New Car Safety Features Save Lives and Money

Statistics show that you are more far more likely to be in a car crash than to be hit by lightning or be the victim of a crime. Alas, you are also more likely to get into a car accident than win the lottery.  Just ask your local Walden NY insurance agent.

Given that the risk may be as high as 1 in 4 according to some estimate for being involved in such an unfortunate event, it makes sense to take all reasonable measures lower your risk. These measures can include both HOW you drive, e.g., defensive driving, not drinking and driving, and WHAT you drive, e.g., choosing a safer car.

Tips To Ensure Your ATV Is Insured Properly

When it comes to your all-terrain vehicle (ATV), it pays to keep your feet on the ground especially when you're thinking about insuring it. You may think it’s covered by your homeowners policy, but are you really protected? Your “toy” wasn’t cheap, and lacking the right type of insurance coverage could lead to a sticky financial situation.
“Owners should think of ATVs the same way they think of motorcycles,” said Rick Stern, product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. “You’d never consider getting on a motorcycle without the proper insurance, and you shouldn’t ride an ATV without the right coverage either.”

Tips to Secure and Insure College Dorm Stuff

The first time my friend dropped by his son’s dorm room, he was amazed at how many gadgets he and his roommate had managed to stuff in a tiny space! In addition to the necessary clothes and books, it was crammed with electronics: laptops, iPods, cell phones, printers, stereos, an electric guitar and amp, television, refrigerator, microwave oven, and one very nice bicycle. Figuring out the value per cubic foot boggled the mind! 

The only thing more surprising than the sheer value of the personal goods that kids take to college today is the frequency of theft, as your local NY insurance agent can warn you. In many dorms, the norm is to leave the room door unlocked or even open to encourage drop-ins. This creates significant security risks. In fact, dorm rooms turn up on the list of the top five most popular places for laptop theft. Also, given the portability, students drag their laptops to cafes, libraries, and other unsecured places. 

N.Y. Workers Comp Board Proposes 30% Rate Hike

This just in from  Business Insurance.

N.Y. workers comp board proposes 30% rate hike | Business Insurance

That's right! On the heals of a 7.7% increase that will take effect, now another 30% increase is in the mix. I have a feeling that a lot of this has to do with the rising cost of health care due to the government hostile take over of our health care industry. Health insurance premiums in NY are going up by as much as 92% on groups in NY right now. There is no way workers comp would have been able to dodge this bullet.

Now is a great time to start shopping your NY workers comp rates. The initial rate may be governed by the NY workers comp board, but there are some insurance carriers that deviate from this rate and offer safety discounts as well.