Health Insurance Enrollment Process

June 7-13 is Tire Safety Month, an event organized by the Association rubber manufacturers to promote safety and awareness to good maintenance and care. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 0 deaths and 33,000 injuries a year are caused by under-inflated tires. And besides being a safety hazard, poorly inflated tires also reduce fuel consumption of a car. Consumer Reports offers advice on tire maintenance.
The conventional wisdom has been to use a penny to measure the tread for safety, but Consumer Reports notes that based on driving performance in a battery of tests, using one quarter would be a more reliable indicator

"It has long been the standard tires are worn out when their tread depth reaches 1/16 inch (or 2/32 inch as found on standard tread depth gauges). the best way to measure if you do not have a gauge, was to hold a penny upside down in the tread. If the top of Lincoln's head was visible , you need new tires. See the results of bad weather tests includes used tires.
But CR's tests show that the use of a penny is too stingy and that most consumers should consider replacing their tires when the tread reaches 1/8 inch. "

Tire of the rack experts, an independent tire tester, suggest that the measurement of the tread through the fourth method can improve the braking distance up to 24 per cent.. See a quick tutorial to use coins to measure the depth of the tire
in addition to maintaining proper tire pressure and tread, age of tires can be a safety factor - rubber breaks down over time. many security experts suggest replacing tires that are over 5 years to avoid the risk of a blowout or tread separation.

Plymouth Rock Assurance has a blog of consumer information that provides advice on driving safely, save money, and understanding of auto insurance. They recently featured posts on the value of independent agents regarding the purchase of auto insurance. We could not say better! Here are links to their posts, with excerpts highlighting some points that we consider important
The value of independent auto insurance agents -. Part 1
(excerpt)

Independent agents are local companies located in the community where life insurance buyers and work. Independent insurance agents offer the convenience of a one stop shop for a full range of insurance - auto, home, boat, business, life and disability - as they usually represent several insurance companies and products
independent insurance agents also bring. the wealth of knowledge, experience and resources useful in selecting the right level of insurance to the individual needs of each client. They are permitted under the rules set by the state (s) in which they do business, and are required to complete continuing education courses to keep their knowledge of industry trends and regulations.

The value of the Independent Agents Auto Insurance - Part 2
(excerpt)

an independent insurance agent has a broader perspective on the market insurance in a local area. He or she can provide useful guidance on a policy of reductions applicable to a given situation, with unique service programs that can save time or money, for additional savings by combining more than one type of insurance (auto and home, for example) with a single company. Independent insurance agents not only help to shop, but also provide valuable tips to help make a more informed decision.
In addition, the most independent insurance agents provide services that online companies are not as free paperwork and processing fees with your Motor Vehicle Department of State. They also provide a review of the annual coverage and personal assistance in the event of accident or claim. An independent insurance agent can advocate for the consumer so that an insurance company can not, for example by facilitating the settlement of a claim or acting on behalf of the consumer to resolve a problem with an insurer.

If you live in Massachusetts and you own a scooter, rules game change on July 31. Currently, many owners of 50cc scooters - such as some brands of Vespas and Hondas - were recorded these vehicles as mopeds, which only requires a sticker. But under the new law, "limited use" of vehicles that can reach 30 to 40 miles per hour must now wear number plates and the owners will be required to deliver. Mopeds which do not reach a speed of 30 miles per hour are not to be plated. The state also defines another category of "low speed" of vehicles which run between 20 and 25 mph.
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles provides more information about the new law and the distinction between mopeds, "low speed" and "limited use" vehicles. If you are not sure about the insurance requirements, call your local agent.
The new law takes many scooter owners by surprise. In addition to insurance and registration requirements, there was another side effect to the controversial law - because vehicles with plates can not park on sidewalks, scooter users were at risk of losing their Special status of free parking, a key benefit for commuters. At least for now, the city of Boston has agreed that the parking ban on the sidewalk will not be applied unless scooters blocking disabled access or otherwise parked obtrusively.

Pop Quiz: Which car do you think was the most stolen car in 08? The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has published its list of 10 vehicles stolen in 08. You can also discover the 10 most stolen vehicles in the state. If you think you have an older car is no protection, think again - older models are popular for their parts. Additionally, the new models become harder to steal because they are more likely to be equipped with anti-theft devices.
The good news is that auto theft is continuing its downward trend of 5 years, with 08 being the lowest annual total in. over 20 years
To avoid theft, NICB recommends four layers of protection:
Common Sense :. Lock your car and take your keys
Warning Device : Having and using a visible or audible warning device
immobilizer : .. switches "kill "the fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective
Monitoring Device :. a tracking device that emits a police signal or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen is very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles
View or download a brochure with more tips on how to reduce your chances of auto theft.

- Because it is Life Insurance Awareness Month, we thought we could offer some tools for you to evaluate your risk of death imminent. We mixed the serious with the silly to lighten things up a bit

Calculator risk of heart disease. - Estimate your chances of a cardiac event, die of heart disease, and your overall chance of dying in the next 10 years.

you are likely to die from a shark attack? Compare the relative risk of shark attacks on humans to various other risks

Life Expectancy Table -. Find your age and your gender to learn the additional number of years you can expect to live. A note indicates that half of individuals can expect to live beyond their life expectancy and a half will not live to that age.

The death clock is as "friendly reminder of the Internet that life escapes him ... second by second. ". Enter your date of birth, gender, and smoking bmi You can choose from your results on a scale of" sadistic "to" optimistic "- or just". Normal "

Wayne Wiersma Wiersma of Insurance has found a fascinating video clip that demonstrates how road safety has come in the last 50 years. The test was sponsored by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the organization. The test compares crashworthiness then and now: a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air and 09 Chevrolet Malibu in frontal offset crash test 40 mph. Video and photos of the original accident can be found at the birthday page IIHS, and we found another clip with comments of Consumer Reports .

See how your vehicle would succeed
Use Reports of the accident consumer test selector to see how your make and model succeed with IIHS crash test videos .
more on vehicle ratings, research in automotive safety, laws and regulations and to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute site. Both are independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organizations dedicated to reducing the losses - deaths, injuries and property damage -. Collisions on the nation's roads

If you've been putting off winterizing your home, you may have awakened a reminder season this morning. Looking out the window this mid-October day, it is rare to see snow fall here in Massachusetts center - as in other parts of the East Coast. If you want a taste of what the season may hold in store, check meteorologist Chief AccuWeather.comcom and winter weather Range Forecaster Joe Bastardi Long 09-2010.
In this post we have collected a variety of links and resources to help you in planning for winterizing your home.

Now is the time to Winterize your home
Before winter storms and extreme cold - FEMA Tips for preparing your home and your car for severe weather
How to Winterize your car
Homewizard - free service for you help save energy costs, improve safety and extend the life of your home and appliances. You can sign up for monthly reminders of various household maintenance tasks that you should be planning, or see the library maintenance email.
Energy Money Saving Tips
20 free ways to save energy
Ways cheap to stay warm this winter
How weatherstripping your windows - (video)
Winter emergency Kits
emergency Kit Car
supplies in case of basic disaster
family 72-hour emergency kit