Storing a classic car through the winter. - Flushing Insurance

Storing a classic car through the winter

If you’re a classic car owner, surely you are committed to ensuring it stays in tip-top shape throughout all the seasons, especially the winter when it most likely will be unused for a while.

Any period of inactivity requires a number of preparatory steps to prevent damage. The most critical actions are what to look for in a storage location, what to do prior to storage, and how to cover your beloved beauty.
 

Choose a storage location with care. Where you store your car might be the most important factor in its winter survival. If you’re looking for a location that’s in the care of others, there are a few critical questions to consider.

·         Is the storage location also considered a high-quality car-care specialist? If anything goes awry, you want to be sure your car is being taken care of by top-notch expert staff.

·         Is the location controlled for both humidity and climate? Both are essential elements in maintaining your car’s systems and aesthetics.

·         Is the storage facility on high security? Housing such valuable investments can make a less-than-secure storage location a target for theft.

Hire a professional to get it ready. There are more nooks and crannies on a classic car than most can count. Make sure you get your car fully prepared by a professional who will address fluids, brakes, joints, cooling and heating systems, and the like. Unless you are a professional-grade do-it-yourselfer, it’s best to trust the pros.

                                                                                                                       

Cover it up. Take great care in choosing a cover and make sure it’s a cotton flannel fabric, which is more breathable and gentle than other fabrics.

We at CIS Agency Inc. hope you - and your classic car - stay warm and safe this winter season!

Contact Us!

At CIS Agency Inc. we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 810.733.3880 or send us a note at Khosea@cisagencyinc.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Boat Trailer Safety

Top Tips for Boat Trailer Safety

There are many reasons to love the sport of boating – it can be relaxing, exciting, entertaining and even rejuvenating. But hauling a boat on a trailer and launching it at the busy launch ramp can have its challenges. In fact, it can be downright stressful and dangerous and is often wrought with mishaps.

It’s not too early to start getting your boat trailer in tip-top shape. To help make sure you can haul your boat to its destination and into the water smoothly, check out this basic trailering checklist from discoverboating.com.

Before you tow your boat trailer, be sure: 

·Coupler, hitch and hitch ball are of the same size
·Coupler and safety chains are safely secured to the hitch of the tow vehicle
·All fasteners are properly tightened
·Boat is securely tied down to trailer (winch line is not a tie down)
·Wheel lug nuts are properly tightened
·Wheel bearings are properly adjusted and maintained
·Load is within maximum load carrying capacity
·Tires are properly inflated
·All trailer lighting is working properly
·Trailer brakes are properly adjusted and working (if trailer is so equipped)
·Brakes and additional equipment meet all local and state requirements

At CIS Agency Inc, we want your boating adventures to be enjoyed on the water instead of experienced with frustration on the boat ramp or on the road.

 

Happy hauling!

 

Insurance side bar:

 

·         Before you’re out there towing and floating, take a look at your current boat and trailer insurance policies. Check with your agent to be sure your coverage is adequate and that your policies are up to date and renewed.

·         Upgraded your boat or trailer recently? If so, talk to your insurance agent about your coverage and limits to be certain your coverage is sufficient.

·         Be sure both your boat and trailer policy liability limits are adequate. Just one accident involving a boat can result in extensive damage and serious injuries.

 

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our Referral Winner for this quarter. We hope you enjoy having dinner on us with your $50.00 gift card to Famous Dave's!! The fun starts again you can refer and win too!! Our next drawing starts now and ends in September! For more information on how to enter please check out this post!!

 

You’re invited!!

Please join us in celebrating our customers and friends. There is nothing better than hotdogs on the grill on a summer afternoon. Invite your family, friends and coworkers along for the fun too. Everyone is welcome! Hotdogs are sponsored by our partners at Safelite Autoglass!

RSVP: Not required but we would love for you to share our event with your friends!

Our Donut Day was a great time. We enjoyed quality time with some of our clients with policy reviews. If you missed out it’s not too late. If you would like us to review your policies please download this form and return it to our office. We’d love to see you but if you can’t make it you can always email , or fax it to 810.715.5505.

 

Father’s Day

Time to Honor Dad

With summer drawing near and the weather warming up, Michigan neighborhoods come alive with the sights and sounds of the season: lawnmowers, power tools and backyard barbecues, to name a few.

For many people, those things all bring to mind one specific person: Dad. And since Father’s Day is just around the corner, we at CIS Agency thought we’d give you some gift ideas - and some fun history trivia, too!

The history of Father’s Day

Marked on the third Sunday of June in the United States (and in many other countries), Father’s Day was first celebrated in 1910 to complement Mother’s Day. According to Wikipedia, the day was created by Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Wash., who wanted to honor her father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart.

Although Dodd originally suggested her father’s birthday in early June, she had not provided organizers with enough time to arrange the event - and the celebration was delayed until the third Sunday of the month.

Although Mother’s Day has been an official national holiday since 1914, Father’s Day had a tougher road. Congress refused to make the celebration official in the years immediately following Dodd’s first observance, fearing that the day would become commercialized. (Some would say those fears were well-founded; the creator of Mother’s Day later came to regret the commercialization of that holiday.)

It wasn’t until 1966 that Father’s Day received an official proclamation, thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson. And six years later, President Richard Nixon signed a law making the day a national holiday.

Facts and figures (from government website USA.gov)

·         There are an estimated 70.1 million fathers across the nation

·         An estimated 1.7 million men are single fathers

·         Approximately 176,000 fathers are stay-at-home dads

What to get Dad?

Once you’re past the age of, say, 10, the “Old Spice and a tie” routine probably won’t cut it anymore when it comes to getting a gift for your father. Here are some better ideas from AskMen.com:

·         Grilling tools (this way, perhaps he’ll even cook for you on Father’s Day!)

·         Alcohol (to be enjoyed in moderation, of course)

·         Fishing gear

·         Golf clubs, balls or other sporting goods - or take him out for a round of golf

·         Books (particularly grilling cookbooks)

·         Gadgets (such as a GPS; after all, many dads don’t like asking for directions)

·         Landscaping services (so he can take a break from mowing the lawn)

Aside from ties and cheap cologne, you’ll probably want to avoid the most clichéd gifts, especially “World’s Best Dad” items (even if it’s true!) and socks.

As with all gifts, though, it’s the thought that counts. And we’re sure your dad will appreciate simply being appreciated. And if you’re a dad yourself – Happy Father’s Day! We hope you’ll enjoy your day.

 

Summer Kid Activities

Summer’s Coming – What to Do With the Kids?

It’s the age-old question that parents in Michigan face every year: How do we keep the kids occupied this summer?

 Well, there are always the biggies, such as theme parks or camping. But, with work and other obligations getting in the way, not to mention your budget, you can’t always get away from home. So, we here at CIS Agency compiled a list of some activities that are both educational and fun — and that your kids are sure to enjoy!

 

Art Projects

There are a number of ways you can encourage the young artist in your family, from programs and offerings at local museums to do-it-yourself art projects. Try these ideas from The Artful Parent, a website focused on encouraging art and creativity in children:

• Splatter painting: Spread an old sheet out in the yard, grab some watered-down acrylic paint and a brush or a spoon. Then, have your kids dip the brush or spoon and flick their wrist to splatter the paint! Try different colors and motions to make interesting patterns.
           
• Body painting: Kids love to paint themselves! Washable, nontoxic tempera paint is just the ticket, and it comes off with soap and water.
      
• Grape and toothpick sculptures: This is as easy as it sounds. Get a bowl of grapes and a box of toothpicks. The grapes hold their shapes well and are easily pierced by the toothpicks to create towers and other structures. And, when you’re done, you have a healthy snack!

 Science Activities

Have a budding scientist around the house? Try these basic projects from PBS:

• Grow something. Having your kids grow flowers, herbs or vegetables creates a long-term learning activity that encourages monitoring and observation.
      
• Cook something. Working together in the kitchen invites all kinds of questions: What does baking soda do? Why is gelatin such a weird consistency? How do ingredients interact?
      
• Get outside. The outdoors is full of things for kids to examine — plants, worms, frogs, bugs and more! Even running through the sprinkler can be an educational opportunity, once the rainbow appears.
      
• Stay up late ... and look up. A clear summer night is perfect for checking out stars and pointing out constellations. You can talk to your kids about the various planets, and maybe even catch a firefly or two.

Reading — It’s Not Just for School

Encouraging your kids to read over the summer can help them when school gets back in session, so don’t miss an opportunity. You can share the newspaper in the morning, or simply read the cereal box at breakfast. Even a few minutes a day can have a big impact.

 You might also consider the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge, a free online program for children from May 4 to September 4. Last year more than a million kids from 29 countries took part, and this year’s program features free book lists, a sweepstakes and the chance to set a world record.

Of course, there are thousands of things you can do with your kids in Michigan over the course of the summer. If these ideas aren’t up your alley, consider summer camp, local music and sports programs or volunteering in the community.

Summer will be over before you know it, so make the most of it!

College Graduation Insurance Tips

Protect your college grad with the right insurance

College graduation is an exciting time for students and their parents alike.  And, while it’s easy to be immersed in graduation parties and focused on first-job jitters, it’s a time of major transitions and big decisions, and it’s essential to prepare graduates for what comes next.

One area new college graduates need to address is insurance.  As insurance professionals at Cis Agency, we know insurance can be a confusing topic.  We also know that seemingly small missed details can result in very large losses.  We want to ensure your college graduate is protected before heading out into the real world, so we have compiled the following pointers.

·         Review your family’s current insurance. The first step when considering insurance for your new graduate is evaluating the coverage you currently have.  Make an appointment with your agent, who can advise on whether it’s appropriate given the pending changes, and whether it will cover your son or daughter.

·         Know the law. Most states require drivers to have auto insurance, and most of those have minimum policy limit requirements. Research the law in your son or daughter’s state, or consult with your agent, to make sure they are covered adequately.

·         Read your lease. Many apartment, condominium and home rental properties require tenants to maintain a certain level of renter’s insurance, which covers the contents of the home in the event of a robbery, fire, or other loss. Make sure you know the terms of your son or daughter’s new lease, and insure them accordingly.

·         Don’t end up liable. Any home renter or owner is exposed to liability risk. To ensure there is adequate coverage in the event someone gets injured on your son or daughter’s property, speak with your agent about liability insurance.

·         Don’t gamble! Never go without. It’s simple: your son or daughter should always have insurance in place. Be sure to discuss with your agent what types they need.

·         Know your company benefits. Many college graduates move straight into the workforce, and most companies have benefits. Study the company’s human resources handbook to learn what benefits are available, when they go into effect, and what their limitations are.

We at CIS Agency congratulate you on the graduation of your daughter or son!  Please contact us with any questions, or to request a review of your family’s insurance portfolio.

 

Grilling Safety

Summers mean backyard grilling – safely!

Just like hamburgers and hot dogs, a sizzling grill is a symbol of summer and grilling isn’t just about great food. Backyard barbecues often create treasured memories with friends and family.

Keep in mind, however, that when you grill, you’re literally playing with fire. Thousands of residents each year learn this the hard way, suffering damage to their homes or even serious injuries in grilling accidents.

There’s good news, though: You can prevent grilling accidents by taking some simple precautions. The tips below can help ensure you cook only your burgers — and not your house — the next time you fire up the grill.

TIPS FOR ALL GRILLS

Your grill, whether gas or charcoal, should be on a level surface outdoors, away from anything that could be ignited by flames (bushes, fences, etc.).

NEVER use a grill indoors. Odorless carbon monoxide fumes could kill you.

Keep your grill clean and well-maintained. Check parts regularly to determine if replacements are needed.

Never leave a hot grill unattended or let children play near it.

CHARCOAL GRILL TIPS

From Kingsford.com

Do not add lighter fluid directly to hot coals. The flame could travel up the stream of fluid and burn you.

Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire.

Use flame-retardant mitts and long-handled barbecue tongs, as coals can reach up to 1,000 degrees.

To dispose of coals, allow the ashes to cool for at least 48 hours before disposal in a non-combustible container. If you cannot wait 48 hours, carefully place coals individually in a can of sand or bucket of water.

GAS GRILL TIPS

From the National Fire Protection Association

Check your grill’s hoses for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If you have a leak, and it will not stop after the grill and gas is turned off, call the fire department. If the leak stops when the grill and gas are turned off, have your grill serviced by a professional.

If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

Do not keep a filled propane tank in a hot car or trunk. When getting containers refilled, make that your last stop before going home.

Store propane tanks in an upright position, and never indoors.

From all of us at CIS Agency, happy grilling, and stay safe this summer!

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend can be a busy one for many. The three-day holiday that marks the unofficial start of summer is a great opportunity for family activities, which can leave little time for the original purpose of the holiday: honoring those who have died while serving in America's armed forces.

There is a way, though, that you can participate in Memorial Day commemorations, and it only takes a moment. Here’s what to do: Pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silent reflection in honor and remembrance of those who have died in service to our nation.

Of course, there are other ways to honor our fallen heroes, too. Here are a few:

·         Buy a Poppy From the American Legion Auxiliary. The organization has been selling red crepe-paper poppies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day since 1925. John McCrea's 1915 poem, In Flanders Fields, which honors those who died in World War I, inspired this tradition.

·         Display the American Flag. On the morning of Memorial Day, raise the flag to the top of the staff before lowering it to half-staff. Leave it at half-staff until noon, when you can once again raise it to the top.

·         Visit a Veteran’s Grave. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) maintains 131 national cemeteries, and many states have veterans cemeteries as well. Check the VA listings to locate a nearby cemetery, which will likely host a Memorial Day ceremony.

Memorial Day History

The concept of Memorial Day dates back to 1868, then known as Decoration Day, a time to place flowers at the graves of our war dead. Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic established Decoration Day, with the first national celebration occurring on May 30, 1868. In 1971, it was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress that also moved it to the last Monday in May.

We hope you’ll join us at CIS Agency in taking part in the moment of silence, known as the National Moment of Remembrance, and other Memorial Day traditions in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We will forever be grateful for their service.

We Appreciate Your Referrals!

CIS Insurance Agency Referral Program:

Your referrals mean the world to us.  We work hard to earn each referral with great service and appreciation for your business every day.  Here’s how it works:

Each time we receive a successful referral from you, your name is entered into our quarterly referral drawing.  A successful referral is when we get a call for a quote from someone saying you referred them to us and we are able to write them a new policy.  

· For every successful referral we write we will send you a $10 gas card for Speedway. 

· We hold a quarterly drawing from all the names of people that referred someone to us.

à For our quarterly drawing, the quarterly prize is $50 gift card to a local restaurant.

à We’ll announce who won in our monthly newsletter and on Facebook.

· That’s it. Remember to checkout our Facebook page for more chances to enter our quarterly raffle.