http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/blog/View Michael Pigott Agency LLC's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.michaelpigottagency.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:c1438d65-865f-4a96-990f-d24406c318a3urn:uuid:49771dae-76e6-4456-85c7-06cb69f1efe1July 17 | Posted by Shawn Nordstrom | Featured News, Recreational Vehicles http://www.liveinsurancenews.com/understanding-what-is-required-from-motorcycle-insurance/854065/ The Motorcycle Industry Council&rsquo;s data indicates that more than half &n...Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:59:34 -0500<p><small>July 17 | Posted by Shawn Nordstrom | Featured News, Recreational Vehicles</small></p> <p><a href="http://www.liveinsurancenews.com/understanding-what-is-required-from-motorcycle-insurance/854065/" mce_href="http://www.liveinsurancenews.com/understanding-what-is-required-from-motorcycle-insurance/854065/">http://www.liveinsurancenews.com/understanding-what-is-required-from-motorcycle-insurance/854065/</a></p> <p>The Motorcycle Industry Council&rsquo;s data indicates that more than half &ndash; 55 percent &ndash; of all motorcycle riders were aged 40 or higher as of 2008, and this has changed the landscape of <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">motorcycle insurance</a>.&nbsp; </p> <p>In 1990 &ndash; a mere eight years earlier &ndash; only one quarter of all motorcycle riders were in that same age bracket.&nbsp; These drivers are no longer people who are young and feel that they are invincible.&nbsp; Instead, the average motorcycle rider typically has a minimum of some college education, with a great deal more in assets to look after.&nbsp; These are also riders who are typically advised to purchase <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">motorcycle insurance</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>The coverage options offered for motorcycle <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance</a> are similar to those for auto products, only they are not as expensive.&nbsp; According to the Nationwide motorcycle product director, Mark Scigliano, each state has its own regulations.</p> <p>The majority of <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">motorcycle insurers </a>will typically cover a number special vehicles, as well, such as vintage and <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">custom bikes</a>, and alternative vehicles such as <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">three-wheelers</a>.&nbsp; Moreover, with the increasing popularity of scooters in response to skyrocketing gas prices, smaller bike and <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">scooter insurance </a>has also become a common policy to obtain.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>According to the product manager in Geico&rsquo;s motorcycle department, Lisa Hamilton, they have &ldquo;seen a lot of renewed interest in scooters and smaller bikes (because of) the economic concerns in the last few years.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p> <p>Coverage options for two- and three-wheeled <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">vehicle insurance </a>include:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Liability coverage </a></li> <li><a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Uninsured and underinsured coverage </a></li> <li><a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Collision and comprehensive coverage </a></li> <li>and <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Medical payments coverage </a></li> </ul> </ul>urn:uuid:fc29438b-79f6-475e-bf14-5d67a30f01ffhttp://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=135474 People may find themselves asking this question if they have just moved from one state to another or if they know someone in another state whose insurance premium is significantly higher or lower tha...Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:19:35 -0500<p>http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=135474</p> <p>People may find themselves asking this question if they have just moved from one state to another or if they know someone in another state whose<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"> insurance premium </a>is significantly higher or lower than theirs.</p> <p>For instance, if they live in New York they might find that their friend in <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Pennsylvania</a> is given a <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">cheaper car insurance quote </a>than the one they are given. Or they may notice that ever since they moved from Georgia to Florida, their rates have sky rocketed, however, they are not alone.</p> <p>Carinsurancestation.com provides consumers with many pages of knowledgeable information pertaining to<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"> car insurance</a>. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners the most expensive <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">auto insurance </a>rates were found in D.C., Louisiana, New Jersey, Florida and New York. The least expensive were in Kansas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Maine and Indiana.</p> <p>There are many factors that are responsible for the difference in the cost of <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">auto insurance premiums </a>among states. One factor to blame is the population. If the area in which a person lives is densely populated there will be more cars on the road and this will increase the likelihood that an accident will occur. If there are more accidents, there will be more claims filed. To an insurance company, claims equal money. The more claims that are filed, the more money they will have to pay out. If they have to spend more, consumers will too.</p> <p>Another factor that influences&nbsp;<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">car insurance quotes</a> is the crime rate in any given area. It is possible that consumers may have an elevated crime rate if they live in a densely populated area. It&rsquo;s unfortunate that crime rates are affected by the size of the population, however, it&rsquo;s also inevitable because the more populated an area is, the more likely that crime will occur. In this case, crimes for concern are those such as auto theft and vandalism. Consumers might be thinking their high priced <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">auto insurance </a>rate is the real crime here, but let&rsquo;s not run anyone over.</p> <p>The price tag on litigation services in any state can be yet another determinate in an overpriced<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"> insurance quote</a>. If a consumers state has a complicated legal system or the cost of litigation is higher in that state than another, the insurance rates will reflect it. This can sound unfair and consumers will probably be disappointed by it, but if they ever need to sue anyone or if they&rsquo;ll ever be sued, their insurance company wants to make sure they&rsquo;re not the ones paying for it - consumers can bank on it.</p> <p>Tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. While these natural disasters are destructive enough, they can also destroy consumers&rsquo; premiums. Extreme weather conditions cause more accidents and as we all know, more accidents, equals more claims, equals more money.</p> <p>Other factors that can have an effect on<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"> car insurance </a>is the cost of living as well as the minimum amount of liability coverage required to have for personal injury and property damage in a premium. The greater these values are, the more expensive rates will be.</p> <p>Don&rsquo;t give up driving just yet. Consumers still have many<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"> insurance coverage options</a>. While people might already be living in or moving to a state with expensive auto insurance rates (and although they may not be willing to relocate for a cheaper premium) it might be comforting to know that there are places that can help them <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">compare auto insurance quotes </a>in their area and find the cheapest rate for them. Whether they need rates for California auto insurance, Nevada auto insurance or Texas auto insurance.</p>urn:uuid:75d94280-8a41-40ed-b2a2-af02bbb072ba(NAPS)&mdash;To get the best deal on insurance, many people consult an insurance agent or broker. But did you know that there are different kinds of insurance agents and brokers&mdash;and the one you choose can make a big difference in the type of se...Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:39:05 -0500<p>(NAPS)&mdash;To get the best deal on <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance</a>, many people consult an <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance agent </a>or broker. But did you know that there are different kinds of insurance agents and brokers&mdash;and the one you choose can make a big difference in the type of service you get and the choices you&rsquo;re offered?</p> <p>Here&rsquo;s the difference:</p> <p>Captive agents and brokers. Captive agents work with a specific <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance company</a>, and as part of their business agreement with that company, they can offer only that company&rsquo;s insurance products. They may also be required to sell other products from that company, such as annuities and investment plans.</p> <p>Independent agents and brokers. <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Independent agents and brokers </a>can offer products from many insurance companies. This helps them better serve your interests, as they can review multiple options to find a <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">policy</a> and rate that&rsquo;s right for you. <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Insurance rates </a>vary from company to company. Independent agents can put together a customized insurance plan.</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re ready to contact an independent agent to talk about <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">saving money </a>on car insurance, here are a few things to consider:</p> <p>Has your life situation changed recently? Many factors determine <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">auto insurance rates</a>, not just vehicle year, make, model, body type and engine size. If you&rsquo;ve recently moved, gotten married, had a birthday or experienced a similar life milestone, mention this to an independent agent or broker. You may be eligible to <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">save money on your car insurance</a>.</p> <p>Is your car getting older? You don&rsquo;t always need the same level of physical damage coverage on older cars as on newer ones. If you drive an older car, an independent agent or broker can advise you on what level of cover-age makes the most sense. Raising your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">deductible</a> could save you money each year, too.</p> <p>Do you have another type of vehicle that also needs cover­age? If you have a <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">motorcycle, boat, RV </a>or other &ldquo;toy,&rdquo; you might save money by having it covered by the same company that insures your car. Talk to an independent agent or broker about it.</p> <p>Another plus to working with an independent agent or broker is their ability to offer guidance for all your insurance needs&mdash;<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">auto, home, life, business </a>and more. They can customize a package of policies just for you.</p> <p>Source:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.foragentsonly.com/" mce_href="https://www.foragentsonly.com/pdf/NAPS_AreallIinsuranceAgentstheSame.doc">https://www.foragentsonly.com</a></p>urn:uuid:b5ca0e7e-2f57-4af6-9d5d-74d4c4442bf7http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&amp;objID=476&amp;PageID=901&amp;mode=2&amp;contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/insurance/news_and_media/news___media/articles/june_23__2010.html June 23 Mar...Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:23:45 -0500<p><a href="http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&amp;objID=476&amp;PageID=901&amp;mode=2&amp;contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/insurance/news_and_media/news___media/articles/june_23__2010.html" mce_href="http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&amp;objID=476&amp;PageID=901&amp;mode=2&amp;contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/insurance/news_and_media/news___media/articles/june_23__2010.html">http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&amp;objID=476&amp;PageID=901&amp;mode=2&amp;contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/insurance/news_and_media/news___media/articles/june_23__2010.html</a></p> <p>June 23 Marks Anniversary of Deadly Tornado Outbreak in PA </p> <p><strong>Harrisburg</strong> &ndash; On the 66^th anniversary of a huge tornado outbreak that killed more than 150 people in Pennsylvania and West Virginia and one day after severe storms hammered south-central Pennsylvania, <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Insurance</a> Commissioner Joel Ario today reminded consumers that the Insurance Department is ready to assist with their <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance questions </a>and needs after disaster strikes.</p> <p>On June 22, fast-moving storms caused widespread destruction in <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon counties</a>, damaging homes, uprooting trees and leveling farm buildings.</p> <p>&ldquo;People may feel overwhelmed or confused as they try to pick up the pieces in the wake of a severe storm,&rdquo; Ario said. &ldquo;The department is here to help with insurance-related questions and to offer tips to help get through the claims process.&rdquo;</p> <p>The department offers tips to help <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">homeowners</a> affected by severe weather:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>If you suffer property loss in your home or vehicle, contact your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">agent or insurance company </a>as soon as possible to arrange a visit from an adjuster. </li> <li>Before doing any repairs to your house, photograph and make a list of the damage.&nbsp; Be sure to photograph or video the damaged area. Pull out any inventory lists you keep of your home&rsquo;s contents. </li> <li>Protect your home from further damage by making temporary repairs until your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance company </a>is able to advise you. Save any receipts for materials purchased for repairs. Do not throw away damaged property until the claims adjuster advises you to do so. </li> <li>Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. If you do make permanent repairs before the adjuster has seen the damage, your claim could be denied.&nbsp; </li> <li>Most damage resulting from <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">fallen trees </a>is covered by your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">homeowner&rsquo;s policy</a>. Check with your agent or company before calling the tree removal service as removal costs may also be covered. Also, you may find yourself responsible if one of your trees has fallen on a neighbor&rsquo;s property. Again, check with your agent or company. </li> <li>Remember, no <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">homeowners policy </a>covers flooding. The only way to protect your property from flood losses is to purchase <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">flood insurance</a> from the National Flood Insurance Program. Policies must be in place for 30 days before coverage takes effect. Contact your agent for more information. </li> <li>If your claim is denied, review the terms of your policy for what is or is not covered. You may also file an appeal to your insurance company&rsquo;s claim manager. If questions remain, feel free to contact the Insurance Department. </li> <li>Be careful &ndash; there are a lot of good people and repair firms out there who want to help you and can. But there are others who may take advantage when you are most in need. Guard yourself against home repair con artists. Make sure you are working with a credible firm by checking to see if the contractor is registered with the state Attorney General at http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hiccon.aspx?id=4502. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;&ldquo;Consumers need to be prepared so they are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous businesses or people,&rdquo; Ario added. &ldquo;Examine your options, get more than one estimate for your loss, ask for and check references and, most importantly, get everything in writing.&rdquo;</p> <p>&nbsp;To learn about other tips when dealing with weather-related disasters, log onto www.insurance.pa.gov and choose &ldquo;types of coverage&rdquo;, then &ldquo;<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">homeowners insurance</a>&rdquo; on the left navigation bar. Consumers can also call the toll-free automated consumer hotline at 1-877-881-6388 or call the department&rsquo;s Bureau of Consumer Services at 717-787-2317 (Harrisburg office) or 215-560-2630 (Philadelphia office).</p> <p>&nbsp;According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes have been reported in all 67 Pennsylvania counties since recordkeeping began. Although tornadoes can occur at any time of year, the majority of severe tornadoes strike during the months of May, June and July. To learn more about tornado preparedness, visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency online at www.pema.state.pa.us.</p> <p><strong>Media contact:</strong> Rosanne Placey or Melissa Fox, 717-787-3289</p>urn:uuid:7cd52b99-9a37-4bf5-99f6-a2a6d2c29c49http://daol.aol.com/articles/never-say-this-on-facebook-or-twitter The most dangerous thing you can post to your Facebook page or Twitter account is information about where you're going when you are not at home. By telling the world you are on vaca...Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:58:23 -0500<p>http://daol.aol.com/articles/never-say-this-on-facebook-or-twitter</p> <p>The most dangerous thing you can post to your Facebook page or Twitter account is information about where you're going when you are not at home. <br /> <br /> By telling the world you are on vacation in the Bahamas, or even just eating at your favorite local restaurant, you're letting potential thieves know that you're not at home. <br /> <br /> Financial writers Ken and Daria Dolan warn that how you use Facebook and Twitter can be hazardous to your wealth! <br /> <br /> "Burglars are fond of your constant updates," the Dolans told AOL. "Would you stand up in the middle of a crowd of strangers and announce that you're leaving on vacation for three days and then tell everyone your address? Of course not, but that's exactly what you are doing if you share such information online." <br /> <br /> They cite the case of an Arizona man who told his 2,000 Twitter followers that he was leaving town. When he returned, he found his home had been burglarized and video equipment, worth thousands of dollars, had been stolen. "Even saying you are running to the mall, going out to dinner...is too much information," the Dolans explained to AOL. <br /> <br /> One Web site recently found itself in the news for bringing attention to the problem. The site pleaserobme.com was designed to show how easy it is for anyone to sift through Twitter updates for a "feed" of people's current locations. The recent buzz caused confusion, because of course the site was not intended to give criminals the keys to your home. But it did achieve its goal of bringing much-needed attention to the potential danger. <br /> <br /> <strong>Some <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance</a> companies are catching on.</strong> Legal &amp; General Insurance in New England says Facebook and Twitter users could be hit with higher homeowner's <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance premiums</a>. Why? All that blabbing about activities away from home means they face a higher risk of burglary. <br /> <br /> The company thinks burglars are actually "shopping" for victims on social media sites, looking not only for an indication you're not at home, but also photos of your home and valuables. That cute picture of your son hugging the dog? A burglar is looking in the background, eyeing your big-screen TV and new stereo system. <br /> <br /> And it's not just adults. Teenagers are even more likely to post personal information, so Legal &amp; General has warned that parents who aren't even online themselves could face higher <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">homeowner's insurance premiums </a>if their children are online. </p> urn:uuid:064bd9c2-96ce-42c7-9d78-45c92c97d0b7By Kelly Waters Published: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Updated: Thursday, March 25, 2010 http://www.stroudcourier.com/opinion/teen-texting-reaches-all-time-high-1.1279187 The advancements in technology have allowed us to experience great accessories su...Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:55:29 -0500<p>By <a href="http://www.bensalemcarinsurance.com/search?q=" mce_href="http://www.bensalemcarinsurance.com/search?q=&quot;Kelly Waters&quot;">Kelly Waters</a><strong> Published: </strong>Wednesday, March 24, 2010 <strong>Updated: </strong>Thursday, March 25, 2010</p> <p>http://www.stroudcourier.com/opinion/teen-texting-reaches-all-time-high-1.1279187</p> <p>The advancements in technology have allowed us to experience great accessories such as iPods, laptops and cell phones. Cell phones have even advanced themselves with iPhones that include many applications to keep a person busy.</p> <p>One of the perks of cell phones is the ability to text, which is continuously growing in popularity. Teenagers are diving right into the texting frenzy. According to researchers at the Nielsen Company, teens send an average of 10 texts per hour.</p> <p>Roger Entner, senior vice president of research and insights, said, “Kids text in the morning before they brush their teeth and continue late into the night with the last text messages (also called SMS) sneaked under the covers right before they close their eyes to sleep. Until now, there has been very little firm data available about how pervasive texting has actually become among the under aged.”</p> <p>With texting as popular as it is, walking around a college campus is no different than seeing teens in a high school. Whether it is in the café, walking to and from class, in the hallway, in the bathroom and even in classes, students can be seen using their phones. Texting has become so widely used that people even <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">text while driving</a>.</p> <p>Many people are trying to enact cell phone usage restrictions while <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">driving</a>. According to an On Your Side survey given by Nationwide <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Insurance</a>, eight in ten drivers support some type of cell phone usage restriction. The company website also said that 80% of respondents support a <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">ban on text messaging </a>while driving.</p> <p>Edgar Snyder &amp; Associates, a law firm representing injured people, came out with data regarding <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">car accidents </a>involving the use of cell phones and/or texting. The information stated that it is still unclear how greatly cell phone calls and texting contribute to car accidents.</p> <p>However, the law firm also states, “Driving inattention is the leading cause of car accidents, and phone calls and texting while driving lead to more distractions.”</p> <p>States are also trying to enforce their own laws about cell phone use and <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">texting behind the wheel</a>. In June of 2009, the Pennsylvania state senate approved a bill for banning texting while driving with a 44-3 vote. If passed, it would make PA the 10th state to enforce that law. The legislatures’ proposal worked.</p> <p>According to http://handsfreeinfo.com, the House approved a ban on handheld cell phone use and text messaging for all drivers. <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Philadelphia</a>, Harrisburg, Erie and Allentown have all banned cell phone use by drivers unless a hands-free attachment is in use.</p> <p>Other areas in <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Pennsylvania</a> have started following suit with their own ordinances. Carbondale outlawed handheld cell phone use and texting by drivers in 2007, and Hazleton is considering a ban on using handheld phones and texting with a fine of $75, to name a few.</p> <p>What is with the push to ban cell phone use and texting while driving? According to Edgar Snyder &amp; Associates, driving distractions such as calls and texting contributed to nearly 1,000 crashes involving 16 and 17-year-old drivers in 2007.</p> <p>Each year, 21 percent of fatal car crashes involving teenagers between 16 and 19 involved cell phone use. That rate is expected to increase by 4% every year.</p> <p>The law firm also said that in 2008, almost 6,000 were killed and a half-million more were injured in crashes concerning driver distraction. Roughly four out of every five accidents (80 percent) are caused by distractions. To give a comparison, “Drunk driving only accounts for 1 out of every 3 accidents (33 percent) nationally.” This means that texting is six times more likely to result in an <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">accident</a> than driving under the influence.</p> <p>Still planning on texting behind the wheel? Texting while on the road gives drivers a 23% increase of getting into a <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">car accident</a>. In 2002, the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis found that 2,600 people die each year as a result of cell phone use while driving.<br /> The report put out by Edgar Snyder &amp; Associates says, “For every 6 seconds of drive time, a driver sending or receiving a text message spends 4.6 of those seconds with their eyes off the road. This makes texting the most distracting of all cell phone related tasks.”</p> <p>The law firm included some statistics based on PA alone. It said that in 2008, there were 1,298 cell phone related accidents, nine of which resulted in death. From 2003 to 2006, car accidents led to 50 deaths across the state.</p> <p>Between those same years, accidents relating to cell phones increased to 43% in the western part of the state. PennDOT noted that there were 5,715 car accidents in 2002 to 2006 caused from none other than the use of cell phones. They also reported that 367 accidents resulted in the same period involving hands-free cell phones.</p> <p>Texting may be fun and can take up a lot of time in a day, but some places are simply better than others to text in. While texting will continue to grow, so will the rates of accidents related to the use of cell phones while driving.</p> <p>Next time you get into your car and drive off, think twice before taking out that cell phone to say “hey” to a friend.</p> <p>email Kelly at: kmw9963@esu.edu</p> urn:uuid:0d01e911-bce8-49b7-8bb9-f90dee6a7368http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&amp;objID=17319&amp;PageID=502655&amp;mode=2&amp;contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/insurance/news_and_media/news___media/articles/february_19__2010.html Fe...Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:28:15 -0500<p><a href="http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&amp;objID=17319&amp;PageID=502655&amp;mode=2&amp;contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/insurance/news_and_media/news___media/articles/february_19__2010.html" mce_href="http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&amp;objID=17319&amp;PageID=502655&amp;mode=2&amp;contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/insurance/news_and_media/news___media/articles/february_19__2010.html">http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&amp;objID=17319&amp;PageID=502655&amp;mode=2&amp;contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/insurance/news_and_media/news___media/articles/february_19__2010.html</a></p> <p>February 19, 2010</p> <p><strong>Harrisburg</strong> – Pennsylvanians who suffered property damages as a result of the recent winter storms should carefully review their <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">homeowners insurance policies</a>, <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Insurance </a>Commissioner Joel Ario said today.</p> <p>“There may be some confusion about what is covered by your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance policy</a>, which is why it is important to read and understand what coverage you purchased,” Ario said. “Damage to your house and its contents caused by weight of snow or ice, creating a collapse, is covered under standard <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">homeowners insurance policies</a>.”</p> <p>Freezing conditions such as burst pipes or ice dams, a condition where water is unable to drain properly through the gutters and seeps into a house causing damage to ceilings and walls, is also covered by many <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">homeowner policies</a>. </p> <p>“Most damage resulting from fallen trees is covered by your homeowner’s policy, but consumers should check with their company before calling a tree removal service as removal costs may also be covered. Also, consumers may be held responsible if a tree they own has fallen on a neighbor’s property,” he added.</p> <p>Ario noted that consumers should also ask their <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance company </a>about food spoilage as a result of a power outage, debris clean up, structural damage to a home, rain spouts, sewage problems, broken water pipes, freezing pipes and furnace damage, among other problems.</p> <p>Consumers who have suffered losses should take the following steps:</p> <ul> <li> Contact your<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"> insurance</a> company immediately to report your loss. Follow the instructions given to you by claims personnel. Since there may be a lot of people needing help at the same time, anything you have done before the disaster to prepare for a loss will be to your benefit now.</li> <li> Take notes and pictures. Start from the beginning and keep a log of the people you spoke to and when. Summarize your conversation. Ask questions if you do not understand instructions. If possible, take pictures of the damage, both inside and outside of your home.</li> <li>Figure out the extent of the damage. Separate the damaged from the undamaged property and put it in the best possible order for the adjuster’s examination. If possible, protect the property from further damage.</li> <li> Wait for the adjuster to arrive. Do not call anyone to repair or replace your loss without first getting instructions from your adjuster. Your insurer’s visual inspection of your loss may be necessary before repairs are undertaken. Do not throw away damaged property until your company’s adjuster advises you it is safe to do so. If your home is damaged, make only temporary repairs until a claims adjuster inspects the damage. Making permanent repairs before the adjuster’s inspection could trigger a denial of your claim.</li> <li> Be careful when choosing a contractor to make repairs. Before signing a contract, check references to make sure you are working with a reputable firm. Consult the Better Business Bureau. Consumers need to be prepared so they are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous businesses or people. Consumers should examine their options, get more than one estimate, ask for and check references, and, most importantly, get everything in writing.</li> </ul> <p> If your claim is denied, review the terms of your policy for what is or is not covered. You may also file an appeal to your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance </a>company’s claim manager. If questions remain, feel free to contact the <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Insurance</a> Department.</p> <p>For more information, visit www.insurance.pa.gov or call the department’s toll-free, automated consumer hotline at (877) 881-6388, or any of the department’s Bureau of Consumer Services’ regional offices: Harrisburg at (717) 787-2317; or Philadelphia at (215) 560-2630.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> urn:uuid:2d320b00-fc4c-45ee-9d80-8974df9d683603/16/10 5:07 pm   |   reporter: Dennis Buterbaugh   producer: Myles Snyder http://www.whtm.com/news/stories/0310/716646.html Harrisburg, Pa. - Even though the national media seems to focus only on Toyota, there are lots of recalls for other car make...Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:04:08 -0500<p>03/16/10 5:07 pm   |   reporter: <strong>Dennis Buterbaugh </strong>  producer: <strong>Myles Snyder</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.whtm.com/news/stories/0310/716646.html">http://www.whtm.com/news/stories/0310/716646.html</a></p> <p>Harrisburg, Pa. - Even though the national media seems to focus only on Toyota, there are lots of recalls for other car makers too.<br /> <br /> "I got a recall for my GMC, for the windshield wipers, for malfunctioning. Usually it's for a safety issue or something like that," said Ed Stup of Enola, who took his vehicle to the dealer right away.</p> <p>The Pennsylvania <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">Insurance</a> Department said that's exactly what you should do. If you're in a crash that's tied to a safety recall you ignored, your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">insurance premium </a>could go up or your coverage could be canceled.</p> <p>"If you failed to respond to a recall notice and you're involved in an <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">auto</a> accident as a result of a damaged or recalled part, your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">insurance company</a> could take that into consideration," department spokesperson Rosanne Placey said.<br /> <br /> For example, Ford last year issued a recall due to a cruise control switch that could cause fires in rare instances. If you ignored the recall and then had a fire claim, the <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">insurance </a>company could use that to raise your rates or cancel <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">coverage</a>.<br /> <br /> What <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">insurance</a> companies are not allowed to do is deny claims because you <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">drive</a> a car that's been involved in a recent safety recall. "<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">Insurance </a>companies cannot and should not cancel your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">coverage</a> or deny claims because you have a vehicle that's part of an auto recall," Placey said.<br /> <br /> Drivers who have had their vehicle recalled said most dealers make it easy to correct. "You just mention to them that you got the recall and they take your information and they schedule to get you in," said Michelle Mock of Pottsville. "I've never had any problems."<br /> <br /> To check on any possible recalls for your vehicle, visit the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov.</p> urn:uuid:0c186385-d8d9-4c8e-a0ef-25cebbf37543Flying Ice From Tops Of Vehicles Poses Big Danger http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/020810_Flying_Ice_Dangers As you dig out from two feet of snow or more, keep in mind the dangers aren't just on the road. Fox 29 reporters out and about ...Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:35:20 -0600<p>Flying Ice From Tops Of Vehicles Poses Big Danger</p> <p><a href="http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/020810_Flying_Ice_Dangers" mce_href="http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/020810_Flying_Ice_Dangers">http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/020810_Flying_Ice_Dangers</a></p> <p>As you dig out from two feet of snow or more, keep in mind the dangers aren't just on the road.</p> <p>Fox 29 reporters out and about Monday were noticing piles of snow and ice on top of cars.</p> <p><a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Drivers</a> just let it fly off, and possibly into the windshield of any nearby car.</p> <p>Fox 29's Steve Keeley repeatedly pointed out the danger to motorists Monday morning.</p> <p>"Do you know that's the law to clean that off?" Keeley asked one <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">driver</a>.</p> <p>"Oh, the one that's on my roof right now?" the driver said.</p> <p>"Or anyone," Keeley said.</p> <p>"No, I didn't know," the driver said.</p> <p>The message hit especially close to home for one Easton man lost his wife to flying ice five years ago when a chunk flew off of a tractor-trailer into her car, killing her instantly.</p> <p>"It's ridiculous, you know, why they don't take the time. People don't think of it," Frank Lambert said. "It's just the massive force of damage that this can do that people don't realize."</p> <p>The crash prompted <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Pennsylvania</a> to pass a law which allows for drivers to be fined if snow or ice injures or kills a person. That fine from $200 to about $1,000.</p> <p>Lambert wants more. He's pushing for a law that requires total snow removal.</p> <p>In New Jersey, a law signed in October will soon get people a $25 to $75 fine for not clearing off their cars.</p> urn:uuid:1de7537d-045b-4c5c-94cf-d1d6e5241f31http://www.wfae.org/wfae/1_87_316.cfm?action=display&amp;id=5846 Julie Rose Friday February 5, 2010 The recall of millions of Toyota vehicles has safety implications for drivers, but it may also affect their auto insurance. WFAE's Julie Rose reports...Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:03:35 -0600<p><a href="http://www.wfae.org/wfae/1_87_316.cfm?action=display&amp;id=5846" mce_href="http://www.wfae.org/wfae/1_87_316.cfm?action=display&amp;id=5846">http://www.wfae.org/wfae/1_87_316.cfm?action=display&amp;id=5846</a></p> <p>Julie Rose <br /> Friday February 5, 2010</p> <p><strong>The recall of millions of Toyota <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">vehicles</a> has safety implications for drivers, but it may also affect their <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">auto insurance</a>. WFAE's Julie Rose reports: <br /> </strong><br /> A lot of Toyota owners are obviously concerned about how safe their cars are right now. Money, though, is another worry. How does a recall of millions and millions of cars affect <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance rates</a>? <br /> <br /> "The short answer is, it doesn't," says Kip Diggs, spokesman for <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">auto insurance</a> giant State Farm. "It's claims experience that would make the rates go up - not the recall itself." <br /> <br /> Diggs says it's the number of accidents involving, say, a Toyota Camry that makes that car slightly more expensive to<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"> insure </a>than a comparable Honda Accord. Ironically, Diggs says the Toyota recall might actually be good for your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance premiums </a>if fixing the accelerators and floor mats means fewer accidents: <br /> <br /> "You could see rates go down as the result of fewer accidents. Yes," says Diggs. <br /> <br /> So far data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration suggests there probably weren't enough accidents caused by faulty Toyota gas pedals to have a huge impact on <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance rates</a>. <br /> <br /> But State Farm's Kip Diggs says it wouldn't be a surprise to see Toyota customers come out of the woodwork looking for a refund on their insurance rates because they think a faulty accelerator was the real culprit in that accident they got blamed for. Numerous other <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance</a> companies and state regulators like Ray Evans of the North Carolina Rate Bureau are bracing for those appeals. <br /> <br /> "If they've had a citation or an accident that has resulted in charges on their policy - their <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">insurance premium </a>has gone up - then they should give us a call and we go through the process of hearing what they have to say," says Evans. <br /> <br /> Right now, most state insurance regulators are taking the Toyota appeals case by case. But last week Massachusetts became the first to proactively issue a consumer alert inviting Toyota owners to go ahead and step on the gas, so to speak, in making an appeal.</p> urn:uuid:a09141c3-9aed-440c-8bdb-df538119b9d9Don't Let a Neglected Auto Insurance Policy Make Aggravating Holiday Driving Even Worse CLEVELAND, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers are already busy planning trips for Thanksgiving, one of the busiest times of year for travel in the United States. I...Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:34:28 -0600<h1>Don't Let a Neglected Auto Insurance Policy Make Aggravating Holiday Driving Even Worse</h1> <br /> <p>CLEVELAND, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers are already busy planning trips for Thanksgiving, one of the busiest times of year for travel in the United States. It will be bumper-to-bumper traffic soon, so <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Insurance</a>.com urges consumers to double check their <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">auto insurance </a>policies before heading out this season to make sure they are adequately prepared for any unexpected mishaps.<br /> <br /> "With more drivers spending more time on the road this time of year, the<br /> potential for accidents is greater," says Sam Belden, vice president at<br /> <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Insurance</a>.com. "Many drivers are traveling long distances, renting unfamiliar cars and carpooling with friends and family, so it's important for drivers to take the proper safety precautions and also make sure they have the right <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">auto insurance coverage </a>for any incidents that could occur."<br /> <br /> Drivers that are not insured for multiple drivers or damage to rental cars may want to consider shopping for a new policy. <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">Car insurance rates </a>have come down significantly since last fall, so those shopping for a new policy could add additional coverage and still save hundreds of dollars a year. According to Insurance.com's October RateWatch report, the average rate <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com">quote</a>d to drivers last month was $1,804 per year, compared with $1,949 last fall. Those who shopped and switched policies using the site in October saved an average of $536 a year.<br /> <br /> </p> urn:uuid:d5338762-ecfd-4d9f-a560-d35a105ef258According to the NHTSA, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15-20. Posted: 6:35 AM Sep 17, 2009 Reporter: Article Courtesy: Associated Content People between the ages of 16-19 have the highest crash rate...Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:54:54 -0500<div style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0px;" mce_style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 0px">According to the NHTSA, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15-20.</div> <p>Posted: 6:35 AM Sep 17, 2009<br /> Reporter: Article Courtesy: Associated Content</p> <p>People between the ages of 16-19 have the highest crash rate, and their crash involvement per mile driven is four times that of older drivers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With all these mind-blowing<br /> statistics, it's no surprise that <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">car insurance </a>for new drivers is expensive.</p> <p>New drivers that need <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">auto insurance </a>and parents of teen drivers need to understand that auto insurance for new drivers is expensive. Here are 10 ways to minimize the cost of <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">car insurance </a>for new drivers.</p> <p>Auto Insurance Tips for New Drivers #1</p> <p>Auto insurance for new drivers can be reduced in cost by taking drivers' education course. New drivers can get car insurance discounts for successfully completing various drivers' education courses.</p> <p><a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">Auto Insurance </a>Tips for New Drivers #2</p> <p>Car insurance rates are higher on sportier cars and trucks. If you are a new driver that is concerned with your auto insurance premiums, choose a four door sedan that is a couple of years older.</p> <p>Auto Insurance Tips for New Drivers #3</p> <p>If a new driver gets a ticket that can be erased from their record by attending traffic school: ATTEND TRAFFIC SCHOOL. Nothing will increase a new driver's <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">auto insurance rates </a>more than a ticket.</p> <p>Auto Insurance Tips for New Drivers #4</p> <p>Teen drivers can qualify for good student discounts through various insurance companies. Check with your insurance agent to see if a new driver in your household qualifies for this discount. If new driver discounts include student discounts, make sure that the student keeps their grades up to keep the discount active.</p> <p>Auto Insurance Tips for New Drivers #5</p> <p>Choose a car that has airbags and an anti-theft system. Safety features offer discounts, and auto insurance discounts are much needed to lower the cost of new driver insurance.</p> <p>Auto Insurance Tips for New Drivers #6</p> <p>Approximately 27% of teen driving deaths occurred between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. New drivers need to drive at night only when absolutely necessary. This auto insurance tip for new drivers could save some money of car <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">insurance premiums </a>because it could decrease the risk of getting into an accident.</p> <p>Auto Insurance Tips for New Drivers #7</p> <p>Turn the cell phone off while driving. New drivers need to pay attention to driving. Not paying attention is how accidents occur. Once a new driver causes an accident, their insurance premiums could become unaffordable.</p> <p>Auto Insurance Tips for New Drivers #8</p> <p>New drivers should only allow one person to ride with them. This could lower insurance premiums by making the driver concentrate on driving. Once a driver has a couple of years experience, allowing more people to ride in the car with them won't be as risky.</p> <p>Auto Insurance Tips for New Drivers #9</p> <p>Do not speed. No matter how late you are to an appointment or how tempting it is do not speed. Getting a speeding ticket will wreak havoc on new driver car insurance rates. In addition, speed played a factor in 1/3 of the fatal new driver car accidents. Stay alive and keep your insurance premiums down by obeying posted speed limits.</p> <p>Auto Insurance Tips for New Drivers #10</p> <p>Don't drink and drive. New drivers who get a DUI or DWI will most likely lose their car insurance. Those that don't lose their car insurance will have to pay new driver auto insurance premiums that are through the roof. In addition, drinking and driving leads to the loss of innocent lives. New drivers need to take their responsibility seriously and not drink and drive.</p> <p>New drivers are understandably excited about their first set of wheels. New driver car insurance rates are among the highest auto insurance premiums charged. New drivers can practice safe driving and make wise decisions in order to reduce their new driver car insurance premiums.</p> urn:uuid:105b6663-efc9-4ef2-b5cf-efb3b35308fbFantasy Sports Insurance Inc. offers a policy that 'returns your financial investment in your fantasy league, should your key player(s) suffer a 'season changing' injury.' By Mark Medina Los Angeles Times August 27, 2009 An agonizing image of New Eng...Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:27:10 -0500<h2>Fantasy Sports <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">Insurance</a> Inc. offers a policy that 'returns your financial investment in your fantasy league, should your key player(s) suffer a 'season changing' injury.'</h2> <p>By Mark Medina Los Angeles Times August 27, 2009</p> <p>An agonizing image of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady clutching his left knee repeatedly flashes on the screen.<br /> <br /> Next to the picture, the question is posed.<br /> <br /> "Are you protected?"<br /> <br /> You would think Brady doesn't have <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">health insurance</a>. But this isn't about Brady. His off-season surgery went fine.<br /> <br /> This is about you, the fantasy football player. CNBC calculated Brady's injury last season shifted $150 million in fantasy league winnings. So Fantasy Sports <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">Insurance</a> Inc. is putting an end to that, offering a policy that "returns your financial investment in your fantasy league, should your key player(s) suffer a 'season changing' injury," according to their website, www.fantasysports<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">insurance</a>.com.<br /> <br /> Henry Olszewski, one of two brokers who crafted the idea, told CNBC that the <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">brokerage</a> has sold nearly 400 policies, underwritten by Lloyd's of London.<br /> <br /> "The nightmare scenario is the guy who loses his player and either starts trading away his team or sits idle," Olszewski told CNBC. "That affects the entire league. If that guy has <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">insurance</a>, he's playing with the house money and that guy has more motivation to see what he can do to be competitive."<br /> </p> urn:uuid:19ae3fbf-fdae-4e25-93de-4746ca830ee9America’s Most Stolen CarsThe most popular cars among thieves, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.By&nbsp;Perry Stern&nbsp;of&nbsp;MSN Autos The popular 1995 Honda Civic continues to be the top pick among thieves, holding onto that posi...Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:55:06 -0500America’s Most Stolen Cars<br><font size=3>The most popular cars among thieves, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.<br></font><cite><font size=2>By&nbsp;</font><a onclick="" href="http://editorial.autos.msn.com/articles/contributors.aspx"><font color=#07519a size=2>Perry Stern</font></a><font size=2>&nbsp;of&nbsp;MSN Autos<br><br> <p>The popular <a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Honda&amp;model=Civic"><u><font color=#07519a>1995 Honda Civic</font></u></a> continues to be the top pick among thieves, holding onto that position for the 2007 calendar year, according to the "Hot Wheels" report released in July 2008 by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).</p> <p>And while the types of vehicles being stolen remain consistent from year to year, overall car theft in the U.S. declined almost nine percent in 2007. "The continuing national decrease in vehicle theft is a positive sign that the fight against vehicle theft by law enforcement, the insurance industry and the NICB continues to be effective," said Robert M. Bryant, NICB's president and chief executive officer.</p> <p>The most recent NICB report listed the <a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Honda&amp;model=Accord"><u><font color=#07519a>1991 Honda Accord</font></u></a> as the second-most-stolen vehicle, followed by the <a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Toyota&amp;model=Camry"><u><font color=#07519a>1989 Toyota Camry</font></u></a>. In fourth position, the <a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Ford&amp;model=F-150"><u><font color=#07519a>1997 Ford F-150</font></u></a> was the highest-listed pickup truck as well as the most stolen domestic-branded vehicle. The only other domestic brands on the list were also trucks — the <a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Chevrolet&amp;model=C/K 1500"><u><font color=#07519a>1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500</font></u></a> and the <a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Dodge&amp;model=Ram 1500"><u><font color=#07519a>2004 Dodge Ram Pickup</font></u></a>.</p> <p>Other perennial favorites among thieves include the <a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Acura&amp;model=Integra"><u><font color=#07519a>Acura Integra</font></u></a> and <a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Nissan&amp;model=Sentra"><u><font color=#07519a>Nissan Sentra</font></u></a>. According to the NICB, thieves continue to target these older vehicles because they provide the best market for stolen vehicle parts.</p> <p>The NICB encourages everyone to follow what it calls a "layered approach" to auto theft protection by employing simple, low-cost suggestions to make vehicles less attractive to thieves. The four layers include common sense, a warning device, an immobilizing device, and a tracking device.</p> <p>The least expensive form of defense, common sense simply means using the standard anti-theft features of a vehicle by locking the car and taking the keys. The second layer is a warning device or alarm on the vehicle.</p> <p>The third layer suggests some sort of immobilizing device, such as a fuel cutoff or smart key that prevents the vehicle from being driven. The fourth layer consists of a tracking device allowing law enforcement officers to track and recover a vehicle if stolen.</p> <p>The NICB study is based on information reported to the National Crime Information Center.</p> <p>Here are the 10 most stolen vehicles as reported by the NICB — the number in parentheses is the model year most stolen:</p> <ol> <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Honda&amp;model=Civic"><u><font color=#07519a>Honda Civic</font></u></a> (1995) <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Honda&amp;model=Accord"><u><font color=#07519a>Honda Accord</font></u></a> (1991) <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Toyota&amp;model=Camry"><u><font color=#07519a>Toyota Camry</font></u></a> (1989) <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Ford&amp;model=F-150"><u><font color=#07519a>Ford F-150</font></u></a> (1997) <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Chevrolet&amp;model=C/K 1500"><u><font color=#07519a>Chevrolet C/K 1500</font></u></a> (1994) <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Acura&amp;model=Integra"><u><font color=#07519a>Acura Integra</font></u></a> (1994) <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Dodge&amp;model=Ram 1500"><u><font color=#07519a>Dodge Ram Pickup</font></u></a> (2004) <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Nissan&amp;model=Sentra"><u><font color=#07519a>Nissan Sentra</font></u></a> (1994) <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Toyota&amp;model=Pickup"><u><font color=#07519a>Toyota Pickup</font></u></a> (1988) <li><a class=VipModelYearSelMM href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Toyota&amp;model=Corolla"><u><font color=#07519a>Toyota Corolla</font></u></a> (2007)</li></ol><br></font><br><br><br></cite>urn:uuid:6cab6aaf-aaf2-43c3-bd88-8ecb7ec8ae10http://www.ins.state.pa.us/ins/cwp/view.asp?a=1339&amp;q=545100&amp;pp=3#minimum What is the minimum required insurance coverage needed to own and operate a vehicle in Pennsylvania? &nbsp; The minimum required coverages in Pennsylvania are: &nbsp; &#...Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:03:13 -0500<p>http://www.ins.state.pa.us/ins/cwp/view.asp?a=1339&amp;q=545100&amp;pp=3#minimum</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><font size=2 face=Verdana>What is the minimum required<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081> insurance coverage </font></u></a>needed to own and operate a vehicle in Pennsylvania?</font></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><font size=2 face=Verdana></font></span>&nbsp;</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><font size=2 face=Verdana>The minimum required coverages in </font></span><span><font size=2 face=Verdana>Pennsylvania</font></span><span><font size=2 face=Verdana> are:</font></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><font size=2 face=Verdana>&#8226;<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Medical Benefits — This pays medical bills for you and others covered on your policy regardless of fault.<span>&nbsp; </span>The minimum limit is $5,000 of coverage.<span>&nbsp; </span>Higher limits are available.<span>&nbsp; </span></font></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><font size=2 face=Verdana>&#8226;<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Bodily Injury Liability — If you injure someone in a car accident, this coverage pays their medical and rehabilitation expenses and any damages for which you are found liable.<span>&nbsp; </span>You must buy <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081>coverage</font></u></a> of at least $15,000/$30,000.<span>&nbsp; </span>The $15,000 pays for injuries to one person while the $30,000 represents the total available for one accident.</font></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><font size=2 face=Verdana>&#8226;<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Property Damage <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081>Liability</font></u></a> — If you damage someone’s property in an accident and you are at fault, this coverage pays for it.<span>&nbsp; </span>You must buy at least<span>&nbsp; </span>$5,000 of coverage.<span>&nbsp; </span></font></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" mce_style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; tab-stops: list .25in" mce_style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; tab-stops: list .25in"><span><font size=2 face=Symbol><span>&#183;<span style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; FONT-VARIANT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-WEIGHT: normal" mce_style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; FONT-VARIANT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><font size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></span></span></font></span><span><font size=2 face=Verdana>Some companies offer a single limit of $35,000 which meets the <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081>bodily injury liability </font></u></a>and property damage liability minimum requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></p>urn:uuid:3b4da418-3e35-455c-a73b-fc3f8867c79eWEBWIRE – Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Chicago (InsuranceAgents.com) – Adequate jewelry coverage is a must for any household. Unfortunately, because the cost of a collection of jewelry can be so high, most standard homeowners insurance policies do not ...Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:38:45 -0500<p>WEBWIRE – Wednesday, August 19, 2009</p> <p>Chicago (InsuranceAgents.com) – Adequate<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081> jewelry coverage </font></u></a>is a must for any household. Unfortunately, because the cost of a collection of jewelry can be so high, most standard homeowners insurance policies do not include jewelry coverage and if they do it usually isn’t very much. Talk to your agent about adding extensive jewelry coverage to your existing policy.</p> <p>It can be expensive taking out a separate policy for your jewelry but if your <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081>insurance</font></u></a> company doesn’t allow you to add coverage you may have to take out a separate policy. To find the most reasonable and encompassing <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081>homeowners insurance </font></u></a>that includes jewelry coverage you should go online to compare <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081>homeowners insurance quotes</font></u></a>.</p> <p>According to the article recently published on InsuranceAgents.com, “<a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081>Homeowners Insurance</font></u></a>: Getting Jewelry Coverage,” having adequate jewelry coverage is important. “Jewelry shouldn’t be left without the appropriate amount of insurance. By adding jewelry coverage to your homeowners insurance policy, you will be financially protected if your jewelry is damaged, lost or stolen,” the article states.</p> <p>In order to get the most out of your jewelry coverage, there are some steps you should take. First, take inventory of the jewelry in your home that includes description and price. How do you know the price? Well, you can always get it appraised by an accredited appraiser. Make sure you notify your agent of the value of your jewelry so you know exactly how much insurance to take out.</p> <p>And although it goes without saying, you should always <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081>compare quotes </font></u></a>from a number of different companies. Talk to a <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.MichaelPigottAgency.com"><u><font color=#810081>home insurance agent </font></u></a>about the amount of jewelry coverage you have under your current homeowners insurance policy.</p> <p>Staff Contribution: Kyle Fitzsimmons</p>urn:uuid:e2b68fbd-71c7-4746-9c2f-f4b3438a97a2http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20090808/BUSINESS/908080344/1001 Anne Peterson &#8226; August 8, 2009 Dear Anne: I have a 19-year-old daughter who will be moving into a rental house in Brockport with three other students while attending c...Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:04:18 -0500<p>http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20090808/BUSINESS/908080344/1001</p> <p>Anne Peterson &#8226; August 8, 2009</p> <p><strong>Dear Anne:</strong> I have a 19-year-old daughter who will be moving into a rental house in Brockport with three other students while attending college.</p> <p>Her furniture and household effects are primarily hand-me-downs, so not of great value.</p> <p>Her computer, books and clothing would be costly to replace, but I assume that she will have some replacement coverage under my or her father's household <a class="" href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com"><u><font color=#810081>insurance policies</font></u></a>.</p> <p>I wonder if she needs any other coverage or whether the landlord's insurance would cover someone who was injured while visiting or living in the house?</p> <p>The tenants are responsible for shoveling the entrance walkway, which I noticed was quite icy when we did a walk-through last winter. The previous tenants also had shoes scattered all the way up the inside staircase — a real tripping hazard.</p> <p>These things make me wonder about the students' personal liability and whether they need liability <a class="" href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com"><u><font color=#810081>insurance</font></u></a>. If they do, how much insurance is reasonable?</p> <p>In the past you have written about the pitfalls of students renting. Since many kids start school in August, it would be great if you could do a column on college rentals. Thanks. — N.M.</p> <p><strong>Answer:</strong> To be sure I got this one right, I consulted Jason Juliano of The Juliano Agency. Jason says: "Under a <a class="" href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com"><u><font color=#810081>homeowner's policy</font></u></a>, if a named insured's children reside in a dormitory on a college campus, the homeowner's policy does extend to cover the student's personal property.</p> <p>"If, however, as this situation suggests — the student is renting an apartment off campus: A homeowner's policy offers no coverage and <a class="" href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com"><u><font color=#810081>renters insurance </font></u></a>should be obtained for liability and contents coverage."</p> <p>Your best source of information regarding how much insurance is reasonable is an <a class="" href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com/" mce_href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com"><u><font color=#810081>insurance agent</font></u></a>.</p> <p>I'm taking your excellent suggestion and answering more questions on the student rental issues right here.</p>urn:uuid:b04ea4d2-e1b8-43b6-9a2c-df58e15c1bf2<img src='http://i.cdn.turner.com/money/images/bug.gif' align='left' />When to get long-term-care insuranceIt can be a great way to protect your heirs - or a giant waste of your savings. Here's how to tell which.By Justin Martin, Money Magazine contributing writer&nbsp;April 29, 2008: 6:07 AM EDT (Money Magazine) -- It'...Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:32:48 -0500<h1 class=storyheadline _extended="true"><font size=4>When to get <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">long-term-care insurance</a><br></font><font size=2><font size=3><br>It can be a great way to protect your heirs - or a giant waste of your savings. Here's how to tell which.<br></font>By Justin Martin, Money Magazine contributing writer&nbsp;April 29, 2008: 6:07 AM EDT<br><br> <p _extended="true">(Money Magazine) -- It's not alarmist to think that you'll need long-term care in your lifetime. Among Americans who reach their 65th birthday, 45% will have to pay for some kind of long-term-care services, according to the actuarial firm Milliman.</p> <p _extended="true">Yet the decision whether to buy a long-term-care insurance policy, which pays out for nursing-home and certain at-home care, is one of the toughest calls you'll ever have to make. Insurance could preserve your estate for your heirs and save incredible heartache. On the other hand, it's expensive and chances are you won't need it.</p> <p _extended="true">Unlike most stories you'll read in Money Magazne, this one won't give you a definitive answer. But we'll tell you what to consider as you weigh your comfort level with playing the odds.</p> <div class=inStoryHeading _extended="true">Strictly by the numbers</div> <p _extended="true">There's no question that years in a nursing home can decimate your savings. The average facility now costs $213 a day, according to a MetLife survey; based on last year's 3% yearly price increase, by 2030 you can expect to pay $408 a day, or $148,967 a year. For a 2&#189;-year average stay, the tab would be about $372,000.</p> <p _extended="true">The chances that you'll need that much care, however, are small. Only 9% of 65-year-olds can expect a lengthy nursing-home stay, according to Milliman (another 18% will need long-term assisted-living care).</p> <p _extended="true">But even a long-term stay could be a matter of months, not years. Suppose you're a healthy 58-year-old. You'd pay at least $1,000 a year for a policy with a $150 daily benefit that adjusts for inflation each year.</p> <p _extended="true">Invest that money instead and you'll end up with $65,330 at age 80 (assuming 8% annual returns). While that wouldn't even cover six months in a nursing home in 2030, it's money you can spend or leave to your heirs if you never need long-term care.</p> <div class=inStoryHeading _extended="true">But wait...</div> <p _extended="true">What if a debilitating illness runs in your family? In that case, your odds of needing expensive long-term care increase. Or perhaps you want the peace of mind of knowing that a lengthy nursing-home stay wouldn't financially devastate your spouse or your kids.</p> <p _extended="true">Even if you feel that you're a <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">candidate for this insurance</a>, you have to confront the policies' expense. Don't buy unless you can afford a premium hike of 10% to 20% and can continue to make payments for 30 or so years.</p> <p _extended="true">A good rule of thumb: Spend no more than 7% of your income on premiums. And keep in mind that the average $1,000-a-year policy pays $150 a day, only 70% of the typical cost of care today.</p> <p _extended="true">If you want to avoid a shortfall - or if nursing- home costs are high in your area - you may need a more expensive policy. And if you can't pay at any point, you'll likely be left with no coverage at all. Then the money would really have been wasted.</p> <div class=inStoryHeading _extended="true">Keep in mind</div> <p _extended="true">If you want to purchase long-term-care insurance, get the maximum flexibility you can afford. To keep your premium down, pick a 90-day elimination period (the long-term-care version of a deductible). But opt for 5% yearly "compounding" inflation, which costs more but will ensure that your coverage keeps up with price hikes. And keep saving - <a href="http://www.michaelpigottagency.com">even if you have insurance</a>, you'll wind up paying for a portion of your care.&nbsp;<a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/28/pf/insurance/long_term_care.moneymag/index.htm?postversion=2008042906#TOP" _extended="true" peppyCount="102"><img height=7 alt="To top of page" src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/money/images/bug.gif" width=7 border=0 _extended="true"></a></p><!-- /CONTENT --><!--startclickprintexclude--><br></font></h1>urn:uuid:c9d7779f-e25f-48d3-9c14-2e41d2ee84aaMichael Pigott Agency can build GAP coverage into your policy!&nbsp; What Is Gap Insurance, and Who Needs It?http://www.progressive.com/understanding-insurance/what-is-gap-insurance.aspx When you purchase a new car, you'll probably be asked if you wa...Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:21:05 -0500Michael Pigott Agency can build GAP coverage into your policy!&nbsp; <br><br>What Is Gap Insurance, and Who Needs It?<br><a href="http://www.progressive.com/understanding-insurance/what-is-gap-insurance.aspx">http://www.progressive.com/understanding-insurance/what-is-gap-insurance.aspx</a><br><br> <p>When you purchase a new car, you'll probably be asked if you want to purchase gap insurance. Both lenders and auto insurance companies offer gap insurance to customers as a way to protect you against unforeseen financial losses. Here's a quick refresher course about gap insurance and who needs it.</p> <h3><font size=3>What Is Gap Insurance?</font></h3> <p>Gap insurance literally covers the gap between what you owe on a car and what it's worth if your car is totaled in a covered loss, such as an accident or theft. The types of losses covered and the extent of coverage vary depending on the company providing the gap insurance, so make sure you clarify what's covered before you make your decision.</p> <h3><font size=3>Who Needs Gap Insurance?</font></h3> <p>If you purchased or leased a new vehicle and weren't able to afford a large down payment, you may need gap insurance. Vehicles notoriously depreciate in value — and quickly — and depreciation starts the moment you leave the dealership. If you're not able to pay the difference between what you owe and what your vehicle is worth out of pocket, gap insurance may be worth your while. </p> <p>One thing to remember if you're leasing a vehicle: Often, leasing companies include gap insurance or loan/lease payoff coverage in their contracts, so make sure you review your contract before you purchase it from your auto insurance company.</p> <h3><font size=3>When Do You Need Gap Insurance?</font></h3> <p>Here's an example of when you'd use gap insurance: You swerve to avoid a deer and end up driving into a ditch, where your brand new vehicle rolls over. Though no one's hurt, your car sustains heavy damage — so much so that the cost to repair your vehicle is higher than its actual cash value (ACV). Your insurance company decides to total your car, and after running an N.A.D.A. valuation, they determine the ACV is $25,000.<br><br>You purchased your car a few weeks earlier for $28,000, and you haven't even made the first payment yet, so you still owe $28,000 to your lender. If your insurance company pays $24,500 to settle your claim — remember: you still have to pay your $500 collision deductible, so you must subtract that amount from the ACV amount — you're still responsible for paying the remaining $3,500 to your lender.</p> <p>In this case, if you have gap insurance, that $3,500 is covered by your insurance company, and they'll pay your lender the difference between what you owe and what your vehicle is worth. You won't be responsible for paying the difference because you chose gap insurance when you got the vehicle.</p> <p>Keep in mind that if you purchase gap insurance from your insurance company, often you can only use this coverage if your claim is covered under your comprehensive or collision coverage. Not every insurance company offers the same types of coverage, so refer to your policy for more details.</p> <h3>Progressive's Loan/Lease Payoff Coverage</h3> <p>Progressive does not offer gap coverage, but we do offer Loan/Lease Payoff coverage to customers, which is slightly different from gap insurance because a maximum payout of 25 percent of your vehicle's ACV is stipulated in your policy. In the example above, up to $6,250, less your deductible, would be paid to cover the difference between the ACV and what you owe.<br><br>When you shop with Progressive, we'll discuss whether Loan/Lease Payoff coverage is right for you. We consider the age of your vehicle — generally vehicles older than three years do not need Loan/Lease Payoff — and we even remind you when you may no longer need the coverage.</p> <p>Some stipulations exist with Loan/Lease Payoff, including the following: <ul class=bulletList> <li>Your lender must be a financial institution rather than an individual. <li>Your policy must have Comprehensive and Collision for the vehicle. <li>The claim must be covered under your Comprehensive and Collision coverage. <li>Your vehicle must be determined to be a total loss. <li>Loan/Lease Payoff will not pay for past-due amounts or other purchased coverage, such as credit life, accidental death, warranty/repair, etc. </li></ul>urn:uuid:f58955ad-e545-4216-844b-a2f4ffe114a7More uneasy consumers purchase identity theft insuranceFrom:&nbsp; www.usatoday.comYour Money - Sandra Block On the nights you can't sleep, what do you worry about? SARS? Your 401(k) plan? Your hip new employer's decision to replace casual-dress days...Fri, 29 May 2009 10:16:43 -0500<span class=inside-head><strong><font face=Arial size=4><font size=3>More uneasy consumers purchase identity theft insurance<br></font><font size=2>From:&nbsp; www.usatoday.com<br>Your Money - Sandra Block<br><br> <div class=intro-copy>On the nights you can't sleep, what do you worry about? SARS? Your 401(k) plan? Your hip new employer's decision to replace casual-dress days with "clothing optional" Fridays?</div> <p class=inside-copy>Frightening thoughts, for sure, but what really seems to scare the pants off people is the threat of identity theft. A recent survey found that more Americans are worried about that than about losing their jobs.</p> <p class=inside-copy>Private industry has come up with a product aimed at helping you sleep at night: identity theft insurance.</p> <p class=inside-copy>Relatively obscure a few years ago, the number of companies offering identity theft insurance has soared in the past couple of years.</p> <p class=inside-copy>Typically, these policies cover the expenses associated with reclaiming your financial identity, ranging from long-distance phone calls to the cost of hiring an attorney. At Travelers Insurance, which has been providing ID theft insurance since 1999, interest among customers has skyrocketed in the past year and a half, says Walter Grote, identity theft product manager.</p> <p class=inside-copy>"People are realizing the coverage is out there, and it's relatively inexpensive," he says.</p> <p class=inside-copy>There are three ways you can obtain identity theft insurance:</p> <ul class=inside-copy> <li><b>Through homeowners or renters insurance.</b> Chubb Group's homeowners and renters policies cover identity-theft losses of up to $25,000 at no extra cost, says Mary Ann Avnet, customer relations manager. Others offer it as an add-on for a small extra charge. Farmers Group, for example, allows homeowners policyholders to add identity theft insurance for $25 a year. <li><b>As a stand-alone policy.</b> Several major insurers allow customers to buy a separate identity-theft policy. At Travelers, the cost of a stand-alone policy ranges from $59 to $180 a year, Grote says. <li><b>Through your credit card.</b> Last month, Visa USA announced it will provide member banks with ID theft insurance as an optional benefit for card holders. The policy will cover up to $15,000 in losses. </li></ul> <p class=inside-copy>If you're interested, check with the financial institution that issues your card. Banks will have to pick up the cost, so some may opt not to offer the insurance or limit it to premium card holders. MasterCard also provides identity theft insurance to member banks as an optional benefit.</p> <p class=inside-copy><b>Do you need it? </b></p> <p class=inside-copy>Critics say ID theft insurance is unnecessary because the crime rarely results in major financial losses. In most cases, you can't be held liable for more than $50 in fraudulent credit card purchases. While restoring your credit is a time-consuming process, "it's not the kind of catastrophe you would normally buy insurance for," says Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America.</p> <p class=inside-copy>Others say a low-cost policy could prove worthwhile. Linda Foley, director of the Identity Theft Resource Center and a victim of identity theft, says a policy that costs $25 a year could quickly pay for itself. "I spent $250 in the first couple of months," she says.</p> <p class=inside-copy>But the expenses covered vary among insurers, so review a policy carefully before signing up. "This is a specialty type of insurance, and like all specialty insurances, it's really important to know exactly what it is you're purchasing," says Jeanne Salvatore, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute.</p> <p class=inside-copy>What to look for:</p> <ul class=inside-copy> <li><b>A low deductible.</b> A policy with a high deductible may not be worth the cost. The average identity theft victim spends $808 on out-of-pocket expenses, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. <li><b>Reimbursement for lost wages.</b> The average identity theft victim spends 175 hours straightening out the mess. Not all chores can be done at night and on weekends. Many identity theft victims have to take time off from work to visit government offices that are only open during business hours, Grote says. <li><b>Coverage of attorney's fees.</b> If you're sued because someone committed crimes in your name, you may need to hire a lawyer. That can cost thousands of dollars, so make sure your policy covers it. <li><b>Cost of denied credit.</b> Sometimes, individuals don't realize they've been victimized by identity thieves until they're rejected for a loan. An insurance policy should cover the cost of reapplying for a loan, along with the cost of removing negative items from your credit report. </li></ul> <p class=inside-copy>Finally, don't assume an insurance policy means you can stop safeguarding your personal financial information. Cleaning up the mess created by identity thieves is stressful and time-consuming. Negative information can tarnish your credit report for years.</p> <p class=inside-copy>The Federal Trade Commission offers tips on protecting yourself at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.</p> <p class=inside-copy><i>Sandra Block covers personal finance for USA TODAY. Her Your Money column appears Tuesdays. <a onclick="" href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/columnist/block/index.htm" target=""><u><font color=#0000ff>Click here</font></u></a> for an index of Your Money columns. E-mail her at: <a onclick="" href="mailto:sblock@usatoday.com" target=""><u><font color=#0000ff>sblock@usatoday.com</font></u></a>.</i></p></font></font></strong></span>urn:uuid:4413e3a5-9f09-4648-9dd4-1cb936d6c810<img src='http://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/admin/images/~www.MichaelPigottAgency.com/komen3.jpg' align='left' />The agency supports our very close friend Dawn!Click here to view her personal page!From her web site:&nbsp;&nbsp;Join me in the fight against breast cancer!Finding a cure so my daughter won't have to! Please support me as I take an amazing journey i...Wed, 27 May 2009 14:00:14 -0500The agency supports our very close friend Dawn!<br><a href="http://http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/PhiladelphiaEvent?px=3370167&amp;pg=personal&amp;fr_id=1297&amp;s_tafId=84938">Click here to view her personal page!</a><br><img alt="" src="http://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/admin/images/~www.MichaelPigottAgency.com/komen3.jpg"><br>From her web site:&nbsp;&nbsp;Join me in the fight against breast cancer!<br><br>Finding a cure so my daughter won't have to! <p class=cstmText>Please support me as I take an amazing journey in the fight against breast cancer! The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. Net proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust, funding important breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment.</p><a href="http://http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/PhiladelphiaEvent?px=3370167&amp;pg=personal&amp;fr_id=1297&amp;s_tafId=84938">Click here to view her personal page!</a><br><br><br>urn:uuid:0d2bf5d0-3847-44e2-a40c-41a27a0eac2bFrom Fox 29 - PhiladelphiaReal Deal: Auto Insurance Shoppingwww.myfoxphilly.com Real Deal: AutoInsurance Shopping PHILADELPHIA - By choosing the right company you can save hundreds, maybe even up to $1,000 in many cases on your auto insurance acco...Wed, 27 May 2009 12:54:34 -0500From Fox 29 - Philadelphia<br>Real Deal: Auto Insurance Shopping<br>www.myfoxphilly.com<br><br> <h1 class=fontStyle51><font size=3>Real Deal: Auto<br>Insurance Shopping</font></h1> <ul class="byline fontStyle16"></ul> <div class=fontStyle4> <div class="story last"> <p>PHILADELPHIA - By choosing the right company you can save hundreds, maybe even up to $1,000 in many cases on your auto insurance according to the latest issue of Delaware Valley Consumers' Checkbook magazine ( <a href="http://www.checkbook.org/" target=_blank lpos lid="www.checkbook.org" s_oidt="0" s_oid="http://www.checkbook.org/"><u><font color=#810081>www.checkbook.org</font></u></a> ). <br></p></div></div>urn:uuid:2833102b-bc8f-47ee-8ccc-ca31d20db3d1&nbsp;www.myspace.com/michaelpigott_Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:03:52 -0600&nbsp;<a href="http://www.myspace.com/michaelpigott_"><strong><font color=#003399>www.myspace.com/michaelpigott_</font></strong></a>urn:uuid:403838b9-1a0c-4bdb-ac38-8c66339e9925This is from WebMD.&nbsp; I thought it was interesting! Driving + Cell Phones = Big Road Risk Study: Chatting on Cell Phones While Driving May Be as Bad as Driving Drunk By Miranda HittiWebMD Health News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD June 29, 2006 -...Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:14:21 -0600This is from WebMD.&nbsp; I thought it was interesting!<br><br> <h2>Driving + Cell Phones = Big Road Risk</h2> <div class=subhead_fmt>Study: Chatting on Cell Phones While Driving May Be as Bad as Driving Drunk</div> <div class=author_fmt>By <a onclick="return sl(this,'','prog-lnk');" href="http://www.webmd.com/miranda-hitti"><font color=#3789b9>Miranda Hitti</font></a><br>WebMD Health News</div> <div class=reviewedBy_fmt>Reviewed by <a onclick="return sl(this,'','prog-lnk');" href="http://www.webmd.com/louise-chang"><font color=#3789b9>Louise Chang, MD</font></a></div> <div class=clearBoth_fmt><font color=#3789b9></font></div> <h3><font color=#3789b9></font></h3> <p>June 29, 2006 -- Driving under the influence of a cell phone may be a major road hazard, according to a University of Utah study.</p> <p>"The impairments associated with using a cell phone while driving can be as profound as those associated with driving while drunk," write psychology professor David Strayer, PhD, and colleagues in the summer issue of the journal <em>Human Factors</em>.</p> <p>Strayer's team tested the driving skills -- on a simulator, not real roads -- of 25 men and 15 women under four conditions: <ul> <li>No distractions <li>Talking on a hand-held cell phone about a favorite subject <li>Talking on a hands-free cell phone headset about a favorite subject <li>Driving while drunk (blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08%) without talking on a cell phone </li></ul> <p></p> <p>Driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher is against the law in all U.S. states and Washington, D.C. </p> <h3>Chatting Behind the Wheel</h3> <p>The simulator resembled a Ford Crown Victoria sedan. Participants were to drive along a simulated stretch of highway without crashing into the car ahead of them, which braked at unpredictable times.</p> <p>The drivers were 22-34 years old (average age: 25). They had good eyesight, valid drivers' licenses, and an average of eight years of driving experience. More than three-quarters owned a cell phone; almost all of those drivers -- 87% -- said they have used a cell phone while driving. </p> <p>In the cell phone tests, participants chatted on a cell phone about a favorite topic. They spoke with a research assistant, and they didn't have to dial the phones or answer the phones while driving.</p> <h3>Cell Phone Crashes</h3> <p>While on either type of cell phone (hands-free or hand-held), drivers were more likely to rear-end the car ahead of them than when they were undistracted. They were also slower to brake and to accelerate after braking while on either type of cell phone.</p> <p>No differences were seen between the use of hands-free or hand-held cell phones while driving. The conversation itself -- not the device -- may be the biggest distraction, note Strayer and colleagues.</p> <p>"Clearly the safest course of action is not to use a cell phone while driving," the researchers write. They add that when they interviewed participants after the study, most hadn't realized that their driving was worse while on the cell phone.</p> <h3>Driving While Drunk</h3> <p>For the drunk-driving test, participants downed enough vodka and orange juice at the lab to send their blood-alcohol concentration to the legal limit, which was confirmed by a breathalyzer machine.</p> <p>While drunk, participants drove more aggressively than when they were sober, the study shows. They tailgated the car ahead of them and had to slam on the brakes when the lead car slowed down. </p> <p>None of the drunk drivers had any "crashes" in the simulated test. That might be because the tests were done in the morning; most drunk-driving accidents happen at night, when <span class=cross_link><a onclick="return sl(this,'','embd-lnk');" href="http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/hw90102.asp" directive="friendlyurl" chronic_id="" object_type="" path="/webmd/hw/health_guide_atoz/hw90102.asp"><font color=#3789b9>fatigue</font></a></span><span class=no_cross_link>fatigue</span> may also be a factor, the researchers note.</p> <p>The researchers stress that drunk driving is a major danger and that participants' drunk-driving patterns made accidents likely. </p>urn:uuid:df4ed641-7ff3-47bb-a6e0-e4c80adbbf05Hello everyone!&nbsp; People have been asking what happened to "Brooke Insurance"?&nbsp; Brooke Insurance is a Kansas base insurance franchise.&nbsp; We have always been the Michael Pigott Agency but we have removed ourselves from the franchise-now w...Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:50:32 -0600Hello everyone!&nbsp; People have been asking what happened to "Brooke Insurance"?&nbsp; Brooke Insurance is a Kansas base insurance franchise.&nbsp; We have always been the Michael Pigott Agency but we have removed ourselves from the franchise-now we are operating as a true independent insurance broker.&nbsp; We are now handling all business at our Bensalem office.&nbsp; What does this mean for our clients?&nbsp; Upon renewal the name Brooke Insurance will be replaced with Michael Pigott Agency on dec pages and ID cards.&nbsp; Nothing needs to be done by the clients, and you policies will remain.&nbsp; NEW NAME - SAME GREAT SERVICE.&nbsp;