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With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.

If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.

Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they're legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800°F (982°C) — hot enough to melt gold.
• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
• Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your child's eyesight may depend on it. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Take extra precautions this Fourth of July and your holiday will be a blast!

At the surface, car insurance can seem fairly straightforward. You buy a policy, and if you get into an accident, it comes to your aid – seems fairly plain and simple.

However, once you start digging deeper, a lot of questions can pop up. As independent agents, we always encourage people to dig deeper so they can better understand the process of purchasing insurance, filing a claim and more. The more you understand, the better you can select the coverage you need.

Let’s take a look at three of the most common questions people typically have about car insurance so we can shed light on some important issues.

1. Coverages: Does auto insurance cover the car or the driver? An auto insurance policy can include many different types of coverages, so the answer is: It depends. Some coverages are for the car and others for the driver and passengers. Let’s look at some of the different types and what they cover (your own policy may differ):
   • Collision and Comprehensive: These two coverages are vehicle-specific. Collision is for vehicle damage sustained in an auto accident – your vehicle, that is. Comprehensive is for damage your vehicle sustains in other incidents, such as fallen trees, lightning, fire, theft and vandalism, as well as cracked windshields.
     Does it matter who’s driving? Oftentimes not. You and other members of your household listed on the policy are certainly covered, according to your policy terms. If you let a friend borrow the car, it’s likely still covered. This is why we independent agents say that collision and comprehensive “follow the vehicle” – the vehicle receives the same coverage no matter who’s driving, so long as the scenario does not conflict with your policy.
     Whether the coverage follows the vehicle into other countries, such as Mexico and Canada, is something you’ll want to check with your independent agent.  
   • Property Damage Liability: This is one of two auto insurance coverages that most states require drivers to carry. It is vehicle-specific and may apply when you damage someone else’s property, such as a car or building, with your vehicle. Hence, if you back into your neighbor’s picket fence or boat trailer, this coverage may help pay to repair your neighbor’s damaged property. Ditto if you rear end another vehicle – this coverage is for damage to other vehicles, not your own. It may also help pay for any legal fees associated with the claim.  
   • Bodily Injury Liability: This is the second type of coverage that most states require drivers to carry. When the actions of your driving result in injuries to others, whether it’s a bicyclist, a pedestrian, the driver of another car or a passenger in another car, this coverage may help with their medical bills. It may also help cover the cost of lost wages and pain and suffering of the injured party, as well as your legal fees if the injured person decides to sue for damages. This coverage typically follows you, the driver, from vehicle to vehicle, but you should always check the terms of your policy.  
   • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This coverage also typically follows the driver. It helps pay for your own medical expenses, as well as those of your passengers, if you are involved in an accident while driving. It doesn’t matter who is at fault. Some states require you to carry this coverage.
    
2. Claims: Does a police report always determine blame in a car accident? It depends on the statutes in each state. In most cases, if a police report is available and it states who is at fault, the insurance carriers will abide by that. There could be extenuating circumstances, however, that affect the decision of the carriers involved.  
3. Driving record: Can my insurance company check my driving history? Yes, insurance companies can review your driving history via both a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report and a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). The former details your claims history over the past five years, and the latter lists any driving offenses. The information on these reports can affect how much you pay for car insurance.

As consumers, the great thing about working with independent agents is that you can call them up and ask them your own insurance questions, or ask for further clarification on the above. Trust us, there’s no need to be shy. Insurance is important, and we’re here to help you understand it.

Summer Means Fun and Sun—and New Driving Challenges  

Summertime is upon us. The sun is coming out of hiding, and the people will, too.

As crowds swell at the beach, in parks and even on roadways, it all makes for some challenging driving conditions. More people are out and about, whether on foot, bike or skateboard, or by car, motorcycle or RV, increasing the risk of an accident. And, the summer heat isn’t exactly kind to your vehicle.

Still, there’s no stopping the allure of a summer drive. To help keep yours safe, keep your attention on the road and on your surroundings, as well as on these safety tips.

Summertime Safety Behind the Wheel

Just like winter, summer has its own set of seasonal hazards that require your complete attention as a driver. Here are some to be particularly mindful of:

• People: In your neighborhood, on city streets, in parking lots and especially around parks, beaches or any popular summer attraction, people are outdoors and often more focused on their enjoyment than on personal safety. Children are out of school; they might be playing in the street in a quiet neighborhood or chasing a basketball bouncing away from a driveway hoop. In summer, there is simply more human activity everywhere, and it’s up to you to slow down and stay alert.  
• Bikes and motorcycles: Bicyclists and motorcyclists are also more active in good weather. Pay attention and take extra care in areas that attract cyclists.  
• Glare: The sun’s glare is bright in summer, and even harsher when the sun is low and in your face. Have your sunglasses handy if you’re not already wearing them, and be ready to flip down the visor so you don’t spend even a second driving while blinded by the glare.  
• Roadway obstacles: A busy roadway is no place for a sofa. But, with scores of people completing summer moves, you might just encounter one. Keep an eye out for roadway obstacles and plan as far ahead as possible on how to safely maneuver around them. Thunderstorms can further clutter the roads with debris, tree limbs or even downed power lines.  
• Heatstroke: Finally, don’t forget the dangers of summer parking. Children and pets left in parked cars are vulnerable to injury or even death from heatstroke. At an outside air temperature of 60 degrees, a car’s interior temperature can reach 110 degrees, a lethal level for children, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Rolling down car windows does not provide sufficient cooling, so don’t be tempted to leave children or pets for even a minute. It can be lethal—and in many states illegal—to leave children and pets alone. To help keep your car cool for when you return, park in the shade or place a removable sunshade in the windshield.

Road Trip Safety

A road trip with family and friends can make a memorable summer—for both the right and the wrong reasons. Make it the right reasons with some careful planning and driving. There will be plenty of time for fun once you reach the campground, resort or cabin.

• Inspect your ride: Have a mechanic give your car, bike or RV a full inspection before you go. Be especially mindful of coolant and oil levels to help protect your engine, and remember that tires often deflate with significant temperature changes, such as during the transition from spring to summer. If you have a bike carrier, car carrier or trailer attached to your vehicle, be sure everything’s secure before taking off.  
• Pack your emergency supplies: We know space is at a premium when packing for a summer road trip, but don’t neglect to include some important necessities in case of emergency. This includes water, food, maps, first aid supplies, a tire pressure gauge and tire change kit, a flashlight, towels and jumper cables. Be sure to keep your phone charged and gas tank full in case of trouble. And, don’t forget plenty of games, books, snacks and activities to keep the passengers distracted—and keep them from distracting you.  
• Plan your route: Map out how to reach your destination and how much time it will take to get there, and be sure to leave plenty of room for unexpected delays. Minimize those unexpected delays by checking the Department of Transportation websites of the states where you’ll be traveling for planned road work before you go.  
• Check your insurance coverage: Is your insurance ready to help out if you injure a pedestrian on your summer drive? What if you crash into a tree or run out of gas? If you’re not sure for what types of scenarios you’re covered, check in with your independent insurance agent before heading out on your trip.  
• Take your time: Don’t get frustrated when unexpected delays—or fascinating roadside attractions—put you behind schedule. Keep to the speed limit, and don’t risk shortcuts that aren’t clearly marked. Take plenty of breaks to stretch your legs and rest your eyes while kids run off excess energy, and switch drivers when you’re drowsy.

There’s no better time to be on the road than when the sky’s clear and the sun’s shining. We wish you safe travels and a wonderful summer!

When – and Why – You May Need Umbrella Insurance

Living in a busy world, our lives constantly intersect with the people around us, and some interactions can have surprising consequences. It is increasingly important to make careful insurance choices to protect yourself from the unexpected. Because, even if you carry excellent coverage with high limits, situations may arise that could leave you liable for costly damages exceeding what your policy will cover.

This is where umbrella insurance comes in. An umbrella policy sits over other policies, such as home insurance, auto, boat, etc., and provides additional liability coverage if the underlying policy is exhausted during a claim. Here are a few cases when an umbrella policy is essential:

1. Passenger Injuries Driving around with friends, it can be easy to get distracted and go a little too fast. If an accident occurs and passengers are seriously injured, medical expenses can add up quickly – potentially totaling more than what an auto policy would cover. Without an umbrella policy, any liability expenses beyond the auto policy limits may be the driver’s responsibility.  
2. Social Media Mishap With so much communication happening on social media, conversations with friends are now in the public eye. Picture a teenager getting angry at a teacher – no stretch of the imagination there – and venting online. Depending on what’s said, the teacher may decide to sue the student’s family for personal injury after the blow to his/her reputation. Cases like these have paid more than half a million dollars, far beyond the standard liability limit on a home policy. An umbrella policy may step in to cover the rest of the claim.  
3. Dog Bites the Neighbor Responsible dog owners take the time to train and socialize their pets. However, even breeds that aren’t typically associated with aggressive behavior can suddenly act out, despite our best efforts. If a pet badly injures a neighbor, between medical bills and future disability, the cost can go into the millions. Most home insurance policies top off at less than $500,000 in liability coverage, leaving a huge gap.  
4. Faulty Furnace Being a landlord is tricky business. Even with the most responsible management, rental properties can be a minefield of possible claims. If a furnace starts malfunctioning, a tenant may sue for brain damage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. While all landlords should maintain their property and make repairs as needed, having a safety net in case of a major liability claim is equally important.

While most people don’t stop to think about everything that could possibly go wrong, insurance professionals very often see the worst case scenarios, such as the examples above. I know they sound like horror stories, but, trust me, they can be a lot worse if you don’t have enough coverage in place. So, work with your independent agent to select the proper insurance you need to protect yourself and your family from these and many other tragic scenarios.