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Sending a Student off to College? Are you Prepared?

Sending a Student off to College? Are you Prepared?

college2

It may still be summer but the fall is approaching quickly! Are you sending a student off to college out of state? Did you know that once their belongings are moved from your residence to their new residence they are no longer covered by your homeowners insurance? Probably not!

If your student will be dorming or renting when going off to college, it might be the right time to look into a renter’s policy for them. Ranging from about $200 to $300 dollars for a full year, a renter’s policy will cover your son or daughters valuable and sentimental items in case of a mishap.

A HO4/ Renter’s Policy covers:

  • Beds
  • Clothing
  • Furniture
  • Refrigerators
  • Gaming Systems
  • Laptops up to a $1,000 limit
  • Cameras
  •  Jewelry

It is important to remember that your student needs to be protected while being away from home. Call C.H. Edwards today to request a brochure, and either Alicia or Amanda will be happy to help you and find coverage that fits your students needs.
After all, helping your student get ready for college is stressful, let us help you stress less, and let us protect your child with one of our Renter policies.

 

 

What All Drivers Should Know About Sharing The Road With School Buses.

What All Drivers Should Know About Sharing The Road With School Buses.

school bus blog

Just because the school year has ended for the summer, doesn’t mean school buses are off the road. Many families utilize school buses for camp and summer school programs. Buses are still all over the roads each morning carrying students to their daily activities. It is important to know how to share the roads and stay safe.

  • When a school bus stops and the red lights are flashing, traffic in both directions must stop. This rule even applies on a divided highway or school parking lot.
  • Students should always cross the street in front of the bus. Pay careful attention for this. Bus drivers will as well.
  • Lights will continue to flash until the student has reached the other side of the road or if staying on the same side, is 15 feet from the bus.

This is not just a courtesy, it’s the law. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (Section 1174) states that an illegal passing penalty for first time offenders carries a fine of between $250-$400, plus 5 points on your license and even the possibility of jail time. Points on your license can make it difficult to obtain new automobile insurance coverage or may increase the rate on your current policy.
We often drive to and from in a hurry to get to our destination. Make some extra time to practice safety!

Now you know the facts. Let’s share the road responsibly and make this a safe summer driving season.

It’s Hot Outside! Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe!

It’s Hot Outside! Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe!

beat the heat good!

Heat waves kill an average of 175 people each year! Although laying out under the sun feels good on your skin, its slowing down the way your body cools off naturally, causing heat stroke, fainting and in worst cases, death. Early warnings of heat illness are cramps in the stomach or legs, hot red face and skin, heavy sweating, strong pulse and dizziness.
Here are some helpful tips in order to keep cool and beat the heat:

  •  Stay hydrated by drinking cold water to cool down and replenish your body.
  •  Drink Gatorade or a sport drink to replenish the electrolytes in your body.
  •  If your house is not air conditioned, find “cool spots” during the hottest points of the day to go to such as the library, mall, or schools.
  •  When going outside for long periods, it is best to wear loose fitting and light-colored clothing.
  •  If you must be out in the heat, try your best to limit it to the early morning and evening hours.
  •  It is important to keep a close eye on young children, elders 65 and over and people with special needs due to their greater risk of heat illness.
  •  Pregnant women should try their best to stay indoors in an air conditioned environment to protect bother her and the baby.
  •  If you experience any symptoms of heat stroke or illness seek medical attention immediately!

Beat the heat, and stay cool! Temperatures can be dangerously high and could cause you or a loved one to become fatally ill. Make sure you know the proper ways to avoid heat illness while enjoying these summer months!

 

 

 

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.