Dowd Insurance

According to NBC News, about 340 children have died from being left unattended in a vehicle in the last 10 years. Such tragedy does not have to happen; it can be avoided. Here are some suggestions you might want to incorporate into your daily routine if you have small children in your car.

- Put something you’ll need like your cell phone, handbag, lunch, or briefcase on the floor in the back seat.

- Get into the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination.

- Ask your child’s day care provider to phone you if your child doesn’t show up when expected. Many children’s lives could have been saved by a telephone call. Give childcare providers all phone numbers, including those of family members or friends.

- If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.

- Keep a large teddy bear in the child’s car seat when it’s not occupied.

When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear in the front passenger seat.

Remember that driving a car is the single most dangerous thing we do each day. Always be sure to use an age-appropriate car seat when you have a small child in the car.

And, although flying on a scheduled airliner is certainly safer than riding in a car, don’t forget the car seat if you are flying with your little one.

If you’re like most Americans, your home is your largest investment, so you know how important it is to protect it. You probably take safety precautions and have insurance that will cover you in case of a loss.

But are you fully protected? Chances are, no. You probably are running the risk of having to pay money out of pocket to rebuild your home after a loss, to replace stolen items or to settle a liability lawsuit.

Consider the following questions to determine if you are, like most homeowners, underinsured.

It’s Valentine’s Day, and thoughts of people everywhere turn to … jewelry.

About one of four Americans buys jewelry, spending $2,000 per year on average, and industry experts expect jewelry sales to grow by at least 5% annually through 2025. Those who don’t buy shiny things for Valentine’s Day may prefer other types of valuables, such as electronics, artwork, antiques, wine and furs. All totaled, Valentine’s Day gifts will tally approximately $17 billion of retail sales in 2008.

Whatever the purchase, American consumers should take steps to safeguard and insure their valuables. Homeowners insurance generally covers valuable and precious items such as jewelry, but they usually have limits.  more….

Boating season will be here before you know it.  Learn how to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities while boating.  Review safety tips, news, recalls, defects and laws and regulations you should know.  Click here to access the US Coast Guards Official site.

Taking a trip soon and wondering what is aceptable to pack and what isn’t?  The Transportation Security Adminstration (TSA) provides answers all of your questions on what is permitted and prohibited.  They also offer tips to make your screening experience hassle free.  Just follow their guidelines and have a safe trip!

One of the most important insurance policies you can buy is the personal umbrella policy, but many people are unaware they need one. This policy provides high limits of liability to protect you against a catastrophic liability loss. For example, a major car accident may injure numerous people or cause head injuries or death that will result in liability far in excess of the limits typically purchased in a personal auto policy. An umbrella policy sits on top of the auto and homeowners policies to provide higher limits of protection. In addition to providing higher limits, this policy normally pays for some losses not covered by the underlying policy, such as legitimate allegations concerning libel or slander.

Personal umbrella policies are growing in popularity. In the past, only wealthy individuals and families purchased this coverage. Today, middle-income families also may procure this policy for protection in our society’s increasingly litigious climate. As the tendency to sue for damages rises and awards granted by the courts grow, the personal umbrella policy is increasingly seen as an insurance necessity rather than a luxury. It is especially attractive because of its relatively low cost.

In particular, you should consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy if you have certain characteristics or engage in certain activities, including the following.

* Your total assets are greater than your underlying liability limits.
* You are financially responsible for the actions of a young, inexperienced driver.
* You live in an exclusive and affluent neighborhood.
* You have a high profile career or high income.
* You frequently host guests on your property.
* Your residence includes a swimming pool.
* You own waterfront property, a farm, or a ranch.
* You own watercraft, aircraft, or off-road vehicles.
* You own numerous rental properties.
* You engage in extensive international travel for pleasure.

Have you ever wondered what it would cost you if you were stopped for drunk driving?  There are many expenses, some that you might not have considered.  A copy of a brochure that has been developed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts itemizes the cost associated with a DWI offense.  For the sobering facts click here. 

Melanie’s Bill was signed into effect on October 28, 2005. It significantly increases penalities for impaired driving offenses in Massachusetts, especially those involving repeat drunk drivers.

As a college student, your child may be vulnerable to identity theft because of the availability of personal information and the way many students handle this data. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners helps you understand identity theft, and the steps you can take to help ensure your college student does not become a victim.

Buying flood insurance can provide protection and peace of mind. Flooding is one of the most common natural hazards in the United States. State and federal officials want to ensure that all are aware of the benefits of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  To see some common myths and misconceptions about flood insurance, click here.

FEMA for Kids is presented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Go to http://www.fema.gov/ and click on Kids. Meet Herman the spokescrab and tag along on his search for a disaster-proof shell.  You’ll also meet Julia and Robbie, the Disaster Twins. Wherever these two go, trouble is sure to follow.  Watch brother and sister get into - and out of - all sorts of close calls, learning along the way how to be better prepared, or how to avoid danger altogether. 

The Web site shows disasters come in many shapes and sizes. Some are predictable — like a hurricane. Some, like a tornado, can surprise us. Leaning about the different kinds of disasters will help us all be better prepared. Learn the best way to keep safe, and keep your family and pets safe, as you do what you like to do best - have fun!