Protect Yourself from Identity Theft This Tax Season
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft This Tax SeasonWith tax season upon us, your personal information is floating around everywhere and identity thieves are working overtime to steal it. From social security numbers to employer and income information, it's an identity theft nightmare waiting to happen. Unless, of course, you're a thief. Then it's identity theft paradise.
Don't think it can happen to you? According to Javelin Strategy and Research, 8.4 million U.S. adults were victims of identity fraud in 2007.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe this tax season:
- Choose your tax preparer carefully. Ask for referrals from friends and coworkers.
Beware of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS. Such emails often contain links that automatically download software designed to steal your passwords and account information.
- Protect your Social Security number. Don’t give out your Social Security number if it’s not necessary.
- Guard your mailbox. Your mailbox is a treasure chest for crooks this time of year. If someone gets a hold of your tax forms they'll know your social security number, your employer and how much money you made last year. If you don't yet have a locking mailbox, now would be the perfect time to get one.
- Watch the websites you visit. If you use online tax services, just be sure you are dealing with a legitimate site. Clone websites can be easily set up by scammers with the sole purpose of harvesting your personal information.
Tax season is ripe for identity theft, but you don't have to be a victim. By keeping the above tips in mind, you can get through tax season without putting yourself at an increased risk of identity theft.
We, here at NOVA Insurance Group, do sell 'Identity Theft' coverage with our Homeowners Insurance policies. Feel free to call Khalid Umerani at tel. 703.263.7800 for further information.
www.south-riding-insurance.comwww.loudoun-insurance.comLabels: ID Theft Chantilly, ID Theft Fairfax, ID Theft Loudoun County, ID Theft South Riding, Identity Theft, South Riding auto insurance
In the World of Cars, Is Bigger Always Safer?
In the World of Cars, Is Bigger Always Safer?
When it comes to cars, is it true that bigger is always better...and safer? Based on an April 2009 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the answer to this longstanding question is a resounding yes. The study shows that larger, heavy-duty vehicles are fundamentally safer than smaller, lightweight cars.
Considering recent announcements, this revelation is more important than ever. This May, President Obama unveiled his massive fuel efficiency plan. Under the new standards, auto makers will be ordered to increase the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the U.S. to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. This means manufacturers will have to produce smaller, more lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicles.
While supporters of the plan say it will help cut our nation's greenhouse-gas emissions, opponents argue that the mandate will result in thousands more Americans dying or becoming seriously injured in auto accidents. Critics say that the number of auto fatalities could swell if hordes of "unsafe" subcompacts hit the road in coming years.
The physics behind car crashes
Why are bigger cars intrinsically safer? It all comes down to physics. According to the IIHS report, "These tests are about the physics of car crashes, which dictate that very small cars generally can't protect people in crashes as well as bigger, heavier models."
Based on the law of physics, when a large object crashes into a smaller object, the larger object creates a greater impact. This rule holds true for car crashes, as confirmed by the IIHS study.
For this study, the IIHS conducted three front-to-front crash tests, each involving a microcar or minicar colliding with a midsize model from the same manufacturer. The Institute did not use SUVs, pickup trucks or even large cars to pair with the micros and minis in the tests. "The choice of midsize cars reveals how much influence some extra size and weight can have on crash outcomes," the report explains.
Instead, the Institute chose pairs of 2009 models from Daimler, Honda and Toyota because these auto makers have micro and mini models that have earned good frontal crash ratings in barrier tests.
According to the final IIIHS report, "In a collision involving two vehicles that differ in size and weight, the people in the smaller, lighter vehicle will be at a disadvantage. The bigger, heavier vehicle will push the smaller, lighter one backward during the impact. This means there will be less force on the occupants of the heavier vehicle and more on the people in the lighter vehicle. Greater force means greater risk, so the likelihood of injury goes up in the smaller, lighter vehicle."
Real-world car crash statistics confirm this theory. In 2007, the death rate in 1 to 3-year-old minicars involved in multiple-vehicle crashes was nearly twice as high as the rate in large cars.
Good engineering makes a difference
Despite the recent IIHS study, some experts point out that vehicle safety doesn't come down to car size alone. They say that quality engineering and design are more important to vehicle safety than the actual car size. Added safety features, such as front and side airbags, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force-limiters, rollover prevention mechanisms, head restraints and crash avoidance systems can also greatly improve a vehicle's safety.
Experts also say the size of a vehicle's front end can determine how the car fares in crash. If a lighter vehicle is engineered with a large front end, creating a bigger space between the front of the vehicle and the front seat, the car would be much safer. That's because a car with a large "crush space" decreases the severity of an impact and reduces the force to the car's occupants.
Plus, auto makers can also reduce a vehicle's weight without losing too much structural integrity by using aluminum, titanium or plastic. Unfortunately, most manufacturers steer clear of these materials because they carry a high price tag.
Any questions about Car Insurance, call Khalid Umerani, Agent, NOVA Insurance Group in Chantilly / South Riding, VA at 703.263.7800
www.south-riding-insurance.comwww.loudoun-insurance.comLabels: Chantilly Car Insurance, Fairfax Auto Insurance, loudoun car insurance, South Riding auto insurance
Changing Driving Habits Can Lead to Car Insurance Savings
Changing Driving Habits Can Lead to Car Insurance Savings
Most Americans are driving less in order to save money on gas. However, decreasing the time you spend in your car can actually make you eligible for another savings opportunity, paying less for your car insurance. If you’ve cut back on your driving, it’s a good idea to contact your agent.
Consumers who are making greater use of public transportation or participating in car pools should contact their insurance company, because significantly reducing the number of miles driven each week could lower the cost of their auto insurance premiums.
Many companies offer low mileage discounts to motorists who drive fewer than 7,000 miles a year. Even though each insurance company calculates rates differently, they all consider how many miles a motorist drives because the risk of an accident increases the more time you spend behind the wheel. (
http://www.loudoun-insurance.com/)
However, decreasing the risk of accidents isn’t the only benefit to driving less. The money you can potentially save on premiums is significant. A motorist who drops from the average of 15,000 miles driven per year to 8,000 miles could qualify for a 5 percent premium discount. A driver who goes from 15,000 miles per year down to 5,000 could possibly receive a 15 percent discount. Keep in mind that your insurance carrier may ask for an annual odometer reading to calculate annual mileage. (
http://www.south-riding-insurance.com/)
The Insurance Information Institute noted some other ways drivers could save on auto insurance rates. SUV and truck owners who exchange their vehicles for a more fuel-efficient car might also reduce their auto insurance costs. Premiums are generally lower for a $30,000 mid-size sedan than for a large $60,000 SUV. Besides sticker price, an insurance company will determine the coverage rate for an individual vehicle based on factors such as the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood that it will be stolen.
Drivers can also lower their auto insurance premiums by taking a higher deductible, maintaining good credit, and dropping unnecessary coverages. If you insure your boat, RV, or motorcycle with the same company, you may qualify for an extra discount on your auto coverage. Feel free to call Khalid Umerani, Agent (NOVA Insurance Group) to discuss further.
Labels: Aldie 20105 Auto Insurance, Brambleton Car Insurance, Chantilly Auto Insurance, fairfax-car-insurance, Leesburg Auto Insurance, loudoun-auto-insurance, South Riding auto insurance
Protect Your Precious Cargo on the Road This Summer
Protect Your Precious Cargo on the Road This SummerWith the warmer months upon us, many families are planning to hit the road for their beloved summer vacation. If you are traveling with children this season, you’ll need to take some extra precautions.
Because babies and children can cause countless distractions like crying, spills and sibling scuffles in the backseat, parents often lose their focus on the road. While these disturbances are usually unavoidable, there are some things you can do to ensure that your family arrives safely.
As you make your way towards your final destination, remember that your family’s safety should always come first.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you load up the family car for this year’s road trip:
- Review your insurance coverage
A couple of weeks before you hit the road, take a look at your auto insurance plan. You may find that it’s time to upgrade your policy, especially now that you are traveling with a baby or young child. Faced with huge responsibility of raising a child, new parents often decide to increase their liability or property damage coverage to ensure their family is protected financially. Allow our agency, NOVA Insurance Group in Chantilly / South Riding 20152 to review your existing insurance policy paperwork. (
www.Loudoun-Insurance.com)
- Double check child seats
Many parents unknowingly make mistakes while installing child safety seats and booster seats in their cars. Sadly, children suffer from serious injuries and die in car crashes every day due to the misuse and incorrect installation of child seats, according to the National Safety Belt Coalition.
Are you certain that your child’s seat is installed properly? Even if you think your seats are good to go, it’s well worth double checking. Visit
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/Contacts/index.cfm for a listing of certified child passenger safety technicians in your town. One of these experts can show you how to correctly install and use your child’s safety or booster seat. The fire depts. in Brambleton 20148 and Aldie / Stone Ridge 20105 can assist with this effort also!
- Play it safe with special mirrors
Child safety mirrors are extremely popular with parents who frequently travel with their kids in tow. These mirrors, which easily attach to your rear view mirror, allow you to keep your eyes on the road while occasionally checking on your kids in the backseat. It’s like having another pair of eyes in the back of your head—your kids know you can see them at all times, so they’ll be less likely to start trouble.
If you are traveling with a baby in a rear-facing car seat, you may consider installing an infant mirror. These mirrors attach to the back window or back seat headrest so you can see what your baby is up to every time you peek in your rear view mirror. An added plus is that baby gets to check out his reflection on the road—an activity that provides endless entertainment for many infants.
- Keep the kids entertained
We all know that as soon as kids get bored, they start acting up. Try to keep the kids entertained on the road by packing some fun activities, like puzzles, games or coloring books. You may even consider purchasing a portable DVD player so they can watch their favorite movies or play video games in the car. The happier your kids are on the road, the fewer distractions they’ll create. This will help you stay focused on driving safely. (
www.south-riding.insurance.com)
- Make frequent pit stops
If you’re on a particularly long drive, make sure to take plenty of breaks. Try to stop every couple of hours at a park, restaurant or even an interesting historical site. This will allow everyone to stretch their legs, burn some energy and feel refreshed and ready to face the rest of the trip.
Labels: Centreville Auto Insurance, Centreville Car Insurance, Herndon Auto Insurance, Herndon Car Insurance, South Riding auto insurance, South Riding car insurance
Monitor Your Teens' Behavior When They're Behind the Wheel
Monitor Your Teens’ Behavior When They’re Behind the Wheel
Author Dorothy Parker once wrote: “The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.” However, if you’re one of those people here in South Riding, (adjacent to Aldie, Arcola, Brambleton, Chantilly, Ashburn, Leesburg etc. in the counties of Loudoun & Fairfax) who insist on keeping your tires inflated, you’re probably going to have to let your teenagers borrow the car. (
http://www.south-riding-insurance.com/)
If the thought of your teen behind the wheel sends a little shiver down your spine, there are a few things you can do to relieve your uneasiness:
· Talk to your kids. Have an open and frank discussion with your teens to find out their attitudes about driving. Be sure you talk about the consequences of actions like speeding, or ignoring stop signs and stoplights. Establish ground rules, such as the number of people allowed in the car (keeping in mind any state laws about the number of unrelated teen passengers permitted in a car with a teen driver), where the car may be taken and how long your teenager is permitted to stay out with the car.
· Enroll in an emergency roadside service. Be sure that the motor club you belong to provides 24-hour emergency road service. That way, your teenager can call for help any time he or she needs it. You also can arrange with the motor club to provide service if your teen is riding in someone else’s car.
· Discuss the consequences of driving under the influence. Most parents want to believe that their teenager will never be foolish enough to drive while intoxicated. However, you need to be realistic and realize that no matter how levelheaded your teen may be, peers have a great influence. Your teen could be at a party and be coaxed into drinking alcohol. That’s why you should make it understood that driving after drinking is not acceptable, nor is it acceptable to get into a car with someone who has been drinking. Make sure you teen knows that he or she can call you at any time of the day or night, and that you will come to get them.
· Install a speed-monitoring device. This type of device is commonly referred to as a “governor.” Its purpose is to restrict fuel injection, which stops the car from being driven over a certain speed. A governor may help prevent your teenager from driving over the speed limit.
· Install a Global Positioning System (GPS). This device can help you keep track of where your teen is driving. You establish a radius of operation and the GPS will alert you if your teen has taken the car outside that radius. It also alerts you when your teenager is driving above the speed limit, or if the car is being kept out past curfew.
As your teen matures and gains experience behind the wheel, you can reconsider the need for some of these measures, such as the speed-monitoring device. In the meantime, you are helping your teen to develop safe driving habits, and giving yourself some peace of mind.
http://www.loudoun-insurance.com/Labels: Leesburg Auto Insurance, Leesburg Car Insurance, South Riding auto insurance, South Riding car insurance, Stone Ridge Auto Insurance, Stone Ridge Car Insurance
Excessive Holiday Drinking and Driving Don't Mix
Excessive Holiday Drinking and Driving Don't MixThe weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day include the most important entertaining season on many people's social calendars. While these festivities are a wonderful part of the holiday season, they do bring with them a very serious problem-partygoers who drink too much and then get behind the wheel of a car. Here in Virginia, the consequences can be serious; the drivers in South Riding (
www.south-riding-insurance.com), Chantilly, Brambleton, Arcola, Aldie, Ashburn, Sterling, Leesburg, Stone Ridge, Kirk Patrick Farms, and adjoining Loudoun (
www.loudoun-insurance.com) and Fairfax County areas can suffer heavy fines and long-term DMV licensing issues!
Many people downplay the issue, but statistics prove how serious it is. According to the Community Alcohol Information Program (CAIP), a non-profit agency that provides alcohol education, assessment and evaluation services to persons convicted of alcohol-related offenses in New Hampshire, two million alcohol-impaired driving collisions occur each year in this country. Accidents caused by alcohol-impaired drivers are the most frequently committed violent crimes in America today.
CAIP offers these other sobering statistics about drinking and driving:
The average alcohol-impaired driver arrested on the highway has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .20%, more than double the level for presumed intoxication in most states. This level represents 14 drinks of 86-proof liquor (or 14 beers) in a four-hour period for a man weighing 180 lbs.
Between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. on weekends, in some parts of the country, 10% of all drivers are legally impaired. Most Americans drink alcohol, and more than 80% admit to driving after drinking.
When drinkers are at the presumed level of intoxication, the risk of their causing an accident is six times greater than for non-drinking drivers.
Some people persist in drinking and driving based on myths about how the body reacts to alcohol and its ability to overcome alcohol's effects. Scientific studies supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provide important information that belies two commonly held beliefs about drinking and driving:
Myth: You can drive as long as you aren't slurring words or acting erratically. Fact: The skills and coordination needed for driving are compromised long before the obvious signs of intoxication are visible. In addition, the sedative effects of alcohol, combined with late night hours, place you at much greater risk of nodding off or losing attention behind the wheel.
Myth: Drink coffee because caffeine will sober you up. Fact: Caffeine may help with drowsiness, but it doesn't counteract the effects of alcohol on decision-making or coordination. The body needs time to metabolize (break down) alcohol and even more time to return to normal. There are no quick cures.
Alcohol affects the brain and body long after you stop drinking. Any alcohol that remains in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate through the body. That means judgment and coordination can be affected for hours after you've taken that last drink. Also keep in mind that alcohol heightens feelings of stress or anxiety, which can lead to violent behavior.
Does this mean you can't have a few drinks at a holiday party? No, but what it does mean is that you need to be responsible if you do drink. Here are a few tips to remember:
Know your limits and never drink more than you can safely handle.
Don't get behind the wheel if you drink. Ask a sober driver to escort you home.
Don't drink if there is someone at the gathering with whom you have a grievance.
Offer to be a designated driver for a friend.
Call law enforcement if you see someone driving erratically.
Keeping these tips in mind can help avoid tragedy during the holiday season.
Labels: Aldie 20105 Auto Insurance, Aldie Car Insurance, Brambleton 20148 Auto Insurance, Brambleton Car Insurance, South Riding auto insurance, South Riding car insurance
