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Transportation Network Companies

Transportation Network Companies

TNC/Ridesharing has become a popular trend over the past year. However, many consumers have unanswered questions when it comes to ridesharing and insurance.

What is a “TNC”?
TNC stands for “Transportation Network Company”. TNC’s are the companies that offer a ridesharing service. Companies such as Uber and Lyft are examples of popular “TNCs”.

What is “Ridesharing”?
Ridesharing is the use of a personal, non-commercial, privately owned vehicle to provide pre-arranged transportation to others. Passengers request a ride though the Transportation Networks app.

What is a “TNC Driver”?
A TNC Driver is someone who uses their personal, non-commercial vehicle to provide rides for others.

Who must provide insurance for the TNC Driver?
New York State law requires that a TNC provide primary insurance coverage for their drivers through a group policy. TNC drivers are able to obtain their own insurance but must meet the same insurance requirements as the TNC is required to provide.

What are the required minimum limits of insurance?
Bodily Injury Liability: $75,000/$150,000
Property Damage: $25,000
Uninsured Motorist: $25,000/$50,000
Personal Injury Protection $50,000

Will the TNC Driver’s personal automobile policy provide physical damage coverage?
No! The TNC driver’s personal automobile policy will only provide physical damage coverage if an insurer provides the coverage for a TNC drivers vehicle through an endorsement.

Is there an age and licensing requirements to become a TNC driver?
Yes, New York State law requires that TNC drivers must be at least 19 years old and hold a valid and current New York State driver’s license issued by the New York State DMV.

Are there any requirements to become a TNC driver?
Yes, the New York State DMV requires that the TNC conduct a criminal history background check along with a review of the applicant’s driving record. TNC’s must also verify that the applicants vehicles are properly registered and inspected.

If you are a TNC driver or are thinking of becoming one and have questions regarding your insurance, please give us a call at (516) 249-5200 and one of our automobile specialist will be happy to assist you.

 

#NewYorkCentralMutual

 

Water Park Safety

Water Park Safety

The Summer Season is a fun time to enjoy the outdoors and all the activities that come with the warm weather.

If you’re planning to take a trip to your local water park, be sure to follow these important safety tips to help ensure the safety of yourself and other:

  • Children under 48″, non-swimmers, and weak swimmers should wear a Coast Guard approved life vest while enjoying water park attractions.
  • Children in diapers should be dressed in waterproof swim diapers to minimize leakage.
  • Children should not ride attractions that are not suitable for their height, weight or age.
  • Keep an eye on your children and make sure you know where they are at all times.
  • Dress appropriately, and be sure to bring a dry pair of clothing to change into once you have had enough sun for the day.
  • Apply waterproof sunscreen before leaving home and be sure to reapply throughout the day.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Read the signs at every attraction and listen to all audio instructions provided by recordings or staff.
  • Follow the lifeguards’ instructions and signal them if you or someone else is in trouble.
  • If your group plans to split up, be sure to use the buddy system. This is an excellent way to make sure no one is left behind.

Enjoy your summer season safely!

 

Natural Ways to Repel Summer Insects

Natural Ways to Repel Summer Insects

Summer time is here once again. Unfortunately, with all the good that summer brings, the warm and humid weather also brings unwanted insects.
Here are some natural and safe remedies to help get rid of these pests and enjoy your summer.

Wasps. Wasps come back as soon as the warm weather turns. The colonies are getting bigger and this results in more aggressive and hungrier insects. These insects have a good quality of eating other dead insects, however they are a huge risk to anyone who is allergic to them. Wasps do not like any type of mint, so growing mint in your garden will be a deterrent. Mint is safe and non-toxic to any pets or children who may accidentally get into it.

Ants. Warm and damp weather is a recipe for ants to come out. Ants can be attracted to anything that spills in your kitchen or on your floors. Once you see one ant, you can bet there are more hanging around. You can make a natural repellent out of white or apple cider vinegar and water. Simply put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas.

Mosquito’s. Mosquito’s are a pest that can put a damper on the mood of any party or gathering. They seem to come out of nowhere and keep coming back. A safe and effective way to reduce the mosquito population around your home or yard is to reduce standing water if possible. Standing water is the mosquito’s preferred breeding ground and will bring them into any yard that has standing water. You can also grow mosquito repelling plants such as basil.

Ticks. Ticks are one of the hardest insects to get rid of. They dig into your skin and your pet’s fur and stick. A single adult female can have as many as 4,000 eggs in one sitting. Planting basil can help repel ticks along with a solution of tea tree oil and water. However, be aware, cats can be sensitive to this mixture.

Do you have any suggestions for repelling summer insects? Share them below!

Happy Summer!

 

Backyard Safety

Backyard Safety

Homeowners often aspire to have attractive backyards that look like they belong in a magazine. While these can be picturesque and functional for adults, they may not be entirely practical for homeowners who have young children, especially when the majority of the yard is covered with paving stones and concrete.

When young children are part of a household, homeowners may benefit by designing yards that are both functional and fun. Incorporating safe play areas for kids is one way to unlock the potential of both, big and small backyards.

When considering playground equipment for the yard, parents need to make safety a priority. Follow the “five S’s” when considering your next purchase:

Surface: Parents should assume children will fall. Be sure to buy equipment that is made of a material with a grip to it such as rubber.

Structure: Be sure that the equipment you buy is made of a sturdy material. Cedar wood works great if you are building your own equipment.

Site: Be sure to place your playset in a safe area. Avoid overhanging trees and area of the yard with direct sunlight.

Safety: Follow directions for installation and don’t cut corners to save time. Make sure to anchor down all posts into the ground and check your equipment often for rusty spots and wear and tear.

Supervision: Place your play set and play area in a place where you can easily monitor what is going on.

Backyard playgrounds should be built with safety in mind. Not only for your children, but for others too.

 

Cutting Prom Costs

Cutting Prom Costs

Many people fondly remember their high school proms. While proms make great memories, they can also break the bank!

Prom can be an expensive occasion. On average, American families plan to spend $900 on their children’s prom. Here are some helpful tips to help cut costs when it comes to preparing for prom 2017!

Search for deals: Subscribe to mailing lists and download apps such as Living Social or Groupon to find the best deals on flowers, formal wear, and all the extras.

Go supermarket floral: Supermarkets and warehouse clubs may offer discounted prices on flowers, which prom goers can fashion into boutonnieres and corsages. Also, nothing says you cannot pull a beautiful bloom out of your home garden as well!

Be your own paparazzi: Smartphone cameras now have excellent capabilities, and certain apps can apply filters and fix minor flaws easily. Pair with a coupon for discount photo prints, and soon you’ll have a frugal photo memory book or wall portrait.

Savings in numbers: See if a particular vendor will cut costs if you book services with a group of friends. Retailers will guarantee the sales, and prom goers can save some money.

Prom is meant for making memories, not getting in debt. Save money with smart shopping and avoid all the stress!

Happy prom season!

 

Get To Your Destination Faster with some TSA Prep

Get To Your Destination Faster with some TSA Prep

Are you traveling anytime soon? If so, doing a little homework before you travel could save you some serious time at the airport!

For instance, visiting www.tsa.gov the transportation security administrations website can help you learn what items can be packed in carry on and which are best to leave in your check in suit case. You can also learn size requirements for toiletries that are allowed on planes and then find properly sized items in stores.

As a final tip, remember that all carry-on gels, liquids and aerosols need to be placed in a 1 quart, single zip-top, clear plastic bag.

For more information to help make your travel time faster visit www.tsa.gov.

Happy travels!

 

When Was The Last Time You Inspected Your Clothes Dryer?

When Was The Last Time You Inspected Your Clothes Dryer?

When was the last time you inspected your clothes dryer? Failure to do so can pose a safety hazard in your home. Performing a regular maintenance check on your dryer can help promote energy efficiency and keep your dryer running properly for years.

Here are some tips to help maintain your dryer:

  • Inspect dryer and dryer vents every two to three years and clear any dirt or lint buildup.
  • Replace plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses with rigid or flexible metal venting.
  • Clear outdoor vent trap from snow and other debris.
  • Clean the dryer filter after each use.
  • Dry full loads of laundry and you could save $7 each month!

When it is time to upgrade be sure to visit nationalgridus.com for the latest on rebates for energy efficient appliances.

 

Why Do Auto Accidents Occur?

Why Do Auto Accidents Occur?

Automobile accidents are undesired, incidental and unplanned event’s that most of the time can be prevented.
On average there are 27,000 accidents each day across the globe!
You may be asking, so what are the main contributing factors to car accidents?

According to NYS Department of Motor Vehicle, here are the top 9 contributing factors to accidents:

  • Driver Inattention / Distracted Driving (19.1%)
  • Following too closely (17.4%)
  • Failure to yield right of way (15.7%)
  • Unsafe speed (10.9%)
  • Slippery Pavement (10.0%)
  • Improper passing or lane usage (5.3%)
  • Unsafe lane changing (4.3%)
  • Traffic control disregarded (4.1%)
  • Turning improperly (4.0%)

When you are behind the wheel, it is important to be safe. All of these factors leading to accidents are preventable.

If you have any questions in regards to road safety, please give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call at (516) 249-5200 and our trained personal lines and commercial lines auto specialists will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Drive safely!