There will be an initial shock. Once you’ve realized what has happened and checked yourself for injury, you should attempt to exit your vehicle. You might need to use a window if your door has been damaged. As you find your way out of the vehicle, make sure to pay attention to the oncoming traffic and stay clear of it.

If your vehicle is still drivable, then move it to a public location. From there, you’ll be able to safely exit the vehicle and report the accident. Moving the vehicle is usually a good idea if there’s an immediate danger like being hit again on a busy interstate. Do keep in mind that some states require you to stay on the scene.

You should dial 911 to report the accident. The dispatcher will automatically know your location if you’re calling from a land-line. You’ll need to know your location when using a cellular phone since it’s a more difficult and lengthy process for an emergency dispatcher to determine your location through a cellular phone.

In the event that your vehicle ends up in water, staying calm is a must. You won’t be able to open the door due to the pressure from the water if the vehicle submerges. Calmly take a deep breath and roll down the window to escape. If the electric windows won’t work, then you should break the window by hitting it with an object or kicking it.

As far as insurance goes, most insurance carriers recommend the following universal steps be taken following an accident:

* Take note of how many passengers are in each of the other vehicles involved in the accident, as this will help prevent the future addition of passengers during insurance scams.

* Collect the full name, insurance information, and home address of all other drivers involved in the accident. You should also provide your information to the other driver(s).

* Write a brief summary of the accident, recording as many details as possible – the make, model and year of the vehicles involved; the time of accident; and weather conditions.

* Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses, especially if you feel something or someone other than yourself caused the accident.

* While it’s okay to express concern over what happened at the scene, you should never admit that the accident was your fault or claim liability.

* Have your insurance information, driver’s license, and vehicle registration available for the police. Once the police are on scene, the officer will collect your information. The officer will ask all the drivers what happened and record the account(s).

* Make sure that you ask the officer for the police report so that you can give it to your insurance carrier.

* You should contact your insurance agent or carrier as soon as possible. Most major insurance companies have a 24-hour phone number for claim reports.

 

You make sure your car’s oil is changed every three thousand miles but how often do you think about preventive home maintenance? Just like cars, homes need regular maintenance to extend their life, maintain their appearance and prevent costly repairs.

Vargas & Vargas offers you some tips on the best way to make sure you properly maintain your home.  First make a list of all the maintenance projects that are needed each year. Then, group items into smaller, more manageable lists to be completed throughout the year.

 

In order to create a complete home maintenance “To Do” list, you should perform your own thorough home inspection, including the following steps:

• Walk through each room and write down all repairs that need to be done-squeaky floorboards, updated electrical outlets, cracked bathroom tiles, etc.
• Walk around the exterior of your house and make note of the doors and windows, weather stripping/caulking need to be replaced, broken window panes, does the house need painting, is the siding in good condition? Keep an eye out for any exterior cracks in the home or driveway.
• Check that the condition of your roof, are the gutters clear of any debris?
• If you have a wooden deck/porch- is it time to repair it or treated with water-proofing sealant?
• Examine your landscaping. Are there weeds, bare patches or areas of over-growth, trees that are growing too close to your house?
• Walk your property line and examine the fence for any needed repairs or painting.
• Move all dangerous and hazardous materials such as propane tanks away from your house.
• Make note of all your home systems including appliances, air conditioning and heating units, water heater, water softener, electrical system, etc.

Now you have plan of attack as a Weekend Warrior! Also pull out the home inspection that was conducted when you purchased your home and make a note of any needed repairs. Don’t forget to check your Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (change batteries at least twice per year).

 

 

 

Ideas to Reduce Premiums

• Take steps to make your home as disaster resistant as possible. For instance, consider adding stronger doors, storm shutters and reinforced roofing for added protection from hurricanes and other disasters. Many insurance companies will reduce premiums based on these upgrades. Visit http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html to more tips on how to protect your home against disasters.

• Many of our insurance carriers offer homeowners discounts for new or recently renovated properties. Because a newer home usually results in fewer losses, some insurers reduce rates by up to 25% for homes that are less than five or ten years old. Likewise, homes that have had significant renovations completed by a qualified contractor can also qualify for reduced insurance premiums. Contact us today and find out if you qualify.

• Improve the safety and security of your home. Items such as burglar alarms, deadbolt locks and smoke detectors can reduce your monthly premiums.

 

• Maintain an outstanding credit rating. Many insurance companies utilize credit scores in determining homeowner’s premiums. Achieving and preserving a strong credit score can result in a monthly premium discount.

• Consider the possibility that other discounts may apply. Our Insurance carriers offer a variety of options such as: long term customer discounts, senior citizen discounts, loss-free discounts, or multiple policy discounts.

 

• Is it time for a Homeowners Review?  Perhaps we can save you money. Let us shop the best value for the best price- as an independent agent we represent a variety of carriers.

 

• Combine and Save! Vargas & Vargas has saved some clients up to 30% just by combining their Home & Auto Insurance. Contact us and let us save you money too!

Your home is your castle, and there are many steps you can take to protect this valuable asset in the most efficient manner possible. Ask us, we are here to help!