Tag Archive for: Safety

Accident Forgiveness — What You Need to Know

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Are you considering adding accident forgiveness to your car insurance policy? Here at Lighthouse Insurance, we have seen that this added coverage can save people a whole lot of money in the event they get into an accident. We also know that there can be a lot of confusion around this added insurance endorsement. That’s why we’re answering frequently asked questions so you know exactly what accident forgiveness is all about.

 

What is Accident Forgiveness?

Accident Forgiveness is an additional coverage that can be added to your auto insurance policy to help avoid a rate increase following an at-fault accident.

 

Who is Eligible?

Accident Forgiveness is only available if you are an excellent driver with a clean driving record. For these reasons, you must have a minimum of six years driving experience and have a driving record that is free of accidents and moving violations.

 

What is the Cost?

For qualified drivers, adding Accident Forgiveness to their car insurance policy is not only a wise decision, it’s also an affordable one. On average, this endorsement costs drivers an additional $25 per month — that’s less than one dollar a day!

 

How does it work?

When it comes to auto insurance, insurance companies review your driving record and look at moving violations and any accidents to determine your insurance premium. Therefore, when you get into an accident your insurance premium can increase significantly. If you get into an accident but have the added Accident Forgiveness endorsement, while the accident still goes on your driving record, the insurance company agrees to forgive this accident and will not increase your premium. Once you use the endorsement, however, you can not use it again until your driving record completely clears. Since the accident is still on your driving record, it’s important to note that if you switch insurance companies, the accident will be calculated into the new insurance policy — meaning you could end up paying a higher premium with the new company.
No one ever plans to get into an accident, but being prepared in case one does occur can make all the difference. As an excellent driver, you can benefit from this added endorsement to help save money in the event of an at-fault accident. For more questions about Accident Forgiveness or to talk to a Lighthouse Insurance agent about adding this endorsement to your current auto policy, contact us today.

St. Patrick’s Day Safety

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St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and you know what that means — everyone travels near and far by way of the red line to celebrate one thing, being Irish! And being located right on West Broadway in the heart of South Boston, we are no stranger to this day. That’s why we’re offering the inside scoop to celebrating St. Patty’s in Southie, safely, of course.

 

Attending the Parade

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, but the annual and historic parade will hit the streets in Southie on Sunday, March 18th at 1:00pm. If you plan on attending the parade, the best way to get a front and center view is to arrive early to stake out your viewing spot. St. Patrick’s Day is a busy time in town, so your best bet is to take the T to Broadway or Andrew and find a viewing location along the parade route.

 

Out on the Town

The parade isn’t the only tradition that happens in Boston on St. Patrick’s Day. There are 5k runs, concerts, and of course, pub crawls. But no matter how you spend the day, remember you are in a crowded city and safety should always be a priority.

1. Stay Together — It’s important that you keep track of your friends and stay with a group. The city is a busy place every day of the year, but it becomes even more hectic on St. Patty’s Day. Make sure the people you arrive with are the same people you leave with. And don’t forget to fully charge cell phones in case someone gets separated from the group.

2. Set Limits — Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you find yourself going from one pub to the next, Guinness after Guinness, don’t forget to mix in some waters every now and again. While you’re at it, you should enjoy some corned beef and hash too.

3. Get Home Safely — When the night is over, get home safely. Make sure you have a sober ride home. An Uber is just a few clicks away and cabs are around every corner.

 

Hosting Friends

Whether you’ve decided to skip the parade altogether or host the after party, there are things you need to know before opening your doors to everyone wearing green.

1. You’re Responsible — This means that if an intoxicated guest leaves your home and gets into an accident, you can be held liable for any harm to third parties or property. It also means if Boston police are called, you’re the one they look to if any legal issues arise.

2. Read Your Lease — As a renter in Boston, you should fully understand your lease before opening your home. Sometimes your lease agreement limits parties based off of size or doesn’t allow them at all. You don’t want to end a fun day with an eviction notice, so when in doubt, read your lease and ask your property manager.

3. Create a Guest List — The more the merrier? That’s not always true. Plan ahead with a guest list to ensure you know everyone coming into your home. This also helps ensure that the party doesn’t get out of hand.

4. Provide Snacks and Water — Be sure to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages to help guests stay hydrated and make sure they are not consuming alcohol on empty stomachs. It’s also important for guests that are not consuming alcohol, like sober drivers!

5. Help Friends Get Home Safely — After a long day or night of celebrating, make sure all your friends get home safely. Offer to call cabs for those that need a sober ride or allow them to spend the night. Do not let anyone get behind the wheel after drinking.

We know St. Patrick’s Day in Southie is something you want to check off your bucket list — but make sure it’s one to remember by making safety a priority! Happy St. Patty’s from all of us at Lighthouse Insurance — we hope the luck of the Irish is on your side.