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How did you choose your Insurance Agent? Did you do an Interview?

How did you choose your Insurance Agent? Did you do an Interview?

Interviwe Good

Choosing the right insurance coverage for your family and valuables is just as important as finding the right job, so why not interview your insurance agent? Maybe you didn’t consider this when choosing your current insurance agent? It’s never too late. Here are some questions to consider.

  1. How long have you been in the business?
  2. What are your top insurance companies?
  3. When you provide a quote, is it your best quote?
  4. Who will explain my coverages to me?
  5. What is your procedure for reporting a claim?

The answers to these questions may help give you a comfort level with regard to the agent’s ability and may help you decide if the agent is worthy of your trust. It is important to be clear about your goals when beginning this process. Are you looking for internet insurance or do you want to establish a relationship with your insurance agent? A computer can’t answer your questions, a person can. Like with any good partnership, you want to establish a rapport so that you can feel confident that you are with someone who understands your needs and concerns. An open dialogue about your expectations will make it easier to assist in meeting these needs. Not all insurance is the same. Sometimes the lowest price is not the best. If you choose insurance based on a low price, you may find out that you got what you paid for when it comes to trust, quality and experience.

Take these questions into consideration. Does your current agent meet all of your requirements? If the answer to any of these questions is no, put C.H. Edwards, Inc. at the top of your list to be interviewed. C.H. Edwards, Inc. is a small, family owned and operated Independent Insurance agency located in Farmingdale, New York. We have been in the insurance business since 1925. Your satisfaction is our top priority. Let us make you a member of the C.H. Edwards family today. Give us a call at 516-249-5200.

 

 

Burglar’s Don’t Vacation Like You Do!

Burglar’s Don’t Vacation Like You Do!

Burglary blogFor many Long Island folks, it’s Vacation season! Everyone is headed to their favorite getaway place, but Burglars don’t vacation the way you do. Their favorite “getaway vacation” is your unoccupied home! To make sure your home is protected while you are away, follow some of these simple tips to ensure that you will come home to amity.

  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery or have a neighbor collect them for you while you are away.
  • Have your lawns mowed, so it looks that the home is be kept up with. This is especially important if you are planning a trip where you will be gone for a few weeks.
  • Investing in an automatic timer will help turn your living room lights on and off so that when it gets darker at night, it will appear that someone is in the house.
  • Tell your close neighbors that you will be going away and ask if they can keep an eye on your house.
  • Double bolt your doors before leaving and set your alarm if you have one already installed.
  • If you do not have a burglar alarm already installed, before you leave for your trip invest in installing one.
  • Put cash, jewelry and other valuable items in a safe in your house or a safe deposit box at your bank.

Before leaving for your trip, call your Insurance agency and make sure your coverage is sufficient in-case of a break in! If you do not already have coverage on your valuable items such as your jewelry, furs, cameras and expensive computers, call C.H. Edwards and we will be happy to assist you in finding a policy that fits you, and your needs.

Following these simple steps will protect your home, belongings and your ease of mind while enjoying your vacation with your loved ones.

 

Celebrating our Independence Safely!

Celebrating our Independence Safely!

4th of july

Using fireworks on the fourth of July is a tradition. Many people forget though, that fireworks can be very dangerous if used or handled incorrectly. Every year, hundreds of people including small children are injured due to unsafe firework use. This year celebrating our Independence can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed:

  • Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot all the fireworks.
  • A responsible ADULT should be supervising all firework activities as well as keeping an eye on children.
  • Guardians should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
  • Drinking while shooting fireworks is NOT a good mix. Save the alcohol for after.
  • Use fireworks outdoors where there is a clear area. Keep away from trees, cars and houses.
  • Do not carry fireworks in your pockets; this could cause a serious injury.
  • Wear safety gear while lighting and shooting fireworks. Safety glasses, safety gloves, a long sleeved shirt and long pants will help prevent burns.
  • Always have water available and ready when you are using fireworks in case of a fire.
  • Never relight a “dud” or an already used fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Soak used fireworks with water before placing them in your outdoor trash can.

 

Ensure your safety as well as others around you, by simply observing local laws and using good judgment and common sense.

As a reminder, the use of fireworks by an amateur is illegal in The State of New York. If you are using fireworks and cause damage to yourself or your property, this will not be covered by your homeowners insurance.

  • If damage is caused to your property by another person’s fireworks, there is coverage for this event on your Homeowners policy.
  • Sparklers and party poppers are considered legal fireworks and damage to your property would be covered in the event of this accident.

 

 Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July from our C.H. Edwards Family to yours!

Having a Summer Party? Know your Responsibility with regard to the Social Host Law

Having a Summer Party? Know your Responsibility with regard to the Social Host Law

Social Host

The summer season is traditionally known for parties. Memorial Day, Graduation, Fourth of July and Labor Day are reasons to celebrate and often these celebrations include the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The Social Host Law was designed to deter underage drinking at parties where adults knowingly allow minors to drink alcohol or alcoholic beverages. The law applies to any adult (including parents) who is over the age of 18 and who knowingly allows consumption of alcohol by minors. A minor is considered to be anyone under the age of 21.

Who can be charged? Anyone who is over the age of 18 and owns, rents or otherwise controls a private residence or similar location (campsites, hotel rooms, yards, etc.) and knowingly allows the consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages by a minor on such premises or fails to take reasonable corrective action upon learning of the consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages by any minor on the premises.

What is “Reasonable Corrective Action” Actions that include, but are not limited to, making a prompt demand that the minor stop drinking the alcoholic beverage or leave the premises. If the minor refuses to comply with the request, the adult must promptly report the incident to local law enforcement or to any other person with greater degree of authority over the minor such as the parent or guardian.

What are the penalties? The first offense comes with the penalty of a $500 fine. The second offense, $1,000 fine and/or up to a year in jail.

Is there any protection for you under your Homeowners Policy? There is no coverage under your Homeowner’s Policy for an offense or damage connected to the violation of the Social Host Law.

This law provides a legal basis for holding adults responsible for knowingly allowing parties for youth under 21 to occur at the place under their control, whether or not they provided the alcohol.

Please note: This law does not apply to a parent who both expressly permits his or her minor child to consume the alcoholic beverage and who is present with the minor at the time of consumption.

Know your rights and have a Happy and Safe Summer party season from C.H. Edwards, Inc., the agency that takes pride in educating our consumers! www.chedwards.net or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.net/chedwardsinsurance.

Better to be “safe” than “sorry” this Graduation Season!

Better to be “safe” than “sorry” this Graduation Season!

graduation blog pic

High school students across Long Island look forward to the Spring season. Many of them will be attending graduation ceremonies and parties. This may be an exciting time for teens but a terrifying time for parents who are concerned about their children’s safety. Around this time of year, many teens are involved in automobile accidents due to being distracted, texting or driving under the influence.

There are numerous ways parents can prepare themselves for this time of year and ensure their teen is arriving safely to graduation parties and home.

Here are some helpful tips to keeping your teen safe and putting your mind at ease:

  • Make sure your son/daughter has a plan for the evening and that you know what it is.
  • Know who is driving to and from parties.
  • If you are holding a party for your child, take stock of your alcohol in your home prior to the beginning of the night.
  • Always let your son/daughter know that you will be available to pick them up if they feel unsafe regardless of the circumstance.
  • Communicate with other parents to know where your children will be and who will be supervising.
  • Before hosting your party set clear rules in advance for the night of the party. Discuss the rules and consequences of breaking them with teens before the night begins and reinforce them. Rules should include: No drugs or alcohol and no leaving the party and then returning.
  • Offer non-alcoholic beverages and do not serve alcohol.
  • When greeting guests at the door watch for large bags that guests might use to smuggle in alcohol. Have guests put their belongings in a room close to where you will be staying so you can watch if they are going to their bags to get alcohol/drugs that may have gotten past you at the door.
  • Check your yard/house and number of guests frequently to avoid having guests who might leave and return without your knowledge.
  • Make it clear that you will not allow any uninvited guests to crash the party. Parties can get out of control if the number of guests continues to grow through the night.
  • Follow these helpful tips and if your teen is driving on Graduation night make sure they are insured.

Have a safe Graduation!

Change is a good thing, C.H. Edwards, Inc. Can Help!

Changes are all around us. The days are longer the weather is getting warmer. You may be celebrating a Wedding or Graduation. Maybe your purchasing a new home, car or boat? Perhaps your changing jobs or starting a new hobby or even purchasing a new piece of jewelry for your special somebody. Have you always dreamed of starting your own business or expanding your current one? Wouldn’t you like an insurance agent who can make those changes with you?
C.H. Edwards, Inc. is the agency your looking for. We can customize a policy that best fits your needs. Our experienced sales representatives will make sure that you receive the right coverage’s, any allowable discounts and with a price that fits your budget. How can we do that? C.H. Edwards, Inc. is an Independent Insurance Agent and we make it our business to align ourselves with the best companies so that we can offer you that guarantee. We can do the shopping for you and give you the quality that you so deserve.
So why wait. Embrace change! Whether it is Auto, home, flood, Umbrella, business or a Life policy you are seeking to help you with these changes, make a call to C.H. Edwards, Inc. today at 516-249-5200.

We are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you like to do your shopping after regular business hours, our website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit us at www.chedwards.net. This may be the best change you make!

Congratulations on your upcoming celebrations and we look forward to making you a member of the C.H. Edwards, Inc. family!

Who needs Flood Insurance? You!

Who needs Flood Insurance? You!

Many homeowners believe that because they do not live near the water they do not need flood insurance.  After Hurricane Sandy, homeowners learned flood was not covered under their homeowners policy.  Here are just a few facts about flood insurance you may not know:

  • Your homeowners policy does not cover flood damage.
  • In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced flood damage.
  • A few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
  • More than 80% of presidentially declared disasters have included flooding.
  • About $300 is the average annual premium for flood insurance.
  • Contents coverage is available separately, so both renters and homeowners can opt for up to $100,000 of Contents coverage with their Flood Insurance.
  • There is a 30-day waiting period before Flood insurance coverage goes into effect.

Flooding causes more than $2 billion property damage each year; you cannot afford to think that it will never happen to you. It can happen, and often when it’s least expected.  Flood insurance will help you and your home get back to normal as quickly as possible after a flood.

There is the potential for at least ten named hurricanes this season.  Don’t get caught without the most important item on your hurricane preparedness list, flood insurance.

Call C.H. Edwards today and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to give you a quote on Flood Insurance with no obligation. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Look into Flood Insurance today to ensure that your home and belongings are protected.

 

It’s Prime time for Prom time!

It’s Prime time for Prom time!

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Prom is a fun and exciting time for teens.  It’s a time where they can celebrate with their friends and enjoy the last few months of high school.  Make sure your teen is celebrating safely and wisely.

Here are some safety tips to help your teens have fun the right way:

  • Be stylish and safe by wearing comfortable shoes and attire to prevent injury.
  • Say no to alcohol and drugs.
  • Don’t drink and drive, and don’t get into the car with someone who has been drinking.
  • Wear a seatbelt every time! No matter how long the trip.
  • Make sure your parents or guardians know where you are at all times.
  • Use the “buddy” system and travel in groups.
  • Most of all, have fun and be safe!

Make Prom 2014 unforgettable and a memory that will last forever!

 

Who says Fathers Day can’t be about Mom’s too?

Who says Fathers Day can’t be about Mom’s too?

fathers day

 

Fathers Day is a time to honor the men in our life who have watched over, taken care of, and have made us who we are today. The bond between a child and father is priceless. This Fathers Day lets honor the men who have been by our side as we have grown. No matter if it is your father, grandfather, uncle, or brother, make sure your appreciation is known and show them how much they matter to you.

Fathers Day is not only a time to recognize the men in our life, but to recognize the mothers who have also had to take on the role as a father figure for their children. In the United States, 80.6% of single parents are mothers. Mothers must provide the emotional support and nurturing of both the mother and father in the household.

27% of single mothers live below the poverty line and lack the financial resources to support their children, as compared to having a male figure present.

Make sure that this Fathers Day you consider and thank all the men or women in your life that have helped you down the road while insuring a stable bond. Having this bond has been essential to your mental and human growth as an individual.

This Sunday, June 15th show you care and wish your loved ones a Happy Father Day!

This Summer Stay Cool in a Safe Way !

Summer is vastly approaching and the temperature outside is rising. The pool can be a refreshing way to cool down in the heat. Before jumping in, make sure everyone is aware of conscious pool safety:

  • Installation of self-gating/latching gates and appropriate barriers around the pool.
  • Adult supervision is needed when children of a young age are in the pool.
  • Make sure no one swims alone.
  • Have life-saving equipment easy accessible and nearby.
  • Check pool’s anti-entrapment drain covers
  • Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation, and filtration.
  • Test and adjust PH levels as needed to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes, and other serious diseases.
  • Enforce around the pool rules: “No Diving”, “No Running”, and “Swim with a buddy”.
  • Keep pool area clear of glass bottles, toys or potential accident hazards.
  • Enroll children into Safety Swim Programs with appropriate age group.
  • Keep all electrical devices away from the pool.

About 43,000 people are injured in and around a swimming pool and more than 600 people drown in home pools due to the lack of supervision that is needed. Beat the heat and stay cool the safe way.

Your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc. wish you a safe and happy summer swimming season !