Money saving tips for new car buyers

Getting a good deal on a new car takes a little patience, a bit of research and some luck. If you’re in the market for a new car, check out the following tips:

Finding the right car

Visit some dealerships and search for the car of your dreams. Also, most car companies offer Internet sites for you to visit. You can flip through electronic brochures full of facts and figures, photos and prices in the comfort of your own home. Once you’ve selected some candidates, take a test drive.

A little research goes a long way!

Once you’re down to two or three vehicles, research their actual cost (as opposed to the dealer’s or manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price). In other words, try to find out the cost that the manufacturer charges the dealer.

Obtaining this information isn’t as hard as you think. In fact, some online sites (search Kelley Blue Books for New Car Prices) offer free, comprehensive reports showing vehicle options, dealer invoice and suggested retail price information. Also, most automobile clubs (as well as some popular consumer magazines) offer this information (some charge a nominal fee). Ask for a breakdown of the various options to determine if a package of options is better than selecting them individually.

And of course, don’t forget to call us at Blackwell Insurance Agency to give you a quote to see how your new car purchase will affect your rates.  It only takes a few moments and could help make your decision easier.

Making your move!

Some people say that the best time to make a deal on a new car is the last day of the month or year. Sales people often have monthly and yearly quotas and incentives to meet. They may be more willing to give in on price if they think they can make up their loss in other ways.

When you meet with the sales person and discuss the car (and options you want), the price quoted by the sales person may be very close to the Dealer List Price on your printout! You can then reveal your printout and tell the sales person what you are prepared to offer: the actual cost of the car plus what you think is a fair percentage for commission. (This commission percentage is a personal choice and only you and the dealer can determine what’s fair)

A note about trade-ins

Again, knowledge is power. During your research phase, ask your local Auto Club (or check the Net) for the value of your old car. You should receive (for free) the average trade-in price as well as the price you could expect if you try to sell it on your own. The price to sell independently will be higher, but it will also require time and effort you may not want to expend.

After you negotiate the price for your new car, ask the dealer to offer a trade-in value. By waiting, you won’t mess up your new car negotiations with other confusing variables…keep it all separate. Knowing the price of an average used car (and the current condition of your trade-in) will give you some leverage when negotiating a fair trade-in agreement.

Some final thoughts

Some negotiations go better than others. There are many abstract variables that can come into play. Did you wait for the best possible time to make an offer? If it is a slow sales month, your dealer may be motivated to move some cars. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your first dealer, shop around. The best consumer is an educated consumer! Good luck and have fun dealing!

Source: Insurance Information Institute; www.iii.org

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Understanding the basics of auto insurance

Choosing auto insurance that fits your needs and the needs of your family is important, so get to know the basics.

Below are some simplified descriptions of common auto insurance coverages. All coverages are subject to the limits, terms and conditions of the actual policy you purchase.

Bodily injury liability coverage generally pays damages for bodily injuries to the driver and passengers of the other vehicle when you are responsible for an accident. It also provides coverage to defend you if you are sued because of an auto accident.

Property damage liability coverage generally pays for damages to another person’s property (i.e. their car) when you are responsible for an accident. It also provides coverage to defend you if you are sued because of an auto accident.

Medical payments coverage generally covers you, household relatives and your passengers for medical expenses that result from injuries sustained in an auto accident. It also covers you as a pedestrian if you are hit by a vehicle.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage generally pays for damages for bodily injury to you and your passengers when caused by another in an auto accident and the person legally responsible either has inadequate or no insurance.

Collision coverage generally pays for damage to your car if it hits another car, object, or overturns. A deductible applies to this coverage.

Comprehensive coverage generally pays for damage to your car if it is stolen or damaged by certain causes other than collision, such as fire, theft, hail or vandalism. A deductible applies to this coverage.

Give us a call toll-free at (866) 574-5301, email, or complete our quick and easy form for a free quote. And remember, combining your Orange County Auto insurance with your Orange County Homeowners policy qualifies you for a multi-policy discount! Thank you for getting an Auto Insurance Quote Orange County from Blackwell Insurance.

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Hopefully you will never have to say those words by if you do you need to know what to do.

First of all, you will need to determine the source of water and shut off the water in your home.

Then contact a fire/water restoration company immediately to mitigate the water damage and assist you in preventing further damage. Normally the will respond within an hour if the circumstances require it.

Call your insurance company to report what has happened.

In the meantime, you should remove any standing way by sponging or blotting the area, remove saturated rugs from your floors and stay out of rooms where ceiling may be sagging from the retain water.

Do not wait for an insurance adjust to contact you. It is your responsibility to mitigate the damage until an adjuster contacts you; doing nothing will only worsen the damage.

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All of us at Blackwell Insurance love taking time to volunteer in the community.  Sasha McInnis (personal lines account manager) volunteers at a local animal shelter every weekend.  Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community or explore new interests.  You just might discover your own passion for helping.  Here are some great ways you can get involved and volunteer in the community:

If you love animals like Sasha you might consider offering your time and efforts at one of your local animal shelters.  You can spend your time walking dogs or playing with the kittens. Some shelters in the Orange County area include:

• Irvine Animal Care Center

6443 Oak Canyon

Irvine, CA

(949) 724 – 7740

• Mission Viejo Animal Services Center

28095 Hillcrest

Mission Viejo, CA

(949)470 – 3045

• San Clemente – Dana Point Animal Shelter

221 Avenida Fabricante

San Clemente, CA

(949) 492 – 1617

• Laguna Beach Animal Shelter

20612 Laguna Canyon Rd.

Laguna Beach, CA

(949) 497 – 3552

Perhaps helping those in need is where your true passion lies.  There are plenty of great local non-profits that provide food and/ or shelter for those who need it:

• Families Forward

9221 Irvine Blvd.

Irvine, CA

(949) 552 – 2727

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County

8014 Marine Way

Irvine, CA

(949) 653 – 2900

Is there a specific population you want to help?  There are many specialized organizations that need volunteers.  Laura’s House located at 999 Corporate Dr Mission Viejo, CA 92694 specializes in helping victims of domestic violence.  You can call them at (949) 361-3775.

Finally there are plenty of resources available to help you find the right volunteering opportunity for you.  Volunteermatch.org is a great site that allows you to search for specific volunteer opportunities near you.

Agent Corner

            I am sure you all know Judye Blackwell.  She has been a part of the agency for 30 years now and is ready to slow down and enjoy life a bit.  She now only works Monday through Thursday from 8:30 – 5:00pm.  She handles home insurance if your last name starts with M-Z.

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Valuable Items and Collections: Are you Adequately Covered?  

Our possessions mean a lot to us, especially here in South Orange County. You certainly cannot put a price tag on sentimental value; however can you ask yourself “How much is my jewelry worth?” Some of us have other hobbies like photography that require camera equipment. Others collect stamps and coins. Chances are, the standard homeowners or renters policy isn’t enough coverage to replace those precious items if they were damaged, lost or stolen. This is where a Personal Article Floater (also known as “Inland Marine”) policy comes in handy.

Some of the perks of adding a personal article policy in addition to the standard homeowners are:

• The coverage can be customized to your specific type of item or collection. Are you a musician with lots of valuable instruments or equipment? Did your grandmother leave you her antique china set? Perfect!
• Floater policies are normally written on an “all-risk” basis, meaning they cover pretty much all direct types of physical losses except those that are specifically excluded. (Normal exclusions are typically wear and tear, deterioration, inherent vice and/or losses caused by mice or vermin.
• Coverage is usually worldwide depending on the insurance carrier. So that means you are protected while traveling with your items.

In most cases these policies are offered as a “stand alone” policy, however some insurance companies can add the coverage onto your existing home policy by endorsement for an additional premium. They will require a bill of sale or recent appraisal showing the item(s) worth and a scheduled breakdown of the property to be covered.

If you choose not to purchase a personal article policy for your belongings, there are a few things you can do to protect your valuables. For example, you can place jewelry items that are rarely worn in a safe safe deposit box. Or, you can have a central alarm system installed for burglary and fire. This will also give you a discount on your homeowner’s policy. Be sure to document your expensive purchases with photos and keep all receipts for your records in case of a future claim scenario. If there is a theft or break-in, always notify the policy and obtain a copy of the police report.

As we grow older and change, our insurance needs change with us. Overall it’s just good idea to know what your stuff is worth monetarily and have it protected year-round. At Blackwell Insurance Agency, we enjoy getting to know the needs of our customers and helping them find quick and affordable solutions. We can provide you with a quote for personal article coverage and we are happy to help!

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Motorcycle Insurance Aging Motorcyclists at Greater Risk

Motorcycles are an adrenaline laced rush. They are also significantly more dangerous than the average vehicle. Conventional wisdom says that with age comes wisdom and experience, when it comes to motorcycles, the opposite seems to be true. A recent study in Injury Prevention and reviewed by the New York Times, found that older bikers are three times as likely to be severely injured in a crash as younger riders.

The study comes as the number of older bikers on the road is rising, and the chance of accidents a growing concern. From 1990 to 2003, the percentage of motorcyclists over age 50 soared from about 1 in 10 to 1 in 4. The growth in older drivers has risen steadily with a higher injury rate in crashes. Injury rates for riders 65 and older jumped 145 percent in six years.

It wasn’t so much as the rise in injury as the severity and the consequences faced. Those 60 and older were two and a half times as likely to end up with serious injuries, and three times as likely to be admitted to a hospital. Older and middle aged bikers are also more likely to sustain fractures and dislocations, and had a bigger chance of damaging internal organs, including brain damage, in an accident than younger motorcyclists.

The study attributed a number of factors to the increased risk of injury for older motorcyclists. Declines in vision and reaction time may make older riders more prone to mistakes. Older riders also tend to ride bigger bikes, which are more likely to roll or turn over. In addition, our bodies increasingly become more fragile with age. A twenty-year old is naturally much more resilient and has a greater chance of walking away from an accident than a 65-year old.

At Blackwell Insurance Agency, we can help you find the Orange County motorcycle insurance plan that fits you. Because no two riders are alike, our experts will review a variety of factors that combine to indicate the insurance plan that fits your individual needs. The result: A policy that protects you from losses in event of an accident, theft, vandalism, and other causes. Contact us today for more information. (949) 421-0222

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Pudgy pets are often an object of humor. A roly poly cat is still cute, but obesity can be just as much of an issue in pets as in humans. Overweight pets can be extremely expensive.

A recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention revealed that half of all dogs and cats in American homes are overweight or obese. Roughly, there are a total of 170 million pets- the latest study reveals roughly 85 million are carrying too much weight.

The main issue is that a pudgy pet can lead to severe and costly health problems. The extra weight adds stress on the body and increase the risk of diabetes, liver problems, and joint pain. The average cost of veterinary care for a diabetic dog or cat in 2001 was over $900. Treatment for arthritis or cruciate ligament tears cost an average of $2,000. Pet insurance claims for diabetes increased by 253 percent in 2011 alone. Claims for heart disease rose by 32 percent, while claims for arthritis increased by 348 percent.

The issue is not unlike the human obesity problem; too much food and a lack of exercise. Feeding treats and rich table scraps to your pet between meals can pack on the pounds. And not taking them out for walks, or playing with them, can lead to a lack of exercise and general stagnant lifestyle.

In many homes, pets have become part of the family. The extra pounds not only increase healthcare costs, they could severely shorten your pet’s life.

Each year, more than one in three pets are injured or fall ill. Let the experts at Blackwell Insurance find the best comprehensive passage for your pet. Plan now and you will have pet insurance in place if and when your pet needs it. Contact us today for more information about our Orange Count pet insurance programs. (949) 421-0222

Source: New York Times

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While dogs are a lovable companion on long road trips, they are also a distraction. And, that is a liability you face when you drive with your furry loved ones. Here are some tips to keep you and your dog safe while on the road.

It only takes two seconds of unfocused driving to increase the risk of an accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A 2011 survey found that 65 percent of dog-owning drivers admit petting or holding down their dog, reaching back, taking photos, and other distracting behaviors while driving. If not properly restrained, dogs can be seriously injured, as well as yourself and other drivers.

Take the time to acclimate your dog to traveling in the car. A yelping, upholstery tearing, frantic puppy won’t make that long road trip any easier. Start with short trips, to the park and back, to gradually introduce your dog to riding in the car. Your dog will become used to the car and won’t be as frantic. Another suggestion is to keep your car clean- If your dog keeps leaping at the air freshener or scouring for cookie crumbs, it will only make them more excited.

There are dogs versions of seat belts or dogs carriers designed for transporting animals that keep you and your dog safe. It is much safer for you and your pooch if you keep all the windows up. While a dog with its head out the window is adorable, it heightens the risk that they will be injured.

Each year, more than 1/3rd of dogs are injured or fall ill. Let the experts at Blackwell Insurance find the best comprehensive orange county pet insurance for your pet. Plan now and you will have pet insurance in place if and when your pet needs it. Contact us today for more information. (866) 574-5301

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Your home is a safe haven. The place to relax after a long day and spend some quality family time with your children. But you want to make sure they stay safe.

Even in the home, there are sharp corners, slippery floors, unprotected electrical outlets, and top heavy appliances that all could injure or hurt a young child. Here are some childproofing tips, divided by room, to make sure you keep your home safe.

How to Childproof Your Living Room

• Anchor the television and top-heavy furniture to the wall
• Attach padding to all sharp corners, including coffee and side tables.
• Wobbly, unstable floor lamps are dangerous and are often top-heavy- make sure they are anchored to the wall as well
• Safety gates-
• Switch out electrical outlet plates with spring-release covers that automatically close when they aren’t in use

How to Childproof Your Kitchen

• Always keep a fire extinguisher in plain sight and easily accessible
• Keep a cover on the stovetop to prevent curious hands from turning on the gas
• Place locks on the fridge door and all cabinets below the counter

How to Childproof Your Bathroom

• Place nonslip mats on any hard surface or floor in the bathroom and in the tub
• Lock up the toilet so it children can’t open it
• Keep all cords for flat-irons, curling irons, and other beauty appliances above the counter out of reach of dangling, curious hands

It isn’t enough to simply child-proof your house once. As your child grows and develops, their capabilities to get into trouble only grow. They can reach higher, and figure out the simpler locks that worked in their infancy. It is important to continue to re-evaluate your house as your child grows.

Blackwell Insurance Agency provides Orange County home insurance programs throughout Orange County and San Diego. Contact us today for more information.

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Buying your first home is exciting and overwhelming.

Take stock. Take a look at your budget to see what you can afford. One recommendation is to spend no more than 28 percent of your income on housing costs. CNN Money and real estate site Zillow both have home affordability calculators you can use to get an idea of where you’re at.

Decide the basic requirements and what you’re looking for in a home. How many bedrooms? Pool? Are you willing to put the work into a fixer-upper or do you want something that is move-in ready? Are you looking for a backyard? After you make a list, prioritize the features that are the most important to you. It is important to be realistic- chances are you won’t find a house with everything you want.

Research the market. Talk to a reputable real-estate agent in your area. What is the current real-estate market like right now? Will prices continue to fall? When is the best time to buy?

Find out what your total monthly housing cost would be including taxes and Orange County homeowners insurance. Don’t forget about closing costs as well- there are upfront costs of settling on your home. This can include everything from origination fees charged by the lender, title and settlement fees, and homeowners association fees.

While buying a home is a great way to build wealth, purchasing your own property also means you’ll be responsible for maintenance and repair expenses, and those can be expensive. And, with no landlord to rely on, the costs fall to you.

Buying your first home is exciting. But with that, you want to make sure you get the proper protection and coverage. Blackwell Insurance Agency provides Orange County home insurance programs throughout southern California area. Contact us today for more information- (866) 574-5301

Sources:
http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107818
http://www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator/house-affordability/
http://www.zillow.com/blog/2012-12-27/tips-for-preparing-to-buy-in-2013/
http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/houseafford/houseafford.html

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