ATD Insurance

If you drive a lot of the local kids around to ball practice, scout meetings or other warm-weather gatherings, think about getting a Personal Umbrella Liability Policy. You could have tremendous liability exposures if you should be involved in an accident - a sad fact, but true.

Ask us about a Personal Umbrella Liability policy. It could save you a lot of heartache - and money - some day.

As the weather gets warmer, many of us take to the streets - on our bicycles, that is. And while it's a great way to get exercise, be outdoors and even to get to where you want to go, there are some "rules of the road" to keep in mind while cycling:

• Remember, bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules of vehicular traffic, so obey all highway signs and regulations

• Ride on the right-hand side of the road, with traffic, not against it

• Only cycles with 20-in. wheels or less are permitted on sidewalks

• Hitching a ride on a moving vehicle is illegal

• Use arm signals to indicate stopping or turning

• Bicycles must yield to pedestrians

• Lights are required for nighttime riding

• A bicycle must have a horn or bell to sound a warning when necessary

With the spring thaw, sometimes come high waters and the potential for flooding. Here are some suggestions for protecting your home, business and possessions from flooding:

• Buy flood insurance

• Seal doors and windows; build barriers around window wells; elevate washer, dryer and water heater in basements; and relocate items. Much flood damage comes from basement flooding.

• Store insurance policies, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from home

• Photograph or videotape your belongings and keep the photos or tape in a safe place

• Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water and have the tools on hand to do the job.

• Assemble a kit including first-aid supplies, required medications, canned food, a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person in your household, protective clothing or rain gear, a battery-operated radio and flashlights.

• Listen to weather radio for flood watches and warnings

If you would like additional information on flood insurance, please do not hesitate to contact our office!

An often-overlooked coverage that insurers automatically include in your homeowner policy is "premises medical payments". While policyholders generally don't ask us a lot of questions about medical payments coverage, it is no less important than any of your other coverages. Medical payments coverage provides payment for medical expenses, up to the policy limit should a guest get hurt on your premises, even through their own negligence.

The medical payments limit is usually $1,000, but higher limits can be purchased for a nominal amount. If your negligence contributed to your guest's injury and compensation is sought beyond the medical payments limit, the homeowner liability coverage would provide you with coverage including defense costs. Defense would be provided even if allegations of your negligence were considered groundless.

If you teenager has just gotten a driver's license, you have probably heard the words Miata, Mustang, and Camaro more than you care to admit.

The first years a teen spends driving are the most risky. Teen drivers have the highest death rate of any age group. While getting a driver's license is an important milestone in a teen's life, it can provide untold frustration and worry for parents.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute both advise that concerned parents can go a long way in protecting their teen driver by choosing a safe vehicle.

Avoid vehicles that encourage reckless driving. Teen drivers not only lack the experience, but may also lack maturity. Sporty or flashy cars encourage speeding and reckless behavior.

Choose a stable vehicle. Sport utility vehicles, especially the smaller ones, are inherently less stable than cars because of their higher center of gravity.

Pick a vehicle with good crash protection. Teenagers should drive vehicles offering state of the art protection. Crash statistics can be found at several Web sites, such as http://nhtsa.dot.gov.

Don't choose a small vehicle. While economical, small vehicles offer much less protection in crashes than larger ones.

With spring and summer plans for travel fast approaching, there are a couple of rules we need to address about your automobile coverage. Your auto insurance policy provides coverage in the United States; its territories and possessions; and Canada.

When you travel to our northern neighbor all you will need is a special Canadian non-resident insurance card. Canadian law requires you carry this with you all at times when operating a motor vehicle on Canadian highways.

Because Mexico does not fall into the territorial definition of your auto policy, things get a little more complicated. When crossing the border into Mexico, you must have insurance coverage written by a Mexican agency. Any other insurance will not be recognized.