Tag: Safety

Essential Tips for Motorcycle Road Trips

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Before you go out and take your long motorcycle road trip, there are few things you need to check on your motorcycle.

If you are planning on going on an extended motorcycle road trip this spring or summer, you need to look at the needs of your motorcycle. Examining these needs will best assure that your motorcycle takes you from point A to point B, and then back to point A. Without a proper inspection, your motorcycle could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere, and possibly walk many miles to the nearest sign of civilization. Here are a few tips for your motorcycle road trips.

  • Check the Fluids – Before you head out, make sure to check all the fluids and refill any that are low. This includes fluids like oil, brakes, coolant, hydraulic clutch, et cetera. Refer to the owner’s manual for a complete list of fluids for your bike.
  • Ensure Proper Inflation – Tires need to be inflated to ensure that nothing catastrophic happens to them while you are riding. Refer to your owner’s manual to know what psi you need to inflate your tires.
  • Check the Weather – You don’t have a roof nor a windshield to protect you from the elements outside. Make sure that your road trip is centered around days in which there are clear skies or no chance of rain. Pack the proper equipment just in case rain is in the forecast.
  • Pack the Essentials – You need to pack a first-aid kit, flashlight, matches, water bottles, energy bars, an emergency blanket, and a solar-powered phone charger to keep you safe if you are stranded in the middle of the road.

The right motorcycle insurance can keep you protected in the case of an emergency. Contact our knowledgeable team at Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your personal and business insurance coverage needs. We will work with you to ensure you have the right amount of protection, all at the right price to fit your budget.

Learn How to Get the Best Deals on Your Summer Vacation

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Planning for your summer vacation doesn’t have to be financially stressful.

Summer vacations mean school is out, and your family vacation has finally come! If you were smart, this trip means you can splurge because you looked for the best deals that were available to you when you booked your trip. If not, it sounds like you’re going to have to dig deep into your pockets for any change that may be lying in there somewhere. Planning a summer vacation doesn’t mean you have to have monetary anxiety. On the contrary. Planning a summer vacation can be easy with the proper, planning, and research. Here are 3 things you can do to get the best deals on your summer vacation.

  1. Time it Right – Hotel rates fluctuate with supply and demand, so it pays to go against the flow of other vacationers. High-peak vacationing happens between the 4th of July to mid-August. So planning on early June or late-August can mean better savings.
  1. Don’t leave empty handed – Before you depart, order the Entertainment Book or such other coupon books. These editions are packed full of discounts and attractions. You’ll likely recoup your investment within the first few days.
  1. Meals don’t have to break the bank – Dining at restaurants for every meal can add up real fast, so make restaurants a singular daily thing. Keep a cooler in your car and plan picnics at least once a day. Make sure to stay at hotels that offer free breakfasts to cut down on costs. And, when you treat yourselves to a restaurant make sure to go during lunch when costs are lower, and to make sure your restaurant offers a lunch special.

If you want to save money, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency for that perfect summer vacation. As California insurance experts, we can help tailor your coverage to meet your exact needs – including your budget. For the best coverage at the best price, call us today!

What You Can Do to Be More Eco-Friendly for Earth Day

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April 22nd is Earth Day: Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint.

Earth is a lovely place. It sits at comfy in its orbit at 93 million miles from the sun, water can be liquid, our atmosphere has enough oxygen, and plenty of other things that make Earth great and habitable. Nature, for the most part, is always in perfect balance. So when there’s an external force acting upon nature, disruptions are bound to happen which can have an effect on species as small as plankton all the way up to the food chain to us humans.

For over 100 years, humans have been pumping greenhouse gases into our atmosphere without a care, and for over 30 of those years, scientists have been warning these corporations about the very real effect it’s having on the planet. Only recently have we seen strong efforts to reduce our emissions, and some have hope that if we keep our efforts the point of no return will be kept at bay. Here is what you can do to help our planet remain sustainable for human this Earth Day (and every day).

  1. Walk or Bike

If you’re going to be travelling to the grocery store or somewhere that’s within 5 to 10 miles, ride your bike to that place. Not only will it get your heart-rate going, but it will also keep CO2 emissions down. You won’t be the only one to ride your bike this day, so this effect will be multiplied world wide.

  1. Meatless in the Heat

Believe it or not, cows are actually among the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions as a direct result to our obsession with eating meat; their methane byproduct actually retains more heat than CO2. On Earth Day, make dinner that includes no meat products, and maybe make a permanent switch in your diet to go from eating meat 7 times a week, to only 6 times a week.

  1. Don’t Go With the Flow

If you absolutely need to take a shower in the morning, make sure it’s a short one! Play a song on your phone and try to finish before the song finishes—14 minute LCD Soundsystem songs are not encouraged. Water running uses a lot of precious water and even more fossil fuels to keep it running and to keep it hot.

No matter if you are looking to make your home, vehicle, or business more environmentally friendly, working with the right insurance professionals will help to ensure that you are receiving any discounts you qualify for. To learn more about the different ways your insurance policies are protecting you, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency in California.

How To: Teach Your Teen to Drive

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If you’ve got a teen driver on your hands, here’s what you need to know.

Like all children, teens desire independence. The thought of being able to drive themselves is an exciting thing that all teens want. But in reality, car accidents are the leading cause of death for this age group and safety must be a huge part of what they learn before getting behind the wheel.

As a parent, you have the power to get through to them. They may have daydreams of cruising to the beach with their friend without a care in the world, but you must bring them back to earth about what the realities of driving.

Here are some little things you can do to improve the chance that they stay safe and learn how to be responsible drivers:

  • “Passenger seat” supervision is a great way to give your teen support and also guide them while they are actually driving.
  • Build confidence with small trips of 5-10 miles in areas that are familiar.
  • Make sure they are driving a safe car with good brakes, good steering, and airbags.
  • Check that your criticism is gentle and constructive. Creating a stressful environment for your teen to learn driving can be just as damaging as no help at all since it teaches your teen to associate driving with being on edge.
  • Make sure your teen knows what to do if there is an accident.
  • The average teen has 3 accidents between the ages of 16-20. Make a contract with them to lessen these odds. Your contract should include:
    • A stipulation that good grades earn driving privileges.
    • No texting or phone while driving
    • Zero tolerance regarding alcohol/drugs and driving
    • Observing curfew
    • Observing rules about passengers
    • Obeying the traffic laws. Traffic tickets should have major consequences like suspension of privileges.

Your teen’s safety is in your hands. If you take the time to show them how important their well being is to you, they will eventually listen.

Is your teen covered out on the road? For all of your auto insurance needs in California, including coverage for your teen driver, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency.

Workers’ Compensation Savings For Small Businesses

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How To: Save On Your Workers’ Compensation

As a business owner, you know that workers’ compensation is important. Not only does it protect your workforce—ensuring they get the medical care and lost wages reimbursements they need to maintain their quality of life—but it is also crucial for your business. This coverage helps you take care of your team without compromising your bottom line.

That does not mean you want to pay a pricey premium, though. Here is a quick guide on how to save on your workers’ compensation.

  • Get Grouped: Group rates can help you get significant savings on your workers’ comp coverage. If your business is not large enough to qualify for this type of coverage on its own, consider joining a trade association with at least 300 members or asking a couple of other businesses with similar risks to join with you in securing coverage.
  • Support Safety: California requires you to have a written safety program. Why not show it to your insurer—along with documentation about your regular safety trainings—to let them know how much you prioritize safeguarding your staff. Informing your insurer that you are making strides towards minimizing workplace accidents can help you save.
  • Prepare Programs: Certain programs—like a substance-free workplace program or return-to-work program—can help your employees minimize injury times and injuries themselves. By implementing these types of programs to help your workforce stay safe on the jobsite and protect their health if an injury does occur, you can show your insurer you are actively reducing your risk and their costs, which should lower your premiums.

Want to talk to an insurance expert about how to keep your workers’ compensation as affordable as possible? Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency today! As California business insurance experts, our dedicated team is standing ready to help you get the best workers’ comp at the best price.

Water Safety Tips For Your Summer

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Protect Your Summer With Water Safety

The summer is heating up here in California, and you are probably looking for a way to take advantage of the summer season. The good news is that heading to the water can give you a reprieve from the heat while you enjoy the sun’s rays. So that you can enjoy your time by the water without stress, here is a quick guide to staying safe by the water this summer.

  • At The Beach: Be aware that at the beach, there are rip currents that could put even the most experienced swimmer in a dangerous situation. Never swim too far from the shore. The beach may seem like the perfect place to lay out and get a tan, but this could expose you to the sun’s harmful rays. Make sure you regularly seek out shade (an umbrella will help!) and reapply your sunscreen as needed.
  • On The Lake: You may think that a swim in the lake is just like a lap in the pool, but the moving water will tire you out more quickly than the pool would. Do not push your limits when in the lake. If you will be boating, make sure there is a designated driver who can safely drive everyone home and that every passenger has—and actually wears—a lifejacket.
  • By The River: With the runoff as the summer heats up, lots of rivers are moving very quickly right now. Never swim in the river without someone to keep an eye on you. Also, make sure you do not swallow any water to avoid waterborne illnesses.

We hope this water recreation safety guide helps you safely enjoy your summer! To offer your family even more safety, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency to put the best California coverage in place to protect you this summer and beyond.

Protect Your Home: Theft Prevention & Homeowners Insurance

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Your Guide To Deterring Thieves

Property crimes are unfortunately common. Even though we see our homes as places of safety, ideally protecting us, our families, and personal belongings from the dangers of the world around us, they can be compromised by burglars if we do not take steps to avoid this. To help you keep your home, your family, and your belongings safe, here are a few theft prevention tips to employ.

  • Check Your Locks: If you do not have locks on every single door and window in your home (yes, even those on the second or third story), install them right away. Thieves have been known to grab the ladder from your backyard—or even your neighbor’s—to access upper stories of the home. Make sure all of your existing locks are sturdy and that everyone in your family uses them.
  • Trim Your Yard: The more overhanging tree limbs and overgrown bushes you have in your yard, the more opportunities you are offering burglars to hide in the shadows as they check out your house. Keep your landscaping tight to ensure you are not offering any extra opportunities to thieves.
  • Light Your House: Similarly, by installing lights along your home’s walkways, on your porch, and throughout your yard, you make your home look less enticing to potential robbers. Inexpensive, solar-powered lights are a great solution to your property’s dark areas.

Of course, even with all of these efforts a clever thief could make it into your home. To make sure he or she does not make away with your quality of life, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We are here to help you put the right California homeowners insurance in place to protect all of your personal property. Call us today to get a policy that will thwart any thief!

Pad Your Pocket With These Auto Insurance Tips

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

A Quick Guide To Maximizing Your Savings

Adulthood and bills seem to go hand in hand, but that does not mean you have to put all your fun money towards your responsibilities. You can keep more cash in your piggy bank by utilizing a few money saving tips when it comes to your auto insurance. To help you save:

  • Get To Class: Ask your insurance provider if taking a safe driving course could qualify you for savings. A quick trip back to school could be well worth your while in lowering your premiums month after month.
  • Get Tech-ed Out: Installing safety features in your car will not just protect your loved ones; it can also protect your pocketbook. If your car has airbags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft systems, or other safety features, let your insurance agent know. They will likely qualify you for discounts.
  • Get Organized: Statistically speaking, your car is at less risk for being damaged or getting stolen if it is parked in a garage. Take the time to clean out your garage so you can leave your car in safety overnight, and you will likely see savings on your insurance bill.
  • Get Shopping: Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to ensure you are not overpaying for the coverage you need. By working with an independent agency, you can have an insurance expert do that work for you. Whether you use an agent or do it yourself, shopping around will help you find the best policy for the best price.

Are you working with a dedicated insurance agent who will point out all potential discounts to help you keep more money in your pocket? Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your California auto insurance needs. We are here to show you how to lower premiums and maximize savings. Call us today!

Keeping Your Identity Safe From The Internet and Telephone Scams

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

What would you say the fastest growing crime in the United States is today? If identity theft came to mind, then you’re exactly right. Statistics by the Federal Trade Commission show that over 20% of all identity theft cases involve the internet and telecommunications. While you might think identify theft scams are easy to spot and avoid, the criminals behind such scams devote themselves to putting together emails, phone calls, and websites that appear enticingly legitimate.

Most email and telephone identity theft scams ask you to provide your Social Security number, credit card account information, or banking account information. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, unless you initiate the call and know you’re speaking with a legitimate representative from the company you’re doing business with, you should never give out any personal or financial information.

Of course, there are innumerable scams circulating the country. The following are a few of the most commonly seen:

Moving Money Scams / Nigerian Money Offers. The “can you help me move my money from my country” scams were around before the internet was even a thought. Despite people being aware of the con, these scams still make $100 million each year. The scammers will send out mass emails. They claim to be in a foreign country, often Nigeria. They ask the recipient to assist them in moving their money out of their country and promise to pay the recipient from helping them. The explanation for the request is often a heartbreaking tale or humanitarian cause like a sick relative needing a surgery.

Phisher / Account Verification Scams. These scams involve the scammer purchasing domain names that closely resemble that of legitimate and reputable businesses. One of the most recent scams involved the E-Bay domain name. The scammers purchased domain names like change-ebay.com and ebay-verification.net and sent out mass emails asking consumers to provide their personal and credit card information. The emails often asked the recipient to verify a purchase or made threats to cancel the account if the recipient didn’t provide the information. Other companies being used in alike scams include: AOL, PayPal, MSN, Discover Card, Best Buy, and Bank of America. Even if you’ve recently purchased an item or made a transaction with a company, you should never comply with emails asking for personal or financial information. Most companies don’t conduct business in such a manner. To make sure, use the official phone number for the involved company to find out if the request is legitimate.

Get Your Free Credit Report Scams. Most correspondence related to getting a free credit report will turn out to be a scam in one way or another. Free is usually the relative word since most receive a bill charging for the service after it’s used. Other free credit report scams are simply after your Social Security number.

You’ve Won a Free Gift Scam. The phone call or email saying that you’ve won a free gift is luring. The scammer will claim the gift is free, but that they need your credit card information to cover the shipping and handling. With your credit card number in hand, they can use it for a lot more than shipping and handling. Just remember that few things are free and those that are don’t require a credit card.

You’ve Won the Canadian or Netherlands Lottery Scams. According to the FBI, this scam has collected approximately $80 to $100 million so far. Keep in mind that you first must buy a ticket or enter a lottery to win it. If you haven’t purchased a ticket, you haven’t won.

Questionnaires. This is a request for your personal and financial information under the guise of a friendly questionnaire. The scammer often claims to be a childhood or old social network friend. The questionnaire may blatantly ask you for your info or be subtly collecting information related to your account passwords by asking you your birthday, favorite things, name of your kids, and such. Delete the questionnaire. Giving false information only alerts the scammer they’ve reached someone willing to respond and possibly provide inadvertent information in the future.

IRS Audit Scams. Scammers have sent out emails claiming the recipient must undergo an e-audit within 48 hours or face penalties and interest. The e-audit questionnaire asks for personal and financial information. Be aware that the IRS doesn’t correspond with taxpayers about audits via email and certainly doesn’t have anything called an e-audit.

Resume Scams. Identity theft even occurs from sending out a resume. Scammers can place a print or online help wanted ad just like a real employer can. Never place your birthday or Social Security number on resumes. That information can be collected by legitimate employers during the interview stage.

The best way to stay safe is NOT responding to anything you feel has the potential to be a scam. Most email carriers will have a ‘Mark as Spam’ button (or something similar to that) that you may click while reading the email.

We hope this article helps keep you and your loved ones safe. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please just give us a call, we are happy to help.

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Back to School Bus Safety Tips

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Most of you probably have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews going back to school soon. We came across some bus safety tips we wanted to share with you. It might be a good idea to print these out and go over them with your loved ones.

For some 25 million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. Unfortunately, each year many children are injured and several are killed in school bus incidents.

Rules for getting on and off the school bus:

Getting on the school bus
• When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property.
• Line up a safe distance away from the street or road as the school bus approaches.
• Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
• Use the handrail when stepping onto the bus.

Behavior on the bus
• When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.
• Never put your head, arms or hands out of the window.
• Keep aisles clear – books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
• Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
• At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat, then walk to the front door and exit, using the handrail.

Getting off the school bus
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road until you can turn around and see the driver.
• Make sure that the driver can see you.
• Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross.
• When the driver signals, walk across the road keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
• Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.
• Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times.

Correct way to cross the street
• Children should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing.
• They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across.
• If a student’s vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles — then stop, and look left-right-and left again.

We hope you find these safety tips useful. Please pass them along to those you care about. If you have any questions or comments, please post in the comment section below or you may contact our office at 877-994-6787.