Shannon Harvey Insurance

The statistics regarding teen drivers are sobering.  Nearly 6,000 teens are killed every year in car crashes...and roughly two-thirds are male.  About one-in-five 16 year-olds - both male and female - are involved in police-reported crashes each year.  That's 20 percent of all 16 year-olds who drive! 

You can help make a difference. Take the time to talk with your teen about their becoming a safe driver (I'm happy to provide a few talking points to help you). And don't think they won't listen. Three out of four teens say their parents would be the best influence in getting them to drive more safely.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that night driving and driving with friends in the car often leads to more teen crashes and deaths.  Other distractions that you should talk to your teen about include talking on a cell phone, text-messaging, eating while driving, and listening to loud music.  Each of these activities impairs their ability to drive attentively.

So what else can be done to help reduce teen driver accidents and deaths?

Most states have introduced some form of Graduated Licensing program for new drivers. Graduated licensing means that as teens gain experience on the road and prove they're good drivers, they graduate to fewer restrictions and more driving privileges.  Here are some recommendations for creating your own graduated licensing program:

1. Put limits on the number of passengers your teen can have in the car.
2. Establish and enforce a house curfew. Check with your local police department to see if your town has an established curfew for teens. If not, set your own.  In addition, many states now include night driving restrictions as part of their graduated licensing system.  Make sure your child observes these.
3. Insist on use of seat belts. Remind your kids that just because the car has air bags doesn't mean that they don't have to wear seat belts anymore. The two are meant to work together.
4. Limit or supervise your teen's driving on weekends. The highest number of driving crashes occur on Friday and Saturday nights, and early Saturday and Sunday mornings.
5. Set driving area limits.
6. And, prohibit driving or riding with others under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Also make sure your teen knows that you'll pick him or her up if they ever need a ride.

The other thing you should do is help your teen become a better driver.  That means practice, practice, practice!  As your parents probably did for you, start practicing in parking lots. For night driving, stick to roads that are familiar to your teen until he or she gets better at it.  Don't always drive the same route to the grocery store and back. Give your young driver a chance to practice on different routes that present different challenges.

Start slow with short sessions to minimize stress to both you and your teen.  Make sure your teen has had at least 50 hours of practice with you before getting licensed.  And, continue practicing until you and your teen feel comfortable with his or her driving abilities.

Learning to drive can be stressful, for both the teen and the parent. To ease the stress, don't make the same mistakes that other parents have made.  For example, don't talk too much while your teen is driving - but don't wait too long to point out problems.  Also, it's best not to have other people in the car. 

For teens, the mistakes are more technical.  First, they should slow down more in complex situations. They tend to expect the best rather than the worst. And they should scan the landscape more often.

As always, kids learn by example, so set a good one and be a good role model.  Always wear your seat belt, don't speed, and don't do other things while driving, like talking on the phone, putting on makeup, or eating and drinking.  Stay focused on the road and practice what you preach.

Is it possible that a simple click of the mouse can help those in need? Apparently so.

A friend told me about one of her favorite websites that allows her to feel that she's helping others, no matter how hard that may be now with everyone watching their budgets closely. Are you seeking ways to support specific causes that are dear to your heart? A daily click on some the the below websites provides funding to various worthy causes...and it doesn't cost you a dime.

You can visit the website of your choosing daily to get involved in many worthwhile endeavors, such as breast cancer awareness, animal welfare, hunger relief, rainforest preservation, children's health, and literacy.

Here are a few of the websites:

www.TheHungerSite.com Giving food to people in need around the world.

www.TheAnimalRescueSite.com Funding food and care for rescued animals.

www.TheRainforestSite.com Funding preservation of endangered habitat and forestland.

www.TheChildHealthSite.com Funding health services for children in developing nations.

www.TheBreastCancerSite.com or www.PinkRibbonStore.com Funding mammograms for women in need.

www.TheLiteracySite.com or www.MuseumShop.com Funding free books for underpriveleged children.

So, feel free to visit any of those sites. A simple click on their homepages is paid for by their advertisers and 100% of the revenue generated will go directly to support the work of their charity partners. Not to mention, you may grow to feel strongly about a specific site and decide to become one of their donors sometime down the road.

Perhaps Og Mandino said it best: "Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug."

I get questions like this frequently. While car insurance is something we all pay for regularly, it seems to be something we know very little about...until it's too late. This particular question struck a nerve as I wondered how we would be affected if our babysitter (Sunny) needed to use our car since that's where Jackson's & Lawson's car seats regularly reside.

Automobile insurance is designed to follow the car, which means that the coverage we purchased for our vehicle will cover the car regardless of who's driving it.

That said, in order to be fully covered by our policy (under what's called the non-owned auto provision), Sunny must have permission (verbal or written) to drive our insured vehicle.

Sunny must be an occasional driver only, not a regular driver or user of the vehicle. If she gets into an accident while driving our car (and considering she had our permission to drive the car at the time of the accident), our auto insurance will be considered the primary coverage in any accident-related claim that's made. Sunny's car insurance coverage (if she's covered under her own policy, or that of a parent) will be considered a secondary coverage, and will only activate if damage claims exceed the limits of our own policy.

I was happy to help my friend with the answer to his question, and felt a littler better knowing where we stand if Sunny should ever need to use our car while babysitting for us.

In reading The State paper recently, I noticed an article entitled "ID Theft, Fraud Rising, Report Says." The article highlighted that Identity Theft is on the rise in South Carolina and across the country, and it remains the top reason for consumer complaints for the 9th year in a row. A consumer advocate indicated that these types of crimes tend to INCREASE during a recession. Also, during 2008 in SC, ID Theft/Fraud cost consumers $14.2 million.

But the news isn't all bad. The 3 main steps to protecting yourself from identity theft are simple and I will summarize them in a 3-part series. Make them a habit to lower your risk for Identity Theft.

Step 3 of 3: Defend yourself as soon as you notice a problem.

If you think you might be a victim, it's important to act fast!

·         Put a "fraud alert" on your credit reports. This alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before opening any new accounts in your name or making certain charges to accounts that are already open. The initial fraud alert lasts for 90 days. Call any of the bureaus below to begin:

o        Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

o        Experian: 1-888-397-3742

o        TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

·         Once you place the alert, you'll be able to get a free credit report from each bureau. Review them carefully, looking for any account, inquiry, debt, or charge that doesn't sound familiar.

Next, close any accounts that have been tampered with or established as part of the identity theft. Keep detailed records (even of conversations) and ask for verification that the accounts have been closed. Download the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Affidavit (PDF) to support your statements.

For full information on how to respond to identity theft, visit the FTC's "Deter, Detect, Defend" website.

Do you ever find yourself at the end of a long day of hard work only to feel like you haven't accomplished much? I'll climb out on a limb and guess that you occasionally have. Whenever I get that feeling I recall a story I read about Andrew Carnegie, who built the Carnegie Steel Company and amassed one of the largest fortunes ever in the United States.

The story goes that Andrew Carnegie was at a crossroads in his personal and business life when he met with a business consultant who had a system that he guaranteed would offer success to anyone who applied it consistently. Carnegie was skeptical of the claim, but the consultant pressured him into trying the system free for a year and if it was successful he would accept whatever fee Carnegie considered appropriate. Carnegie agreed and applied the system, enjoying exponential results in both his personal and business life. At year's end, Carnegie is said to have sent the consultant $20,000--a vast sum considering this would have been shortly after the end of the Civil War.

Upon hearing the story it's easy to assume the said system must be too complex for most people to implement in their own lives. On the contrary, the system is quite simple and you've likely heard it before. Carnegie was advised to: a) sit down each evening and list the activities to be done the next day which would move him toward his life goals; b) prioritize the activities in order of importance; c) begin the next day with the most important activity and stick with it until finished; and d) then move on to the next activity and repeat. This system, Carnegie was told, would allow him to focus on the most important activity and even if that was the only thing he worked on, his energies would be applied in the best direction.

Stories like this one get passed around for so long that it's easy to dismiss them as fiction. But the funny thing is this system works. (Ever heard of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the best-seller written by Steven Covey? Probably so, considering it has sold more than 15-million copies. When you get a chance take a look at Habit #3.) It works well enough for me that it's what I fall back on when I feel as though I'm spinning my wheels or when things are becoming disorganized in my life. I sit down, make a list and start working on the most important one. The way I see it, if it's good enough for Andrew Carnegie then it's good enough for me.

In reading The State paper recently, I noticed an article entitled "ID Theft, Fraud Rising, Report Says." The article highlighted that Identity Theft is on the rise in South Carolina and across the country, and it remains the top reason for consumer complaints for the 9th year in a row. A consumer advocate indicated that these types of crimes tend to INCREASE during a recession. Also, during 2008 in SC, ID Theft/Fraud cost consumers $14.2 million.

But the news isn't all bad. The 3 main steps to protecting yourself from identity theft are simple and I will summarize them in a 3-part series. Make them a habit to lower your risk for Identity Theft.

Step 2 of 3: Be on the lookout for problems.

No matter how careful you are, there's always some risk of identity theft. Keep an eye on your accounts so you can spot suspicious activity right away.

·         Look out for mail or bills that don't arrive when you expected, which might mean someone has taken your mail.

·         Pay close attention to credit card or account statements that you didn't expect to receive, which could be a sign that someone has opened an account in your name.

·         If your credit is denied and you don't know why, check your credit report right away to look for problems. (Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for three free reports each year.)

·         Pay close attention to your monthly statements, double checking that all the charges and activity are accurate.

·         Check your credit report several times a year. Under federal law, each of the three major credit bureaus is required to give you your credit report for free once a year.

For full information on how to respond to identity theft, visit the FTC's "Deter, Detect, Defend" website.

In reading The State paper recently, I noticed an article entitled "ID Theft, Fraud Rising, Report Says." The article highlighted that Identity Theft is on the rise in South Carolina and across the country, and it remains the top reason for consumer complaints for the 9th year in a row. A consumer advocate indicated that these types of crimes tend to INCREASE during a recession. Also, during 2008 in SC, ID Theft/Fraud cost consumers $14.2 million.

How can you protect yourself from identity theft?

Identity theft is nothing new, but the "digital age" has made it easier than ever to gather, organize, and transmit large amounts of information--including the credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and account information that identity thieves need to do their dirty work.

But the news isn't all bad. The 3 main steps to protecting yourself from identity theft are simple and I will summarize them in a 3-part series. Make them a habit to lower your risk for Identity Theft.

Step 1 of 3: Keep your information safe.

Don't give identity thieves a chance. There's a lot you can do to protect your personal information:

·         Shred documents with personal information (including account numbers, or your Social Security number or birth date).

·         Shred credit card offers and other offers that a thief could make use of.

·         Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card with you, in case your wallet gets stolen, and don't write it on your checks.

·         Only give out personal information if you know the person or group you're dealing with and you initiated the contact-whether by phone, mail, or Internet.

·         Instead of clicking the link in an unsolicited email, type in the web address yourself. (Email links can redirect you to a scammer's site, tricking you into entering personal information in an unsafe place.)

·         Make your password hard to guess. Choices like your birth date, mother's maiden name, or Social Security number are too obvious. Instead, try a random or made-up word, and include at least one number.

A couple more interesting facts for South Carolina: Identity Theft victims are usually younger than 18 or older than 65 & Identity Thieves are most often relatives or friends.

According to www.IDTheftCenter.org: Victims now spend an average of 600 hours recovering from this crime, often over a period of years. Three years ago the average was 175 hours of time, representing an increase of about 347%. Based on 600 hours times the indicated victim wages, this equals nearly $16,000 in lost potential or realized income.

For full information on how to respond to identity theft, visit the FTC's "Deter, Detect, Defend" website.

So you're thinking about buying a hybrid vehicle. And you're wondering what some of the advantages might be. Here are a few for you to mull over.

1. Fuel efficiency.

If you're sick of paying $40, $50, $60, or more to fill up, a hybrid could be what you're after. In fact, you can get 20 or 30 more miles to each and every gallon you put into a hybrid car.

Of course, the initial investment means it'll take a while to start truly saving money. Over the long run, though, driving a hybrid could free up some money in your budget.

2. Lower emissions.

A hybrid car uses a combination of electricity and gasoline. You can feel good knowing that a hybrid car has less impact on the earth than other cars you've owned.

3. Tax incentives.

Buying a hybrid could knock off up to $3,400 off your federal tax bill this year--and your state might offer even more incentives.

Perhaps Kermit the Frog was a touch off base when he said it's not easy being green.

While a majority of Americans think they know how to protect themselves, they still commit acts that make them easy targets for thieves. In order to help protect yourself from theft and fraud related to your car, It's a good idea to understand how thieves work and think. The following steps, which are based on guidance from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, will help decrease the chance that your vehicle will fall prey to thieves.

Step 1: Being Smart is Simple...and easy

Take Your Keys With You: Make sure to take your keys out of the ignition every time you leave your vehicle. Do not keep a spare set of keys in your car - thieves know all the hiding places. Lock Your Doors and Close Your Windows: Door and window locks serve as your first defense against thieves. Make sure all car doors are locked and windows are secure before walking away. Park Under the Lights: Thieves are less likely to approach a vehicle in well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic.

Step 2: Don't Be Afraid to Get Help...Install a protective device

Sound the Alarm: Audible sensor alarms will sound after they detect motion or impact, which can cause thieves to step away from a vehicle to avoid being caught. Stop Hot Wiring Cold: By installing a steering column collar, you can easily prevent "hot-wiring" a vehicle. Lock Your Wheel: Use a steering wheel lock to prevent movement of your steering wheel.

Step 3: Get Serious About Prevention...Install an immobilizing device

Get a Smart Key: Keys containing radio frequencies or coded computer chips will help ensure that your car will only start with one specific key. Establish a Fuse cut-off: If the car is started via short circuit, the vehicle will not operate.

Install a Kill Switch: Unless a special switch is activated, electricity will not flow to the engine. Use Wireless Ignition Authentication, where possible: Key fobs or wallet tabs with transmitters are used to activate electricity to the ignition.

Step 4: Don't let them get away...Install a tracking device

Budget permitting, consumers can install tracking devices that combine wireless and GPS capabilities to signal to police and/or a monitoring system that a car has been stolen. These devices tend to be very expensive, but effective in locating a stolen vehicle.

You're definitely not the only one! Ask your mortgage lender about using an escrow account for your homeowners insurance. That way your monthly mortgage payment will be adjusted to include your home insurance premium. When your next premium is due, your lender will pay it using the money in your escrow account.

Say your home insurance is $600 a year. That works out to $50 a month, so the amount you send to the mortgage company each month would be increased by $50. Each month, that $50 would be deposited into your escrow account. When the bill comes due, your lender will send a payment from your escrow money.

It's so common to include escrow that the industry has come up with an acronym to describe how the mortgage payment breaks down: PITI (Principal on the mortgage / Interest on the mortgage / Taxes held in escrow / Insurance held in escrow).

Read more about homeowners insurance.

I recommend talking to your lender about the escrow before you close on the house...and remember, this is different from the escrow for closing costs. For one thing, you need to make sure you'll have an escrow account. While they're common, not everybody has one. You might also want to ask whether there's a minimum balance for escrow accounts, how your monthly payment will be adjusted if your insurance rate changes in the future, and whether your property taxes can also be included in your escrow payment.