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road-potholes Ol’ Man Winter has not been kind to us. Even though we welcome the end to ice and snow and the polar vortex they rode in on, we now must deal with the dreaded potholes they have left in their wake. Now, that same ice and snow has left us dodging potholes as we drive on our roads.

Potholes are more than just a nuisance. If your vehicle hits a pothole, you could be left with major damage and large repair bills. So would that repair bill be covered by your insurance? The answer is a strong “Maybe”. If your auto insurance policy includes the optional Collision coverage, then the damage to your vehicle sustained by hitting the pothole would typically be covered up to the limits of your policy and after the Collision deductible has been met.

But sometimes the damage is not limited to just your own vehicle. Potholes might cause you to lose control, and you might hit another car or perhaps even a pedestrian. Damages to the other car or the pedestrian are not covered by your Collision coverage but by your Liability coverage.

Auto Insurance Tip

Before you set out on pothole-damaged roads, check with your insurance agent to be sure that your auto insurance policy includes the Collision coverage to protect you as well as to check on your Liability coverage limits in the event you need them.

Find out more about what auto insurance policy typically covers.

Here at the Daniel Howley Insurance Agency, we can answer all your insurance questions. Why not sit down with us to review your coverages and policy limits to be sure you are protected just in case you need it.

Use Maryland's "Watch Your Car" program to help prevent theft of your vehicles. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Maryland’s highest ranked area on the NICB’s Hot Spot list of vehicle thefts is the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area, ranking 93rd with 6,736 thefts in 2012.

Now Maryland is offering assistance to its residents who want to take steps to protect against auto theft. Any Maryland resident who is concerned about the rate of vehicle theft in their area and who does not typically drive their vehicle between 1AM and 5AM may now take advantage of the state’s “Watch Your Car” Program. This program is aimed at preventing vehicle theft and apprehending auto thieves.

To participate, you would register your vehicle for this program with the Maryland State Police. You will then receive decals to be placed on both the front and rear windows of the vehicle. Having these decals in place gives officers permission to stop the car to verify whether the driver is the actual owner or an owner-authorized driver. The “Watch Your Car” program is free public service administered by the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council; and, once registered, you may opt out at any time.

Learn more about the Watch your Car Program.

Auto Insurance Tip

What sort of insurance protection do you have in the event your car is stolen? If you don’t know the details, you will want to check with your insurance agent to be sure that your vehicles are fully covered for theft and other claims by your current Auto Insurance policy. Auto theft can happen to anyone even if precautions are taken.

Here at the Daniel Howley Insurance Agency in Rockville, MD, we pleased to answer all your auto insurance questions and assist you with a review of your policy to be sure that you have the coverage and rates that best benefit you. Why not contact our office at your convenience to speak with a professional insurance agent who can help?

Young, Single and Buying a Home

It has usually been accepted in the past that two incomes are better than one when entering the housing market since more money buys more of a house.

However, according to CreditSesame.com, many young, single people are both able and willing to become homeowners these days. Many millenials who began their careers during the current recession are skipping the stock market and opting to become homeowners. This is partially because it is easier in recent years to afford a home because of the lowering of interest rates. Actually, a 2013 Time.com study shows that the wealthiest 10% of millennials will account for 20% of all the spending on primary home purchases over the next few years.

Now is the Time to Buy

One might ask, why are millenials buying homes now? It’s likely because it pays to take advantage of a good deal when it comes along. Trends are showing that the real estate market is bottoming out, prices are going up, and mortgage interest rates are rising. The time is right if one is to buy a home before prices and rates go up.

While many of these young, single millenials can afford a home on their own, some are opting to take the homeownership plunge as an unmarried couple before tying the knot.

Unmarried Couples as Homeowners

Conventional wisdom advises that you consider contingencies. You must at least consider the possibility that your relationship may not last since there is nothing binding it prior to marriage. If you’re buying a home with a partner you’re not married to, you might wish to consider a prenuptial agreement to at least address both parties’ interests in such a large commitment. Such a legal document should specify the details of home ownership, including the financial responsibilities of each partner as well as a detailed plan of action in the event that the relationship ends. In a case such as this, it is always best to consult an attorney before taking any action.

Homeowners Insurance Tip

As you make plans to purchase your home, whether on your own or as a couple, don’t forget to add homeowners insurance to your list of things to handle.

Here at the Daniel Howley Insurance Agency, we are experienced in all facets of Homeowners Insurance and we can help you explore your options and make the best decisions in terms of coverage and rates that meet your needs. Why not contact our office to discuss your questions, and/or request a Homeowners Insurance quote.

Give your family a Legacy of Love with Life Insurance to keep them secure February is "Insure Your Love" month. Now is the right time to learn how you can leave a legacy of love for your family.

This short video from the Life Foundation makes a profound statement and shows just what a difference your own day to day choices can make in the lives of your loved ones.

Moms: We challenge you to watch this video and then answer honestly: Would you be the "before" or the "after"? Be sure to watch all the way through to see the creative twist.

None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. Planning for your family’s financial future can offer priceless peace of mind through the knowledge that they will be able to go on with their lives and pursue their dreams even if they must go on without you.

Here at the Howley Insurance Agency we are experienced in Life Insurance and can assist you in exploring the many options available. Why not give us a call at your convenience?