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
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.
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!
Make 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
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
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.
First, 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
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.
Insurance Tip Thursday: Ask Steve Edition
Are you curious if your purse is covered if it is stolen? Watch our video to find out!
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
Open roads and motorcycle safety is always in style!
Blue Skies and open roads are finally here. Not only does that mean it’s time to get your motorcycle back on the road, but also to make sure you are riding with safety. “While motorcycles are cool, they just aren’t as safe as cars. To some people, that’s part of the appeal. Living life on the edge and taking risks can be part of what makes riding a motorcycle rewarding.” In this blog, you will find many safety tips to make sure you have the best experience possible.
- Wear a helmet. A helmet can help reduce or prevent concussions, skull fractures, damage to eye sockets or other facial features, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Take a motorcycle safety course. http://nysmsp.org/, is one of the many places to offer both basic and beyond basic motorcycle safety courses.
- Check your motorcycle before hitting the road. Make sure the lights, horn, blinkers, brakes, and tires are in good working order before you even turn on the engine, especially if you have not been on your bike recently.
- Educate your passengers. Make sure to have a spare helmet ready for anyone else who will ride with you on your motorcycle, and talk them through motorcycle safety so you can drive distraction-free.
- Keep your hands firmly on the handlebars. Too many drivers take one hand off the wheel, especially to fiddle with the radio or answer their phone. Distracted driving is dangerous enough when you’re surrounded by metal and airbags – when you’re operating a motorcycle, all you have between yourself and hitting the pavement is your safety gear and your awareness. Keep your hands in place, steering your bike, and look out for other drivers.
- Look twice at every intersection. Look left, then right, then left again before driving through an intersection. Many drivers do not look carefully for stop or yield signs. A number of drivers involved in motorcycle accidents claim that they did not even see the rider before it was too late. This simple safety precaution can help ensure that you see them and that they see you before it’s too late.
- Leave enough space. As a motorcyclist, you will not have the benefit of a bumper if you hit the vehicle in front of you, and you could easily fly off your bike and seriously injure yourself.
Along with these safety tips, you should also make sure your insurance is completely up to date. One major detour / red light on your joy ride, could be not having proper coverage, including motorcycle accessory coverage. Here at C.H. Edwards, we make getting proper coverage as easy as cruising through green lights. Give us a call for your no obligation quotation.