5 Tips For Driving in Flood Conditions

Most of us love the warm weather and sunshine, but occasionally a summer storm comes through and we have some flooding issues. It's important to know what to do when you're driving and come across elevated water levels to avoid an auto insurance claim.

1. Flash flooding can occur just minutes after a rainstorm. You may not have warning, so keep an eye out near creeks, rivers and streams.
2. Never drive through flooded areas. Turn around and find another route.
3. Water that looks shallow can be deceiving, hiding a dip in the road. Worse yet, the road could be washed away under the water, and driving into it could cause damage to your vehicle and potential injury.
4. If you find yourself in high water and the car stalls, exit the vehicle and get to higher ground immediately.
5. Most vehicles, even heavy SUV's will float away in just one foot of water. In two feet of rushing water, they can be swept away quickly, taking you on a ride you never wanted to experience.

While it seems like a rainstorm is nothing to be wary about, if that rain brings flooding it's best to stay off the roads. According to FEMA, flooding is the most common disaster in the U.S. that impacts the most people year after year. Flash floods are the number one weather-related killer in the United States and most flood fatalities happen because people try to drive through deadly waters rather than avoid them.

If you're driving through rain, keep an eye out for elevated water on the roads and use these tips to keep you and your vehicle from coming to any harm.

The right coverage provides peace of mind. Call Richard Cielinksi Insurance Agency at (716) 892-5154 for more information on Buffalo auto insurance.

Adequate Attire for your Motorcycle Rider

Riding a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than driving a car, which has seatbelts and airbags for protection. In fact, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to suffer a fatal crash than individuals driving a car. In order to make riding your bike a safer experience, it’s a wise choice to don safety gear before hitting the road.

• Motorcycle helmet: Approximately half of all motorcycle-related deaths are the result of a biker neglecting to wear a helmet. Helmets are undeniably capable of saving your life, making it vital that you wear one every time you get on your bike, even if only for a few minutes. Select a helmet that fits snugly. Many people also enjoy helmets with a face shield for improved visibility.
• Leather clothing: Leather jackets make up the standard biker look for a reason. The thick material doesn’t “grab” like many fabrics, allowing the body to slide during a fall rather than tumble. This helps protect your skin from scrapes, cuts and bruises.
• Motorcycle boots: Boots designed for use with motorcycles contain many features intended for safety and comfort. The thick rubber soles provide traction, the materials used protect your feet and lower legs from the elements and many boots even contain reinforcements in critical areas like the ankle bones.
• Motorcycle gloves: Wearing gloves protects your hands from the elements, along with cuts and scrapes during a fall. Not to mention, it’s instinctive to extend your arms during a fall; gloves can help prevent injuries associated with that motion as well.
• Body Armor: Foam or impact-resistant plastic body armor can be worn under your clothing for even more protection, which may be beneficial for long rides. If you don’t want the extra hassle, you can purchase motorcycle jackets and pants with body armor built in for easy wear.

Get even more protection with the right coverage. Call us at 716.892.5154 for more information on Buffalo NY motorcycle insurance.

Tornado Preparedness in Buffalo, NY

Though certain areas across the country are more prone to tornadoes, they can develop anywhere and at any time. Preparing for the worst situation possible helps get your family ready in the event that a tornado does touch down near your home. Have family discussions about tornadoes and run through drills each year to ensure that everyone knows what to do during a storm.

Follow these steps to prepare for a tornado:

• Purchase a battery-operated weather radio and teach everyone how to use it. Keep extra batteries nearby.
  
  
• Designate a safe spot within your home. Use a storm shelter or basement if your home has those features. If not, select a room with no windows on the lowest level.
  
  
• If possible, avoid choosing a location that is directly underneath heavy objects, such as a piano or washing machine, because these can fall through a weakened floor during a tornado.
  
  
• Teach your family to duck low to the ground and use a mattress, blanket, jacket or other item to shield their bodies from broken glass and flying debris.
  
  
• Take a first aid class together as a family. Treating minor wounds and even performing CPR can save lives during a severe storm.
  
  
• Every member of your family should know how to turn off the electricity, gas and water, along with how to use a fire extinguisher and how to dial 911. Just as important as knowing how to do these tasks is knowing when they must be done.
  
  
• Put together a disaster supply kit and pack it in easy-to-grab backpacks or duffel bags. Pack at least three days’ worth of water, non-perishable food, medications, a change of clothing, blankets, flashlights, a weather radio, batteries, phone chargers, baby and pet supplies, first aid supplies, copies of critical family documents, extra keys and cash.

Tornadoes can cause a tremendous amount of damage, which means that it’s safer to over-prepare. In fact, your storm preparation could just mean the difference between life and death.

Protect your house against the damaging effects of tornadoes. Call Richard Cielinski Insurance Agency at (716) 892-5154 for more information on Buffalo home insurance.

Year Round Classic Car Maintenance

Cars were designed to be driven. Many collectors of antique and classic cars, however, leave them in storage for long stretches of time, which can cause vehicles to deteriorate. How? Engine or transmission seals can crack, mice and other critters can chew up internal components, metal parts can rust and a variety of other circumstances can damage the integrity of these unique cars. Rather than letting them slowly breakdown, regular drives help keep antique and classic cars in peak condition.

Plan your drives based on weather and road conditions. Pick clear days, free of rain, snow or the presence of road salt. Many antique car owners wrongly believe that firing up the engine for a few minutes will suffice. The fact is, running an engine until it’s thoroughly warmed spreads a coat of motor oil on internal engine surfaces, protecting them from oxidation and corrosion. To maintain this natural protection, antique and classic cars require a good drive every few weeks.

For the best ride, turn on the engine and ease your car onto the road. Take it slow it first, with low speeds and gradual movements. Once your car warms up after a few minutes, you can kick it up a notch and cruise down the highway for a few miles. Driving around for 20 to 30 minutes is ideal for burning off engine sludge and ensuring the complete circulation of a new protective coat of oil.

Though routine maintenance is required, just as with a modern car, the best thing you can do keep your antique or classic car ready to ride year-round is simply to drive it. After all, what’s the point in owning such a beautiful vehicle if you don’t get to enjoy riding it?

Get specialized coverage for your antique or classic vehicle. Call Richard Cielinski Insurance Agency at (716) 892-5154 for more information on Buffalo antique car insurance.

How to Improve Your Small Business’ Security

While large companies make national news for security breaches, small businesses face similar issues as well. In fact, small businesses may be at even more of a risk because they often don’t have a bank account big enough to compensate for theft or cyber attacks. Purchasing a well-rounded business insurance portfolio is a great way to protect your business from the unforeseen, but you can also take a proactive approach in beefing up your business’ security measures.
Digital Security
Data breaches and cyber attacks are becoming more and more of a threat, causing over half of all small businesses to permanently close their doors after experiencing a similar event. To prevent such a catastrophe, password protect your business’ computers and train your employees to lock them when not at their desks. A computer left unlocked for an hour while an employee goes to lunch is an open invitation to anyone who walks by.
Back up business data at least once per week to a server or secure cloud drive to ensure their protection should computer equipment crash or get stolen. And, surprisingly, many instances of computer theft is committed by internal employees. Perform background checks on job candidates to increase your odds of hiring a trustworthy and reliable staff.
Property Security
You should secure your business much like you secure you home. Always lock up at night and utilize the security alarm, if you have one. You can also invest in security devices such as fire sprinklers, window break sensors, security cameras and motion-sensor lighting.
Ensure that the exterior of your business’ property is well-lit to deter criminals. Thieves prefer to pick easy targets; so the harder you make it break in quickly and quietly, the less likely it is for someone to target your place of business.
We’ll support your security efforts. Call Richard Cielinksi Insurance Agency at (716) 892-5154 for more information on Buffalo business insurance.

Why a BOP is right for you

A business owner’s policy, or BOP, is a great insurance solution for small- to medium-sized businesses. This type of policy is favored because it bundles the most common coverages into one policy, with one premium as opposed to paying for policies a la carte. This bundle is fully customizable and generally cheaper than buying individual policies.

Your business may be eligible if it employs no more than 100 individuals and earns no more than $1 million in annual revenue. This is also a popular choice for home-based business owners. Policies include property and liability coverage, along with your choice of the following options (with additional choices offered by some insurers):

• Property insurance: Covers physical property owned by the business such as buildings, furniture, equipment and inventory.
• Liability insurance: Covers third parties who suffer bodily injury or property damage while on your business’ property.
• Equipment breakdown insurance: Covers equipment, such as computers and phone systems, that fail or become damaged due to a covered incident.

Most BOPs will not include worker’s compensation or commercial auto coverage, which will need to be purchased separately if required.

Ask us about building your own BOP. Call R&M Insurance Agency at (716) 892-5154 for more information on Buffalo NY business insurance.

3 Frequently Asked Questions about Homeowners Insurance

Every homeowner, new and seasoned, typically has questions about homeowners insurance and the intricacies of their policies. The best way to answer specific questions is to talk to your independent agent, but in the meantime, we’ve answered the top five most frequently asked questions for your perusal.

1. What types of coverage are included in homeowners insurance?

   Basic policies will include both property and liability coverage, which respectively cover your property—home structure and possessions—and any legal or medical expenses resulting from bodily injury or property damage of a third party that occur on your property or because of your actions. Your coverage limits will depend on your unique policy.
   
   

2. Will homeowners insurance cover damages that occur outside of the home?

   This depends on your policy. Many basic policies will cover your property in any location, even if you travel internationally with it; but that’s not the case with all insurance carriers. Check on the details of your policy by asking your agent to review the “fine print” with you.
   
   

3. Am I required to buy homeowners insurance?

   In many cases, yes. Your mortgage lender and/or homeowners association may require you to purchase coverage. There are some cases in which you are not required to own it, but it’s highly recommended since damages can become a huge expense. Similarly, if you’re building a home, ask you agent about course of construction insurance.

Get the protection you need. Call us at (716) 892-5154 for more information on Buffalo NY home insurance.