Safekeeping & Waitte's Brief - Page 13 of 13

Preparing for a Hurricane in New England

We are still in the midst of hurricane season and with all of the hurricane activity we have seen lately on the gulf and eastern coasts, it is an important time to prepare for a hurricane in New England. A hurricane can do lasting damage as winds whip up to over 100 miles per hour. As low-pressure meets with tropical ocean water, the conditions result in a hurricane. It surges unto land and as it travels onward, it loses its velocity. However, rain continues to fall often leading to flooding. Floods are perhaps the most deadly consequence of some hurricanes.

To help you with get your hurricane preparedness plan in place, follow these guidelines:

– Preparing for a hurricane in New England means you need a plan in place before a hurricane approaches. Make sure everyone in the family knows the plan. Test-drive the evacuation route in case you need to leave your home.

– Stock your home with essential supplies such as water, food, a first aid kit, flashlight, hand crank radio, and batteries.

– Continuously check with the national and local weather advisories and heed their warnings.

– When you hear that a hurricane is approaching, make sure your home in New England is prepared. Depending on the category rating boarding up windows or closing hurricane shutters and doors may be necessary. Especially if you are in 150 miles of the coast for a category 3 or higher level hurricane. Ensure all drain spouts are in proper working order, as well as other drains, sewers, and sump pumps.

– Check your generator to be sure it’s functional and fueled up.

– If you don’t have a generator, set your refrigerator to a colder setting in case the power goes out.

– Secure important documents that are irreplaceable.

– Check with your insurance agent to make sure your policy covers the potential damage of a hurricane. Add flood coverage if you don’t already have it.

– Cover your outdoor A/C unit with a tarp.

– Remove non-permanent outdoor equipment to a garage or basement (for example, picnic tables, patio furniture, and grills).

– Remove any loose limbs and shrubbery that is near your home.

– If the hurricane has already hit land, do not attempt to drive. Many people die in flooded waters.

Preparing for a hurricane in New England is an essential step to take now. The hurricane season doesn’t begin to die down until November. If you have any questions on hurricane preparedness or about your policy, please click here to contact us today!

Before your newly permitted or licensed teen gets behind the wheel of their car make sure they have car insurance. Teen driving insurance in Connecticut is necessary and practical. Insurance is an expense, but there are tips to follow to help keep the price down without sacrificing coverage.

Insurance Needs for a Driver’s Permit

When your teenager secures their driver’s permit get in touch with your insurance agent to confirm whether or not they need a policy. Typically, permitted drivers are covered by the policy already in place on the vehicle they are driving. For instance, if your teen practices driving using your car with you present, they would be covered by your policy. Double check to make sure, so everything is set and everyone has the proper coverage.

Driver’s Education

Many insurance companies offer a discount to teens who have completed driver’s ed. Some insurers even offer their own advanced driving training program that may provide an additional discount, so ask. This extra training provides experience and instills responsibility while also saving money.

Choose the Right Car

Insurance premiums are based on the type and age of the car. Finding the right car takes work. Ideally, you want something new enough to be safe and dependable, but old enough to lock in a lower insurance rate. Sports cars and SUVs are often quoted higher rates, so a sedan is usually the best bet in terms of paying an affordable rate. This may not align with what your teen had in mind, but explain why this is the responsible decision.

Consider the Safety Features of a Car

Built-in safety features will give you peace of mind, but can also lower teen driving insurance in Connecticut. Cars with anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, electronic stability control and automatic seatbelts may secure a lower insurance rate. Frontal airbags are required by law, and side airbags are now standard on most vehicles. Cars equipped with additional airbags, like rear window curtain airbags or inflatable seatbelts, may qualify for additional safety discounts.

Bundle Policies

Starting a new policy is often expensive. Adding your teen driver to your existing policy will typically be cheaper since it shows you are responsible for your teen. You may secure an additional discount by having multiple car insurance policies.

Talk to Your Agent

Check with your agent to see if there are any other discounts to be had for your child’s policy. Good student discounts may be an option to keep the cost down, and possibly incentivize your child to keep their grades up.

Secure the Best Price for Teen Driving Insurance in Connecticut

Make sure your teen is prepared for the road ahead as they take off on new adventures. Proper training and the right car are just some of the ways to get the best price possible for your teenager’s car insurance.

If you have teenagers in your homecoming to drivers age and would like to discuss Driving Insurance Options.