Don't Let A Sinking Ship Ruin Your Vacation

The scenes of the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia running aground and capsizing off the Tuscan coast were hard to believe. Thankfully there were not more fatalities and with a passenger load of 4,600 that is a no small miracle. Many of the survivors were left without personal belongings, identification, money, etc. Getting back home much less recouping the cost of their vacation and travel will be difficult for most unless they have a good travel insurance policy.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Travel Insurance:

Protect Your Identity

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.  The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.

Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record.  Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.

Contact a representative at C.H. Edwards to help you understand why Identity Theft Insurance is an important addition to your current insurance.  Please click on our video below.

Identity Theft Video

How To Drive Distraction Free

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drivers are distracted by secondary activities 30% of the time while driving. Whether eating, smoking, drinking, talking, or fiddling with any of the dozens of electronic gadgets in the car, this behavior can be dangerous.

Get Anything Nice for Christmas? Insure it

If Santa left a new TV, video game system or other pricey gift under your Christmas tree this year, you may need to update your home or renters insurance coverage.

The electronics salesman at Wal-Mart or Best Buy will tell you every single detail about the new Toshiba big-screen lightning-fast laptop, but he won't tell you that you probably don't have enough insurance to replace it if it's damaged or stolen.

Is Someone Trying to Collect from Your Car Insurance by Staging a Car Accident?

If you become a victim of car insurance fraud, you pay. Not only will you pay higher premiums because you may acquire a costly claim, but, as with any car accident, you and your family could pay with your lives. It is important to learn more about fraud protection so you can protect yourself from others who may choose you to be a part of their next car insurance accident fraud scam.

Don't Forget Your Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Don't Forget Your Carbon Monoxide Alarms

More than 400 people are killed each year in the United States from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The American Medical Association reports that carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.

Why Every Policyholder Needs Umbrella Insurance

Today, lawsuits are everywhere. Lawyers are awarding larger amounts of money than ever. New York Homeowners, auto, and watercraft policies have a limit on liability insurance. If an unfortunate accident should happen that is your fault, do you have enough liability insurance from your current policies to cover your costs for negligence? Since no one can predict how much a judge may award the injured person, umbrella insurance is not just for the wealthy anymore, but a needed protection for every policyholder.

Insure Your Boat In and Out of the Water

Millions of Americans take to the water each year during boating season, traveling the coastlines, rivers, lakes and canals all over the country. The watercraft range from simple rowboats to jet skis to small motorboats to luxury yachts. Boat owners spend significant amounts of money buying and maintaining their boats.

Shun Those Cell Phones While Driving

More than 20 percent of injury crashes in the United States involve reports of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of those killed in distracted-driving related accidents, 18 percent involved the usage of a cell phone. Another study indicates that using a cell phone while driving, whether it is a hand-held or hands-free device, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

A Growing Threat—Roots and Sewer Lines

Ever drive down the street and see a front yard with a trench that looks like someone is dredging a channel from the front door to the street? While a select few may be installing an expensive irrigation system, most are having the sewer line replaced. This line consists of a pipe that runs from the home to the mainline under the street. The lucky among them have undertaken this project on the advice of a proactive plumber who warned of the consequences of backup or leakage due to cracked or clogged pipes. The unfortunate majority have already experienced those consequences.

Should You Raise Your Minimum Car Insurance Liability Limits?

First, What is the Purpose of Your Car Liability Insurance?  Liability car insurance is one part of your car insurance policy. It is meant to protect you if you are found liable or responsible for something. Take for instance you damage someone's car in the parking lot when opening your door. Your car liability insurance will cover the damage to their car.

Physical Hazards In The Home

Accident Anytime-Cleaning Projects

Physical hazards in the home are also a large part of emergency room visits and New York homeowners insurance dollars that are greatly preventable by a small amount of prevention efforts. Take some time to do this Physical Hazards Home Accident Anytime-Cleaning Project to make your home safer: