insureguy

Winter is here - finally

2012-01-20T13:34:00.002-06:00

If you live in Wisconsin, you have been waiting for Winter. HERE IT IS. It has been snowing most of the day and we are to get 6 - 7 inches before it is finished. When driving remember:
1. Drive defensive - you can not always trust the other guy has his car under control.
2. Don't follow too close
3. Assume the road will be slippery especially at STOP SIGNS.
4. The bigger the ruts in the open road, the slower you must go.
5. Before you leave your parking space, clean ALL your windows of snow and ice.
6. If you do not have to go, put it off until tomorrow. Accidents happen in weather like this!
7. The #1 cause of accidents is SPEED or TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS!!!!!!

Be safe - Drive safe.
Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance Services

1st Real Snow this Season

2012-01-12T08:55:00.002-06:00

It is January 12, 2012 and it is finally snowing this season. Oh, we had a few flurries here and there and even an inch of snow in December but it melted quickly. This storm could deliver 5-6 inches. THAT MEANS WINTER DRIVING HABITS NEED TO BE USED. Speed needs to be controlled based on the conditions, clean ALL your windows of snow and ice, watch for black ice on the roads and sidewalks, and most of all braking needs to be planned ahead. Remember, SPEED or TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS is the number one cause of accidents. Have a safe winter driving season.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance

To turn in a claim or NOT

2011-11-29T08:53:00.002-06:00

I had an interesting conversation with a client yesterday. It concerned the issue of claim history and how claims, even if nothing is paid in the end, can affect what you pay for auto and home insurance. EXAMPLE: Client calls and says they have hail damage. These type of claims can be extensive and costly. We report the claim to the insurance company. After securing an estimate and an adjuster visits the homeowner, it is determined the damage is under the deductible or the client decides to pay the damages out of their pocket. Therefore, nothing paid by the company. PROBLEM: Since it is a "reported" claim, that claim is on a permanent data bank that ALL companies access. They charge for "report but not paid claims." With today's sophisticated technology, claim history is available to all insurance companies with a few key strokes.

RECOMMENDATION: Buy higher deductibles (the higherst you feel you can absorb) and only turn in claims when you are sure you want to make a claim to the insurance company.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance

Treyton's Field of Dreams

2011-09-03T08:09:00.002-05:00

Treyton Kilar was killed by a drunk driver on 9-2-2010. The Kilar family with 100's of friends are trying to raise money to build a "Field of Dreams" Little League field here in Whitewater in his honor. You can support their efforts by voting for them in the PEPSI REFRESH PROJECT. Visit www.refresheverthing.com/trey and click on "vote for this idea". You can also text 108723 to 73774 or log onto Facebook. You can vote all 3 ways in the month of September every day. EVERY VOTE COUNTS.

Don't Drink and Drive.

Ron Binning
ron@binningdickens.com

Number of Uninsured drivers in WI

2011-07-29T13:25:00.003-05:00

Effective 6-1-2009 Wisconsin passed a mandatory insurance law for all drivers. Across the US 1 in 7 (14.3%) drivers are uninsured, according to a new study from the Insurance Research Council (IRC - 2011) Mississippi has the highest uninsured motorist percentage at 28%. In WISCONSIN the estimated uninsured motorist percentage is 15%.

Unisured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) are mandatory coverage on every auto policy in WI and these coverages are optional on all Personal Umbrella policies. Contact us or your current agent if you have questions about these important coverages.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance Services
ron@binningdickens.com

Multi-tasking vs texting

2011-06-20T15:22:00.003-05:00

Multi-tasking is a term that was never meant to include driving and texting. Have you noticed how many people are looking "down" at interesections or when you pass them on the Interstate?
Do you think they are looking at their fingernails? These two activities are like mixing gasoline and a lighted match. There are too many unexplained accidents occuring in Wisconsin. Some people say they can text without looking........ya right!

Make smart decisions - Don't drive and text.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance Services
Whitewater WI

Health Insurance and the SUN

2011-04-28T13:34:00.002-05:00

Here are new rules from www.health.com to follow when in the sun this summer:
1. Old Rule: Throw on a t-shirt or coverup when you're in direct sunlight.
New Rule: If you're not into sun-protective clothing, wear dark colors and tightly woven fabrics during peak hours.
2. Old Rule: Use a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face, a shot glass worth for your body.
New Rule: Layer your protection to MAKE sure you're covered.
3. Old Rule: A little sun is healthy - 20 minutes 3 times per week is good for Vitamin D.
New Rule: It's not smart to go outdoors UNPROTECTED.
4. Old Rule: Never, ever use a tanning bed.
New Rule: STILL, never, ever use a tanning bed. 75% increased chance of melanoma.

All of these rules apply to your kids and grandkids as well. Be smart this summer - use sunscreen.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance
ron@binningdickens.com

Proposed New Auto Insurance Law

2011-03-15T11:05:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned last week, The WI State Assembly passed "Choice in Auto Insurance" this past Tuesday. It must now go to the WI State Senate for approval before it becomes law. The bill did NOT repeal Gov Doyle's Auto Insurance Law of June 2009 but I think it made some significant changes. Here are the major changes: 1. They lowered the limits back to 25,000 per person, $50,000 per occurrence, $10,000 for property damage. 2. Lowered Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage to 50,000 per person and $100,000 per occurrence. 3. They eliminated the "stacking" provision where drivers could use coverage from up to 3 of their vehicles from an accident involving just one of their vehicles.

Watch this site for further developments because the Senate must pass a similar bill before Gov Walker can sign this legislation into law.

The more you know, the better decisions you can make about your insurance coverage.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance
ron@binningdickens.com

Change in Auto Insurance Law in WI

2011-03-10T10:30:00.002-06:00

The Wisconsin Legislature has been debating many topics in preparation to passing the budget and one of the topics is a CHANGE in the Auto Insurance Law. Remember a major change occurred in June 2009, January 2010, and finally June 2010. Many of those changes will probably be overturned. Check back to this BLOG for the details as they become known.

That being said, we DO NOT recommend any client or any potential client lower their liability limits back to the lower limits in force prior to the June 2009 changes. The goal of liability insurance is to protect your assets from plaintiff suits. Your auto coverage is the greatest exposure you personally have for impacting your assets.

Drive safe. Drive defensive.

Ron Binning - ron@binningdickens.com
Binning & Dickens Insurance

SPRING FLOODS

2011-02-14T11:13:00.002-06:00

It's mid February and warming up. With all of our snow melting, Spring brings FLOODS. With that and the 30 day waiting period for flood coverage to take effect after a policy is submitted, NOW is the time to buy Flood coverage. Don't wait. Call us TODAY for a quote. The quote is free. We use AUTO OWNERS Insurance Company, a leader in the Midwest for Flood Coverage.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance
262-473-3930
ron@binningdickens.com

Potential Auto Insurance Changes

2011-01-13T09:00:00.001-06:00

The bill, authored by Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) and Sen. Frank Lasee (R-De Pere), will help restore fairness in Wisconsin’s auto insurance market and could reduce recent auto insurance cost increases imposed on your customers.

LRB-0524/2 – known as the Consumer Choice in Auto Insurance Act – will make the following changes to current state law:
Prohibits stacking of insurance coverages.
Changes the definition of underinsured motor vehicle to compare the at-fault driver’s liability limit with the insured’s underinsured (UIM) limit to determine if the at-fault driver is underinsured.
Establishes Bodily Injury limits at $25,000/$50,000/$10,000
Establishes Uninsured Motorist (UM) limits at 25/50
Establishes Underinsured Motorist (UIM) limits at 50/100
Restores medical payments coverage limits to $1,000
Repeals the automatic indexing of limits to inflation every 5 years.
Clarifies that the requirement of UM/UIM offer does not apply to umbrella/excess policies.
Restores the reducing clause

Watch this site for updates to this important new legislation,
Ron Binning
ron@binningdickens.com

Credit Score and your Auto Insurance

2011-01-06T14:40:00.002-06:00

How can I improve my Credit Score and get lower auto insurance premiums:

Get copies of your credit report and make sure they are free of inaccuracies.
Avoid the types of credit that can ding your insurance score, such as department store credit cards, credit accounts at a local tire dealer, auto parts store, or service station, as well as retailer credit cards issued by finance companies, not banks.
Use oil company credit cards and national bank credit cards (like those from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover), which are preferred by insurers.
Talk to your insurer about your score, using the information to build a case if you wish to complain about incorrect scoring.
Avoid running up sizable credit card balances, which could be reported as high relative to your overall credit limit, by paying balances in full every month or even sending smaller credit card payments weekly.
Try not to apply for new credit too often, since scoring systems look down on excessive new credit and credit inquiries.
Pay your bills on time, perhaps using automatic bill pay from your checking account to avoid late payments or having the check get lost in the mail.
Request exceptions for circumstances beyond your control that could have hurt your credit report, such as divorce, job, loss, medical problems, or Hurricanes Katrina or Rita.
Give us a call for your FREE Auto Insurance QUOTE today.
Ron Binning ron@binningdickens.com

Life Insurance and Smoking

2010-11-16T13:53:00.002-06:00

I am often asked: "How much does smoking affect my Life Insurance premium?

If you smoke, you will pay at least 50% more for both Life and Health Insurance. It has been proven smoking creates long term problems for your health. Learn more about the affects of smoking at the following site: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm

Ron Binning
ron@binningdickens.com
www.binningdickens.com

Deer Claim Accidents

2010-10-15T13:04:00.002-05:00

Wisconsin is full of White Tail Deer and with November fast approaching, we will see more and more of them on our roadways. BEING SAFE IS A LOT EASIER IF WE PLAN.

Deer have a pattern of behavior so if you see deer on the route you travel, you will see them again. Here are some ways you can protect yourself from a vehicle/deer accident:

1. High risk periods are from sunset to midnight and around dusk. Slow down at these times.

2. Use HIGH BEEM lights whenever possible. Watch for the reflection of their eyes and silhouettes. When spotting them, brake firmly BUT STAY IN YOUR LANE.

3. Deer are unpredictable. Sometimes they stop for the bright lights, sometimes they run. Brake, check the rearview mirror and if necessary and safe, stop if you have to. Blow horn.

4. If you see one deer, almost certainly there will be more. Proceed slowly.

Remember to be safe and alert whenever you get behind the wheel. No cell phones and no texting and be on the alert for the White Tail Deer.

Ron Binning

Binning & Dickens Insurance

Whitewater WI 53190

Winterizing your Car - We do live in Wisconsin

2010-09-18T08:56:00.002-05:00

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/car-winterizing-tips1.htm

This is a great site providing 10 tips on what you should do to winterize your car. October is almost here and that means December, January, & February are not far behind. It is always better to get ready for winter than it is to be "stuck" in winter.
Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance
ron@binningdickens.com

Wisconsin Auto Insurance Law

2010-08-07T10:08:00.002-05:00

As most of you know, Wisconsin's new Auto Insurance State law went into effect June 1, 2010. The state law increased minimum Bodily Injury limits to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident. Property Damage was increased to $15,000, Medical Payments increased to $10,000, Uninsured Motorist was increased to $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident, and Underinsured Motorist was increased to $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident.

EVERYONE now must carry auto insurance and EVERYONE must now carry proof they have auto insurance. If you are a client of ours and you do not have a copy of your insurance in your car, call us at 262-473-3930 and we can mail, email, or FAX the proper documents to you.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance
www.binningdickens.com

Fireworks Safety

2010-07-01T09:46:00.000-05:00

Fireworks Safety

TEXTING Ban for Motorists in Wisconsin

2010-05-12T11:23:00.002-05:00

When using COMMON SENSE, it is hard to believe the WI State Legislature felt compelled to pass legislation banning texting while DRIVING. Common sense says while driving you should NEVER take your eyes off the road. I you do, BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN!!!!

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that 80% of crashes and 65% of near crashes involve driver distraction. Use of cell phones and texting was a principal distraction. At 55 MPH, for every second you take your eyes off the road you travel 27 yards. In 4 seconds that would be 108 years. (A FOOTBALL FIELD) How long does it take to cross the center line - maybe a second or two. The car traveling the other direction has no more than a 4 to 5 foot separation.

What could be so important to text when the resulting effect could be your lose of life or that of others on the road? It all comes down to common Sense. DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE! As of 12-1-2010 it will be against the law in Wisconsin. Too bad it does not go into effect TODAY.
Ron Binning
ron@binningdickens.com
www.binningdickens.com

Wisconsin Mandatory Auto Insurance Law - 2010

2010-04-05T08:50:00.002-05:00

As of June 1, 2010, the Wisconsin Mandatory Insurance Law goes into effect. Check this link for "everything you needed to know" about this change: http://oci.wi.gov/faq/auto.htm#finresp
BRIEF SUMMARY:

1. Increased limits -

minimum $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident - Bodily Injury
minimum $15,000 - Property Damage
minimum $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident - Uninsured Motorist & Underinsured Motorist.

2. Fines for NOT carrying Auto insurance in Wisconsin:

Can be up to $500

3. Insurance Card - MUST BE CARRIED IN THE CAR OR IN YOUR WALLET/PURSE to verify you carry insurance withe the proper limit of liability.

Call Binning & Dickens Insurance with all your insurance questions.

Ron Binning

www.binningdickens.com

ron@binningdickens.com

Motorcycles and SPRING

2010-04-03T10:15:00.002-05:00

It feels like Spring is here in Wisconsin as I write this on April 3rd. Spring in Wisconsin is represented by Daffodils, Robins, Greening of the grass, and MOTORCYCLES.

Some guys drive their cycles like they are on a Lemans Road Course, weaving in an out of traffic and seeing how fast they can go. But the majority are responsible drivers either trying to get to work or enjoy a beautiful day on the bike.

Often the challenge for us driving in our cars is to WATCH for those bikes. 70% of all Motorcycle accidents happen at intersections and a high percentage of those are caused by drivers in their cars NOT SEEING the motorcycist.

Remember - enjoy Spring and watch for those BIKES.
Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance
www.binningdickens.com

Crossing the Street

2010-03-04T16:51:00.002-06:00

I was riding in my car yesterday and heard this radio ad; "If you are a pedestrian and you are texting and about to cross a street, STOP, look both ways before proceeding. The LIFE you save might be your own!"

As ridiculous as it sounds, it clearly is a message that needs to be heard by those who are addicted to this technology. The feeling of being "WANTED" or "CONNECTED" has clearly exceeded all common sense. Whitewater is a college town and both the City and the University have installed crossing lights and hired crossing guards so "college kids" can cross the street.

Extend this technology to behind the wheel and you can see major problems ahead if this "craze" is not reeled in.
Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance
Whitewater WI

House fires and pets

2010-02-13T09:50:00.002-06:00

HOUSE FIRES AND PETS: You wonder how these two topics are related? The last 2 years there have been two house fires in the Whitewater area where the pet owners have tried to keep their pets warm (January in Wisconsin) by using a HEAT LAMP. In both cases MAJOR fires developed, one a TOTAL loss and the other major damage. One fire was caused by a heat lamp on an "ouside porch" and the other fire caused by a heat lamp put in a wood box on the house's deck. A few years ago another fire was caused by a heat lamp put into a dog house that was built onto the garage. That fire also totally destroyed the house.

The moral of the story: Any attempt to create supplemental heat during the winter needs to be treated with caution. Examples of heat lamps, space heaters, and wood burning stoves have all proved very dangereous when used improperly or left unattended.

Don't let this happen to you and your family.
Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance
Whitewater WI 53190

Woodburning stoves

2010-01-07T09:10:00.002-06:00

It's January in Wisconsin and that means high HEAT bills. Woodburning Stoves are making a comeback. What you should know BEFORE you buy one:
1. Call you insurance agent 1st. Find out what the INCREASE in premium will be for the new stove.
2. Have it installed by a Professional. He will know about the chimney requirements, placement of the stove, setbacks from the walls and floor, non combustible materials needed, etc.
3. All chimneys and stoves should cleaned at least once a year by someone who know what they are doing. As the Professional Installer for recommendations.
4. How do you dispose of the ashes? A METAL CONTAINER DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE IS MANDATORY. Ashes can stay HOT for up to 2 days. Do not use cardboard boxes, paper bags, or plastic bags to dispose of the ashes. Do not put them in your garage either.

Our office has paid claims because these steps were not followed by homeowners.
Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance
Whitewater WI

2009 Wisconsin Traffic Crash Facts

2010-01-05T08:19:00.002-06:00

As we enter 2010, it is always interesting to read and compare how Wisconsites did on the roads as compared to other years. Speeding (or too fast for conditions) still lead the way in cause of accidents. Alcohol consumption is the 2nd leading cause of fatalities on our roads.

In 2009 the State Department of Transportation has recorded 542 fatalities on WI roads. That compares to 585 in 2008, 737 in 2007, and 712 in 2006. In 2002 there were 805.

Anne McCartt of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety said, "The poor economy likely is pushing roadway fatalities down since people are driving less. As the economy improves, we expect highway fatalities to increase again."

"Distracted Driving is another leading cause of accidents in WI. Radios, cds, cell phones, blackberrys, texting, etc all contibute to taking your eyes off the road.

Everyone these days seem to be in a hurry. Too bad some of them are in a hurry to die.

Drive smart - drive safe.
Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance Services

Road Trip

2009-10-20T08:54:00.002-05:00

My wife and I just drove to Myrtle Beach and back - about 2,200 miles round trip. Here is a summary of what we saw:

A guy with a folded newspaper in his steering wheel - reading doing about 70 MPH; too many people to count on their cell phone; could tell MANY people were texting (looking down at their lap - repeatedly); drivers do NOT slow down in construction zones; too many white crosses to count in the medians and side of the roads (2 of them with construction hats on top of the crosses); 2 people pulled over by police after they went past us doing at least 90 MPH; weavers - these are people who with either 2 or 3 lanes available - weaving through traffic going way too fast; too many speeders to count - every hour; tailgaters; 1 very bad accident (3 cars) in the mountains - I'm sure the cause was too fast in HEAVY rain; 1 guy eating a sub sandwich & talking on a cell phone driving very eratically - probably trying to steer with his knees.

A great trip but a little scary when you consider a LOT of people do not have much respect for driving and the damage and injury a car going 70 MPH can cause.

When will people learn???????????????

Driving and Texting

2009-09-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

Here is a great article about DRIVING AND TEXTING. It is not illegal in Wisconsin yet. Talk to your state legislature representatives if you feel strongly about this issue. Most people who text look away from the road an average of 5 seconds at a time. At 55 miles per hour that is roughly the length of a football field.

Driving and texting DO NOT MIX..............

SEE:
http://www.itwire.com/content/view/26589/1066/1/0/

Water Backup & Sump Overflow claims

2009-09-05T08:55:00.002-05:00

The City of Whitewater has experienced a couple of Sewer Backup claims this summer. The City's insurance company has denied the claims because "there is no negligence on the part of the City." A homeowner's policy has many option available to add to the policy. They include but are not limited to: 1. Scheduled Jewelry 2. Identity Theft 3. Replacement Cost on the Dwelling 4. Replacement Cost on Contents 5. Inflation Guard coverage 6. Scheduled list of collectibles 7. Earthquake Coverage 8. Water Backup and Sump Pump overflow 9. etc

There are no set standard rules for Water Backup and Sump Pump Overflow. Every company has developed their own set of rules, limits, and premiums. WE RECOMMEND EVERY HOMEOWNER CONTACT THEIR INSURANCE AGENT AND ASK ABOUT THEIR SPECIFIC COVERAGE. Questions like the following would be helpful: 1. Do I have Water Sewer Backup and Sump Pump Overflow? 2. What is the coverage limit? 3. Are there optional higher limits of coverage and what are they? 4. What is the premium I am now paying for this coverage? 5. What are the premium options for the higher coverage limits 6. What is the current deductible for this coverage.

The largest claim our agency has paid for this coverage was $25,440.83 and the loss date was 6-24-2008. As in all insurance claims, this issue needs to be addressed BEFORE you have the claim. Feel free to call us at 262-473-3930 with any of your questions. We would be more than happy to help.

UMBRELLA INSURANCE CHANGES

2009-08-28T11:17:00.002-05:00

MORE CHANGES TO WISCONSIN INSURANCE LAW: At the same time as the Wisconsin Auto Insurance Law changes (11-1-09), PERSONAL UMBRELLA POLICIES will also change.

If you have a Personal Umbrella, your Umbrella Policy will now automatically include Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. With this increase in coverage, your Umbrella premium will also increase.

You have the option to sign off if you wish. Remember - your auto policy already has UM & UIM coverage on that policy.

Here are your choices:
1. Keep the extra coverage on the umbrella and pay the extra premium.
2. SIGN the "rejection letter" that will be enclosed with your Umbrella Renewal and send back to EMC Insurance.

Any questions feel free to call us at 262-473-3930
Ron
BINNING & DICKENS INS SERVICES LTD
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Wisconsin Auto Ins Law eff 11-1-2009

2009-08-14T13:36:00.001-05:00

Maybe you missed this in the news: Important changes to the Wisconsin Auto Insurance LAW:

NEW WISCONSIN INSURANCE LAW THAT WILL AFFECT YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
The Governor inserted NEW Insurance Statutory Provisions into the 2009-2010 State Budget. Some provisions become effective 11-1-2009, others on 1-1-2010, and the MANDATORY INSURANCE PROVISION becomes effective 6-1-2010.

These changes become effective for you at your renewal!!!!!!!!!

Here is a summary of the AUTOMOBILE changes:

The minimum Bodily Injury (BI) limits are increased to $50,000 for each person and $100,000 for each accident. The minimum limits for Property Damage (PD) are increased to $15,000. Policies with a Combined Single Limit are increased to $115,000.
The minimum Medical Payments limit is increased to $10,000. You may reject this coverage via a signed authorization form. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND REJECTING THIS COVERAGE.
The minimum Uninsured Motorist (UM) limits are increased to $100,000 for each person and $300,000 for each accident. Policies with a Combined Single Limit are increased to $300,00.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is now mandatory, at limits of $100,000 for each person and $300,000 for each accident or $300,000 Combined Limit.

NEW PERSONAL UMBRELLA INSURANCE LAW:
If you have a Personal Umbrella policy, new Wisconsin laws require you are offered Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Uninsured Motorist (UIM) coverages on your Personal Umbrella policy. You do have the option to reject UM & UIM coverages on your Personal Umbrella policy via a signed authorization form.

MANDATORY AUTO INSURANCE LAW:
EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2010, every person who operates a motor vehicle MUST have an Auto Liability Insurance policy and MUST be able to show proof of the insurance when requested.
THIS LAW WAS PASSED WITHOUT MUCH DEBATE OR PUBLICITY SO GIVE US A CALL WITH YOUR QUESTIONS – 262-473-3930.

Health Insurance and the Cost of Smoking

2009-07-29T14:00:00.002-05:00

Binning & Dickens sells Health Insurance and smoking is a leading cause of individual health issues.

Costs of Smoking
May 12, 2009
We have known for a long time that smoking is unhealthy. Tobacco imposes a physical and financial cost to smokers, but there is also a physical cost for those exposed to secondhand smoke. We must work together to help people overcome tobacco addiction.

In Wisconsin, 7,300 people die yearly from smoking-related causes. Cigarettes kill more people in the United States than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined. Smoking is responsible for nearly 1-in-5 deaths in the U.S. and if this continues, 128,000 children alive today will die from smoking-related illnesses.

Smoking accounts for at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths. It is a major cause of lung, throat, mouth, esophagus, and bladder cancers; it also contributes to the development of cancers of the pancreas, cervix, kidney, stomach, and also some leukemias.

Only about half of smoking-related deaths are from cancer. Smoking is also a major cause of heart disease, aneurysms, bronchitis, emphysema, and stroke, and it makes pneumonia and asthma worse. It has been linked to low birth weight, increased likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and diseases of nearly every organ system.

Giving up smoking is difficult. Nicotine is additive but it is important to "kick the habit" so you can live a long, healthy life.

Call Binning & Dickens with all of your health insurance questions. 262-473-3930

Insurance in WI changed by the State Budget

2009-07-20T09:28:00.002-05:00

DID you know the WI legislature passed budget bill AB75 on 6-29-09. It contains many changes to the States AUTO Insurance law! Effective 1-1-2010: Allows "stacking" of limits for Uninsured Motorist (UM), Underinsured Motorist (UIM), and Medical Payments coverage up to 3 vehicles; UM & UIM coverage will be MANDATORY with minimum limits of 100/300 limits; minimum limits will rise to 50/100/15.

MANDATORY INSURANCE will start June 2010. Fines from $50 to $500 can be imposed if no insurance.

MEDICAL PAYMENTS coverage will change to $10,000 minimum.

SAFE TEEN DRIVING & PROM

2009-04-15T11:40:00.001-05:00

Safe Teen Driving
The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16- to 19-year-olds than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.
Among teen drivers, those at especially high risk for motor vehicle crashes are:
• Males: It has been reported that the motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 16 to 19 was more than one and a half times that of their female counterparts.
• Teens driving with teen passengers: The presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. This risk increases with the number of teen passengers.
• Newly licensed teens: Crash risk is particularly high during the first year that teenagers are eligible to drive.
What are the major risk factors?
• Teens are more likely than older drivers to underestimate dangerous situations or not be able to recognize hazardous situations.
• Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and allow shorter headways (the distance from the front of one vehicle to the front of the next). The presence of male teenage passengers increases the likelihood of this risky driving behavior.
• Among male drivers between 15 and 20 years of age, who were involved in fatal crashes, 38% were speeding at the time of the crash and 24% had been drinking.
• Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use. 10% of high school students reported they rarely or never wear seat belts when riding with someone else. In a national survey of seat belt use among high school students:
• Male high school students (12.5%) were more likely than female students (7.8%) to rarely or never wear seat belts.

• African-American students (13.4%) and Hispanic students (10.6%) were more likely than white students (9.4%) to rarely or never wear seat belts.
• At all levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the risk of involvement in a motor vehicle crash is greater for teens than for older drivers.
• 23% of drivers ages 15 to 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had a BAC of 0.08 g/dl or higher.
• In a recent national survey, nearly three out of ten teens reported that, within the previous month, they had ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol. One in ten reported having driven after drinking alcohol within the same one-month period.
• Three out of four teen drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes after drinking and driving were not wearing a seat belt.
• Half of teen deaths from motor vehicle crashes occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight and 54% occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

This article has been reprinted courtesy of Centers for Disease and Prevention.

Flood Insurance

2009-04-13T11:45:00.003-05:00

Wisconsin emergency officials want homeowners to get flood insurance. It is as simple as that.

Flooding in August 2007 caused $112.4 million in damage to property and crops. Another round of floods in June 2008 caused more than $765 million in damage. Wisconsin Emergency Management says those floods were the costliest natural disaster in state history.

The water table in most of Southern Wisconsin is still above normal after last spring's floods and heavy snow in December.

Typical HOMEOWNER policies do not cover flood damage. You may contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) direct at this web site: http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/

You can also contact our office directly (262-473-3930) and ask for either Duane or Ron and they can secure quotes and issue policies for you. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE IN A FLOOD PLAIN TO BUY FLOOD INSURANCE. Call us today and we can discuss your options.

Ron Binning - President, Binning & Dickens Insurance Services

Limits of Liability

2008-12-27T09:35:00.000-06:00

Almost every person that walks through the door or calls on the phone for auto, home, or umbrella coverage focus on the price. They assume what they have is OK or good enough. Higher limits for all three of these policy types are very inexpensive. With today's litigious society, every middle class household should carry high limits and a minimum $2,000,000 personal umbrella. The price is almost nothing.

The goal of insurance is to insure your assets from fire, wind and lawsuit. Ask a professional insurance agent what you should carry? He will give you limit choices at the right price.

Ron Binning

Binning & Dickens Insurance Services

329 W Center St

Whitewater WI 53190

ron@binningdickens.com

Winter Driving

2008-12-19T13:34:00.000-06:00

All you have to do is look outside and you know WINTER is here. Here are some common sense things to remember about Winter driving:
1. SPEED or Too fast for conditions are the NUMBER 1 cause of accidents. Watch road conditions and reduce speed. 4 Wheel Drive vehicles can not be driven FASTER because they have 4 wheel drives. They will go in the ditch or cross the center line just like all other vehicles.
2. Distracted driving is fast becoming the next leading cause of accidents. In the "old" days it was radios, tapes, cd's, heating or air conditioning, and food as the leading cause. Then cell phones came along. Now IPods, Blackberries, and TEXTing are almost everywhere. This fall there was an 11 car accident in Madison cause by a guy TEXTing. Common sense: if you take your eyes off the road to TEXT or TALK - pull over. WHY BE IN A HURRY TO DIE?
3. Scrapper and a shovel are a good idea in the truck. Maybe even boots.
4. Proper amount of air in the tires is good for the gas mileage. Volume of air changes as the temperature gets colder.
5. Above all, watch the 1 inch snow falls - they are the worst because people think it will not be a problem. Remember, you might be the best driver in the world but that does not guarantee the other guy is very good. Drive defensive.

Deer Claims - ACCIDENTS

2008-10-14T09:04:00.000-05:00

With the month of November just around the corner, the number of Deer Claims increase dramatically in the state of Wisconsin. Here are 8 important points to remember when you are on the road:
1. Most deer claims occur around sunrise and sunset. Be particularly alert at these times. Slow your speed and be prepared to stop.
2. Always wear your seat belt and have your passengers do the same.
3. TAKE THE DEER, NOT THE DITCH! Try to brake as much as possible, keep control of the car, and stay ON THE ROADWAY IN YOUR LANE. Loosing control of the vehicle can cause more damage and injury.
4. If you spot a deer, slow down and blow the horn.
5. If you see one deer, assume there are more.
6. Pay attention to the roadways posted with deer caution signs. They are there for a reason.
7. "Deer Whistles" are ineffective. don't rely on them to help.
8. Report any accident promptly to the policy and your insurance agent.

Binning & Dickens Insurance Services, 329 W Center Street, Whitewater WI 53190
262-473-3930 ron@binningdickens.com

LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE

2008-09-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

As the Baby Boomers start moving to and through retirement, probably the most important insurance PURCHASE will be LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE. The goal of this insurance is to protect your assets for as long as possible.

Who needs Long Term Care?
Even though you plan to remain healthy, active and independent, there’s a good chance, at some point, you’ll need help. Consider these statistics:
Today, people age 65 and older face a 40 percent lifetime risk of entering a nursing home — about 10 percent will stay there five years or more.
It’s not just the elderly, however, who require Long Term Care. Forty percent of the 12 million Americans receiving Long Term Care are between the ages of 18 and 64.
Because women generally outlive men, are they more at risk?
Yes, the issue of Long Term Care should be especially important to women because they traditionally provide (see Unpaid caregiving issues) and receive the majority of Long Term Care services. Consider these statistics:
After age 65, women face a 50 percent greater likelihood than men of entering a nursing home.
Seventy-five percent of nursing home residents 65 years and older are female, and two-thirds of home health care users are female.

2008-09-11T10:50:00.000-05:00

Binning & Dickens Insurance is located at 329 W Cneter Street, Whitewater WI 53190. We have 4 licensed insurance agents offerring quick personal service from 8:00am to 5:00pm ever day and we keep Saturday Morning hours - 8:00am to Noon.

Stop in today.

www.binningdickens.com

2008-09-11T10:45:00.000-05:00

As Independent Agent, we represent many insurance companies, giving us the opportunity to find the right insurance company for you. In addition we also find the RIGHT PRICE for you. Unlike the direct writers or the internet, we do the shopping for you.

Binning and Dickens Insurance Services Ltd

329 W Center St, Whitewater WI 53190

Auto, Home, and Business Insurance

INSURANCE IS NOT A COMMODITY

2008-09-11T10:24:00.000-05:00

With the advent of INTERNET INSURANCE, buyers are not consulting with anyone about their personal insurance purchases. Questions about policy limits, unisured and underinsured motorist coverage, rental reimbursement, physical damage coverage, gap insurance, umbrella coverage, etc are not being asked. The goal of insurance is to protect your assets. Insurance IS NOT a commodity like a pair of shoes or a new suit. I believe talking to an Independent Agent is the only way you can fully understand the insurance purchase and feel confident you are purchasing the insurance you need to protect yourself and your family from financial ruin.

Credit Scoring and Insurance

2008-03-12T11:58:00.000-05:00

Credit scoring and insurance are here to stay. As much as we dislike the combination, insurance company statistics bear out the fact that people with low credit scores have more claims. Is it because they turn in every little claim, are they put into situations where they have more claims, are they unlucky, or some other reason. The fact is Credit Scoring will not go away and it is best to be proactive and do everything possible to improve your credit score. Things like limiting the number of credit cards, don't over extend yourself on credit cards or other credit sources, and most important pay ALL bills on time.

An individual needs to protect their Credit Score more than ever. It can only improve your financial future.

3-12-08

Crazy drivers

2007-06-19T17:05:00.000-05:00

No one is in a hurry to DIE, until they get in a car. How many time have you seen drivers drive with NO COMMON SENSE? Too many time. None of them WANT to die but every year on Wisconsin highways people die. Mostly due to excessive speed. Certainly drunk drivers are a problem. So is distracted driving (ie. food, drinks, cell phones, iPods, cd's, other people in the car, etc.)

Some people are IN A HURRY TO DIE WHEN THEY STEP ON THE GAS. Lets face it, they just don't know it yet.
Ron Binning
Insureguy