Monday, February 14, 2011

What You Should Know About...Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance is a term that is used to describe an insurance policy that will help pay for an array of services that are available to people with prolonged illnesses, disabilities or cognitive disorders. LTC services include health, medical, personal care, and social services.

click here for a link to the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance's website with a very comprehensive overview of long term care. If you are in need of a Long Term Care insurance policy for you or a family member, give Eastern Insurors a call and we can walk you through the "In's & outs" of Long term Care Insurance. 888.269.3203 or info@insurance-nj.com

Cell phone safety—driving home


These days everyone has a cell phone, but not everyone knows, or maybe cares to follow the NJ cell phone laws. More and more New Jersey auto insurance claims are related to an inattentive driver on a cell phone. Following are a few helpful tips to keep in mind while you are driving.

1. New Jersey prohibits the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway or road. Violators charged for using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle will be fined $100. Also, school bus drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving a school bus, except in emergency situations. A driver in violation shall be fined not less than $250, or more than $500. Hands-free cell phones, however, are permitted. Drivers under 21 are prohibited from using hands-free phones on a graduated license permit or provisional license, except in an emergency situation.

2. New Jersey prohibits the use of cell phones or electronic communication devices used to transmit text messages or electronic data while driving. Violators charged for using a cell phone or electronic communication device while driving will be fined $100. Hands-free cell phones and electronic communication devices, however, are permitted.

3.Be sure you review all the literature that comes with your phone. Understand how to use its many features—including speed dial, re-dial and hands-free options.

4. If you find yourself in hazardous-driving conditions—whether traffic or weather related, let your voicemail system pick up the call. A few minutes of paying attention, and pulling over in a safe location, could make a huge difference in your safety and the safety of those around you.

5. Don’t use driving time to engage in stressful or emotional conversations. They can distract you from driving safely and sensibly, even if you are using a hands-free phone.

Cell phones can be an invaluable business tool or your lifeline in a real emergency. But, remember, when you’re behind the wheel, your most important responsibility is safe driving. This safety message brought to you by Eastern Insurors - 888-269-3203 or info@insurance-nj.com

Thursday, February 10, 2011

What is going to happen when all this snow melts?

Eventually, all this snow that has been on the ground since late December is going to melt. Then it will get interesting around these parts. Not only will we be faced with a lot of leaky roofs, there will be an excess of surface water that will unfortunately find it's way into many of our basements.

The $64,000 question is "will my NJ Homeowners policy cover the water damage I may incur?" Unfortunately, there is not a broad-brush answer for everyone. A lot depends on what type of Homeowners coverage you have. Bill Wilson (bill.wilson@iiaba.net) the director of the Big “I” Virtual University, recently provided a great article on the subject that you can read online.

As Mr. Wison points out the traditional NJ Homeowners policy excludes water damage from ground surface water. It also excludes damage from Flood waters as well. Your policy has to be properly endorsed to provide protection from damage occurring from surface waters. Additionally, a Flood policy will only provide protection from tidal surge damage.

You can check to see if your New Jersey Homeowners insurance policy is up to date with a free review from Eastern Insurors. Eastern Insurors can save you money with competitive NJ insurance rates. An independent insurance agent like Eastern Insurors can help you determine the price, coverage and service that best meets your needs. Visit our website, call us at 800.269.3203 or email us at info@insurance-nj.com for a free, no-obligation insurance review with premiums from over 15 insurance companies.

Here are six tips for feeling safe and sane on the road

Hopefully the nice weather is right around the corner! If you are like me your cabin fever has kicked into high gear and you are ready to hit the road for a nice trip. Following are some great tips for any car trip you are planning from roadtripamerica.com

1. Don't advertise your travels. Avoid leaving road maps in plain sight inside your parked car; instead, try to look like a local, even if your license plate isn't. If your vehicle is laden with luggage, and especially if you have gear stowed on the roof, park where you can see it from a restaurant or store. At night, take everything that is in plain view with you into your motel room.

2. Look like you know where you're going. When sightseeing, avoid standing on street corners wearing a befuddled expression while staring at a guidebook or map. Get a few bearings before you venture out of the car.

3. Get an upstairs room. At roadside motels, consider getting a room on the second floor so you can scan the parking lot before heading down to your car. (Personally, I prefer first-floor rooms, so I don't have to lug my gear up the stairs.)

4. Consider the refund policy. If you stop at an inexpensive mom and pop motel, and there is a sign at the check-in counter that says, "No Refunds for Early Check-Out," consider moving on. I speak from experience when I say that is likely that the establishment has some unsavory condition that you won't detect until you're covered with bug bites or awakened in the night by noises too loud to ignore. At the very least, ask to see the room before you pay.

5. Use the truck stops. Travel and truck centers are some of the safest places to stop and rest. They have 24-hour security and professional drivers who are used to staying aware and protective of their vehicles. The only drawback is that they aren't very quiet. You'll have to get used to the "big-rig lullaby," because most drivers leave their engines running even when parked for the night.

6. Chat up the locals. Get local information whenever you can. Coffee shops, hair salons and taverns are all good places to chat casually with residents. Also pick up a local paper or watch the local television news. Being aware of local current events will not only help you have more fun, it can also keep you safe.

You can participate in the Great American RoadTrip Forum before you leave town to gain a local's perspective about the places you will be driving through. Road trips are meant to be adventurous and fun. Channel the energy you're spending on that worst-case scenario into some sensible precautions, and you will have a safe, sane and enjoyable trip.

One last item to check before you leave is your NJ Personal Auto insurance policy. At Eastern Insurors, you can check to see if your New jersey car insurance is up to date with a free review from Eastern Insurors. Eastern Insurors can save you money with competitive NJ insurance rates. An independent insurance agent like Eastern Insurors can help you determine the price, coverage and service that best meets your needs. Visit our website for an instant quote with just a few of our companies, call us at 800.269.3203 or email us at info@insurance-nj.com for a free, no-obligation insurance review with premiums from over 15 insurance companies.

Hi - We are back to blogging


Yes.....we are back. After a forced hiatus(thanks to wordpress) from blogging we are back in business. For those of you that followed our defunct wordpress blog, we hope to provide you with the same interesting and informative insurance news that we have in the past. Stay tuned...