Drowsy Driving = Lousy Driving

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all been there: somewhere between a place where it’s either not ideal or you simply cannot spend the night and almost too tired to drive? It’s a dangerous place to be! Whether its just really late at night (or really early in the morning, for that matter), or it’s a build-up of getting less and less sleep each night of the week for whatever reason: if you’re too tired, don’t drive!

In the winter, it seems to be that the best advice anyone can give you is to roll down the windows and blast the music to keep yourself uncomfortable enough to keep your eyes open and alert (enough). CAUTION: This is NOT a good idea at all!!!

In order to avoid those tiresome trips, check out www.drowsydriving.org for more info on better ways to stay awake while driving (aside from getting plenty of sleep of course!) and ways to cover yourself with more than just great Wilmington MA Auto Insurance. We’ve heard the catchy slogans: “Stay Awake, Take a Break, For Safety’s Sake” & “Drive Alert: Arrive Alive”. Do it for yourself, your loved ones and all of the other drivers out there! If your alertness is in question, just don’t risk it!

If you have any questions about ways that you can be sure that you and your loved ones are covered in case of an accident, visit Encharter Insurance at www.encharter.com, or call us at 888-865-1244 today!

And remember, At Encharter “its all about protecting you!”

Toyota Recall…(1.5 Million More)

The annual total of recalled vehicles (by the Toyota brand) is now approximately 10 million after another recall of close to 1.53 million cars including certain models of their Lexus brand in addition to the Avalon and other Toyota models. The majority of consumers that are affected are those living in the U.S. and Japan who have models of the following vehicles with “The production date…ranges from May 2002 to November 2005” according to an article of WBZtv.com. The two defects include a brake fluid leak & fuel pump problems but, fortunately, the same article also reassures us that there have been no accidents reported as a result of either defect.

Some of the affected models may include:

Avalon (2005, 2006), Non-hybrid Highlander (2004-2006), Lexus RX330 (2004-2006), Lexus GS300 (2006), Lexus IS250 (2006), Lexus IS350 (2006)

A press release from Toyota in Torrance, CA on October 20, 2010 notifies owners of affected models that they will be notified personally via “first class mail beginning in early November 2010.”

If you think that your car is one of the affected models, don’t wait until something has gone seriously wrong to visit your local Toyota or Lexus dealer for complimentary repairs and replacements to the brake master cylinder cup. To stay up to date on any other recalls by Toyota, click here.

 Also, if you have any questions regarding your Wilmington MA Car Insurance policy, call your local Encharter Insurance agent today at 888-865-1244! We look forward to answering any questions or concerns you may have regarding your coverage and we want to reassure you that you have the best coverage possible. Also, you can visit us at www.encharter.com, as well as finding Encharter on Facebook.

Where We Stand 2 Weeks In…

The new ban on texting while driving in MA law has been in effect for over two weeks now.  Hopefully, time will show that there will be fewer accidents due to lack of attention to the road.  Previously, people would text by glancing at their phone, and while they finished the text they travelled over two football fields!  It seemed harmless and quick, but the amount of time one’s eyes were on the phone instead of the road was unnerving.

Unfortunately, while driving on any given road it is easy to look over or across the street and see someone peering down to text a friend or read an incoming text.  There is no way the police are going to be able to catch everyone that is texting while driving, it is not realistic.  But, a sure fire way to get people to stop is increase awareness.  The average commute to work is about 25 minutes.  Rarely is a text so important that it cannot wait until the end of the drive.  With the interactive, instant world we live in it is tough to step back and choose safety over convenience.  Sadly, most people that do not text while driving are the ones who know someone who got in an accident while texting.

To increase awareness, companies like Plymouth Rock are offering free buttons and bumper stickers to inform drivers of the law and dangers of texting and driving.  Texting is an unnecessary risk, and no matter how good someone thinks they are at texting, it just takes one glance at the phone to become a hazard on the road.

Even if you are one of the wise people that don’t text, others may and there are still more risks on the road than texters.  So, take a step towards safer driving and call Encharter Insurance today so that we can make sure you are covered for any accident that may occur in the future.  Double check your Reading MA Car Insurance policy and call us at 888-865-1244 or come to one of our offices to speak with our caring and knowledgeable staff. We look forward to assisting you and answering any questions you may have.

At Encharter, “Its all about protecting you!”

Throwing in the Towel on a Few Classics

Whether you are in the market for a new car, or you’re just auto-savvy, there are a few classic car brands that you should not be expecting new models for in 2011…or ever for that matter. Pontiac, Mercury, and Saturn are three American car brands ceasing production at the end of 2010. The not so classic Hummer will join the former brands in retirement as well, all according to a press release on Roadtrack.

            To all the ardent buy American consumers out there who are feeling increasingly queasy as this article progresses, know your butterflies are unnecessary. These brands are not private entities. They are simply just product lines of larger American auto companies such as Ford and GM. The deceased brands will have their assets liquidated, and the proceeds will go towards financing new brands that are more competitive, appealing, and fuel-efficient. This is not the shrinking of the American auto industry, but the evolution of it.

            No matter what you drive, make sure you are protected with Reading MA Auto Insurance ! Visit us online at www.encharter.com or speak to an agent by calling 888-865-1244. Also be sure to check out our full line of comprehensive Reading MA Homeowners Insurance, Reading MA Business Insurance, and Reading MA Life Insurance .

And remember, At Encharter, “It’s all about protecting you!”

Stoneham Town Day 2010

This weekend, join Encharter Insurance at Stoneham Town Day 2010! Visit our booth between 11:00am & 4:00pm to enter our free raffle for a night out and for the kids to “fish” in our mini duck pond for a prize! Additonally, we will be available to answer any questions that you may have concerning MA insurance or Social Media Networking.  

Check out more info about tomorrow’s event below:

http://www.stonehamchamber.org/

http://www.stonehamchamber.org/home/townday

We hope to see you there! And if you can’t make it, don’t worry! You can still call us any time at 888-865-1244 or visit us at www.encharter.com or at our Reading, MA Insurance location. Additionally, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Keep it Smooth for Back-to-School

Back-to-school time is definitely upon us which means new clothes, supplies and a new routine to get used to. In addition to a hopeful beginning to all that the fall has in store and the optimism of a great new school year, this also means chaos as all these new and old habits fall into place. To help make your transition from a lazy summer “schedule” to an efficient school year routine go as smooth as possible, Encharter has some tips to make mornings a little bit easier:

• Get things done the night before!
  • Pick out clothes for the next day
  • Make sure homework is done and backpacks are packed
  • Pack lunches and arrange for lunch money
• When driving…
  • Carpool when possible: taking turns driving makes everyone’s life a little easier!
  • Leave a little earlier than you think is necessary
  • Keep an eye on crosswalks and sidewalks: kids can be anywhere and everywhere
  • Keep in mind that buses make frequent stops which can cause unexpected traffic and an accident if you aren’t careful.
  • Be careful of signage that is dependent upon the school day hours, ie. limited turning, speed limits, etc.

For more back-to-school tips and ideas, you can visit the CT Insurance Blog or MA Insurance Blog.

Also, if YOU have any other suggestions for ways to speed along the morning mayhem or safety tips for the school-day commute let us know! If you have any questions about your Wilimington Home Insurance, Wilmington Auto Insurance, Wilmington Life Insurance, or Wilimington Business Insurance don’t hesitate to contact us today! You can call us at 888-865-1244, visit our virtual insurance office at www.encharter.com or you can visit our office for insurance in Wilmington, MA. And now, you can find us on Twitter© and Facebook©. Whatever is most convenient for you!

At Encharter, “It’s all about protecting you!”

Prep your Home before you Roam

Before leaving for vacation, it’s very important to prep your home for the time that you will be gone. Aside from not writing on Facebook or Twitter and telling everyone that you know that you will be gone for a week, there are some other tips to deceive any thieves, neighbors or curious passersby.  

The goal here is to make it seem as though your house is not empty though there are bound to be some changes in the amount of traffic going in and out of your home.  By asking a close friend or neighbor to house-sit or keep an eye on the house will surely ease your mind and allow you to actually relax on your vacation. If this isn’t an option, at least have someone that you know well stoop by every now and again to put your trash out (doing it ahead of time or not at all may be a red flag to anyone familiar with the neighborhood) and collect your mail (if this isn’t an option then it’s better to stop mail delivery altogether instead of having an overflowing mailbox or doorstep. Go to www.usps.com).

Some other good tips might be to:

-          Put strategically places lamps on timers so that they will continue to go on and off as though someone is at home.

-          Closing blinds and curtains, you are keeping your valuables out of sight and out of mind.

-          Turn off the water to the washing machine.

-          Unplug any electronics or appliances that do not need to be on so that you conserve energy and reduce the risk of a spontaneous fire.

-          Set an alarm if you have one.

-          Put away any ladders, hide-a-keys or other tools that may assist someone in getting into your home.

You know your home better than anyone so it’s better to be safe than sorry when you are locking up (windows and doors) and finalizing the details of your vacation. At Encharter Insurance we want you to enjoy your hard-earned R and R and secure your home.

If you have any questions about your Wilimington Home Insurance, Wilmington Auto Insurance, Wilmington Life Insurance, or Wilimington Business Insurance don’t hesitate to contact us before you leave! One quick call may make all the difference. You can call us at 888-865-1244, visit our virtual insurance office at www.encharter.com or you can visit our office for insurance in Wilmington, MA. And now, you can find us on Twitter© and Facebook©!

At Encharter, “It’s all about protecting you!”

Get Rid of that Dryer Lint or Else!

By unplugging electronics when a thunderstorm is coming, keeping matches away from kids and not leaving burning candles unattended and regularly checking the batteries on your smoke detectors, you are making a great effort to prevent a fire in your home. However, when was the last time that you thoroughly cleaned out the dryer lint from your dryer?

Beyond the regular cleaning of the lint screen after each load, it is important to clean out the outer duct, located on the outside of your house, and the compartment where the actual screen goes when the dryer is running. Neglecting to do so can result in a serious fire: the dryer lint can begin smoldering without you even knowing it and then spontaneously burst into flames.

For more tips on fire safety, click here! And if you have any questions about your Wilmington, MA Homeowner’s policy, Wilmington, MA Car Insurance, Wilmington, MA Auto Insurance, Wilmington, MA Life Insurance or Wilmington, MA Business Insurance, we’d like to answer those questions as well! You can call us at 888-865-1244, visit our virtual insurance office at www.encharter.com or you can visit our office for insurance in Wilmington, MA. And now, you can find us on Twitter© and Facebook©!

At Encharter, “It’s all about protecting you!”

Social Host Liquor Liability

Summertime is a great time to hang out with friends and family, to host cookouts and parties and to enjoy the generally nice weather. However, if you are hosting a party at your house and plan to serve alcohol, there are some very important things to keep in mind.

First of all, it is important to only allow people that are 21 and over to consume alcohol. Even though adults are present, that doesn’t mean that minors are eligible to drink alcohol. Recently, a mother and son from Cohasset were arrested for violating the Massachusetts Social Host Law. According to the Patriot Ledger, “The law makes it illegal for adults to knowingly or intentionally give alcohol to minors, or to allow minors to drink in their home. An adult who knows that a minor is drinking in his or her home can be punished with a $2,000 fine or up to a year in prison.”

Secondly, it is a good idea to make sure that if people will be driving home at the end of the night that they have not been drinking. It’s a good idea to establish who the designated drivers will be ahead of time. Coming up with a rotation of some kind to share the responsibility among friends is always a good idea.

Lastly, be aware of local laws in your area regarding noise and disturbances. Being conscientious of these bylaws will help you, your guests and your neighbors to have a fun and safe evening.

What happens though, if someone is drinking at your house and they cause or get into an accident on their way home from the party? Are you responsible for that? Are you covered if you are held responsible for the damages? To answer these questions and any others you may have or to find out more about Social Host Liquor Liability Coverage, contact your Encharter agent today!

And if you have any questions about your Wilmington, MA Homeowner’s policy, Wilmington, MA Car Insurance, Wilmington, MA Auto Insurance, Wilmington, MA Life Insurance or Wilmington, MA Business Insurance, we’d like to answer those questions as well! You can call us at 888-865-1244, visit our virtual insurance office at www.encharter.com or you can visit our office for insurance in Wilmington, MA. And now, you can find us on Twitter© and Facebook©!

At Encharter, “It’s all about protecting you!”

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Happy Independence Day! The Fourth of July is almost here and you are probably working on finalizing your weekend plans, or if you’re lucky, you are already enjoying your long weekend.  Whether you are heading to the city to see the fireworks, the coast for some quality beach time or just down the street for the annual July 4^th block party, it’s critical to be aware of the hazards that can come with the star-spangled festivities.

First of all, many people will be spending a good amount of time outside. The forecast looks sunny and hot and you may not remember to put on sunscreen. On the shore, on a boat or in your own backyard, you still need to apply sunscreen in order to protect yourself from the increasingly harmful rays. For more info, click here!  

Also, be careful with open flames from a campfire, some sparklers, etc., and know the laws in your town (and state) regarding this type of recreation. Especially if you are heading up to New Hampshire, please be careful with fireworks and be aware of the safety guidelines listed both here and on the packaging itself. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to keep kids and pets away from the flames and to keep either a large bucket of water or a garden hose close by. For more safety tips for building your own campfires, click here.

Lastly, if you will be barbequing this weekend, it’s important to be cautious with perishable foods (meats, dairy, produce, etc) from transportation to cooking to actually serving. It’s surprising just how easily food can go bad in the summer heat and the last thing that anyone wants to deal with is getting a food-borne illness over the holiday weekend. Click here for more tips on safe food handling.

Happy Independence Day from everyone here at Encharter Insurance! As always we want you to be safe, responsible and have a great time celebrating this Fourth of July!

If you have any questions about Wilmington Car Insurance, Wilmington Life Insurance, Wilmington Homeowner’s Insurance or Wilmington Business Insurance, we’d like to help! You can call us at 888-865-1244, you can visit our virtual insurance office at www.encharter.com or you can visit our office for insurance in Reading MA. And now, you can find us on Twitter© and Facebook©!

At Encharter, “It’s all about protecting you!”