Forest Park Insurance News

Prepare for Driving In Bad Weather Before You Hit the Road

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:08:17 GMT

Rain, fog, sleet, snow, ice and wind… bad weather is the enemy of every driver in Washington. Forest Park Insurance wants you and your employees to be safe. Even if you are satisfied that your vehicle and all of its components are in good operating condition, bad weather demands that you take a few more precautions before hitting the road. At regular intervals, especially during the winter months, check the following items.

Abrasive Material: A bag of kitty litter or similar material will help you get moving under snowy or icy conditions

Battery: Does it need to be charged or replaced? Cold weather puts extra strain on a battery. Always keep jumper cables in your vehicle.

Brakes: Are they properly adjusted? Should they be replaced? Good brakes are more important than ever during the winter months. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), make sure it is working.

Chains: Do you carry them? They can be a real help on ice or snow.

Cooling system: Be sure the cooling system is free from leaks. Does it need more anti-freeze? Should it be flushed and refilled?

Defroster: Are the defroster and heater working properly? Make sure they can keep the interior from fogging and the windshield free from ice.

Engine: Have you had a recent tune-up? This is a must in cold weather to prevent slow starts and stalling.

Exhaust System: Check to make sure the muffler and exhaust pipe are free from leaks. Carbon monoxide from a faulty exhaust system can threaten your life.

Lights: Keep all lights clean and working properly (high and low-beam headlights, taillights, brake lights, directional signals).

Restraints: Keep lap and shoulder belts clean and accessible, and be sure to use them. Restraints can keep you behind the wheel and in control if the vehicle suddenly skids.

Tires: Are they properly inflated? Are treads in good condition and wheels aligned and balanced? Consider changing to snow tires.

Windshield Wipers and Washer: Keep wiper blades in good condition and be sure they are set at the proper pressure to sweep snow off the windshield. Keep plenty of windshield washer anti-freeze handy.

Forest Park Insurance can provide you with tools for fleet driving training and additional information to help reduce crashes in everyday driving. Just give us a call at 206-364-4230 or contact us today!

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:30:59 GMT

Buying a new car is an exciting time - but it can also be stressful. After all, you're trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need.

We can't really help you become a master negotiator when it comes to buying a car. But we can give you some things to consider when you're looking around the lot - and when you're trying to answer the age-old question of "new, or used?"

Now, the new vs. used argument is pretty well documented - with people usually staunchly in one camp or the other - and you probably already know what side you're on. But read on with an open mind, and you might just come to a different decision the next time you’re on the car lot.

New cars

Ah, that new-car smell. It's a bit of a cliché, but it's one of the things that people love about climbing into a brand-new car. And while they make air fresheners that supposedly give you that same smell for your used car, it just doesn't seem the same, does it? Still, there are other benefits to buying new - and, of course, there are drawbacks as well.

PRO - Choices: When you buy new, you get to choose your color and the exact features you want. From spoilers to sunroofs to leather seats and stereo systems, you can customize your car to best fit you.
PRO - Maintenance: Some manufacturers offer free scheduled maintenance for a set period of time after you buy the car, and you likely won't need a new battery, tires, etc., for several years after your purchase.
PRO - Peace of Mind: Your new car may have a warranty for up to 10 years, and also is covered by "lemon laws" that could allow for a replacement or refund if the car has serious defects.
CON - Cost: Depending on the make and model, buying a new car is almost always more expensive (at least in terms of the purchase price) than a used car.

It's also worth noting that if you purchase a new car in its first model year (meaning it's a new model for the automaker), there won't be many user reviews available, and data on reliability and repairs will be limited. In addition, sometimes newly introduced cars have some kinks that generally are ironed out by the second and third model years. These aren't necessarily serious issues, and the warranty should cover them, but in some instances, you and your car could be headed to the shop more than you'd like.

Used Cars

Don't care about the new-car smell? Looking to save some money on your purchase? Well, a used car might be right for you. There are many advantages to buying used, but you'll want to be a little more careful. After all, it's hard to know exactly how well the previous owner treated the car. But you can limit your risk with a little bit of work.

PRO - Choices: While you won't necessarily get to customize your used car, you likely can find a pretty good fit. There are lots of used cars out there.
PRO - Cost: New cars depreciate quickly after they're purchased. By buying used, you're letting someone else take that financial hit over the first few years of the life of the car.
PRO/CON - Reliability: Buying a used car is less of a gamble than it used to be, particularly with the advent of "certified pre-owned" programs many automakers now offer. However, used cars generally don't carry the same warranties as new cars, even though the original manufacturer's warranty is usually transferable to a second owner.
CON - Maintenance: While a used car theoretically shouldn't need more frequent maintenance than a new car, you'll likely need to replace things like tires, headlights, etc., earlier. And scheduled maintenance probably isn't covered by the automaker.
PRO/CON - History: You'll need to check the car's title history to make sure it hasn't been in a serious accident or salvaged. Ask the dealership to provide this information, usually from Carfax.

Of course, whichever car you purchase, the important thing is that it's a good fit for you. Bear in mind that certain makes and models can result in higher car insurance costs for you, so feel free to check in with us before you buy.

Have fun shopping - and we'll see you on the road!

Five Star Insurance from Kenny Zener

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:30:03 GMT

Kenny had the honor of being selected a Five Star Insurance Professional for 2011, the second year in a row! This distinct honor is awarded to less than 1% of insurance professionals who rate highest in overall satisfaction by clients, peers and industry experts.

Download the article

Is Your Home Energy Efficient?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:12:29 GMT

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues here in Washington, and they’re not only annoying – they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.

Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.

Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Forest Park Insurance, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.

Do a home-energy audit

Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.

Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver – the area should be completely filled with insulation.
Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.
Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.

The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

Make Sure Your Home is Ready for Winter

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:36:51 GMT

Summer has ended, but there’s no need to fret: Fall brings with it crisp, cool days, wonderful colors — and football season!

It also brings with it a few maintenance tasks that Forest Park Insurance recommends to help ensure your home is ready for fall and winter weather in Washington.

Check out the following information for some general tips from the National Association of Home Builders, and don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions about what your home insurance policy covers.

Exterior maintenance

Gutters: Leaves, pine needles and other material can clog your gutters in the fall, preventing proper drainage and raising the risk of water damage to your walls, foundation, basement or landscaping. Remove all debris from your gutters and consider installing one of the many available gutter guard systems — it could be the last time you have to worry about clogged gutters.
Trees: Weak trees and branches can break and cause damage to your home, car or even someone walking on your property (the latter is a good reason to consider a personal umbrella insurance policy). Watch out for large dead or detached branches, as well as cracks or rotten wood along trunks and major branches. If there are potential hazards, call a professional tree service.
Roof: Damaged or loose shingles, as well as gaps where roofing or siding meets vents and flues, can mean emergency (and expensive) repairs later. Being proactive is the best way to avoid problems — if you see signs of damage, you’ll want to call a professional roofer.
Walls: The exterior walls of your home keep the weather out — so you’ll want to make sure they’re up to the challenge of of a Washington winter. Look for possible damage or decay on siding and trim, and patch or replace pieces if necessary.

Interior maintenance

Insulation: Check the insulation in your attic, basement and crawl spaces, and insulate pipes in those spaces to protect against freezing.
Pipes: Nobody wants to deal with a frozen pipe, so if you live in a place susceptible to freezing, wrap exposed ones with heating tape every winter and keep your home above 65 degrees. Always check for cracks and leaks. And know where the main water shut-off is in your home so you can act quickly if there is a problem.
Heating: It’s a good idea to have your heating systems (furnace, fireplace, water heater, etc.) serviced every year.

For more information on home maintenance, visit the National Association of Home Builders website at www.nahb.com. A little action on your part now can make fall and winter a lot more enjoyable for you and your family.

For further questions and assistance, please contact our office.

Understanding Identity Theft

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:23:32 GMT

Your identity belongs to you. Here are some suggestions from Forest Park Insurance to help you protect it.

One smart and effective way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you'll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly, whether you live in Washington or elsewhere.

Start with Good Habits

Print out a copy of this page and store it in a convenient place
Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place
Shred papers with personal information
Reduce your credit card accounts, and only carry the cards you need
Write checks with a permanent pen, and mail from a secure place
Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely

Watch Your Accounts Closely

Review balances and transactions often by phone or online
Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate
Take advantage of free credit reports and watch for unusual activity
Sign up with Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch services which will report directly to you for a fee

Fill Out the FTC Affidavit Quickly

The FTC Theft Affidavit supplies proof that you didn't authorize any accounts opened or debts run up by the identity thief
New accounts need this FTC affidavit form to investigate the fraud and process your claim
Call your existing accounts for instructions on disputing unauthorized charges as other forms may be needed
Keep originals of the affidavit, as well as all supporting materials such as driver's license or police report. Send copies only.
Send quickly - many creditors request that you send the affidavit within two weeks

Keep This Information Handy:

Federal Trade Commission:
1-877-438-4338
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.ftc.gov

Social Security Administration
Fraud Line: 1-800-269-0271

Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

Experian: 1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com

Identity Theft Plan of Action

Call your credit card companies immediately. Explain what happened, and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
Call and report to the police. Make several copies of the police report.
Complete a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Theft Affidavit and FTC report (see contact information above to request these forms).
Call your bank. They can place an alert on your Driver's License number and Social Security Number, and freeze your account.
Call fraud units of credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

Take the time to educate yourself on identity theft, and please don't hesitate to seek the help of professionals when needed. For more information, contact us today.

Emergency Management Programs

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:19:55 GMT

An Integral Part of Your Overall Business Plan

A comprehensive emergency management program is a necessary part of any business, and Forest Park Insurance wants all businesses in Washington to be prepared. According to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), having a plan can help to limit employee or customer injuries, damages to property and help your business return more quickly to normal operations. FEMA makes a strong argument for emergency management planning by defining what constitutes an emergency and identifying the benefits to business.

FEMA’s description of their “Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry” characterizes it as ideal for any business or “…organization where a sizable number of people work or gather.” But, they are quick to point out that even small businesses can benefit from the ideas in this guide. The guide is extensive, so we’re going to give you an overview and we encourage you to access the full guide on the FEMA website for complete details.

The Planning Process

The success of your plan hinges on having leadership, or upper management support in order to get full participation. There are four primary steps involved: establishing a team, identifying capabilities and hazards, developing a plan then implementing.

While you’re going through this process, be sure to conduct an insurance review. Forest Park Insurance will be happy to clear up any doubts or questions you have about your business insurance coverage.

Emergency Management Considerations

This is the phase where different the functions of emergency management and response are defined. Who’s going to be in charge of direction and control, communications, property protection, or safety? How will you work together or with outside agencies?

Identifying Potential Hazards

Hazards come in many forms – fire, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods. Do you have any hazardous materials at your business? If so, proper containment and safety measures are needed before an emergency and you need to know who to call should those materials pose a danger during an emergency.

Gather Important Information

FEMA offers additional resources focusing disaster mitigation, flood-proofing, and building performance – all available for free. They also offer brochures for work or home, and directories of regional and state emergency management offices.

Start your emergency planning now by utilizing FEMA’s “Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry.” And, by all means, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about your insurance coverage.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Association, Department of Homeland Security (www.fema.gov/business/guide)

Motorcycle Insurance: Ride More, Worry Less.

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:19:00 GMT

Lowering the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Washington

Simple steps can lead to savings in your pocket. Spending less money is much easier than perfecting your tight turns at high speeds on a gravel road. Take a look at some simple ways to lower your Washington motorcycle insurance costs for riders like you.

More expensive motorcycle = more expensive insurance
Before you buy a motorcycle, check with Forest Park Insurance to see what it will cost to insure it. Expensive bikes cost more to repair, maintain and insure. The safety equipment you select may also save you money.
Increase your deductible
By raising the amount you pay out-of-pocket for losses, you can save more on your motorcycle insurance policy. Ask one of our agents to explain the trade-offs.
Forest Park Insurance + combined policies = lower cost
The more combined policies you have with a single insurance company, your car insurance, home insurance etc., the more substantial your savings will be. Learn more about your motorcycle insurance coverage options, by giving us a call or read about Washington motorcycle insurance online.
Safety saves
You may be able to save money on your premium if your motorcycle is stored in a garage, if you belong to certain rider groups, or if you’ve taken a safe rider course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

For more information on lowering the cost of your motorcycle insurance, please contact us. You can also request an online motorcycle quote and we'll provide you with quotes from multiple companies so you can compare and save!