Home > Insurance News Winter 2008

Did Santa Get You a GPS?

GPS devices are the hot gadget for this holiday season. Unfortunately, they are also a burglar magnet! In Boston, GPS theft increased over 300% in 2007 over the prior year. In many cases, the thieves smash a car window, and grab or damage other things in the car. GPS devices that are portable are generally not covered on your auto insurance policy, and the loss may be too small versus the deductible to be covered under the personal property part on your home.

To limit your exposure, always hide your GPS unit including the cradle and wires. Even that precaution may be insufficient as thieves look for the telltale suction cup fastener mark on your windshield or dashboard. So, you should clean off the mark or better still, if the device provides audible directions, try operating it without mounting it. Where possible, remove it and carry it with you. These precautions could mean you won’t be asking Santa for the same gift this upcoming year!

New Year’s Resolutions versus More Procrastination?

Will this be the year you make more progress on those financial plans for retirement or college savings we keep asking you about? Will this be the year you get wills and other estate plans drafted or updated? You will be a year older. Will your health improve or could an unexpected medical issue appear? To work on these resolutions, check out our web site for tools to determine the right type and amount of life insurance or disability income insurance. We also have links to retirement accumulation calculators. Finally, we have the background to help you make progress in all these areas. Call us to get started on your resolutions.

Safety’s Answer to Competitive Auto Insurance

Beginning April 1, Massachusetts drivers will experience a competitive auto insurance market comparable to other states. Over the next few months, expect auto insurer advertising to reach levels of car company sales or presidential candidates! Safety Insurance has received state approval for some very competitive discounts. They expect that over 87% of all drivers will see a rate decrease of up to 25% from their 2007 rates. There will be new credits for renewing your Safety policy. For new drivers Safety has good student, and student away at school discounts. For SDIP steps 99 and 98 the credits will be larger and for SDIP steps 1,2 and 3 the surcharges will be lower. Safety will also broaden coverage with the Safety Shield endorsement. It broadens 8 coverage parts including a waiver of the $500 deductible for step 98 and 99 listed operators – even if he or she is at fault! Check out our web site for more information on the changes and how to save on your auto insurance.

Click here to see the Fall 2007 Insurance Update

Click here to see the Summer 2007 Insurance Update

INVEST Financial Corporation (INVEST), memberFINRA, SIPC, a registered broker dealer and federally registered investment advisor, is not affiliated with Beacon Insurance Group, Inc.. INVEST does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal adviser for guidance on your particular situation. Securities, advisory services and certain insurance products are offered through INVEST and affiliated insurance agencies. Advisory services are offered through INVEST Financial Corporation, a federally registered investment advisor.

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