Saturday, June 21, 2008

Outstanding Loudoun Insurance - Allstate Regional Champion's Award

Allstate Loudoun Insurance Award!

Khalid Umerani of Chantilly (Fairfax County and Loudoun County Insurance) has been recognized by Allstate Insurance Company for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention and financial service sales. Umerani has achieved the distinctive Allstate Regional Champion's award, which is Allstate's symbol of outstanding achievement. Khalid Umerani can be reached at 703-263-7800.

Dulles South - Loudoun Insurance Press Release

Labels:

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Endorsement or Separate Policy - What's the Best Way to Insure Your Motorcycle?

Endorsement or Separate Policy: What's the Best Way to Insure Your Motorcycle?

loudoun-motorcycle-insurance2
As the weather warms up, more and more riders will be hitting the streets with their motorcycles, here in South Riding 20152, Stone Ridge 20105 and Brambleton 20148. Whether you’re a weekend rider or a hardcore road warrior, you want to be sure your valuable bike is covered for any contingency.

As a motorcycle owner, you are faced with the decision of whether to insure your bike by adding an endorsement to your auto insurance policy, or by buying a separate policy. It’s important to understand the differences between the two so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. Remember, different insurance companies offer varied coverages and policy types, whether it's Fairfax or Loudoun County Insurance your'e obtaining!

An endorsement is a document that is added to a basic policy either at the time the policy is purchased, or during its term, which becomes part of the policy and increases the coverage provided by that policy. If you insure your motorcycle by adding an endorsement to your Fairfax or Loudoun auto insurance, you will only have one insurance bill to pay to cover both your car and your bike.

However, there are certain disadvantages to insuring your motorcycle this way. In most cases, you cannot customize your insurance with an endorsement. You are locked in to the same coverages, limits, and exceptions for your bike that apply to your car. That’s why it is important to discuss with your insurance agent what a motorcycle endorsement covers and how it's covered before you add it to your auto policy.

Your insurer may offer you the choice of purchasing separate coverage for your motorcycle. While motorcycle insurance does vary by state and insurance company, one thing remains the same; your driving history and credit score may impact your eligibility. Riding a motorcycle is a higher risk activity than driving a car; if you have a number of tickets or accidents on your driving record, you may be considered too high a risk for the insurance company to extend separate coverage.

If you qualify, there are certain advantages to having a separate policy. Because these policies are created specifically for motorcycles, they offer more coverage options. For example, a motorcycle policy allows you to choose higher liability limits than you have on your auto insurance.

One of the great things about owning a bike is the ability to personalize it, but many of these customizations aren’t covered unless you purchase a separate motorcycle policy. Typically, a basic motorcycle policy will extend coverage for custom parts and equipment up to a specific limit, such as $1,000. If your custom accessories or parts are worth more than the basic policy limit, it's a good idea to purchase additional coverage to cover those parts in case they're ever damaged. Also, be sure to ask for a list of the specific custom parts that are covered, and any exclusions that may apply.

Keep in mind that although you will be paying a separate premium for motorcycle insurance, you may qualify for discounts, here at NOVA Loudoun Insurance Group. Many insurers offer discounts for multi-motorcycle policies, mature drivers, and insuring both your auto and motorcycle with the same company. In some instances, you can receive a discount for attending safety training programs, or for becoming a certified motorcycle safety instructor.

Labels: , , , , , ,

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Understanding and Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Understanding and Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A chill is in the air, signaling that it's time to make preparations for winter. One preparation you should incorporate into your yearly routine is to check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector and make your home safe for the winter. http://www.south-riding-insurance.com/

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that is created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as gas, wood, propane, and oil. Carbon monoxide does damage by replacing oxygen in bloodstream, leading to suffocation. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary from flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness, to more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and unconsciousness. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in death.

The good news is that you can prevent carbon monoxide from ever becoming a threat to you and your family. Routine maintenance of your home heating and cooking sources, as well as vehicles and generators, can make the difference in your exposure to carbon monoxide. The U.S. National Safety Council states that of deaths involving unintentional poisoning by gas or vapors, more than one-third involve motor vehicle exhaust and more than one-fourth involve heating or cooking equipment.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home. It is critical that you follow the guidelines to ensure safe and proper usage of the alarms.
o Only purchase an alarm that is listed by a qualified, independent testing laboratory.
o Many alarms need replacing within two to five years. Make sure to note the date you installed your alarm so you can comply with the manufacturer's suggestions for replacement.
o If you purchase a battery-powered alarm, examine the type of batteries required. Some alarms have special battery packs designed to last approximately two years, while others may need to be changed yearly.
o Locate the alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.
o Keep your local fire department's number for carbon monoxide calls with your other emergency numbers for quick access.
o Test the alarms once every month to ensure they are in good working order.

If your carbon monoxide alarm should go off, leave the building immediately. Leave the doors open when you leave and turn off heating and cooking equipment. Call your local fire department and following an all-clear, have all your equipment inspected by a qualified technician. And lastly, get medical attention as necessary. Do not ignore signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, even if they appear to be minor. By following these tips, you can ensure your safety from carbon monoxide throughout the winter and year-round. (http://www.loudoun-insurance.com/)

Labels: , , , , ,