Beacon agents Jordan Hegedus and Bob Gromelski recently attended the In Control Advanced Driver Training course in North Andover. The half-day course is designed to simulate actual driving situations that require emergency braking and avoidance maneuvers. Per Bob Gromelski, “I was impressed! Our instructors were experienced race-car drivers. The hands on training will help me avoid situations that could result in a serious crash. New drivers, in particular, should find the course both instructive and fun!”

Safety auto insurance clients pay only $75 per attendee – up to 75% below the normal $299 cost. Upon successful completion, a a graduate or Safety policy holder family member is eligible to join the Safe Roads Alliance for $20 and receive a 5% Safety auto insurance group discount (complete documentation required prior to start of policy term and not available with other group discounts). To learn more visit: www.WeDriveInControl.com/SafetyInsurance

What would happen to you or your family if an unexpected disability meant you couldn’t work for a few months nevertheless a year or more? Disability causes nearly 50% of mortgage foreclosures, and unexpected illnesses and injuries cause 350,000 personal bankruptcies each year (Health Affairs, Feb. 2, 2005). You might believe it can’t happen to you, but according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in 5 workers will be out of work for at least a year before they retire. If you were disabled, how would you replace your paycheck? Savings or disability income insurance are the main funding sources. How long could you live on your savings?

Social security does pay a disability benefit (SSDI), but the average monthly benefit is $978, and less than half of workers who apply for SSDI are approved (Social Security Administration Fact Sheet 2007). If your employer offers some disability coverage and you have elected to get it, do you know how much of your income it replaces including bonuses, and for how long? How well have you protected your family’s lifestyle from a disability? Visit our web page: www.gotobeacon.com/disability_info.html or call us for a checkup.

MetLife and its mascot Snoopy is one of the most recognized insurers. Per Beacon Vice President Jordan Hegedus, “Beacon is proud to announce our agency’s appointment to represent MetLife’s Massachusetts auto insurance plans. MetLife Auto will provide our clients with a financially strong, national insurer, quality claims handling, and competitive rates.” MetLife auto policies include no charge extras such as ID Theft Protection, and Special Loss Settlement Coverage. This latter endorsement provides replacement cost without depreciation for tires, brakes, batteries and shocks. It also expands first year total loss on vehicles with under 15,000 miles to full replacement cost less the deductible (excludes leases). As impressive, is MetLife Auto’s array of payment options including one-time and recurring debit and credit card payment, and the ExpressIT EFT payment plan with a 5% premium discount! Call us for a quote.