Auto Safety Reminders for Springtime

With an increase in road trips and warmer weather, it’s a good time to remember some key auto safety issues. Here they are, courtesy of Guy Hurley McNeil serving Rochester Hills, MI. 

Seatbelts
Seatbelts are not optional. They are there for a reason, so keep them on at all times, and make sure all your passengers also wear them when in your vehicle. Make sure babies and children are in properly installed car seats and boosters.

Lights on Autos
Be sure all headlights and tail lights work properly. Keep up to date on your vehicle inspections that will check for any malfunctioning lights or other vital issues.

Tires and Other Equipment
Check for proper tire inflation, or have your mechanic do so. Ensure that all other equipment is working as it should. Replace your windshield wiper blades as needed, and always have plenty of windshield cleaner fluid. Keep up with routine vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups.

Driving Focus
When you are driving, keep your eyes on the road. Give your complete focus on your driving. Put away cellphones and other devices. Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous, so don’t do it. And never drive when you have been drinking any alcohol. Ask a designated driver to do the driving.

Rest and Relaxation
Make sure you are well rested when driving because driving when drowsy can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Make sure you’re relaxed and not tense while driving. Be proactive and stay safe not only during the spring but also all year long.

With these safety tips in mind, you are bound to have some great adventures this spring while keeping you, your passengers, and other people on the road safe. For information about auto insurance, please contact the agents of Guy Hurley McNeil, serving Rochester Hills, MI, to get a quote and have your questions answered.

What are the Benefits of a Home Security System?

Home security systems use the latest technology to protect your home on many different levels. In Rochester Hills, MI, Guy Hurley McNeil can answer any insurance questions you may have when it comes to how a home security system can protect your home and family from different types of disaster.

Minimizes Your Risk of Financial Loss 

A home security system is designed to perform several tasks. Not only will it record video of your property and what is happening there, it will notify the proper authorities in real time and also send you text messages or alerts via email or through a convenient mobile app. Many of today’s home security systems also offer home automation so you can take care of things around your home, even when you aren’t there. 

Protects Your Family From Environmental Hazards

Most home security systems today also have environmental hazard detectors. These include sensors that set off an alarm if the carbon monoxide or radon levels get too high. Temperature sensors can notify you if there is a significant rise or drop in temperature and moisture sensors will notify you if there is a water leak.

Installing a home security system can dramatically reduce your risk of financial loss in case of an emergency. Insurance companies recognize the benefits of a home security system and may choose to offer discounted rates to homeowners who subscribe to a 24/7 monitoring service. Guy Hurley McNeil is available to answer questions for residents who live in the Rochester Hills, MI area. Call today for a free consultation or insurance evaluation to find out if installing a home security system could offer you significant financial benefits. 

 

What Can Happen if You Do Not Have Auto Insurance?

Owning a vehicle is something that many people want to do or are already doing. However, when you own a vehicle in Rochester Hills, MI, that is only part of what you need to do to make sure you are compliant with any laws. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive any vehicle without the minimum amount of auto insurance on the vehicle. If you want to stay out of trouble with the law, you need to get an auto insurance policy from Guy Hurley McNeil that meets these requirements. If you do not, you can face some serious penalties. 

What Can Happen if You Do Not Have Auto Insurance?

If you are ever caught driving without auto insurance in Michigan, you can face several different penalties. These include having your license suspended, not being able to renew, replace, or transfer your license plate and registration, a $50 fine or greater, and your license plate could even be canceled. You will also be blacklisted from any preferred insurance carriers for at least six months and can pretty much guarantee a higher insurance rate because you will be listed as a high-risk driver. If you are involved in an accident, you can get even higher penalties and will also be responsible for any repair costs if the accident is your fault. These fees and costs can add up.

You want to have auto insurance if you own and operate a vehicle in Rochester Hills, MI. If you do not have an auto insurance policy or if you would like to make sure that your policy meets the state minimum requirements, be sure to reach out to us today at Guy Hurley McNeil. We can take a look at your current policy, and we can also get a free quote for you so you can make sure you are covered and that you are getting the best price.

How Do Pets Affect Your Home Insurance?

Pets can be like family. However, depending on the kind of home insurance policy you choose, pets can affect your insurance in various ways. Let Guy Hurley McNeil in Rochester Hills, MI help you learn more about how a pet and your home insurance work together.

Pets and Home Insurance

Home insurance is known for protecting your property from damage and all the belonging that you may have in it. It can also protect you from liabilities in case someone is injured in your home. You may be wondering, what happens if your dog bites a guest or your pet damages your neighbors’ property?

Having a liability policy is essential in this situation, as it caters for the cost of replacement of the damaged property. It also helps to pay the medical bills if your pet were to cause injuries to a person. Moreover, it may help you pay the legal fee if the victim decides to sue you for the damages.

However, owning a pet affects your premiums. When purchasing home insurance, you should evaluate the policy and check if your pet is listed. If you want a pet, you should know that your premiums may increase. This is because if you have not added your pet to your home insurance coverage, the insurance policy could be declared void and this may cost you thousands of dollars to pay for the legal and medical expenses where a liability policy is not applicable. This is the major reason why you should consider adding your pet to your policy.

Dangerous and Exotic Pets

If you own a dangerous or exotic pet like a snake, you will need to add an extra rider for additional protection. A dog or cat may not increase your policy, although, in some circumstance, it may. The increase depends on the breed, size and history of pet you are keeping. Some kinds of dogs such as the German Shepherds and wolf-dog hybrids are associated with higher premiums. This is because, although they can be trained to be excellent pets, they are associated with aggression thus requiring extra care and protection.

Adding your family pet to your homeowner’s insurance policy in is crucial. Reach out to the agents of Guy Hurley McNeil in Rochester Hills, MI to learn more about how a pet can affect your home insurance policy.