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Distracted Driving and Cellphones: What Are the Risks?

By Jacob Eastlick on March 31, 2021 0

Are young drivers more likely to get into accidents caused by cellphone use?

Posted May 03, 2019 BY PSCYCHOLOGY TODAY

How dangerous is it to take your eyes off the road while distracted by a cellphone? As it happens, the answer to that question is “very”—and it’s a problem that doesn’t seem to have a clear solution, especially among young drivers.

Even before the rise of modern telecommunications, distracted driving has always been a major cause of automobile accidents. Usually defined as “shift in driver concentration toward a secondary task, leading to a deviation of attention from driving,” distractions that can have an impact on safe driving are usually divided into three main categories:

  • Visual distractions which can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road for any reason.  Whether it involves turning your head to look at a passenger or a street sign, reading the name of a song on the audio system display, or checking the cellphone sitting next to you in the car, all it takes is a second of distraction to cause an accident.
  • Manual distractions which lead drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel. Adjusting the radio, opening the glove compartment to find some needed item, or picking up a cellphone are all examples of manual distractions.
  • Cognitive distractions can occur whenever a driver is no longer focused on the primary task of driving. This can result from drowsiness, being preoccupied by an upcoming meeting, or thinking about what you’re having for dinner.

Whatever the cause of the distraction, the consequences for drivers can be serious. Not only do distracted drivers have reduced reaction times, but they are also less aware of what is around them, including traffic signs, other cars, or pedestrians about to cross in front of them. According to a 2006 research study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 78 percent of all crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes in the United States were due to distracted driving. More recent studies showed that one out of every six fatal crashes in the United States could be linked to distracted driving.

You probably won’t be too surprised to learn that cellphone use has become a major contributor to distracted driving in recent years. Not only are cellphones virtually universal, but drivers have learned to depend on them for GPS navigation, appointment reminders, or to communicate with friends and family while driving.

It is largely because of this cellphone dependence that many auto makers have incorporated Bluetooth technology into the latest cars to provide hands-free use. Unfortunately, this led many drivers to assume that the hands-free option eliminated the risk of distracted driving (it doesn’t).

But it is probably the popularity of texting that has caused the greatest problems for drivers. The manual, visual, and cognitive distractions resulting from texting while driving has been shown to increase the likelihood of crashing by up to 23 percent, according to one 2010 study. Still, despite most drivers being well aware of the potential dangers of cellphone use when driving, this awareness doesn’t seem to have much impact on actual driving behavior. This can be especially true for younger drivers, who have been found to account for 21 percent of all texting-and-driving-related crashes.

Certainly, there is no question that younger drivers (especially younger male drivers) are at higher risk for serious driving accidents. According to Canadian traffic statistics, for example, a quarter of the total traffic deaths between 2000 and 2005 due to crashes involved young drivers between 15 and 24 years of age. Determining the actual number of vehicle fatalities that can be linked to cellphone fatalities is much more problematic, however.

In one 2015 survey study of cellphone use over time, 27 percent of a large sample of Ontario residents between the ages of 16 and 19 years admitted to texting while driving but, in a second sample surveyed just three years later, this had dropped to six percent. So, are young drivers becoming more cautious over time—or are they simply becoming more reluctant to admit to texting while driving given the severe penalties now in place in many jurisdictions? And what makes so many young people believe that the risks associated with cellphone use while driving won’t happen to them?

A new research study published in Canadian Psychology examines these questions as well as looking at some of the motivations linked to cellphone-related driving. Jessica A. Dénommée of Laurentian University and a team of researchers conducted a comprehensive review of research studies looking at recent changes in driving legislation and how drivers between the ages of sixteen and nineteen were dealing with the increased penalties for distracted driving convictions faced under the new law. Through careful screening, twenty-nine research articles were selected for further analysis. These studies referenced in these articles used data taken from self-report surveys of driver behaviors and attitudes, use of driving simulators, and naturalistic studies using in-car cameras to monitor driving behavior.

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The different factors associated with cellphone use while driving include:

Attitude towards cellphones. Despite being aware of the risks associated with cellphone use while driving, young drivers often rely on cellphones to stay in touch with family and friends and to maintain a presence on social media. This often causes them to view the advantages of cellphone use as outweighing potential dangers. Young drivers who have difficulty abstaining from cellphone use while driving were also much more prone to other risky behaviors than their counterparts. In reporting on their cellphone use, young drivers also reported relying on different strategies to avoid problems—including not using cellphones after dark, during rush hour, when weather was bad, or in areas with numerous pedestrians.

Gender. Even though cellphone use in young drivers appeared equally divided between males and females, there were some significant gender differences in cellphone use while behind the wheel. Not only did women report sending shorter text messages than men, but they were also more likely to rate texting and driving as being more distracting than their male counterparts. Also, while women were more dependent on cellphones for social purposes, men were confident in their ability to drive safely even while texting. Which also leads to the next factor:

The Illusion of control. Drivers with strong confidence in their ability to drive appear more likely to text while driving because they believe they can avoid problems. This perception of personal invulnerability is commonly seen in young males and often leads to their engaging in various risky behaviors. They also tend to be chronic multitaskers who are sure of their ability to engage in different activities at the same time.

Peer/Parent influences. For many young drivers, social influences can play an important role in the decision to text and drive. Whether this involves seeing friends or family text and drive or having friends their age treating distracted driving as being no big deal, researchers have consistently found that these kinds of social influences can lead to unsafe driving habits such as speeding or texting while driving.

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Age. This is the most obvious factor at work, with older drivers being much more cautious on the road than their younger counterparts. Older drivers are also much more experienced than young drivers and have safer driving habits in general. And considering that cellphones are a relatively recent invention, older drivers may not be as dependent on them for staying in contact. Ironically, however, older drivers are also much less able to multitask than their younger counterparts, something that might make them more cautious about anything that might distract them on the road.

Use of Hands-Free Technology. While Bluetooth, voice-recognition technology, and other innovations have been hailed as a practical alternative to cellphone use in cars, research using driving simulators hasn’t been that supportive. Experimental studies examining driving behavior under different conditions such as driving alone, using a hands-free device, or having conversations with passengers, found that any kind of distraction can affect driving behavior. In fact, in-car conversations with passengers and use of hands-free technology to make phone calls both appear to affect the driver’s ability to keep eyes on the road, merge into traffic, and apply brakes as needed. Manual use of a cellphone was still the biggest distractor, however, and represented the greatest danger to safe driving.

So, what can this kind of research teach us about reducing distracted driving in young drivers? While the risks of cellphone use in a car are well-known, even to young drivers, the need to stay in contact often overrides that risk. Also, young drivers who manage to avoid problems on the road despite engaging in this kind of risky behavior can develop a false sense of security that can make them less receptive to warnings about cellphone use.

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Despite various attempts at curbing unsafe driving, including programs in schools, public service announcements, and stronger legal penalties for drivers caught using cellphones, it’s still debatable whether these approaches are all that successful.

As we become more accustomed to remaining in constant contact with the world, deciding where and when we can use these devices, and whether this impacts our personal safety when driving or engaging in other activities that require undivided attention becomes much more critical. Though some advocates have recommended a technical fix to the problem, including having automobile manufacturers develop systems that disable hands-free and handheld devices while the car is in motion, this is likely to prove a tough sell for customers and auto makers alike. Better prevention programs, including the use of driving simulators to show young drivers how texting actually affects their ability to drive safely can help as well.

Ultimately, cellphone use in cars is a problem that isn’t likely to go away. Finding better solutions will likely become more essential than ever in the years to come.

References

Dénommée, J. A., Foglia, V., Roy-Charland, A., Turcotte, K., Lemieux, S., & Yantzi, N. (2019). Cellphone use and young drivers. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne. Advance online publication

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Romeo Vitelli, Ph.D. is a psychologist in private practice in Toronto, Canada.

Online:

Providentia, Twitter

5 Common Car Seat Installation Mistakes to Avoid

By Jacob Eastlick on March 31, 2021 0

As an expectant parent, you’re likely a delightful mix of unbridled joy and complete exhaustion. We get it. Your baby’s car seat is just one of the many brightly patterned puzzles you will face. But, car seat installation is not something to do while tuning in to your favorite podcast. It’s one of many big tasks to tackle before your baby’s due date, and arguably one of the most important.

So, to make baby prep a little bit easier here are five car seat installation mistakes you can avoid. You’ve got this!

Mistake #1: After-market products

Making car seats is a precise science. Any material or add-on product not made by the manufacturer can potentially interfere with its function. Even a blanket between your child and their car seat may inhibit its effectiveness. In the event of an accident, the car seat’s warranty or applicable guarantee may be void if after-market products are in use. So, those strap covers might be adorable but are not worth the risk. For more information about after-market products to avoid and suggested alternatives check out this article from the experts at Car Seats for the Littles.

Read: I Just Got Into A Car Accident, Now What?

Mistake #2: Forgetting the car seat base

There’s a reason your child’s car seat came with a base, it keeps it in place! It takes a little extra time, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the base. Even if you’ve installed a car seat before don’t assume you know how to install a new one. Car seats are always changing. To make life a little easier, some manufacturers have YouTube channels with video tutorials on how to install your base.

adjusting-child-car-seat

 

If you have two vehicles it may be a good idea to buy an extra base. Most manufacturers sell their car seat bases separately so you can easily use your car seat in all your vehicles.

Some parents worry the base and car seat won’t fit in their vehicle. If you find yourself in this situation, search for the car seats designed for smaller cars. You can also check the manufacturer’s website before buying your child’s car seat to see if it will fit in your vehicle.

Mistake #3: Passing up a free car seat safety check

Who doesn’t love freebies? Most communities offer free car seat safety inspections from trained technicians. These are usually put on by local hospitals or fire departments. A technician will examine how you installed your car seat. Some may even help you practice buckling the harness. If you’re not sure your community has one, call your local hospital maternity ward and they will likely be able to point you in the right direction.

Read: The Gift of Life Insurance for Children 

Mistake #4: Ignoring your car seat’s expiration date

Just like that huge carton of kale in the back of your refrigerator that you swore you were going to eat, car seats have expiration dates. Check the manufacturer’s manual or website to learn where the expiration date is printed on the seat.

Car seats are designed to last for a certain amount of time. As you use it, the materials begin to degrade because of its exposure to the elements – sun, heat, freezing temperatures, etc. This wears down the materials which can make it less effective. This is why most safety organizations advise against buying a used car seat. It’s also advised to never buy one that was in a car accident, or is missing an expiration date.

Mistake #5: Hastily buckling your kiddo in their car seat

Seat belts seem easy enough, but a baby’s car seat harness is much more complex. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn the right way to secure their harness. There are several different harnessing systems used in child car seats so make sure you know how yours works.

You’ll want to make sure their harness straps are flat against them and properly tightened. Also, it’s advised to avoid clothing your child in bulky coats when in their car seat. It can create slack between your child and the restraints. Instead, buckle them in without their coat and then cover them with their coat or a blanket.

It make take some extra time but ensuring your child is properly buckled in their car seat and that the car seat is correctly installed can save lives. When in doubt, look for information and answers from the manufacturer.

using-child-car-seat-base

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POSTED BY AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE, APRIL 2021

Storm Damage & Homeowners Insurance: 5 Things You Need to Know

By Jacob Eastlick on February 26, 2021 1

How your homeowners insurance coverages can help you rebuild after storm damage

Piles of mangled siding and shingles litter the once lively neighborhoods. You can’t help but ask yourself, how will they ever recover?

Rebuilding after storm damage is no small feat and insurance is often what makes it possible. Here are five things you need to know about your home insurance when it comes to storm damage.

1. Your homeowners insurance may not cover water damage

Water damage can devastate a home, especially after a storm. But, most homeowners insurance policies only cover certain types of water damage.

One of the major differences is how the water gets inside your house.

Water damage that originates inside your home or from a storm-created opening is typically covered by home insurance. 

Examples may include:

  • An overflowing washing machine
  • A burst interior pipe
  • Rainwater that enters your home through openings storm winds create

This is helpful for most household accidents and some storms, but not in the event of flooding.

Water damage from outside your home is usually not covered by home insurance.

Examples may include:

  • Floodwater
  • A broken water main
  • Water that enters your home through manufactured openings

Unfortunately, these are the types of damages you will most likely have after a storm.

To cover these damages, you may need to add flood insurance to your home insurance policy. To add flood insurance to your home policy, talk to your local insurance agent.

Even if you don’t live in a flood zone, it’s a good idea to add flood insurance and it’s usually very affordable. If you do live in a flood zone, you will want to make sure you have the coverage.

2. If your insurance claim is denied you may qualify for government assistance, like FEMA

If the government declares your town a federal disaster area, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide disaster relief.

  • To qualify, you will first need to submit an insurance claim. If your insurance company approves your claim, they will pay it, not FEMA.
  • If your insurance doesn’t cover the damages, the insurance company will deny your claim. This is where FEMA steps in.
  • Next, you need to submit the FEMA paperwork and documentation, which you can complete online. You will need to include a formal denial of your claim from the insurance company.
  • Your agent will be able to provide you with formal denial paperwork to meet FEMA’s requirements.
  • FEMA may provide compensation for most of your damages if your insurance doesn’t cover it.

3. You can save money with a common loss deductible

If you experience a severe storm, chances are that more than your home will have damage.

What about your car?

How about your belongings boxed up in the basement?

Different insurance policies cover these items. In the past, this meant you paid multiple deductibles. Now, most insurance companies, including Auto-Owners Insurance, offer a common loss deductible.

A common loss deductible reduces the amount you pay on your claim(s) if the damage arises from a single storm or disaster.

 4. If somebody else’s property damages your house during a storm, you are likely still responsible

What happens if your neighbor’s tree falls onto your house and damages your roof during a severe storm? Or, what if your fence blows over and dents your neighbor’s car during a period of high wind? Who is responsible?

The general rule for insurance is that your property is your responsibility. This usually includes trees that fall onto your property.

So, if a neighbor’s tree damages your property during a storm you are responsible. Your home insurance policy will most likely cover your damages.

But, things may change if the tree is dead or dying before the storm. In that situation, the owner of the tree may be responsible for your damages.

5. Your house must be “unfit to live in” to receive reimbursement for temporary relocation

After severe storm damage, your home may be unsafe to live in. If this is the case, your home is “unfit to live in”.

“Unfit to live in” means you and your family cannot safely stay in the home.

Determining if your home is unsafe after a severe storm can be difficult. Most claims departments try to determine whether a home is fit to live in on a case-by-case basis.

For example, if your roof blows away in strong winds, your home may be unsafe. But, if your basement floods and needs time to dry, you may be able to safely stay in your home.

If your home is unfit to live in, some home insurance policies cover the cost of temporary relocation and other living expenses. This may include living expenses you incur during your home repairs or until you find a new house.

You may need to make the decision to temporarily leave your home before talking with your insurance company. If you do leave your home, make an honest assessment to determine if it’s unfit to live in – especially if you expect your insurance company to pay for your expenses.

Get Started: Find a local, independent insurance agent to review your storm damage coverage.

Examining your current insurance coverages for potential gaps is critical. Talk with your local, independent insurance agent before disaster strikes to prepare your family.

Disclaimer: The analysis of coverage is in general terms and is superseded in all respects by the Insuring Agreements, Endorsements, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions of the Policy. Some of the coverage mentioned in this material may not be applicable in all states or may have to be modified to conform to applicable state law. Some coverages may have been eliminated or modified since the publishing of this material. Please check with your local Independent Auto-Owners Insurance Agent for details.

Spring Cleaning Checklist: The Ultimate Guide to a Tidier Home

By Jacob Eastlick on February 26, 2021 0

By Jessica Bennett 

Updated March 05, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

farmer sink and white cabinets in modern farmhouse
CREDIT: LAURA MOSS
Welcome spring by giving your home a good deep clean. Our handy guide breaks down the must-do chores into a three-step system. First up are the spring cleaning checklist and to-dos, the once-a-year tasks perfectly suited for spring. Next, tackle exterior spring cleaning with tips on fix-ups and repairs for the outside of your home. Finally, room-by-room cleaning tips will help you declutter and tidy up specific must-hit areas.
START SLIDESHOW

1 of 20

Spring Cleaning List

kitchen gray cabinets with dining table
CREDIT: KIM CORNELISON PHOTOGRAPHY INC.
FREE PRINTABLE SPRING CLEANING CHEKLIST

Spring is the perfect time to deep-clean your house or embark on an apartment-cleaning marathon. Work these chores into your cleaning schedule this spring and get ready to face warmer days with a space that sparkles. Before you tackle your deep cleaning, make a cleaning checklist tailored to your home and needs.

2 of 20

Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Wash Windows

CREDIT: FRANCES JANISCH

Be sure to pick a cloudy day to wash your windows. “If it’s too sunny, the cleaning solution will dry too fast and you’ll have streaks,” says cleaning expert Donna Smallin Kuper. Water and a microfiber cloth will typically clean windows more effectively than chemicals. Otherwise, make your own glass cleaner solution with 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/3 cup vinegar, and distilled water.

3 of 20

Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Sliding Door Tracks

CREDIT: PETER KRUMHARDT

Sliding glass door tracks probably aren’t the first spots you’d think to clean, but you’ll appreciate having done it before the outdoor entertaining season gets into full swing. Smallin suggests scrubbing the tracks with an old, dry toothbrush to loosen debris, then using your vacuum hose to remove it. Finish with a wet sponge.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Overlooked Surfaces

CREDIT: GORDON BEALL

Spring cleaning is an opportunity to address those surfaces you overlook on a daily basis. Once a year, give your baseboards, door frames, and walls a good thorough cleaning. Wash them with a sponge and a squirt of dishwashing liquid mixed in a bucket of warm water.

FIND YOUR DECORATING PERSONALITY!

5 of 20

Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Deep-Clean Carpets

CREDIT: EDMUND BARR

To maintain a new carpet’s warranty, you may need to have it cleaned professionally every 12-18 months, Smallin says. Otherwise, you can tackle DIY carpet cleaning by renting a deep cleaner or buying a professional-style model designed for home use. Follow the directions for mixing the cleaning solution, rinsing, and drying carefully to ensure you get the best clean.

6 of 20

Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Clean Under Furniture & Appliances

CREDIT: DAVID TSAY

Grab a partner to help you move your sofa and chairs and roll up area rugs before vacuuming the floors. Move kitchen appliances away from the wall as much as you can. “In some cases, you can pull them out enough that a vacuum hose will reach,” Smallin says.

7 of 20

Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Freshen Furniture

CREDIT: ERIN KUNKEL

Restore smooth leather with an upholstery cleaner and conditioner. Use a suede brush to perk up nubuck leather. For wood furniture, use Smallin’s recipe to make your own all-natural cleaner and polish: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of vinegar or lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle; shake well and spray onto a microfiber cloth.

8 of 20

Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Refresh Window Treatments

CREDIT: SCOTT LITTLE

Curtains and draperies aren’t typically dirty enough to launder. Instead, go over them thoroughly with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. “To remove dust from sheer curtains, put them in the dryer on low with a fabric-softener sheet,” Smallin says.

9 of 20

Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Dust Light Fixtures

CREDIT: BRIE WILLIAMS

Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to dust fixtures and bulbs you can reach. For ceiling fans, skip the ladder and use an extendable duster. To clean grimy bulbs, lightly dampen a cloth with vinegar and wipe. Caution: Be sure bulbs are cool to the touch and your hands are dry. Tackle light fixtures before cleaning the rest of the room, so any errant falling dust doesn’t disrupt already-clean surfaces.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Get Organized

CREDIT: DAVID A LAND

Pick up and eliminate clutter in each room before you start cleaning. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by clutter, designate some organizing “power sessions” in your spring cleaning schedule. As you declutter, equip yourself with a few boxes for sorting: one for garage sale items, another for items to donate, and a garbage bag for items to toss. Put away the things you intend to keep in their rightful places and rooms.

11 of 20

Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Make a Wardrobe Transition

CREDIT: MARTY BALDWIN

Storing items you aren’t currently wearing or using in a tucked-away place will help streamline your closet and keep seasonal essentials at the forefront. Put away gloves, winter clothing items, and boots so you’ll have plenty of space for spring clothing. Always label bins and boxes so you know where to find your winter gear next year.

12 of 20

Spring Cleaning Checklist and To-Dos: Safety Inspection

CREDIT: HELEN NORMAN

Consider spring cleaning your prompt to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Perform all required safety checks around your home. If you don’t own a fire extinguisher, purchase one. Learn how to use it, and keep it in the kitchen. You may also want to purchase one for your garage.

13 of 20

Exterior Spring Cleaning Tips: Exterior Paint

CREDIT: CAMERON SADEGHPOUR

While you’re spring cleaning, consider freshening the face of your home with a new paint job. An updated color scheme can take your house from forgettable to the best on the block. The average exterior paint job lasts 10 years, so make sure it’s done right. If your house doesn’t require a full paint makeover, consider a touch-up, which can prolong the life of your siding and trim.

14 of 20

Exterior Spring Cleaning Tips: Power Wash

CREDIT: BRIE WILLIAMS

Spruce up your home’s exterior surface by power-washing the siding and windows. This also helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew that feed on grime. If you’re worried about whether your home’s exterior can handle the force that pressure-washing nozzles exert, hire a professional to do the work.

15 of 20

Exterior Spring Cleaning Tips: Gutter Maintenance

CREDIT: EDMUND BARR

Your roof’s drainage system diverts thousands of gallons of water a year from your house’s exterior and foundation walls. This hardworking system merits a semi-annual inspection. Clean and repair gutters and downspouts every spring before heavy rains begin and late in autumn after leaves have fallen.

16 of 20

Exterior Spring Cleaning Tips: Seasonal Change

CREDIT: ADAM ALBRIGHT

Hit the garage to store or unpack seasonal items at the return of spring. Put shovels, salt, scrapers, and other winter gear in an out-of-the-way storage spot to make room for garden tools and potting supplies. Consider servicing your snowblower before storing it for spring.

17 of 20

Exterior Spring Cleaning Tips: Outdoor Furniture

CREDIT: KRITSADA PANICHGUL

Get ready for outdoor entertaining season by cleaning exterior furniture. Clean and repair furniture, such as chairs, tables, and benches, on your deck, porch, or patio. Use outdoor spray enamel to touch up chips on painted outdoor furniture.

18 of 20

Room-by-Room Cleaning Tips: Bedrooms

CREDIT: GREG SCHEIDEMANN

Devote a portion of your spring cleaning efforts to giving every room in your home a thorough cleaning. In the bedroom, rotate and flip mattresses. Wash blankets and comforters, or take them to be cleaned. Wash mattress pads and bed skirts. Clean area rugs or have them dry-cleaned. To clean your pillows, send them to a professional cleaner, hang them outside in the fresh air, or freshen them with the air (no heat) cycle of your clothes dryer

19 of 20

Room-by-Room Cleaning Tips: Bathrooms

CREDIT: ROBERT BRINSON

You may scrub your bathroom every week, but now it’s time to conquer clutter and toss old and expired products. Go through your medicine cabinets and safely discard any outdated items. Replace worn bath mats, shower curtains, and liners, or wash and dry shower curtains and liners.

20 of 20

Room-by-Room Cleaning Tips: Kitchen

CREDIT: LAURA MOSS

To spring-clean your kitchen, take time to declutter your pantry, kitchen cabinets, and drawers. Wipe them out and install fresh shelf paper. Store or donate equipment you don’t use, such as small appliances or cookware. Discard stale spices or expired items. Clean the refrigerator and freezer. Vacuum the cooling coils under or behind your refrigerator.

 

Life Insurance From Your Employer Usually Isn’t Enough

By Jacob Eastlick on February 4, 2021 0

considering life insurance from your employer

Life insurance from your employer is a valued benefit for millions of American workers.

Employer life insurance is a form of group life insurance that’s offered to you and your coworkers. It’s typically a set dollar amount at smaller companies and a multiple of your salary at larger companies. The multiple is commonly one to three times your current salary.

The Benefits of Employer Life Insurance

It costs you nothing (or very little). A big upside to life insurance from your employer is that it’s usually free. And if there is a cost, it usually only amounts to a few dollars a month.

You don’t have to take a medical exam. Life insurance from your employer is typically offered to every employee regardless of his or her health status. This can be a big plus if you have any health conditions. A health condition can make it difficult to get a life insurance policy on your own.

It’s convenient. There’s no need to consider multiple quotes, schedule a medical exam, or do any other legwork. You usually only have to fill out a form or two and designate a beneficiary.

The Downsides of Employer Life Insurance

It often falls short of how much coverage you really need. Most people need much more than one, two or even three times their annual salary in coverage to secure their family’s financial future. In fact, insurance professionals recommend having 10 to 15 times your annual income in coverage. This is especially true if you have dependents and/or debt. For this reason, it’s best to assume that life insurance from your employer probably isn’t nearly enough.

Supplemental coverage can be more expensive than buying your own policy. You often have the option to buy additional coverage through your employer-based policy. While this can be a convenient option, it may cost more than if you worked with an insurance advisor or agent to buy your own life insurance policy.

Your options are limited. You usually don’t have the range of policy options you’d have if you worked with an insurance advisor or agent.

Your employer can drop it at any time. You lose your coverage as soon as your company decides to drop it. And that’s more common now that fewer companies are choosing to offer or retain their group life insurance these days.

It’s tied to your employment status. You also automatically lose your coverage if you switch jobs, retire or become laid off. When this happens, you would need to go out and buy your own coverage. That can be more difficult as you get older or if you developed a health condition.

You may not be able to convert your supplemental insurance. Not all employer life insurance policies let you convert your supplemental life policy when you leave the company. If you can convert the policy when you leave, expect to pay a rate increase.

Exploring Options Beyond Employer Life Insurance

The potential downsides of employer life insurance often outweigh the advantages. Out of all the disadvantages, the biggest one is mistakenly believing that life insurance from your employer provides enough coverage for you and your loved ones.

Make sure you have all the coverage you really need by working with an insurance advisor or agent. He or she can calculate how much coverage you really need. (You can also use our Life Insurance Needs Calculator to get a quick estimate.) An easy way to find a qualified insurance professional in your community is to use our Agent Locator.

Once you know how much coverage you need, it’s time to compare costs. Review quotes from your insurance advisor or agent alongside the supplemental insurance quote. Know that it may be worth it to pay more for your own portable, flexible policy that you own and control.

In closing, employer life insurance is a great starting point. But it almost never gives you enough protection. So take the time to figure how much coverage you really need and to consider getting your own policy.

by Amanda Austin | October 29, 2020 | Life Insurance

Amanda Austin

Amanda Austin is a freelance writer who has worked in the insurance industry. She lives in Erie, Penn., and holds the CPCU, AINS, and AIS designations.Amanda Austin

4 Steps You Can Take to Feel More in Control Now

By Jacob Eastlick on February 3, 2021 0

COVID-19 has upended life as we know it for millions of people around the world. Many of us—including the young and healthy—are seriously contemplating our mortality for the first time. 

As the parent of a toddler, with a baby on the way, I’m definitely in this camp. It’s deeply unsettling to ponder how this virus has cut short so many lives in the span of just a few months.

I can’t escape the reality that I’m not invincible and never really have been. Whether it’s an accident, a terminal illness or an infectious disease, untimely deaths happen and none of us are assured a long, healthy life.

That thought paralyzed me before I decided to take a proactive approach to things. The good news is that there are concrete actions you can take today to protect the ones you love and get some peace of mind during these challenging times. Here are four definitely worth doing.

1. Prepare your will. Not even half of Americans have a will, which is a legal document that spells out your wishes for where your assets go and who cares for any minor children in the event you pass away. If you die without a will, your individual state’s laws will decide where your money and belongings go and who takes care of your kids. As if that isn’t bad enough, dying without a will generally delays the process of resolving your estate and can subject it to additional taxes.

Spare your loved ones from this experience with a will. Many people use a lawyer to draw up a will, especially if they have large or complicated estates. These days, many lawyers can help you via email, phone and teleconference, so don’t let social distancing stop you from getting a will.

Another option is to create a will online. This is a fast and inexpensive option for anyone on a budget or with uncomplicated needs. A few popular resources include LegalZoom, Quicken WillMaker & Trust and Do Your Own Will. (The final option is free!)

2. Create an advanced directive. An advanced directive is another legal document you’ll want to lock down. It explains what kind of medical care you’d want in the event you can’t speak for yourself.

The most common types of advanced directives are the living will and the durable power of attorney. A living will spells out your health care wishes in the event you’re terminally ill and unable to express your wishes or permanently unconscious. Meanwhile, a durable power of attorney is a document in which you name a trusted person to make health care decisions for you in the event you’re unable to do so.

An attorney can help you create an advanced directive or you can create one for free online using a form from your state. (Check your state’s website for its individual form.) If you go the latter route, make sure to check your state’s laws about advanced directives. Some require you to sign them in the presence of a witness, while others require them to be notarized. (And yes, you can now get documents notarized online through services like notarize.com.)

3. Look into life insurance. If anyone depends on your earnings or unpaid labor (I’m looking at you, stay-at-home parents and caregivers), it’s absolutely essential to have at least some life insurance in place. From funeral costs to the mortgage to everyday living expenses, life insurance steps in to smooth things over financially if you aren’t in the picture.

I know the last thing many of us want right now is an added expense. But this is one well worth having—and it’s probably a lot less than you think. A healthy 30-year-old can get a $250,000 20-year level term policy for just $13 a month.

Any amount of life insurance is better than none at all, so contact an agent today to get a policy that works for your life and budget. (Like lawyers and notaries, many of them can work with you over phone, email and teleconferencing tools!)

4. Consider disability insurance. Illnesses and injuries curtail many people’s careers and lifetime earnings unexpectedly every year. With respect to the current crisis, those hospitalized for COVID-19 often have long roads to recovery as well as lifelong complications. Whether the health challenge leads to short-term or permanent consequences, it’s hard to stay on top of bills when your paycheck stops.

This is where disability insurance can be a lifesaver. This “insurance for your paycheck” protects your income until you’re able to return to work. Like life insurance, there are policies for every situation and budget. Learn about the three main ways to get disability coverage.

I’m the first to admit that contemplating these realities isn’t a fun way to pass the time. But something far worse is knowing that the people I love the most would be in a bind if the unthinkable happened. Plus, tackling these to-do’s gave me a much-needed sense of control during these unpredictable times—I hope it does the same for you, too.

Amanda Austin

Amanda Austin is a freelance writer who has worked in the insurance industry. She lives in Erie, Penn., and holds the CPCU, AINS, and AIS designations.Amanda Austin
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