Motorcycle Safety: Avoid the Middle of the Lane

One way to keep your rates down and stay safe, just avoid accidents completely.

Debris builds up in the middle of the lane.


 




* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Kasey Kahne and Stop Texts, Stop Wrecks

Some of you may know Kasey Kahne as the driver of Nascar's #5 race car sponsored by Farmers Insurance.

Saw this on Facebook.  It does make the
point about texting and driving.

While he looks to set records for speed on the track, when on the road with the rest of us, driver's safety is paramount.

See his new public service announcement for "Stop Texts. Stop Wrecks." below.

Platinum Elite Marketing wishes you safe travels as you go to work, school, and out to have fun.  Please pull over to the side of the road if you really need to read or send a text message.

Our Farmers agents happily pay auto claims when we need to, but like you, we don't want to pay more often than we need to.  Please avoid distracted driving.

Even worse, we hate paying life insurance and auto insurance claims at the same time.

Our past Kasey Kahne blogs:

Kasey Kahne Visits the University of Farmers.

Kahne Updates: #Farmers5.

Gearing up for the 2012 Sprint Cup Series.

Kahne Partners with Farmers Insurance.

Past Related Blogs:


Zero Tolerance for Texting.
Texting Documentary.
The Swoop & Squat.
Farmers Insurance Distracted Driving Commercial.
Distracted Driving: A Simple Kiss While Driving?
Insuring Old Cars vs. Classic Cars
Auto safety: Critters in the Road
Understanding Auto Insurance: Mom, the Chauffeur
Comp Coverage for Older Cars
Adding Umbrella Coverage to improve your Auto Insurance
Driving Safety: National Tire Safety Week
Caliber Collision: What to Expect in a Claim
The CHP's "Every 15 Minutes Program"



* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Advanced Training: Safelite, Caliber Collision, & Farmers Insurance

On April 18th, 2012, representatives from Safelite AutoGlass and Caliber Collision, and agents with Farmers Insurance got together at a San Diego Safelite facility for an educational seminar (learn-n-share) on the topic of providing excellent customer service.  

It's their superior level of service that differentiates these companies from their competitors.  These are the types of training programs the Platinum Elite encourages the agents it works with to attend to further hone their skills.

A little about our hosts...

The sign awaiting Farmers Family
 Clients when you visit Caliber Collision.

The seminar was conducted by Matt Albright with Caliber Collision.  Last year we visited a Caliber Collision Center in San Diego to become better familiar with the claims and repair process.  This is important when giving our clients guidance and re-assurance all is well.  Click HERE to see us test an air-bag.

For Excellent Service, Contact Matt HERE.

Jim Power with Safelite made his facility available for this gathering.  We got a quick tour.  The facility stores over 8000 pieces ready for installation.  This is important since it allows them to replace damaged glass immediately versus waiting for it to be ordered and delivered. Our customers need their vehicles back on the road as soon as possible.  This is one of the most important ways the overall service is judged.

For Preferred Care, Contact Jim HERE.

"We Are Farmers!"

To reach Farmers Insurance...

Susanne Romo (lic. #: 0720743) - (858) 751-0956

Araceli De La Torre (lic. #: 0G17321) - (858) 751-0956
Tony Gutierrez  (lic. #: 0A87116) - (858) 751-0956
Kevin Tuckey   (lic. #: 0B72553) - (858) 751-1357

The Susanne Romo Agency can be found at:

3675 Ruffin Rd.
Suite 220
San Diego, CA  92123

Farmers Insurance Names Caliber Collision 2011 Body Shop Chain of the Year

Farmers Insurance names Caliber as 2011 MSO of the Year

Re-print from FenderBender.com

March 29, 2012—Caliber Collision Centers on Wednesday was presented with Farmers Insurance’s 2011 National Multiple Shop Organization Group of the Year award during a special presentation at Caliber’s headquarters in Lewisville, Texas.

Caliber Collision, La Mesa, Ca.

Caliber said it received the award as a result of the company’s ability to deliver the proactive operational and customer management required by Farmers to improve policy retention and customer value. 

“We wish to congratulate Caliber Collision on being named Multiple Shop Organization Group of the Year,” said Odom Wu, national director of auto specialty claims for Farmers Insurance. “Caliber Collision has consistently provided Farmers Insurance's customers with excellent customer service, and a strong commitment to quality vehicle repairs, thus earning them the distinguished honor of MSO Group of the Year.”

“Thanks to the hard work and commitment of Caliber Collision’s more than 2,500 associates across California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. We are honored to be awarded Farmers Insurance’s 2011 National MSO of the Year for delivering outstanding operational and customer satisfaction management as we restore Farmers’ customers to the rhythm of their lives,” said Steve Grimshaw, president and CEO of Caliber.

Caliber currently operates 101 collision repair centers throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. For more information, visit calibercollision.com.

American Chopper Creates for the March of Dimes

'American Chopper: Senior Vs. Junior': Paul Jr. Reveals Custom Bike For March Of Dimes (VIDEO)

Paul Teutul Jr. took the task of designing a custom motorcycle for the March of Dimes very seriously on "American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior" (Mon., 9 p.m. ET on Discovery). "We wanted it to be March of Dimes, but we also wanted it to have a little toughness," he explained at the unveiling.

The idea was to represent the venerable charity organization while at the same time making sure it was something people would want to buy, own and drive. While it had soft colors to represent the expectant mothers and children supported by the March of Dimes, it still managed to look cool and dangerous.

A representative from the March of Dimes spoke about what the motorcyle represented. "When people see the bike I hope they see more than the bike. I hope they realize the March of Dimes is there for them every single day doing research, helping moms stay pregnant and healthy and delivering healthy, happy babies. If the worst should befall them, we're there as well."

March Madness Lessons: Debt Freedom

Re-print from DaveRamsey.com

What Can March Madness Teach You About Getting Out of Debt?

daveramsey.com on 15 Mar 2012

All 68 of the teams in the 2012 NCAA Tournament—best known as “March Madness”—will have at least one thing in common when the tournament starts today.


No matter what type of season they had, whether they are 28-2 or 15-15, whether the year has been filled with injuries or as miraculous as a Disney story, all of these teams only need to win six more games to be national champions.


No matter what has happened in the past, the season starts over today. Each team, each player, each coach has a fresh slate. Past mistakes—missed shots, bad passes, poor coaching decisions—have all been wiped clean. Today, the future—winning the next six games—is all that matters.


But these teams don’t start out in the first round thinking about playing in the championship. They have to approach the tournament “one game at a time.” Athletes and coaches have said that so often that it’s become cliché.

Newest Farmers Insurance Commercial: NASCAR's Kasey Kahne

Kasey Kahne's #5 Farmers
 Insurance NASCAR

Farmers Insurance's newest commercial, debuting during the Daytona 500, stars Kasey Kahne, the driver of car #5 sponsored by the NASCAR driver.  He visits our University of Farmers and Professor Nathaniel Burke (J.K. Simmons).

Look for it during the race.

See our past articles:
Farmers Insurance sponsorship of Kasey Kahne and Hendrick Motorsports announced back in 2011.
Kasey Kahne gears up for the 2012 Sprint Cup Series.

Auto Safety: "The Swoop & Squat"

From Farmers Insurance, Feb. 2012


‘Swoop and squat’ - It’s no accident


No, this is not an exercise routine although it is a routine — a fairly common one designed to cause an auto accident. In 2010, The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that questionable claims from “staged” accidents rose 46 percent between 2007 and 2009.¹ (Most recent available at time of writing.) 

These staged accidents cost the insurance industry billions of dollars each year.


How it happens
In this staged scenario, you’re stuck in heavy traffic on a busy highway when another car cuts off the driver in front of you forcing him to slam on the brakes. You try to stop, but there’s no time and you rear-end the vehicle. There you have it — the perfectly executed swoop and squat. The first car “swoops” in while the second car “squats” in front of you. After the “accident” everyone in the car you rear-ended files bogus injury claims with your insurance company — complaining of injuries that may be difficult to diagnose such as whiplash. The well organized stagers even have physical therapists, chiropractors, lawyers and auto repair technicians working together to further exaggerate their claims.
  
Similar scams to look out for:

• Drive down — You’re trying to merge into traffic when a dishonest driver slows down and waves you forward. You proceed and then he crashes into your vehicle but, of course, denies he waved you into traffic. Guess who could be at fault for the accident? You.
  

Insuring Old Cars versus Classic Cars

On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again...
- Willie Nelson

Oldies but Goodies

Baby boomers, with their growing interest in classic cars, know there's a big difference between the vehicles they collect and the ones they drive every day. Yet not all collectors insure their collectibles and everyday vehicles differently. This could potentially leave collectors in a financial bind should they need to file a claim.

Old vs. classic:
Typically, antique and classic cars are more than 30 years old and have special needs that differ from traditional vehicles. Unlike regular-use vehicles that are on the road every day, antique and classic cars typically are used for limited pleasure driving, car shows and club events.

Special vehicles, special coverage:
From classics to modifieds, including muscle cars, exotics, replicars, woodies, kit cars and other types of collectibles, Farmers offers collectible auto insurance packages designed to meet your special needs.

Newest Farmers Insurance Commercial: Critters in the Road

Did you know...

There are over 1.5 million car accidents involving directly, or indirectly, deer every year, resulting in around $1.1 billion worth of vehicle damage.

Seems like a lot?  Consider this"

"In the 1980's the deer population was approximately 10 million. Today, there are more than 25 million. Losses due to deer and car encounters will only increase as the deer population continues to grow and urban habitats encroach upon rural environments." - SmartMotorist.com

Here's a preview of our newest commercial which will begin airing this week:

The Commercial stars J.K. Simmons as Professor Nathanial Burke explaining the hazards we all face when nature and development intersect.

Tragic Last Words: "It's Paid For, I Don't Need Insurance"

"I don't need insurance, it's not worth much."

"Can I drop my insurance?  I paid the loan off."

"It's paid for, why would I insure it?"

In my career I've heard a few statements like these.

The answer is simple. If it was lost, stolen, or destroyed in a disaster like a wildfire or earthquake, could you afford to replace it out-of-pocket?

Whether it's paid for, or you owe on it outright, it's going to be costly to replace if it disappears.  

Regardless your economic level, your cars, your home, you business, all make up a large part of your assets.  Loss of them hurts financially, and emotionally.  The financing situation is irrelevant in the end. 

No one likes paying for insurance, until they have to make a claim.  Then it seems cheap in comparison.

Recently one of those random fires we're used to in Southern California started.  We usually identify them by which freeway it's closest to. We're a car culture so freeway closures are big. This one started off the 15 Freeway.

A man buys a ranch (and about 100 livestock) to be his retirement home and source of retirement income. It's paid for so it should be a great source of security and income the rest of his life.  

Then one hot (and probably windy) day a fire starts, the area's evacuated, and by the time he's allowed back in, it's all gone.   The ranch.  Most of the livestock.

Auto Insurance: Insuring Older Cars & Your Comp Coverage

Excerpt from a blog originally from Why Platinum?

"My car's paid for.  Why insure it?"

or, "It costs more than the car's worth?"

You have to have the liability coverage, but what about the rest?

In some cases Collision Coverage is expensive relative to the benefit of insuring an older car.  But what about the Comp Coverage?  People often drop both, but they are not attached.  Comp, sometimes called "other than collision", is often an inexpensive part of the policy.

Consider keeping the "comprehensive" coverage even if you drop the "collision."

Comp (Comprehensive) Coverage covers physical damage to your car from hazards such as (but not limited to):

• Fire
• Theft, Vandalism, & Riot
• Lightning 
• Hail
• Flood
• Earthquake
• Explosions
• Damage from Contact with an Animals
• Falling Objects like Trees and Branches

These are all risks that even great drivers face since they don't always involving the skill of the driver.  They happen to the car, often when not even moving.

Animals? 

Ghost Insurance? Fantasy Sports Insurance? Gambling or Alien Abduction Coverage?

Insurance against death or injuries caused by ghosts?

Insurance is meant to cover things that can easily happen, and happen relatively often. Predictability makes it easier for the major insurers to insure the standard risks and perils and charge the correct rates.  We don't like surprises in the insurance world.

But occasionally, smaller insurance companies, or enterprising individuals decide to market an insurance for something that's less likely to happen, or at least is a more specialized risk.

Insurance is usually not meant to cover "speculative risks" such as gambling where it's done deliberately and there's a chance to profit from the risk.  That didn't stop a couple of inventors though.  Read the whole story...

Insurance for gambling losses?

Click on this link for read an MSN Money article titled: 6 Strangest Insurance Policies Ever.

According to another MSN Money article on Celebrities and their Insurance needs, Shirley MacLaine and 20,000 other Americans have purchased alien abduction insurance.

My favorite story is Immaculate Conception Insurance.  But sorry, it's not offered anymore.

But what about my fantasy league?  What about getting injured as a fan?

Fantasy Sports Insurance in case "your" player misses
 too many games?

For any of these insurance, don't give me a call for a quote.

For regular auto, home / fire, earthquake, business, and life insurances, you can definitely give me a call.

858-751-1357

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarily an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Farmers Insurance Sponsors Hendrick Motorsports & Mark Martin for NASCAR Races in 2011

LOOK FOR THE FARMERS INSURANCE #25 CAR NEXT WEEKEND ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 27TH!!!


Originally published April 22nd, 2011....


The Platinum Elite Group is proud to announce...

Farmers Insurance has joined Hendrick Motorsports as a five-race primary sponsor of the Chevrolet's driven by Mark Martin in the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The agreement secures primary placement for Farmers Insurance in five events and associate-level sponsorship on Martin's cars beginning with the May 21 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.


To read the full press release, click here.

Farmers Insurance, Mark Martin #25
NASCAR (2011)

"This partnership makes a lot of sense for Farmers," said Paul Patsis, president of Enterprise Marketing. "NASCAR fans are among the sports world's most loyal and passionate. This is a great opportunity to show them why Farmers is an industry leader, just like Farmers customer and world-class driver Mark Martin."

"I'm proud to be associated with Farmers Insurance," said Martin, a 40-time Sprint Cup race winner. "I've been a customer for more than five years -- my agent is in Searcy (Ark.) -- so I know it's a terrific company that offers the highest quality products and services."

Sturgis Bike Rally Week & Foremost Insurance

Foremost Insurance (a division of Farmers Insurance) provides various types of motorcycle, off-road vehicle, motor or mobile home, specialty dwelling, and boating insurance policies.

2011 Sturgis Bike Week

Contact me for a free needs analysis and quotes.   858-751-1357

Two of Foremost's employees recently traveled to the mecca of motorcycle culture: Sturgis, South Dakota.  Follow Bill and Jack's video blog and journey from Michigan to the Sturgis Bike Week.

Reprint from InsuranceNewsNet.com

Bill and Jack’s Adventure Take to the Road, Destination: Sturgis Bike Week

Bill and Jack's Adventures: Foremost Insurance

Two guys making their way across country to one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country is the newest highlight on the Foremost® blog. Bill Koeller and Jack Allore traveled to and participated in Sturgis Bike Rally in Spearfish, SD. For a second year, Bill and Jack’s Adventure’s is documented with video, photos and stories on the Foremost blog.

“We want to share our journey while showing Foremost products in action,” said Bill Koeller, facilities manager. “Jack and I are not only employees and avid motorcycle riders; our motorcycles are also insured by Foremost.”

Bill admires motorcycle in Sturgis

Bill and Jack’s Adventure is documented from the first steps of preparation for the trip through the arrival back home. They traveled from Caledonia, MI to Spearfish, SD for the well known rally. Bill and Jack stopped at attractions on the way to Sturgis and updated the blog with daily posts. In 2010 Bill and Jack posted everything from Bill’s birthday celebration to a funny and infamous slide ride.

Jack Allore, building services technician said that the Foremost blog is a great outlet for this trip. “One of the main reasons we document this trip is to show that Foremost not only insures motorcycles, many employees ride them also. We love to share our trip with stops at landmarks and features.” Sturgis bike week also featured the Foremost ’69 Chopper that was built by Darwin Motorcycles specifically for the Foremost brand.

Bill and Jack’s adventure is just one of the many special interest sections on the Foremost blog. Check out the Foremost blog, http://blog.foremost.com for a fresh and funny spin on insurance. To learn more about Foremost products or share feedback,

visit http://www.Foremost.com, our Facebook page http://www.Facebook.com/ForemostInsurance or our Twitter page at http://www.Twitter.com/Foremost.

A part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®, Foremost Insurance Group ("Foremost") has been a leader in personal lines insurance since 1952. Foremost is headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan. 

Farmers is a trade name and may refer to Farmers Group, Inc. or the Farmers Exchanges, as the case may be. Farmers Group, Inc., a management and holding company, along with its subsidiaries, is wholly owned by the Zurich Financial Services Group. The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange), including their subsidiaries and affiliates, owned by their policyholders, and managed by Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information about Farmers, visit Farmers.com or Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance.

Paco the Dog, a regular at Sturgis

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Understanding Auto Insurance: Mom, The Chauffeur

“Mom, the shuttle bus driver.” Does that sound like you or someone you know? It may not be your “full-time job,” but if you have young children at home you probably take your turn at shuttling kids to and from after-school or weekend activities. You probably don’t even think about your auto insurance in this context but maybe you should — transporting kids (your own and others) comes with certain risks that could affect your insurance.

• Who’s responsible in an accident? — Drivers can be legally liable for passengers’ injuries — and most personal auto policies will extend coverage for injuries to passengers when you’re driving your own car.
• What’s typically covered? — Although most auto policies will cover your actions in a car that isn’t yours, many contain restrictions on the size and type of vehicle involved. So if you plan to rent or borrow a larger vehicle — such as a van to take the soccer team to an out-of-town match — call me so you can be sure you have the coverage you want.
• What if you’re driving someone else’s vehicle? — It may depend on the situation. Your personal auto insurance policies might not cover your legal liability if you cause an accident while you’re driving your employer’s or your neighbor’s vehicle (particularly if your neighbor’s car is available for your regular use). Teachers and coaches should use school district vehicles to transport students and players to and from events, rather than their personal vehicles. Finally, even if you are covered, if you have an accident in which several passengers are involved, medical and other costs could easily exceed the limits typical of most personal auto policies.

Distracted Driving: A Simple Kiss While Behind the Wheel?

Re-Print from SusanneRomoAgency.blogspot.com

A Peck and a Wreck: Amorous Drivers at Risk

Yeah, keep your eyes on the road,
your hands upon the wheel
— The Doors, Roadhouse Blues

A recent poll, conducted by GfK Roper, revealed that 29 percent of drivers surveyed acknowledged they’ve been amorous behind the wheel sometime during the past year. The numbers reflect the larger issue of distracted driving — with 93 percent of respondents reporting that they engage in it somehow, whether by texting, talking on a cellphone or kissing.1

Some interesting findings: Four in 10 licensed drivers admit that being distracted while driving caused them to do one of the following: swerve into another lane, slam on the brakes, get a ticket, almost get into an accident, or have a minor or major wreck. Interestingly, that number rose to 49 percent for drivers who have a college degree and 43 percent for drivers who earn at least $75,000 a year.1

Distracting activities while driving include:

• Using a cellphone 
• Eating and drinking 
• Talking to passengers 
• Grooming 
• Reading, including maps 
• Using a PDA or navigation system 
• Watching a video 
• Changing the radio station, CD or MP3 player

Taking action: In 2010, 12 states banned texting while driving and two banned the use of handheld cellphones. This brings the total to 30 states with texting bans and eight with cellphone bans, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Recently, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that, depending on the outcome of research being done by his agency, he might push for an all-encompassing nationwide ban on cellphone use while driving.2

Bottom line: Driving is a very serious responsibility that demands your full attention. Driver distractions can occur anytime, anywhere and anyplace so do your best to eliminate distractions: Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel.

end of article

Click for our past Driving Safety blog articles:

> Texting While Driving
> Zero Tolerance for Cell Phone Use
> Farmers Insurance's commercial on Driving Safety
> National Tire Safety Week
> Teens and the "Every 15 Minutes Program" / Auto Insurance Discount for Youthful Drivers

1 Source: Insurance Networking News, February 14, 2011.
http://www.insurancenetworking.com/news/
auto_insurance_distracted_driving_risk_management_Valentines_Day-27154-1.html

2 Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-08/
lahood-weighs-urging-u-s-ban-on-all-driver-phone-use-in-cars.html

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.