Month: March 2014

Home Maintenance Chores for Spring

Posted on by TheSph3r3

After you’ve gotten your home all clean and sparkling with your spring cleaning, you may want to tackle these home maintenance chores.

1. HVAC Maintenance

Go ahead and make an appointment with your local HVAC company to have your unit inspected and maintained. The technician will lubricate all the moving parts, check the thermostat, check the coolant levels, and give everything a good cleaning. If you do this now, your unit will be ready to go when the first hot day of summer arrives.

2. Filters

You probably already change the filters regularly in your furnace. However, there are other large appliances that have filters that should be changed or cleaned regularly. Check your vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, refrigerator water filter, and air purifier to make sure that you have maintained the filters on these units. Doing this small chore will improve the efficiency of these appliances and make them last longer.

3. Drain the Hot Water Heater

Hard water can ruin the heating elements in your hot water heater. However, you can mitigate this damage by draining your hot water heater once or twice a year. Turn off the power and the water supply to the hot water heater. Attach a garden hose leading outdoors to the faucet on the bottom of the hot water heater. Open the faucet, and let the tank drain. When the water stops running, close the valve, detach the hose, and turn the water and electricity back on.

If you need more information about your homeowners insurance coverage in Las Vegas, Nevada, contact All Nevada Insurance today!

Flu Shots Are Great Preventive Care

Posted on by TheSph3r3

No one likes to get sick. Getting the flu can mean a week or more away from work in addition to feeling tired, achy and just plain lousy. Having a flu shot before flu season is one of the best short term preventive care decisions you can make.

It takes about two weeks from the time you have a flu shot until your body builds up an immunity against the disease. A shot helps to protect you for around three months and it is advisable to only have one flu shot a year. Flu shots are effective between 70-90% of the time for healthy adults. The vaccine is not as effective for young children and the elderly.

Flu shots are sometimes covered under health insurance. To learn more about how getting the right healthcare coverage can keep you healthy throughout the year, please contact All Nevada Insurance, located in Las Vegas.

Live in Las Vegas? Life Insurance Is a Must

Posted on by TheSph3r3

If you live in the city of Las Vegas, you’re a prime candidate for life insurance. The high mortality rate in Las Vegas increases the importance of having life insurance to ensure that your family will be provided for in the event of your unexpected death.

Despite the city’s glamorous appeal, Las Vegas can be a dangerous place to live—homicide rates increased by 50% within the first three months of 2013. The large influx of visitors throughout the year contributes to the auto accident mortality rate. In addition, Las Vegas has a 50% higher suicide rate than any other city in the country. Depression is also on the rise due to excessive gambling losses.

These reasons and more make it imperative for residents to protect the future of their families with life insurance coverage. Life insurance offers tangible financial security for loved ones when you pass on. You can have greater peace of mind that your family will be well taken care of after you’re gone.

Life coverage can be personalized to meet your needs and budget, making it a viable financial option. Find out more about life coverage options and plans in Nevada by contacting All Nevada Insurance located in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Police Change Fender-Bender Policy

Posted on by TheSph3r3

Beginning March 3, 2014 Las Vegas police changed the policy on fender-bender accidents to free up Metro’s police force.  Per Sheriff Gillespie, Metro’s force continues to be "stretched to its limits". By changing the fender-bender policy, it is estimated that 250 hours per week will be available for officers to perform essential duties.

 

There are now 30 fewer traffic officers than there were just 18 months ago. Metro reported that minor traffic incidents/accidents are consuming excessive amounts of time when severe crashes and fatalities deserve urgent attention.

 

With the change, police are no longer required to respond to minor property-only incidents. Drivers involved should still exchange information.  They should also file an accident report within 10 days of the incident.  Metro’s police force will now have more time to apply their efforts in reducing traffic fatalities.

 

Do you need auto insurance? Contact All Nevada Insurance for full coverage and low rates. We have over 70 years of experience and have complete knowledge of the industry. We are one of the most trusted brokers, providing a full range of insurance and financial services. All Nevada Insurance cares about you and your family and we maintain excellent communication.  As a full service agency, we are fluent in Spanish and are prepared to find the best protection for your situation.

 

Spring Is the Best Time to Update RV Insurance Coverage

Posted on by TheSph3r3

Travel plans are being developed months before departure.  As part of the preparation, RV owners are wise to evaluate the existing RV insurance policy.  Consideration must be given to the differences between auto insurance and RV insurance.

  • Specialized vehicle – A recreational vehicle requires coverage for personal belongings and more expensive towing services.  RV insurance offers services that are designed to assist policyholders with various problems that arise on the road.
  • Avoid cheap insurance – Affordable RV insurance includes the insurer’s strong reputation for paying claims and providing assistance.  Policyholders trust the insurance company to respond regardless of the RV’s location.
  • Sufficient liability coverage – Your property must be protected against loss when you cause damage to property belonging to another person.  Liability limits must be sufficient to pay for these losses.
  • Applicable discounts – Savings on RV insurance is possible when the policyholder asks for the Exclusive Storage Option that suspends unnecessary insurance when the RV is not in use.
  • Annual destinations – Driving into Mexico, or Canada, might fall outside the acceptable risk of your current RV insurance.  Contact the insurance company early to make appropriate adjustments.

For more information about RV insurance in Nevada, contact All Nevada Insurance located in Las Vegas.

5 Things You Need To Know Before Renting in Las Vegas

Posted on by TheSph3r3

Looking to rent in the Las Vegas area? Before you sign anything, read the five tips below from Nevada Legal Services.

How Much Should a Security Deposit Be?

Nevada law states that a security deposit can be up to three times the monthly rent and no more.

When Can a Landlord Increase Rent?

Landlords can’t raise rents at their whims. They can only legally raise the rent if there are provisions in the original renter’s agreement.

Landlords Need to Give Contact Numbers

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to reach a landlord during an emergency. By state law, landlords need to give their renters an emergency contact phone number of someone who lives within 60 miles of you.

Landlords Need to Tell You If Foreclosure is Possible

Even if you are only renting, you can still be tossed in the street from a foreclosure. Landlords are required by law to tell anyone looking to rent that the property is in foreclosure.

Free Consultations Available

Still have questions? A free 15 minute consultation can be had from the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.

If you still wonder what you need to know before renting a house in Las Vegas, Nevada, please contact All Nevada Insurance today.

Landscaping for the Arid Nevada Climate

Posted on by TheSph3r3

In a real estate market that can be increasingly volatile, investing time and money in properly landscaping your home can pay off when you get ready to sell. Since there are usually many homes on the market, having a landscaping plan that is well-designed and well-maintained will set your home apart from the competition. Additionally, properly landscaping your home can make it a more pleasant place for you and your family. Here are three benefits of customizing your landscaping to the climate of the arid state of Nevada.

1. Xeriscaping reduces water use.

Many homes in Nevada rely on xeriscaping design for landscaping. Xeriscaping uses plantings that need very little water. This can be a selling point because low-maintenance plantings are attractive to homebuyers.

2. Good landscaping uses proper irrigation procedures.

Rather than installing typical sprinklers, good landscaping design in Nevada utilizes drip irrigation. This reduces water loss due to evaporation and ensures that more water makes it to the plants’ roots. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the phenomenon of "watering the pavement" that can so often happen with sprinklers.

3.  Good landscaping keeps safety in mind.

Because the past few years have been unusually dry, increasing the chances of wildfire, good landscaping designs keep vegetation to a minimum within thirty feet of the home. Shrubs and perennial plants that are closer to the house should be thinned to keep fire from having an easy path to the house.

For more information about homeowners insurance in Las Vegas and the surrounding area, contact All Nevada Insurance today!

 

What to Do If You Have a Car Accident in Nevada

Posted on by TheSph3r3

All it takes is a slippery road or a moment’s inattention to cause a car wreck. A car accident can happen very quickly, and it may be one of the scariest moments of your life. Every driver should know what to do if there is an accident. However, the protocol may differ depending upon the state in which you are driving. In Nevada, this is what drivers should do if there is an accident.

Move Out of Traffic and Call the Police

First, if the vehicles are able to be moved and no one is seriously injured, move the vehicles out of the way of traffic. Next, call law enforcement. If no one is injured, you may just want to call the police without using the 911 number. If law enforcement shows up to work the accident, he or she will fill in the proper paper work. However, if a policeman is not available, you must take it upon yourself to get the correct information.

Paperwork Necessities

Make sure that you get the other driver’s full, legal name, phone number, and address. Additionally, you should get their driver’s license number and license plate number. Be sure to record their car information, like the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Also in Nevada, paperwork requires the Social Security numbers of both parties. Write down the approximate location of the wreck, the weather conditions, and the exact date and time of the accident. Be sure that you supply the other driver with the same information for yourself.

File Papers

In Nevada, you must file a Report of Traffic Accident within 10 days of the wreck. This form is available on the Department of Motor Vehicle website. It will include all of the above information and will not be accepted without it. You will also need to include a copy of your insurance card and medical reports if someone was injured.

Insurance Claims

Be sure to notify your insurance company of your accident as soon as you can. They will walk you through the steps of getting your vehicle repaired and making any claims against the other driver.

If you have questions about your auto insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada, contact All Nevada Insurance today.

Special Programs for Young Drivers in Las Vegas

Posted on by TheSph3r3

Teen drivers have accident rates up to three times higher than the rest of the population. If your teen is learning to drive, you may be interested in these resources:

Adam’s Place, a counseling center focused on teen issues offers a driving education course tailored for young beginners. The course was developed by concerned parents and traffic safety experts. In addition to teaching driving skills, the course places strong emphasis on safe driving, accident avoidance and injury prevention. The 30-hour course will prepare a teen driver for licensing, but more importantly, build awareness of the responsibility drivers accept for the safety of themselves and others. For dates, times and registration information, call (702) 339-0848.

Driver’s Edge is a unique safety course for drivers under 21. The course appeals to young drivers with sessions on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway course. During the session, drivers are taught how to control their cars in difficult situations and learn methods of avoiding collisions. As part of the course, every student will have a chance to get behind the wheel with a professional race driver or performance course driver. Dates vary, call (702) 896-6482 for details.

All Nevada Insurance is dedicated to protecting Nevada drivers, especially teens, with the right insurance. To explore your auto insurance options, contact us.

The benefits of digital security cameras

Posted on by TheSph3r3

Many home owners and business owners are adding digital security cameras to their properties now that the technology has become relatively affordable and easy to use.

Today’s digital surveillance cameras operate largely through software and apps. They can alert home and business owners via smartphone when something appears amiss at their respective locations. Those who use the devices can monitor their property through their tablets and similar devices, allowing them to determine if there is truly an emergency occurring or not. 

Digital cameras are credited with helping authorities recover stolen property in relation to several recent Las Vegas area burglaries. In each case, police were able to review recorded footage and find clues to the identify of the thieves in question, leading to arrests and property recovering. 

If you are thinking of buying such a system, do some research so you understand your options. Make sure you choose a system that not only fits your budget, but also your privacy and security needs and goals. 

For more information about how to protect your Las Vegas home or business property, contact All Nevada Insurance today.