If you drive a new Ford you should be aware that certain models have recently been recalled. The company announced today that problems with the seat back and head restraint mean that several of its 2010 models do not meet federal safety requirements. Car owners should expect letters in May and the company has made a commitment to fix the problem in over 30,000 manufactured vehicles

Keeping up with recall news is critical. It’s also important to make sure that your vehicle has adequate coverage. If you aren’t sure about your coverage or your monthly rate call us, your local insurance agency, today and together we’ll make sure that you’re protected well.

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Buyers searching for their next dream home just got another incentive. On Monday the Obama administration rolled out a new plan to incentivise purchases of short-sale homes. What looks even more promising though are the new guidelines being issued about short-sales. This type of purchase has been very time-consuming but the new guidelines will require that banks respond to offers on short-sale properties in 10 days.

This news comes as a welcome relief to the many homeowners who are struggling to pay off “under water” mortgages. With a short-sale as a more attainable option many foreclosures can be avoided. Home sales as a whole are up, which is proving to be a good boost for the economy.

Read more: here and here

If there is one thing that people everywhere can discuss, it’s the weather. From mudslides in California, to blizzards in DC, conditions in February have been far from normal in many parts of the country. Even Canada has been having abnormal weather, with higher temperatures in Vancouver putting some of the winter games on hold.

So what can you do when the weather takes a turn for the worse? Make sure that your homeowners policy is adequate to your situation. Most types of weather-related damage should be covered, provided that common sense preventative steps have been taken. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. If you need to file an insurance claim because of damages, be sure to contact your local agent as soon as possible. In good seasons and bad, we’re here to help.

With one semester remaining in the school year, many college students are already looking ahead to life after dorm rooms and lecture halls. For these students, some good news is being reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

For the first time in more than a year more employers are interested in increasing (instead of decreasing) the number of college graduates that they hire. The executive director of NACE calls this a “positive sign” but reminds us that “we’re still not where we were two years ago, in terms of recruiting activity.”

During such uncertain times it’s important to make sure that college students protect what they do have. It is now common for students to bring expensive electronics and laptops to college, besides other valuables. Are college students’ personal belongings protected while they are away at school? A parent’s homeowners insurance should cover a student’s personal belongings. Be careful though, as your specific policy may set limits on how much coverage applies to items being kept outside of the home. For more information contact us today and we’ll help you find out how much coverage might be necessary.
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A proposed bill in the House was recently amended in committee. While many consumer groups are cheering the intent of the bill, which would establish a new Federal regulator called the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, some are worried that recent exemptions have watered down the bill dangerously.

The big debate at issue is whether car dealers should be subject to the same type of regulation as mortgages, credit cards, student loans and a host of other financial products. Consumers should be aware that whatever form the final bill takes, it probably won’t bring decisive change immediately. As with any agreement, be sure to read the fine print and ask plenty of questions.

As your local insurance agency we want to be there for you after you purchase your next car or home. If you are looking for sincere, quality coverage of your assets, call us today.
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