Dukes-Moore Insurance Blog

Prepare for Driving In Bad Weather Before You Hit the Road

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:08:09 GMT

Rain, fog, sleet, snow, ice and wind… bad weather is the enemy of every driver in Maryland. Dukes-Moore Insurance wants you and your employees to be safe. Even if you are satisfied that your vehicle and all of its components are in good operating condition, bad weather demands that you take a few more precautions before hitting the road. At regular intervals, especially during the winter months, check the following items.

Abrasive Material: A bag of kitty litter or similar material will help you get moving under snowy or icy conditions

Battery: Does it need to be charged or replaced? Cold weather puts extra strain on a battery. Always keep jumper cables in your vehicle.

Brakes: Are they properly adjusted? Should they be replaced? Good brakes are more important than ever during the winter months. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), make sure it is working.

Chains: Do you carry them? They can be a real help on ice or snow.

Cooling system: Be sure the cooling system is free from leaks. Does it need more anti-freeze? Should it be flushed and refilled?

Defroster: Are the defroster and heater working properly? Make sure they can keep the interior from fogging and the windshield free from ice.

Engine: Have you had a recent tune-up? This is a must in cold weather to prevent slow starts and stalling.

Exhaust System: Check to make sure the muffler and exhaust pipe are free from leaks. Carbon monoxide from a faulty exhaust system can threaten your life.

Lights: Keep all lights clean and working properly (high and low-beam headlights, taillights, brake lights, directional signals).

Restraints: Keep lap and shoulder belts clean and accessible, and be sure to use them. Restraints can keep you behind the wheel and in control if the vehicle suddenly skids.

Tires: Are they properly inflated? Are treads in good condition and wheels aligned and balanced? Consider changing to snow tires.

Windshield Wipers and Washer: Keep wiper blades in good condition and be sure they are set at the proper pressure to sweep snow off the windshield. Keep plenty of windshield washer anti-freeze handy.

Dukes-Moore Insurance can provide you with tools for fleet driving training and additional information to help reduce crashes in everyday driving. Just give us a call at 410-778-2346 or contact us today!

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:30:51 GMT

Buying a new car is an exciting time - but it can also be stressful. After all, you're trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need.

We can't really help you become a master negotiator when it comes to buying a car. But we can give you some things to consider when you're looking around the lot - and when you're trying to answer the age-old question of "new, or used?"

Now, the new vs. used argument is pretty well documented - with people usually staunchly in one camp or the other - and you probably already know what side you're on. But read on with an open mind, and you might just come to a different decision the next time you’re on the car lot.

New cars

Ah, that new-car smell. It's a bit of a cliché, but it's one of the things that people love about climbing into a brand-new car. And while they make air fresheners that supposedly give you that same smell for your used car, it just doesn't seem the same, does it? Still, there are other benefits to buying new - and, of course, there are drawbacks as well.

PRO - Choices: When you buy new, you get to choose your color and the exact features you want. From spoilers to sunroofs to leather seats and stereo systems, you can customize your car to best fit you.
PRO - Maintenance: Some manufacturers offer free scheduled maintenance for a set period of time after you buy the car, and you likely won't need a new battery, tires, etc., for several years after your purchase.
PRO - Peace of Mind: Your new car may have a warranty for up to 10 years, and also is covered by "lemon laws" that could allow for a replacement or refund if the car has serious defects.
CON - Cost: Depending on the make and model, buying a new car is almost always more expensive (at least in terms of the purchase price) than a used car.

It's also worth noting that if you purchase a new car in its first model year (meaning it's a new model for the automaker), there won't be many user reviews available, and data on reliability and repairs will be limited. In addition, sometimes newly introduced cars have some kinks that generally are ironed out by the second and third model years. These aren't necessarily serious issues, and the warranty should cover them, but in some instances, you and your car could be headed to the shop more than you'd like.

Used Cars

Don't care about the new-car smell? Looking to save some money on your purchase? Well, a used car might be right for you. There are many advantages to buying used, but you'll want to be a little more careful. After all, it's hard to know exactly how well the previous owner treated the car. But you can limit your risk with a little bit of work.

PRO - Choices: While you won't necessarily get to customize your used car, you likely can find a pretty good fit. There are lots of used cars out there.
PRO - Cost: New cars depreciate quickly after they're purchased. By buying used, you're letting someone else take that financial hit over the first few years of the life of the car.
PRO/CON - Reliability: Buying a used car is less of a gamble than it used to be, particularly with the advent of "certified pre-owned" programs many automakers now offer. However, used cars generally don't carry the same warranties as new cars, even though the original manufacturer's warranty is usually transferable to a second owner.
CON - Maintenance: While a used car theoretically shouldn't need more frequent maintenance than a new car, you'll likely need to replace things like tires, headlights, etc., earlier. And scheduled maintenance probably isn't covered by the automaker.
PRO/CON - History: You'll need to check the car's title history to make sure it hasn't been in a serious accident or salvaged. Ask the dealership to provide this information, usually from Carfax.

Of course, whichever car you purchase, the important thing is that it's a good fit for you. Bear in mind that certain makes and models can result in higher car insurance costs for you, so feel free to check in with us before you buy.

Have fun shopping - and we'll see you on the road!

Is Your Home Energy Efficient?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:12:23 GMT

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues here in Maryland, and they’re not only annoying – they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.

Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.

Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Dukes-Moore Insurance, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.

Do a home-energy audit

Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.

Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver – the area should be completely filled with insulation.
Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.
Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.

The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

Make Sure Your Home is Ready for Winter

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:36:44 GMT

Summer has ended, but there’s no need to fret: Fall brings with it crisp, cool days, wonderful colors — and football season!

It also brings with it a few maintenance tasks that Dukes-Moore Insurance recommends to help ensure your home is ready for fall and winter weather in Maryland.

Check out the following information for some general tips from the National Association of Home Builders, and don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions about what your home insurance policy covers.

Exterior maintenance

Gutters: Leaves, pine needles and other material can clog your gutters in the fall, preventing proper drainage and raising the risk of water damage to your walls, foundation, basement or landscaping. Remove all debris from your gutters and consider installing one of the many available gutter guard systems — it could be the last time you have to worry about clogged gutters.
Trees: Weak trees and branches can break and cause damage to your home, car or even someone walking on your property (the latter is a good reason to consider a personal umbrella insurance policy). Watch out for large dead or detached branches, as well as cracks or rotten wood along trunks and major branches. If there are potential hazards, call a professional tree service.
Roof: Damaged or loose shingles, as well as gaps where roofing or siding meets vents and flues, can mean emergency (and expensive) repairs later. Being proactive is the best way to avoid problems — if you see signs of damage, you’ll want to call a professional roofer.
Walls: The exterior walls of your home keep the weather out — so you’ll want to make sure they’re up to the challenge of of a Maryland winter. Look for possible damage or decay on siding and trim, and patch or replace pieces if necessary.

Interior maintenance

Insulation: Check the insulation in your attic, basement and crawl spaces, and insulate pipes in those spaces to protect against freezing.
Pipes: Nobody wants to deal with a frozen pipe, so if you live in a place susceptible to freezing, wrap exposed ones with heating tape every winter and keep your home above 65 degrees. Always check for cracks and leaks. And know where the main water shut-off is in your home so you can act quickly if there is a problem.
Heating: It’s a good idea to have your heating systems (furnace, fireplace, water heater, etc.) serviced every year.

For more information on home maintenance, visit the National Association of Home Builders website at www.nahb.com. A little action on your part now can make fall and winter a lot more enjoyable for you and your family.

For further questions and assistance, please contact our office.

Motorcycle Insurance: Ride More, Worry Less.

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Lowering the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Maryland

Simple steps can lead to savings in your pocket. Spending less money is much easier than perfecting your tight turns at high speeds on a gravel road. Take a look at some simple ways to lower your Maryland motorcycle insurance costs for riders like you.

More expensive motorcycle = more expensive insurance
Before you buy a motorcycle, check with Dukes-Moore Insurance to see what it will cost to insure it. Expensive bikes cost more to repair, maintain and insure. The safety equipment you select may also save you money.
Increase your deductible
By raising the amount you pay out-of-pocket for losses, you can save more on your motorcycle insurance policy. Ask one of our agents to explain the trade-offs.
Dukes-Moore Insurance + combined policies = lower cost
The more combined policies you have with a single insurance company, your car insurance, home insurance etc., the more substantial your savings will be. Learn more about your motorcycle insurance coverage options, by giving us a call or read about Maryland motorcycle insurance online.
Safety saves
You may be able to save money on your premium if your motorcycle is stored in a garage, if you belong to certain rider groups, or if you’ve taken a safe rider course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

For more information on lowering the cost of your motorcycle insurance, please contact us. You can also request an online motorcycle quote and we'll provide you with quotes from multiple companies so you can compare and save!

Summer Means More Teens in the Workplace

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Business news often reports that it’s difficult for teenagers to find work here in Maryland but nonetheless, as summer approaches thousands of teenagers will enter the workforce, many for the first time.

This is an important first-step for teenagers who enter into these jobs each with their own set of expectations. Oftentimes those expectations are related solely to the money they’ll earn and what it can buy, not as their first life-lesson in developing a work ethic they will carry with them into adulthood. They are also inexperienced, most likely lacking in emotional or physical maturity, and don’t always recognize the differences between “right and wrong” in the workplace.

When working with teenagers, business owners, or their managers, find themselves filling the role of teacher, mentor and boss.

It’s very important that business owners have a clear understanding of state labor laws and safety issues that apply to underage workers.

Managers or other staff that may be in a position to supervise teens must also understand all applicable rules or regulations that apply to their role.

Lastly, underage workers need to understand their level of responsibility for their job, their own safety, and the safety of their co-workers.

Dukes-Moore Insurance believe that by developing strong, clear policies for employment at your business, you can reduce your risk for potential losses due to employer/employee misunderstandings, accidents on the job and failure to report infractions.

One way to educate your managers and supervisors, as well as provide important worker information to your teenaged employees, is by taking advantage of resources available to you by the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration and the Maryland labor department.

Here are links to a few of the free resources available to you.

Directory of State Labor Divisions; or go to www.dol.gov and search for “State Labor Offices.”
Visit the Young Workers page at the Department of Labor website to find resources for parents, teen workers, business owners and educators.
Will your teen workers be driving? Don’t miss the Distracted Driving program.

Whatever your insurance needs, be they personal or business, we want to be your #1 choice. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a complete insurance evaluation.