September 2019

Fender Bender? Take These Key Steps After an Accident

Even the best drivers are at risk of fender benders. With so many variables on the road, accidents happen. In the U.S. alone, an average of 6 million accidents occur each year. If you're among this number, it's important to know the next steps to take. If you find yourself in a car crunch, follow these procedures:

Safety first: If possible, pull your vehicle to the side, out of traffic, but in a safe, public place. Use caution when engaging the other driver if you suspect road rage is involved.

Damage assessment: Find out if anyone is hurt and call 911 if medical assistance is needed. After personal injuries are taken care of, assess the damage to the vehicles. Take pictures to document any damage.

Information gathering: Record the names of everyone involved. Try to get witness information if possible. Include in your records the car registration, insurance, car make and model, and license information for all drivers. If you hit a parked car, don't leave the scene before finding the owner. If you can't locate the owner, record the details of the accident and leave a note with your contact information.

Police notification: Contact law enforcement to alert them of the accident. Document the names and badge numbers of the officers involved and find out how you can get a copy of the accident report. If officers don't come to the scene, go to the nearest police station to file a report. You may also be able to do this online.

Claim process: Notify your insurance carrier as soon as possible to start the claim process. By following the procedures above, you will have all the information and documentation you need to make this process as smooth as possible.

Text Messaging for Faster Service

This feature is now available in our Agency Management program. This allows us to text with our clients in real time. We can send policy updates, answer your questions and receive your photos all within our Agency Management program.

We have realized for some time now that more and more people like to communicate by text using their mobile phones. So, we have invested in a program that allows us to do this and the conversations are recorded for us.

There is an "opt-in" requirement that will give us permission to text with you. So, look out for this text to come in the future.

Also, in the near future we will be investing in an app for your mobile phone that will create another level of service and convenience for our clients.

Tap These Apps for Safe Trick or Treating

Goblins and ghosts and ghouls, oh my!

When it's pumpkin time and little people dress up to go about their business of frightening the neighbors, it's time to think about safety. And when it comes to Halloween safety this year, you'll want a few tips and tricks up your sleeve. Think technology.

The good news is, there are several apps designed exactly for this purpose: to keep your kids safe while they go about their goodie gathering.

A tracker app is a good idea, especially if your little goblin isn't good about texting back promptly. Jiobit works well and Famisafe makes following your child's progress easy. Life 360 is another excellent kid tracker.

You can also use technology to plan their route before they set out. It's a good idea to sign up with a neighborhood social networking platform like Nextdoor to plan a safe route and discover a "treat map" showing which neighbors are participating.

Of course, you want your kids to see and be seen, so avoid masks and headgear that interfere with visibility. Choose brightly colored costumes with reflective tape on them, and avoid tripping hazards like trailing capes and high heeled shoes. Check Pinterest for safe and easy costume suggestions.

And, though you hope you'll never need them, it's smart to be prepared for emergencies with Red Cross Safety Apps.

Now, dress them for the weather and review street-crossing rules with your little monsters. And make this Halloween a real treat!

Worth Quoting

This month, some famous quotes on coffee:

If it wasn’t for the coffee, I’d have no identifiable personality whatsoever.

David Letterman

I like coffee because it gives me the illusion that I might be awake.

Lewis Black

I put instant coffee in a microwave oven and almost went back in time.

Steven Wright

Science may never come up with a better office communication system than the coffee break.

Earl Wilson

I never drink coffee at lunch. I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon.

Ronald Reagan

Our culture runs on coffee and gasoline, the first often tasting like the second.

Edward Abbey

If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.

Spiced Apple Cider Tea

Nothing says fall like sipping a warm cup of apple cider.

Try a new twist on this classic fall treat with this unique cider tea.

Makes 4 servings

4.5 cups apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
4 bags of black tea, such as Earl Grey or Oolong
Honey to taste

Direction
Place cider, cinnamon, and ginger in a saucepan over high heat and cover.

Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 5 minutes.

Pour hot cider into mugs, add a tea bag to each mug, and steep like normal. Sweeten with honey to taste.

If you really want to get your Pinterest on, switch out the mugs for apples. Cut off the tops of four apples and hollow out the fruit with a spoon or melon baller to create cup-like containers.

Your homemade apple mugs will add extra flavor to the drink and wow your guests.

Our Clients Say it Best

“Maribel at Visalia Central Sequoia insurance and financial services has been so accommodating in being sure that I have the coverage that I need she helps me with so much and I appreciate her immensely. I want to have her recognized as an outstanding asset to your company. She goes over and beyond to make sure that I am happy ... thank you for having such an outstanding employee.”

Quick Quiz
Each month I'll give you a new question.
Just send us an email and submit your answer.

What is the best-selling candy worldwide?

First 10 responders will be entered into drawing for 3 Starbuck's gift cards.

Last month's winners were:
Brenda MendozaJerrie McKownStephen Watts