Indiana Insurance News

How Your Age Affects Your Car Insurance Rate

Terence Loose — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:03:18 GMT

Find out how your age affects your car insurance rate, and what you can do to lower your premiums.

Think all that comes with getting older is more responsibility, wrinkles, and backaches? Here's something that might ease the pain: as your age goes up, typically, your insurance rates goes down.

Yes, the further away from that rebellious teen period you are, the better your rates will likely be. That's because insurers see mature drivers as less risky, says Loretta Worters, a vice president with the Insurance Information Institute (III).

Read on for a rundown of how your (or your kid's) age affects your rate, and what you can do to help lower it. Your rate, that is. You're pretty much stuck with your age group.

Age 16 to 18 - You've probably heard of the "terrible twos" of infanthood, when toddlers drive their parents bonkers. Well, just wait till little Johnny or Sarah get their first license and are added to their parents' insurance policy.

"In fact, if you have a teen on your insurance, you can most likely expect to pay an additional 100 percent, or more," says Worters.

Why? Because of the amount of driving experience teens have, says Worters. "They have very little experience on the road and take more chances than any other age group. They are involved in more accidents than any other age group other than people over the age of 75," she says.

What You Can Do to Help Lower Your Rate:*

Make sure your teen keeps up a "B" average in school to qualify for any good student discounts.
Buy a car that is less expensive to insure for you and/or your teen, such as a used car or one with safety features that may result in discounts. (Ask for a list from your insurer.)

Age 18 to 22 - Ah, that wonderful time when your kids go away to college and you actually have a shot at some peace and quiet. And potentially lower car insurance rates.

"If kids go to college and move more than 100 miles away from home, you may see some savings," says Worters.

That savings, she says, could be 30 to 50 percent or more. The reason is because the insurer understands that as a student away at school, your son or daughter will only be driving your car on school breaks or holidays.

But, if your child wants to take a car to college with them, then that's another story. In that case, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) "Consumer Alert: College Insurance Needs," recommends contacting your insurer about the rates for the city and state your child will be attending college. Then you can decide whether or not to keep your child's car on the family policy.

What You Can Do to Help Lower Your Rate:*

Again, make sure your child qualifies for any good student discounts.
Many college towns require very little driving, so low-mileage discounts could help you save.

Age 25 to 39 - Good news for people in this group: these are the years when people typically settle into a career. And that spells more responsibility and less risk, according to Worters. The result is usually a lower car insurance rate, as long as the driver didn't pile up a bunch of accidents or tickets.

"Insurance rates for good drivers generally drop considerably after age 25," verifies the Texas Department of Insurance's website. Of course, if you're male, says Worters, you'll pay more than women because statistically, men are involved in more serious accidents. But there are circumstances that can bring men's rates down, too.

"If you are 25, male, and married you will see your rates decrease. The view is if you are married, you are less likely to take risks than a 25-year-old single male," says Worters.

What You Can Do to Help Lower Your Rate:*

Do everything you can to keep your driving record free of tickets or accidents. According to the III article, "How Can I Save Money on Auto Insurance?," good driving discounts - like no accidents in three years or no moving violations in three years - could help you save.
Maintain good credit. In many states, insurers use your credit score as one factor to determine your rate, according to the same III article, which notes that bad credit could result in higher rates.

Age 40 to 60s - With age comes wisdom. And lower insurance premiums - most likely. Yes, when you turn 40, you're a little mellower, which generally results in better driving habits and usually, lower insurance rates.

"Age 40 to 50 is when you see your best rates," says Worters. "People are more mature. They have driving experience under all kinds of conditions and it shows in their driving skills, and consequently their rates."

In fact, according to NAIC's list of "Special Auto Insurance Considerations for Empty Nesters," mature drivers - ages 55 to 70 - may be eligible for discounts.

What You Can Do to Help Lower Your Rate:*

Take a driver safety course such as the one offered through AARP, which could qualify you for a discount from some insurers, notes the NAIC list.
Ask for any special discounts for seniors, which can include low-mileage discounts or an agreement to only drive during daylight hours, according to the NAIC list.

*Discounts information taken from the Insurance Information Institute, unless otherwise noted. Not all discounts available from all insurance carriers.

The awards keep coming for Brad Karp.

Ken Karrson — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:25:01 GMT

Brad Karp, St. Xavier University

St. Xavier University's sophomore guard was recognized three times in the past week, twice for his basketball exploits and once for his classroom achievements. Karp, a Valparaiso graduate, became the first Cougars player in four years selected as the NAIA National Division I Men's Basketball Player of the Week, one day after earning his fourth Player of the Week honor this season from the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

In addition, Karp was named to the Capital One Academic All-District team. The latter group was chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America, and each student-athlete is now eligible to become an Academic All-American.

Karp's NAIA award came after he averaged 31 points, 13 rebounds and 3.5 assists in a pair of CCAC games the week of Jan. 30. He notched career highs of 39 points and 20 rebounds in SXU's 99-96 loss to top-ranked Robert Morris University.

Saftey Tips for the Holidays

East Coast Risk Management — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:39:30 GMT

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, decorating, entertaining & an increased risk of accidents. We would like to share some simple guidelines to help make your holiday season safer and more enjoyable:

Holiday Lighting

Use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant and non-combustible materials.
Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings, and replace damaged items before plugging lights in.
Don't mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples - don't use nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights & a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground-fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Decorations

Use only non-combustible and flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel and artificial icicles of plastic and non-leaded metals.
Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp and breakable, while keeping trimmings with small removable parts our of the reach of children.
Avoid trimmings that resemble candy and food that may tempt a young child to put in his/her mouth.

Holiday Entertaining

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the US. When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range.
Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children
Test smoke alarms and make guests aware of your fire escape plan.

Trees

When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break.
When purchasing an artificial tree, look for a "Fire-Resistant" label.
When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators and portable heaters. Place tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
Cut a few inches off the trunk to expose fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help you keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Make sure the base is steady so the tree won't easily tip over.

Fireplaces

Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from fireplace area.
Be sure to check that the flue is open.
Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Toys and Ornaments

Purchase appropriate toys for the appropriate age. Some toys designed for older children might be dangerous for younger children.
Electric toys should be UL/FM approved.
Toys with sharp points, sharp edges, strings, cords and parts small enough to be swallowed should not be given to small children.
Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint our of the reach of children and pets.

Children and Pets

Poinsettias are known to be poisonous to humans and animals, so keep them well out of reach, or avoid having them.
Keep decorations at least 6 inches above the child's reach.
Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and can be eaten by a child or pet.
Keep any ribbons on gifts and tree ornaments shorter than 7 inches. A child could wrap a longer strand of ribbon around their neck and choke.
Avoid mittens with strings for children. The string can get tangled around the child's neck and cause them to choke.
Watch children and pets around space heaters or the fireplace. Do not leave a child or pet unattended!
Store scissors and any sharp objects that you use to wrap presents out of your child's reach.
Inspect wrapped gifts for small decorations, such as candy canes, gingerbread men and mistletoe berries, all of which are choking hazards.

Snow & Ice Removal...Stay Safe this Winter!

Harleysville Lakestates Insurance — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:36:07 GMT

General procedures must be established in advance of the winter season to ensure prompt snow and ice removal.

Procedures must include development of a snow removal plan that includes the following:

• Providing training to participants all aspects of the plan. This includes their specific duties and responsibilities, tools to be used, and any other special concerns.

• Appointing a specific individual who will monitor weather forecasts and communicate their findings to other responsible participants

• At the required time, communicating the required snow and ice removal actions required, to contractors, employees given the responsibility for snow removal, and any emergency agencies. This also includes a Snow and Ice Removal Log that will track snow and ice removal consistency.

Good snow and ice removal guidelines must always outline requirements for the use of specific snow and ice removal tools required for the job. This includes training the employees to dress appropriately for cold weather conditions and training them to use tools correctly. Examples of appropriate snow and ice removal tools are included below:

• Snow shovels

• Ice melting compounds

• Ice chippers

• Wheel barrows

• Snow blowers

• Snowplows

• Maintenance of interior door mats or nonskid runners Special concerns must be dealt with in an expeditious manner.

Be aware of physical condition and do not allow worker’s to over exert themselves. People with cardiac problems should consult their physician before exerting themselves with shoveling. Removing snow should never be done shortly after eating, or drinking alcohol and never smoke while shoveling.

• Emergency areas such as fire lanes, fire hydrants, and emergency exits or entranceways must be monitored more frequently.

• Refreezing of melted snow and ice. Keeping a log of past snow and ice removal activities will help to ensure that all areas receive the appropriate level of service.

• Parking lot surfaces, pedestrian walkways and stairways must be maintained to prevent uneven patches of snow/ice build-up that could lead to increased trip and fall hazards. Illumination in these areas must be maintained to ensure employees and pedestrians do not have a secondary reason trip and fall.

• Build-up of snow and icicles falling from the roof, overhangs, rain spouts, and other overhead fixtures could create a hazard for pedestrians below.

• Do not permit piles of snow to block the view of traffic coming in and out of your premises.

• Difficult to remove areas must have limited access during snow and ice removal. Blocking of entrance / exit ways may be a good alternative.

Office Holiday Hours

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:10:00 GMT

Holiday Hours for Anderson Insurance

Fri. December 23: Open 8am – 12pm
Mon. December 26: CLOSED
Mon. January 2: CLOSED

Thank you for your business!
Please have a wonderful & safe Holiday Season!

2011 Best of Northwest Indiana Business Winners

NWIBQ.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:20:55 GMT

Thank you, Northwest Indiana, for voting us one of your favorites!

From the NWI Business Quarterly Magazine:

When Northwest Indiana residents find a good thing, they let people know. And that’s what they’ve been doing since last October, logging into the Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly website and voting for the “Best Of Northwest Indiana Business.”

If it’s a product or service, Northwest Indiana customers and readers of NWIBQ want to let everyone know who has the best service, where to go to get a great meal or where the best place is to hold a meeting or even work.

In dozens of categories, readers have made their choices. For those who took the time to scroll through the categories and vote, we thank you. By voting, you have given deserved recognition to some special Northwest Indiana businesses, and you have helped to make Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly your own.

While the votes have been tallied for the “Best of Northwest Indiana Business,” we’re asking that you send us your comments about this year’s poll. Is there a category that should be added? Should there be more room for feedback? Was the questionnaire too long? Did it take too much time to complete?

Let us know. We’re already looking to the 2012 edition of “Best of Northwest Indiana.” We want to make it one of the best. We’re listening.

And finally, all are winners in our books, even if you were listed as a runner-up! Congratulations!

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY FOR A BUSINESS

Winner: General Insurance Services, Michigan City, LaPorte and Valparaiso.

Runners-up: Fleming, Bates & Barber, Crown Point; State Farm, Whiting, Hammond and Crown Point; Anderson Insurance, Valparaiso; Allstate Insurance, Crown Point, Valparaiso and Munster; Farm Bureau Insurance, Crown Point, Highland and Schererville.

See all of the Winners & Runner Ups here: http://www.nwibq.com/business/business-features/2011-best-of-northwest-indiana-business-winners/.

Autism Awareness Raffle

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:04:16 GMT

Anderson Insurance, Keystone Insurance Group, and 22 other partners donated $1,000 to participate in this year's Autism Fundraiser! We are selling the raffle tickets for $5 a piece. We have a goal of raising $50,000 for the Autism Society of Indiana! First prize is a weekend in Indianapolis, a $200 Dinner Gift Certificate & 4 tickets to the Colts game!

Please contact our office for raffle tickets. Help us make this the greatest fundraiser in Keystone history!

New campaign targets texting while driving

By Larry Copeland, USA TODAY via Liberty Mutual — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:34:22 GMT

Amid fresh evidence that warnings against distracted driving aren't sinking in, the USA's top road safety agency, states' attorneys general and the Ad Council are launching a campaign aimed at drivers 16-24 years old.

The message is simple: When you text and drive, you're not multitasking — you're driving blind.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, state attorneys general and state consumer protection agencies called on the Ad Council to create the campaign in hopes they can effect the kind of cultural change that helped rein in drunken driving and smoking.

"While enacting good laws is a very important thing and enforcing them is important, where you really achieve change is when you change attitudes and you change the culture in which people operate," Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen says.

"What I like about these ads is they are trying to change the culture. They're trying to make the case that when you text and drive … you're putting yourself and people around you in danger."

Texting while driving laws

Thirty-four states plus the District of Columbia have text-messaging bans. In 31 states and D.C., it is a primary offense,
meaning drivers can be pulled over specifically for texting.

States where texting while driving is a primary offense for all drivers:

Source: Governors Highway Safety Association

Map by Emily Brown, USA TODAY

The new multimedia campaign, created pro bono by the New York advertising agency The Concept Farm, is called "Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks."

Based on the success of similar past campaigns, it potentially could reach 8 million people, says Ad Council President and CEO Peggy Conlon.

"People in our culture, especially young people, have never known an era that didn't include cellphones and texting," she says. "One thing we are addressing is the compulsion (to text while driving)."

Two recent studies indicate that most Americans know that texting and driving is dangerous — but many continue to do it anyway.

A recent survey from insurer Liberty Mutual and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) found that more than half of high school students said they text while driving; the study also found that teens are sending fewer messages to peers and more to their parents. That followed a State Farm survey showing that a majority of parents actually use cellphones while teaching their children to drive.

NHTSA, which has focused heavily on reducing distracted driving under Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, acknowledges that "mobile devices have become a central part of the way people of all ages communicate" but stresses that "when it comes to staying safe behind the wheel, parents have a critical role to play" in setting a good example.

"Stopping distracted driving on our nation's roadways will require a comprehensive approach that includes strong laws, tough enforcement and public awareness efforts like the new ad campaign we're launching this week," LaHood says.

NHTSA's success with national efforts such as the "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which helped drive seat-belt use from 15% to 85%, leaves the agency convinced that a combination of public outreach, strong laws and effective policing can change driver and passenger behavior.

Water Damage - Reduce Your Risk

Grange Insurance — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:41:47 GMT

Help prevent future leaks and water intrusion by regularly inspecting the following elements in and around your home to make sure they remain in good condition.

PLUMBING

Supply Lines & Drains

•Watch for stains on walls or ceilings & a musty smell. •Pay attention to your water bill. A significant increase could indicate a leak. •Insulate pipes in attics, basements and exposed exterior pipes to avoid freezing. •During periods of freezing weather, open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warm air. •Disconnect garden hoses when freeze warnings are issued.

Toilet

•Inspect the flushing mechanism inside the toilet every six months. •Ensure the connection to the valve is secure. •Replace the flapper or fill valve assembly if you notice intermittent or constant tank refilling when the toilet is not in use.

Shower Stall

•Inspect tile and grout every six months, paying attention to loose or cracked tiles and cracked or crumbling grout lines. Repair as needed. •Test the shower pan annually: 1. Block the floor drain. 2. Fill the shower stall with approximately one inch of water. 3. Use a pencil to mark the water line. 4. Leave the water standing in the shower pan for eight hours. 5. If the water level decreases, contact a plumbing professional.

APPLIANCES

Refrigerator/Icemaker

•Inspect the hose every six months. Ensure the valve connection is secure and check for kinks. If kinks are present, replace the hose. •Leave a 3- to 4-inch space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping. •Locate the water shut-off valve. Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off & replace the valve if needed.

Washing Machine

•Turn supply valves off while the home is unoccupied or washing machine is not in use. •Leave a 3- to 4-inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose near the valve connection. •Check the hoses for cracks, kinks or blisters, which are most commonly found near the hose connection every six months. •Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every five years and installing reinforced braided stainless steel hoses.

Water Heaters

•Annual inspections are recommended once the warranty has expired. •Flush the tank every six months to remove sediment.

HOME

•Check for leaks around your windows and doors, especially near corners. •Check for peeling paint as it can be a sign of water getting into the wood. •Inspect for discolorations in paint or caulking, swelling of the window or doorframe or surrounding materials. •Make sure that basement windows and doors have built-up barriers or flood shields. •The relative humidity in your home should be between 30% & 50%. •Condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings, and musty smells are signs that you may have too much humidity in your home. •Be sure to use bathroom exhaust fans following warm showers or baths. •When going on trips, turn the temperature up on the air conditioning, not off. The air conditioning system helps remove moisture from your home. •Inspect and adjust the spray pattern of the irrigation heads to minimize the water sprayed directly onto the house to avoid excessive water near the foundation. •To prolong roof life, have a professional roof inspection annually. Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering, parapets and drainage system. Source: The Institute for Business and Home Safety - www.disastersafety.org

How New Car Insurance Rates Determined?

Allevin via All Insurance Info — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:23:04 GMT

New car insurance rates can vary dramatically. Have you ever wondered how to determine these rates? There are many factors you may want to consider before buying a car if you are worried about the price of insurance for new cars.

It’s the law that your vehicle is insured. For new car insurance, there are many factors that determine insurance premiums you pay. The type of car you drive is more important. How is your driving record and the number of choices on their insurance? A good way to get a better idea which broadens their premiums could be in is to understand what the car insurance group of your new car belongs. There are at least 20 different groups of auto insurance high performance cars in the top of the 20 groups.

These are the factors considered for new vehicles to define the group they belong to:

New car values. Price is important, especially for the cost of replacement and repair.

Damage and parts costs. The probability of damage and the cost of parts for repair. The lower cost, better opportunity for a group score lower.

Repair costs and times. The higher the repair time, the higher the cost. Increased cost equals higher rating group.

Performance Car. Statistics show that high acceleration and top speed cars therefore more frequent insurance claims.

Bodywork and accident repairs. How available is the basic framework of the car? This is important for the repair of certain damages.

Car Safety. Good safety features help reduce the risk that the vehicle is stolen or vandalized. This can help reduce the cost of insurance claims and thus put the car in a lower group.

After considering all the factors that influence the rate of insurance premiums for new cars, the best we can do is an online comparison shopping. Most major auto insurance companies will give you a free online quote with no obligation to purchase. This allows you to easily compare prices between different car insurance companies. Prices can vary by hundreds of dollars, so it’s worth the small effort it takes to do a little Internet surfing.

Indiana Insurance News

How Your Age Affects Your Car Insurance Rate

The awards keep coming for Brad Karp.

Saftey Tips for the Holidays

Snow & Ice Removal...Stay Safe this Winter!

Office Holiday Hours

Holiday Hours for Anderson Insurance Fri. December 23: Open 8am – 12pmMon. December 26: CLOSEDMon. January 2: CLOSED Thank you for your business! Please have a wonderful & safe Holiday Season!

2011 Best of Northwest Indiana Business Winners

Autism Awareness Raffle

New campaign targets texting while driving

Texting while driving laws

Water Damage - Reduce Your Risk

How New Car Insurance Rates Determined?

Holiday Hours for Anderson Insurance

Fri. December 23: Open 8am – 12pm
Mon. December 26: CLOSED
Mon. January 2: CLOSED

Thank you for your business!
Please have a wonderful & safe Holiday Season!