Author: AgentInsure

What Happens to Companies that Don’t Insure their Vehicles?

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Imagine this: you are driving your commercial vehicle to your next project location, when suddenly the inclement weather becomes too intense. You lose control of your vehicle, sliding into the car in the lane next to you. No matter who is considered at fault, you are then expected to present your proof of auto insurance to the other driver. If your commercial vehicle does not have insurance, the situation becomes much more complicated.

Commercial Auto Insurance in California

In California, all commercial vehicles are required to have insurance, and the driver must be able to present proof of financial responsibility for accidents they are liable for. For passenger vehicles, a certain amount of liability insurance is required based on how many passengers the auto can hold. Overall, this type of insurance is much like personal auto insurance except that it is much more specialized.

The Consequences

One of the most likely consequences for uninsured vehicles in Georgiais a suspended registration. The Department of Motor Vehicles will be notified that your insurance policy has been cancelled or does not exist. If no replacement is submitted within 45 days or a driver has provided false evidence of insurance, vehicle registration is cancelled. Driving with suspended registration can result in citations, fines, and possibly vehicle impound.

If a driver of a company vehicle is involved in a collision, the company or driver may be held personally liable for all damages incurred. Driving without insurance is financially very risky.

Obtaining Commercial Auto Insurance

Finding the right commercial auto insurance can be as simple as visiting the website of the agency you want to work with. In Georgia, insurance rates for commercial vehicles are based on the type of vehicle and its weight. If you have questions about commercial auto insurance, speaking with a licensed insurance broker at  Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. may be helpful.

 

Protecting and Insuring Your Home from Earthquake Disasters

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Though earthquakes in Georgia are relatively rare, they do occur.  Even without distinct active faults, the Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences cites that about 15 percent of the earthquakes that occur happen in areas like Georgia.  Homeowners face significant damage to their property during an earthquake.  The northwest, central and west central counties of Georgia are considered to be areas of greatest risk. 

Before disaster strikes, homeowners can protect their home and property with earthquake insurance.  Insurance can’t prevent the disaster from happening but it can help significantly with the recovery process.  The key is to discuss whether earthquake insurance is right for your situation.  Your agent at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. serving Woodstock, GA can talk with you about the variety of options that are available.   In addition to reviewing insurance options, homeowners should take the time to inventory and photograph their property and belongings.  This can save time and ensure proper documentation should the unthinkable occur. 

If your home is damaged during an earthquake, be sure to file a claim quickly with the necessary documentation and photographs.  Some policies will provide additional living expenses for policy holders whose home is significantly damaged and deemed uninhabitable. Your agent will discuss what the earthquake policy covers and what levels of coverage are appropriate for your circumstances. 

The agents at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc are ready to help you get the coverage that you need.  They will provide you with information about the available coverage options and work within your budget to get you the coverage that meets your needs.  Disasters can occur when they are least expected.  Call the home insurance experts at Peter Laczko Insurance at 888-883-1650 or visit www.insureyourtoy.com/ to get started. 

Use Household Cleaners For More Than You think

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For many people, cleaning house is not on the top of the favorites list. It can be frustrating buying and using several different cleaners just to get the job done. The good news is, as long as you have a bottle of liquid dish soap you no longer have to use several different cleaners to get your home sparkling clean. Dish soap is very versatile and can be used for many more chores than simply doing the dishes. Here are 3 ways to use dish soap for household cleaning.

Stain Removal

If you are like most people, one of the most frustrating things about doing laundry is trying to remove a stain from your favorite piece of clothing. Instead of using expensive stain remover, simply reach for your bottle of dish soap to remove oily stains. Gently rub a small amount of dish soap on the stain before washing.

Patio Furniture
Although dish soap may not seem like a tough enough cleaner to remove the dust, dirt and grime that builds up on patio furniture, it is actually one of the best products to use. Dish soap can be used to clean plastic, wrought iron and aluminum patio furniture. Simply add a few drops of your favorite dish soap to a bucket of hot water and use a scrub brush to remove years of built up grime. After scrubbing, rinse with a water hose and allow to dry thoroughly.

Window Blinds
Do you try to clean each slate while they are still hanging over the window? If so, an easy solution is to soak them in dish soap. Remove the blinds, fill the bathtub with hot water, add a few drops of dish soap and allow the blinds to soak for a few hours. Drain the bathtub, turn the shower on and rinse the dirt and grime away. If possible, taking the blinds outdoors to dry in the sun will allow them to dry much quicker, but if the weather isn’t permissible, lay a few towels on the floor, open the blinds and stretch them over the towels to dry.

Residents of Woodstock, GA who have recently moved to a new home or have had your current home insurance policy for some time, its time to contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. to insure your new home or review your current policy.

When and How to Update Your Insurance

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When it comes to insurance coverage there are certain factors that make updating your policy necessary. That being said, many people are not sure what factors make updating necessary and when or how they should update their policy. Here are some tips to help you determine if you need to update your policy or if your current coverage is sufficient.

Age and marital status are both big indicators that your policy may need to change. When you reach te age of 25 most companies will offer a discount because you are no longer considered a high risk customer. Likewise, marriage also makes you less of a risk. Having children, buying a home, or updating or changing cars may also indicate a need to change coverage.

Another factor that may indicate that you need to update coverage are any claims that are made on the policy. If you had more claims than anticipated you may need more coverage, less claims may indicate that you can have lesser coverage.

In most cases, it is helpful to have an insurance agent on hand to talk you through the changes that may affect what kind of coverage you need, what policy you need, and what changes are being made to your policy. As a rule of thumb, reassessing your coverage every year is a great way to stay on top of coverage and to make sure you are going to have the right coverage each and every time.

Your insurance is important and having the right coverage, the most current information, and knowing what you need to know about your policy can make a huge difference. Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. wants to help you get the coverage you need. Call today to update or change your current policy.

How to Best Clean Your Car in Woodstock, Georgia

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While it’s important to get the best possible auto insurance for your automobile in Woodstock, Georgia, through a local broker like Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. keeping your vehicle clean is more of an ongoing concern. Not only does keeping your car clean help it’s resale value and allow it to look good, but it can also protect you from getting into an accident as dirt can accumulate on the windows and mirrors, effecting visibility. Below are some tips for how to best clean your car in Woodstock, Georgia.

WAX REPEATEDLY

Wash and wax your vehicle on a weekly basis a few weeks in a row. This way there will be a build up of car wax on the outside that will take a long time to wear out. While it may be tie consuming and a little costly off the bat to repeatedly wash and wax your car over a few weeks, it will actually save you money and time in the long run as you won’t have to wash your car for the next few months, or until the wax shield has be worn down,

OLD NEWSPAPERS ON THE WINDOWS AND MIRRORS

Windows, windshields and mirrors are arguably the most prone to dirt and smudges and are the most important to keep clean on a regular basis, as they can be the difference between getting into an accident and driving safely. The best way to clean these are with old newspapers and some window cleaning solution that is streak free. Do this on a weekly basis, at least.

BUY A HAND VACUUM

The most frustrating thing about vacuuming your car is dragging out a house vacuum and plugging it in or using a coin operated vacuum within the allotted time. So buy a hand vacuum that will allow you to regularly clean the floors of your vehicle of any excess dirt that has been tracked inside. 

Why Cleaning Your Car Is Important

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For many, the car is more than just a method of transport, it doubles as an office, a place to relax, a place to eat, and so much more. So why is keeping it clean so important? Aside from the obvious which is to improve your overall health and the feeling that you get when you are in your car, there are also some practical implications as well.

For starters, keeping your car clean may help improve the overall life of your car and can help improve the life of things like your seats, your floor mats, and more. Keeping your car clean can help to extend the life of leather seats, can help make your floor mats last longer, and can even help to keep your dash from cracking and chipping.

Another practical reason to keep your car clean is that people often make first impressions based on the cleanliness of something like your car. Having a clean car is a great way to keep from feeling frantic and unorganized in the car and keeping it clean can help ease your mind and make a great first impression. Keeping your car clean can also help reduce the number of distractions that you have while driving allowing you to spend more time looking at the road and less time worrying about why there is a plastic cup rolling around your floor boards.

The last benefit is that a clean car can make anyone feel better. Your car may not be the newest or the most expensive but if it is clean you will automatically feel better about it making your drive and the time you spend in the car more enjoyable overall for you and your passengers. Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. wants you to stay safe so pick up trash from your floor board.  

3 Tips for Preparing Your Home Against an Unexpected Disaster

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If an emergency situation happened today, would you be ready? Here are three tips for preparing your home against an unexpected disaster.

#1: Have a Stockpile of Emergency Supplies

To prepare for an unexpected disaster, it is important to have a stockpile of emergency supplies on hand in case you need them. This often includes dry goods, a first aid kit, and extra clothing. Also, your collection doesn’t have to be that large. It really only needs to include a couple days’ worth of food and basic medical supplies. Be sure to remember bottled water, too.

#2: Keep Lighting and Tools Accessible

Another thing you can do to help protect yourself against an emergency event is by keeping lighting and tools easily accessible. It is advised that you have a flashlight with batteries, candles with matches, or a combination thereof in each room in your house. Having a small tool kit can also be very helpful in case you need to turn off a broken utility main or simply make a quick repair while you wait hours for emergency responders.

#3: Have an Emergency Plan in Place

Having an emergency plan in place is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home and family against a catastrophic event. Make sure everyone has access to a list of emergency phone numbers and knows how to escape in the event of an incident. You will also want to discuss what to do if you are ever separated in a major crisis. (For example, everyone meets and Grandma’s house in a nearby city, etc.)

In addition to taking the abovementioned precautions, it is also important to ensure you have adequate property coverage prior to an incident. At Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. , we help our customers determine exactly what level of homeowner’s insurance they need to protect their home. Please contact our team today for more information.

 

Must-Have Tools for Tire Breakdowns You Should Always Have

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We see them on the highway as we drive by, the car stopped on the side of the road, and it’s owner looking at a flat tire as if willing it will somehow inflate the rubber and get the person back on the asphalt again. However, we rarely assume we could be that person stranded until it happens and our car tire pressure signal light comes up, predicting an imminent problem very soon in our travel. While we can’t always guarantee our vehicles will work correctly, we can anticipate trouble and prepare for it. And having the right tools is critical.

Here’s the must-have list for any tire breakdown anywhere:

  • The standard tire wrench comes with every car, but it’s amazing how often people remove it. Don’t. Leave the tool in the car.
  • The jack. This fantastic tool uses physics to lift weight exponentially greater than itself. It’s essential to raise a car’s weight to replace a tire.
  • A rubber mallet. Car dealers don’t include this tool in a new car, but it should always be added. If you don’t have the strength to turn a tire wrench and move a fully-tightened tire nut, then you’re going to need something that can force the wrench to turn. The mallet uses brute force, but it works very well.
  • Eye protection. Things have a way of sparking or bouncing off of tools. Getting a bit of metal or road grit in your eye will make it temporarily impossible to fix anything. A good pair of eye protection glasses can be found at any hardware store.
  • Basic leather or mechanic’s gloves. The same way you protect your eyes, you need to protect your hands with tools. Even a machine can cut a hand under pressure. Protect yourself.

Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. can help with car damage and accident protection via insurance, but also being prepared for a flat will ensure your ability to get back on the road quickly.

 

Protect Your Small Business with Commercial Insurance

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As a small business owner, it’s imperative you have commercial insurance coverage to protect your investment. You never know when an accident will occur that can result in you being liable for injuries, property damage or loss of inventory. The following coverage is a must for small business owners in Georgia.

Property Insurance

Property insurance covers loss or damage of your business property such as furniture, inventory, equipment, etc. due to fire, theft or storms. This coverage protects you from having to pay for these expenses on your own. By discussing coverage options with one of our agents at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. you can learn more about how to protect your property.  

Liability Insurance

If your small business receives customers, you’ll need liability insurance. Liability coverage pays for medical expenses of visitors who accidentally get injured on your business property. Liability coverage will also protect your business from charges of negligence or mistakes made by employees that cause customers harm. If you manufacture or sell a product, product liability insurance will protect you from lawsuits in the event a defective product causes damage or harm.

Workers’ Comp Insurance

Worker’s compensation insurance is essential to protect your employees in the event of an accident. Whether you have several employees or a dozen, you shouldn’t neglect this valuable coverage. Worker’s comp covers medical expenses for injuries your workers sustain on the job as well as disability and/or death benefits if the accident results in serious injury or a worker’s demise.   

Commercial insurance will protect your business assets so you can use your finances to grow your company. At Peter Laczko Insurance  Inc. we can help you acquire the commercial insurance coverage best suited for your small business. Contact us today for all your business insurance needs.

What to Ask When Letting a Friend Drive Your Car

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If your friend comes up and asks if they are able to use your vehicle, before saying yes, it is necessary to ask them a few different questions. While we at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. understand often times it is so important to stand there with your friend, you also need to protect yourself as well. To do this, make sure you ask these different questions of your friend before handing over the keys, regardless of if you are in Woodstock or anywhere else in the community. 

License Questions

You need to ask about their driver’s license. If your friend is currently without a valid driver’s license, it is important to avoid letting your friend drive your car. If someone does not have a license and is involved in an accident, you run the risk of being held responsible for anything kind of incident they cause. 

Ask About Their Driving History

Do you know your friend’s driving history? If not, you might want to ask them about it. After all, the last thing you want is to give the keys of your vehicle over to someone who is always being involved in accidents, fender benders, speeding tickets or anything like that. Whenever you allow someone to drive your vehicle, anything they do may end up reflecting on you. By learning about the kind of driver your friend is, you protect them from additional problems and yourself from dealing with any unwanted situations. 

Ask About What They Will Be Doing

You also need to make sure you know what sort of activities they plan on doing. If they are doing anything work related, you need to think twice. This falls under a commercial license and, chances are, your insurance does not cover it.