01/06/09

'Tis the Season to Protect Gifts
Trusted Choice insurance agents suggest you take stock of what you own-and how it's insured-soon after you finish unwrapping the presents you received this holiday.

Most consumers protect what they own with homeowners or renters insurance. Around the holidays, the value of what you own can change quickly. Now is a good time to contact your agent to review not only if you have enough insurance for your belongings but also what coverage is and is not available.

Many homeowners policies put a dollar-amount cap on certain categories of property. So even if you have a large amount of personal property coverage on your policy, you might have a "sub-limit" with a specified amount. Jewelry is one type of item that generally has a sub-limit.

Be sure to check your deductible and how it impacts a payment of a claim should you have one.

Your agent should explain the policy exclusions and how they may apply to the item you have received. Depending on the policy, additional risks such as water damage may be covered.

Can I get coverage for my valuables? Sold as an add-on to a home or renters policy, this coverage is sometimes referred to as a "floater" or "rider". Adding this type of coverage is suitable when you are insuring expensive items such as jewelry, furs, art, and antiques.

If you're a collector of items such as dolls, trains, or figurines, a different type of policy might be more appropriate for you. Collectibles coverage also protects against more risks than homeowners coverage.

There are two vital ways to protect your property, especially as you add to it during the holidays:

Keep and update inventory of what you own. A written record of the cost, date and place of purchase, and description is invaluable. It's easier and faster to get claim payments when you can document what you lost.
Protect your property. A secure home, with especially valuable items kept in locked cabinets and/or fireproof boxes, is the best way to deter thefts.

Your Trusted Choice insurance agent or broker can guide you as to which type of coverage you need for what you own. The holiday season is a good time to discuss what you own and how it is insured.
Posted by admin @ 20:32:43

Keeping your cash!
Nowadays keeping cash in your own pocket is a difficult task to do. Between rising costs and a shaky economy consumers are looking for ways to lower their insurance premiums. The following tips can help cut your bill-without sacrificing the quality of your insurance.

Raise your deductibles
Ask yourself how much you could pay personally if you were involved in an auto accident. You can save by increasing your collision deductible from $250.00 to $500.00. Additional savings can be found by dropping collision coverage on older cars with a Kelly Blue Book Value of $2,000 or less. Homeowners can save by increasing deductibles on these policies as well.

Consolidate
If you're buying auto insurance from one company and homeowners from another, chances are good you're paying too much for both policies. Companies generally give multi-policy discounts that will save you money.

Stay around awhile
It's tempting to insurance hop, especially with frequent ads on television and in your mailbox. But changing companies can lead to higher premium over the long haul. The longer you stick with one company, the more you'll save.

Annual reviews
Policyholders should review their insurance policies annually, preferably in a meeting with their agent. Not only will this help you keep coverages current and at appropriate levels, but frequent reviews will help identify new ways to cut premiums.

Check before buying
Considering the insurance cost of homes and cars before buying can help save substantial amounts. Buying a car with anti-lock brakes and airbags can help reduce the cost of insurance.

No matter what your reason is to save money, the goal is to understand what your coverage is and what your dollars are purchasing. Your Trusted Choice agent is able to answer these questions and make recommendations concerning your coverage.
Posted by admin @ 19:20:06

12/30/08

Starting Your Vehicle in Cold Weather
The Car Care Council warns that the majority of engine wear occurs during and right after cold starting your car. When the engine is left to rest overnight, oil seeps away from vital parts, leaving them vulnerable to damage. During cold weather, oil thickens and takes longer to reach the entire engine. You can avoid damage by taking a few simple precautions.

• Allow the engine to idle for about five minutes before driving.

• Don’t race the engine when cold or make abrupt starts.

• Make sure your oil is fresh and change it at the manufacturer’s suggested intervals.

• Check the antifreeze to ensure protection at low temperatures.

Contact your Trusted Choice agent for more information about how you can protect your vehicle.
Posted by admin @ 20:34:58

12/20/08

Avoiding a Furnace Fiasco
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during winter, and trails only cooking equipment the rest of the year. Protect your home and family by having your furnace cleaned and inspected every year and installing a carbon monoxide detector.

Annual furnace inspection
• The exhaust vent should be clear of obstructions such as leaves or animal nests.
• The blower motor should be clean.
• The V-belt and pulleys should not show any wear.
• The air intake should be clear so air can pass freely to the furnace.
• The thermostat should be clean and in good working condition.
• The flue assembly should be properly aligned and rigid.
• The flue should be securely attached to the furnace collar.
• The wiring near the flue should be tight.
• The flue pipe, fuel lines, safety controls and burner should be clean and in good working condition.
• If the owner’s manual calls for it, the technician should oil the motor and bearings.

Increase the energy-efficiency of your furnace by replacing or cleaning the filters three or four times a year.

Eliminate hazards
• Keep the area around your furnace clean and free from debris. Keep a 36” clearance around the furnace.
• Never store combustible materials such as paint thinner or gasoline near your furnace or vent pipe.
• Never drape clothes over your furnace to dry.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Your furnace—and any heater that burns fuel—can leak carbon monoxide. Although it is a natural byproduct of the incomplete combustion that makes your furnace work, carbon monoxide can be deadly. The Centers for Disease Control estimates it leads to the deaths of more than 500 Americans each year.

• Carbon Monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
• You cannot distinguish carbon monoxide in your home unless you install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Check the detector’s battery twice a year when you change your clocks, the same time you check your smoke detector batteries.

Contact an Erie Insurance Agent for more information about protecting your home, possessions and family from the impact of a fire. We can be reached at our Perkasie location at 215.257.9171 or our Harleysville location at 215.723.9805.

Posted by admin @ 09:00:00

12/14/08

Out of the water doesn't always mean out of danger!
Summer's over, your boat's out of the water, and to save a few dollars you're thinking about cancelling your boat insurance policy. After all, what could possibly happen to your prized possession during the winter months when it's tucked safely away? The answer: A lot!


- From 2003 to 2006, nearly one in five Progressive Boat claims from the northern states
were filed after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.

- Boaters can be held responsible for any injuries that occur on or around their boats while in
storage.

- An untended boat during the winter months is vulnerable to theft as well as fires (even if
properly winterized).

These examples show why it's a good idea to keep your coverage even in the off-season, not only for the things that can happen during that time, but also because keeping a policy year-round may mean extra savings that can really add up over time.

Some boat insurers offer Disappearing Deductibles. With Progressive a disappearing deductible reduces the selected Comprehensive and Collision deductible 25% for every claim-free policy period, leading to a $0 deductible after four years. By cancelling a policy and repurchasing coverage in the spring, you'll lose your reduced deductible.

Another example of the types of benefits available only through a specialty insurer like Progressive is Total Loss Replacement. If your boat is not able to be repaired as a result of a crash or claim and you have this coverage, Progressive will replace it with a brand new one just like it. This coverage is only available one time for new boats, so if you have this coverage and cancel your policy, you won't be eligible for it again when you re-start your coverage next season.

That's why it is a good idea to contact a local independent agent before making a decision. For further information and advice, one of our representatives would be happy to assist you. You can reach us at our Harleysville Office at 215.723.9805 or our Perkasie Office at 215.257.9171. We're here to serve you!
Posted by admin @ 09:00:00

12/04/08

Manager the "Four C's" of Winter Fire Risks: Chimneys, Candles, Christmas Trees and Children
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve—these holidays mean celebrations, many of them in decorated homes filled with merry-making family members and friends.

Trusted Choice® insurance professionals also know that the winter holidays bring greater-than-usual risks of fire in homes. The National Fire Protection Association reports that, over the course of a calendar year, the 10 worst days for fires in homes fall between December 24 and January 6.

Fortunately, these risks can be reduced with safe practices that address the “four Cs” of winter fires: chimneys, candles, Christmas trees and children.

Chimneys
Buildup or blockage within a chimney can catch fire. Chimney fires are unpredictable: they can be noisy and fierce, or can smolder undetected.

Common-sense tips:
• If you haven’t checked or cleaned the chimney in the past two years, don’t use it.
• Have a pro inspect the chimney for creosote (which is what builds up in a chimney
and fuels a chimney fire).
• Use dry wood. This minimizes creosote buildup.
• Don’t burn wrapping paper, boxes, trash or Christmas trees.
• Don’t use liquid to start a chimney fire. Use kindling.

Remember fireplace basics, too: use a screen to contain sparks; and let ashes cool before disposing of them in a metal container.

Candles
Home-candle fires happen on Christmas Day more often than any other day, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Next worst: New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve. How do they start? Half of home-candle fires begin because an item is left near a lit candle. Four of 10 home candle fires start in bedrooms, with bedding, furniture, and curtains igniting.
Common-sense tips:
• Make sure all candles are out before you leave a room or go to bed.
Keep clothing, curtains, furniture, and other flammable items away from candles and
flame.
• Use candle holders that don’t tip over.

Christmas Trees
The National Fire Protection Association notes that 300 home fires start each year with Christmas trees. It’s not just live trees; artificial trees also burn. Three major reasons Christmas-tree fires start: electric malfunctions, heat too close to the tree, and children playing with matches, candles, or fireplaces.
Common-sense tips:
• Buy a cut tree that has green, fresh needles.
• Buy a fake tree that is fire resistant.
• Use a secure stand.
• Locate trees a minimum of three feet from heat sources such as fireplaces and
radiators.
• Water live-cut trees every day.
• Use lights listed by an industrial laboratory. Link together, at most, only three
strands of bulbs.
• Throw out lights that have frayed or broken cords.
• Pull the plug on lights before going to bed or leaving home.
• When a tree starts dropping needles, it’s time to dispose of it (outside, not in the
house, garage or basement).

Children
Perhaps the most unpredictable risks for winter fire are those young people who are, naturally, exploring and experiencing the wonders of the winter world for the first time. Remember that lights and flames are fascinating to children.

Common-sense tips:
• Watch the wires. Keep kids away from light strands and power cords.
• Matches, candles, stoves and ovens often get extra use during the holidays, at a time
when adults are occupied with cooking, cleaning and entertaining. Stop and ask:
"What might draw a child's curiosity in this house?" Then shield children from those
items, physically and through discipline and direction.
• Put matches/lighters out of children’s reach. Use lighters that have a child-
resistant safety feature.
• Train children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters.

Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents and brokers stand ready to assist consumers with a homeowners insurance claim. The best claim is no claim, though. Use these common-sense practices to prevent home fires.

Posted by admin @ 09:31:13

12/01/08

10 Reasons to Check Your Coverage
As our lives change, so do our insurance needs. Speaking to your ERIE Agent about these changes can ensure that you have adequate coverage. In some cases, your agent can also offer safety guidance.
The following situations are examples of when to check your coverage:
1. Remodeling or Building an Addition to Your Property - When you hire the contractor, request a certificate of insurance to confirm their liability coverage. Review the certificate and your homeowners policy with your agent. In some cases, remodeling projects can increase your home’s reconstruction value.
2. Teen Drivers – If a teenager in your home is learning how to drive, even with a learner’s permit they need insurance. Your agent can also provide materials about safe driving behavior.
3. New Swimming Pool - Your agent can recommend steps that you can take to help keep your backyard safe and determine whether additional liability coverage should be considered.
4. New Work Location – If you have accepted a position where you will have a shorter or longer commute to work, call your agent. A significant change in annual mileage could warrant a change in your auto policy.
5. Retirement – When it’s time to retire, you may be able to maximize the benefits of your retirement plan with a life insurance program.
6. A Change in Vehicles – If you’ve purchased or leased a new or used vehicle you should contact your agent as soon as possible. Car dealers are required by law to confirm insurance coverage, but only you can make the necessary changes to your policy.
7. Home or Auto Refinancing – When you’re taking advantage of lower interest rates by refinancing your home or vehicle, your policy will need to be updated to reflect the new lien holder.
8. Just Married or New Baby – When you get married or welcome a new baby to the family, the new responsibilities may warrant a change in your home, auto and life insurance coverage.
9. Purchasing Valuables – When you purchase valuables such as a diamond ring or a rare piece of art, you should contact your agent. Your homeowners policy covers personal belongings and furnishings, but higher-valued items may have coverage limitations. An endorsement may be advisable for more costly or unusual items.
10. Home Business – If you are starting a business in your home, you should call your agent. Depending on equipment and the nature of your work, an endorsement or separate policy may be necessary to protect your investment and liability exposures.

Reviewing your insurance policy with your Trusted Choice Erie Insurance Agent is always a good idea when these changes occur or whenever you have questions about your coverage.

Posted by admin @ 20:34:33

11/25/08

Nighttime Driving
Drivers should be cautious regardless of weather or road conditions, but should be especially cautious when they are driving at night. It is important to pay attention to these simple tips when taking it to the street at night:

• Reduce speeds
• Increase the distance in between your car and other vehicles
• Make sure headlights and windows are clean
• Drivers should have their vision checked regularly and consider stronger prescription lenses to see better at night

Posted by admin @ 09:00:00

11/21/08

The Weimer Group Moves Souderton Office
After more than 40 years, The Weimer Group has moved from the corner of Allentown & Elroy Roads in the little village of Elroy! Our new location and mailing address is 550 Schoolhouse Road, (at the intersection of Route 113 & Schoolhouse Rd) PO Box 4, Harleysville, PA 19438

Our agency continues to operate in the tradition established years ago – as a team of knowledgeable, caring professionals dedicated to providing quality insurance and financial services.

We invite your inquiries and welcome you to visit our new location. We are prepared to provide you with a no cost, no obligation review and comparison of your insurance. Our office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8-5 and Tuesday and Thursday 8-8. Find out why residents of Montgomery County have switched their insurance to us!!!

Our phone numbers remain the same:
P: (215) 723-9805
Toll-free: 1-877-2WEIMER (293-4637)
F: (215) 723-4860

Winner of the Philadelphia Inquirer's "2008 Neighbor's Choice Award"
for Best Insurance Company

Posted by admin @ 19:57:55

11/14/08

Preparing your car for winter storage
Now that winter is approaching, you may be getting ready to put away your summer vehicle for the season. Take care of your summer vehicle by following these simple tips:

1. CHANGE THE OIL: This will prevent the formation of condensation.

2. CHECK THE COOLANT: If it is a rust type color then flush out the system.

3. HEAT IT UP: Take your car onto the highway and run it at a high operating temperature for about ten minutes.

4. AVOID MOISTURE: Store your car in a garage or on a cement pad and throw a cover on it.

5. USE CAYENNE PEPPER: Sprinkling this pepper around the outside of your car will keep rodents away.

If you have a policy with Erie Insurance, make sure you are receiving our Reduced Usage Discount. This discount is given when you do not operate your vehicle at least 90 consecutive days. If you have any questions, your Trusted Choice agent can help you. Please contact our offices for further information or concerns.
Posted by admin @ 16:02:51

10/31/08

Tips for Avoiding Deer-Vehicle Collisions
With November fast approaching and Pennsylvanians gearing up for hunting season, insurance companies and agents begin preparing for the phone calls involving an unsuspecting motorist and an unlucky deer.

Did you know in Pennsylvania 13,935 deer claims occurred in 2007 with insurance payments of $31.9 million? The average cost of damage done by a deer was $2,290.

The sudden increase in the deer population has lead to an escalation in deer-vehicle collisions. As more and more land is developed this trend will only increase as the deer population grows and we find we are sharing the deer's habitat with them!

We are pleased to offer the following information and precautionary measures to help motorists avoid collisions with deer?

1) Stay alert, awake, and sober. Always wear your seatbelt and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions. Deliberately look for deer, particularly when driving during peak collision times.

2) Most collisions occur in the months of October, November, and December. Peak times are generally the last week of October and the first two weeks of November, which is generally hunting season in PA. Highest-risk periods are from sunset to midnight and the hours shortly before and after sunrise.

3) Deer frequently travel in groups and in single file. If you see one deer on or near the road, expect others to follow.

4) Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences, and reflectors to deter deer, as these devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

5) Don't ignore the deer-crossing signs that are posted!! This is an area that is known to have a large population of deer.

6) Don't swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer is imminent, then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their autos.

7) More and more motorcyclists are taking to the roadways to cut their fuel expenses. These drivers need to be extremely cautious during deer season as the potential for driver injury increases. Do not rely on the sound a motorcycle makes to scare a deer from crossing your path.

Finally, if you do have the unfortunate luck of striking a deer, and you are uncertain whether or not the deer is dead, then keep your distance, as this is an injured, wild animal with sharp hooves that inflict injuries. If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, you should report the incident to the Game Commission or a local law enforcement agency. Contact your insurance agent immediately to see if you have the necessary coverage for damage done by a deer.

ALERT:

Drivers in PA should be extremely alert for deer while driving on Monday, December 1, 2008 and Saturday, December 6, 2008. Extra care should also be given while driving during the first two weeks of November.

Posted by admin @ 01:36:15

09/30/08

How much life insurance do I need?
In our first two articles we discussed that you have a need for life insurance and outlined the various stages in your life that insurance is necessary. Today we focus on how much do you need. With the fluctuation in the economy, one thing that will remain constant is you need to provide for your family financially now and after you are gone. But how much life insurance do you really need?

Since everyone's financial circumstances and goals are different there is no rule of thumb that can tell you with any precision how much to buy. But with a little effort you can come up with a good estimate that takes into account your specific financial situation. Of course, the best way to determine your needs is by having an insurance professional conduct a Financial Needs Analysis.

Calculating Your Life Insurance Needs

STEP 1: What are your current and future financial obligations?

STEP 2: Subtract your spouse's earnings, savings, investments and life insurance you currently own.

STEP 3: This amount is the least amount of life insurance you should consider.

Of course this is a simplistic method of calculating how much you need. But it is a way for you to see quickly that you definitely have a need that must be attended to.

How much is enough? As insurance professionals we are always asked this question. The average insurance adult American has roughly $176,000 in life insurance coverage, or about three times his or her gross annual income. When you consider all the things that life insurance proceeds need to fund and how long the money will be needed, you begin to realize that your true need for coverage is often 10, 15, or even 20 times your gross annual income.*

Yet, many American households continue to be underinsured!
- 1/3 of adults in the United States carry no life insurance at all
- More than 1 in 4 men have no life insurance coverage at all and almost 2/3 of men age 18-24 have no life insurance.
- Overall, women are more likely to own life insurance today than they were in 1998 but almost 1 in 3 women have no life insurance coverage at all and about half of women age 18-24 have no life insurance.
- Today, insured adults are more likely to have only group life insurance obtained through the workplace. Adults with only group coverage carry the lowest amounts of life insurance.

Many internet sites offer online life insurance calculators. Just remember that online calculators are no substitute for the advice you'll get by meeting with a Trusted Choice qualified insurance professional.


*Source: LIMRA International
Posted by admin @ 14:55:47

09/23/08

Insuring the Times of Your Life
If someone depends on you financially, you probably need life insurance.

Married or Getting Married
- Most families depend on two incomes to make ends meet. If you died suddenly, would your
spouse have enough money to cover your funeral costs, loans, and daily living expenses?

A Parent or About to Become One
- One of the most expensive, yet rewarding thing a person can do in life is raising a child.
If you died tomorrow, would your spouse have the financial means to provide your children
with the opportunities you always dreamed they'd have?

A Homeowner
- If you're like most people, your home is your most significant financial asset. Life
insurance can protect your investment and spare your family the disruption of being forced to
find a new, less expensive place to live.

Changing Jobs
- If you've recently been promoted or changed jobs, it's a good time to re-evaluate your life
insurance coverage. Why? You may not realize it, but when your income rises, your spending
tends to rise, too. Updating your life insurance coverage can help ensure that your family
would be able to maintain its lifestyle.

Retired or Planning for Retirement
- Even though the kids have moved out and your mortgage is paid off, your need for life
insurance has not passed. Chances are if you died today, your spouse could outlive you by 10,
20, 30 years. Adequate life insurance coverage can help widows and widowers avoid financial
struggles in retirement.

Single
- Most single people don't have a pressing need for life insurance because no one depends on
them financially. But there are exceptions. If you're providing financial support for aging
parents or siblings, or if you're carrying significant dept you wouldn't want passed on to
family members, you should consider life insurance.

The times of your life can be exciting no matter what phase you are in. Remember life insurance isn't for the people who dies, it's for the people who live. For more information contact a Trusted Choice agent by emailing our office for further information.


Posted by admin @ 01:56:01

09/10/08

September - Life Awareness Month
Chances are, you need life insurance!!!

Don't have life insurance? You're not alone. Did you know that 81% of Americans say the need life insurance? But only 41% own an individually purchased policy. Yet as insurance professionals, people cringe or change the subject when we ask the most simple question:

How will your family manage financially when you die?

Nobody wants to think or worry about death, but the fact is not one of us is immune to it. It will happen. If someone depends on you financially, and we're sure they do, this is one question you cannot avoid.

There are many types of life insurance, but for all of them the end result is the same: It pays cash to your loved ones after you die, replacing your insurance and allowing the financial plans you put in place to continue uninterrupted. Your mortage payments, loans, college tuition and daily living expenses will be paid with a life insurance plan. And perhaps, most importantly, the death benefit proceeds of a life insurance policy are almost never subject to federal income taxes.

Over the coming weeks we will help explain how much you should consider purchasing, what kind to buy, and offer you some smart buying tips.

Most Americans need life insurance, and many who already have it may need to update their coverage.

Common excuses that shouldn't stop you from getting the coverage you need:
- "It's too expensive."
Not having any or enought life insurance coverage could be more costly to your
family.

- "I haven't gotten around to it."
There are no guarantees in life, so don't procrastinate.

- "I prefer to put my money elsewhere."
Might work if you're sure you're going to live a nice long life.

- "I worry about making the wrong decision."
A qualified insurance professional can answer all your questions and guide you through
the buying process.

- "The coverage I have through my employer is sufficient."
Perhaps the most common excuse we are given. Typically employers provide a modest
amount of coverage, and it can be costly to take with you when you leave.

Ask yourself, "Am I prepared should the very worst happen?" You may be surprised by your answer.
Posted by admin @ 02:15:18

08/14/08

Work Begins on New Souderton Area Office

Construction work began in late-July at the former home located at 550 Schoolhouse Road (corner of Schoolhouse Road and Rt. 113) in Franconia Township, near Harleysville. When completed, we will relocate the office currently at 99 Allentown Road.
The building is undergoing renovation to provide approximately 2,200 square feet of office space. The main entrance will be relocated to the side of the building. Sitework includes widening of and curbing along Schoolhouse Road, installation of new sewer lines, widening of the driveway, and installation of a 13-car parking lot and storm water management basin.
Work is well underway with an anticipated completion date of mid-October. We plan to be open for business at this new location in late-October.
Posted by admin @ 17:22:00

08/12/08

Preparing for College
August is not only known for its' dog days, but for that trek to college so many parents make with a car full of belongings and an excited graduate ready to take on a higher education.

When your child moves from home to college there are a number of insurance questions to consider. Remember, not all insurance policies have the same terms and conditions. Consult your Trusted Choice independent insurance agent to determine the limits and types of coverage that apply to your family.

Home Sweet Dorm
Insurance companies consider college students to be residents of their parents' home, temporarily residing elsewhere. They also consider your dorm-room contents to be "personal property, located off premises".

Most homeowners/renters policies limit coverage up to 10% of personal property, off premises. What this means is if you have $75,000 in contents coverage at your home, your student will have $7500 for an off premises dorm. You need to decide if that's enough to repair or replace all electronics and other items that are stuffed in your trunk or back seat.

Moving On Up
Nearly 1/5 of college students rent off-campus apartments. Some insurance companies consider this to be a permanent residence. Therefore, the apartment may not be covered under the parents' homeowners policy for contents or liability.

Generally, the person who signs the lease is held liable (and may be sued) if someone is injured on their leased premises. Let's face it, we all have visions of Animal House in our mind.

Hot Wheels
Few colleges allow freshman living on campus to bring their cars. But 70% of the rest of the students have them. Things to consider if your child has a car:
1. Leave the car at home: You might be eligible for a reduced rate if your student is residing
away from home.

2. Take the car to college and:
- Notify your insurance company that the car will be garaged in another location.
- Consider letting your child assume the title to the car if they are 18 years or older.
As the titleholder they must get their own auto policy. This will decrease your liability
exposure.
- Discourage your child from allowing others to drive the car. Regardless of who may be
using the car and for what purpose, your child is still responsible for the car and what
is done with it.
Insuring Your Legacy
Experts recommend obtaining or increasing your existing life insurance to cover the total cost your child's tuition. When figuring that cost you will want to include: tuition, room and board, transportation, books, and supplies. Whether you have a college fund prepared for your child or are paying as you go, life insurance is a secure method to safeguard your child's education.

The Weimer Group is a Trusted Choice Independent Agent willing to help you sort out your insurance needs for your college bound student. Contact either office for further information or a review of your insurance program.

Posted by admin @ 14:38:09

07/22/08

This Summer, Get In the Water - and Get Out, Safely
A cool swim on a hot day is an American tradition. As temperatures rise, most folks want to get into the water-whether at the ocean, lake, or pool.

The combination of high fuel prices and an economic slowdown may keep Americans at or near home more than usual this summer. But water safety is a concern wherever you-and especially your children-venture this summer.

Did you know, each year 3500 deaths-about 10 per day- are caused by drowning? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports another 4,000 people are treated at emergency centers for injuries and trauma related to pool accidents. Each year 283 children under age 5 die in pools and spas (as reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission). Most involve children ages one to two.

What you can do to keep children safe:

Never allow a child to be alone in the water-Children should always have an adult supervising their activity in the water. Children younger than five years should be within an arm's length of a supervising adult.

Keep pools covered-Pools must be treated as attractive nuisances, meaning children will want to get to them to play. Protective pool covers can keep young children from accidentally entering the water when no adults are around. Fences need to isolate the pool from the house; have well-maintained self-closing, self-latching gates and an alarm to alert an adult that someone is in the pool area. The more obstacles between your child and the pool, the better!

Keep life vests on and life preservers within reach-If a young child falls into the pool while playing, a life preserver could save his or her life.

Swim Lessons and CPR-Learning to swim is not just recreational, but a way to teach children how to save themselves. Yet even strong swimmers must be supervised, no matter what age.
Enroll in a CPR class. CPR can make a big difference by reducing the likelihood of brain damage in a few minutes it takes for 911 emergency responders to arrive.

Any homeowner who has a pool-whether an in-ground, above ground, or inflatable/temporary-should have liability insurance coverage, including umbrella liability coverage. Contact The Weimer Group,your Trusted Choice independent agent to review your homeowners and liability insurance protection.
Posted by admin @ 14:00:05

07/09/08

The Weimer Group Wins Neighbor's Choice Award
We are pleased to announce that our agency is the recipient of the 2008 Neighbor's Choice Award for Montgomery County from the Philadelphia Inquirer. We are delighted and grateful for the trust our clients have given us to assist them with their insurance programs. We make sure our clients are receiving a competitive price, from a trusted insurance company, without sacrificing coverage. With offices in Souderton and Perkasie (Bucks County),the readers of the Philadelphia Inquirer have chosen The Weimer Group as their insurance agency for their insurance needs. Find out what makes us so different. We invite you to contact our Souderton location at 877-2WEIMER or our Perkasie office at 800-716-6617 for further information.

Posted by admin @ 02:27:32

07/01/08

Take It Easy This Fourth of July
For nearly 20 years, the Fourth of July has proved to be the deadliest holiday on America's roads. Each year an average of 161 people die in motor vehicle crashes on Independence Day - 12 more than any other single day of the year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Here are tips for staying safe over the Fourth and throughout the summer:

-Plan your trip. Try to avoid heavy traffic, poor weather and high-speed areas.
-Stay sober. Never drink and drive. Over 40 percent of holiday accidents are due to drunk driving.
-Pay attention. Avoid talking on cell phones, eating, drinking and other distractions.

For more information you can visit Insurance Institute For Highway Safety or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Have a safe holiday!
Posted by admin @ 13:45:36

06/19/08

Better Boating
Tips for Smooth Sailing This Season

The summer season is here, and it's time to do the things we've looked forward to all winter. If one of those things for you is boating, before you take that first pleasure cruise or fishing trip of the season, make sure your boat insurance is shipshape.

Insuring a boat is different than insuring a car or home. Boats require specialized cover-ages. To avoid a sinking feeling about your boat insurance, consider these tips from the experts at The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies:

Evaluate your specific needs. Some insurance companies provide no-frills boat coverage that is simply added to an existing auto or homeowners policy. While this sounds good in theory, the reality is that your boat may be best covered if you seek out a specialized policy just for boats, not an add-on to your car or house policy. A knowledgeable, independent insurance agent will review all options with you. A specialized boat policy can cover things not likely covered by a homeowners policy, like the cost to replace lost or damaged fishing gear and costly services, such as emergency on-water towing and fuel-spill cleanup.

Consult an agent or broker who provides the most options. Unlike “captive” agents who represent only one company, independent agents and brokers represent several. They can offer a variety of coverages, review and evaluate your policies, answer your questions and suggest new coverage options that meet your changing needs. They guide you to the policy that provides you with the best combination of specialized coverage, service and price.

Look for a company that offers specialized boat policies. When there’s a claim, you will appreciate a company that provides specialized coverage and specialized claims handling. Ask other boaters what company they recommend or find an independent insurance agent who under-stands boat policies.

Once you choose a policy, make sure you understand what you’re buying. Your agent should be able to explain, in layman’s terms, what the different options mean. If you are unclear about something, be sure to ask for an explanation.

For more information about boat insurance coverages, give us a call. We can provide you with the combination of price, coverage and service that’s right for you!


Posted by admin @ 15:16:23