Seems like car insurance has become a commodity as of late. No mention of more benefits/value or the solid financial well being of the insurance company, just cost.

When almost 100 insurance companies recently had their financial ratings downgraded it came as a shock to many. When companies use projected investment income to offset the cost of an underpriced product they become vulnerable in the worst way….with our money.

We realize the importance of being frugal in these difficult times and are doing something about it. We have undertaken a gigantic project this year at the office to ensure that each one of you is getting the best possible price for your situation. We are preparing comparison quotes for each of you with our best companies. In the case that there are substantial savings, we will be mailing you a package with all the info. for you to look over. Keep in mind, we will be sure to point out any disadvantages of “switching” as well.

I built my business with Erie Insurance and most of you are probably now insured with Erie. I am still a big believer in Erie Insurance and truly feel they are one of the best in the business. With that said, my obligation is to “You” my clients…. And that will be first and foremost when I am searching for better value.

Companies that sell homeowners insurance are looking very carefully at who and what they insure. The industry is trying to rebuild a business that has become a money loser in recent years,

They are declining coverage of houses that have had water damage or severe claims of any kind. Adding to that, they are trying to protect themselves from claims based on dangerous apparatus outside the house. Trampolines, swimming pools, diving boards, or certain kinds of family pets can cause some companies to decline insurance.

Different companies are sensitive to different kinds of risks. Nationwide won’t cover homes that have big dogs like pit bulls, Dobermans, and Rottweilers because they risk injury or death to kids and adults. Other companies cover you if your dog has a good record and hasn’t bitten anyone.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Farmers Insurance will pay one dog bite claim for a policyholder but no more.

Fran Bottone and his wife Janet have been involved with off road bikes and their repair and service for the past 40 years.

23 of those years have been as the owner/operators of Bottones Jo-Bet Cycles. Fran was telling me that Husqvarna has been building off road bikes since 1903 and have become an Industry Leader and exclusive source for “Dual Sport” bikes. It’s important to know that Husqvarna’s Dual Sport bikes are not “toned down” versions…these bikes are competition off road bikes that have been made “Street Legal”. Perfect for the off roader that doesn’t want to sacrifice any high performance off road features. Fran had a nice selection of bikes when I was in, but when he mentioned the nice rebate program Husqvarna was running , I got the impression the bikes would be moving quickly. Might want to stop down and check them out while the deal is on! I didn’t ask when it was over !

I have to mention also that Jo-Bet has built a strong following for their custom suspension shop and they take in custom work from all across the country. According to Fran, the serious “off road” bikers, snowmobilers, atvr’s have their suspension systems customized for their specific rider at his shop. Wow, I learned something new today, Fran really knows his stuff.

Visit Fran at the showroom at
46 Chestnut St in Bradford, call him at 814-368-9944 or online at www.bottonesjobetcycles.com

Over 3.7 Million people went to hospital ER’s last June, July, August. School’s out, adults are on vacation, bike riding, camping, swimming, cookouts, etc, etc. Keeping a few items of common sense in mind this summer may help keep you or your loved ones out of harm’s way. I certainly hope so.

-Wear a helmet on the bike, skateboarding, riding the scooter, atv’s, horses….studies say head injury risk is reduced by 85%

-Locked gate to your pool, pool alarms, supervise your young swimmers at all times

-No charcoal grills inside…charcoal produces carbon monoxide

-Playground safety… Falls account for 60% of playground injuries

-Install window guards to prevent children from falling from open windows in your home. Window stops will only allow windows to open approx. 4 inches or so. Keep furniture back so children can’t gain easy access to climbing up to windows.

-Avoid serious injury from trampolines, allow only one child on at a time. Kids under 6 should not be allowed on full sized trampolines.

-Use softer than standard baseballs and batting helmets

-Campers who need heat in their camper/tent be sure to use only heaters with a (ODS) oxygen depletion sensor which will shut down the heater if oxygen levels fall dangerously low.

-Yard work..keep small children out of the yard when mowing. Always turn the blades off when children enter the area.