Author: AgentInsure

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. 

Fun in the Sun: Preparing Your Boat for Summer

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Warm weather is here and many are anxious to get their boats back out on the water and enjoy fun in the sun!  Before planning the first big outing, an afternoon spent checking the boat and taking safety precautions will ensure that a day spent on the water is a successful one.

  • Make sure there is a fire extinguisher on board and it is in working order and charged.
  • Ensure there are an adequate number of life jackets on the boat and the sizes are appropriate for both children and adults. Check the life jackets to make sure all straps are not weathered and latching correctly.
  • Check the battery to ensure that it is charged and not weak. 
  • Make sure all electronics on-board, navigation lights, and cabin lights are in working order.  
  • Check the fuel lines and all cables to make sure there has been no corrosion or cracks have occurred over the winter months.
  • Perform both a fuel and oil change and replace the filters for both.
  • Clean the overall boat with a mild cleaner and then wax.  Make sure to remember to clean and make sure all windows are clear.

Before the first big outing, do a short test run to ensure that the boat is running at optimal performance.  By doing this, it gives peace of mind for when joining all other boats out on the water. 

Having the proper insurance and coverage for your boat is another safety component to boating that will give you peace of mind.  Call Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. toll free at 888-883-1650 or visit our website at http://www.insureyourtoy.com/ to learn about the different types of boating insurance we offer and how we can best serve your needs.

Protect Your Family With Safe Driving Habits

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When you live in Woodstock, it is important to protect your family as much as possible with different safe driving habits. This has to do with how you buckle everyone up all the way to how you drive on the roads every day.

If you have young children, you want to make sure that you choose the proper car seat, and ultimately transition to a booster seat. There are many on the market, and you want to pick ones that are based upon the height and weight of your child to provide sufficient protection.

Operation Lifesaver promotes railroad safety, and it has been estimated that a train is responsible for striking a pedestrian or vehicle every three hours in America. Always stop at railroad crossings when the barriers are down and wait for the all clear before crossing them.

Any time that you are driving in a bad weather, you also want to make sure that your headlights are on. It’s also a good idea to reduce speed so that you can react to everything that is going on around you. Change out your windshield wipers in a timely fashion so that they are capable of clearing the windshield.

Always look both ways before crossing the road and even turning into traffic.

By using safe driving habits every time you get behind the wheel, you are also demonstrating how to be a safe driver to your children so that when they grow up, they use the same tactics. They will learn from you, so it is important to lead by example.

Call and speak to one of our independent insurance agents at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today. We look forward to talking to you about affordable insurance and finding a policy that is going to provide protection.

 

 

Home Liability Coverage Benefits

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You want to be a responsible homeowner in Mountain Park, Georgia. You fix up your home, and keep it as safe as can be. There is still the possibility of someone becoming injured. It may be a trip on the porch stairs or it could be a dog bite. There is no telling how person could be injured, no matter how safe you may try to keep your home.

There are home liability coverage benefits available within your homeowner’s policy. This allows you to file a claim so that the insurance company pays for the various expenses involved with an injury so that it does not become your financial responsibility.

Various limits can be established on this coverage. The higher the limit, the less likely you are to spend money out of pocket. As the homeowner, you will often be found liable for a person’s injuries. By having the coverage, you can avoid paying such expenses as:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering settlements
  • Lost wages
  • Death benefits
  • Lawyer costs

Even if it is a family member or friend, if someone is injured severely, they are likely going to get a lawyer. This is because they want to look out for their best interests. They know that if they need to go to the hospital, medical bills are going to add up quickly and they may be out of work for weeks.

By exploring your home liability coverage benefits more thoroughly, you can make sure that the limits are sufficient so that you can minimize the money you pay in the event someone hurts themselves on your property.

Call us at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today to discuss home liability coverage benefits available to you in Mountain Park. It can be the easiest way to ensure you are protected in your Georgia home.

 

 

Safer Winter Driving

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Mountain Park, GA does not typically see the severe winter weather of the northernmost states, but even a small amount of snow or ice can impair a driver’s ability to reach his or her destination safely. Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. offers tips on how to safely navigate various winter driving conditions.

Ice

Driving on ice is very dangerous. If icy roads are present, plan to stay home. Give roads time to thaw before attempting any travel. If you must travel for some reason, try to do so after road crews have applied salt and gravel to driving surfaces. Always drive as slowly as possible in icy weather.

Snow

Snow creates several issues for drivers. Blowing snow may create drifts in the road which can send a car into a spin or even cause a vehicle to come to an abrupt stop. Drive slowly in snow, making sure headlights and windows are clear.

Slush

Melting snow creates a dirty, slushy mix which can cause problems for drivers. Cars can hydroplane on wet surfaces, creating a hazardous scenario for drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Do not assume that melting snow means it is safe to drive the maximum posted speed limit. Continue to use caution until all roads are clear.

High Winds

High wind gusts can blow tree limbs, wires and even other vehicles into your path. Keep plenty of room between your car and other vehicles during high winds. Try to avoid driving near high-sided trucks as they will take the most impact during windy conditions.

If you need more information on arriving safely at your destination during inclement weather, or for a no obligation quote on auto insurance, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today. Our independent insurance agency will be happy to help you navigate your auto insurance needs.

First Time Homeowners Winter Tips

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A winter nightmare that causes home damage comes from broken water pipes. Water that does not flow becomes ice that breaks systems. Water pipes can burst. Pipe connections hidden in the walls can break apart. Air conditioning units can suffer damage.

Winter Storms
Strong winds mixed with ice and snow create special risks for homeowners. The weight of the snow and ice may break trees, down power lines, and cause unexpected damage to a home. When the power goes out and home heating systems are not operating, this increases the chance of water pipes bursting.

Once the power comes back on, and the home heats up again, the water starts to flow and major damage might happen from the leaking water.

It is a good idea when facing this danger, to turn off the main water valve to the house, drain all the pipes by turning on the faucets and flushing all the toilets. Empty the water heater. Remove water from any water filtration systems. Turn off the water supply to the air conditioning unit, clean out water from the pan, and drain the pipes.

Some winter damage may be unavoidable. However, water damage from bursting pipes is preventable when taking the proper steps to protect a home, especially when a person is going to be away from the home for an extended period.

Dangerous Winter Road Conditions
An extra risk when driving in winter is a condition called “black ice.” This type of ice on the road is very difficult to see. When car hits a patch of this ice, it may suddenly go out of control. Use caution when passing under an overpass. This is a potential area for this type of ice.

Be sure to contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, Georgia for all your home and auto insurance needs.

Independent Insurance Agents Make a Difference

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Independent insurance agents make a significant impact on clients because they have access to a wealth of information that other companies do not. They are well-trained professionals that are versed in the language of insurance policies and procedures. The agents can give you an unbiased direction with the type of coverage you may need. Independent agents have the ability to search through dozens, if not hundreds of insurance company records and locate several options that will fit your needs. For example, if you are in need of auto insurance for your recreational vehicle, the independent agents can research the type of insurance through many different companies and accumulate options for you to choose. With this method, it may be less expensive than to use a captive agent who will sell you a policy through his or her employer. Captive agents have available to them only their employers coverage and will not be able to give you the best possible selection. Independent agents will also be able to help you process claims and review policy protocols and procedures in case of an accident or injury.

Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. is an independent insurance agency in Woodstock, Georgia. The agency offers a wide selection of insurance options, including commercial, auto, home, boat, RV, and specialty insurance policies. Because the agency is independent, they are not obligated to one company. The agency is dedicated to helping customers develop and attain the perfect plan for their needs.

Take advantage of the independent insurance agents at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. because they will offer you the information you will need to make an informed decision about your insurance coverage.

Ways To Take Care Of Your Car In The Fall

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As the fall months approach is Woodstock, there are various ways for you to take care of your car. This will ensure that your car maintains high performance and that you can drive with peace of mind knowing that it is capable of withstanding all of the road conditions ahead.

Check Your Brakes

Your brakes need to be checked and this can be as simple as bringing your car into a location that specializes in brakes. They will check the rotors, drums, and linings.

Check Your Tires

Your tires need to be checked for both tire pressure and tread depth. If there are bald spots or bulges, your tires may need to be replaced.

Schedule an HVAC Inspection

An HVAC inspection should be scheduled so that you can make sure that your heating and ventilation system is working properly. Heating is important for your interior comfort. It is also going to help you defrost windows.

Make Some Replacements

The fall can be the perfect reminder to make some replacements within your car. If it has been a while since you have last replaced your battery (three years or more), now is the time to do so. It is also a good idea to replace the cabin air filter as well as wiper blades so that you are prepared for the colder weather.

Ultimately, the more you do in the fall, the easier it will be to prepare for the winter months. The weather can be harsh and you want to make sure that your car is capable of handling everything.

Call us at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today so we can help you find a policy that is affordable and has sufficient coverage. This way, you can have peace of mind in Woodstock, regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive.

 

 

Top Discounts for College Students

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When going to college, there is much to think about. From keeping up with your class schedule to making sure you have proper transportation to make it to and from campus, one of the last things on your mind is probably auto insurance. Fortunately, though, it’s fairly simple to understand auto insurance and how being a college student can lower your rates. 

Ask for a student discount

During high school and college, many insurance companies provide top-notch discounts for keeping your grades up. The exact GPA that you will need to maintain will be determined by your insurance provider, but nonetheless, you should do your best to keep your grades as close to a 4.0 if at all possible. The better your grades are, the further you will be able to go in your school and career endeavors. 

Ask for volunteer discounts

Some insurance companies love to give back to the community by providing discounts to students who perform volunteer work. The best way to determine if your provider offers this type of discount is to simply ask. From volunteering at local day cares to picking up trash off the side of the roads, there are many ways to put in volunteer time, and best of all, many of these ways will directly relate to your classes you’re taking in college. 

If you would like to learn more about going to college and receiving discounts on your auto insurance premiums, don’t hesitate to reach out and visit the Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. website today. You can also speak with an insurance agent to discover any other discounts that you may qualify for. 

Give Your Ga Home Some TLC This Fall

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Your home in Georgia should always get some TLC. It’s part of being a responsible homeowner. If you are not sure of what you should be doing before the fall months hit, there are some tips below.

Prep for the Cold Weather

The cold weather is going to be here before you know it. You can prep by making sure that caulk and weather stripping around your doors and windows is in good condition. Otherwise, you may want to take care of this so that cold air isn’t getting inside.

If you have cracks in your driveway, you may want to have these filled and sealed so that they don’t get bigger once the freezing temperatures hit them.

Save on Your Energy Bill

You should also be looking for ways to save on your energy bill. You don’t want to run your heater nonstop. Have the air-conditioning company come out and look at your heating system to make sure that it is functioning properly. You can also start to reverse your fans so that the warm air is distributed more effectively.

Schedule Inspections

A few inspections should be scheduled as you prepare to go into the fall months. This includes not only the air-conditioning company, but also the roofing company so that you can see if there are any loose or missing shingles.

Do Some Cleaning

Finally, you want to do a little bit of cleaning. This includes cleaning out your chimney if you have a fireplace, as well as cleaning of your gutter so that you don’t have to worry about an ice dam forming.

Contact agents at Peter Laczko Insurance today to learn more about home insurance. We can find quotes for your home in Lebanon, and ensure that you have coverage to enjoy peace of mind all year long.