DROWSY DRIVING IS JUST AS DANGEROUS AS DRUNK DRIVING

Sleeping

According to a study done by the AAA Foundations for Traffic Safety, 41 percent of drivers admitted they had “fallen asleep” while driving at least once. 11% said they had done so in the past year, and 4% said they had done so in the past month. Staggering statistics, but how can it be as bad as drunk driving?

It makes sense when you think about it logically:

  • A drunk driver may react to an upcoming accident by removing their foot from the wheel.
  • A driver who is asleep doesn’t even know the accident is happening, so typically cannot react at all.
  • A participant in a study who had been awake for 20 hours exhibited similar behaviors to someone with a 0.05 blood alcohol level, and demonstrated response speeds that were up to 50% lower than well-rested participants.

So, what do you do if you are feeling like you are heading to drowsy driving town? U.S. News offers some tips to be a safe and alert driver:

  1. Have a designated driver when you’re sleep deprived.
  2. Use public transportation when you can.
  3. Take medication labels seriously.
  4. Watch out for warning sign of drowsiness, (difficulty keeping your eyes open, the inability to keep your head up, daydreaming or tailgating).
  5. Pull off the road.  Your destination can’t be as important as being safe.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.  

If you are in the market for auto insurance, contact us at #1-800-351-5130.

 

 

 

 

Source: http://blog.foremost.com/drunk-driving-without-actually-drinking-welcome-to-d...

It's Time for Motorcycles and Boats to come out to play

Motorcycles_and_boats
The New England Weather has been GREAT for March.

 

The sunshine has forced some people to take their Motorcycles and Boats out of storage early.

 

 

There’s a few things you need to double check BEFORE you start to play with your toys:

 

            * Verify that your registration is active

 

            * Verify that your insurance policy is active

 

            * Verify the coverages and limits on your insurance policy

 

            * Do a safety check of the motorcycle or boat before you take it out

 

 

Please contact our office to go over your current coverages or to obtain a quote.

 

We’re ALWAYS happy to help you!

 

Oxford Insurance Agency : www.oxfordinsurance.com or  1-800-351-5130 .

What is Term Life Insurance?

It's true-deciding on a life insurance plan can be tricky. With the various plan options and the different components that make up each of them-it's easy to get overwhelmed.

That's why at Oxford Insurance Agency, Inc. we take time to guarantee that you understand all of your options and truly are educated before you make such an important decision.

It's your life, and it certainly is worth insuring. We're here to help make the process as easy as possible, beginning with a detailed explanation of just one of the many life insurance solutions available to you: Term Life Insurance.

Term Life Insurance tends to be the easiest to understand, and is considered one of the "lower cost" insurance options. Generally speaking, Term Life Insurance provides death benefit protection without any savings, investment or "cash value" components.

Term Life Insurance is available for set intervals of times; such as 10, 15, 25 or 30 years. With "Annual Renewable Term Life" your policy will automatically renew and your premiums will increase yearly. There is also the "Level Term Life Insurance" option if you want your premium to remain the same for the duration of your policy. There is even yet another option called "Decreasing Term Life Insurance" where your premiums can remain the same but your death benefits will decrease slowly over time.

Term Life Insurance tends to be a popular choice because of the extended rate-guarantee periods; but what it all really comes down to is what you feel best fits your unique coverage needs.

So, give us a call today; all of our dedicated agents at Oxford Insurance Agency, Inc. would be happy to assist with your Life Insurance questions; because understanding your coverage needs is the first step to insuring your life the right way!

Please visit our virtual insurance agency at  www.oxfordinsurance.com or contact us at 1-800-351-5130. 

Hurricane Irene's On Her Way - Are You Ready?

Hurricane
Hurricane Irene has weakened somewhat over the Atlantic as it roars toward the U.S. East Coast, but it could intensify again before slamming into North Carolina, and federal officials Friday extended watches and warnings as far north as Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

As of 5 a.m. Eastern time, Irene was 420 miles from Cape Hatteras, N.C., with sustained winds of 110 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane, according to a National Hurricane Center bulletin issued early today.

 

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) urges homes to make disaster supply kits:

  • Nonperishable foods
  • Canned meats and fish
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Canned soups and puddings
  • Canned fruit juices
  • Dried fruit and nuts
  • Bread, cookies and crackers
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Coffee and tea
  • Manual can opener
  • Bottled water (1 gallon per person/per day)
  • Prescription medication (2 week supply)
  • Extra eyeglasses
  • Pet food/supplies
  • Water purification tablets (halazone)
  • Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
  • Disposable diapers
  • Baby wipes
  • Baby food
  • Formula
  • First aid supplies
  • Masking and duct tape
  • Flashlight or lantern, with extra batteries
  • Battery operated radio, with extra batteries
  • Watch or battery operated clock
  • Ice chest
  • Matches
  • Canned heat (sterno)
  • Portable outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply
  • A certain amount of cash
  • Important documents (Such as wills, deeds, prescriptions, passports, birth certificates, health record, proof of address, Social Security number)
  • Plastic trash bags
  • Plastic sheeting or tarp
  • Chlorinated bleach
  • Personal hygiene items


 Other useful items:

  • Work gloves
  • Sun lotion
  • Insect repellent
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Wrenches
  • Handsaw
  • Razor knife
  • Ax or chainsaw
  • Rope caulking
  • Nails and screws
  • Rope and wire
  • Broom, mop and bucket
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Ladder
  • Sandbags
  • Portable generator
  • Tree pruner
  • Shovel, rake and wheelbarrow
  • Sheets of plywood

 Items To Consider Taking To A Shelter

  • Take along blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and towels.
  • Take along any necessary medications as well as personal hygiene items including: soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Remember that alcoholic beverages, and weapons are not allowed at evacuation shelters.
  • Remember not all shelters accept pets. If the shelter you will be using does, be sure to bring supplies for your pet including: a crate or carrier, food, toys to keep them occupied and medical records. Your towns requirements may vary, so be sure to find out exactly what you will need well ahead of time.


All of us here at Oxford Insurance want you to be prepared and
SAFE !

 

Please visit our virtual insurance agency at  www.oxfordinsurance.com or contact us at 1-800-351-5130. 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/08/hurricane_irene_closer.html

 

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/weather/hurricane-safety-tips-20110824

 

 

 

Earhquake Coverage

Earthquake
 

Did you know that Earthquake coverage is not covered on the standard homeowner policy?

 

Earthquake coverage is excluded from your policy, unless you have purchased the endorsement to add the coverage to your policy, for an additional premium.

 

Normally, most of us wouldn't even think about purchasing earthquake coverage.  But on August 23, 2011, an earthquake centered in Virginia shook the Eastern Seaboard.

 

It was felt as a rumble leasting several seconds in our area and in Boston.

 

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake measured 5.8 on the Richter scale and was centered 83 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.

 

If you're interested in purchasing earthquake coverage, please feel free to contact our office at # 1-800-351-5130, or visit our virtual insurance office at www.oxfordinsurance.com.

 

 

 

Identity Protection-Tips

Identity_theft
Identity theft is on the rise, and with summer vacations in full swing, this is a great time to remind everyone of what they should do to reduce their risk of identity theft while on the road.

  • Use a PIN-based ATM card instead of a debit card.
  • Leave checkbook, debits cards and all but two credit cards at home.
  • Closely watch who has your credit cards and for how long.
  • Frequently check credit and bank account activity on a secure computer or by phone.
  • Tell banks and credit card companies about travel plans, and give them your cell phone number in case they notice unusual charges.
  • Don't access personal or financial information on public computers and, when using your own laptop, make sure the wireless system you're using is legitimate and secure.
  • Use a hotel safe when available. Assume your locked hotel door will never be "locked." Many people you don't know have access to your hotel room.
  • Never leave personal information in a rental car.
  • Never share specific vacation plans on social networking sites.  

Oxford Insurance wants you to enjoy your summer vacation !

 

Please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.oxfordinsurance.com or contact us at 1-800-351-5130. 

Boat Insurance ~ Make sure you're covered

Boat
It's July ~ Summer Fun and Vacations are all planned. Did you remember to check on everything you need for your boat?

Maybe you use your boat to go fishing, or maybe you like to cruise around the lake tubing and water skiing.  Whatever you use your boat for, you need to make sure that you have the right boat insurance coverage protecting you and your friends.

  • Make sure you know the boating laws and requirements of the area.
  • Make sure you have enough life jackets.
  • Is your boat registration active?
  • Is the boat trailer registration active?
  • Have you called to make sure you have the appropriate coverage for your boat? 
  • Do you have enough fuel for your trip?

Oxford Insurance is here for you - We'll go over your current coverages or get you a quote for coverage.  

We want you to enjoy yourself, so make sure you're covered before you go in the water.

Please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.oxfordinsurance.com or contact us at 1-800-351-5130. 

 

 

 

Source: www.maininsuranceblog.com

It's Motorcycle Time !

Motorcycle_blog
The weather in New England is beautiful.  Motorcycle enthusiasts are taking their bikes out of storage and having them detailed.  They’re ready to start riding.

 

Within the next few weeks, motorcycle will be everywhere. 

 

For those of you that have motorcycles, please double check the following:

 

·        Make sure your registration is renewed.  Some people forget to renew their registrations when their bikes are in storage.

·        Make sure your insurance policy is active. Some people forget to pay their motorcycle insurance bill, because they aren’t using their bike.

·        Review your current coverages.  Do you have enough liability coverage?  Do you have physical damage coverage for your bike, in the even of an accident?

 

For those of you that are driving cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc., Please remember to practice the following saying . . .

           

        Look Twice Save a Life ~

       Motorcycles Are Everywhere

 

Contact Oxford Insurance Agency for a review and quote of your current policy.

 

Visit us on our website at www.oxfordinsurance.com or contact us at #1-800-351-5130.

iPhone / iPad Apps ~ Managing your insurance is getting easier

Safety Insurance and Travelers Insurance are pleased to annouce that they have a free mobile app available for your iPhone / iPad.

—————————————————————-

Safety Insurance has announced their new iPhone/iPad app called “Safety Mobile”. Safety Mobile allows Safety Insurance policy holders access to the following:

  • access your account information
  • report an auto claim at the accident scene
  • insurance cards
  • agent information
  • information on the VIP Claims Services
  • latest Safety discounts and offerings

The Safety Mobile app is free and available for download by clicking the App Store icon below.

—————————————————————-

Travelers Insurance has created an iPhone/iPad app to assist insureds during an auto accident. “Travelers Auto Accident Help” reminds insureds of the steps to take in the event of an accident, such as:

  • documenting the accident and submitting the claim
  • tips on how to stay calm
  • photograph the damage and record audio description
  • send your report to any email address

The Travelers Auto Accident Help app is available for download by clicking the App Store icon below.

As new company apps become available, Oxford Insurance Agency will let you know.

Contact Oxford Insurance on our website www.oxfordinsurance.com or call us #1-800-351-5130.

 

Questions You Need to Ask Yourself ~

Question_mark
Take a few minutes to ask yourself the following 4 questions:

     #1 During the past 12 months, have you put off reviewing your current insurance policies?

    #2 During the past 12 months, have you considered increasing or decreasing your coverages, based on normal life changes?

    #3 Would you benefit from a complete insurance review to know you have the right coverages at the best price?

    #4 Would you like to know how others are saving hundreds of dollars a year?

Now that you've answered the questions, lets get some answers.

Oxford Insurance Agency can go over your existing policies with you.  We'll review your current coverages, make suggestions for changes in coverages, and compare pricing with multiple insurance carriers.

At Oxford Insurance Agency, we’re dedicated to getting you the best coverage, at the best  price.

Contact Oxford Insurance Agency at  www.oxfordinsurance.com  OR  #1-800-351-5130.