Jay Waitte, Author at Waittes Insurance

8 Things to Know Before Purchasing Homeowners Insurance

Buying a home is one of the greatest decisions that you make in your life, which makes buying homeowners insurance equally as important. Having a suitable insurance policy or protection plan for your phone, computer, or other personal items is essential for covering your investment, right? So why wouldn’t you make sure that you got the same out of your homeowner’s insurance?

Just in case this is the first time you have gone through this process, there are several critical things that you want to keep in mind when shopping around for a fitting insurance policy. Here are a few tips that will help you on your insurance hunting adventure.

1. Know What Your Home is Worth

Has it been some time since you have had your home inspected? No better time than the present, especially if you are purchasing homeowners insurance. Get an exact value from a home builder or a home assessment company so that you can get a better idea of how much you need to insure your home for. This will also put into perspective in the worst possible scenario, what it would cost to replace the entire house, from the foundation up.

2. Find Out Exactly How to File a Claim

In the painstaking midst of something awful happening to your home, the last thing that you want to do is get put on hold. Know exactly who you need to talk to, what information you need to file an insurance claim, and what to do in the event of a home emergency.

3. Use Simple Tactics and Tools That Can Save You Money on Insurance

One great way that you can save money on a homeowners insurance policy is to take advantage of some simple devices, that many don’t think of. Things that could potentially make your policy cheaper are:

-Deadbolt locks
-A home security system or alarm
-New, working fire alarms and sprinklers
-Safe wiring and updated electrical systems
-Being located near a fire and/or police department

Ask your insurer about these to see if you can have money taken off of your premium.

4. Take Inventory of All of the Valuable Items in Your House

Keep an inventory of all of the valuable items in your home, such as jewelry or fine artwork, and the costs associated with those items to the best of your ability. Anything that is important to you or costly should be catalogued somewhere safe so that you have an idea of the possessions you should insure in your home.

5. Shop Around Before You Buy a Plan

Don’t buy through the first insurance company or buy the first plan you come across. Make sure you shop around before you are absolutely certain of which kind of plan is adequate for your particular needs.

6. Compare Insurance Plan Deductibles

Part of shopping around is in comparing deductibles. The deductible is the maximum out-of-pocket costs that you would pay in the event that something disastrous happens to your house or personal property. Compare prices to make sure that you aren’t overpaying and that you are financially capable of paying your deductible.

7. Note the Environmental Risks That Your Premium is Based On

Think about some of the environmental factors that would put your home at a higher risk for a claim or an unfortunate incident. This is where factors like neighborhood, crime rate, natural disasters specific to your area, and distance from freeways or congested areas would apply.

8. Understand What You Are Covered For

You would be surprised how often this one gets overlooked. Homeowners insurance policies can look like an entire novel’s worth of information, which makes it even more critical that you know exactly what is included in your policy. Ask your insurer or agent any questions that you might have on the policy, and if you need some added reassurance have an attorney review your policy.

By abiding by these simple eight precautionary tips, you will be well on your way to purchasing the most appropriate coverage for your new home!

Statute of Limitations: Filing a Workers Compensation Claim in CT

If you live and work in the state of Connecticut, you probably know that you are entitled to file for workers’ compensation if you become ill or injured while on the job and are no longer able to work. The workers’ compensation system in Connecticut provides wage replacement benefits and medical treatment to workers to ensure that they and their families are supported even if their job resulted in their injury or illness. However, what you may not know is that the time you have to file a claim is limited and that in fact, a term called the “Statute of Limitations” applies in workers’ compensation cases.

What is the Statute of Limitations?

Broadly defined, the Statute of Limitations is the time period in which you can file a claim with the state of Connecticut presenting your case for workers’ compensation benefits. After the statute expires, you can no longer request benefits because too much time has passed in between the original illness or injury and the time that you are filing the request. The statute exists to ensure that all employees are presenting fair and accurate information as to their workers’ compensation needs. In Connecticut, the Statute of Limitations is currently one year for injuries and three years for illnesses; the time begins when the injury is first sustained or when the first symptom of the illness is felt.

What should I do to file a claim?

There are several steps you must follow when filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. As long as you are within the time limits described above, you can follow this process, but it is recommended that you complete the paperwork as soon as possible to avoid issues later on. To request benefits, simply file a 30C Form with the Workers` Compensation Commission, and specifically in the District Office that corresponds to the area of the state where you live. You should concurrently file a form with your employer. After filing, wait for the commission to get back to you on the status of your benefits. If you are denied, you are entitled to an appeal that you can file with the Workers’ Compensation Commission Review Board as soon as you receive your rejection letter.

For further information on how to file a Workers’ Compensation claim in the event that you are injured on the job, contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency by calling (860) 886-1961 or by clicking here.

Prevent a ‘Fall’ Out: Prepare Your Home for Autumn

Towards the beginning of September, people begin to notice that change is in the air. The air gets colder, the days get shorter, and the leaves begin to evolve into a kaleidoscopic splendor. The Autumn season is quickly approaching, and homeowners must take the proper precautions to ensure their home will survive the sometimes harsh weather conditions of the later months in the year. Here are 10 tips for home maintenance that will prepare you for fall in New England:

1. Check Your Roof and Chimney

Start by cleaning off all the dead leaves and debris, then check for any damaged or loose shingles that may become a problem later on if they are left without being repaired. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional to ensure that it is ready for the firewood that you will burn as the cold weather sets in. Make sure that you have stocked up on firewood as well, especially if you are gathering your own.

2. Repair Your Siding, If Necessary

As with your roof, make sure that the siding on your home is not damaged, and if it is, it’s important to fix the problem before the weather changes and you are no longer able to do so. You can try to fix it yourself, or call in a professional.

3. Reinforce Windows and Doors

This is one of the most important things you can do to not only prevent drafts and leaks but also to save energy, and therefore, money. Use caulk to seal up gaps along the frame of your doors and windows, which allows you to keep warm air inside and avoid a loss of energy.

4. Clean the gutters and check water drainage

Make sure that your gutters are free of dead leaves and debris, and that water has a clear path from your roof, through the downspouts and out onto the ground. Otherwise, large pools of water could collect on your roof in the fall and lead to leaks.

5. Take Apart Garden Hoses

Separate the hose from the outside spigot and turn off the faucet. Be sure that you drain the hose and store it in a dry place. This is to prevent the water that is left over from freezing and damaging the hose.

6. Check Your Sprinklers and Irrigation System

As with garden hoses, you may have to drain your sprinklers to prevent freezing when the cold weather sets in. Speak to a professional to check exactly what you should do, as this can prove to be taxing.

7. Inspect Landscaping

Check that your trees are trimmed and your plants have protective mulch around them to be ready for when the frost sets in. Also take note of any tree branches that extend over your home or driveway. Weak or dying branches are most susceptible to breaking and landing on valuable property; especially when weight is added, such as snowfall.

8. Test and/or Replace Home Protection Devices

Make the start of the Autumn season your designated time to check the batteries in all home safety devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They should be equipped with fresh batteries and tested at least twice a year.

9. Store Away Seasonal Furniture

Lawn chairs, picnic tables, and other outdoor furniture should be stored away in a dry, undisturbed area to prevent weather damage.

10. Organize Your Garage/Shed

With all of your summer furniture and equipment being stored away for the season, things can get pretty tight for storage. Take the time to organize and store away your summer items and remove any liquids that can freeze during the fall/winter months.

*Bonus Tip

Winter isn’t the only season for hazardous driving conditions. Throughout Autumn, roadways will inevitably be covered with leaves that fall as the weather turns colder. After rainfall, wet leaves on the road can be just as slippery and dangerous as snow. Before the leaves even begin to change color, always review and renew, if necessary, your automobile insurance policy to ensure you’re protected from any unforeseen incidents that may occur during the latter months of the year. Call Waitte’s Insurance Agency at (860) 886-1961 or click here to double check your current coverage.

Seasonal Depression: Monster or Myth?

With summer in the rear-view mirror, the calendar begins to turn towards the autumn and winter months. Especially in New England, the temperatures will gradually decrease, the days will become shorter, and the warm sunshine will start to feel like an old friend that you just don’t get to see anymore. This combination of lack of sunlight and colder weather can cause many to feel a little down in the dumps. It’s not unusual this time of year to feel the winter blues, but is that all it is? Could there be an underlying cause? In the past couple of decades, a lot of attention has been given to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or how many refer to it as seasonal depression; but what is it exactly?

SAD Explained:

Seasonal Affective Disorder is the name given to a mood disorder that seems to affect people, who are otherwise fine the rest of the year, with symptoms of depression during the same time each year, typically in the winter months. It is thought that the colder temperatures, which forces people to stay indoors longer, coupled with the lack of sunlight in the winter months, causes people to feel depression. Symptoms include lack of energy, decreased motivation, withdrawal from friends and family, overeating (which can lead to weight gain), and difficulty concentrating. It is estimated that this disorder affects up to 6% of the American population, mainly concentrated in northern climates where winter is most pronounced.

Fact or Faked?

However, even though SAD is now an official clinical diagnosis, the question remains “Is SAD a legitimate disorder?” A number of recent studies seem to suggest otherwise. One major study published in January of 2016 examined a major cross-section of the American public (over 34,000 participants) and concluded that there was no conclusive evidence to suggest that SAD is real, or that factors such as amount sunlight or temperature have any long-term effect on a person’s mental health. The results of the study suggest that SAD is an idea that might be more rooted in folk psychology and old wives’ tales than actual science. In another clinical study in Norway — a location known for its long and severe winters — also examined a large subset of the population and concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that these symptoms were more prevalent in the winter.

The debate about Seasonal Affective Disorder will likely go on for years to come. Even though many individuals continue to report having symptoms, evidence is mounting that SAD, in fact, might not be scientifically validated as the actual “disorder” as it was once suggested. As a result, many medical professionals are starting to question the prevailing school of thought.

Regardless, when there’s a chill in the air and the nighttime falls earlier, try not to let it get you down! Grab a nice book and bundle up by a warm, crackling fire or go outside and build a snowman with your family. Continue to find ways to enjoy the unique activities that fall and winter can offer you in New England!

One particular activity that Connecticut and its surrounding states specialize in during the winter months is snowmobiling. Do you or someone in your family own a snowmobile and need to get it insured? No problem! Contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency to get coverage on all of your winter and recreational vehicles.

12 Tips to Keep Halloween Festive & Safe

A bit mystical, magical and fun, Halloween draws all kinds of kids in search of candy treats and harmless gags. Unfortunately, this popular childhood staple could run the risk of turning into a nightmare. Taking a few simple precautions can keep the excitement alive and the haunting all in fun without compromising the safety of your home or your little ones.

TRICK-OR-TREAT SAFETY

1. Un-Mask

Non-toxic face paint makes for a safer costume accessory than a mask. While masks can provide a realistic look, they can limit and block vision, creating a risk of injury. They also hold the potential of restricting a child’s breathing, as some masks can be too tight and constrictive to allow adequate breathability. There are many online tutorials available on how to create the perfect face paint look for your desired costume.

2. Know the Route

While an adult should ALWAYS accompany younger children, be sure older trick-or-treaters know the route to safe treats. Review safety and emergency protocol with all children before the big night.

3. Get Glowing

Choose costumes which are bright and easily seen in darkened areas. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags to increase visibility for passing motorists.

4. Share the Wealth

Host a candy swap at home to exchange favorites among siblings or a few friends. With the loot spread out, use this as an opportunity to discard items with signs of tampering, such as spoiled, unwrapped or looking otherwise suspicious.

PUMPKIN CARVING SAFE PRACTICES

1. Set the Stage

Be sure the carving or decorating area is clean and well lit. The gooey mess of pumpkin innards creates slippery surfaces which affect the stability of both the pumpkins and tools.

2. Get Crafty

For younger celebrators, gather the art supplies and let them decorate safely without the sharp carving tools. Paint, permanent markers and glue on accessories such as pom-poms and yarn make for one-of-a-kind creations.

3. Choose Tools Wisely

Specialty tools work best to carve those infamous pumpkin characters, according to Consumer Reports. Small, easy-to-handle tools designed to tackle this gooey job decrease risk of injury.

4. Extinguish the Flame.

Consider an alternate lighting source for those beloved jack-o-lanterns. Flashlights and battery-operated candles offer safer glowing creations than flamed candles. If you insist on that genuine candle flame look for your jack-o-lantern, never leave lit flames unattended and always extinguish them properly before the end of the evening.

HOLIDAY HOME PROTECTION

1. Be the Light

Though it may slightly hinder the creepy mood and atmosphere, replace burned out light bulbs and light your home’s exterior to increase visibility. This allows residents to more clearly see any potential pranksters that may be tempted to pull a ‘trick’ rather than ask for a treat.

2. Park It

Park your vehicles in a garage (if possible) to deter pranksters. If a garage is not available, park your vehicles as closely to your home as possible. Never keep valuables inside your vehicles on Halloween night.

3. Lock It Up

While continually locking the front door in between visitors should go without saying, it offers protection for your home when you are distracted by the festivities. Be sure to keep all additional entryways locked, especially while handing out candy at your main entrance.

4. Be Alert

Even amid the jovial atmosphere, be certain to keep your eyes open to your surroundings. Consider handing out treats in the driveway for better sight lines and home security.

Preventing a Halloween nightmare is as simple as following the suggestions listed above. Waitte’s Insurance Agency encourages people of all ages to enjoy all facets of the holiday but to do so responsibly!

In the unlikely event of a natural disaster or your home is vandalized, do you know what your current Homeowners Insurance policy covers? Call us today at (860) 886-1961 to review your coverage.

7 Steps to Keep a Safe Workplace and Avoid Injuries

As a business owner, you have a legal and moral responsibility to provide as much of a hazard-free and safe workplace for your employees as possible. Many businesses, however, do not do everything in their power to keep their workplaces safe. Managers sometimes neglect to enforce various safety regulations or cut a few corners to save time and/or money. Even if precautions are put in place, many places of work don’t properly train their employees in how to avoid danger or they don’t provide the necessary follow-up to ensure their employees remain alert, vigilant, and aware. Because of this, employees in these businesses are more at risk for various dangers and are unsure of what to do in such an emergency.

It must be a primary concern, as an employer, to do everything possible to put safety measures in place and train your employees accordingly and regularly. If you are unsure of how to proceed, use the following guide to help you in making your workplace a more safe and secure area for your employees.

1. Establish a Safety-Conscious Attitude

The most important thing you can do to ensure the safety of your employees is to initiate a climate of safety in your workplace. If you and your employees are committed to safety it will have a tremendous effect on the environment. This means putting as much thought and effort into your safety as you would any other aspect of your business. By changing the climate of your business, you can have a real effect on workplace safety throughout your entire staff.

2. Identify Your Workplace Hazards

The next step is to identify what areas of your business environment and operations are potentially the most hazardous. Review past injury records, survey employees, and consult with a safety expert who is trained to find problem areas that the rest of us might otherwise overlook. Also, make sure you are well-versed in the various OSHA regulations that pertain to your situation.

3. Create a Plan for Each Potential Hazard

Now that you have identified equipment, processes, or locations where accidents are more likely to occur, it is time to create a plan of action. Take the following questions into consideration when writing out your safety plan:

– What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) do employees need to perform their duties safely?
– What actions (or non-actions) can put employees at risk in each situation?
– What do they need to know?
– What should they avoid?
– What steps should they take if they are involved in an accident?

4. Involve Your Employees in the Planning of a Safe Workplace

As previously mentioned regarding surveying employees, as you start to create your plans, make sure to get employee input. Since they are the ones most in harm’s way, they definitely have a stake in the safety of the workplace. In addition, they might also be aware of potential hazards, or ways to avoid those hazards, that you would not know since they are around those dangerous areas each and every day.

5. Provide Adequate Employee Training

Once your plans are in place, train your employees. This means educating each employee about all of the dangers they might come into contact with each day, as well as what they should do in the event of an accident. This also means reinforcing this training with regular drills to deal with certain situations, such as environmental concerns or employee injury. Many workplaces even require staff members to become certified in first aid and CPR. If your business falls into this category, ensure that all employees are up-to-date with all necessary certifications. The more they know and are capable of responding to, the safer everyone will be.

6. Make Sure New Hires Are IMMEDIATELY Trained for Their Jobs

One of the biggest concerns for workplace safety is with new and inexperienced hires. It is at this time that someone is most vulnerable to accidents. Make sure new employees are exceptionally trained in all workplace safety protocols BEFORE they begin their regular work duties.

7. Always Look for Ways to Improve the System

Finally, always be on the lookout for ways to improve your safety. Just because something is working does not mean it can’t be improved and made even safer. As you and your employees learn more, offer incentives to encourage them to find new ways to keep your business hazard-free. A little investment now can have huge dividends in the future!

Keeping a safe workplace is no joke. As a business owner, you need to do everything in your power to keep your employees safe not only from an ethical standpoint but to also avoid a Workers Compensation claim. By following these simple guidelines, you will have gone a long way to keeping everyone free from danger and your business free from liability suits.

Regardless if you take all of the necessary precautionary measures, accidents are always a possibility in the workplace. If you are a business owner, contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency by calling (860) 886-1961 to review your current Worker’s Compensation policy. Make sure you are sufficiently covered in the event of a worst case scenario.

Black Friday: From Origin to Modern Day Spectacle

Black Friday has something of an infamous reputation for becoming a no-holds-barred, bring-home-the-bacon, make-or-break the holiday season for many retailers and shoppers alike. From its humble beginnings as simple day-after-Thanksgiving sales to the modern day spectacle of excess it has become to many, Black Friday has consistently been the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States for decades. In recent years, many retailers have actually been expanding the day into Thanksgiving Day itself, opening stores at midnight the day before to remaining open for a number of hours on Thanksgiving Day before commencing Black Friday Sales. Here’s a brief history of the craziest day of the shopping year, and a list of stores that will be closed Thanksgiving Day in order to let their employees share the holiday with family and friends without requiring them to work.

The History of Black Friday:

Black Friday traditionally falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day in the United States (the last Friday of November every year). Many federal and state government employees are off work, and so many employers also extend the day as a paid holiday to many of their workers as well. This means that millions of Americans have a four day weekend right before December begins, and many choose to go shopping for Christmas gifts during this time since they have the time off from work. The long weekend led many retailers over the years to offer special sales and incentives on popular items in order to drive up sales revenue and give the holiday shopping season and their annual sales numbers an extra boost.

Why it’s Called ‘Black’ Friday:

The name actually derives from the business term, “out of the red and into the black”, referring to accounting ledgers that used to write losses in red under revenue tallies, and profits in black. The Friday after Thanksgiving Day has traditionally been a record-breaking sales day year after year, putting many businesses “in the black” for the year with billions in sales revenue. Many retailers report vast crowds that line up for specials each year, sometimes resulting in scuffles or injury as customers strive to get items at extraordinary deals before they sell out each year. Stock shortages are common in the face of high demand, and behavior by the general public in search of bargains for the holidays has proven to be something of an issue over the years.

There is a cultural movement to end the greed, rush, and materialism of Black Friday in the United States by boycotting Black Friday sales, instead choosing to shop throughout December in the weeks leading up to Christmas. This has led to a trend of retailers spreading out their Black Friday sales over the entirety of November and December instead of putting all of their efforts and budget into Black Friday alone. Many shoppers have also started boycotting stores on Black Friday in protest of businesses that require their employees to work hours on Thanksgiving in preparation for Black Friday as well.

In case you were considering having an early dinner and getting in some extended Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving Day, you’ll want to plan accordingly by knowing which retailers will even be open. To see the list of retailers that will be closed on Thanksgiving, visit www.bestblackfriday.com.

Waitte’s Insurance encourages all shoppers on Black Friday and onward to be safe and courteous to others to ensure that everyone’s holiday season is merry and bright!

The end of the calendar year is rapidly approaching. If you haven’t yet reviewed or renewed your current insurance policies, you’ll want to do so before January 1st! Contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency in Norwich, CT by calling us at (860) 886-1961.

Fighting Connecticut Traffic Violations: Is it Worth it?

If you have ever received a traffic ticket, your first instinct may have been to fight it – after all, many people believe that the citation was unjust and that they did not deserve the harsh penalty that they received. However, roughly only 3 percent of drivers who receive traffic citations actually contest them in court, and choosing to do so relies purely on the circumstances surrounding the ticket. You’ll want to ask yourself the following questions before you consider fighting Connecticut traffic violations

1. Is the cost of the ticket worth the expenses it would take to fight it?

Going to court requires taking time off of work, finding reliable transportation, and possibly hiring legal counsel to help you with your court battle. All of these costs combined may be greater than the loss you would incur by just paying the ticket.

2. Do I have the time to go through the process of fighting it?

Court cases for driving infractions typically don’t drag on for weeks or months like other cases can, but you still must be prepared to take at least one entire day off from work just in case. Taking time away from your work and personal schedules to fight a simple speeding ticket could serve as an inconvenience, especially if you have an unforgiving employer or a position that really requires you to be there on the court date.

3. Will the ticket influence my insurance rates?

If your premium increases because of the ticket you received, you may actually be saving money by fighting it in court – even with the expenses mentioned above. Check with your insurance agency to find out how certain citations affect your rates.

4. Could I lose my license if I don’t fight the ticket?

Some motorists run the risk of losing their licenses if they have tallied up multiple traffic violations. If this is the case, it provides a valid reason for you to go to court, as you don’t want to lose your mode of transportation or be forced to attend traffic school over another ticket.

5. Do I have a solid defense to successfully fight the ticket?

Without proper representation, fighting the ticket may simply be a waste of time. Review your options you may need to hire an attorney who has experience with traffic cases and can help advise you through the process as well as in court.

Defenses for Fighting Connecticut Traffic Violations:

If you are considering going to court, there are several possible defenses (if applicable) that you could use to successfully get a traffic citation overturned. For example, if you can provide proof that the view of the police officer who pulled you over was obstructed, this could warrant dismissal of the violation. If you were cited for speeding and a radar gun was used, check whether it could have been compromised by something in the surrounding area. Alternatively, you could bring up the need to keep up with the flow of traffic (if there was any at the time).

Whenever you receive a traffic ticket, make sure to get testimonials from witnesses and document everything, including the officer’s name, badge number, their temperament, and the weather conditions. Finally, take photos to document the area where you were pulled over.

In the event that you are pulled over, it is important to remember one thing. Whether you believe the traffic ticket you received is justified or not, ALWAYS cooperate with the citing officer, abide by his or her instructions and treat them with the utmost respect. Acting irrationally and unnecessarily escalating the situation could result in additional citations that will only affect you long after the officer has left.

The most common traffic citation issued by police officers on a daily basis is due to speeding. But do you know what types of driving infractions in Connecticut could cost you the most?

How a Rough Winter Could Impact Your Car Insurance Premiums

Connecticut drivers aren’t strangers to driving in the snow. However, we can all use a little reminder as to what to do to properly prepare for the winter season; which can put exponential wear and tear on your vehicle. There are a few simple precautions you can take to help your car survive the winter in good condition. Wear and tear cannot only affect the life of your vehicle, but also your car insurance premiums.

Here are some preventative measures to take during winter to avoid increased car insurance premiums:

Have your vehicle thoroughly inspected.

Before winter reaches the coldest months of the year, make sure that the maintenance on your car is evaluated thoroughly so everything is up to code. Change the oil and fill up both the wiper fluid and engine coolant. It is recommended to check tire pressure once a month to ensure it is consistently at the recommended PSI. You may want to add a little air into your tires anyway since the air will contract on bitter cold days. Doing this before sub-zero temperatures arrive will allow you to add an adequate amount of air while you can still feel your hands.

Make sure your tires are safe.

Check your tires before winter hits to make sure you have enough tread left on them. The roadways will be challenging enough without the extra worry of bald tires. A great way to check to see if your tires have sufficient tread is the penny test. Stick a penny face down into the tread of each of your tires – if you can still see more than half of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time to consider replacing your tires. To get the best protection you could also invest in snow tires.

Don’t let your gas tank get too low.

If you have a habit of letting your gas tank run all the way down to ‘E’, try your best to break this habit during the winter. Your engine has to work harder when it’s cold out and you don’t want to risk running out of gas. Always keep your tank at least halfway full. By having half of a tank or less, it could cause ice to form in your fuel lines.

Be careful of where you park during bad weather.

Accumulated snowfall on tree branches can cause them to become weak and break. Do not park your car under any trees where weak branches can fall. You also shouldn’t park on the street during a storm. This could get your car buried or struck by a plow, or even get your car towed if there is a parking ban in effect – which will certainly increase your car insurance premiums.

Wash car regularly to prevent salt erosion.

In the winter, especially in New England, your car will be constantly picking up salt. If left on your car for an extended period of time, this salt can cause corrosion. Even though it can be difficult to do in the low temperatures, you should be rinsing off your car periodically. Spray the undercarriage of your car where it is the most susceptible to corrosion. If possible, try to shoot for once per month or whenever salt excessively builds up.

Leave an emergency kit in your car.

For the safety of yourself and any passengers you have with you, always keep an emergency kit in your car in the event you become stranded or have an accident. The kit should include blankets, a flashlight, washer fluid and flares. Also, make sure you have a reserve of water and nonperishable snacks.

Keep yourself safe and your car insurance premiums steady by preparing your vehicle for any situation that winter throws at you. With the speculation that New England will experience especially harsh weather conditions this year, you’ll also want to know how to better control your vehicle on snowy and icy roads.

Connecticut Driving Seniors: When it’s Time to Consider Giving Up the Keys

From the moment a young driver receives his or her driver’s permit and well into their adult years, the ability to drive becomes a tent-pole for independence and transportation. However, like many other factors that can begin to diminish with age, certain individuals lose the ability to drive for a number of reasons once they reach senior citizen status. It is important for Connecticut driving seniors to stay sharp and identify when they might start having difficulty operating a motor vehicle. While it may not be ideal, certain seniors may need to make the decision to turn over their car keys indefinitely for the safety of themselves and other motorists on the road.

Is Age a Concern?

Road safety for driving senior citizens is crucial for keeping drivers from incident and injury. On average, individuals begin to lose some of their mental clarity and reflexes which enable safe driving around age 65, with a notable increase of fatal accidents happening between ages 70 and 74.

Though age may not indicate everything about your driving ability and individual skills, these numbers are alarming and should be an indicator of when someone should begin running through personal auto safety checklists. Ask yourself or your aging loved ones about recent traffic violations, near misses and other driving difficulties. If you notice an increase in any of these factors, you may need to re-evaluate your ability to drive safely.

What Health Factors May Impact Driving?

Health factors that crop up with age are considered one of the main causes behind a senior citizen’s reduced driving safety. Vision and hearing impairments are leading causes of reduced driver safety. These declines can cause serious challenges for Connecticut driving seniors who must pay attention to many moving components, including on-dash indicators like the speedometer and pedestrian activity on the side of the road.

If you fear that your age or the age of a family member has negatively affected the ability to drive or obey traffic laws, there are ways to combat some of the factors working against you.

How Connecticut Driving Seniors Can Keep Their Keys:

First, consult your doctor for a physical examination and get a visual exam, as well. These appointments are preventative measures to rule out serious health problems that can not only inhibit your driving abilities but may be a sign of illnesses. In some states, regular doctor’s notes regarding your capacity for safe vehicle operation are required in order to renew your driver’s license. This is not, however, a requirement in the state of Connecticut.

You can also employ some healthy living measures, like light physical exercise and good sleep habits to help you be more and alert throughout the day and on the road. Regular exercise with strength training and stretching can improve flexibility and provide the quicker reflexes that are required behind the wheel. Driving during good road conditions and when the sun is shining may also help you to feel more confident behind the wheel.

For Connecticut driving seniors, the life-impacting decision to turn over your car keys is definitely not an easy one, but there is no shame in it! For the overall safety of all parties involved on the roadways, it will provide peace-of-mind to stay realistic about one’s abilities. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a medical professional for you or a loved one if you fear they are no long able to drive on their own.

To all Connecticut driving seniors, or enthusiastic teens ready to hit the road for the first time, ALWAYS make sure that you are properly insured!