Arthur Blaszczyszyn Ins. Agency, Inc.

Summer Road Trips

artb — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:18:37 +0000

Summer is right around the corner and that means the good old fashioned road trip. Whether it is a multi day, multi state marathon, or a shorter overnight trip to the woods, it pays to make sure your vehicle is in good shape.

Regardless of the vehicle you choose- car, truck, RV or motorcycle, a few maintenance checks can make the difference between a memorable family outing and sitting in a motel room waiting for the shop to call with the repair bill.

*Juice. Check all fluid levels and conditions. Oil, coolant, power steering and brake fluids. Don’t forget to top off the windshield washer reservoir.
*Brakes. Check them yourself or have someone you trust look them over. Pad and drum material should be above minimum specifications. If they are close, replace them.
*Tires. Inflate properly. Do not use the number on the tire. That is for maximum load. Inside the driver’s door is a sticker that has the recommended pressures for your vehicle. Check them in the morning when the tires are cool. Make sure the tire has enough tread to get you to your destination. And back home.
*Electrical. Do all the lights work? Non functioning lights are not only dangerous but illegal. Hard starting? Might be time for a new battery or starter. Radio shuts down when the headlamps are turned on? Check the alternator.

Special vehicles have special needs. Motorcyclists don’t need to worry about the air conditioning, but the chain needs special attention. As do the fork seals, swingarm and steering head bearings.

Have the RV’s wheel bearings been packed? Check the LP system with soapy water in a squirt bottle for leaks. Replace the LP, CO and smoke alarm batteries. House battery water level needs to be looked at too.

A few minutes and a few dollars bringing your summer ride up to par will surely save you time and money down the road.

After all, who really wants to spend two days in Tuba City waiting for the UPS truck to deliver a part that you could have seen failing, had you taken the time to look?

Not me… again.

Homeowner Insurance Explained

artb — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:07:57 +0000

No one would drive a car without insurance, so it figures that no homeowner should be without insurance.
The essential idea behind various forms of real estate insurance is to protect owners in the event of catastrophe. If something goes wrong, insurance can be the bargain of a lifetime.
What kind and how much?
There are various forms of insurance associated with home ownership, including these major types:
Title insurance: Purchased with a one-time fee at closing, title insurance protects owners in the event that title to the property is found to be invalid. Coverage includes “lenders” policies, which protect buyers up to the mortgage value of the property, and “owners” coverage, which protects owners up to the purchase price. In other words, “owners” coverage protects both the mortgage amount and the value of the down payment.
Homeowners’ insurance: Homeowner’s insurance provides fire, theft and liability coverage. Homeowners’ policies are required by lenders and often cover a surprising number of items, including in some cases such property as wedding rings, furniture and home office equipment.
Flood insurance: Generally required in high-risk flood-prone areas, this insurance is issued by the federal government and provides as much as $250,000 in coverage for a single-family home plus $100,000 for contents. Local REALTORS® can explain which locations require such coverage.
Home warranties: With new homes, buyers want assurance that if something goes wrong after completion the builder will be there to make repairs. But what if the builder refuses to do the work or goes out of business?
Home warranties bought from third parties by home builders are generally designed to provide several forms of protection: workmanship for the first year, mechanical problems such as plumbing and wiring for the first two years, and structural defects for up to 10 years.
Home warranties for existing homes are typically one-year service agreements purchased by sellers. In the event of a covered defect or breakdown, the warranty firm will step in and make the repair or cover its cost.
Insurance policies and warranties have limitations and individual programs have different levels of coverage, deductibles and costs. For details, speak with REALTORS®, insurance brokers and home builders.
Where to look.
REALTORS® often provide home insurance and such policies are also available from insurance brokers.
How do you get insurance?
The time to obtain insurance and warranty coverage is at closing, so speak with a REALTOR® or insurance broker prior to closing. Be sure to ask about limitations, costs, deductibles and “endorsements” (additional forms of coverage that may be available).

Renters Need Insurance Too

artb — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:13:38 +0000

1) Take an Inventory
Before purchasing, make an itemized list of everything you own with price estimates and purchase dates (if possible). Your inventory will help ensure that you purchase the right amount of insurance — not too much or too little. Also, an inventory will help make filing a claim easier. Make copies of this inventory and keep it in a safe place outside of your home (at work, in a safe-deposit box or friend’s house). Take photographs of each item; this can be helpful when filing a claim.

2) Ask Questions
Theft Limits: For example, most renters policies have a $1,000 total limit on jewelry that is stolen, a $3,000 – $10,000 limit for computers and $2,500 – $10,000 for silverware or flatware. Policies vary — so ask. Ask for a list of standard coverage limits so you know whether you’ll need to buy a floater, which provides additional coverage for some of your items.

Cash or Replacement Value: Your policy can insure possessions one of two ways — for either the cash or the replacement value. Cash value coverage takes into account the age and condition of items at the time of damage or loss. Replacement value pays today’s cost of a new item. For instance, if your five-year-old TV is stolen, a cash value policy will pay part of the original purchase price while a replacement policy will pay the current price of a comparable set. Replacement value policies tend to cost more, and there may be other requirements as well.

Deductible Options: Find out about the deductible — your out-of-pocket cost. The lower the deductible, the more the policy will cost you.

3) Seek Discounts
Insurance companies frequently offer discounts to their auto policyholders interested in buying a renters policy from them. You also may be eligible for discounts if your apartment or home has a security system, smoke detectors, or deadbolt locks. Additional discounts may be available depending on your age or whether you are a non-smoker. Policies vary. Examine as many options as possible.

4) Shop Around
Find an insurance agent or insurance company representative with whom you are comfortable. Ask friends or relatives or consult the yellow pages. Call a variety of insurance companies and agents. Ask questions. Keep your inventory handy, so you can find the amount of coverage that is most appropriate for you ($16,000 is usually the smallest amount of coverage you can get).

5) Read Your Policy
An insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. Read the policy carefully — if you have questions or if something is unclear, call your insurance company representative. Don’t sign the contract unless you fully understand the company’s responsibilities as well as your own. An insurance policy spells out several obligations for both you and the company. For example, the company has a duty to defend the insured renter in court if the renter is sued. On the other hand, you must give the insurer complete, accurate and timely information.

Gone Fishin’!

artb — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:48:52 +0000

Now is the time to get your boat ready to go if you haven’t already. Most Front Range reservoirs are open to boating or will be soon, along with some lower elevation mountain lakes.

Various fishing report websites are saying that other that trout, the action is picking up due to our mild Spring weather. Time to dust off the rods, sharpen some hooks and hit the water.

Along with checking out the boat, gear and tackle to make sure it is ready for the season ahead, check your insurance as well. Most homeowners policies will cover boats under 25hp for liability, but offer nothing for collision, trailers or those expensive electronics. A boat specific policy is inexpensive and can cover everything, including the cover!

Give us a call for a fast, free, no obligation quote for all your powersports needs- boat, PWC, ATV, UTV and motorcycles.

Summer RV Tips from your Local Aurora Insurance Agent

artb — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:13:40 +0000

With Spring knocking on our doors, RV owners are pulling out their maps and planning Summer excursions. Don’t just load up and head out. Make sure to summerize your rig the ensure a problem free camping season.

1. Check/clean demand pump filter screen.
2. Check/clean air conditioner filter
3. Clean fridge drain hose. The tiny plug end in rear behind outside fridge panel.
4. Completely Fill, then Drain, then Fill fresh water tank.
5. Flush all water lines, hot and cold.
6. Verify demand pump works.
7. Check tire tread depth and pressures, remember to check spare.
8. Check lug nut torque.
9. Check coach battery water level and charge.
10. Install Propane alarm fuse and replace Smoke and CO detector batteries.
11. Fill Propane tanks. Inspect for leaks.
12. Verify the following work on propane; stove, water heater, furnace, and refrigerator.
13. Shake ALL fire extinguishers.
14. Lube stabilizer jacks.
15. Check caulking around doors and windows.
16. Check roof for leaks
17. Clean A/C fins on roof.
18. Grease Wheel bearings and check brake linings (1/16” minimum thickness).
19. Wax Trailer.
20. Enjoy the Summer.

We have several options for insuring your recreational vehicle, whether it is a tow behind pop-up camper or a 40’ Class A motorcoach. With so many choices, we can tailor a custom protection package to fit your needs and your budget.

Call, email or drop by for a fast, free confidential quote for all your insurance needs.