InsTrust

Back to School: Prepare Your Teen for the Road

Admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:01:53 +0000

Back to School: Prepare Your Teen for the Road to ensure their safety when they are behind the wheel of a car.

(NewsUSA) - As the summer comes to an end, teens prepare to get back to the classroom — and the road. If your young driver is ready to buy their first used vehicle, you’ll need to do your research. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers some tips that will not only help you in the process of buying a good used vehicle, but will also help keep that vehicle running newer, longer:

When shopping for a used car:

* Make The Investment.

Many problems with vehicles aren’t obvious. Have your teen take the vehicle to a trusted automotive technician for a thorough inspection. A small investment upfront could mean big savings down the road if it prevents you from buying a vehicle with serious mechanical problems.

* Check The Internet.

Your teen can use a vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to search for its history online. It’s a good way to check for odometer fraud and to find out if the car has ever been damaged in an accident.

* Trust Your Senses.

Check for evidence of flood damage, which might include a musty smell, water stains, dried mud, mildew or mold inside the car. Check for stains on the carpet under the dashboard, which can indicate heater core or air conditioner leakage.

After purchasing your used vehicle:

* Change The Engine Oil.

Early on, your teen should get in the habit of changing the oil according to the vehicle owner’s manual, usually every three months or 3,000 miles. Prolonged driving without an oil change may cause severe engine damage, which can be very costly to repair.

* Maintain Your Tires.

Teach your teen to check the tire inflation pressure every month. Tires should be properly balanced and rotated according to the maintenance schedule. The alignment should be checked at least once a year. Properly maintained tires are safer and longer lasting, and can increase gas mileage up to 3 percent,

* Check The Vehicle’s Fluid Levels.

Have your automotive technician show you and your teen how to check the transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant to make sure they’re properly filled. Also have your automotive technician check your vehicle’s brake fluid level and condition regularly.

Source

Used Car Buying Tips

Admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:59:25 +0000

Read some great used car buying tips and find out what you should be looking for when you inspect the used car you would like to buy. It is always a smart move to ask about a Carfax vehicle report to make sure you are getting a bargain.

(NAPSI)-About half of all used cars purchased in a year are bought during the few summer months.

To stay on the road to safety and savings, there are a few facts you need to know first when it comes to buying a used car.

• Paperwork.

Have the seller provide as much documentation as possible, including registration and title documents, service receipts and proof of insurance.

• Odometer Rollbacks.

Digital odometers can be easier to tamper with, and the tampering harder to detect. Make sure the wear and tear on the inside and outside of the car matches what the mileage reading says.

• Flood Damage.

More than half of the cars damaged by floods get cleaned up and returned to the road.

• Curbstoners.

Illegal dealers posing as private sellers sell lots of cars either on the side of the road or through classified ads. Many of the cars have hidden problems and the seller typically disappears after the sale.

• Open Recalls.

Estimates are that 30 percent of all recalled cars go unfixed. Check for open recalls at www.carfax.com/recall and get more details about a specific recall at www.safercar.gov. Franchise dealers will fix open recalls at no cost.

• Certified Pre-Owned (CPO).

Perhaps the best value for many used-car shoppers, certified cars are the closest thing to new cars at used-car prices. Most manufacturer programs, such as those from Honda, GM and Toyota, include a rigorous mechanical inspection and a free Carfax Vehicle History Report with every CPO vehicle.

• Cars Sold Online.

Sites such as AutoTrader.com and Cars.com let you expand your search area and compare vehicles to find the best deal. Use discretion when buying from online classifieds and auction sites.

• Inspection.

An inspection by a mechanic or body shop and a Carfax Report is your best one-two punch to find the right used car and avoid costly hidden problems. Shop at reputable dealerships and say, “Show me the Carfax.”

Source

Are all oil changes created equal?

Admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:56:56 +0000

(NC)—As more consumers make the decision to keep their car for the long haul, it’s important they stay on top of scheduled maintenance – most importantly, routine oil changes.

While oil changes every 4,827 kilometers have been both the rule of thumb and subject of debate, it’s crucial consumers consult their owner’s manual and adhere to an oil change regimen, as it can be the difference between spending a little money over time, and having to buy a new car.

So where does the unknowing consumer go for an oil change, what type of oil should they use and do they need a new filter? From Quick Lube to local dealers to auto repair shops, there’s an array of options available.

The main point to keep in mind is choosing an oil change service provider that will take the time – typically more than 10 minutes – to drain the old oil and replace it with new, and check the oil filter and replace it if necessary. A reputable service provider will use the correct oil that’s compatible with your vehicle, however some will use oil that is the cheapest, not necessarily the best for your car. A good shop, regardless of whether it’s a dealership or a quick lube, will let you know the oil they are going to use, so you know it’s the proper oil for your car.

Not sure if you’re in need of a new filter, or which one to use? “First check your owner’s manual, as it will let you know the appropriate time intervals to change the filter,” said Megan Currie, marketing manager for Honeywell Consumer Products Group. “If it’s time for a new filter, select one that features at least 95 percent dirt trapping efficiency, such as the Fram Extra Guard, which offers three times the engine protection of the average of leading economy filters.

Engine protection is the Fram measure of a filters’ ability to not just trap dirt but to hold it for the life of the filter.” It’s also important that consumers are aware that new vehicle warranties remain in effect when Fram filters are installed according to directions on Fram filter packaging and replaced at least as often as vehicle manufacturer’s recommended change intervals.

More information on this topic can be found at your local oil change service provider and online at www.fram.com.

Source * Based on Honeywell testing of filter efficiency and capacity of models equivalent to PH8A, 3387A and 6607 under ISO 4548-12 for particles > 20 mcirons.

Creating a Facebook Page for your Agency

Admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:54:02 +0000

Give your agency the edge with these tips on how to start a Facebook page for your agency and gather a following– it’s easier than you think!

iPhone App iWrecked New Tool for Your Roadside Safety Kit

Admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 06:53:19 +0000

There are so many apps on the market that even the really valuable ones can get lost in the hub bub. But, in the case of the app iWrecked, released in 2008, it’s actually in your best interest because now it’s improved, and best of all, free!

iWrecked allows you to easily record all of the details of the accident, such as the other driver’s information, the police report number, witness accounts– and prompts you for the details that you are likely to forget as you’re dealing with the situation. You can also take photos and record it on your own personal accident report.

Once you record all of the pertinent information, the app will create a pdf that you can easily email to your insurance carrier or yourself. That will certainly expedite your claims process. It also has functionality to help you find a taxi and tow service while you’re waiting.

Of course you’re probably not scanning the app store for tools to help you in a car accident, but I recommend you do the responsible thing (egads! I know) and go ahead and download this tool for future use (knock on wood that you won’t need it!) and make sure that your teenagers have it installed too. What have you go to lose– it’s free! I know you’ll be glad you took advantage of this easy-to-use tool. Happy driving and safe travels!

Laughing Your Way Into Sales

Admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:51:35 +0000

Laughter increases sales. Okay, I have no scientific proof for this, but a recent study did find that laughter stimulates a dull appetite and even boosts the immune system.

How can this affect you and your agency’s sales? Think about being a client and walking into an agency where the agents are laughing and genuinely having a good time. While helping this client find affordable car insurance, in a professional manner of course, your laughing becomes contagious. Your client walks out not only saving money, but also feeling good and even healthier. You can be sure they will tell a friend about your agency that day, because you brought them a good laugh AND helped them save money.

So, in all seriousness, laugh while engaging your co-workers, clients and potential clients and watch your sales increase. Then let me know so that I can have some proof for my theory!

Social Media is Going Somewhere, But Not Away

Admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:51:15 +0000

“Social Media. For many insurance companies and producers, the term conjures confusion and skepticism. For a smaller but growing group, social media spells opportunity-to strengthen their brands, generate leads and retain more of their customers.”These are the opening lines to “Social Media-It Ain’t Goin’ Away” by Tom Wetzel (page 53) in Rough Notes Magazine’s March Issue. This is a great article, which you need to read. Wetzel not only talks about embracing social media, but he gives some practical steps about HOW a business, specifically an insurance business, can do this.

Wetzel says that “agency owners can no longer think of their corporate Web site as an electronic brochure” but as a “chain of shared connections of which social media is a critical part.” And the main way to do this is to jump in on the conversations that are happening on social media sites.

He ends by saying that “social media is not for the hard sell but, rather, for finding hundreds, even thousands, of new prospects, cultivating new and strengthening existing relationships, and building an online brand that can stand head and shoulders above your competitors.”

If you have questions about how to do this, just ask! Send an e-mail to marketing@instrustinsurance.com

5 Trends Reshaping the Way Insurance Agents Market Themselves Online

Admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:05:51 +0000

Insurance Agent Internet Marketing Systems, IAIMS, is hosting a webinar presenting 5 trends that are reshaping the way Insurance Agents market themselves online. The webinar will be held April 7 from noon to 1:00 PM EST.

The webinar will begin with a “State of the Online Union” address by Akarin Weatherford to give you the highlights of what is happening today on the internet and how it affects your agency. Attendees will get private download access to IAIMS marketing materials.

Space is limited, so Reserve your Webinar seat now!

System Requirements

PC-based attendees

Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000

Macintosh®-based attendees

Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Fan Pages to Undergo changes, Social Media Principles Remain Unchanged

Admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:22:53 +0000

According to a recent article by AdAge, Facebook Fan pages will undergo changes in the next few weeks. Basically, Fan Page owners will have “connections” instead of “fans” and Facebook users will “like” a Brand instead of “becoming a fan”. David Berkowitz, director of emerging media at AdAge says that “brands will still be able to communicate with opt-in users on a regular basis, but only users who have “liked” their page itself - not just one of their updates.”Right now this looks like it will be a big change. For Brands with Fan Pages, it is unclear how the changes will affect one’s Facebook and social media presence, but regardless of any frustrations or unmet expectations, the principles of using social media to engage your audience remains the same.

1. It’s not about you, not on social media at least. You have to continue to listen to those in your audience, connecting through conversations that might not be related directly to your product or service. Yes, this means you will have to develop your personality with those in your sphere. Results will come, but probably through other channels rather than this one. Social Media is about serving and connecting with people, not selling products or services directly.

2. Know your target audience Ok, so it is not about you, but that does not mean you are not focused or without strategy. You are trying to get to know persons that are in your target market. This is business. If you’re an independent insurance agent connecting with people who are not in your geographical area, it can be fun, but not very rewarding.

3. You’ve got to have fun. It’s simple. There are numerous stories of independent agents finding a renewed joy and love for their business simply because they decided to embrace new media and have fun with it. With sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and various others, the opportunities for you to be creative and have a personality are virtually endless. So go for it!

Texas A & M Student to pay $22 million because of Texting While Driving Accident

Admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:01:35 +0000

Texting while driving can have serious consequences. There have been studies conducted showing that texting while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, and as a result, States are passing legislation banning drivers from texting on the road. Unfortunately, drivers continue to text and, as a student from Texas A & M University found out, the consequences can be deadly and long-lasting.

According to an article in Insurance Journal, a jury ordered Reed Vestal to pay $22 million in damages after proving that he was texting while driving and caused a deadly wreck.

The accident occured November 2007 while the victim, Megan Small of Houston, was on her way to Waco, Tx. Megan Small was a senior at Baylor University. According to what the investigation indicated, Vestal sent and received 15 text messages and made seven calls in the 45 minutes before the wreck. Vestal’s vehicle crossed the centerline and struck Small’s vehicle head-on near Calvert, Tx.

Small’s family will share the damages with her friend, Laura Gleffe, who was driving another car that rolled into the crash. Small family attorney says that Vestal declared bankruptcy prior to the civil trial in Franklin, Tx.

It is a very sad story, but we can and need to learn from it. In a culture where speed and constant communication is valued, waiting until you finished driving to text can be the difference between life and death