Labor Day falls on Monday, September 1st this year. In observance of the holiday, Scurich Insurance Services offices will be closed on Monday. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd.
Not sure how you want to make the most out of your Labor Day weekend? Here are a few suggestions:
- Go on a nice long hike with your family. Some great hikes to go on? Meadow Trail Loop at Mount Madonna, Mt. Madonna Loop, or Sprig Trail and Merry-Go-Round Loop. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!
- Spend your time giving back. Volunteer at your local charity organization.
- Indulge your taste buds. Food festivals happen all the time and man do they have some delicious tasting treats for you. Go ahead and yum it up!
- Go fly a kite. Okay, so this doesn’t happen as much as it did in the past, but flying a kite is a lot of fun. Head out to the beach and take your kite with you.
- Go camping. In your backyard. Remember the good ol’ days, when you pitched a tent in your backyard and pretended you were camping. The thrill and excitement of it all? Get in touch with that inner child and camp.
Whatever you decide to do this Labor Day weekend, we hope it’s a fantastic one! Be safe!
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.rd.com/slideshows/10-ideas-for-labor-day-family-fun/#slideshow=slide2 and http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-watsonville-california
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Getting into an accident is an inconvenience and there are certain states that don’t make it any easier. When you file a claim auto insurance rates have a tendency to rise. Did you know that if you file a claim for anything $2,000 and higher can cause your insurance to jump up to 40% in some places?
If you live in one of the places listed below, you could find yourself on the short end of the stick when it comes to rate increases.
- Massachusetts rates jump up 67% when claims are filed.
- California claims will get you a 62% increase.
- New Jersey has 59% increase.
- North Carolinians will see a 47% increase.
- Minnesota raises their rates 45%.
If you have a claim that is $2,000 or less and you can afford the repair, it would be better for your insurance rates in the long run to pay out of pocket than it would be to file the claim.
On the flip side of things, here are the states that have the lowest rate increases:
- Maryland with just a 20% increase.
- Alabama at 22%.
- Michigan & Wyoming both have a 23% increase.
- Oklahoma has a 25% increase.
If you find yourself in this situation, Scurich insurance services can help. Anyone of our friendly staff will be able to help guide you through this process.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.ibamag.com/news/5-states-where-you-dont-want-to-file-an-auto-claim-16616.aspx
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You are thinking so many things when you are getting ready to file a claim. ‘I wish I hadn’t done that, ’or ‘I should tell them I’m sorry or any number of responses that could be running through your mind. But before you indulge in them, you need to know what not to say to the insurance company.
- Sorry. Yes it is good to have manners, and apologizing for your actions is noble, but in the case of a car accident, let the police sort out the details and assign the blame.
- Whiplash. Certain phrases have a punch behind them. This would be one of those terms. It became so widely used in fraudulent claims that anytime anyone says whiplash, adjusters generally will call the attorney.
- Intentional. Don’t go around saying that your spouse destroyed your car intentionally. Insurance is there to cover accidents and bad judgment calls, but your insurance will not cover intentional damage.
- I’m fine, really. You may want to put your friends and family members at ease, but let a doctor make that determination.
- Ride-Sharing. Ride sharing has become extremely popular nowadays. The catch? You can’t use your personal insurance if you are a driver for a ride-sharing company and get involved in an accident.
For more information or to report a claim, contact our office today.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2014/07/23/12-words-never-to-say-to-your-insurance-company/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=email-2014-07-23&utm_medium=email
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On Saturday, August 9th a 2014 Ford Fusion was involved in a one car crash that left one person dead. 24 year old, Gwynne Coye of Aptos, a passenger in the vehicle, was killed and the driver, Marquis Edwards was arrested. Murder, Felony evading a police officer resulting in death, and other charges were filed against Marquis Edwards.
If Marquis is convicted on all counts, he faces life in prison. His next court date is Aug. 22nd.
Watson Murder Law
The Watson Murder Law was enacted after the case of People v. Watson. Defendant Watson had several prior convictions for drinking and driving. In this case, his actions resulted in the death of another human being. Implied malice is the term prosecutors use in order to charge a defendant with murder. When you drink and drive, a person knows that their actions can cause the death of another human, hence implied malice. Generally, murder charges in a drinking and driving case are only imposed against a defendant who has prior convictions for DUI.
Insurance and DUI
If you have been convicted of a DUI, you could find yourself without insurance. If you find an insurance company who will provide coverage, they will need to provide you with an SR-22 so you can file with your local DMV.
Scurich Insurance Services can assist you with any questions you may have if you are in this situation.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/santacruz/ci_26332756/driver-charged-murder-santa-cruz-crash
http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/california-dui-murder-aka-the-watson-murder-rule
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How do you decide how much coverage to purchase for your car? Do you go by the minimum requirements of your state or do you get as much as you can in case of a catastrophe?
Here’s what your average looks like for others who choose the coverage:
- 46% of drivers have bodily injury coverage is at $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- 59% of drivers have $50,000 worth of property damage liability coverage.
- 60% of the drivers have collision coverage.
- 61% of the drivers have comprehensive coverage.
- 74% of the drivers have a $500 deductible with comprehensive and collision insurance.
Are you still undecided about what’s the best coverage for you? Here are a few tips to consider:
- Did you know that doubling up on your liability insurance only costs a small fraction of what you’d pay now? A $50,000 policy doesn’t cost much more than a $25,000 one.
- Raise your deductible will get your bill lowered. The catch? You need to be able to pay the deductible before your insurance will kick in.
- Shop! Shop around for the best possible insurance for your needs.
Stop by our office today for more information on how to get the most out of your car insurance!
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2014/08/14/how-much-auto-insurance-do-you-need-dont-guess/
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It’s that time of year again when the chaos of the summer is coming to a close and the promise of schedules and school loom in the air. This also can be an expensive time of year if you aren’t prepared. Here are some tips that you can implement now so you don’t break the bank while shopping.
Does your child really need another pair of those jeans? Most of the clothes that the kids have can be worn over and over again, even the next school year. No need to buy a lot of clothes every year.
Go to the Dollar Tree or .99 stores for paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, Kleenex, and so on. These stores are great for getting essentials at a bargain price.
Don’t forget to write your list and check it twice. Studies have proven over time that when people go shopping with a list, they generally stick to it and it doesn’t cost them a lot more money.
Raid the home office. Finding old binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essentials can be just as easy and inexpensive as heading to your own home office.
This year, stick to your budget by following these simple back to school shopping tips.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
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