It’s Moving Season! How to Stage Your Home to Sell

Whether you are a first-time seller or a seasoned one, selling your home is a big deal! Home staging can be your secret weapon for a successful home sale.  Read on for tips on how to showcase your home and get that competitive edge in the market!

First impressions sell your home faster than any agent or price point could.  Highlighting what you love about your home, its strengths, downplaying weaknesses, and appealing to many different prospective buyers will increase your chances of a quick sell at the price you want and deserve.

Clear the clutter.

This is one of the most effective strategies out there to help persuade potential buyers to consider living in your home.  By removing unnecessary items from kitchen counters, shelves, tables, and especially closets, you’re allowing buyers to see how much space is available; a top priority for many.  Another contributing factor to a “cluttered look” is too much furniture.

Consider removing knickknacks and unnecessary furniture from your home prior to putting it on the market.  Donate, toss, or sell what you don’t want to bring to your new home, and begin to pack away the items you wish to bring with you.

Depersonalize your home.

The goal of staging isn’t to make the home look like your home, but to have your home speak to everyone else. 

You don’t have to throw every family portrait into a box before you sell, but staging means allowing for others to visualize personalizing your home.  Your photos will only cloud that vision!  Give yourself permission to move things around and remove accessories on a whim.

Use paint to make your rooms appear larger.

Some floor plans have open spaces, while others don’t.  A quick trick to making spaces feel bigger is painting adjoining rooms, such as your living and dining rooms, the same color. 

While you may have watched your fair share of home improvement shows, painting interior walls different colors is actually ineffective when it comes to selling your home.  Neutral colors provide potential buyers an opportunity to envision their own color pallet, furniture and décor in each room.

Every room should have a purpose.

Don’t leave a buyer guessing.  Each room should represent a functional living space, even if you only use a room for storage. 

Furnish your space in a functional manner.  Potential buyers have a better idea of how they might use the room, too.  Repurposing rooms will only add to the value of your home.

Repurpose unfinished projects.

No one wants to finish what you’ve started.  If you have an unfinished project, do your best to tie up any obvious loose ends before you allow buyers to walk through your home.  For instance, if you finished putting up drywall in the hallway, but haven’t had time to tackle the flooring, a runner rug is a great way to soften up the floor.  Make sure you do your best to finish that project prior to moving.

Update your kitchen on a budget.

You don’t have to go overboard with the kitchen if it isn’t within your means.  If your cabinets are old and dark, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint.  Updating the hardware on the cabinets is effective, as well.

Kitchens are expensive to remodel; both seller and buyer know that.  While an outdated kitchen might turn some buyers away, the freshening up of cabinets and their hardware might spark some inspiration in others.

Fix bathroom problems.

No one likes a moldy bathtub.  The time it takes to clean up shower scum, remove hair from the drain, or adding a fresh bead of caulk to your shower or tub can make the difference between low offers and offers at or more than asking price.

For an added touch, finish the bathroom off with fresh hand towels in a decorative display and a few battery-operated candles.

Spruce up your curb appeal.

When staging your home, another important component is your exterior!  Even in the winter, a little curb appeal can go a long way. 

By removing debris, such as leaves and sticks, pruning bushes, trimming hedges, and even planting seasonal flowers, potential buyers get a great first impression of how you have kept and loved your home.

While staging your house sounds like too much work, you are giving buyers room to imagine themselves taking over!  You can do large scale home staging or small scale, but the important thing is you really should engage some aspect of home staging to sell for top dollar and quickly.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.

Your teen has completed driver’s education, passed the state licensing test and is ready to hit the open road. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that the car your teen drives is safe!

Read on for tips on finding the right car for your precious driver!

Having a vehicle is not a birthright but a privilege.  Your teen will likely care about image, color and technology more than reliability or fuel economy.  It will be your responsibility, parent, to think about those, and crash-test ratings, auto insurance, price points, and, of course, the car’s overall safety ratings.

Whether your teen is using the vehicle to get to and from their summer job, or they’ve graduated high school and need their own ride for college, it will be you who ultimately decides which vehicle to buy, so here’s what you should keep in mind:

Safety.

Whether buying new or used, you should choose a vehicle with as many safety features as your budget allows.  Advanced safety features that can back up your inexperienced driver are important features to consider like electronic stability control, automatic emergency breaking and blind stop warning systems.

Speed.

If your teen is looking at innovative sports cars that can accelerate from 0-to-60 miles per hour, pump the brakes.  Consumer Reports warns that buying a sporty car might give your child an urge to race others on the road. 

Take the “Goldilocks approach” and buy a car that’s not too fast, not too slow.  It may not be the coolest car to your teen, but they’ll be safer until they’ve gained more experience as a driver.

Speed is one of the leading causes of teen-related motor vehicle accidents across the nation!

Connectivity.

While you search for the best reliability ratings, safety features and price, your teenager will likely care more about whether they can connect their smartphone to their car.

The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day — essentially summer break — is known as the 100 Deadliest Days, as it pertains to teen drivers.  During this time, teen-related accidents peak by nearly 14% more than the rest of the year. 

Distracted driving is impaired driving, so by purchasing a vehicle that allows Bluetooth technology, teens are less likely to pick up their phone while driving.  It won’t mitigate the opportunity entirely, but teaching good driving etiquette and being a model driver for your teen certainly can help, too.

Assurance.

Once you have found a safe, reliable car for your teen, it will also be up to you to find the best auto insurance to protect your child and others.  Auto insurance can be expensive, especially for teen drivers or parents of young drivers. 

Preferred Mutual is committed to providing the best protection for you and your family with a host of coverage options to fit your budget and your teen’s lifestyle.

As a Preferred policyholder, adding your teen to your existing (or new) auto policy might actually help save you some money, too!  We offer bundling discounts and Preferred Mutual offers a Good Student Discount – for full-time high school or college students who maintain a “B” average or better (available in New York and Massachusetts only).

From learning to drive in your vehicle to driving their very own, Preferred Mutual understands your responsibility as a parent to ensure your teen is feeling safe on the road, so get them the protection they need and deserve.

Live in the moment. Prepare for the future.  That’s living assured.

 

Stride By Stride – Preferred Mutual Corporate Team Takes On The Boilermaker

The Boilermaker is a 15k road race, taking place on July 14, 2019.  Preferred Mutual runners tackle this course in Utica, New York, as part of the annual Corporate Cup Competition!

The Boilermaker course has beautiful views, challenging terrain, the best after-race party, and attracts nearly 20,000 runners each year from around the world!

The Corporate Cup Competition, a race within a race, allows runners to run the 15k Boilermaker and represent the companies they work for at the same time!  And Preferred Mutual is honored to have 13 employees running the Boilermaker race as members of our Preferred Corporate Cup Team! 

We run for a variety of reasons; physical activity, stress relief and fun, just to name a few.  But we also run for charity.  Each team entered into the competition has selected a non-profit organization and the Boilermaker Road Race officials will select three charities at random to be awarded a cash prize.

This year, we are running for the American Heart Association.

The Boilermaker race has become a true inspiration to the community, year-round, as a prominent agent of innovative change for health and wellness in the area.

Preferred Mutual is honored to support heart health, as well as the Boilermaker’s Urban Initiative.

There’s more, though! We also run for pride.

It wouldn’t be the Boilermaker without some friendly competition!  Corporate teams are also competing against each other.  The winning team will have the fastest, combined finish times of the first 2 male and first 2 female runners from their team!

We celebrate National Running Day, June 5, 2019, by wishing our Corporate Cup Team luck as they continue to train for the challenge of a 9.3 mile, spectator-lined course! 

Summer took long enough to get here; don’t let a motor home accident or damage shorten an already short season! Whether it is large or small, pulling a trailer requires you to take precautions.

Read on for tips on how to pull your trailer safely!

Like any new experience that involves risks to body and property, driving a motor home, RV, or towing a trailer is intimidating.  From attaching the trailer hitch correctly to focusing on the changes in driving style and habits, Preferred Mutual has compiled tips collected from our claims department for life-saving (or headache-saving) advice!

No matter what you’re driving or pulling, do a pre-trip check.

Before you hit the open road for that family camping trip, make sure you have checked to make sure the trailer is safely connected to your vehicle!  

We often see that a simple safety check is the difference between fun in the sun and waiting on the side of the road for help. 

• Check the trailer is connected to the hitch. An improperly connected hitch could come loose and cause an accident.
• Ensure your brake lights and turn signals are working properly. Other motorists need to see you and anticipate your changing lanes, turning, or stopping.
• Stow all items safely inside the trailer. If you’re towing a camping trailer or your boat, objects could come loose while driving, creating hazardous conditions on the road. Do your part and make sure everything is secured to the best of your ability.

Get some practice pulling your trailer.

We require our teenagers to attend driving lessons to ensure they become capable drivers, so it only makes sense to test you and your vehicle’s reflexes while towing a trailer.

In many instances, a driver didn’t understand the adjustments they needed to make when towing a trailer.  Their turn radius changes, their ability to stop alters, reversing is brand new, and maneuvering on the highway becomes an issue for many.

• Find an empty parking lot. Use a safe space like an empty parking lot to get a sense of what your vehicle feels like with the trailer in tow.This will help you to understand what you need to compensate for on the road.
• Practice backing up and turning. When turning, your path needs to be wide enough to avoid making contact with vehicles in neighboring lanes or objects on the side of the road. When backing up, it can be a challenge getting the trailer to move in the desired direction.

Drive Safely.

With your trailer and family in tow, you’re ready to make life-long memories.  While you’re on the road, be sure to still keep an eye on your trailer and listen for strange noises. 

We have seen situations where a driver took all of the pre-trip precaution necessary, but didn’t pay much attention to the trailer once on the road.  It is still your responsibility as the operator of your vehicle to make sure your trailer is still intact and operating.

• Exercise caution. Be diligent when parking, merging and changing lanes.
• Take it easy when braking and accelerating. The extra weight you’re carrying can cause problems if you stop sharply or suddenly build speed.

Have the best coverage for the things you love.

Summer just got here; don’t ruin it already with insufficient coverage.  No matter where your vacation plans take you, with Preferred Mutual, when you live prepared, you can live assured.

Follow these tips and talk to your independent agent about adding a Motor Home endorsement to your existing auto policy!

We cover motor homes, 5th wheels, campers, or trailers with values up to $100,000! Our motor home and RV insurance even includes coverage for awnings, which is often a separate coverage with other insurance carriers.

Even utility trailers like boat trailers, cattle or livestock trailers, small landscaping trailers, and car trailers for private use can also be added!

When you add motor home insurance coverage to your RV, camper, or trailer, you will also benefit from a reduced rate, the convenience of one bill, and a multi-policy discount. 

*Preferred Mutual's Motor Home Insurance Endorsement is currently available in MA & NY only.

Help Your Teen Make the Right Choice: Underage Drunk Driving Is Not Okay!

Drinking and driving don’t mix – and 300,000 accidents a day are related to that deadly combination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  For those drivers under the age of 21, zero-tolerance laws criminalize any driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but getting “caught” is a risk some are willing to take.

As these times of celebration near, it provides a good opportunity for families to have conversations around celebrating safely as their teen drivers get behind the wheel.

Parents

Talk about it - According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD), 74% of kids turn to their parents for guidance on drinking. Talk to your teen about dealing with peer pressure, the dangers of underage drinking and driving, using illegal substances, and contacting you for a ride in situations involving drugs and alcohol.

Underage drinking is illegal, but it is vital that your teen feel comfortable enough to call upon you if they have been drinking and need a ride.  Survivors of auto accidents involving drunk driving often claim the decision to drive home under the influence was an easier choice than dealing with the repercussions of underage drinking by an adult at home.

A 3am phone call from your teen asking for a ride is infinitely better than a 3am phone call from the police or hospital. 

Set the example - You can't always be in the car, but you can keep safety top-of-mind by demonstrating and enforcing habits like wearing a seat belt, not using a cell phone while driving, following the speed limit, and driving sober.

Teens

Set your own limits - Put a limit on the number of friends you ride with.  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the risk of fatal crashes increases with each passenger.  

If you’re behind the wheel, you set the tone for the ride.  Driving is a privilege, but it is also a huge responsibility.  Driving distracted by a car full of your friends isn’t worth a life.

Don't Drink/Do Drugs and Drive - Drinking before the age of 21 is illegal, and alcohol and driving should never mix no matter your age.

Don’t be afraid to call an adult for a ride – Your safety is their priority.  Plus, being grounded is better than becoming a statistic.

Seatbelts are the perfect accessory - A little wrinkle in your dress, tux, or graduation gown is hardly worth not buckling up for.  Buckling your seatbelt can save your life and keep you from getting seriously injured.  Not to mention – It's the law!

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.

Preferred Mutual wants to wish travelers a safe and happy summer by reminding everyone of the importance of buckling up – every trip, every seat, every time!

The Click It or Ticket campaign is a nationwide police effort to mitigate casualties on the road by enforcing seatbelt laws.

Get the Facts

In 2017, there were 10,076 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  And 57% of occupants ages 18 to 34 were unrestrained at the time of an accident.

Seat belts work and we’ve got proof! An even more astounding number is how many people seat belts saved in 2017: nearly 15,000 lives! However, seat belt safety starts with you. Your kids are watching. Children whose parents or caregivers buckle up are much more likely to buckle up themselves.

The safest choice you can make, no matter what type of vehicle you drive, is to buckle up.

What are the odds?

Often, drivers and their passengers don’t buckle up because they think they can beat the statistics.

• Odds of dying from an asteroid impact? 1 in 74,814,414.
• Odds of dying while skydiving? 1 in 133,000.
• Odds of dying while scuba diving? 1 in 6,098.
• Odds of dying from a car crash with no seat belt? 1 in 2.

Don’t play the odds and gamble your life. Click it or ticket!

For more information about the Click It or Ticket nationwide campaign, please visit the NHTSA website.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.

Considered the most dangerous days for teen drivers, these next few months come with some harsh statistics.

When we think about summer, we recall late nights, lazy days and windows down.  However, fast approaching are the 100 Deadliest Days are nestled between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day at the beginning of September.  According to the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAA FTS) teens (age 16-17) are three times more likely as adults to be involved in a fatal crash.

The Dangers of Summer

As teens take to the road, there are a number of potential dangers. Here are just a few:

• Texting and driving: One of the bigger problems on the road year-round, teen drivers are statistically more likely to look down at their phones, lost control and cause collisions.
• Large groups in the vehicle: Focusing too much on conversations can make it difficult for teens to recognize dangers on the road.
• More cars on the road: The summer weather can create more congestion on the road. The more vehicles, the more chances of a serious accident.
• Driving at night: 36% of all vehicle deaths involving teen drivers occur between 9pm-5am during the 100 Deadliest Days (AAA FTS).

Change Starts With You

Help change the statistics by talking to your teen about safe driving and set a good example behind the wheel.

• Buckle up
• Put down the phone
• Obey speed limits
• Don’t tailgate
• Don’t drink and drive

Prepare your teen driver and commit to being active in their learning-to-drive process! No matter the summer fun, driving has to be taken seriously. Through education, proper training and parental involvement, we can help our young drivers to become better and safer drivers, keeping the roads safer for all of us.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.

As a business owner, we know enough to have a business owner’s policy, or BOP, which covers property, general liability concerns and routine misfortunes, but according to Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, 75% of businesses in the United States are underinsured by 40% or more.

These statistics mean that you are dangerously vulnerable to the unexpected.  Your policy and any endorsements should carry adequate limits for all essential coverages, which include:

• Property insurance
• Business inventory/stock
• Business interruptions/loss of income insurance
• Crime/theft insurance
• Liability insurance

However, your business may have changed in the year.  Whether you’ve experienced an increase in revenue, hired more employees or bought additional equipment, your policy may be underinsuring what you’ve worked so hard to accomplish.

It’s time to reevaluate your coverage!

From Small Business Insurance to Large Commercial Insurance

Preferred Mutual’s business insurance provides protection for your building, contents, equipment, and income, as well as extra expenses needed to get you back in business. We offer coverage for 125 different types of businesses, some of which are listed below.

Our Business Owner's Program is designed specifically for the business owner. You are able to choose optional coverages to add to this comprehensive policy to fit your needs.

Our Commercial Package Policy provides a la carte coverage for many types of businesses.

Commercial Auto Insurance provides coverage and protection for business vehicles.

Talk to your independent agent about adding these coverages:

• Hired Auto & Non-Owned Auto Liability
• Computer Coverage
• Accounts Receivables
• Spoilage
• Employee Dishonesty
• Professional Liability
• Valuable Possessions Endorsements, including Floaters
• Enhancement Endorsement

Commercial Discounts are available for:

• Multiple Policies
• Central station fire or burglar alarms
• Local fire/burglar alarm
• Perimeter lighting
• Sole occupancy

Protect both your business and your bottom line with Preferred Mutual.  After all, the unexpected is going to happen.  And when it does, you’ll be happy to know you have a partner that can get you and your business back up and running!

According to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), in 2018, there were 701 crashes in work zones on state roads and bridges, resulting in 13 motorist fatalities and 329 injuries to motorists, contractor employees and NYSDOT staff in New York alone!

Highway employees must take proper precaution to ensure the safety of motorists in a work zone by taking sanctioned trainings and abiding by regulations as they repair and maintain our roadways!

However, they cannot account for your negligence while driving through their work environment.

These work zones are meant to protect the traveling public and the workers on the side of the road.  This means that regular traffic patterns are altered, redirected and unfamiliar.  While all work zones are marked with signs and the public might be given advanced warnings, it is still up to you to remain alert and minimize distractions!

Improve safety within highway work zones by following these tips:

• Move over!  If possible for you to safely do so, move over a lane for any roadside signs displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights.
• Watch for flagging staff.  They play a vital role in keeping everyone safe in work zones.  They have the same authority to direct traffic as signs, signals and police.
• Don’t drive distracted.  Speed, cell phone use, distracted or aggressive driving can be especially dangerous in work zones.
• Watch for brake lights of vehicles ahead.  Be prepared to react to sudden braking and keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles.
• Be aware of changes in normal traffic patterns.  You may drive this particular road every day, but when there is a work zone, you must be prepared to follow any new traffic directions.
• Don’t speed.  If there are posted speed limits, a fine for violating them could double.  In addition, equipment and people could be just feet away.
• BE PATIENT.  Workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane without warning; vehicles may slow, stop, or change lanes unexpectedly, too.  Your patience is paramount in work zones!

Many factors contribute to work zone crashes, but by staying informed of where the work is being performed and using caution when driving through, you can do your part to ensure the safety of both staff and motorists!

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.

Spring cleaning can cover a lot of projects; inside and out of your home.  However, there are plenty of other things to do and, not only will these likely prevent expensive damage to your home, but could also be life-saving and cost-saving measures.

• Automate your thermostat. Start saving money right away and invest in a smart thermostat. With this technology, your thermostat can make sure your home is at a comfortable setting when you’re home, or set itself to a more economic setting when you’re not!
• Check for roof damage now! Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, and de-gunk your rain gutters and downspouts.If your roof has sustained damage over the winter, without proper maintenance now, you could face some serious water damage!
• Fireplace or wood stove care. Have your wood burning stove or fireplace inspected for damage and creosote buildup. Creosote is a naturally occurring residue during the wood-burning process that can build up in large amounts on the walls of your chimney and can become very hazardous if not cleaned properly.
• “Childproof” your electrical outlets, even if you don’t have kids. Outlets facing exterior walls are big, leaky culprits, accounting for 2%-5% in energy losses per year! Especially in older homes with poor insulation, plugging up the unused outlets can significantly reduce your energy output.
• Change all air filters. Replace the air filters in your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air condition) systems, to keep them running more efficiently! A $10 filter can save you thousands on repair costs.
• Clean your refrigerator coils. You can eliminate more than 70% of service calls with this simple spring cleaning step. Clean these twice a year if you have shedding pets! Their fur clogs up the coils pretty fast!
• Clean out your dryer lint vent. We don’t mean JUST in your dryer. Those deceptively harmless looking little fluffs love to snuggle down in your vents and lint traps. However, they are extremely flammable if you let it build up!
• Flush your hot water heater. Get rid of the gunk and mineral deposits that accumulate, prolonging its life and saving you money in the long run.
• Get Homeowners Equipment Breakdown and Service Line Coverage. Equipment Breakdown and Service Line Coverage extends your homeowners policy to protect appliances and equipment, as well as critical systems like water, power, and sewer. This affordable coverage offers peace of mind and can save you thousands in the event of a major breakdown.
• Bundle your car and home insurance. A really important strategy for homeowners is to bundle insurance policies.Preferred Mutual can offer significant discounts for consolidating all of your insurance needs!

As spring continues to wake up, get started on these necessary home maintenance tasks so you can enjoy your home for years to come. Speak to a Preferred Mutual agent today to discuss ways you can live assured.  With Preferred Mutual protection, save money and time for the things that matters most!

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.

 

Hide and seek is fun at home, not on the highway.  Often, motorcycle accidents occur because motorcyclists are not visible to other drivers. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident, and it takes both riders and drivers to keep everyone safe on the open road.

Motorcyclist Safety Tips

Riding in traffic is combat riding. Don’t be complacent, be proactive. Here are some safety tips to help keep you safe on the road, provided by the National Safety Council (NSC):

• Wear all the gear, all the time. Make sure you have the proper protection; helmets, goggles, thick, durable clothing, and boots! Make sure the gear fits and abides by any regulations. Light and reflective clothing helps other drivers notice you!
• Ride a bike that fits you! While it might be fun to try your buddy’s bike, the risk of an accident increases if the bike is too small or too large for you.
• Take a motorcycle safety course. Many states require this as a prerequisite to your motorcycle license, but it’s a good idea to regularly take a refresher course.
• If you drink, don’t ride. If you ride, don’t drink. Not only is it illegal to be riding at the legal limit, but even one drink can decrease your reaction time. And riders need all the time they can get.
• Know that riding with a passenger requires more skill. Balancing yourself is already a skill, so adding a passenger can alter your ride more than you think. 
• Drive defensively, especially at intersections. Half of all motorcycle collisions occur at intersections, so be vigilant when turning or going through intersections.
• Watch for road conditions. From potholes, manhole covers, oil slicks, puddles, debris, railroad tracks, and gravel, motorcyclists are especially susceptible to these hazards.
• You speed, you lose. Often, drivers can’t see you zipping through traffic until it is too late.  Follow the rules of the road, including speed limits and lane changes.

Driver Safety Tips

• Look twice, save a life. Motorcycles tend to come into view, and as quickly as they come, they go. Take extra glances at your blind spots and mirrors!
• Use your turn signals. As a driver, it is your responsibility to notify other drivers of your intentions.
• Increase your following distance. By putting extra space between you and other cars and motorcycles, you increase your chances of being able to stop in case of an emergency.
• Watch for motorcycles at intersections. Half of all motorcycle collisions occur at intersections, so be vigilant when approaching a light, stop sign, or making a turn.
• Weaving motorcycles are not goofing off, they’re making sure you see them. Often, a weaving motorcycle in a lane is trying to remain visible and not showing off.
• Distracted driving is deadly. This isn’t a tip just for motorcycles, but everyone sharing our roads.

As nicer weather becomes more consistent, we must all do our part to reduce motorcyclist fatalities this season.  Implement these tips and arrive alive. 

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.

You’ve spent years protecting your children, but now you’re handing them the car keys. You and your teenager are facing a whole new world of dangers. Read on for how you can help shape your teen into a safe and capable driver.

The Facts

There’s no getting around it. Your teen sees a driver’s license as one step closer to freedom, and with that comes great responsibility. It also comes with great risk. 

Teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes; in fact it’s the leading cause of teen deaths in the nation. They speed, they make mistakes, and they get distracted easily. Add advancing technology, such as touchscreen dashboards, Bluetooth voice and texting, handheld mobile devices to immaturity, lack of skill and experience on the road, and one thing becomes certain: teen driving-related deaths will continue to rise if we do not teach our children that their lives are more important than viewing a Snapchat.

Check out these statistics from the Center for Disease Control:

• 50% of teens said they “feel addicted” to their mobile devices.
• 16 to 19 year-olds are 3 times as likely to be involved in a fatal car crash as any other age group.
• 60% of all teen accidents were caused by distractions at the time of the incident.
• Those numbers are considerable when compared to adult distracted drivers. So, what can you do to better prepare your teen for the road?

Parental Influence

Here's how to get started on shaping your teen into a safe and capable driver:

• Start the Conversation Early: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 18-year-olds in the United States. Talk to your teens about safe driving early and often, before they reach driving age.
  
• Set the Standard: Talking is important, but action is even better. Show your kids safe driving behavior. Start by modeling good habits every time you drive them anywhere, even before they begin to drive. Make sure you are turning off your cell phone and stowing it away, and buckling your seat belt before starting your car.
  
• Get It In Writing: When your teenagers begin driving, we recommend you set ground rules and outline the consequences for breaking them in a parent-teen contract like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Parent-Teen Driving Contract. Consider hanging your contract by the family car keys or near the front door.
  
• Spell Out the Rules: No cell phones, no speeding, no alcohol, no driving when tired, and always buckle up. These rules could help save your teen’s life.

Working with your teen to outline hazards and positive driving behaviors, you are helping to mold your teen into a capable, responsible driver! For more tips on how to encourage your teen to follow your rules and the rules of the road, visit the Department of Transportation’s Safe Driving Tips for Teenage Drivers. 

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.

Sleepiness can impair a driver’s performance as much as or more so than alcohol, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). What do you need to know about drowsy driving so you don’t become a statistic?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes each year are caused primarily by drowsy driving and such crashes result in more than 1,550 deaths a year. 

Who is most at risk?

Anyone who drives is at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, but some groups of people are more at risk than others. They include:

• Young drivers – combining inexperience with sleepiness and a tendency to drive at night puts young people at risk.
• Shift workers and people working long hours – people who work night shifts, rotating shifts, double shifts, or work more than one job are six times more likely to be involved in a drowsy-related crash.
• Commercial drivers – those who drive a high number of miles and drive at night are at significantly higher risk for fall-asleep crashes. Commercial drivers have also been found to be at a high risk for sleep disorders.
• People with untreated sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – people with untreated OSA are up to seven times more likely to have a drowsy driving crash. 
• Business travelers – frequent travelers who may be suffering from jet lag, crossing time zones, spending long hours behind the wheel, or getting too little sleep.

Watch out for signs of sleepiness

Most people are not very good at predicting when they are about to fall asleep. But there are key warning signs to tell you when you are too tired to drive, including:

• Trouble focusing, keeping your eyes open or your head up
• Yawning or rubbing your eyes repeatedly
• Daydreaming and wandering thoughts
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating, and missing signs or exits
• Feeling restless, irritable or aggressive
• Turning up the radio or rolling down the window 
• Slower reaction time, poor judgment

Preventing drowsy driving

DON’T

• Drive if you are tired or on medication that may cause drowsiness.
• Rely on radio, open windows, or other tricks to keep you awake.
• Drive at times when you would normally be sleeping.
• Drink alcohol, especially if you’re sleepy.

DO

• Get a good night’s sleep before a long drive.
• Get off the road if you notice any of the warning signs of fatigue.
• Take a nap – find a safe place to take a 15-20 minute nap.
• Consume caffeine – the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours, but do not rely on it for longer periods.
• Drive with a friend!
• Always wear your seatbelt.

When we drive, we take responsibility for our own safety and the safety of others on the road with us. No trip is worth a life. Before you hit the road, keep these tips in mind so that you can drive alert and arrive alive.

Many states now have laws against distracted driving that carry hefty repercussions! Read on to learn more about what distracted driving is and ways to avoid it.

If the national statistics regarding distracted driving-related deaths don’t scare you (reaching over 3,400 deaths a year, and increasing), the number of police reports indicating distraction as the leading cause of over 400,000 accidents a year should.

The odds are stacked: One in four car accidents in the United States are caused by texting while driving; an accident that is 6 times more likely than an accident involving a drunk driver. 

As a society, we emphasize through legislative recommendations, community outreach programs and the implementation of law how potent drunk driving has become. However, distracted driving is proving to be exponentially more dangerous.
In some states, not only are you breaking the law when you drive distracted, but you could become a statistic yourself.

Distracted driving isn’t just texting!

While we find that texting while driving is the most common form of distracted driving, there are plenty of other distractions that pull your focus away from the road. 

• Fiddling with the radio
• Programming your GPS
• Applying makeup or shaving
• Drinking and eating
• Facetiming/phone calls (even with hands-free devices!)
• Conversations with passengers (and using your hands)
• Monitoring your children
• Keeping a watchful eye on your pet
• Innocent road trip games

While these are just a few of the common distractions you might be guilty of performing while driving, there are plenty that are unique to you and those you are traveling with.

Tips to avoid distracted driving

Keeping your focus on the road can be easier said than done. Here are some things you can do to avoid this common problem:

• Turn off your cell phone - or enable silent mode, even if you're expecting an important business call. And remember: Hands-free isn’t risk free!
• Avoid passenger distractions - when driving with children or pets, make sure the kids are strapped into their seat and pets are settled into carriers before starting the car. If they need your attention during the drive, pull over before handling the situation.
• Eat before or after you arrive to your destination - food spills are a main cause of distraction. Eat in a restaurant, find a rest stop along your route, or locate a safe location to park your vehicle and enjoy your snack.
• Organize your ride before leaving - program the GPS, your music, make sure your toll money is readily available, and your drink is secured in the cup holder before you leave the driveway. If you are traveling with a passenger of age, allow them to co-pilot the trip; this can aid in lessening the chances of your eyes coming off the road.

Distracted Driving Laws in Your State

To combat this growing epidemic, many states across the country have implemented laws targeting distracted driving habits. Below is a simplified list of ways you could be breaking the law!

Massachusetts

• It is illegal to text and drive in Massachusetts.
• The state also PROHIBITS anyone under 18 years old from using any type of mobile device while driving.
  

New Hampshire

• Any use of a hand-held mobile device while driving is illegal in New Hampshire.
• Drivers younger than 18 years old CANNOT use cell phones while driving (including hands-free devices).

New Jersey

• New Jersey prohibits any use (texting OR talking) of a hand-held mobile device while driving.
• Additionally, drivers with any version of a graduated driver's license MAY NOT use a cellular device in any way (including hands-free interactions).

New York

• It's against the law to use a hand-held mobile device (texting AND talking) while driving in New York.

When just reading a text, your eyes come off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 MPH, that’s the length of a football field. Catastrophe can happen just like that. Keep your eyes on the road. Keep your mind on driving. And keep your hands on the wheel, because one distraction can steal your reaction.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.

In this technologically advanced era, multitasking is no longer confined to just the workplace. It is a staple in everyday life.

We juggle many things simultaneously throughout our day; texting while walking, cooking and chasing toddlers, watching television while checking Facebook, the list goes on and on. However, one of the most dangerous combination of tasks occurs in the car.

The facts:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused nearly 3,300 deaths in 2018. It also caused over 400,000 accident-related injuries.*

How do we classify distractions?

Distracted driving comes in 3 different forms: 

1. Cognitive distraction

Cognitive or mental distraction is when a driver's mind isn't focused on driving. Talking to another passenger or being preoccupied with personal, family, or work-related issues are just some examples.

Even drivers listening to their favorite podcast or radio station are at risk; the audio can take drivers’ focus away from their driving and overall surroundings.

2. Visual distraction

Visual distraction occurs when a driver looks at anything other than the road ahead. Drivers who check the kids' seat belts while driving are visually distracted. Cell phones and other electronic devices, such as GPS devices and portable DVDs/digital entertainment systems, also distract drivers.

3. Manual distraction

Manual distraction is when the driver takes one or both hands off the wheel for any reason. Some common examples include eating and drinking in the car, adjusting the GPS, or trying to get something from a purse, wallet, or briefcase.

Texting and driving is particularly dangerous because it involves all 3 forms.

Driving and multitasking don’t mix!

We know it's tempting to answer that email or reprogram that GPS which just rebooted itself for the third time. However, by turning off your devices or resisting the temptation to tamper with them, you can focus on the road ahead and react more efficiently to the unexpected and maybe even avoid an accident.

* This data was collected from police reports, which may not reflect the true number of distracted driving incidents.

Why do you need homeowner’s insurance?

Homeowner’s insurance covers the structure of your home, any structures on your land, personal property, and protects you from risks such as injuries occurring on your property.

Is it required?

Your mortgage loan and home insurance are actually related! In order to protect a mortgage lender’s loan collateral – and to ensure you protect your big investment – you must have insurance. At its core, home insurance is based on how much it would cost to replace or repair damage to your property, and what kind of risks are considered to be exposed. Home insurance coverages and standards can differ by state, too. 

What kind of insurance do you need if you are buying a condo?

Prior to selecting your insurance policy, you should check with your Condo Association to make sure you understand what they cover and what they don’t. An independent agent can assess any coverage gaps and determine the right coverage for your Condo. 

Is your credit score important?

Yes! It is more than the price of your home, its location and contents that determine what you pay for insurance. These are important, but your credit history can influence the cost, too. The better the credit rating, the lower the premiums you are likely to pay, and maintaining a good rating can save you money on home insurance for years to come!

Is bundling your auto, home and umbrella policies really cost effective?

Yes! It is almost always more cost effective to bundle your policies. There are often discounts available for bundling that you wouldn’t receive on standalone policies. 

Why Preferred Mutual and not a national carrier?

We partner with an exclusive network of independent agents because we know they offer you the best service, and are ensuring you are obtaining the right coverage for your needs. When you work with a national carrier, you risk paying a “better rate” for lower coverage and less options. Having the wrong coverage can end up costing you more in the long run. When it comes to buying a home, whether this is your first home or you have been down this road before, the Preferred Mutual difference comes down to this: we are here to support you for the long haul, before and after you close. Our focus isn’t insurance now; it is helping you Live Assured for life. Call a Preferred Mutual independent agent today! Don’t know of a local agent or agency?

Check our Local Agent Listing for an agent in your community: To Start Saving, Connect with an Agent

When purchasing an auto insurance policy, it is vital to understand the factors that affect your policy costs and coverage. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of bad information out there – and we’re here to set the record straight!

Myth 1 – Color determines the price of your auto insurance.

Red, white or neon green – the color of your car does not factor into your auto insurance costs. Underwriters price your policy based on other factors, though, like car make, model, body type, and engine size, age of vehicle, and even market value, safety record and features, as well as likelihood of theft. 

Myth 2 – Your credit score does not influence insurance rates.

There’s a difference between credit scores and insurance scores. Credit scores predict credit delinquency, while insurance scores predict insurance losses. Both types are calculated from information found in a credit report, and both play into insurance rates. Actuarial studies have found that individuals with good credit are more likely to pay less for their insurance and less likely to file a claim. Poor credit doesn’t mean you won’t be able to purchase insurance, but the premium will likely be higher.

Myth 3 – You only need the minimum amount of auto liability insurance required by law.

While the short-term benefits of buying minimum coverage seems like a financially-savvy decision, in the event of an accident, you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket for losses occurred after an accident. And those costs may be steeper than the extra $50 a month you think you’re saving when buying your state’s minimum coverage!

Myth 4 – If another person is driving your car, in the event of an accident, their auto insurance will cover damages.

This varies by state, though in most states, the auto policy covering the vehicle is considered to be the policy that pays for damages caused by an accident, regardless of who is driving. Be sure to understand the state-mandated regulations before allowing another person to drive your car!

Myth 5 – If I’m a driver for a rideshare app, my normal insurance will cover me.

We can’t stress enough that this is not the case.  

If you are interested in becoming a driver for a rideshare app, contact your insurance company to discuss your options.

Many insurance carriers write mandatory exclusions into your personal auto coverage, making it very clear there are serious coverage gaps between your personal auto insurance and the master policy provided by the rideshare company you drive for.

*This also applies to delivery of other goods, too, like Grubhub, Doordash, and UberEats.*

From coverage that makes you feel right at home to feeling safe out on the open road, get the protection you need to live in the moment and prepare for the future. At Preferred Mutual, we call this living assured. Find an independent agent near you to discuss how to make your auto insurance policy work to meet your needs and live assured.

Protect yourself and your family by following these helpful safety tips!

Colorless, odorless, tasteless, but poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) often goes undetected, striking its victims without a trace. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year, while nearly 20,000 people visit emergency rooms around the country for related carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.

Severe winter weather increases the risk of CO production. With high winds or heavy snowfall, the Northeast can experience power outages or see an increase in fuel production with the use of fireplaces and furnaces to stay warm. With these heating sources turned up and without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can build quickly to toxic levels, putting you and your family at risk!

You can prevent carbon monoxide by knowing the Do’s and Don’ts!

The CDC offers these helpful tips:

DO:

• Prior to each winter season, make sure you have your heating system serviced by a qualified technician.
• Over 1/4th of American homes do not have a CO detector! Make sure you and your family are safe by installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home near the bedrooms. Make sure to check or replace the battery twice a year!
• While you’re shoveling outside, make sure to clear at least three-feet of snow from around your furnace, dryer vents and intake tubes outside the home to be safe. 

DON’T:

• Should your CO detector ever sound, don’t assume it has malfunctioned.
• Do not run any vehicle inside a garage attached to your house, even if the door is open. Fumes can still be vented through the home!
• If the power goes out, do not heat your house with a gas oven. Alternative heating sources during a power outage exposes you and your family to CO exposure within minutes.

Most importantly, know the symptoms of CO poisoning. Seek medical attention if you or anyone in the home experiences any or all of these flu-like symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Feeling lightheaded
• Nausea
• Loss of consciousness

Like all risks in life, preparedness and awareness can mean the difference between life and death. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov. When you live proactively, you can live assured. 

Valentine’s Day is around the corner! If you are planning on proposing, know the facts about getting your valuables protected! 

Once your significant other says “Yes!” and they are beaming with great joy and surprise, with that new rock comes great responsibility. If your Valentine’s Day bling is lost, damaged, or stolen, having the right insurance can keep you out of the dog house!

Preferred Mutual gives you peace of mind when you need it most. By adding additional coverage to your Homeowner’s, Renter’s, Mobile Homeowner’s, or Condo’s policy, you can Live Assured that whether you lose your ring while on a romantic stroll on the beach or a stone is missing after you crush a workout, your new engagement ring is protected. There’s more, though! The additional coverage doesn’t just protect your ring, but protects all of your valuables within your home; from fire and theft, too!

What is covered?

• Jewelry
• Furs
• Artwork
• Bicycles
• Musical instruments
• Cameras
• Personal computers or high-end electronic devices
• Oriental rugs
• Wine collection
• Baseball card collections
• Guns
• Golf equipment
• Other collections, such as coins or stamps

Insuring your valuables means receiving: 

• Coverage for losses from fire and theft that might not be covered under your current policy
• No deductibles for most classes
• Easier loss settlement because of detailed item descriptions
• Higher limits beyond your basic Homeowner's policy

At Preferred Mutual, we understand how important your possessions are to you. When purchasing a ring for your Valentine, think with your heart, and with your head by adding an endorsement to your policy. Live Assured that your valuables – whether lost, damaged, or stolen – are covered!

Snowmobilers savor the breathtaking beauty of a snow-filled woods, the stark blanket of white that covers what fall left behind. More than 10 million people look forward to snowmobiling each winter season, but before you jump on and go for a ride, ask yourself: Am I a safe rider?

The International Snowmobile Manufacturing Association (ISMA) is a proud organization, promoting safe riding behavior across the globe. The ISMA says to start you should:

• Know your abilities and don’t go beyond them.
• Know your machine’s capabilities, too, and don’t push beyond those.
• Know your terrain. 
• Know the local rules and regulations.

Snowmobiles offer an exhilarating ride, but without proper safety precautions you could find yourself in a very dangerous situation. Here are the most important safety tips to know:

• Take a snowmobile safety course.
• Always check the weather and trail conditions. 
• Maintain your snowmobile.
• Bring a buddy.
• Avoid frozen rivers. 
• Stay on the trail.
• Never drink and drive.

For information on snowmobile safety, the industry, statistics, and more, visit the ISMA: http://snowmobile.org 

With Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, snowmobiling can easily be added to your current Preferred New York Personal Auto policy! Live Assured that while you’re busy making winter memories, we have you covered.