist. If your car has been sitting for a while, take the time to prep before a long drive. You’ll both be better for it. Start with your battery. If it’s been on a trickle charger all winter, disconnect it from the charger and reconnect the battery. If you simply removed the battery and stored it in a warmer spot for the winter, time to charge it up. Check your fluids. Start with a walk around and examine the floor beneath the car. Drips are common and expected; puddles are not. A fresh oil change is recommended since water or other fluids may have found their way in your crankcase. While you’re at it, replace the oil filter. Also check your other fluids – brakes, coolant, transmission, windshield washer. Do they look dirty? Are they at the recommended level? Smell your transmission fluid. If it smells burnt, change it. Generally speaking, if you can’t remember the last time you drained and flushed any particular fluid, it’s probably time to do it again. As for gasoline, your car should be good to go if you put STA-BIL in the gas tank before storing your car. If not, you might consider adding a water-absorbing product or – if you’re really worried about it – drain the tank. Check your belts and hoses for cracks and decay. Since rubber breaks down over time, examine the condition of your tires. Make sure they’re inflated to the correct air pressure, and remember the spare. In addition to potentially damaging your engine, water can cause brake problems as well. If your car has been sitting for a while, consider bleeding your brakes. They should feel firm when you push the pedal. By this point, you should already know if any mice spent a comfortable winter in or around your engine. Also check inside the passenger compartment, especially under the seats and in the glove box. And one last thing – check the headlights, turn signals and brake lights. Yes, this requires a friend’s help. It’s finally time to start your car. If you’re just testing the engine, make sure an exit door is open enough to allow exhaust fumes to escape. If the weather allows for a drive, make that first one fairly short – a half hour or so should put the...
Read MoreTime to Ride!
Whether you are a trail rider, farmer or just use your ATV for pleasure on your own property, it is important to understand how to properly insure your ATV. If you ride off your property, your homeowners or renters insurance may not be sufficient. You may need a policy designed specifically for recreational vehicles. Let us explain the coverage options for your ATV. We are here to help you. Talk to us today to review your current policy or to get a quote!...
Read MoreScheduled Personal Property
What is Scheduled Personal Property? Your personal property are the items that you own such as furniture, clothing, and electronics. Although a standard homeowner’s insurance policy will generally cover these items, you need to be aware of limits within your policy for items such as jewelry, guns, and a coin collection. If you want additional coverage for these items, you need to schedule them on your policy. To schedule your items, you will need to provide evidence of their value such as an appraisal or receipt. In addition to establishing a value for your personal property, by scheduling these items you also get broader coverage. For example, scheduled jewelry may be covered for accidental loss of a diamond falling out of your wedding ring. This is not something that is usually covered under a standard homeowner’s policy. Contact us to find out more about scheduling personal...
Read MoreInsuring your boat
Going to a Boat Show? What you need to know about insuring a boat. There are several coverages to consider when insuring your boat. First is liability insurance. If you are found at fault in an accident, you could be held liable for injuries caused to others or for repairing damage caused by the accident. Watercraft liability helps protect you from paying medical expenses, loss of income and even funeral costs of other people who are involved in the accident. It also pays for damage done to another person’s boat or property such as a pier. If another boat operator damages your boat or injures you or your passengers but does not have insurance, you may need uninsured watercraft coverage to help pay for medical expenses. Property coverage helps pay for the damage to your boat if you are involved in an accident with another boat, hit a pier or buoy or if your boat is damaged due to fire, vandalism or wind. When setting a limit to insure your boat, be sure to include the value of equipment such as motors (including trolling motors) and permanently installed fish finders and navigational units. A boat policy may also offer optional coverages for personal effects including fishing equipment, emergency services for the cost of a tow, and coverage for boat accessories such as life jackets and anchors. Insuring your boat correctly can give you piece of mind so you can enjoy your summer on the...
Read MoreFire Safety Week – October 4 – 10
A fire can start anywhere and at any time. Be safe and consider these fire safety tips: Cooking Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove Keep a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen use nearby Candles Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over Smoking If you smoke, smoke outside Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches up high and out of the reach of children Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out Smoke Alarms Install smoke alarms near each bedroom and sleeping area Interconnect smoke alarms if possible so all sound when one sounds Test and replace batteries on a regular...
Read MoreInsurance for your motorcycle
Before you take that first cruise on your motorcycle, make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place. Liability coverage protects you in case you cause bodily injury to others or property damage. If you took out a loan on your motorcycle, your lender might require that you have comprehensive and collision coverage. Medical coverage is important if you don’t have health insurance. Medical payments will cover the cost to treat you or your passenger. Stop in today and let us help you get the proper insurance for your motorcycle. Call us today for a...
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