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What Happened to the Spare Tire?

What Happened to the Spare Tire?

When you purchase a new vehicle, you expect the car to be equipped with all of the basic features a new car would have. Features such as adaptive headlights, air bags, seat belts, backup cameras, and brake assistance. How about the spare tire? A decade ago, the spare tire was an important feature when purchasing a new car.

According to a study conducted by AAA, automakers are ditching the spare tire in favor of tire inflator kits. Over a third of new vehicles sold in 2015 alone were driven without a spare tire.

Stringent fuel economy standards have forced automakers to shed weight from their vehicles; these changes have generally benefited drivers by lowering pollution and consumer gas budgets. Substituting a tire inflator for a spare tire only saves about 30 pounds from the vehicle. The 30 pounds saved is equivalent to saving less than a penny per gallon of gas.

Meanwhile, tire inflator kits can cost up to $300 to repair after a single use. Not only are the tire inflators more expensive to repair than changing a tire, but they also have limited utility. When a puncture occurs in the center of the tire’s tread, on the side wall, or in case of a blowout, the tire inflator is not effective.

Flat tires aren’t disappearing anytime soon, so why should spare tires?

If you are shopping for a new car this season, do not hesitate to ask your dealer if your vehicle comes with a spare tire. If your vehicle is equipped with a tire inflator, learn how to use the kit. It’s better to find out now, than to be surprised on the side of the road.

 

Long Island Game Farm – Fun Before the Summer Ends

Long Island Game Farm – Fun Before the Summer Ends

Are you looking to have some family fun before it’s time to head back to school? Look no further than the Long Island Game Farm located in Manorville, New York.20160723_104327

Founded in 1970, the Long Island Game Farm has been providing a life time of memories for children and families on Long Island. This year, they are celebrating their 47th season as the largest combined children’s zoo and wild life park on Long Island; with a wide variety of shows, interactive animal exhibits, and carnival rides, every family member is sure to find something they love.

Ticket prices vary among age. Adult admission is $18.95 + tax. Seniors (62 +), children and military personal admission is $16.95 + tax. If you are visiting with a child under the age of 2 admission is free for them. If you plan to visit with a large group, take advantage of their special package prices listed on their website.

While there, be sure to pick up some treat for the animals. Animals with a sign that say “feed me” are happy to be fed and loved! Don’t worry, they won’t bite!

20160723_105209Make sure to make a pit stop at bambiland, the giraffe encounter and the nursery. At these interactive exhibits you get up close and personal with the animals to feed, pet, and learn more about them.

Find out what the Long Island Game Farm has in store for yourself. Visit them today with your loved ones. For more information visit http://www.longislandgamefarm.com/.

 

Protecting Your Four Legged Friend During The Summer Month

Protecting Your Four Legged Friend During The Summer Month

While it is easy for humans to detect their body reactions to heat, for pets, it is not so easy. This is why it is important to keep a close eye on your pets and provide extra care for them during the hot summer months.

Follow these helpful tips when it comes to protecting your four legged friend:

1. Do not leave pets in a parked car: The temperature inside a vehicle can quickly approach dangerous. If you know your pet will not be allowed in a certain store while you are out, make sure to keep them at home in the comfort of your air conditioned home.

2. Change pets exercise regimen: Midday walks should be switched to early mornings and evenings when the sun is not at its peak and the temperatures are cooler.

3. Be mindful of your breed: Short-nosed breeds have a harder time in extreme heat due to their shorter airways. Also, consider the fur on your dog. For example, dogs with more hair like huskies should spend very little time outside to avoid over heating.

4. Let dogs inside: Your dog may enjoy their dog house but they are very similar to a parked car on hot days. Bring your dog inside and let them enjoy the air conditioning.

5. Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke: Heavy painting, glazed eyes and rapid heart beat are all sure signs of heatstroke. Make sure that if your pet has any of these signs to seek medical help immediately.

Pets are not just pets, they are family. Make sure that you treat your furry friend with extra love and compassion on these hot days as well as every other day of the year.

#fightagainstanimalcruelty

 

Travelers Insurance Company Seminar

Travelers Insurance Company Seminar

Becoming familiar with the companies you write insurance through is essential when you are an insurance customer service representative. Being knowledgeable benefits the client, and makes you a better sales representative.

I recently attended a seminar offered by Travelers Insurance Company at their Huntington, New York office. Usually when people hear the word “seminar” they automatically think of a huge room with a bunch of chairs and an instructor giving a lecture at the front of the room. However, this was not the case! Travelers figured out a fun and interactive way to spice up their seminar.

Representatives from insurance agencies all over Long Island came to attend this learning experience.

20160517_104729_resizedFirst, all of the attendees were served a breakfast buffet before the start of the meeting. We then took our seats and were divided into small groups of eight. These groups then would migrate around the conference room to six different stations where you would focus on a certain product that Travelers has to offer. I truly enjoyed the group of representatives I was placed with during the seminar. They were all from local agencies on Long Island who do the same thing I do every day!

At each station we were trained on marketing, auto insurance, home insurance, claims, boat insurance and so much more. Each Travelers representative explained each product in a clear and concise manner.

I hope Travelers has another seminar very soon so I can meet more great people. Kudos to you Travelers Insurance!

Written by: Amanda Haase

ADAS: How C.H. Edwards, Inc., Can Help

ADAS: How C.H. Edwards, Inc., Can Help

Do you drive a vehicle with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, (also commonly referred to as ADAS), are safety systems designed to work together and help drivers avoid potential problems and collision with other vehicles.

Several of the ADAS features are built into these vehicles’ windshields. So, when it comes to repairing your windshield in the event of a glass claim, it is essential to know that this piece of equipment is being repaired and recalibrated properly.

C.H. Edwards, Inc., is proud to say that we settle our client’s glass claims with one of the leaders in identifying these specialized vehicles’ needs.

Safelite Auto Glass helps provide peace of mind not only to you, but to our dedicated customer service agents at C.H. Edwards, that help in settling your claim. In most cases, an owner of this specialized vehicle would need to schedule a recalibration with their dealership. C.H. Edwards can provide you with one-stop windshield replacement and ADAS recalibration with Safelite.

Depending upon location, these services will be available to our clients late 2016 and early 2017.

If you would like more information on automobile insurance, please visit our website at www.chedwards.net or call us at 516-249-5200.

 

The Importance of Contractors Insurance

The Importance of Contractors Insurance

Work accidents happen, it`s a fact. Protecting yourself and your business with contractor’s insurance is one of the many steps in getting a job successfully done. Here at C.H. Edwards, our commercial lines specialists help businesses customize a contractor’s insurance solution that is right for their business. Whether its small, midsize or a large commercial construction projects, we are sure to do it all.

So you might be thinking, well who needs contractor’s insurance. We have the answer for you. “General contractors, contractors, and subcontractors are commonly required to carry contractor’s insurance by the various laws and businesses they work for.” This is very important especially with the summer being known for an increase in construction.

There are a few things that you need to have in place to make sure you are covered. “Commercial General liability insurance, or CGL, is a fundamental part of a contractor’s insurance program. It provides protection for third party Bodily Injury and Property Damage. We here at C.H. Edwards understand that each contractor has its own set of exposures. We help put the best program together based on the Contractor’s Operations.

Some other additional insurance coverage you may need or consider are the following:
• Commercial Umbrella or Excess Liability
• Disability Coverage
• Workers Compensation
• Commercial Automobile
• Property Coverage
• Inland Marine (Contractors Equipment Coverage, Builder’s Risk, Installation Floater)
• Contractors Pollution Liability

When getting contractors insurance, there is many ways you can get the perfect package
Having the right coverage is crucial to your business and we are here to help you with all of your needs.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Stay safe this summer with our pool safety tips!

Stay safe this summer with our pool safety tips!

Relaxing by the pool and enjoying the sun is one of the best parts of summer. While you are enjoying this fun filled summer activity, it is important to remember how crucial pool safety is. It is not only important to keep yourself informed but also your children or anybody visiting your pool. In this blog, you will find helpful pool tips from the American Red Cross.

  • Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.
  • Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young kids. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool—never allow anyone to swim alone. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  • Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses from the Red Cross.
  • Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
  • Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving,” “stay away from drain covers,” “swim with a buddy” and “walk please.”
  • Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses from the Red Cross.

These very helpful and informative tips can help keep your pool time as safe and fun as possible. You can find out more tips on the American Red Cross website, www.redcross.org. You can also go to www.HomePoolEssentials.org to take an online pool essentials course. This course describes steps that home pool owners need to take to prevent any accidents and keep their pool well maintained. Now it’s time to grab your sunscreen and pool float and enjoy the summer!

Water Conservation Gardening Tips

Water Conservation Gardening Tips

As the weather heats up, many homeowners will be heading outside to start planting their favorite flowers, fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

Along with efficient gardening comes extended and excessive water use. Here are some simple tips that will help you conserve water while keeping your garden in tip-top shape.

The right plants. The best water conservation strategies start and end with plant selection. Look for drought-tolerant plants. Many have gray or silver foliage. Others have thick, fleshy leaves and are called succulents. These plants naturally need less water.

Compost. Adding compost to your garden soil regularly, not only adds beneficial nutrients, but also helps the soil retain moisture.

Shredded Leaves. Shredded leaves make excellent mulch, and better yet, they are free! Spread them in the fall to insulate the soil and prevent frost damage of perennials. The shreds will eventually break down and feed the soil, just like a compost.

Drip Irrigation. If you want to water your pots more efficiently, use a drip irrigation system to put water in the root zone. You can even hook it up to a timer to automatically start and stop irrigation.

These are just a few tips to help you save on water this gardening season. So, get out there, get gardening and save while you’re at it too!

For more information on water conservation please visit http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/top-10-ways-conserve-water.

Written by: Amanda Haase

Selena Gomez lights up the stage at the Barclay Center.

Selena Gomez lights up the stage at the Barclay Center.

The lights dimmed and in a blink of an eye, the princess of pop had taken the stage. And yes, we are talking about Selena Gomez here. Last week, she had made a stop at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn as a part of her Revival Tour. DNCE and Bea Miller also made an appearance to kick off the start of an amazing show.

Selena performed a majority of songs from her most recent album, which is titled Revival. Some of the hits that she performed included, “Kill Em with Kindness”, “Good For You”, “Me & My Girls” and “Nobody”. She also performed some throwback tunes including, “Who Says” and “Come and Get It”.  From the glittery costumes to the dance routines, there was never a dull moment throughout the entire show.

Over the past few years, Selena has gone through many rough patches. Including her extremely public breakup and also being diagnosed with lupus. This tour meant a lot to her and her confidence had made it clear that this was in fact, her revival. “This show is so centered around me, and I mean that in a way of confidence, of strength,” Gomez says. “It has a beautiful feel to it, but it is about me, so if I wanted to come in one day and say I want to change [a song in the show] or add this, I can do that. That’s the first time I’ve ever really been able to do that in my life. And I feel, I feel great about it. It’s not me making sure I hit all the dance moves. There’s so much I want to prove to myself for this tour and it’s just based on me, it’s based on my voice, it’s based on what I say to my crowd,” she adds. “That’s all I really want.”

Selena is also taking this tour to bring awareness to lupus. She will be donating the proceeds from each ticket sold to the Alliance for Lupus Research. “Based in New York, ALR (Alliance for Lupus Research) is a national voluntary health organization whose mission is to find better treatments and ultimately prevent lupus. Gomez’s camp says ALR was selected because of its broad reach. Gomez revealed her lupus diagnosis in a 2015 Billboard cover story.” With the success of her current tour and with all of her future plans, Selena is definitely taking the world by storm.