WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT INSURING JEWELRY:

You may need to purchase additional coverage. Your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry only up to set amounts. If the cost of replacing your jewelry exceeds that limit, you will want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage. You can check your policy or give us a call at 610-355-9400.

Do you need an appraisal? You may need to have an independent appraisal if the insurance company requires it or if you don’t know the value of your jewelry. Each item should be listed with a description and value on paper.

What kind of coverage is offered? You’ll want to determine if items are covered no matter where they are, whether they’re in Pennsylvania, or on an international trip, and if the policy offers full replacement cost. 

Pictures can be helpful. Lost or stolen pieces of jewelry sometimes can be recreated if the jeweler has a good photograph to work from.

Is the value of your jewelry mainly sentimental? Is an item irreplaceable? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes,” you might consider foregoing insurance. But please, talk to us at 610-355-9400 before making that decision. That’s what we’re here for.

• Dress appropriately. To protect yourself from debris when using lawn tools, wear eye protection, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, close-fitting clothes and no jewelry. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and ear plugs may be appropriate depending on how loud the device is.

• Before starting, remove objects from your work area that could cause injury or damage, such as sticks, glass or stones.

• Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Never let a child ride or operate a garden tractor or riding mower, even if the child is supervised. And never assume children will remain where you last saw them.
Use extreme caution when backing up or approaching corners, shrubs and trees.

• Teenagers using power equipment should always be supervised by an adult.

• Handle gasoline carefully. Never fill tanks while machinery is on or when equipment is still hot. Of course, you should never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline or any gasoline-powered equipment.

• Do not work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

• Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.

From all of us at McKeighan Insurance Agency, here’s to keeping both you and your lawn healthy this summer!
Call us at 610-355-9400 or email bmckeighan@mckeighaninsurance.com for more information.

Content provided by: Safeco Insurance

Pennsylvania’s new anti-texting while driving law effective 12:01 a.m. today, prohibiting any text-based communication while driving.  The law makes texting while driving a primary offense that carries a $50 fine, plus costs, totaling about $135.50.

• The law prohibits as a primary offense any driver from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion.
• Defines an IWCD as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices that can be used for texting, instant messaging, emailing or browsing the Internet.
• Defines a text-based communication as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an IWCD.

 The  Department of Transportation stated that in 2010 there were nearly 14,000 crashes in the state where distracted driving played a role, with 68 fatalities.

With Snapshot, Progressive’s usage based insurance program, you could turn your good driving into huge savings of up to 30 percent on your car insurance.

Here’s how the Snapshot  program works:

You can enroll for Snapshot when you buy your Progressive car insurance policy from the McKeighan Insurance Agency.

We’ll mail your Snapshot device to you, along with details on where to plug it into your car. Plug the device into your car. Drive as you normally do.

For the next 30 days, you’ll keep track of your good driving habits with Snapshot.

You can log in to your Progressive policy anytime to see your projected Snapshot discount.

You can only save money with Snapshot and your rate won’t go up, but if at any point, you decide Snapshot isn’t right for you, just call us and then send back your device.

To:  8 Smedley Lane 1st Floor Newtown Square, Pa. 19073

610-355-9400   mckeighaninsurance.com 

      STOP BY, CALL OR EMAIL US FOR ANY OF YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS!

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

• Wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet. In Pennsylvania you must wear a helmet unless you are at least the age of 21 and have had a valid motorcycle license for not less than 2 calendar years.

• Enroll in a Motor Cycle Safety Course provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

• Make sure your motorcycle is current with state inspection and do a pre-ride inspection yourself.

• It is important to be seen so wear bright reflective clothing.

• Never drink and drive and always obey the speed limit.

• Be safe and know how to handle your motorcycle in all road conditions.

• Know your local weather forecast before you ride as bad weather can increase poor road conditions very quickly.

• Never assume that you are being seen by vehicles nearby.

• Make sure your motorcycle insurance is up to date.

Take  the time to “case” your house or apartment, just as a burglar  would. Where is the easiest entry? How can you make it more  burglar-resistant?

1. Trim trees and shrubs near doors and windows, and think carefully before installing a high, wooden fence around your back yard. High fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, but can also be an asset to a burglar. Consider trading a little extra privacy for a bit of added security.
2. Force  any would-be burglar to confront a real enemy-light. Exterior lights and motion detectors, mounted out of easy reach, can reduce the darkness a burglar finds comforting.
3. Simple  security devices-nails, screws, padlocks, door and window locks, grates,  bars and bolts can increase the amount of time it takes to break into your  home.
4. Invest  in a burglar alarm. The most effective ones also ring at an outside
   service.

Simple Security Steps

Doors

Make sure you have strong doors. Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood, and at least 13/4 inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong material, and each door must fit its frame securely. Even the most efficient lock, if it is placed in a weak door, will not keep out a determined burglar.

A peephole or a wide-angle viewer in the door is safer for identifying visitors than a door chain.

Sliding glass doors present a special problem because they are easy to open, but you have these doors, you can find special locks for them. A broomstick in the door channel can also help, but cannot be depended on.

Locks

Deadbolt locks are best. They usually are locked with a key from the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. The cylinder (where the key is inserted) should be pick-resistant. Ask your hardware dealer for a reputable brand or buy your locks from a locksmith.

Windows

Key locks are available for all types of windows. Double-hung windows can be secured simply by “pinning” the upper and lower frames together with a nail, which can be removed from the inside.

For windows at street level or on fire escapes, consider installing metal accordion gates.

Source:
Insurance Information Institute; www.iii.org

For more security tip information or if you have any questions concerning your current insurance coverages please feel free to call me at 610-355-9400 or email me at bmckeighan@mckeighaninsurance.com

Bob McKeighan

Vacation tips
1. Leave blinds open in their usual position.
2. Have mail and packages picked up, forwarded or held by the post office.
3. Lower the sound of your telephone ringer and answering machine so they can’t be heard outside.
4. Arrange to have your lawn mowed in summer and your walk and driveway shoveled in winter.
5. Stop newspaper deliveries.
6. Ask a friend to pick-up “throw-away” newspapers and circulars.
7. Use automatic timers to turn lights on and off in various parts of the house at appropriate times. Consider connecting a radio to a timer.
8. Tell police and dependable neighbors when you plan to be away and join with your neighbors to keep a close watch on what’s happening in your area-working closely with them is a good way to prevent crime.

Source:
Insurance Information Institute; www.iii.org

For more vacation tip information or if you have any questions concerning your current insurance coverages please feel free to call me at 610-355-9400 or email me at bmckeighan@mckeighaninsurance.com

Bob McKeighan

• Maintain secure fencing and a locked entrance around the pool and deck area to prevent access when adequate supervision is  not available.
• Swimming lessons for children are inexpensive and available at many places including YMCAs, private swim clubs and even at some health clubs.
• Make sure there is adequate lifesaving equipment in the pool area, including life preservers and a rescue hook.
• Keep chemicals safely stored away from the pool area. Follow all storage and usage instructions recommended by the manufacturer.
• Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Adult supervision is a must.
• Inspect the liner periodically. Rips and tears can appear undetected at the top of the lining.
• Check for signs of wear and tear in areas where pipes or other items may have penetrated the liner (e.g., skimmers, hoses, etc.).
• For above ground pools, check metal supports for rust or deterioration. These may indicate areas where the pool could rupture or a person could be injured.
• Check the deck for safety hazards (e.g., protruding nails, loose boards, etc.).
• Keep your pool maintained and seasonably prepped. Be sure to lower the water level and keep the pool covered in the winter months.
• Install an audible pool alarm to alert you if someone falls into the pool while it is unattended.
• Set and enforce safety rules with your children, ex: no running on the deck or rough play.