Keys to Homeownership: Negotiating a Purchase Price and Finding the Right Insurance Company

By Alexandra Kozinski, Coldwell Banker from Allstate Blog, edited by AC.

                          From Allstate Blog

Congratulations, you found it …your dream home! Before you celebrate and buy your homeowner insurance though, you first have to put in an offer and come to an agreed-upon price between you and the seller. As soon as you’ve done that, then you’re free to call George Jaffe, your local Allstate insurance agent or look for insurance companies.

Negotiating a purchase price on your new home can be a stressful part of the home buying process. Here are a few tips that will help you and your real estate professional strategize the best way to win the deal.

One situation that homebuyers may run into is finding out a seller has received multiple offers on a property they’re interested in. Cara Ameer, an agent with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty company, advises buyers to think about how serious they really are about the particular property. If you could easily move on and continue the search for a new home, it may be best to walk away from a bidding war that could result in spending much more than you originally planned.

If the home really is “the one,” something called an escalatory addendum can be used. Ameer explains that this agreement states you will exceed the highest offer up to a certain dollar amount. Remember, if you are taking out a mortgage, you are buying into a monthly payment, so be sure you consider how your bid may affect your monthly payment. Your mortgage adviser can assist with this. Your insurance company can assist you with other

The closing date can also be a deciding factor in one offer being accepted over another. This is where flexibility is key. If your needs match up with the ideal timing for the sellers, this can help seal the deal. Your agent will be able to speak with the sellers to find out what works best for them and relay that information to you.

Ultimately, Ameer says that an offer is simply an invitation to get a conversation going. Hiring a qualified agent who can help you navigate through these conversations can help you land a dream home at a price you are comfortable with.

Once all that is done, you can look for your perfect insurance company, or bundle an existing policy. Price is important, but also check to see how much coverage you get for that price and if there are any rewards to being a member of that insurance group. George Jaffe, a licensed insurance agent based out of Charlottesville, can help you figure out details of your insurance option.

His website is below: https://agents.allstate.com/george-jaffe-charlottesville-va.html

Does Living Near The Ocean Affect Your Car?

By Brendan from Allstate Blog, edited by AC 

 

C’ville doesn’t have a lot of ocean to speak of, but it’s only a drive away. Living near the ocean can offer a lot of perks. You get the cool ocean breeze, the calming sound of the waves and beautiful views of the sparkling sea. But, while life along the coast may seem ideal, it may not be easy on your car. In fact, certain environmental factors present in coastal locations may cause or accelerate vehicle corrosion and damage. Stay safe and save money on your car insurance policy by maintaining your vehicle.

Rust

According to the Automotive Paint Handbook: Paint Technology for Auto Enthusiasts & Body Shop Professionals by John Pfanstiehl, the closer a car is kept to the shore, the quicker rust could form. Pfanstiehl, owner of Pro Motorcar, a manufacturer of professional auto paint and body tools, says the closer you live to the water, the more likely your vehicle is to have salt water spray blowing on it each day. This can quickly lead to rust formation. On the other hand, cars that are 10 to 20 miles away from the beach are often not affected by the ocean air because they likely won’t come in contact with salt water spray every day, he says.

Tip: Only Allstate car insurance gives you 2 bonus checks a year for driving safely.

Pfanstiehl says it’s important to take care of the top portions of the vehicle, such as the trunk, hood and upper edges of the doors, as these parts will generally rust faster in coastal locations. To do this, inspect these areas regularly and keep your vehicle covered and clean when not in use.

Salt and Dew

Other parts of the vehicle can corrode as well, including brake calipers, nuts and bolts, according to John Rintoul, an engineer who has experienced this his whole life living in San Diego. He lives less than a mile from the ocean and works on cars, motorcycles and scooters in his free time, giving him an inside look at the damage caused by the ocean environment. Given his experience and where he lives, he says salty humidity and dew are one of the largest factors in progressing corrosion, particularly during certain times of the year.

“Winter is the worst since summer has much less dew during the nights and mornings,” Rintoul says. “The water droplets create sites where corrosion can occur, and salt helps to accelerate the corrosion.” But whether you live in Charlottesville or the Chesapeake Bay, keep an eye on overall corrosive damage and environmental hazards.

If the body of the car is extremely corroded…it is sometimes cheaper to replace the car rather than try to fix and repaint it. Rintoul also notes that the longer his cars have been exposed to the ocean, the more damage has been done. “There is a honeymoon period of about three to five years where you probably won’t see much damage,” he says. “Then, in five to seven years, minor rust spots can develop on the car.” If you can replace the rusty parts, like the bolts and nuts, he adds, you should do so before corrosion weakens the parts to the point of failure. If the body of the car is extremely corroded, however, Rintoul says that in his experience, it is sometimes cheaper to replace the car rather than try to fix and repaint it. 

Paint Loss

In addition to corroded parts, the coastal environment can affect a vehicle’s paint. According to Steve Ford, The Car Guy, the combination of the sun and salt air near a coast can destroy a car’s finish. That’s because the hot sun increases the pores in the paint, which results in greater absorption of salty moisture – and ultimately, more corrosion.

Preventing Ocean-Related Car Damage

If you are moving to a coastal location in Virginia or elsewhere, or have recently purchased a new car that you want to protect, there are things you can do to slow salt damage to cars.  If you are just a few blocks from the beach, Rintoul suggests the following practices to help you prevent ocean-related damage to cars:

• Park in a garage or use a vehicle cover, particularly in winter.

• Wash and wax the paint regularly.

• Don’t drive on sand or into ocean water; if you do, rinse the underside of the car with a hose after it has cooled off.

Living near the ocean may have negative effects on your car, but if you understand why the damage happens and take the appropriate steps to limit or prevent it, you can enjoy coastal living with minimal corrosion to your vehicle. You can also save on your auto insurance by being a safe driver and sticking with Allstate. 

Go Hoos! C’ville UVA Students and C'ville Community: Common Renters Insurance Questions

If you are interested in rental insurance, call your local Charlottesville Allstate Agency: C’ville Allstate Insurance at 434-293-2886 or email at georgejaffe@allstate.com Our website is: https://agents.allstate.com/george-jaffe-charlottesville-va.html

By Valerie M., from Allstate Blog.

Edited by Annette Cashatt

I’m forever surprised by the fact that many renters don’t carry rental insurance to protect against the destruction or loss of their personal possessions: While the majority of American homeowners are insured, the Insurance Information Institute recently conducted a survey that showed only about 30 percent of renters had rental insurance! This means nearly 70 percent of renters are without coverage should fires, thefts or other unfortunate events damage or ruin their possessions. Yet, according to the latest data, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners estimates the average renter’s policy costs between $15 and $30 a month, depending on the location, size and contents of the rented unit.  Compared to the amount it would probably cost to replace everything you own if the unexpected happened, that’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind insurance can provide.

Renters are made up of a wide variety of people, from college students (go Hoos!) living in their first off-campus apartments to retired couples downsizing to a rented condo. And, since many renters aren’t clear on just what renters insurance is all about, I’ve collected some of the most frequently asked—and misunderstood—questions that I regularly answer.

Q: What does renters insurance usually cover?

A: A renters insurance policy typically includes a few types of coverage: personal property protection, which helps protect your belongings in case of a covered loss; liability protection, which can help protect you financially in case someone is injured in your home and files a lawsuit; reimbursed living expenses, which helps cover additional costs of staying somewhere else after a covered loss renders your home uninhabitable; and guest medical protection, which can help pay medical expenses for someone injured at your home. For example, guest medical protection may cover you if a classmate is studying late at your place and has an accident while there.

Q: Doesn’t my landlord’s insurance policy protect my stuff?

A: No. Landlords typically carry insurance to cover structural damage to the actual building you’re living in, such as your apartment or the house you’re renting, but this type of insurance doesn’t extend to protecting your personal possessions. And, while some landlord insurance protects against limited damages caused by tenants, you could still be held liable for damages in certain circumstances, for example if you caused a fire or plumbing accident. In these situations, renters insurance may help give you the protection you need.

Q: If I don’t own many expensive possessions, why do I need renters insurance?

A: You might not think your possessions are worth that much, but when you consider replacing all of the electronics, clothing, furniture and appliances you own, the costs quickly add up. Even a small fire, for example, can easily leave you with a price tag in the thousands of dollars to replace damaged or lost items. In contrast, for approximately the cost of a pair of movie tickets each month, a renter’s insurance policy can give you priceless peace of mind.

Q: What is personal liability insurance, and is it included?

A: Liability coverage helps protect you if someone is injured at your home and sues you. Many renters insurance policies include personal liability coverage, but you should check your own policy to make sure what coverage is included. If you’re concerned about the amount of your coverage, check the limits of your particular policy, and discuss with your agent if you feel further coverage is needed.

Q: Is my computer covered?

A: Your computer is one of your personal possessions, so if you have a rental insurance policy with personal property coverage, that protection would likely extend to your computer. But, there are a couple of things to take into account when you’re trying to figure out whether your computer is protected. The first is the limit, or the maximum amount of money your insurance company will pay in the event of a covered loss. If your computer is worth more money than the limit on your policy, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage.

Another thing to take into consideration is whether your policy offers replacement cost coverage, which will pay enough for you to purchase a new computer of the same kind, or actual cash value, which reimburses you for the amount of money you might reasonably expect to receive if you sold the item today.

After a few questions like the ones above, I see many renters become very interested in protecting themselves and their possessions. Often, they want more information on the subject, and I invariably send them to Renters Insurance Made Simple by Allstate. It’s a free, downloadable guide that’s easy to follow and contains everything from how to read a policy to how to file a claim.

If you are interested in rental insurance, call your local Charlottesville Allstate Agency: C’ville Allstate Insurance at 434-293-2886 or email at georgejaffe@allstate.com Our website is: https://agents.allstate.com/george-jaffe-charlottesville-va.html

How to Turn Your Car into a Show Car

By Brendan from Allstate Blog: http://blog.allstate.com/

Edited by A.C.

Many car lovers, gear heads and weekend tinkerers spend their free evenings and weekends fixing, improving and tinkering with their cars. Whether you’re restoring a classic car or truck from the 1950s or dressing up your favorite contemporary auto, in order to bring it up to show-car level, you’ve got to have plenty of elbow grease and an eye for detail. Martin Sanchez, a senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book and classic car enthusiast and veteran of car shows, shares what it really takes to make your ride show-worthy whether you’re taking it to a show around Charlottesville or around the country. Don’t forget to let your local C’ville car insurance agent know about the changes!

Have a Plan

Once you have the car you want to work on, you’ll want to set up a workspace, preferably a two-car garage for plenty of restoration space, equipped with a sturdy work bench, automotive repair tools and an air compressor. From there, map out a rough monthly schedule with some short-term goals and costs. Without a calendar of plans and a budget, a car project like this could take much longer than you might expect.

Gather Your Vehicle’s History

Try to locate any relevant memorabilia (like advertising, owner’s manuals, etc.) from the vehicle’s make, model and era or some interesting ownership history documentation, recommends Sanchez. This can add to your car’s appeal. To collect as much of your auto’s history as you can, start with an online vehicle history company. For a small fee, these sites can help you learn more about previous owners, accidents and service records, which can be valuable information when it comes to repairs and restoration.

Go for Top-Grade Bodywork

Professional-looking paint, chrome, and bodywork are key to attracting car show visitors and judges to your ride, Sanchez says. Whether you do it on your own or invest in some reliable assistance, be sure to remove dents, repair dings, apply a fresh coat of paint (primer if necessary), and pay attention to the nitty-gritty details such as hardware and lighting.

The Inside Counts

Regardless of whether the car’s interior is original stock (from the manufacturer) or newer and customized, be sure the interior is as clean and as pristine as it can look. “This says a lot about your passion for your ride,” says Sanchez..

Take Note of the Transformation

When restoring your ride, be sure to keep a log of your steps—the before, after and entire process along the way. “It’s important to keep an accessible build diary, with restoration photos and timeline of what was done,” Sanchez says. This will not only help you remember the history, it can also be helpful when applying to car shows and when talking to your car insurance agent.

Open Up the Hood

Be sure to thoroughly clean and detail your engine bay, even if it is stock. “Everyone gathers around once the hood is open,” according to Sanchez. Remember, just because the engine in your classic ride is old, doesn’t mean it needs a full rebuild. But, if you find you have a long list of issues, such as poor mileage or high oil consumption, it may be time to think about rebuilding the engine. First, document what’s going on and assess if an engine rebuild makes sense for your car.

Don’t Neglect the Caboose

Make sure you don’t overlook your vehicle’s trunk. Car lovers will be checking out your ride from hood to trunk, roof to tires. As Sanchez states, “Keeping the trunk in showroom condition with nice clean tires is a good eye catcher.”. There may even be features you can add which could save you money on your car insurance.

Restore with Integrity

When replacing or restoring worn parts, be sure to keep within the vintage or time period of your project, Sanchez recommends, “Make the vehicle appear as if you just removed it from a time capsule. For example, a 57 year-old car that looks like it just drove off the showroom floor really gets enthusiasts excited. And even if your vehicle isn’t a 20-year-old classic car, a nicely detailed vehicle that presents itself as showroom new will draw attention”.

When restoring and preparing a car to show-worthy status, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. Enjoy the time you spend with grease on your hands, decking out your ride.

From George Jaffe’s C’ville Allstate Insurance Agency: https://agents.allstate.com/george-jaffe-charlottesville-va.html

 

Cut Your Car Insurance Premium, Not Your Coverage.
By Allstate Insurance, edited by A.C.

 With Allstate Insurance, you'll enjoy quality auto protection and a variety of auto insurance discounts. Your lifestyle, car driving habits and policy management preferences are just a few of the many factors considered when determining what discounts are available to you. Read on to learn how to save money on your car / auto insurance:

Featured Discount

With Drivewise®, driving safe can help you save. Downloading a mobile app or installing a small device in your car to track your safe driving habits could help you earn a savings of up to 30%.
Learn more about DRIVEWISE

Vehicle Discounts

A shiny new set of wheels can help you lower your car insurance rates. Your car's safety features could also help you spend less on auto insurance. Explore all the vehicle discounts from Allstate:
• Passive restraint discount
If your car came from the factory with airbags and motorized seatbelts, you could save up to 30%.
• Anti-lock brake discount
When your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, you'll score a 10% discount.
• Anti-theft device discount
Secure more savings with an anti-theft device in your car—up to 10%.
• New car discount
Save up to 30% if you're the first owner of the vehicle and your car is only two years old.
• Economy car discount
You could save some green for driving green. Insuring an economy car could help you earn up to a 10% off your premium.
• Utility discount
Save up to 15% when you own a utility vehicle with a model year of 2002 and prior.
• Farm vehicle discount
Save up to 10% when you vehicle is used primarily for farm or ranch work.

Policy Discounts

From the way you pay your bill to purchasing additional insurance from Allstate, your policy management style can help you save money. Discover the available policy discounts:

• EZ pay plan discount
Save up to 5% on auto insurance when you set up automatic withdrawal.
• eSmart® discount
Sign up for ePolicy—a convenient way to view all your insurance documents online—and save up to 10%.
• FullPay® discount
Save up to 10% when you pay your policy in full.
• Auto/Life Discount
Enjoy a discount on your auto insurance when you purchase a life insurance policy.
• Multiple policy discount
Save up to 10% on your auto insurance when you purchase a home or renters policy.
• Early Signing Discount®
Save up to 10% when you sign your policy seven days before it becomes effective.
• Good payer discount
Save up to 5% if you did not receive a cancellation notice for non-payment during the past 12 months.

Lifestyle Discounts

You could already be eligible for discounts that can help make your auto insurance more affordable. See the ways your lifestyle can help you save:
• Senior adult discount
Drivers who are at least 55 years old and not actively seeking full-time employment can save up to 10%.
• 55 and retired discount
Drivers who are at least 55 years old and not actively seeking full-time employment can save up to 10%.
• Resident student discount
Enjoy up to 35% off your premium if you have a child attending school at least 100 miles away from where your car is garaged.
• Good student discount
All those A's can add up. Single, full-time students under the age of 25 can save up to 20% for getting good grades.

Driving Discounts
If you have a history of safe driving habits or proactively develop your safe driving skills, you could be rewarded with auto insurance discounts. Check out the discount rewards Allstate offers:

• Premier discount
Save up to 22% for driving 3 years without any violations or accidents.
• Premier plus discount
Save up to 35% for driving 60 months without any violations or accidents.
• Safe drivers discount
Your safe driving habits could save you up to 45% on car insurance.
• teenSMART discount
Save up to 10% when your teen successfully completes the teenSMART driver education program.
• Defensive driver discount

Drivers who are 25 years old, have completed six or more hours of defensive driving courses and have no violations and no at-fault claims can save up to 10%.

Talk to a licensed Allstate agent to learn more about these auto insurance discounts.

Savings For Teen Drivers:

There are lots of ways for teen drivers to earn discounts on auto insurance with Allstate. From good student discounts to rewards for defensive driving programs, your teen's car insurance premium could be less expensive than you think.

Learn more about teen driver discounts:

The availability, qualifications and amounts of these discounts may vary from state to state. In addition, terms, conditions and exclusions not described above may apply, and total savings may vary depending on the coverages purchased. In some states, we may offer discounts that are not listed here. For more information regarding your eligibility for these savings opportunities, please contact your Allstate agent.

Savings and coverage subject to terms, conditions and availability. Your Choice Auto® Accident Forgiveness, Deductible Rewards®Safe Driving Bonus®and New Car Replacement are optional and subject to terms, conditions. NOT AVAILABLE IN EVERY STATE. Deductible Rewards apply to collision coverage. In NY and PA, deductible amount will not go below $100. In NY, Safe Driving Bonus®is a discount. Safe Driving Bonus® is based on eligible premium for prior policy period (except in NY), and won't apply after an accident. Policy issuance is subject to qualifications. Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL.

Drivewise available in AL, AK, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV and WY. Feature is optional. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Savings based on how you drive. Your savings will vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. & Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. & their affiliates: Northbrook, IL. Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Bridgewater, N.J. © 2012 Allstate Insurance Co

Four Famous Insurance Scams 

By Annette Cashatt

1) In 2002, John Darwin was reported missing after failing to show up for his job and a search took place. He had last been seen in his canoe on the coast of the North Sea, but rescue searchers only found a wrecked canoe and a paddle. Not long after, a death certificate was issued for him and his wife collected enough life insurance money to pay off their 130,000 pounds they owned on the mortgage and leave over 25,000 left over. 

The catch: John Darwin lived beside his wife for seven years after his untimely “death”. He hid out in their house and also stayed at a neighboring unit they owned. This worked up until someone overheard the couple talking on the phone one day and became suspicious. When police investigated, the lies unraveled. 

2) In the mid 1970s, a rash of horse insurance fraud occurred. Several horses were insured for thousands of dollars and then mysteriously turned up dead. An animal rights activist, Helen Brach, realized what was going on and blew the whistle.

The catch: Unfortunately, instead of coming to terms with their fraud, it is suspected that one of the horse racketeers murdered Helen Brach. Nobody was ever officially convicted of killing her, however, and her body has not been found. One of the racketeers, and coincidentally Helen’s friend, was charged with conspiring to murder her and of defrauding her; his name is Richard Bailey. Bailey is currently serving his term in prison. 

3) Currently, there is an FBI hunt on for Dr. Gautam Gupta. He is facing multiple allegations of health insurance fraud, all of which carry some serious jail time.

The catch: The health insurance fraud is to the tune of about $25 million dollar and Dr. Gupta has yet to be found. They say he charged Medicaid and various insurance companies for unnecessary procedures as well as made-up procedures.  

4) Tired of paying for your car? Well, if you’re not afraid of breaking your ethics, losing your job, and going to jail, then you could always exchange good grades for your students torching your car.  This is what happened to Tramesha Fox when she offered an A+ if her students would set her Malibu on fire for the car insurance.

The catch: Basically, don’t ask teenagers to set fire to your auto and don’t expect them to stay quiet if they do. Tramesha was sent to jail for three months and also lost her job. 

Knights: The Original Landlord/Tenants

Knights: The Original Landlord/Tenants

By Brian H. Robbins

            Knights in shining armor. Their very name conjures up images of chivalry, jousting, and  damsels in distress.  What people often don’t think of are the real circumstances of knighthood: rental property.

Knights are probably the most famous renters and landlords in history. As part of the feudal system of many European nations, knights were land-owning aristocrats. They were landlords in that they received “rent” in the form of crops and military service from their peasants, those who lived on their property or “fief.” They were tenants in themselves in that they had to pay their lord in the form of military service.

They were high-ranking soldiers and their service would eventually be replaced by taxes, money paid to keep a standing army rather than the knights themselves serving whenever needed. As both landlords and tenants, knights were able to function as the heroes of yore.

In the modern era, landlords only protect their portion of a complex. You need protection for your own fief. Be a hero today: Be sure and get renters insurance here in C’ville.

Bunratty Castle, Public Domain Image