Spring is in the air and the days are getting longer, the weather milder. Along with that you’ll see children and adults outside more–playing ball, riding bikes and not always paying as close attention to their surroundings as they should.
 
Along many highways and byways, you see “Share the Road” signs encouraging us to watch out for cyclists. With the influx of E-bikes, I dare say we’ll see a lot more bicycles on the road, so it is our responsibility to watch out for them!
 
In this short post we’ll cover a few safety tips and how to insure your e-bike.
 
An e-bike is a bicycle that adds an electric motor for propulsion and "pedal-assist" E-bikes are the most common. For more information on the differences in E-bikes check out this article.
 
Simple but important bike safety rules are:
*Wear a helmet
*Adjust your bike to fit your body (handlebars, pedals, seat).
*Wear reflective clothing if you’re riding close to (or in the) dark.
*Obey traffic laws, especially those pertaining to bicycles. If you don’t know them, check with the LA Office of Motor Vehicles, State/City/Parish Police Departments or read this article and learn them.
 
Your or the life of someone you love may depend on it!
 
Insuring Your Bike:
 
Electric bike/ or e-bike insurance is a policy to protect you and your e-bike in the event of an accident or a covered loss such as theft, vandalism, or damage to the bike itself. This coverage varies by carrier and is based on the type of bike. Although certain aspects of your home or renters insurance may cover your bike, it is always smart to check with your agent or company before assuming everything is covered.
 
As one of the Lake area’s prominent carriers of Progressive Insurance, we now offer Electric/E-bike coverage. For more information give us a call at: 337-433-1683 or stop by our office during regular business hours (M-F 9-5).
 
Until next time take care, be safe and happy cycling!
Tommy Curtis and Staff

​Today’s post will cover a little bit about a whole lot. Let’s begin with Medicare…
 
As licensed agents, we receive information from the Department of Insurance. The latest was urging Seniors to “be vigilant against Medicare Scams during open enrollment (AEP) which ends on December 7th.”
 
We can’t stress this enough. 

​The newsletter also warned against “high pressure” sales tactics.

It's cooling down here in SWLA and relief from 100 degrees is definitely welcome but don't be fooled. Cooler does not mean our drought is over.

We are still dangerously lacking in annual rainfall and the humidity is severely low for this time of year, making fires of any sort, a hazard. 

In fact, the burn ban is still in effect across the entire state except for Allen and Ascension parishes! Check out last month's post for more information.

One great thing about fall is the cooler temps will help us avoid hurricanes, although we still need to be aware and alert for Gulf storms. So, stay prepared!

Some folks are not a fan of colder temperatures and will be using their space heaters from here on through winter. Please be aware of safety measures when it comes to heating your home.

Many choose fall for their family vacations. If you're one of them, check out our travel tips and have a wonderful time!

Medicare AEP is open and it's time for Medicare recipients to review their coverage. If you are in need of a local Medicare agent, give us a call. Remember, you only have until December 7th to make changes to your Medicare insurance coverage. Don't put it off until the last minute and risk losing out on benefits that may be available to you!

With fall comes Halloween and then we barrel into the Holiday season. Remember, kids will be out and about more and more as the year comes to an end. Stay alert and practice safe driving and holiday safety.

As we move into the last quarter of 2023, we here at Curtis Insurance know and understand the value of kindness and gratitude and we'd like to take this time to Thank YOU ALL for your patronage. We appreciate your business and ask if you are happy with our services, please consider leaving a Google review.

Until next time take care and remember.... in life you receive what you give, multiplied, therefore give good things, loving thoughts, kind words and deeds.

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.