Holiday Awareness - How to Prevent a Grinch from Stealing your Christmas!

Remember when the Grinch Stole Christmas? "On their walls, he left nothing but hooks and some wire. And the one speck of food that he left in the house was a crumb that was even too small for a mouse."

Dr. Seuss' wonderful Christmas tale is unfortunately a reality that we all must face this time of year. There are many Grinches just waiting to steal our Christmas. Below are some tips, courtesy of the New York Times to stop these would be Grinches in their tracks:

• Don't share your vacation plans online. Social media blogs are fun and friendly, but because many are location based -they are also used by criminals to target homes for burglary.
• Don't post pictures of your home or valuables online. Some photos may post with geotagging -  making the location of the photo visible online.
• Make it look as if you were home.  You may want to have light timers set, have a neighbor park in your driveway and/or stop your mail or newspaper delivery.
• Remove all valuables from your car. Electronics are in demand. Remove all your portable electronics including hiding your GPS to make your car less appealing to thieves.
• Be aware when checking out your purchases. Thieves are utilizing their camera phones to take pictures of your credit card, debit cards, or checking account information. Shield your card or checking account information when making your purchase. If your card is compromised, a credit card may offer greater consumer protection than a debit card which links directly to your bank account.

Hopefully, nary a Grinch will visit your door or store this year; But if one does, rest assured that you will be better prepared for him than little Cindy Lou Who.

Candle Safety - A Few Tips to Keep YOU Safe

At this time of year, with the days getting shorter and the holidays approaching, you may want to enjoy the ambience created by the firelight of candles; however, as with any open flame, candles can present a possible fire hazard. Caution and common sense are the keystones for creating an enviting yet safe atmosphere.







• Never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a short time. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Keep all burning candles up high and out of reach of children and pets.
• Don't allow children to keep or use candles in their rooms.
• Keep candles away from anything flammable such as curtains or paper products.
• Avoid putting candles in drafts to prevent rapid uneven burning and excessive dripping.
• Make sure that candles are placed on a sturdy piece of furniture, in a heat resistant holder that will not tip over.

Preventative steps always brings to mind a quote from the great Ben Franklin: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Are you insured for your home based business?

You may think that your Homeowners policy will cover your home based business. The truth is it may not.

The standard Homeowners policy will cover some business property but excludes liability for a home based business. The good news is there are endorsements that may be added to the policy for certain home based businesses.

If you have a home based business, the first thing you will want to do is to notify your agent. He or she will be able to help you identify your property and liability exposures and recommend a course of action. The recommendations may be as simple as endorsing your Homeowners policy or perhaps involve a referral to the Commercial Lines Department to obtain a small Businessowners policy. These endorsements and policies are relatively inexpensive for the peace of mind they will provide.

If you would like more specific information on insuring your home based business, please call your Personal Lines Insurance Agent at Buckley Insurance. We would love to talk to you!

Combos, Packages, & Multi Policy Discounts

When you order a meal from a fastfood restaurant, they ask you if you would like  a Combo. Maybe your insurance agent should be asking you the same question.

Wrting your Home and Auto insurance coverage with the same carrier is a smart move, providing you with multi-policy discounts on both policies. However, if you are able to package them together or write them as a combination (combo) then you may receive additional monetary gain by eliminating additional monthly fees.

Next time you are shopping for insurance, ask your agent about a Combo. It's not just for fast food anymore!

Are You Getting the Coverage You Need and Discounts You Deserve?

Travelers wants to take the SCARY out of life in this new commercial "Cat Burglar". This is the same dog used in a previous commercial called "Prized Possession" which you may have already seen where this adorable Mutt tries to safe-guard his bone and only feels secure once he is covered by the Travelers red umbrella.

In truth, insurance really does help take the scary out of life, at least the scary economical ramifications of a disaster. Can you imagine if disaster strikes, think tornado or fire, and you lose everything? Without insurance you might find your self living in a homeless shelter without any means to rebuild your home or replace your belongings. However, if you have a standard Homeowners policy and your house catches on fire or is carried away by a tornado, you would not only be able to rebuild and replace your belongings, you would also be afforded temporary housing.

When everything is going good you may not think about your insurance, but this is when you to need to make sure that you have the coverage you need and the discounts you deserve, so that when a disaster strikes you will have the same peace of mind that the cute Mutt enjoys at the end of the Travelers commercial.

Think you recognize that adorable Mutt? If you've seen the movie Pirates of The Caribbean then you would be right. He was the dog with the keys. He is 12 years old and was adopted from an animal shelter. He is also known as a "one take wonder" on the set.

Just like that adorable Mutt, insurance can bring you peace of mind and  help to take the SCARY out of life.

Are You Getting the Coverage You Need and Discounts You Deserve?

People Have Health Insurance. Why Shouldn't Their Pets?

Heath insurance is a major topic of concern these days. With rising medical costs the US government has deemed that everyone should have health insurance.

Although every American may soon be required to carry health insurance, it is still only an option for pet owners.

As with all insurance, a pet owner may not see the full benefit unless or until their beloved pet is faced with a serious illness or accident that may cost them hundreds if not thousands of dollars in medical care.

Many people treat their pets like family and want to protect their health and well-being. They protect their pets by purchasing leashes, vitamins, and making sure they receive their annual vaccinations and preventatives. Pet Insurance is just a another way to protect them.

Metlife has flexible and affordable Pet Insurance that features four plans:

QuickCare Complete - starting at $36.45 a month
QuickCare Intro - $14.05 a month
QuickCare Gold - starting at $18.95 a month
QuikcCare for Indoor Cats - $11.95 a month

For complete details of the coverage, limitations,  and deductibles offered, please visit MetLife Pet Insurance or give your personal lines insurance agent at Buckley & Co., Inc. a call.

Memorial Day Weekend - 5 Sites for a Better Weekend!

1.  RENTING A CAR - If you are taking a road trip this Memorial Day weekend and are renting a vehicle, check out our  previous blog entry regarding  Rental Coverage.

2. GRILLING OUTDOORS - If you plan on doing some Outdoor Grilling check out these Safety Tips from the NFPA.

3. WATER SAFETY - If you are planning on having fun in the sun and in the water, make it a safe day by visiting this site at The American Red Cross first.

4. LEXINGTONIANS - Need something fun to do this Memorial Day? Visit this site at Lexington Place for a list of events.

5. TRAINS - Too much money to fly or drive this year  - how about a train ride? Visit these sites Big South Fork Scenic Railway  or the Kentucky Railway Museum.

Do you have a Doppelganger?

Wikipedia partially defines a doppelganger as a tangible double of a living person. OK, but what does this fictional character have to do with insurance, you may be asking yourself?

Let me explain. If you had a doppelganger, he or she, appearing to be you could in fact take over your life. Your family, friends and business associates would not be able to tell you apart from the doppelganger as in the 1993 film, Doppelganger. Drew Barrymore plays a woman who is followed by her apparently evil alter-ego doppelganger and nobody can tell them apart. While I hope this type of fictional character remains fiction, I would like to make you aware that in the cyber world doppelgangers do exist. These doubles steal your financial identity and benefit from your good credit and financial success.

According to the United States American Postal Service Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in America. They report that in 2008 more that 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft, a crime that costs more than $5 billion. Visiting the above link to the US Postal Service will provide you with some great information to protect you from being a victim and guidance if you have already fallen victim to Identity Theft.

Now, lets discuss insurance. Identity Theft Expense Coverage Insurance can't protect you from Identity Theft but it can help you recover some of the expenses that you will incur as a result of the theft.

These expenses include such items as:

• attorneys fees
• loss of earnings
• costs of notarized affidavits and loan application fees.

Some carriers even provide you with the expert guidance of a professional representative who will work with you to restore your good name.

The cost for this coverage is usually minimal, around $25.00 a year for $25,000 in coverage. Some carriers, such as MetLife Auto & Home offer this coverage at no additional cost.

If your concerned about a financial doppelganger, visit the above link for the US Postal Service and contact your Personal Lines Insurance agent to make sure your Home or Auto policy includes Identity Theft Expense Coverage. $25.00 is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

How SAFE is your windshield?

Did you know that your windshield is a Safety Feature?

Below is a segment from 20/20 on the importance of having a windshield replaced properly.

In the event of a crash your car windshield is designed to deflect the airbag as well as keep the roof of your car from caving in on you. If you have had your windshield replaced and it was not properly installed, you may be at risk for serious injury or even death.

Buckley & Company often receives claims of broken or cracked windshields. When such claims arise, it is our policy to recommend choosing an Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) certified technician.  There are several to choose from in the Lexington area, Safelite Auto Glass, Glass America, and Justice Shamrock Glass to name a few. Choosing and AGRSS certified technician is the best way to make sure that your windshield is being installed correctly.

If you have an Automobile policy and carry Comprehensive coverage (Comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle for anything other than a Collision) in the State of Kentucky your deductible is waived when any safety equipment is damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced. The statute is as follows:

Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 304.20-060 is titled coverage for safety equipment, definition and states:

(1) As used in this section, "safety equipment" shall mean only the glass used in the windshield, doors, and windows, and the glass, plastic, or other material used in the lights required by KRS Chapter 189 on any automobile.
(2) Any automobile insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage, whether designated as such, or included within a broader coverage, shall provide complete coverage for repair or replacement of damaged safety equipment, without regard to any deductible or minimum amount.

Cracked or starred windshields are weak and unsafe and should be replaced immediately by an AGRSS certified technician. Likewise, if you have recently had a windshield replaced and you are not sure whether it was replaced properly, please visit an AGRSS certified technician for an inspection.

Is your windshield safe? Were you surprised to learn that one of your car's most important safety features was your windshield? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts or experiences on this issue.

April Showers may Bring May Flowers and Tornadoes!

                                          

Are your prepared for spring storm season? Please let us know. We would like to know how you prepare yourself, family members, and your belongings for spring storms.

If you are like me, you were just so happy to be over winter storms that you haven't even thought about spring storms or for that matter wanted to think about them. Most of us look forward to getting outside and enjoying the warmer weather and aren't aware of the potentially dangerous weather that may be looming.

To help us out Grange Insurance has provided this handy guide - Getting Ready for Storm Season. There are some great tips to safeguard us, our families, and our belongings against spring storms.

Preparing for spring storms may be just as important as for preparing for winter storms. If you have some tips of your own, we would love for you to share them with us! We welcome your comments!

Do I need to buy separate insurance for the water pipes outside my home?

You may have recently received a mailer from your water utility company offering this protection for as little as $4.00 a month and are wondering if this shouldn't already be covered under your Homeowners Insurance policy.

At this time, we are unaware of any Homeowners Insurance Policy that will cover water pipes inside or outside of your home.

Therefore, this may be a coverage worth purchasing. Here are a few things to consider first:

HOW BIG IS YOUR RISK?

A good baseline to begin assessing your risk is the age of your home. Homes more than 20 years old may have metal or copper piping that is much more susceptible to erosion than the newer home developments which probably have PVC pipes that may be less likely to corrode in your lifetime.

Next, you will want to find out from your utility provider the average cost in your area to repair or replace pipes.

Finally, you will want to weigh your risks versus the cost and your ability to pay those costs upon demand.

WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT IS EXCLUDED?

You may want to ask for a copy of the policy wording or explanation of coverages PRIOR to purchasing. If at all possible you will want to contact the insurance or service plan provider directly. If this is not possible, your personal lines agent here at Buckley Insurance will be happy to review the policy wording with you.

IS THERE A DEDUCTIBLE OR "OUT OF POCKET" EXPENSE? 

This question is self explanatory.  You will want to ask it of the provider so that you will better understand your financial responsibility in the event of a loss.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We hope this article has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or would like to make a comment, we would love to hear from you!

House on Fire!

In our agency management system we have an icon that looks like a house on fire. This item is located on each client's file. When we click on this icon it allows us to add claim information for all kinds of losses including fire. Fortunately, we have not had to click this icon very often to log a fire claim.

The good news is that fires have decreased over the past decade, according to Firesafety.gov.  However, we shouldn't get complacent about safety. As you will see in the video below, it doesn't take long for a fire to get out of control.

Fire Safety video courtesy of You Tube

Devastating fires have had a long reported history. As people started to move from rural areas to cities and fire spread easily from house to house, building to building, the need for fire safety, fire fighting, and fire insurance increased.

The first Roman fire fighting brigade on record was around 115 BC. Unfortunately, we are informed by Wikipedia that even though the 500 man strong brigade responded to the fire, they often stood by and did nothing, allowing the properties to burn to the ground while their employer haggled over the price to put out the fire with the property owners.

If you think this couldn't happen today, think again. Here is a modern day story of similar circumstance. MSNBC.com reported 10.6.2010 that Firefighters in rural Tennessee let a home burn to the ground a week prior because the homeowner hadn't paid a $75 fee. For the complete article visit Tennessee Fire. The video is courtesy of you tube. 



1808 rendering of The Great Fire of London

 Another horrible fire in history was The Great Fire of London. This fire started in 1666 and destroyed thousands of  homes and displaced the residents. It wasn't  long after this fire that the first fire insurance polices were drafted. Today,  fire insurance is standard on all homeowners policies.

In U.S. history, probably the most well known fire is The Great Chicago Fire. Wikipidea reports that this fire burned from Sunday, October 8, to early Tuesday, October 10, 1871. It killed hundreds and destroyed about 4 square miles in Chicago, Illinois. It was one of the largest U.S. disasters of the 19th century, prompting fire safety reform and resulting in Chicago emerging as one of the country's leading fire fighting forces.


Fire Truck used by Chicago 1930-1941



As fire fighting technology and safety standards have improved the risk and damage of fires has decreased.

Although the risk of fire damage has diminished, it should not be dismissed. According to the statistics reported on Firesafety.gov there were 377,000 fires in the US in 2009 resulting in 2,565 deaths, 13,050 injuries and $7,796,000 in dollars lost.



At Buckley & Company, Inc. your safety and the safety of your property are our concern.  Please visit Firesafety.gov for useful information on what to do before, during, and after a fire. You will also find helpful information regarding smoke alarms, fire sprinklers, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Hopefully, we will never have to click the "house on fire" icon in your file.

Should you waive collision coverage on your rented vehicle?

This is a frequent question posed from our clients. Here are a few items to consider prior to waiving the coverage. If you are:

1. Renting a vehicle for personal use:

• If you are renting the vehicle for personal use you will need to check with your insurance agent to verify that you have collision coverage on at least one of your owned vehicles and that the coverage will extend to your rental vehicle. Be sure and verify your deductible too as it will apply.
• You may also want to checks with your credit card company. Many credit card companies offer rental collision coverage. Restrictions apply, please contact your credit card company for details.
• Please keep in mind that there may be a "gap" in both of the above options, such as several rental car agreements require immediate settlement of the loss. As most insurance carriers require time to inspect the damage before paying any damages, you may be responsible for any difference in the immediate settlement amount demanded from your rental car company and the amount your insurance settlement. In addition, some rental agreements also may require you pay the full retail value, while your policy is most likely based on an actual cash value basis, therefore again, you would be responsible for the difference. Finally, rental car agreements may also require you to pay loss of use. This means that you would have to pay for the rental revenue lost while the car is being repaired. There is most likely no coverage afforded for this by either your insurance or credit card coverage, so you would be responsible for the entire amount.

Renting a vehicle for business use:

• If you own your own business and are using the vehicle for business purposes, there is most likely an exclusion for coverage under your personal auto coverage. You should have a Business Auto Policy in force that covers hired and non-owned liability (damages you would owe to the another party if you were at fault) as well as hired and non-owned physical damage coverage to cover the rental vehicle. Please keep in mind that any or all of the "gaps" in coverage listed above for personal use may apply to your Business Auto policy as well. Please contact your agent to clarify.
• If you are working for another company and they are asking you to rent a car, please verify with the rental car company who will be responsible for damages. In most cases it should be your employer, however,  in the event that you will be held personally responsible, it is recommended that you NOT  waive the collision coverage as your personal auto policy will most likely not pay for any damages because of the business use.
• Also, if you are leaving the United States, you will want to ask your insurance agent if coverage will be provided while driving  in that particular country.

We hope this article has been helpful in answering the question of should you waive the collision coverage on your rented vehicle. If so, please let us know.

Safer Cars, Cheaper Premiums

As cars have improved in safety standards, so have insurance premiums in cost.

Here is a IIHS 50th Anniversary video courtesy of You Tube

I recently rated replacing a 2001 Ford Explorer with a 2011 Ford Explorer and was surprised to see that the premium decreased. Perplexed and always ready to solve a puzzle, my nimble fingers moved quickly over the keyboard to type in my browser the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) website address.The IIHS is an independent, non profit, scientific and educational organization. I was anxious to learn if the Explorer's new safety ratings could be a factor in lowering the premium.

From their home page, the vehicle ratings page was just a click away. The vehicle ratings link listed their Top Safety pics for 2011. I quickly noticed that the Ford Explorer was listed as a top pick. Simply clicking on the Ford Explorer link gave me it's safety rating.   It was very easy to see from their simple rating system that the Ford Explorer's rating had changed over the years and is now receiving a higher safety rating. My puzzle was solved, the safety rating was a factor for the lower premium.

As my client will soon learn, his new and safer Ford Explorer will save him some premium dollars. I would encourage any one who is thinking of purchasing a new or used vehicle to visit the IIHS vehicle ratings page.  In addition to vehicle ratings, their website is packed with helpful information concerning vehicle safety.  

Vehicle safety concerns have been a hot topic of late when Toyota recalled over 12 million vehicles worldwide for safety issues. This was of course, no small concern for the Bluegrass State, as Toyota houses a manufacturing plant in Georgetown. Fortunately, yesterday after a 10 month investigation, the US Transportation Department cleared Toyota of electronic problems in its vehicles. Transportation officials, assisted by NASA engineers, said the study of Toyota vehicles concluded the acceleration cases could have been caused by mechanical defects already covered by recalls and suggested in some cases drivers hit the gas instead of the brakes.

As car manufacturers produce safer vehicles, I believe we will continue to see lower premiums. If your rates are increasing, and you find yourself shopping for a newer vehicle, don't forget to check the safety ratings. You may just find a lower premium awaits you.

To compare vehicle premiums or for more information, please contact your Buckley & Company, Inc. personal lines insurance agent.

Water back-up - safety first!

Picture this: Your sewer lines backed up or your sump pump has overflowed and raw sewage is all over your basement or bottom floor.

Resutling damage to your home and valuables from a mess like the one described above could be disastrous. Not only could your furnishings, electronics, or appliances be in danger, but your health as well. Health risks are considerable when you or your family are exposed to raw sewage, mold, or mildew which could be a biohazard.

ServePro specializes in fire, water damage, and disaster clean up. They recommend the following safety precautions after a biohazard event:

• stay out of affected areas
• call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening
• treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated
• turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage
• don't attempt a clean up of any kind
• don't touch or handle items that may be contaminated with bodily fluids
• don't eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected areas

In addition OSHA(Occupations Safety and Health Association) recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

Once you and your family are out of harms way, you will need to contact a Residential Water Cleanup and Restoration Company, such as ServePro, InStar, or PRO4MANCE along with your Insurance Agent. The question now becomes, are you covered or will you have to pay for clean up on your own?

Most Homeowners policies do not automatically include coverage for Sewer Back-up or Sump Pump overflow. However, this coverage may be added by endorsement. The amount of coverage and deductibles vary by company. If you don't have water back-up of sewers and drains coverage, please contact your Personal Lines Buckley & Company Insurance agent for a quote today!

Now picture this: A beautifully cleaned and sanitized basement or lower floor completely restored or replaced possessions.

Winter Storm Warnings: Staying Safe on the Road

I don't know about you, but I have had enough of Winter Storm Warnings. I am so ready for spring! Unfortunately, there are officially about two more months of winter left. If the current weather conditions continue, it won't be the last we have heard of the infamous Winter Storm Warnings.

For some important Road Safety Tips visit Kentucky Highway Safety.

Not only will you find important safety tips by visiting this website, you will also find information regarding "Safe Patrol", the Kentucky Safety Assistance for Freeway Emergencies. This free service can provide emergency assistance to any motorist on a Kentucky Interstate or Parkway. This service includes providing gasoline, oil, adding air to tires or changing flat tires, providing a “jump” for dead batteries, and if necessary pushing vehicles off the roadway. 

Remember, this service is only available for Kentucky Interstate or Parkways. If your emergency occurs anywhere else, you should contact your motor club or insurance agent/company. Safeco Insurance Company now offers an Emergency Assistance Package that takes the place of your motor club for a fraction of the price. For more information, contact your Buckley Insurance Agent.

In addition to possible disablement, many accidents occur due to weather related circumstances. If you are involved in an accident that is without injuries, if possible, Kentucky Law requires you to move your vehicle to the shoulder of the interstate or parkway. You should then call the police and exchange insurance information with the other party or parties involved. It is important to keep a current proof of insurance card inside your vehicle at all times. Exchanging insurance information is very important, especially, if you are not at fault. It may take up to eight days to receive a copy of the police report. In the meantime, you may be without a vehicle or have "out of pocket" expenses before receiving the information needed to file a claim against the "at fault" party. 

Buckley and Company, Inc. is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm for claim reporting. Our toll free telephone number is 800-575-8002. You will also reach our automated service after business hours for a list of carrier numbers to report your claim direct to your insurance company. All you will need to know if the name of your insurance company which can be found on your Auto Insurance Proof card or Auto Insurance policy. 

For your safety and the safety of others, please heed the Winter Storm Warnings and official advisories which ask motorists to stay off the roadways unless it is an emergency. If you must travel, please take extra clothes, blankets, food, and water in case your vehicle is disabled. Stay Safe, and along with me, hope for an early spring!

Did you know an EARTHQUAKE will occur today?

According to the USGS "there is 100% chance of an earthquake today."  It may surprise you to learn that somewhere on our planet an earthquake happens everyday.


Although it is known that somewhere on the planet an earthquake will occur daily; the predictability of when, where, and to what degree of magnitude are not possible at this time. However, there is hope for future predictability through advancements in technology and understanding of earthquakes. Imagine the lives and property that may be saved if people were given advance warning of an earthquake!

 In the meantime, experts agree that people should prepare  for the worst case scenario. Many states, including Kentucky, are getting the word out to their communities about the importance of preparedness. In Kentucky, February is Earthquake Awareness month by proclamation of Governor Steve Beshear.  

December 16th will mark the 200th anniversary of the New Madrid 1811 earthquake. This major earthquake occurred about 2:15 a.m., the first shock was felt in Arkansas and later events, continuing into February of 1812, impacted other states including Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee and more. It is said that the aftershocks were felt as far north as Boston, Massachusetts which caused church bells to ring. 

Because of sparse population in the area at the time, the earthquake caused little damage. However, if  the same magnitude of earthquake happened today, with many densely populated areas, the damage to life and property would be significant, including the loss of thousands of homes. The University of Memphis in Tennessee estimates that, for a 50 year period, the probability of a repeat of the New Madrid 1811-1812 earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.5 Mw - 8.0 Mw is only 7 to 10%, however, a magnitude of 6.0 or larger has an increased probability of 25 to 40%.  Damages could exceed those caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Here are a few ideas to help you prepare for an earthquake - have an emergency kit on hand, and hold earthquake drills that include safety spots at home, work, and school. In April 2011, please see our event posting, The Great Central US SHAKE OUT will take place. Participants will practice "drop, cover, hold on" earthquake drills as well as educate and prepare themselves for a future earthquake. Knowing what to do in an earthquake could save your life and the lives of your family members. To participate click on this SHAKE OUT registration link.

Another important way to prepare for an earthquake is to buy earthquake insurance. In Kentucky, earthquake insurance can be added to most Homeowers policies. It covers damage caused by an earthquake to your home and personal property and usually has a separate deductible of 5 to 10%. For a no cost, no obligation quote, please give your Buckley and Company, Inc. insurance agent a call today!

Since earthquakes are unpredictable the best you can do to safeguard your life, the lives of your family, and your property is to BE PREPARED, just in case.

Planning a Wedding? Join us at the Lexington Bridal Show!

If your asking yourself, “Why would Buckley & Company, Inc.  set-up a booth at a bridal show?”  We have the answer;  Travelers Insurance Company offers wedding insurance in their Wedding Protector Plan.   

According to Cost of Wedding website, "On average, couples that live in or travel to Lexington-Fayette, KY spend between $16,149 and $26,915 total for average cost," including such costs as the wedding attire, entertainment, flowers, decorations, venue, jewelry, invitations, and transporation. 

To protect your wedding investment, Travelers has responded with the Travelers Wedding Protector Plan. It provides coverage for lost deposits, lost rings, severe weather, transportation shutdown, ruined photos, call to duty, damaged gifts, sudden illness, venue required insurance, liquor liability, and additional expenses. Premiums start as low as $160.00.

Having nightmares about what could go wrong? For peace of mind and a free, no obligation quote, please stop by our booth at LexingtonBridalShows.com on Sunday, January 16, 2011 from 11am to 5pm., located at Embassy Suites Hotel,  on Newtown Pike at exit 115 off I-75/I-64. Admission is free.

When you arrive, don't forget to register to win a prize!  Each vendor will be giving away a door prize. Buckley & Company, Inc. has provided a gift certificate to Malone's!


In addition to wedding insurance, Buckley & Company, Inc. can offer you coverage for your business, home, auto, boat and yacht, flood, personal articles, and personal umbrella liability.

Mature Drivers: Defensive-Driver Courses Could Save Your MONEY and Your LIFE!

As the economy continues a slow recovery and social security checks haven’t seen an increase in two years, many mature drivers are asking about ways to save money on their auto insurance.

One way for mature drivers to save money on their auto insurance is by taking a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or National Safety Council approved defensive-driving course. Drivers 50 to 65 could earn from 5 to 15% off their premiums for up to three to five years after course completion. In addition the discount benefits, drivers will also benefit from learning important defensive driving techniques that could prevent an accident and possibly save a life.

According to the National Safety Council Injury Facts - 2007 edition, more than 45,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes each year and more than 2.4 million people suffer debilitating injuries.

Defensive-driving courses may cover many topics including: Using caution when approaching intersections, eliminating distractions, when to avoid driving, and simple ways to inspect an auto for safety.

A few simple safety guidelines to remember are:

·         Always check for pedestrians, and other hazards prior to entering an intersection.

·         Always limit conversation and noise within the vehicle.

·         Never drive when tired, depressed or upset.

·         Never drink and drive.

·         Always check new medications for precautions before driving.

·         Always check your windshield and mirrors for clean visibility.

For a list of driving schools in Kentucky, please visit The Driving School Assoication of the Americas, Inc.  website or for an online course please visit Driving University.com website. 

For ALL licensed drivers insured with MetLife Auto and Home, you may want to consider taking MetLife Auto and Home policyholders exclusive Driver and Safety Course provided by the National Safety Council. They offer the course on DVD for a low cost of $19.95 + shipping and handling.  It is also available online, please visit: Driver Safety Course

To check to see if YOUR auto insurance carrier provides a discount, please give your Buckley & Company Personal Lines insurance agent a call.