Springtime Hazards for Homeowners and Drivers – Make sure you’re ready!

April showers might bring May flowers but spring weather, in general, can bring about a whole new set of problems too. Many of them hitting you where it hurts most: your wallet.

Sure, while the weather is a lot nicer, warm spring temperatures help melt away any excess snow and reveal the damage caused by long and icy winters. Not to mention the floods and hail that typically come with the season.

Fortunately, if you’re aware of the common seasonal risks, you can plan accordingly and check to see if you’re covered.

Potholes

Potholes are holes in the pavement caused by the presence of water in the underlying soil structure. Water under the soil structure can weaken the pavement and, as cars and trucks pass over these weak spots, cause the material to become cracked or break down from the weight thus creating a hole. With spring showers to come, the probability of potholes grows. And while dodging them left and right is possible, it’s certainly not the safest way to drive. In addition, hitting potholes can result in the misalignment of your wheels and can affect your steering.

Flooding

What’s Spring without a little rain? Mix a couple of thunderstorms with any leftover melting snow and you’ve got yourself a recipe for flooding. Flooding can affect the structure of your home, your belongings, and even your family if not taken care of properly.

Hail

Springtime hail storms can do a lot of damage to both homes and cars. This damage, of course, depending on the size of the hail. Unfortunately, it’s never easy to tell what size will fall so it’s important to know if you’re covered. Hail can easily damage roof shingles and sidings, windows and more.

Ice Dams

When snow or rain falls, melts and refreezes on a roof, ice shingles can form a sort of dam that causes snowmelt or rainwater to back up. These backups can result in water leaking into your home and ruining your walls and other surfaces. Makes sure to check your roof to ensure you don’t have any dams.

Cracked Concrete

When facing a snowy winter, the use of salt or sand to melt away any snow is common. However, when the snow has melted away, you may find unsightly cracks in your driveway. While this is more of a wear-and-tear issue, if you’re one to worry about your curb appeal, this is a problem that you’ll likely face once it’s warmer out.

Spring brings a lot of great things: longer days, warmer weather, and lots of colors. A great break from a dreary and gray winter. However, if not prepared, the new season can also be a whole new headache. Call an Amigo Insurance agent today and learn how we can help make this spring and easy one.

Signed,
Amigo Insurance

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What To Do if you’re Pulled Over

Getting pulled over by the police, even for the slightest infraction, can be an uncomfortable and emotional ordeal. Especially for those who have never been pulled over in the past, and are unsure of how to act. In any case, there are a few things that any driver should know should they be stopped.

  • As soon as you see police lights or hear the car’s siren, turn your emergency flashers on. This will help let other drivers know that you are the driver who is being pulled over. It will also let everyone know that you are slowing down.
  • Try your best to find a safe location to park. If you are on a highway, there is usually a good amount of space to accommodate two vehicles. Never pull on the left side of the road.
  • Once you’ve found a safe place to park, turn off your ignition. Don’t do anything that could be perceived as trying to get away.
  • If you’ve been pulled over by a marked police car, roll down your window immediately. If you’ve been pulled over by an unmarked police car, wait until the officer approaches your vehicle and shows his credentials.
  • Don’t worry if it takes a couple of minutes for the officer to step out of his car. They are likely getting information about your car or communicating with other officers. Do not get out of your vehicle.
  • When you begin communicating with the officer, remain calm, and be respectful. If you are not sure of the reason why you are being stopped, do not become defensive.
  • The police officer will ask for your license, registration and insurance policy. Let the officer know where it is before retrieving it. It’s a bad idea to start searching through your pocket or glove compartment until you are asked. The office may take this as you searching for a weapon.
  • Be sympathetic and apologetic. If you got pulled over for speeding, for example, let the officer know you’re sorry for going over the limit and that you understand the consequences that go along with that. The officer may be easier on you if you state that you understand.
  • Don’t argue or beg if you get a traffic ticket. Arguing or getting defensive could get you a lot worse. If you are only given a warning, be sure to thank the officer for understanding. If you are given a verbal warning, tell the officer you will correct your driving. Remember to be respectful, even if you get a ticket.
  • Once the officer has returned to his vehicle, carefully return to the road and go on your way.

Let’s face it, no one wants to be pulled over. But even when stuck in this situation, there are ways to make it less unpleasant. Always remember to listen and be respectful. If your traffic infraction or driving record isn’t too spotty, you may be able to get off with a warning.

Signed,
Amigo Insurance

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getting pulled over
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Seatbelts aren’t for decoration – Why you should always wear yours

Putting on a seat belt should already be an immediate response after getting in any car – both as a driver or a passenger.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2014 alone there were over 9,000 fatalities in the US due to unbuckled passengers. And while in recent years the US has achieved a new, all-time record seat belt use rate of 90%, still, more than 27 million Americans don’t buckle up when in a car.

While many may complain that wearing a seat belt is uncomfortable to wear or simply unnecessary for short trips, the fact of the matter is: seat belts save lives. While wearing a seat belt, you can reduce the risk of fatal injury in nearly half. This is a giant return on investment for the two seconds it takes to buckle up.

Here are 10 reasons why you should be wearing a seat belt:

1) It’s The Law – Illinois is the third state in the US to enact a mandatory seat belt law for adults, putting the state at the forefront of traffic safety regulations. It mandates anyone riding in the front of a vehicle to have a seat belt fastened. It also makes it mandatory for any passenger under the age of 19 with an 18-year-old driver to be buckled up. Any passenger under the age of 16 with a driver older than 18 to be buckled up, and any child under the age of 8 to be secured in a child safety seat.

seatbelt

2) Your face is less likely to hit the windshield when wearing a seat belt. If your car is going at a high speed and suddenly stops, a seat belt would prevent the driver from hitting the windshield at the same speed.

3) Wearing your seat belt keeps you from being ejected from your vehicle.

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4) Wearing a seat belt can prevent passengers from crashing into each other. It keeps everyone put and comfortable.

car passengers

5) Not wearing a seat belt could diminish the effectiveness of airbags. If not buckled up, you can still be thrown out of your car and crash into things. In addition, without your seat belt, your body may not be in a position where your airbag could protect you properly.

airbags

6) Wearing a seat belt could help save your life. In 2016, nearly 15,000 lives were saved due to proper seat belt use. However, 2,500 more lives were lost because they weren’t buckled up.

save lives

7) Despite new safety measures and technologies, seat belts remain a top vehicle safety device.

car safety

8) Wearing a seat belt increases the chances of being unhurt if an accident that results in fire or submersion. Your chances of getting out increase.

car fire or submersion

9) Seat belts prevent the driver from shuffling in their seat and hitting the door or steering wheel while driving. Some roads are unpredictable and cause the driver to move around; a seat belt can help prevent that.

staying put when driving

10) Wearing a seat belt can help keep you and your family safe. What else could you ask for?

So, before you say wearing a seat belt makes you uncomfortable, remember the many reasons why buckling up is a positive habit that everyone should have.

Signed,
Amigo Insurance

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