New Office

Here is a view of our new office.  We moved in on 7-26-13 and finally got all the pictures hung and everything else back to normal, well maybe 98% of everything.  You know how moves go.  Stop in and visit us today.  Remember, we still give FREE quotes.

Ron

Cruise Control

How many of you leave the Cruise Control in the "on" position all of the time?  It is not recommended for safety reasons:
1.  Accidentally hit "resume" when it's set at 65 and traffic has you slowed down to 50.  Unexpected acceleration can cause panic.
2.  If you are making a turn and hit the resume button, you could easily spin out on the turn.
3.  Living in Wisconsin, having the cruise on in rain, icy conditions or snow, can quickly cause a spin out if the car accelerates.

Summary:  When NOT using cruise - always leave in the OFF setting.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance

Fall Driving Tips

Fall is here to stay so here are some driving tips for you to consider:

1. Watch out for leaves: Once leaves become wet, they can present slippery and dangerous driving conditions. Be sure to watch for patches of wet leaves on the road or on road lines. Dry leaves can also present a problem to your vehicle.


2. Stay alert on the road: The end of daylight saving time means reduced visibility on the roads, which can create unfamiliar driving conditions. Even on familiar roads, it's important that motorists use additional caution and adjust their driving habits to watch for pedestrians, cyclists and other roadway users who will be less visible.

3. Check your tire pressure: With frequent weather and temperature changes, tires can expand and contract, causing them to lose air pressure. Make sure tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.

4. Avoid sun glare: With the change in time you may need to adjust to the different morning or late afternoon glare from the sun. The glare can cause reflections off car windows and hoods and decrease your visibility. Have a good pair of sunglasses readily available.

5. Plan ahead for wet conditions: Fall often brings rainfall, which can decrease visibility and cause hydroplaning. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working condition. If driving on a road with excess water, slow down and avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel or brake pedal.

6. Deer Rut is about to start: Always be on the lookout for the “eyes” of deer in the ditches during the evening hours out in the country side. I saw three last night already.

Ron Binning Binning & Dickens Insurance

Distracted Driving - National Safety Council

We all know that Distracted Driving is fast beoming the number one cause of accidents.  This link states 1 in 4 crashes are caused by Distracted Driving.  Read more:

http://www.nsc.org/safety_road/Distracted_Driving/Pages/distracted_driving.aspx

The life you save might be your own.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance

Tips on how to prevent thefts from Vehicles

Here are some great tips on how to prevent thefts from vehicles:
1. Make sure windows are up and sunroof is closed when car is parked. Access to the inside of the car is also access to your trunk with most cars having trunk access buttons.
2. Try to park your car near streetlights if you have to leave your car out over night.
3. Don't leave anything of value in plain view in your vehicle.
4. Don't leave house keys or car keys in your car, even if in the garage.
5. Lock your car.
6. Always report suspicious activity in your neighborhood to the Police.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance Services

LAWNTRACTOR claims

I was cutting the grass yesterday and starting thinking of claims caused by Lawn Tractors: Here is a list:
1. Giving young kids a ride while cutting grass: I know of no specific claim but it's a serious claim waiting to happen. JUST DON'T DO IT!
2. After mowing the grass, keep the LawnTractor OUTSIDE to allow it to cool down. I know of one serious house fire AFTER the Lawntractor was put away in the garage before it cooled down.
3. NEVER try to pull branches or twigs from under the mower dec if the mower dec is running. I know of one claim where the rider tried to remove the branch and the running blade pulled the branch and the person's hand into the blades. A very serious injury occurred.
4. Be careful handling gasoline. It is always prudent to fill the gas tank while the mower is cool. Alway store the gasoline OUTSIDE THE GARAGE.
Be safe.
Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance Services

SPRING STORMS - Tornados

If you think Spring Storms are on the increase, you are RIGHT. Kansas had it's first Tornados ever in the month of February. From February 28 to March 3, 150 tornados touched down in 5 states. So far in 2012, 49 confirm fatalities have occurred. The storms have not been confined to the South either. They have hit Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. All of this already and storm season hasn't hit Wisconsin yet.

When you hear Warnings in Wisconsin, take them seriously. Watch the weather, check the radar and when a storm is close, go to the BASEMENT. It is the safest place to be. Plan ahead too. Flashlights in the basement easy to find make sense. Perhaps extra water and some food would not be a bad idea either.

Ron Binning
Binning & Dickens Insurance