Safety Devices

Posted on September 22, 2009 by bobmuffler

Having three essential safety devices in your home may save you money on your homeowners insurance. Of course, if these devices are ever called into action, your savings could be much more substantial — possibly the lives of your family and valued property.
Maintaining workable smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and deadbolt locks in your home first saves you from worry. Consult a consumers’ guide or other source for the best equipment to consider.
Check with your homeowners insurance agent to see if you qualify for discounts and certain specifications that may be required.
Although most homes have smoke detectors these days, research shows one out of three units would not signal a fire, simply because their batteries are dead or missing. Today’s new breed of detectors makes sure you know if batteries are losing power or are are powerless.
With many brands, covers cannot be closed without batteries inside, or visual indicators are present to tell you the batteries have weakened. Warning “chirps” sound from most models to let you know batteries are low.
Still, it’s a good idea to push the alarm test button once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace the entire detector if it’s more than 10 years old because it’s probably losing its effectiveness.
One feature to consider on a new detector is the “hush button” to quiet false alarms, which often come from cooking. False alarms are the number one reason people intentionally disarm their detectors.
It is smarter to move the detector to a better position. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for installation and location.
This article was is provided as a courtesy of Nationwide Insurance Agent Bob Muffler, (Tops Plaza) 5833 S Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094 (www.bobmuffler.com). This article is for informational purposes only. For information on your specific insurance needs or situations, please contact your insurance agent.

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Accident Steps

Posted on July 20, 2009 by bobmuffler

Because auto accidents often are frightening and frustrating, it is a good idea to understand steps you should follow when the unexpected does occur. Here are some time-tested recommendations:
* First, be careful of traffic. Many serious accident begin as minor mishaps that trigger a second crash.
* Do not move your vehicle unless you have a witness or there is a hazard.
* Get help for the injured.
* Call the nearest law enforcement agency.
* Talk to other drivers involved. Do not discuss fault. In exchanging information, get the names and phone numbers of insurance companies.
* Obtain names and phone numbers of witnesses to the accident as well as those of other drivers and occupants.
* If your vehicle hits a parked vehicle or causes damage to property, notify the owner of leave a note, and then notify police.
* Make a diagram of the accident scene.
* Call your local agent or insurer as soon as possible. After you report the accident, your insurer will schedule an appointment to determine vehicle damage and arrange for settlement.

This article is provided as a courtesy of Nationwide Insurance Agent Robert Muffler (Tops Plaza) 5833 S Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094 (www.bobmuffler.com). This article is for informational purposes only. For information on your specific insurance needs or situations, please contact your insurance agent.

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Boating Safety

Posted on June 23, 2009 by bobmuffler

While most veteran skippers know and follow safe boating skills and procedures, the recreational boater may be well advised to occasionally brush up. Here are a few boating rules and some information on boating safety courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.
* When two watercraft approach each other head-on, both must alter their course to the right to avoid collision. If two watercraft are safely to the left of one another, no change in direction is needed.
* When two power-driven boats are crossing, the craft that has the other on its starboard (right) has responsibility for staying clear.
* Non-powered craft (canoes, sailboats, etc.) have the right of way over powered craft except when the non-powered craft is overtaking or passing.
* A craft being overtaken by another boat traveling the same direction must maintain speed and course. The passing craft must keep sufficient distance to avoid collision or endangering the other craft from the boat’s wake.
* When a boating accident occurs, involved craft and individuals should remain on the scene, much like a road vehicle accident, and exchange information.
* Most deaths among boaters result from falling overboard and capsizing. In a small boat, resist the urge to stand up. If you do move about, keep your weight low and balanced over the center of the craft.
* Approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life jackets now are stylish, comfortable and affordable as well as practical. Models for all ages and various boating activities are available.
* Collisions between boats or with an object don’t just happen. Rather, they usually are the result of inattention, fatigue or lack of knowledge about boating procedures.
* Each of these factors is exacerbated when alcohol is involved. In fact, alcohol is involved in up to half of all boating accidents. Even moderate amounts of alcohol adversely affect body functions such as balance, coordination, vision and judgment.
Combining effects of alcohol with cold water can speed the onset of hypothermia (lowering of inner-body temperature) and can cause even good swimmers to drown. Designate a skilled, non-drinking boat operator for outings on waters where alcohol is permitted on boats.
* While most boaters respect large dams, many, especially those in smaller craft such as canoes, tend to minimize dangers of lowhead dams — structures 10 feet high or less.
During periods of high water, backwash created by water pouring over the dam causes a dangerous cycle. Objects — including people wearing PFDs — are taken to the bottom of the stream, released to the surface, sucked back to the face of the dam and pushed again to the bottom.
* Keep an eye on the weather, especially in large, shallow bodies of water.
* If someone is in trouble in the water, use basic rescue methods first, such as throwing a floating object to the victim. Personally enter the water only as a last resort and then take a buoyant object with you.
* Before you leave for a boating or fishing trip, provide someone with specific details of where you are going and when you will return. This will assist authorities if a search is necessary.
* To learn more about boating and water safety, call (800) 336-BOAT (2628).

This article is provided as a courtesy of Nationwide Insurance Agent Bob Muffler, (Tops Plaza) 5833 S Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094 Tel:(716) 433-0097 (www.bobmuffler.com). This article is for information purposes only. For information on your specific insurance needs or situations, please contact your insurance agent.

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Life Insurance Needs

Posted on June 4, 2009 by bobmuffler

With all the demands on their time and money these days, most consumers don’t look forward with great enthusiasm to buying life insurance. That’s understandable. Even if people know they should be paying more attention to the issues surrounding life insurance, the whole matter can seem complex and perplexing.
Perhaps the question asked most often about life insurance is: How much do I need?
To many people, life insurance is more puzzling than homeowners or auto coverage. After all, you pretty well know how much your home or car is worth, but how do you put an accurate value on your life?
The answers can be as varied as the needs of any one person, but there are some guidelines that can steer consumers in the right direction.
A common rule of thumb is that every wage earner in your household should have life insurance equal to roughly seven times his or her annual salary. For example, if you make $35,000 a year, you might want to consider $250,000 in coverage.
In a dual-income family, that goes for both partners. In the event that a death eliminates one wage earner’s salary, the surviving family members will be assisted in covering ongoing expenses with life insurance proceeds.
Even spouses who don’t work outside the home should consider life insurance. Taking a purely economic look at the contributions of a non-working spouse, if he or she were to die prematurely, the surviving spouse would need additional funds to pay for someone else to maintain the household and take care of children.
One mistake to avoid is the assumption that just because you have life insurance at work, you’re safely covered. In today’s job market, many people switch employers several times or more during their careers. And while group life insurance may be portable — companies often let departing employees convert group life coverage into individual policies — it’s often unaffordable at individual rates.
This points to another concern that comes up during many discussions about life insurance: that it’s too expensive. The solution? Talking to a qualified insurance agent, who can help review the many options available.
Buying life insurance is no longer just a question of choosing term or whole life, the two types of coverage that once dominated the market. Spurred by competition, most companies now offer a wide variety of different life policies. Your agent can help you choose the type that’s right for you, and at a price you can afford.
And keep in mind that you don’t have to buy the life coverage you need all at once. Your agent can show you how to purchase increasing amounts of insurance as your financial resources permit.
With all of the above in mind, it makes good sense, for yourself and your family, to consider purchasing an appropriate amount of individual life insurance. And because your needs are specific to your own circumstances, you can feel comfortable turning to a qualified agent to help you determine your best, and most affordable, choices.

This article is provided as a courtesy of Nationwide Insurance Agent Bob Muffler, (Tops Plaza) 5833 S Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094. Please feel free to contact me at (716) 433-0097 or www.bobmuffler.com. This article is for informational purposes only. For information on your specific insurance needs or situations, please contact your insurance agent.

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Fire Safety

Posted on May 7, 2009 by bobmuffler

How safe is your home from fire? Answer these questions with your family. Every yes answer indicates a positive fire safety situation. Every no indicates a fire hazard that needs to be corrected.
* Do you keep matches away from sources of heat?
* Do you have qualified electricians install or extend your wiring?
* Do you keep your basement, closets and attic clear of rags, papers and other combustible materials?
* Do you keep your yard clear of leaves, debris and combustible rubbish?
* Does a fire-rated door separate your garage if it is attached to the house? *Do you keep the door closed?
* Do you keep matches out of the reach of children?
* Do you always set a good example in regard to fire safety? Remember, children learn by example.
* Do you have an escape plan with at least two ways out of every room in your home? Have you practiced that escape plan by holding fire drills?

This article is provided as a courtesy of Nationwide Insurance Agent Bob Muffler, (Tops Plaza) 5833 S Transit Rd., Lockport, NY 14094 (www.bobmuffler.com). This article is for informational purposes only. For information on your specific insurance needs or situations, please contact your insurance agent.

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Rollover Precautions

Posted on April 30, 2009 by bobmuffler

If you assume your full-size pickup truck or large utility vehicle is as safe or safer to drive than the family sedan, you’re right — larger vehicles tend to produce fewer and less costly accidents.
But beware if you drive a small pickup or small utility vehicle. Their accident results show a much higher chance of injury than results of passenger cars.
Why? One big reason is what is called the rollover factor. Rolling over is involved in 80 percent of all motorist deaths in single-vehicle crashes of small utility vehicles. Nearly 10,000 people died last year in passenger vehicles that rolled over and nearly two thirds of rollover deaths involve ejection, including through rear doors of utility vehicles.
Standards for automobiles always have differed from those applied to light trucks and utility vehicles. That’s because for years manufacturers built pickups and utility vehicles mainly for cargo, not passengers. But changing consumer tastes now make these models the fastest growing segment of new vehicle sales. Today, they’re hauling a lot more passengers than cargo.
The design differences that have excluded light pickups and small utility vehicles from many auto safety standards also make them handle differently than cars.
For example, vehicles made for off-road use or for carrying heavy loads is designed differently than a passenger car and have a higher center of gravity to handle rugged surfaces.
Brakes are designed to be aggressive on the rear axle, so the front brakes don’t overheat when transporting loads and need to quickly stop.
Hard braking many times results in skidding. If the rear brakes lock up, the driver may find the vehicle swapping ends with one another. The vehicle may then skid sideways down the road and begin to roll over because of the gravity.factor.
In general rollover accident occur happen when drivers expect light trucks or utility vehicles to perform like regular cars and make quick lane changes or corner too fast.

This article is provided as a courtesy of Nationwide Insurance Agent Bob Muffler (Tops Plaza) 5833 S Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094 (www.bobmuffler.com). This article is for informational purposes only. For information on your specific insurance needs or situations, please contact your insurance agent.

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Driver Fatigue

Posted on April 22, 2009 by bobmuffler

Did you know that drivers who fall asleep at the wheel cause nearly 50,000 collisions and 1,500 traffic deaths annually?
Although drinking coffee or taking caffeine tablets may provide a temporary solution to drowsiness, it does not diminish fatigue that reduces alertness and mental stability that leads to car crashes.
If you feel fatigued while driving, consider stopping for a nap (at least 20 minutes) in a safe rest area.
It’s also beneficial to you and other drivers if you stop every two to three hours, get out of your vehicle and briefly stretch you legs, even if you don’t feel particularly tired.

This article is provided as a courtesy of Nationwide Insurance Agent Bob Muffler, (Tops Plaza) 5833 S Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094. (www.nationwide.com/robertmuffler). This article is for informational purposes only. For information on your specific insurance needs or situations, please contact your insurance agent.

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Replacement Cost on Homes

Posted on April 15, 2009 by bobmuffler

My home is valued at $120,000, and I have an average amount of possessions. Just write me a policy that will take care of the structure and what’s in there.
It’s not quite that simple, as any insurance professional readily will tell you. Assuming you’re talking about your principal residence, there are some decisions you have to make.
Two of the most important decisions are: Do you want total replacement cost on your home? Do you want replacement cost on contents?
At Nationwide, we label total replacement cost on your home as replacement cost guarantee dwelling.
It is the lesser of:
* Full replacement cost of an insured residence for equivalent construction and used on the same premises or
* The amount necessary to repair or replace the dwelling.
To qualify for the replacement cost guarantee, you must insure your home to 100% of replacement cost and inform the company within 90 days of home improvements that increase dwelling value by $5,000.
The annual inflation adjustment for your dwelling cost limit will apply automatically.
Replacement cost on contents consists of the cost, computed at the time of loss, to replace lost, stolen or damaged property.
If an identical article is not available, the cost used will be that of a new article similar to the one damaged.
Payment will be based on the smallest of the following:
– Replacement cost at the time of loss
– Full cost to repair
– Special limits of liability detailed in the policy or attached endorsement
– Cost to repair or replace any part of damaged, stolen or lost property with equivalent property.
As an insured, you have the option not to replace the damaged, stolen or lost property. In such a case, settlement would be limited to actual cash value.
If you would decide later to replace the property involved, a claim for the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost may be made within 180 days after the loss.
Finally, items not covered (excluded) under replacement cost contents include: Manuscripts, antiques and fine arts, property that is obsolete or useless at the time of loss, memorabilia, souvenirs, collectors’ items and other property for which age and history contribute substantially to value, and property not maintained or in working order.

This article is provided as a courtesy of Nationwide Insurance Agent Bob Muffler, (Tops Plaza) 5833 S Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at (716) 433-0097 or www.bobmuffler.com. This article is for informational purposes only. For information on your specific insurance needs or situations, please contact your insurance agent.

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Spring into action: Nationwide’s checklist for a trouble-free return to the road

Posted on March 26, 2009 by bobmuffler

In Western New York with the warmer temperatures in spring means a long-anticipated return to the road for a number of winter-weary riders. For those climate-challenged enthusiasts forced to store their favorite ride over the winter months, the first ride of the season should be preceded by a thorough check-up. Nationwide Insurance offers the following “First Ride” checklist for motorcyclists preparing to head back out on the road:

• Tires. Look carefully for signs of weather cracking and test the tread depth in several places. If your tires are cracked or worn, invest in new ones. Also, be sure to check the tire pressure. If your tires are the originals, inflate to the pressure specified in the owner’s manual. If they aren’t the originals, it is best to consult the tire manufacturer’s recommended pressure on the sidewall of the tire.

• Wheels. Check your wheels for loose spokes or bent rims.

• Lights. Check for any cracking and condensation in the lenses. Test your headlamp, turn signals, tail and brake lights to ensure they are in working condition. Replace any failed bulbs.

• Battery. Make sure your battery is fully charged. Replace your battery if the case is bulging. Clean the battery terminal before installing.

• Fluids. Look at the levels of your engine oil, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, coolant and fuel. Replace or refill those that need it. If your bike did not get an oil/filter change prior to winterizing, then it’s a good idea to do it first thing in the spring.

• Controls. Ensure the throttle twists freely and snaps back in the off position. Examine cables and hoses for damage and be sure they do not interfere with suspension and steering.

• Brakes. Inspect your brake pads and liners, and replace them if they are worn.

• Supplies. Examine your tool kit and first aid kit to make sure you have all the items necessary to help you in the event of an accident or breakdown.

• Review your insurance policy. Be sure your policy is up-to-date and you are fully covered for any valuable new accessories that you added during the winter.

“Other resources to ensure the first ride of spring is a safe one are owners’ manuals and, of course, a professional mechanic,” said Bob Muffler from R A Muffler Agency. “Spring is a great time to be a motorcycle enthusiast and these resources will make the return to the road enjoyable.”

Nationwide offers motorcycle and powersports insurance policies that cover theft, collision, vandalism and damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. To learn more about motorcycle insurance or powersports insurance, contact Bob Muffler at (716) 433-0097 or visit www.nationwide.com/robertmuffler.

Bob Muffler lives in Lockport, NY and has been a Nationwide Agent for more than 29 years.

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $160 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #104 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com/robert muffler.
Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

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Teens behind the wheel, what you need to know to protect them

Posted on March 19, 2009 by bobmuffler

For teenagers, learning to drive is a major milestone on the journey to becoming an adult. New York will allow a 16-year-old to obtain a learner’s permit. With a learner’s permit, your teen can drive only if accompanied by a certified driving instructor, a parent or a guardian who has a valid driver’s license and rides in the front.

Once licensed be aware that New York enforces night curfew hours and graduated drivers’ licensing laws (GDL). The GDL system is designed to ease young novice drivers into becoming experienced motorists by gradually exposing them to increasingly demanding driving experiences and licensing stages. Over 40 states have three-stage graduated licensing systems. Several other states have portions of GDL programs in place. These programs aim to reduce fatal crashes among 16-year-old drivers.

Most graduated licensing programs consist of three stages:
• Stage One (Learner’s Permit) – A licensed adult driver must accompany the young driver.
• Stage Two (Intermediate License) – The driver takes a behind the-wheel road driving test. After passing the test, the teenager can drive alone, with restrictions and limits on night driving and transporting teen passengers.
• Stage three – Full licensing.

For more information on the graduated driver licensing laws (GDL), visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or visit www.dmv.org to learn how your teen can receive a learner’s permit. In New York, your teen will need to complete a classroom driver’s course. Your teen will learn the basics of driving, and learn about overall safety.

Be sure to enforce certain good driving habits: speeding, tailgating, joking around, talking and texting on the phone and eating are risky driving practices that combined with driving inexperience can lead to accidents. It’s hard for kids to remember that loud playing music is also a distraction and may make it impossible to hear an oncoming emergency vehicle. And, as always, drinking and driving is completely out of the question!

To learn more about insuring your teen, contact Bob Muffler at his Lockport, NY office or go online at www.nationwide.com/robertmuffler.

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $157 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #99 on the Fortune 100 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, homeowners, life, health, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

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