Toys for Tots 2011
We are happy to announce that First American Insurance will once again be collecting new, unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. Donations of toys or money can be dropped off in our office at 510 Front Street, Chicopee. We will be collecting up until December 14th. You can also make donations at any of these locations:
Chicopee Public Library
449 Front Street
Chicopee, MA
http://www.chicopeepubliclibrary.org/
Chuck’s Auto Body & Towing
78 West Street
Chicopee, MA
http://www.chucksautobodyandtowing.com/
Chicopee High School
820 Front Street
Chicopee, MA
http://chs.chicopee.mec.edu/
Chicopee Comprehensive High School
617 Montgomery Street #1
Chicopee, MA
http://comp.chicopee.mec.edu/
Chicopee City Hall
17 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA
http://www.chicopeema.gov/
Eight Tips for the Road Ahead: Be Safe, Be Smart on a Long-Distance Road Trip
Road trips are such a great way to see America and make some great memories. Check out these tips on preparing for your next adventure.
Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile. If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips, courtesy of First American Insurance Agency.
- Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.
- Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.
- Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.
- Take precautions with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.
- Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.
- Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.
- Do this if you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.
- Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence.
To learn more about what an independent insurance agency offers you, call 413-592-8118 and talk to one of our specialists.
Young Poets Celebrated, Published in Poetry Anthology
A year-long poetry initiative in the Chicopee Public School system, sponsored by First American Insurance, resulted in the submission of hundreds of poems from all schools, with many of them submitted to further judging for inclusion in a professionally printed and bound Poetry Anthology.
Throughout the year, students in grades 2-5 were taught the forms of different types of poetry and then voluntarily submitted their original poems to their respective schools for judging. Each school then selected the best of the poems submitted for that month and sent them along to the school department for further judging as finalists for the published anthology. The end result was the selection of over 100 poems to be published, a celebration event with poetry readings from 6 intrepid young poets held at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, and a number of anthologies ordered by the proud poets' families.
Ed Murphy Named as Johnny Yee Foundation's 2011 Citizen of the Year
Congratulations to our own Ed Murphy, who was presented with the 2011 Citizen of the Year Award by the Johnny Yee Foundation in recognition of his dedication and service to the community.
Seasonal Insurance for Seasonal Businesses
Ever mowed a lawn in January? Or plowed a snowy driveway on a hot July day? If you own and operate a seasonal business, chances are you aren't working in the off-season, so the insurance you carry should be different than what you carry in-season. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your policy in the off-season.
At First American Insurance we offer seasonal insurance for businesses like landscapers, snowplow drivers, ice cream truck owners, and more. These coverages allow you to customize your commercial auto insurance based on when your business is running on all cylinders - and when it's not. We help you determine which coverages are right for you and your business. Call us at 413-592-8118 to speak to one of our Commercial Insurance Specialists.
In the News
In a recent BusinessWest interview, Corey Murphy, president of First American Insurance Agency, discussed how local agents are finding new ways to navigate the challenges of a competitive insurance market and the benefits to consumers of having a local insurance agent. http://businesswest.com/2010/11/game-on
Big Motorcycle Savings: up to 30% - 50%. See for yourself!
We didn't believe it, so we kept comparing our Progressive motorcycle quotes to existing coverages out there. The result: more choices, more options, and big savings up to 30% - 50%. Click on the case studies to compare for yourself...then call us at (413) 592-8118.
Doing Business at Home
When It Comes to Insurance, Make Sure Your Bases Are CoveredAccording to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, three out of 10 homeowners operate a business out of their home. More than 66% of the estimated 20.7 million people who work at home are self-employed and run a home-based business. It is estimated that more than half of home-based business owners are under insured, and the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA) worry that nearly 40% of those surveyed are uninsured.
Many of these incorrectly believe their homeowners policy covers their business. read more
First American Designated Truck Insurance Specialists
First American Insurance Agency was hand-picked by Progressive to represent its commercial vehicle coverage in Massachusetts. This partnership has been so successful that Progressive designated our team as "Truck Insurance Specialists."
If your company is operating a commercial vehicle of any kind–whether it's a pickup, van, box truck, flatbed or customized rig–you really need to talk to us. With gas and diesel prices going through the roof, we can help you find an insurance plan that'll help lower your overhead. We'll even arrange an easy payment plan!
Call us today for great coverage and big savings, and join the 500,000+ contractors who already trust in this insurance program. That's good business.
Playing Defense: Liability Coverage Is Critical to a Company's Insurance Planning
Running a business is an endless challenge to gain and keep customers, control expenses, outwit the competition, and keep a productive and efficient workforce. You also have to prepare for ordinary but potentially critical threats to your company's survival...read the full article