Spring has sprung and so much has happened lately there's no doubt change is in the air.

Last week we had a full solar eclipse, a comet pass close to the earth and a crazy storm! 

I don't know if it was a named storm but she sure was angry as all get out - thunder and lightning, torrential rains, and tossing out tornadoes left and right.

What does this have to do with Insurance?

Everything!

If you haven't reviewed your insurance policies wouldn't now be a good time to do so?

Springtime brings people out of the house, gardening, landscaping, cleaning and otherwise beautifying their home and yard. After the wildfires of last year, please practice outdoor fire safety stay up to date on burn bans in the area.

Hurricane season is fast approaching. Are you prepared? Do you know what your homeowner policy does and does not cover? What about your automobile or flood policies? Are you familiar with Binding Restrictions and when/why they go in effect?

Along with longer days we have kids going to prom and school is ending soon so watch out for those young drivers! Especially those in Driver's Ed or newly licensed. AND beware of the folks using e-bikes for transportation.

Kids will be kids so pay close attention in neighborhoods and country roads where they may be driving a cart or operating/riding an ATV. Boats are out and about on our local waterways. Is yours properly insured?

Summer is right around the corner and with it vacation and travel plans. Is your RV, Motorhome or Camper properly insured? If you're taking a trip abroad, have you renewed your passport and/or purchased travel insurance?

Are you turning 65 this summer? Have you gotten your Medicare insurance in place? Don't call the number on a television ad and be careful to avoid the Medicare scams out there. Why not, shop local and contact our experienced, knowledgeable Medicare agent? 

Just a few reminders of what's important over the next few months.

Until next time, take care and get out and enjoy the beautiful weather as often as you can!

Tommy Curtis and Staff

Although "Summer" isn't officially over until September 23rd (first day of Fall) here in SWLA and around the country many consider summer's end when school starts. That said, let's look at some things to stay aware of as we move into the end of 3rd and last quarter of 2023.

School is back in session in many states and communities so slow down and pay attention to your surroundings! Too many parents live the ultimate nightmare when their child is injured or killed while on his/her way to school or sports practice. Lots of teens get a license and/or new car which means more drivers on the road, many of them inexperienced.

That their child is growing up fills parents with ​a mixture of pride and trepidation. True, having an extra driver in the home helps when it comes to extracurricular activities and quick trips to the grocery store, but the worry and fear of them on the road are real.

So, what are some things parents can do to prepare for their teen getting a driver's license?

​Spring is in full bloom and the days are getting longer. Kids are out running around and playing ball or throwing a frisbee in the yard. Perhaps roaming the neighborhood on their bicycle.
 
What they shouldn’t be doing is dragging the roads on a golf cart, 4-wheeler or any other ATV made for operation by a licensed driver!

And yet, we see this all the time.

Louisiana law states that all golf cart drivers must have a driver's license for safety purposes and that 4-wheelers and other ATV’s can be driven on the shoulders of all public roads and highways except interstate highways for the purposes of farm-related activities within a five-mile radius of your farm, provided that you possesses a valid Class “E” driver’s license.

According to a report dated Sept. 2022 by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), more than 3,000 have been killed as a result of ATV accidents between 1982 and 2015; 4 kids go to the ER every hour with injuries sustained in riding or driving an ATV. The Mayo Clinic states that children account for nearly one-third of all ATV injuries and one-quarter of ATV fatalities.

Another thing for parents to beware of is, if your child is riding his or her friends around on your ATV and that friend gets injured or killed, YOU may be held liable.

No one intentionally puts their or someone else’s child in danger. We teach them to be careful and obey the rules we put in place. But kids will be kids and they will test those boundaries. Therefore, if you’re going to disregard the law and take matters into your own hands with your child’s life, for goodness sakes, make them wear a helmet and other protective gear!

And be sure you have adequate life insurance on them in case the unthinkable happens.

Until next time, take care and remember one moment can change your entire life.

Tommy Curtis & Staff

​Disclaimers:
ALL material on this blog is available for informational purposes only.
 
Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
{A Life and Health Agency}
 
Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency.
Calling this number will direct you to a licensed Agent/Broker.
 
*By contacting us and providing information, you agree that an authorized representative or licensed insurance agent may contact you by phone, e-mail or mail to answer your questions and provide additional information about Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.