Why is there such a hubbub about dog breeds by insurance companies?

Here are a few facts for you to chew on:

• Dog bites account for one third of all liability claims
• In 2007, claims reached a new high, up 28% since 2003
• In 2007, there were 4.7 million dog bites, resulting in 800,000 injuries requiring medical treatment
• $356,700,000 (yes, that's millions of dollars) was paid in claims, up 10.5% from the previous year
• In 2007, there were 14,500 dog bites claims filed; the average claim payment was about $24,511

Returning Plates to the Registry

If you turn plates in at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, be sure to notify your insurance agent or company that you want coverage cancelled. The Registry does not make this notification. We cannot remove the vehicle until the date after the plates are returned.

Do's and Don'ts When Disaster Strikes

For Fire and Smoke Damage - This list of Emergency Tips has been compiled from many years of experience in fire and smoke damage repair and cleaning.

DO:

• Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies and carpets.
• Open windows for ventilation.
• Change furnace filters if blower is operating.
• Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.
• Clean and protect smoked bathroom faucets, tub fittings and towel bars with light coating of oil.
• Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks and tubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in winter.
• Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener helps).
• Call plumber to drain heating system if heat is off in winter.
• Remove pets (especially birds) to clean environment.

DO NOT:

• Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
• Use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided.
• Use exposed food items or canned goods which have been subjected to excessive heat.
• Use TVs, stereos or electrical appliances until they are cleaned and checked.
• Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner (improper cleaning may set smoke and odor).