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Are you protected from the unexpected? Personal Umbrella Policy

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:25:00 GMT

As part of our blog series on the importance of reviewing your insurance policies, we’re wondering, are there gaps in your coverage? Have you thought about personal umbrella insurance?

What if you rear-end a high-powered surgeon and they can’t return to work because of their injuries? You don’t have to be a millionaire to be sued like one! Accidents happen, and if you’re found at fault by the court, it could wipe you out financially. You can protect yourself from the unexpected with a supplemental insurance policy, known as umbrella or excess personal liability insurance coverage. A Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) is extra security above and beyond the normal or primary liability limits of your personal auto, homeowners, boat, motorcycle, renters or condominium insurance. And the good news is, it’s relatively inexpensive!

What is Personal Liability Coverage and Why is it important?

A personal liability insurance policy protects an individual from the risk that they may be sued and held responsible for injuries and damages caused to others. These policies cover both legal costs and any legal payouts for which the insured would be responsible if found legally liable. However, the legal payouts are only up to the primary liability policy limits. Without this coverage, individuals would be forced to pay out of pocket for any damages and legal fees.

Why You Should Consider a Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)

If you’re sued for more than the primary liability amount covered on your personal home, auto or boat policy, you could be personally responsible for the amount that exceeds your primary liability limit. A personal umbrella policy is a second layer of liability coverage that sits on top of the primary liability coverages offered by your personal policies.

Who & What can personal umbrella insurance cover?

The named insured and all resident relatives
The costs of legal payouts against you when a covered lawsuit exceeds your primary (also known as underlying) liability insurance limits
Primary policy coverage gaps, including personal injury liability protection situations such as false arrest, wrongful entry, defamation, humiliation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy
In court proceedings, an attorney can be hired and retained for you. Their fees are typically covered outside policy limits

Who needs a PUP?

Many of us do. Quite simply, we live in a lawsuit-happy world. If you have assets and you're ever found at fault in a serious automobile accident or sued for a personal accident on or away from your property, you’ll want all the coverage you can get. That's why a personal umbrella policy makes sense for so many drivers and homeowners. It’s affordable supplemental insurance that’s there when your primary insurance hits its limit. That can make a world of difference for expensive lawsuits.

How big a PUP do you need, and what are coverage amount rules of thumb for a PUP?

Coverage limits on a personal umbrella policy start at $1 million and increase by million-dollar increments for qualified applicants. But remember, when considering a PUP, your assets go beyond your banking or investment accounts. It’s also your home, earnings and valuables.

What's the average cost of a PUP?

You may think personal umbrella insurance is expensive, but it’s actually a very affordable level of coverage. Depending on the state you live in, for about $1 a day, you can have the additional protection of a PUP that works with your existing personal liability insurance coverage.

Does a PUP apply anywhere in the world?

Yes. Your personal umbrella insurance coverage goes with you wherever you go – in the U.S. and around the world.

What happens if the minimum underlying limits on primary personal policies are not met?

You’ll lose out on a personal umbrella policy. All insurance companies that sell personal umbrella insurance require you to have certain minimum amounts of primary liability insurance before the umbrella policy can be written.

Still not sure you need a personal umbrella policy? You can learn much more about why you should consider purchasing one by contacting a professional insurance agent. Just consider the gaps that may exist in your primary personal liability insurance coverage and the potential for unexpected accidents or circumstances. That alone should help with your decision.

Stay tuned as we continue our blog series on insurance reviews. As always, we welcome your questions and suggestions on the insurance issues that matter to you most.

Have you Reviewed Your Automobile Insurance Coverage Recently?

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:30:00 GMT

It’s time for part two of our blog series on the importance of reviewing your insurance coverage. We recently blogged on what to look for when reviewing your home owners insurance. Now, let’s take a look at how to review your automobile coverage. Don’t forget to stay with us in the coming months as we continue to explore what you should look for when you review various types of insurance. As always, we welcome your questions and suggestions on the insurance issues that matter to you most.

Before You Automatically Renew Your Automobile Coverage

It’s far too easy to just let auto insurance run on autopilot. We find a good policy at an acceptable rate and each time it renews we take the new insurance card and stuff it in our glove compartments nonchalantly. But when was the last time you took a good look at your auto insurance policy coverage? Do you know if you’re getting all applicable discounts? Do you know if you have any gaps or redundancies in coverage? Before you blindly renew your automobile insurance coverage, you should contact your insurance agent and work with him or her to review your policy. Just because you have insurance, doesn’t mean you’re covered.

Top 10 Auto Insurance Policy Review Considerations

Collision and Comprehensive
Curious what the difference between these two coverages is? Talk to your agent. In the case of a covered loss (i.e. an accident that's specifically covered by your policy), collision helps pay for the repairs up to the actual cash value of your car to get it driving again. The higher the deductible the lower your premium and the more you share in the cost of repairing your vehicle if an accident happens. Storm damage, fire, vandalism, theft and animal encounters (most often deer in NJ) are perils usually included under your comprehensive coverage. Similar to collision, the higher the deductible the lower your premium, though the savings are usually not as large. Wondering if you need either or both? Talk to your agent about what to consider when making this decision – factors like the value of your car, how much you could save by dropping the coverage, your ability to pay for repairs on your own and whether you would repair/replace a vehicle that was damaged or totaled in an accident.
Liability Coverage
If you cause an accident and are found at fault, your liability coverage will protect you from the expenses incurred with regard to damages to people or property, and cover the legal costs for your defense up to the limits of your policy. If you don’t have an adequate amount of liability coverage on your policy, the other party’s attorney may go after your personal assets.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses are covered by PIP, but so are income continuation, household services, funeral expenses and even child-care expenses while you heal. This is required automobile insurance coverage in New Jersey, so discuss your current automobile and health insurance policies with your agent to determine how much coverage you need.
Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist
Believe it or not, some drivers have little or no car insurance in NJ. If one of them damages your car, or injures you or someone riding with you, this automobile coverage option can help cover repairs and non-medical expenses.
Rental Car Reimbursement
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a car to drive if your vehicle is being repaired due to an accident? If you’re antsy to get on the road while your car is being repaired after an accident, this option will reimburse you for the cost of a rental vehicle.
Towing/Roadside Assistance
If you’re involved in an accident, does your policy include coverage for towing? If you find yourself locked out of your car, out of gas or with a flat tire, does your policy provide for emergency roadside assistance? When included in your auto insurance coverage policy, how does the cost of these services compare to purchasing them elsewhere? Is there a benefit to getting them from your auto insurance provider?
Discounts
Who doesn’t want to save some green? Make sure you get all available discounts and bonuses to help save you money on your car insurance policy coverage. Just a few of the discounts or bonuses you can get in NJ include paying in full, having more than one policy, having more than one car, completing a defensive driving course, being a resident student and being a safe driver with no accidents or tickets.
Young Drivers
Will you be adding a teen driver to your policy soon? Visit with your agent to find ways to minimize the cost of adding a young driver to your policy, as well as your teen’s eligibility for driver’s training and good student discounts.
Rewards and Surcharges
If you or someone on your policy has a claim, is involved in an accident or gets a ticket, your insurance rate may go up. Check with your insurance agent regarding the steps you can take to minimize the impact of these situations to the cost of your insurance. And if you avoid accidents, you might be entitled to rewards or a reduced rate. Be sure to consult with your agent regarding this situation as well.
Policy Changes
Thinking about changing the vehicles on your policy? Check with your agent to find out if you need to change your coverage and the possible impact to your premium before you buy or lease that new car.

There are many insurance companies out there today that want you to believe that the most important aspect of automobile insurance coverage is price. While insurance may be a commodity, advice is not and you may regret a decision made strictly on the basis of price when you need to use your coverage. An in-depth insurance policy review with your agent can help you maintain automobile insurance coverage that suits your lifestyle and your bank account.

Don’t miss the next topic in our insurance policy coverage review blog series, where we’ll take a look at personal umbrella policies. And be sure to check back often as we continue to explore the importance of reviewing insurance coverage. Email us with your questions or suggestions on future topics.

Something Happens, Is My Stuff Covered??

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:56:00 GMT

You may have more valuable possessions than you realize – jewelry, furs, artwork, oriental rugs and collectibles, to name a few. Your homeowners policy can provide some coverage, but with deductibles and coverage limitations on valuable items, a personal articles insurance policy also known as valuable articles insurance, or an insurance rider can provide the additional coverage that you may need.

Do you need valuable articles coverage?

In other words, do you really need special insurance for things like jewelry, artwork, silver and antiques? While you could rely on regular homeowners insurance to cover these high-value items, the problem with homeowners is that the coverage for some valuables is very limited. This may be fine if the value of your favorite possession is of limited value (say, less than $500). But we’re guessing since you’re reading on, that’s not you. So, if you’ve invested time, passion and money into your valuables, a good personal articles insurance policy could be very helpful if something unfortunate should happen to your cherished possessions.

How does this coverage work?

You insure your valuables for their actual worth – dollar for dollar. The value is settled in advance before anything happens. This agreed upon value can be based on either what you paid for the item (as documented by a sales receipt) or the item’s appraised value (most insurance companies require that an appraisal be done within the last three to five years).

What can a personal articles insurance policy cover?

Jewelry
Furs
Cameras
Musical Instruments
Silverware/Goldware
Fine Art (such as oriental rugs and paintings)
Collectibles
Sports Equipment (such as bicycles, golf clubs)
Computer Equipment

What are your personal property coverage choices?

Your homeowners policy will protect the majority of your personal possessions (in fact, the personal property coverage on your homeowners policy is usually 70-75% of your dwelling coverage). In some cases though, valuable items like furs, jewelry, cameras, coin and stamp collections, musical instruments, silver and goldware may not be covered completely because they fall outside of the specific item coverage limits found on most homeowners policies. Not to worry though, if this applies to your homeowners policy, there are additional coverage options available. You can customize your policy to protect what you cherish most. Jewelry insurance, or coverage known as scheduled personal property (SPP) or extended coverage on specific items or collections can be purchased.

What specifically does each kind of policy cover and not cover?

Personal Property Protection
- Applies to personal property owned or used by an insured person anywhere in the world (restrictions apply), and is subject to your policy's deductible
- Covers sudden and accidental direct physical loss caused by a named peril, except as limited or excluded in the policy
- Personal property located at a residence other than your primary home is limited to a percentage of your policy’s personal property coverage
- Covers the personal property owned by a guest or a resident employee while the property is in a residence that the named insured is occupying

Extended Coverage on Jewelry, Watches and Furs
- Applies to jewelry, watches, gems, precious and semi-precious stones, gold, platinum and furs when written on the policy, and is subject to the policy's deductible
- Covers sudden and accidental direct physical loss, including mysterious disappearance, subject to specified exclusions and any deductible
- Coverage limit applies on a per-occurrence basis with a per-item limit
- Generally, the coverage amount is not in addition to the amount of personal property coverage
- You can also choose between item or blanket coverage. With blanket coverage, you can insure a specific category (i.e. jewelry or silver) for an overall dollar amount. This is a good idea for folks with a lot of items that are of smaller values (e.g. $25000 of jewelry, but no one item is worth more than $2500). Coverage for a specific item is written for a set dollar amount. Specific item coverage is usually used for pieces of larger value (i.e. an engagement or wedding ring or a watch)

Scheduled Personal Property (SPP) Endorsement
- SPP endorsement insures items against all risks. The amount of insurance must be 100% of the current market value
- SPP is outside the personal property limit on the rest of your policy
- While certain limits and restrictions can apply, this coverage covers loss of or damage to the personal property of an insured person as scheduled for all risks, including mysterious disappearance and direct physical loss anywhere in the world. However, coverage on fine arts, firearms and business personal property is limited to within the USA and Canada
- SPP may be written with higher deductibles, which can be different than the deductible amount under the policy. Unless written as such, scheduled personal property is not subject to the policy's deductible
- SPP coverage is usually more expensive than Extended Coverage but it can also offer more specific coverage to protect your valuables
- What about pairs and sets, i.e. if you lose one earring from a pair, or one of your favorite candlestick holders from a set? If the item has been listed on a scheduled personal property insurance policy, it will either be repaired or replaced so that its value is restored to the value it had before the loss? The policy can pay the difference between the value of the property before and after the loss

Got all that? Maybe not. Figuring out the appropriate personal property coverage can be difficult. You’ll want to enlist the help of a knowledgeable insurance professional to help you figure out what’s best for your valuables. This is especially important if you’re thinking about popping the question. According to a recently released survey, 40% of men in a relationship say they plan to propose on Valentine’s Day. Make sure you give some thought to the perils that could befall that big beautiful engagement ring. Be sure to make the right decision regarding how to protect your bling once you’ve bought it and before you pop the question. And if you’re on the receiving end, do some research to find the best way to protect that ring once you’ve accepted it joyously.

Be sure to look for our blog series on insurance reviews. As always, we welcome your questions and suggestions on the insurance issues that matter most to you.

When Did You Last Review Your Home Owner Insurance Coverage

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:25:00 GMT

Have you reviewed your home owner’s insurance policy lately? If not, you’ll want to do so the next chance you get. Otherwise, you may find yourself in an unfortunate situation if you fall victim to a house fire, burglary or flood. The best thing we all can do is make sure we have the coverage that’s right for us before we have a loss. The high number of claims has made home owners insurance coverage more expensive than ever – but there are ways to ensure you receive value from your policy. Make an appointment with your insurance agent to review your policy when it renews and re-assess your home insurance coverage whenever there is a big change in your circumstances (the purchase of an expensive item, a major remodel/reconstruction, etc.)

Your Home Insurance Coverage Review Check List

Here are the important coverage areas to consider when it comes to house insurance coverage.

Dwelling Coverage

Did you know that an underinsured dwelling can incur penalties? So, what’s the adequate amount of dwelling coverage? It should be enough to cover the cost of rebuilding a home should there be a complete loss – but remember, it’s not based on market value, but rather on the replacement cost of dwelling not including land. This is why it’s so important to re-assess your policy especially if you’ve remodeled or renovated.

Replacement Cost or Actual Cash Value

What if your dwelling and its contents get damaged or destroyed? Replacement cost coverage and actual cash value insurance will be there to protect you. This refers to the amount your provider will pay – Replacement cost coverage doesn’t deduct for depreciation while actual cash value insurance does.

Liability Coverage

Liability Insurance helps protect you against the financial uncertainty arising from injury (or property damage) that you or your family may cause to other people. It typically covers injuries whether they happen on or away from your property. If you don’t have enough liability insurance, then your assets could be at stake. The liability coverage on your homeowner’s policy helps you to protect your retirement accounts, investment in stocks and bonds, checking/saving accounts, home and other real estate equity. It is very important to discuss the assets you need to protect with your agent to determine the level of liability coverage that is right for you.

Do You Have an All-Risk or a Named Peril Policy?

When choosing home owners insurance, you have these two choices. The primary difference between them is that a named peril policy covers what is "named" (included) in the policy while an all risk covers everything except what is excluded. Typically, an all-risk policy offers much more comprehensive coverage.

Contents Coverage & Personal Items

Don’t you just love your flat screen television, that mahogany dining room set, those designer brand clothes? What about your beautiful jewelry, piano or other personal items? The value of your belongings adds up quickly, so you should understand how much coverage you need and when or if an appraisal is required to adequately cover your personal property.

Other Structures on Property

While you’re right if you assume most policies automatically provide this coverage, you should be sure you’re adequately covered if you have a cottage, swimming pool or shed on your property.

Property Inflation Adjustment

Your insurance provider should automatically adjust your policy with building cost inflation, but do yourself a favor and double-check this. You may see a minimal annual increase to adjust for the rising replacement cost coverage. \

Building Ordinance & Water Sewer Backup

If your home is older than 25 years, building ordinance coverage could be very important. If a local building ordinance calls for the destruction of the dwelling, your insurance company may deny paying for increased costs or demolition expenses incurred. You may also want to consider water and sewer backup coverage.

Policy or Coverage Changes

Has your insurance company changed your policy or coverage? They are required to contact you when this occurs, but in the event you missed their notification, you should check on this from time to time.

New Discounts

Always review all eligible discounts because this is an easy way to cut down on the expense of your home insurance coverage. Also, consider adding a protective device like an alarm system or adjusting your deductible for increased savings.

Your insurance agent will always be there to help you with your home insurance. Staying educated about your house insurance coverage is the best way to get the most out of your policy, so don’t hesitate to go to your agent with questions. The worst thing to do is to just “set it and forget it.” And remember to never assume you’re fully covered just because you have home insurance coverage.

Keep an eye out for part two of our blog series on insurance policy reviews; we’ll be discussing what to look for when you review your auto policy. We welcome your suggestions or questions on the insurance issues that affect your life.

Review Before You Renew Your Insurance Policy

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:19:00 GMT

We hope that we can protect ourselves and our families from many of life’s uncertainties with quality insurance. But are we really getting the most out of our policies? The fact is, just because we have insurance doesn’t mean we’re fully covered. Are you prepared? Unless we take the time to review our policies periodically, we could end up with a big surprise when we need to file a claim.

Because the importance of reviewing insurance policies cannot be overstated, we are launching a series of blogs that give you an inside look at what to consider when reviewing your insurance coverage.

How to Review Your Insurance Policies

Step One – Partner with a Qualified Insurance Agent

Get the best coverage by partnering with a licensed insurance agent to help you with your insurance planning. Some may see insurance as a commodity, but advice is not. With insight and expertise, a qualified insurance agent has the product knowledge to build a custom plan that works best for your lifestyle.

Step Two - Review Coverage

Do you understand the coverages on your policy? Are there any gaps in these coverages? Are you getting all applicable discounts?

Step Three – Consider Your Circumstances

Has your life changed recently? Have you made some big purchases, switched jobs or added/changed family members? Help your insurance agent get you the right level of coverage by keeping them informed.

The first blog in our insurance review series will give you insight into how to review your home owners insurance coverage. Blog two will delve into the depths of reviewing your auto policy coverages. Let us know your questions, and feel free to suggest additional insurance coverages you’d like us to feature.

Contractor Insurance for Your Home Business

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:54:00 GMT

If you’re a contractor that operates a home business, believe it or not you carry similar risks as the largest corporations out there. Whether it’s just you and your tools of the trade, or you’ve hired a team of employees or subcontractors to help you build someone’s dream home, you’re going to need business insurance coverage. Unsure whether this applies to your business? Just ask yourself the following questions.

Why Do You Need Contractor Insurance?
If you’re running a home-based business, you may be thinking it isn’t large enough to require contractor insurance. Whether you’re a plumber, locksmith, painter or carpenter, the risks are out there, and you need protection. Your work and/or your employees’ can end up inadvertently causing injury to someone, or your materials can end up damaging existing property. Also, what happens if your employees get injured while on the job? That’s why it is so important that you protect yourself properly with coverage like general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. Here are some issues to consider:

How Do I Know What Coverage I Need?
The first thing you’ll want to do is contact your insurance agent. In order to determine your business risk, your agent will need to know what your business you are in and all the types of work you perform. Be specific and honest to ensure you get the right coverage customized for you business needs. One contractor may need a customized business owner policy (BOP) while another may need a simple commercial general liability policy (CGL). Both may or may not need a commercial auto policy and both may need workers compensation coverage. It all depends on your particular line of work.

Can I be held liable for damage or injury?
Yes you can! Today’s society is increasingly litigious, and even small missteps can result in large lawsuits. Therefore, general liability insurance is critical for any size company. Liability insurance protects your company’s assets if it is sued for causing property damage or personal injury. You can purchase general liability insurance on its own or as part of a business owner’s policy, or BOP. BOPs bundle liability and property insurance into a single policy. Remember lawsuits can happen on the first day of the job or even years after you finished the project.

Are My Materials and Labor Protected?
With builder’s risk insurance, you are protected from the loss of materials and labor costs during the course of construction due to most circumstances outside your control – Fire, theft, vandalism, wind, and lightning. As part of your contractor insurance, this valuable protection can also cover the cost of materials stored on site that are damaged or lost.

What Is, and Do I Need, Workers Compensation Insurance?
Every NJ employer has a legal responsibility to employees to make the workplace safe. However, accidents happen even when every reasonable safety measure has been taken. Therefore, worker’s compensation insurance (WC) is required for every employee in the state of NJ.

WC covers workers injured on the job, whether they're hurt on the workplace premises or elsewhere, or in auto accidents while on business. It also covers work-related illnesses as well as certain medical expenses, lost income and rehabilitation expenses. It also pays a death benefit to heirs of an employee who dies from a job-related injury or illness.

Be careful, WC can be a tricky. Depending on your corporate structure, even though you have no employees, you may be required to carry the coverage. That’s why it is always best to consult an insurance professional.

Do My Subcontractors Need Insurance?
Absolutely! If you face a claim related to work done by your subcontractor, you may find out too late that your contractor insurance policywon’t pay. Make sure your subcontractors are insured for both general liability and worker’s comp by routinely asking for their current certificates of insurance. Also, make sure that you’re named as an additional insured, and check that the limits of liability match or exceed yours.

Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance?
Whether it's a single truck used just by you to get from job site to job site, or several passenger cars or trucks used by your employees, you’ll need theproper insurance coverage. If you’re like many home-based business owners, you may use only one vehicle for both business and personal use. In that case, your insurance agent can advise you on mixed use insurance coverage because your personal auto policy may not cover your business risk.

Don’t assume that just because you’re a trusted professional to some, that others won’t have problems with your work. If a client finds your work unacceptable or finds you haven’t met their standards, business insurance coverage will be there to protect you. New Jersey’s insurance company John Hawk Agency can help you decide what you need when it comes to contractor insurance. From general liability insurance to commercial auto insurance, you’ll get a cost-effective plan to help you do business with confidence.

Preparing for Winter Driving – Safe Winter Driving Tips

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:42:00 GMT

This winter, the best advice for driving in bad weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. But sometimes you just can’t. With messy snow and ice threatening to hamper the family trip to grandma's house, now is probably a good time to improve your knowledge of road safety.

Winter Weather Safety Tips
For starters, don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

Winterize Your Vehicle
Schedule a maintenance checkup for your tires, battery, belts and hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers and ignition system. Keep your gas tank sufficiently full – at least half a tank is recommended.

Equip Your Vehicle with Chains or Snow Tires
When it comes to traction on slick winter roads, you’ll want to consider using tire chains or snow tires. Tire chains are highly effective and can be purchased at just about any auto store. Inexpensive, and easy to install and remove, tire chains will give you that maximum grip to ensure your safety.

An equally effective alternative for winter driving safety is the use of snow tires, which provides the added benefit of giving your standard tires a rest during the winter months. You’ll feel like you’re driving around in your very own snow mobile as you stop, turn corners and change lanes without the worry of your back end sliding. Most snow tires cost less than an insurance deductible and last at least three seasons. And chances are your tire seller will allow you to store your other tires with them during the winter. If the east coast blizzards can teach us one lesson, it's that it's never too early in the season to start thinking about winter tires. Prepare yourself with tire chains or snow tires today.

Purchase Winter Driving Safety Essentials
Before winter hits, do yourself a favor and build a winter driving safety kit for your trunk including a snowbrush, ice scraper, rock salt, small shovel, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables and first aid.

Clean Off Your Car
Before you hit the road, be sure to clear snow and ice from windows, lights, mirrors and the roof. If you don’t, you’ll leave a trail of dangerous conditions for the other drivers around you. This is one of the simplest driving safety tips.

Turn on Your Lights
Winter weather and limite daylight hours can make for limited visibility. Keep your headlights on at all times so that you can see and be seen.

Slow Down
Failing to allow yourself enough time to stop is a major cause of winter driving accidents. In slippery conditions, stopping distances can triple. Driving at a slower speed, anticipating stops at traffic lights and intersections, and applying brakes sooner than usual are excellent safe winter driving tips to remember. When braking, brake carefully with short, rapid application of the brakes. Always allow plenty of extra space between you and other vehicles to minimize the need for quick stops.

Know How to Handle a Skid
If you’re going a slower speed on winter roads, you shouldn’t find yourself skidding, but if you do, it’s important to know how to handle it. Determine where you want your car to go and turn your steering wheel toward that point. Avoid over-steering.

Get Over the Hill
Drive too slowly and you’ll find yourself spinning your wheels on hills. Drive too fast and you’ll risk skidding. So what can you do? Maintaining momentum. Apply light and even pressure on the gas pedal, and approach the hill with medium speed. At the top of the hill, slow down and roll down the hill slowly.

Maintain Your Car Insurance
While no additional coverage is needed for winter, you should make sure your auto insurance policy has coverage for loss of use. This way, if you happen to get into an accident, you can get a rental car while your vehicle is getting repaired.

According to NJ insurance agents John Hawk Agency, preparation is key when it comes to winter weather safety tips. Teenage drivers who are new to the road in general need some extra guidance before they get behind the wheel. Parents or family members are urged to take teens out to practice in an empty parking lot upon first snow fall. But the fact is, no matter how old you are, winter driving safety is something you should always have on your driving radar to avoid a car accident.

Looking for Contractors – Top 5 Tips

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:42:00 GMT

When you’re taking on a home renovation or dealing with storm damage, you’ll need to hire a contractor. But do you know how to find a contractor? Do you know what questions to ask a contractor to ensure they’re truly professional? Sure… you know you have to get multiple bids, and consider references and referrals. But the most important factor to investigate is their insurance coverage.

When hiring a contractor, it’s crucial to check for insurance and how it extends to employees or potential sub-contractors. If the contractor isn’t protected with adequate insurance coverage, you could end up getting sued if one of the workers gets injured at your house. And you may be held responsible. You can avoid a situation like this by doing a little research up front. Following are ten of the most important things to check up on when you’re looking for contractors.

Top 5 Tips for How to Find a Contractor

1.) Perform a Contractor License Check

It’s important to protect yourself by performing a thorough contractor license check to ensure you’re hiring a licensed contractor. Anybody can claim they’re a professional contractor, so ask to see their insurance policy. They should happily provide their certificate (or binder). You should see any hesitation or pushback as a red flag. Call the insurance company or agent listed on the binder to verify that the coverage is current and in effect.

2.) Check for Worker’s Compensation Insurance

One of the most important questions to ask a contractor is whether or not they have Worker’s Compensation Insurance. This form of insurance, which covers medical/rehabilitation expenses and lost wages for workers, will serve to protect you in the long run. If the contractor’s limits aren’t adequate, an employee or subcontractor may end up suing you if they get injured on your property.

3.) Check for General Liability Insurance

Costs associated with an accident on the job can be very expensive. A contractor’s general liability insurance covers property damage and injuries involving employees, clients and even bystanders caused by mistakes or negligence. When you’re looking for contractors, make sure they have this.

4.) Check for Builder’s Risk Insurance

It’s important that your home and materials are protected from damage at every point while under construction. Builder’s Risk covers the contractor’s interest concerning materials at the job site before they’re installed, materials in transit intended for the job, and the value of the property under construction until completion of the project. Your questions for contractors should include whether or not they carry this important coverage.

5.) Confirm Contractor is Registered

In order to monitor insurance coverage and complaints, home improvement contractors are required to register their business with the state via the Home Improvement Contractor’s Registration Act & Home Improvement Contractor Regulations. Contact the State Division of Consumer Affairs at 973-273-8090 to verify the person is a registered home improvement contractor. Also be sure to confirm your contractor’s licensing status with the New Jersey State Labor & Industries Department.

With so many regulations and requirements involved, you can feel at ease knowing you’re getting quality work from a trusted professional if you’ve done your research. For more information on how to find a contractor or recommendations of questions for contractors, contact your insurance agent.

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NJ Comprehensive Insurance Covers Cracked Windshields

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:34:00 GMT

Did you know New Jersey is one of a few states that does not offer a separate glass coverage deductible as part of car insurance? Unlike other states, when NJ drivers fall victim to chipped, cracked or broken glass, comprehensive insurance covers the cost of repair or replacement. That means you can save quite a bit of money if you set up your auto glass insurance coverage plan the right way.

The Best Insurance for Chipped, Cracked or Broken Glass

Here are some things to ask yourself when trying to get the best coverage for your money:

Do I Need Auto Glass Insurance Coverage?

The odds are very good that you’ll fall victim to a chipped, cracked or broken windshield. It’s reported that 13-14 million windshields* are replaced each year. And stressors like extreme temperatures or rough driving conditions will cause existing windshield chips and cracks to spread quickly, according to a recent windshield damage study.** Glass insurance coverage will protect you from spending big bucks on repair or replacement.

How Does My NJ Comprehensive Insurance Protect Me?

Your comprehensive insurance covers non-collision auto damage like fire, vandalism and theft. In New Jersey, all claims related to auto glass damage are handled through the comprehensive insurance coverage portion of your auto policy. If you have your deductible set up properly, you’ll save money when you experience windshield damage.

What Should My Comprehensive Insurance Deductible Be?

The best auto glass insurance coverage has a very low comprehensive insurance deductible. Think of it this way – If you have a $1,000 deductible and the estimated repair cost is $750, it wouldn’t be worth your while to file a claim. The deductible is more than the cost of the windshield. Insurance agents at the John Hawk Agency in New Jersey suggest lowering your comprehensive deductible from the average range of $500-$1,000 to $100-$250. This way, your policy will cover a big chunk of the cost. It’s a relatively inexpensive change to make that will give you immediate payback on your first auto glass insurance claim.

How Can I Change My Comprehensive Insurance Deductible?

Talk to your insurance agent about your glass insurance coverage. He or she will evaluate your situation and discuss the best way to protect yourself with your comprehensive insurance policy.

Earn a $10 Gift Card!

We want to hear from you! If you have a suggestion for blog topic, send them to info@johnhawkagency.com. If your topic is selected, we will send you a $10 gift card.

*Stat Info from http://www.carwindshields.info/
** Stat info from http://www.safelite.com/Official20Effect20ofStressesonAutoGlassStudy.pdf

Ten Reasons You Need An Insurance Agent to Get the Best Insurance

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 15:09:00 GMT

"A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." That’s how Winston Churchill once described Russia, but the same could be said of insurance. You know you should have a comprehensive, cost-effective network of coverage, but what you need and how much can be confusing. Here are 10 reasons why you need an insurance agent to get the best insurance coverage for your money.

10. Save Time
While it may be tempting, you’ll want to avoid going with one of those 1-800-do-it-yourself companies that claim to get you covered in as little as 15 minutes. In reality, that’s really only enough time to reduce your coverage and increase your risk. What truly saves you time is using a knowledgeable insurance agent to remove the guesswork and confusion involved with finding the best insurance coverage. Professional insurance agents will be there to advise you on coverage choices and claims questions. Plus, if you need to change your coverage or settle a claim, having someone there to guide you makes it easier.

9. Save Money
Insurance advisors coordinate all your policies, so you can be sure you’re covered adequately and not paying for unnecessary coverage. And with more resources and support to draw from, independent insurance agents often can get you a better deal than you can get for yourself.

8. Reliability
Insurance agents get to know you personally. That means you’re more than just a policy number. When you’re buying insurance through an online service, nobody knows you by name, and you can’t visit the office when you have a need. But independent insurance advisors are more likely to be there when you need them – and they’ll even come to you. They’re committed to your complete satisfaction and will often set up follow-up visits or phone calls to ensure you’re happy.

7. Personal Touch
Unlike online services or large impersonal call centers, you have a personal relationship with professional insurance advisors at independent agencies. They know you by name, learn your history and tailor a policy that best meets your needs and the needs of your family.

6. Service
Insurance agents will actually take the time to consider your needs and lifestyle before making any recommendations. You can expect personal attention and customized services with independent agencies including annual coverage reviews that keep your policies up to date and address your ever-changing needs. Plus, if your life takes an unexpected turn, you’ll have someone to advise you in light of your new situation.

5. Knowledge
If you’re wondering how to get an agent, the first step is to find a state-licensed, knowledgeable professional. The best insurance agents adhere to state-regulated continuing education requirements and can provide you with infinite combinations of insurance options. They know about the pitfalls – the exclusions and limitations – in a policy. And they will use their expertise to narrow down exactly what you need and what amount of coverage is best for your circumstances.

4. Reputation
Stability and dependability are crucial to the insurance process. So, in terms of finding the best insurance agents, word of mouth goes a long way. When you’re figuring out how to find an agent, ask around or research company and agent reviews online to get a good idea of whom you’re dealing with.

3. One-Stop Shop
Insurance advisors typically don't sell just one insurance product. They usually offer a full range. From homeowners, renters and business to auto, health and life, insurance agents are essentially your one-stop shop for insurance. You’ll love the convenience and cost savings of having all your insurance needs handled in one place.

2. Peace of Mind
If you’re in the claims stage, you’ve already dealt with enough stress. Your agent will know how to avoid the “red tape,” so you can get everything resolved quickly and efficiently.

1. Protection
Life is more stable when you’re protected with the help of professional insurance agents. And if you’re trying to go it alone, you’re taking a risk. When it comes to your health, you trust your doctor. When you’re looking for the best vehicle, you trust your car salesperson. When you want a safe home, you trust your real estate broker. So, given all that you have to protect, isn’t it time you put your trust in the advice of a knowledgeable insurance professional?

Do You Know What To Do In A Car Accident?

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:09:00 GMT

When you take your car out for a spin, you always leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. You brake slowly and deliberately. You rarely speed, and you never use your phone. But the driver behind you may not be so safe. He may have a lead foot. She may be trying to send a quick text. He may be weaving in and out of traffic recklessly. Next thing you know… SLAM! You’re rear-ended causing you both to lose control and spin off the highway into a field of trees. You’ve just had your first crash, and it wasn’t even your fault! Do you know what to do after a car accident?

It’s something we’ve all thought about at one time or another before getting behind the wheel. How would I react, and what would I do if I were involved in an auto accident? What if there are injuries? What should I say to the police or people at the scene? When it comes to car accident law, am I at fault? What’s the deal with car accident insurance claims? The questions are endless and so is the number of motor vehicle accidents that happen every single day. Will you be prepared if it happens to you?

What to Do After a Car Accident

The 5 Critical “Must Do’s” When in An Auto Accident:

Remain calm. Be sure no one is injured and needs care. If so, call 911.
Always call the police and have them fill out a report. Do not give your personal information, including your insurance info, to anyone other than the police officer. Do not leave the accident scene.
Get witnesses and leave the cars where they are. Photos may be helpful, but they’re easily doctored so opinions differ on how useful they might be.
Limit discussion of the accident. Speak only to the police officer or your insurance agent. Do not discuss fault or liability at scene of accident.
Report even minor accidents to your insurance agent. You’ll want to review coverages, next steps, whether it’s in your best interest to file a claim and if so, with whom.

Are You Prepared?

Even if you’ve never been in a car accident, you’ll save yourself worlds of hassle with just a little preparation. Knowing what actions to take and not take is a crucial part of protecting yourself in case that unlucky day ever comes. And equipping yourself with up-to-date insurance papers, a pen, paper and even a handy Auto Accident Report Folder for your vehicle can put you miles ahead when it comes to accident awareness. Contact our agency for your Auto Accident Report Folder.

Do I Need College Property Insurance?

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:54:00 GMT

Times have changed. Kids today have their own cell phones, iPods and computers. And bigger kids – the ones heading off to college – are bringing with them more valuable and portable items than ever before. This increases the odds of them losing something. And since theft is one of the biggest crimes on campuses today (an estimated one in 10 students can expect to have something stolen), the big question is, what can you do to minimize your risk?

The fact is, many risks that college students face can be reduced through proper college student insurance. But the problem is, many parents are as uninterested in talking about these things as their college-age children. It doesn’t have to be a painful process, and once it’s addressed, you won’t have to think about it again. Doesn’t that sound better than losing much-loved valuables?

Why Do I Need Student Property Insurance?

Insurance for college students isn’t cut and dry. Don't assume that personal belongings in a college dormitory, fraternity/sorority house, or apartment are automatically covered by a homeowners insurance policy. Be sure to check the provisions of that policy, but generally speaking, you are not adequately covered unless you have coverage for your personal possessions. Think about this:

Studies show students in dorms, fraternity/sorority houses, and college apartments are at high risk, particularly if they own expensive electronics or sporting goods.
College students may think they are completely covered by their parents' homeowners policies, but that's not exactly true. If covered, they are only partially covered.

Living in a Dorm or On-Campus Housing?

It’s likely that a student’s personal property is covered through the parents’ homeowner insurance policy, typically for up to 10% of your personal property coverage. However, this may not be a claim you want to put on your property insurance. Here’s why:

You likely have a higher deductible of $750 or $1000.

For property insurance a claim is a claim regardless of size. Smaller claims relating to lost or stolen laptops/smart phones will count against you just like a large claim. Both can and will cause your policy to be surcharged thereby increasing your premium. Also increased claim activity can cause your policy to be non-renewed. Yikes!

So Consider…

Talking with the school to see if they offer a plan to insure all of your child's personal property. They normally carry lower deductibles and a streamlined claims process. And it keeps the claims off your policy, protecting your eligibility and your rates.

Living Off Campus?

Unfortunately, property insurance policies may not cover personal property when it comes to off-campus housing. It’s important to have some kind of protection for the valuables you might have in an off-campus abode. Here’s why:

You never know when a theft, burglary or act of vandalism may occur at the home you’re renting.

Most college students, and other renters in general, just assume that if their landlord is covered for any losses, that they will be covered as well. What they fail to realize, however, is that the landlord's insurance will only cover the physical building, not any of their own personal goods.

So Consider…

Having your child get their own renters insurance policy to ensure they're covered. Off-campus housing renters insurance rates can be obtained for around 50 cents a day or less depending on your location. Instead of losing thousands of dollars of valuable items that you would need to replace on your own, renters insurance can pick up the cost of these items so you can replace them without having to use your own money.

DON’T BE THE NEXT RISKY TEXTER

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:11:00 GMT

Jeff and Ling Murray were the proud parents of Calli, who at age two already spoke English and Chinese.

Kaitlyn Dunaway's parents also had reason to be proud. Dunaway, 18, was a freshman at Sonoma State University and a star volleyball player.

But on Dec. 1, 2010, according to the Sonoma County District Attorney, Dunaway did something stupid, reckless and illegal that countless people do every year. The teen attempted to text while she was driving.

According to authorities, Dunaway was so distracted by her cell phone, she didn’t see Calli walking hand in hand with her mother in a crosswalk. Dunaway's Honda plowed into the toddler and her mother. Two-year-old Calli was killed. Ling Murray suffered major bone fractures and was unconscious for five days. She continues to undergo rehabilitation. 1

. . .

David and Linda Kubert remember everything about that beautiful September day. They’d been out together on their Harley motorcycle, riding along a winding road in Morris County, NJ.

They can still envision the curve of the road ahead and the pickup truck heading toward them. They can still see the young driver heading toward them from the opposite direction. His elbows on the steering wheel, his face angled down toward what police would later determine was his cell phone. And they will never forget what happened next. In the blink of an eye, both of them were on the ground.

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The Kuberts, of Dover, NJ, each lost a leg when their motorcycle was struck by that pickup truck driven by a teen driver they say was texting. 2.

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DON’T BE A STATISTIC

Sadly, Kaitlyn Dunaway and the young driver who injured the Kuberts are among a large of group of people who text and drive despite the consequences. In fact, a Fairleigh Dickinson-PublicMind poll on New Jersey driving habits found the number of motorists who admit to texting while driving jumped 40 percent from 2008 to 2009. The poll, co-sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Highway Safety, also found one out of five drivers has sent a text while operating a vehicle.

A recent scientific study based on NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) data showed that about 16,000 people died in the U.S. between 2001 and 2007 as a result of distractions from mobile phone use whether through driving or texting. Released in September 2010, the study was one of the first attempts to quantify the number of road fatalities that can be directly linked to mobile phone use. More recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that nearly 5,500 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2009. And the National Safety Council estimates that each year, 100,000 car crashes have been tied to texting and driving while an additional 1.2 million annual accidents involve cell phone use.

OMG! UR TXTS R Not That Important!

Some drivers steer with their pinkies while their thumbs do the typing. Others use their knees to guide them on the road, freeing their hands to tap out a quick message. What kind of texting driver are you? You should be the non-existent one! No text is worth risking your life or the lives of others. And if the message is that important, pull over, park and text your heart out.

Just think about this. Imagine closing your eyes for five seconds while driving. Pretty scary, huh? Well, guess what? Reading or sending a text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. And when you’re driving 50-60mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes shut!

And surprisingly, driving while drinking is not much worse than driving while texting. Yep, it’s true. Texting is like driving after having four bottles of beer. A recent study, A Comparison of the Cell Phone Driver and the Drunk Driver, shows that the risk of crash for driving while using a cell phone is four times that of a non-impaired driver. This turns out to be the same risk of crash for driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08%. For a driver who is texting, the risk of crash is eight times that of a non-impaired driver.

SOME PRECAUTIONS

New Jersey is amongst 34 states in which text messaging while driving is banned. And New Jersey also is one of 10 states in which talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving is banned. But here are a few things to keep in mind before you put your phone in hand while in the driving seat:

Avoid all non-driving related tasks while operating your vehicle. Driving is a visual task and non-driving activities that draw the driver’s eyes away from the roadway, such as texting and dialing, should always be avoided.
Using a headset with your cell phone isn’t really safer than operating a hand-held –you’re still answering and dialing, causing your eyes to be off the road. Try to limit use.
Even if you’re running late, avoid anything that takes your eyes off the road. If you must text or call into work, pull over at a rest stop.

1. http://www.sonomastatestar.com/news/child-killed-mother-hospitalized-after-ssu-student-crashes-1.1822977

2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/focusdriven/4322401895/

CAR INSURANCE FOR TEENS

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:09:00 GMT

CAR INSURANCE FOR TEENS
Top 10 Ways to Get the Best Rates on Auto Insurance for Teenagers

You don’t have to be one of those parents doling out more than $2,500 each year just so your teen driver can be on the road. Sure, the National Safety Council found that teen car insurance for a girl will cause the family car insurance to double and for a boy it will likely to triple, but there are ways to keep your rates low in spite of those statistics. How? Here are the top 10 tactics to lower insurance for teens:

Drive a Used Car. Used cars are cheaper to insure than new ones, so hit up the used car lot.
Safe Over Sporty. If purchasing a car for your teenage driver, choose a safe sedan over a flashy convertible. Luxury and sports cars are more expensive to insure.
Assign a Specific Car. If your teen is going to be driving one of your cars, ask the insurance company if they’ll let you assign them to a specific one. Again, the luxury car would be the more expensive choice because it costs more to insure.
Don’t be a Statistic. According to the National Safety Council, 16 year olds are three times as likely to wind up in a crash than 19 year olds – and almost six times higher than 20-24 year olds. Stay off your cell phone, wear your seatbelt and drive safely.
6-Month Rule. Every six months, check in with your insurance company and update your policy information to make sure you are getting the best teen car insurance rates.
Shop Around. Comparing teen auto insurance prices will save you a ton of dough.
Take a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies offer discounts to teens who take (and pass!) an approved defensive driving course.
Save by Paying. Sometimes, the method of payment you use can save you money. A simple change to monthly auto pay can create savings when dealing with auto insurance for teens.
Be a good student. Getting a B average (3.0 GPA) or higher will score students under the age of 25 cheaper teen car insurance rates.
Keep it in the family. You can save up to 25% on premiums with multi-car, multi-policy and financial responsibility discounts reducing the costs greatly with car insurance for teenager drivers.

Getting Your Toys Ready for Spring!

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:23:00 GMT

The temperatures have been climbing and so has your eagerness to feel the wind against your face. To feel the rubber on the road. Or the crash of the waves. Winter is finally behind us, and your motorcycle, boat or watercraft has been stuck in storage long enough. But, before you start shining your bike or backing your trailer down the boat ramp, you’ll want make sure your “toys” ready for spring.

Get Ready to Ride

First things first… mind the maintenance. Before you even think about twisting the throttle, make sure your bike is covered with quality New Jersey motorcycle insurance. Nobody plans on a crash or theft, but if you find yourself in unlucky circumstances, you'll want the comfort of knowing you have the best motorcycle insurance coverage. Plans cover everything from Collision, Comprehensive, Medical Payments, Property Damage, Bodily Injury Liability, Pedestrian PIP/ Guest Liability and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury. Are you covered?

Next, assuming your bike has spent a long winter’s night out of service, it’s time to think about preparing it for the road. The following tips will help you get on the road faster and stay there longer.

Battery: Give it a regular service (fluid level and slow charge). Replace it if it looks sickly. Make sure the vent tube is connected and properly routed.

Valves: Adjust them when the engine is cold. Give the cam lobes a shot of oil. Torque the cylinder head.

Oil: If you didn't change oil before storage, replace it now. Change the filter unless it was fresh. And use a torque wrench on your drain plug.

Fuel: Disconnect the fuel line and drain the tank completely. Clean your fuel filter and check tank for rust. If you didn't drain your carb float bowl(s) before storage, pull them off and check for clogged jets

Engine: A shot of oil in each spark plug hole and some spins of the engine with the plugs removed will protect the cylinder walls and rings during the first few revolutions. When you pull the plugs, check the gaps. Air filter, carb synch, drive-line fluids, etc., should be checked.

Brakes: Install fresh fluid. Check the pads or shoes too. If thin, get new ones.

Suspension & Steering: Prop the front wheel off the ground, sit in front of the bike and grasp the fork lowers. Move them forward and back to feel for steering-head looseness. Tighten.

Finish protection: Pull things apart and thoroughly wax everything. Add a nice thick layer of leather dressing for leather saddlebags.

Routine stuff: Check tire pressure and condition, wheel true, spoke tension, wheel bearing condition, control function, lubrication and adjustment, lights, sprocket and chain condition. Look for leaks. Tighten every fastener.

BEFORE YOU HIT THE HELM

Whether you’re the sole sailor taking seas to alleviate the stress of everyday life or you round up the whole “fam damily“ to go tubing at the sandbar, the water is calling you and your boat.

Sailboat or yacht, motorboat or dinghy, no matter your boat of choice, you’ll want to be sure you have the right boat insurance policy before you hit the water this spring. You never know when an accident is around the bend, so it’s best to insure yourself and your boat for safety. You’ll want the best New Jersey boat insurance agency to protect you against liability and damage with affordable boat insurance. With the right guidance, you can have a policy that covers Damage to other boats or docks, Bodily Injury or Death, and Medical Payments.

With insurance in place, it’s time to wake you boat from its winter sleep. After all, what fun will you have if it’s plagued with mechanical failures throughout the season? Here are a few quick and easy tips to consider before taking the plunge:

Mechanical Maintenance: Replace the fuel filter, change the engine oil and oil filter, lubricate fittings, top off gas tanks and use an additive that will absorb moisture that developed while the boat was in storage.

Inspect the Exterior: Inspect propellers looking for cracks, dings, warping or misalignment, which could cause damage to the drive train. Check the hull for any chipping, blistering and peeling. Wash with an environmentally safe cleanser.

Prep your Gear: Ensure your stock of boating supplies is full and ready for action. That includes water safety gear like personal floatation devices (PFDs), water sports supplies like tow ropes for waterskiing or tubing, and a safety kit.

Up-to-date documentation: Every watercraft needs to be registered. Ensure your boat license is current.

WAKING UP YOUR WATERCRAFT

Jet ski, WaveRunner or Sea-Doo, your personal watercraft lets you feel the freedom of a motorcycle and the speed of a boat. While you may feel like king or queen of the waves, these sporty water rides can throw you right into an unlucky situation if you make the wrong turn.

Before you hit the waves this spring, take a moment and get a solid watercraft insurance policy. Whether you ride it alone or loan it to a family member, New Jersey jet ski insurance will protect you and your watercraft from accidents, vandalism and liability. You won’t be up a creek when you encounter damage to other crafts or docks, Bodily Injury or Death or require towing assistance.

Before the fun, make sure your watercraft is in tip-top condition by following these simple steps:

Fuel: If stored with fuel in the engine and no fuel stabilizer, add a fuel cleaner and stabilizer before starting it up.

Oil: Change the engine oil and filter. Drain the pump oil and replace it with new oil.

Lubrication: Add grease to all seals and bearing fittings.

Wiring: Inspect all the wires, including trim and throttle cables for loose or damaged parts. Replace if necessary.

Exterior: Clean the exterior, seat, windshield and entire body of the watercraft. Do so every time you take it out of the water to prevent corrosion or staining.