The Billy Davis Insurance Group, LLC Blog

The Billy Davis Insurance Group, LLC Bloghttp://www.thebdig.com/blog/View The Billy Davis Insurance Group, LLC's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.thebdig.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:ee2ac39d-5bf5-4cdf-bc33-838871d6b015urn:uuid:03d3211c-c026-4305-b2c8-8130b32901e2Some Important Tips on Texting At The Workplace...Don't text your way into trouble at work Thanks to the widespread use of cell phones, texting has become as common as email and voice mail in today’s society—and in today’s workplace. Text messages are useful for immediate communica...Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:14:04 -0600<h1 style="margin: 0.67em 0in;">Don't text your way into trouble at work</h1> Thanks to the widespread use of cell phones, texting has become as common as email and voice mail in today’s society—and in today’s workplace. Text messages are useful for immediate communication, but they can also lead to misunderstandings and lawsuits regardless of whether you’re using a company-issued cell phone. Stay out of trouble with these helpful tips: <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="line-height: 12pt;">Assume they’re eternal. Text messages, like email, can leave behind an electronic record even after they’ve been deleted. Lawyers working with a good IT expert may be able to retrieve them, so use good judgment when deciding what to text. </li> <li style="line-height: 12pt;">Go to the source with sensitive information. Don’t criticize a co-worker or employee via text, nor deliver bad news unless it’s really, really urgent. Some messages should be delivered in person. </li> <li style="line-height: 12pt;">Don’t text during meetings. It’s considered rude, and you might miss something important. And it can be highly embarrassing if you’re noticed. </li> <li style="line-height: 12pt;">Consider the other person. Some people don’t keep their cell phones on all day; And others might not appreciate being interrupted by a text that’s not crucial. If time is of the essence, talk directly to the person instead of sending a text. </li> </ul> Reread before hitting send. Your auto-correct may change a word, and your meaning will be garbled. Be sure your abbreviations or acronyms are clear. Does your recipient know what AFAIK means?urn:uuid:5de07f51-119a-453e-b8f6-ac14a50514b4Times can be tough, but know your rights...Stay safe when debt collectors call Most of us want to pay our debts, but sometimes it’s harder than it should be. When debt collectors call, the situation can become a nightmare—especially when they lie. Be smart, consult an attorney, a...Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:36:28 -0600<h1>Stay safe when debt collectors call </h1> Most of us want to pay our debts, but sometimes it’s harder than it should be. When debt collectors call, the situation can become a nightmare—especially when they lie. Be smart, consult an attorney, and don’t fall for these common deceptions: <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">“We’ll keep calling until you pay up.” Harassing tactics are illegal, so bill collectors can’t keep your phone ringing morning, noon, and night. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">“We’ll garnish your wages.” Bill collectors can’t just take a chunk out of your paycheck without some effort. It requires a structured legal process that usually calls for a court date and gives you the opportunity to talk directly to a judge. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">“We’ll call you at work.” You can legally stop debt collectors from phoning you at work if your employer has a policy concerning personal phone calls on the job. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">“We’ll talk to your family and friends.” Without permission, bill collectors can’t contact anyone but the person they claim owes money. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">“Just send us a postdated check.” They may attempt to cash the check early. And they’ll have all your banking information. </li> </ul> “We don’t need to prove that you owe money.” If you don’t remember the debt, don’t agree to anything. Send the collector a letter disputing the debt and requesting the name and address of the original debtor.urn:uuid:c918d454-f6e2-4a63-b863-a14b6b3404daHave a Plan for 2012 & Write It Down You don't need a new 50-page business plan. But you do need some clear, measurable goals with specific "actions" you need to take to achieve them. Written goals provide you with focus and clarity. So take the time to write down what you WANT (results...Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:42:15 -0600You don't need a new 50-page business plan. But you do need some clear, measurable goals with specific "actions" you need to take to achieve them. Written goals provide you with focus and clarity. So take the time to write down what you WANT (results or outcomes) and what you need to DO (actions) to make it happen this year.urn:uuid:bc4db7d1-9ee4-4e40-a86f-f206800120efRemodel with a sound financial blueprint Home renovations need to be planned with care. You don’t want to spend so much money improving your home that it becomes significantly more expensive than other homes in the neighborhood. Here are some strategies for planning a remodeling pr...Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:55:39 -0600<h1 style="margin: 0.67em 0in;">Home renovations need to be planned with care. </h1> <h1 style="margin: 0.67em 0in;">You don’t want to spend so much money improving your home that it becomes significantly more expensive than other homes in the neighborhood. </h1> Here are some strategies for planning a remodeling project that makes financial sense: <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Decide what your primary objective is. If resale is your biggest concern, a minor kitchen update may enhance resale opportunities more than adding a home office. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Decide how to finance the renovation. There are three basic options: refinancing, home-equity loans and home-improvement loans. If you have little or no equity in your home, lenders are more apt to approve a home-improvement loan, which usually costs an extra point (percentage of the loan). Refinancing is taking out a larger mortgage than you had before, but the loan is based on the projected increase in value of the home after renovations. Home equity loans are similar but usually carry lower closing costs offset by paying a half a point at closing. To see which financing option works best for you, have your bank calculate and compare the price of the loan, closing costs, and future interest costs. </li> </ul> Avoid credit card debt. Don’t ever finance a home-improvement project with a credit card. Interest payments are not deductible, and the interest rates are too high.urn:uuid:d0820545-c352-44b0-934b-0632d2da48f1A surprise Christmas gift. A surprise Christmas gift The day before Christmas, a young wife told her husband over breakfast, “Last night I dreamed you gave me a diamond necklace for Christmas!” And she smiled. “What do you think that means?” Her husban...Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:00:29 -0600<h1>A surprise Christmas gift </h1> The day before Christmas, a young wife told her husband over breakfast, “Last night I dreamed you gave me a diamond necklace for Christmas!” And she smiled. “What do you think that means?” Her husband grinned back. “Maybe you’ll find out tomorrow.” Christmas Day arrived, and the husband handed his wife a small box. “Merry Christmas, darling.” The wife opened it. Inside the box was a book: The Interpretation of Dreams.urn:uuid:4ff4c865-1ae4-4548-b3ed-09a8c3d17c58Happy Thanksgiving! A Thanksgiving tale A man ran into the butcher shop just before closing on the day before Thanksgiving. “You’ve got to help me,” he said. “I told my wife I’d bring ho...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:10 -0600<div style="text-align: center;"> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="border:1pt solid #af3726;width: 6.25in;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="border: none;width: 277.5pt; padding-top: 7.5pt; padding-right: 7.5pt; padding-bottom: 7.5pt; padding-left: 7.5pt;"> <h1>A Thanksgiving tale </h1> A man ran into the butcher shop just before closing on the day before Thanksgiving. “You’ve got to help me,” he said. “I told my wife I’d bring home a turkey for tomorrow’s dinner, and I forgot! Do you have any turkeys left?” “Well, I’ll see,” the butcher said, and he went into the walk-in fridge. He found only one thin, scrawny turkey, and he brought it for the customer to look over. The man shook his head. “Are you sure you haven’t got anything else?” Hiding his irritation, the butcher headed back to the walk-in fridge, taking the turkey with him. There were no others, so after a few minutes he brought the original turkey out again. “Took me a while, but I found this one.” The customer sighed. “All right. I’ll take ’em both.” </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div>urn:uuid:6f73b49f-5aea-4474-9622-c6bd824ce159Happy Thanksgiving! A Thanksgiving tale A man ran into the butcher shop just before closing on the day before Thanksgiving. “You’ve got to help me,” he said. “I told my wife I’d bring ho...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:03 -0600<div style="text-align: center;"> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="border:1pt solid #af3726;width: 6.25in;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="border: none;width: 277.5pt; padding-top: 7.5pt; padding-right: 7.5pt; padding-bottom: 7.5pt; padding-left: 7.5pt;"> <h1>A Thanksgiving tale </h1> A man ran into the butcher shop just before closing on the day before Thanksgiving. “You’ve got to help me,” he said. “I told my wife I’d bring home a turkey for tomorrow’s dinner, and I forgot! Do you have any turkeys left?” “Well, I’ll see,” the butcher said, and he went into the walk-in fridge. He found only one thin, scrawny turkey, and he brought it for the customer to look over. The man shook his head. “Are you sure you haven’t got anything else?” Hiding his irritation, the butcher headed back to the walk-in fridge, taking the turkey with him. There were no others, so after a few minutes he brought the original turkey out again. “Took me a while, but I found this one.” The customer sighed. “All right. I’ll take ’em both.” </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div>urn:uuid:f8bb7958-009e-4b44-a142-b7d01cf38c56Food Safety TidbitMake sure to wash those fruits and veggies What could be better for your health than fresh fruits and vegetables? But even the ripest apple or the leafiest lettuce can carry dirt and nasty bacteria that need to be thoroughly washed off before it&rsq...Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:46:42 -0500<h1 style="margin: auto 0in;">Make sure to wash those fruits and veggies </h1> What could be better for your health than fresh fruits and vegetables? But even the ripest apple or the leafiest lettuce can carry dirt and nasty bacteria that need to be thoroughly washed off before it’s safe to eat. Follow these tips for making sure your produce is untainted: <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Start with a clean slate. Wipe down your kitchen counter, scrub your knives and cutting boards, and wash your hands before cleaning your food. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Water is best. Don’t use soap or detergents to wash your produce; they can seep into the items and potentially make people sick. Use cool water and wash for 30 to 60 seconds in most cases. Some nutritionists say that a mixture of three parts water and one part white vinegar or lemon juice is even more effective, as long as you thoroughly rinse the produce when you’re done. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Wash peeled food, too. Dirt and microbes can hide in the crevices of such fruits and orange and bananas, so even though you don’t eat the skin, washing it prevents the spread of harmful material from the peel to the fruit through contact with your fingers.</li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Don’t wash and store. Wait until you’re ready to eat the item in question. If you wash it and then stick it in the refrigerator, it will retain moisture and spoil faster. </li> </ul> Use a brush. For firmer fruits and vegetables such as apples and potatoes, a stiff vegetable brush can do a good job of removing dirt and particles you don’t want to eat.urn:uuid:33c90f3e-f979-4166-8242-82071e462539Maintain your energy level to stay on topPeople who succeed usually have lots of energy. They’re hardworking, focused, and willing to put in whatever effort is necessary to achieve their goals. But maintaining a high energy level all day every day can be difficult. Here’s how to...Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:31:35 -0500People who succeed usually have lots of energy. They’re hardworking, focused, and willing to put in whatever effort is necessary to achieve their goals. But maintaining a high energy level all day every day can be difficult. Here’s how to keep going without resorting to pills or other dangerous options: <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Wear bright colors. Projecting a positive, energetic attitude through your wardrobe can bring out enthusiasm and good spirits in others. A positive response from people around you will stimulate your own motivation. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Eat a power snack. A little chocolate can give you a slight endorphin buzz, along with a mild jolt of caffeine. When your energy flags in the afternoon, a modest snack of mixed nuts, dried fruits, granola, and/or some yogurt can rejuvenate you better than a calorie-filled candy bar. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Stand on tiptoe. One good stretch when you’re feeling tired is rolling up and down on your tiptoes a few times. This can get your circulatory system moving, sending oxygen and glucose through your body for a burst of energy. </li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Smell some citrus. Citrus scents like lemon, grapefruit, and lime can enhance your alertness. Try it.</li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Drink some water. Dehydration can drain your energy, so make sure you get plenty of water throughout the day. And when you feel tired, splash a little cold water on your face to wake yourself up. </li> </ul> Change your socks. This is an offbeat little tip, but it sounds like it might work: About halfway through your day, take a little time to put on a fresh pair of socks. Experts say that it can make you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.urn:uuid:f4657c05-dbb5-459d-9197-2121ba23ac59Sorry, but co-workers stealing your food out of the fridge is excluded.http://youtu.be/cLP7nKwMEFUTue, 30 Aug 2011 16:43:21 -0500<a href="http://youtu.be/cLP7nKwMEFU">http://youtu.be/cLP7nKwMEFU</a>urn:uuid:0da69012-f106-4ca9-b079-b871cf9310e3How Big is $80 Billion?How Big is $80 Billion? (bigger than you think!) Insurance fraud steals $80 billion every year. That’s a lot of money… a lot of crime… and a plenty of harm to honest Americans everywhere. But what does a number this big really me...Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:12:38 -0500<h1>How Big is $80 Billion? (bigger than you think!)</h1> Insurance fraud steals $80 billion every year. That’s a lot of money… a lot of crime… and a plenty of harm to honest Americans everywhere. But what does a number this big really mean?* Actually, quite a lot. With $80 billion, you could pay… <ul> <li>salaries of 2.2 million American workers for a year. </li> <li>all personal income taxes for 7.4 million Americans for a year. </li> <li>tuition for nearly 15.6 million students at America’s four-year public universities for a year. </li> <li>healthcare costs for nearly 2 of every three seniors aged 65 and over for a year. </li> <li>every CEO of America’s 500 largest companies for the next 16 years. </li> </ul> You could also… <ul> <li>plant enough trees to reforest all of New England plus most of West Virginia. </li> <li>build 293,000 new homes. </li> <li>buy a new car for nearly 3 million licensed drivers. That’s enough for every driver in New Jersey or Georgia. </li> <li>send everyone in Florida, Colorado and South Dakota to the movies every day, for a whole year (popcorn and soda extra!). That’s 23 million people. </li> <li>buy coffee and a bagel (with cream cheese) for every adult in New York City (6 million people) each morning for 20 years. </li> <li>fund America’s entire space program for the next five years — or launch 62 space shuttle missions. </li> <li>build 69 stealth bombers. </li> </ul> As well as… <ul> <li>send 6 million families of four to their local Major League Baseball home games for an entire season. They get tickets, caps, programs, sodas, beer and hotdogs — and parking. Mustard’s free! </li> <li>plant enough trees to reforest a logged-out area the size of New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and North Carolina — combined. </li> <li>pay for nearly half of all prescription drugs now brought by Americans each year. </li> <li>fund all cancer research in America for the next 13 years. </li> <li>buy enough oil to power every car, SUV and light truck for 7 1/2 months. </li> </ul> Other $80-billion fraud facts… <ul> <li>Music lovers: You could buy 100 CDs a day for nearly 129,000 years before you run out of money. How long is that? About when the Neanderthal Man first appeared until now. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Fraud, Inc.: If insurance crooks formed a company called Fraud, Inc., it would rank 17th among the Fortune 500 in yearly income (for 2004). </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Long walk: If you place 80 billion one-dollar bills end to end, they’ll stretch to the moon and back — about 16 times. </li> </ul> * As of June 2005. Also assumes multi-year figures stay about the same each year.urn:uuid:c138061a-c756-41f2-96f5-57b4f41750d3Money TipTake a cooling-off period before impulse buys If you tend to buy things on impulse, try this trick to exercise a little financial restraint: Give yourself a spending limit, and don’t go over that that limit without taking at least 48 hours to t...Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:40:06 -0500<h1>Take a cooling-off period before impulse buys</h1> If you tend to buy things on impulse, try this trick to exercise a little financial restraint: Give yourself a spending limit, and don’t go over that that limit without taking at least 48 hours to think about it. For instance, if you see a shirt you really like that's fairly expensive, go home and think it over for a day or two before handing over your credit card or spending money you really can’t spare. A good cooling-off period will give you some valuable perspective on whether you really need the item. Often you’ll realize that you can live without it once the original impulse has fadedurn:uuid:e3c3a2c6-7bc0-42e2-955b-9aa4f5bb647aINSURANCE FRAUD AWARENESS WEEK INSURANCE FRAUD AWARENESS WEEK August 15th to August 19, 2011 Insurance fraud is one of the largest and most damaging economic crimes in our state.  These swindles cost Indiana untold millions of dollars every year.  They drive up pre...Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:35:50 -0500<div style="background-image: url(http://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/admin/controls/editorstyles.aspx) !important; background-color: #ffffff !important; font-family: arial !important; color: #060606 !important; font-size: 9pt !important; text-decoration: none !important; text-align: left !important; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important;"> INSURANCE FRAUD AWARENESS WEEK August 15th to August 19, 2011 Insurance fraud is one of the largest and most damaging economic crimes in our state.  These swindles cost Indiana untold millions of dollars every year.  They drive up premiums for honest citizens and businesses throughout Indiana, contribute to the breakdown of law and order, and help drain the economic vitality of our state. Insurance fraud comes in many forms, ranging from small scams by normally honest people to large and vicious swindles by criminal gangs. It can involve padding a homeowner’s theft claim for a few thousand dollars to staged car accidents by criminal gangs that steal millions of dollars.  It can involve torching a home or business for insurance money, making false injury claims against a local business’s workers compensation policy, selling fake health policies to trusting residents, or even killing people for life insurance funds. The Indiana Chapter of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) and the Indiana Chapter of the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII) are comprised of experienced insurance fraud investigators and various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors dedicated to the fight against insurance fraud. After the request of both associations Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed August 15th to August 19th “Insurance Fraud Awareness Week” in the State of Indiana. Report anonymously at 1-800-TEL-NICB (835-6422) of any known or suspected incidents of Insurance Fraud! The Billy Davis Insurance Group</div>urn:uuid:73df3106-677b-466f-85e1-9bd06e25cb50Know where your identity is? Know where your identity is? Americans worry about identity theft, with good reason. About 5 percent of us — 11.7 million people — age 16 or older have been victims of identity theft over the last two years, most often through unauthorize...Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:20:37 -0500<h1>Know where your identity is?</h1> Americans worry about identity theft, with good reason. About 5 percent of us — 11.7 million people — age 16 or older have been victims of identity theft over the last two years, most often through unauthorized use of a credit card. The good news, if any: Only about 25 percent of those victims lost any money, and half of them lost only $200. But the average out-of-pocket loss was $1,870; identity theft costs a total of about $17 billion in the United States, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Billy Davis Insurance Groupurn:uuid:00434edb-7314-4d51-9b01-ab50dd15d96bDo you support local businesses? We do. Local Secrets Who would you rather do business with: a company headquartered halfway around the world, or one with an office right around the corner? If you’re anything like us, you think local is the way to go. We love working with other loca...Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:41:53 -0500Local Secrets Who would you rather do business with: a company headquartered halfway around the world, or one with an office right around the corner? If you’re anything like us, you think local is the way to go. We love working with other local companies. Not only is it good for our economy, it also just makes good business sense. Local companies helping local people better understand the challenges we face here in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana areas: that means better service for you. That’s why at The Billy Davis Insurance Group, we try to use local businesses whenever we can. From the mechanics and roofers we might suggest to our clients to the great folks who keep our offices clean and our favorite restaurants, we believe in our community. If you’ve enjoyed the service you’ve received from The Billy Davis Insurance Group, we hope you’ll help spread the word. If you have a spare minute, post a review on our Google Places page <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=1961099545885062433&hl=en">http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=1961099545885062433&hl=en</a>, and let others know about how your local agency treats you. What local businesses are our best kept secrets? Who do we need to know about? urn:uuid:ad3b0990-7938-4e0b-a60d-aef956b1d479INSURANCE FRAUD AWARENESS WEEKINSURANCE FRAUD AWARENESS WEEK August 15th to August 19, 2011 Insurance fraud is one of the largest and most damaging economic crimes in our state.  These swindles cost Indiana untold millions of dollars every year.  They drive up premiums ...Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:01:22 -0500INSURANCE FRAUD AWARENESS WEEK August 15th to August 19, 2011 Insurance fraud is one of the largest and most damaging economic crimes in our state.  These swindles cost Indiana untold millions of dollars every year.  They drive up premiums for honest citizens and businesses throughout Indiana, contribute to the breakdown of law and order, and help drain the economic vitality of our state. Insurance fraud comes in many forms, ranging from small scams by normally honest people to large and vicious swindles by criminal gangs. It can involve padding a homeowner’s theft claim for a few thousand dollars to staged car accidents by criminal gangs that steal millions of dollars.  It can involve torching a home or business for insurance money, making false injury claims against a local business’s workers compensation policy, selling fake health policies to trusting residents, or even killing people for life insurance funds. The Indiana Chapter of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) and the Indiana Chapter of the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII) are comprised of experienced insurance fraud investigators and various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors dedicated to the fight against insurance fraud. After the request of both associations Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed August 15th to August 19th “Insurance Fraud Awareness Week” in the State of Indiana. Report anonymously at 1-800-TEL-NICB (835-6422) of any known or suspected incidents of Insurance Fraud! The Billy Davis Insurance Groupurn:uuid:e4b6e07f-307d-4601-8c33-8de1efcb448eThe Weekend Word of WisdomIf you see a chance, take it—but keep it reasonable You can’t succeed if you don’t take chances. But that doesn’t mean that foolish risks are a good idea. People who succeed in any endeavor know how to evaluate the odds and ma...Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:51:42 -0500<h1>If you see a chance, take it—but keep it reasonable</h1> You can’t succeed if you don’t take chances. But that doesn’t mean that foolish risks are a good idea. People who succeed in any endeavor know how to evaluate the odds and make choices that are reasonable and realistic. Here are some risks to embrace: • Downside limited, upside huge. Look at the worst-case scenario, and compare it against the best possible outcome. If you’re risking complete disaster for minimal benefits, forget it. But in many cases the worst result is probably a little lost time or money, whereas the upside may be significantly larger. A good evaluation of risks and potential rewards will tell you what to choose. • Out of your comfort zone. Stepping out to the edge of what’s familiar can be scary, but that’s usually where you learn the most. Don’t attempt anything completely out of your reach—this isn’t the time to teach yourself brain surgery—but accept risks that stretch your skills or call on you to learn something new. • Innovation. Risking your time or money on the tried and true may be safe, but the payoffs will likely be larger if you’re trying something new. Look for opportunities that break new ground. You’ll draw attention and earn people’s respect even if you fail. • Confidence booster. Everything improves with practice, especially risk-taking. Take a chance when the challenge will show what you’re capable of, even if you’re not completely successful. At worst, you’ll gain confidence from realizing that you can fail and survive—and start over with something new. The Billy Davis Insurance Groupurn:uuid:8a1ac461-8255-4f43-a643-b288cd58e609• Good Job!It always brightens our day to hear that we’ve made a client’s day a little better. How is yours going so far? Don’t you love getting a pat on the back? It’s so satisfying to know you’re doing a good job. Here at The Bi...Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:59:33 -0500It always brightens our day to hear that we’ve made a client’s day a little better. How is yours going so far? Don’t you love getting a pat on the back? It’s so satisfying to know you’re doing a good job. Here at The Billy Davis Insurance Group, we have to admit, we love it too. Typically, our clients don’t see us on their good days: it’s on the days when cars wind up totaled, roofs blow off and things are going very, very wrong. Have a story of your own to share—good or bad? We want to hear it. Click here <a href="http://www.thebdig.com/contact.aspx">http://www.thebdig.com/contact.aspx</a> to submit your own story. If we didn't do our best, we want to try and make it right. If we did right, well…everyone likes a pat on the back every now and then.urn:uuid:47875f63-9e08-48fd-a362-2d2ea07e97b5Eat the right stuff for a long lifeEat the right stuff for a long life The foods you eat can make a big difference to your heart’s health and your overall longevity. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat anything tasty or fun. Keep your heart in good shape by ...Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:13:56 -0500<h1>Eat the right stuff for a long life</h1> The foods you eat can make a big difference to your heart’s health and your overall longevity. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat anything tasty or fun. Keep your heart in good shape by choosing these foods the next time you’re hungry: <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Salmon. Fish like salmon, shrimp, tuna, and sardines are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help blood flow. (Be careful of mercury levels of tuna, though, especially for pregnant or breast-feeding women and small children).</li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Oatmeal. Full of fiber and potassium (as well as omega-3), coarse or steel-cut oats (not instant) can reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and help keep arteries clear. Add a banana for some extra fiber.</li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Nuts and berries. You may feel like you’re foraging in the wilderness, but nuts (walnuts, almonds, and macadamias) along with blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries, can help keep blood pressure down and reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.</li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Avocado. Add a little bit to your sandwich or salad, and you’ll help lower levels of “bad” cholesterol and increase the “good” cholesterol in your body.</li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Beans. Lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans—all are packed with soluble fiber, calcium, and omega-3.</li> </ul> Dark chocolate. Don’t go on a binge, but cocoa beans contain flavanols, which can help lower blood pressure and decrease inflammation. Dark chocolate tends to have more coca solids, which increase the flavanol level.urn:uuid:b14b1838-6c72-4601-8a04-422213eb5452•Did you know that simply trimming your trees can prevent damage to a house during a thunderstorm?Protect Your Home from Summer Storms Ah, summer. Time for barbeques on the back patio, baseball and ice cream. We hope your summer is full of nothing but sunshine, but unfortunately, some of nature’s most powerful storms take place between swim...Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:23:16 -0500Protect Your Home from Summer Storms Ah, summer. Time for barbeques on the back patio, baseball and ice cream. We hope your summer is full of nothing but sunshine, but unfortunately, some of nature’s most powerful storms take place between swim meets and summer strolls. Be sure to get your house ready for tornado season with a few simple steps: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Trim your trees: Get rid of any overhanging tree branches that may blow onto your house. Pay special attention to dead trees and limbs, which are especially prone to falling.</li> <li>Check the roof: Roofs are one of the weakest parts of your home when it comes to tornado-force winds. Make sure you don’t have loose shingles, which can easily be blown off in a storm.</li> <li>Shut it up: If you have exterior shutters, keep them closed when a storm is on its way to keep your glass intact.</li> </ul> Sometimes all the prevention in the world isn’t enough in the face of a tornado. Is your home protected in case of a total loss?  Talk to us; we can help make sure you have the coverage you need. Did you find this information useful? Happy with your service from The Billy Davis Insurance Group? Consider telling a friend about us. It’s the highest compliment we can receive! The Billy Davis Insurance Groupurn:uuid:4d5ca92c-5da7-4b0f-a585-e9059af3b7b1Put a value on what you want to giveElmer was cleaning out the house of a friend who had passed away, and he found an old freezer that was still in good working condition. He wanted to give it away, so he set it out on the side of the road with a sign that read: “I’m still ...Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:23:58 -0500Elmer was cleaning out the house of a friend who had passed away, and he found an old freezer that was still in good working condition. He wanted to give it away, so he set it out on the side of the road with a sign that read: “I’m still in good working order. Please take me home and use me.” Two days later, the freezer was still there. So Elmer tried a different approach. His new sign read: “Freezer for sale, $200 or best offer.” The next morning the freezer had been stolen. Problem solved—the freezer had found a new home. Moral: People don’t always take advantage of opportunities unless they see a clear value to them.urn:uuid:76340cc2-4700-41b9-8228-782544ed4b31• Most businesses aren’t 9-5—why should the claims process be? Nine to Five Some people are night owls, and love working late into the night. Others do their best thinking on the weekends, when they can work without disturbance. Or maybe your business requires working non-traditional hours, or taking a road tri...Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:27:53 -0500Nine to Five Some people are night owls, and love working late into the night. Others do their best thinking on the weekends, when they can work without disturbance. Or maybe your business requires working non-traditional hours, or taking a road trip to see a client in a distant state.   Whatever your reason, we get it: not all businesses work on a 9-to-5 schedule. So why should you wait for an office to open to get started with your business auto insurance claim? Accidents happen any time of the day or night—so should your claims process. The Billy Davis Insurance Group makes it easy to get your needs taken care of, no matter how early or late. We offer 24-hour claims service by phone or online.   Sunrise fender bender? A weekend car/tree encounter? Relax: you don’t have to wait until an office is open to get the ball rolling on your repairs. After all, the sooner you start the claims process, the sooner your company vehicle can get fixed and go back to making you money.   Don’t let your insurance company’s 9-to-5 style hurt your business. Work with a company - and an agent - who understand your needs.urn:uuid:24beacd5-4209-455f-b61e-dee2270228714 steps for beating the post-vacation bluesYour vacation should relaxed and recharge you.  So why is going back to work so hard? Here’s how to diminish the seemingly inevitable post-trip letdown: Pace yourself. Don’t try to plan every minute of your vacation for maximum ...Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:01:56 -0500Your vacation should relaxed and recharge you.  So why is going back to work so hard? Here’s how to diminish the seemingly inevitable post-trip letdown: <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Pace yourself. Don’t try to plan every minute of your vacation for maximum activity. Build in sufficient time to relax so you don’t return to work exhausted from your “fun.”</li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Schedule your return a couple of days early. Give yourself a day or so between vacation and going back to work; it can help ease the transition to your duties.</li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Let others know your plans. Let clients and co-workers know you’re away and provide them with alternative contacts. You’ll reduce the number of messages waiting for you at the office when you return.</li> </ul> Ease into it. If you can arrange it, make your first day back a half-day. You can take care of the most pressing issues before diving back in.urn:uuid:01ebe9ad-7899-4654-b26a-eb220e180276• What do you do when a customer has had too much to drink—and to keep everyone safe? Shaken or Stirred? Martini. Mojito. Cosmo. What’s your restaurant’s signature drink? Alcohol is a major source of revenue (and fun!) for many restaurants, but it also raises serious liability issues. What happens if a customer overind...Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:13:19 -0500Shaken or Stirred? Martini. Mojito. Cosmo. What’s your restaurant’s signature drink? Alcohol is a major source of revenue (and fun!) for many restaurants, but it also raises serious liability issues. What happens if a customer overindulges, gets into his car and has a serious accident? Not only can impaired driving accidents lead to property damage, injuries or even death, they can also seriously impact your business. In many states, if your restaurant is found to have “over served” a patron, you may be held liable for that crash. Reduce your chances of getting into this unpleasant situation by taking the time to train your staff on how to tell if a patron has had too much. Explain the warning signs of intoxication, and when it’s time to cut someone off and call them a cab. Support your staff in their decisions, and make sure that someone is always on hand to help in case a situation gets out of hand. Also be sure that your restaurant has enough liquor liability insurance in case of the worst. Not sure if you have the coverage? Give us a call, and we’ll help you sort everything out. The Billy Davis Insurance Group, LLCurn:uuid:1383d4cc-bfab-4898-bb89-e8ab1b09226e•An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure for your home and car An Ounce of Prevention Turns out, your mom was right when she always said “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Whether you’re maintaining your home or your car, a few easy preventative steps can keep your home in tip-...Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:52:21 -0500An Ounce of Prevention Turns out, your mom was right when she always said “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Whether you’re maintaining your home or your car, a few easy preventative steps can keep your home in tip-top shape, and your car purring like a kitten.   Home Maintenance: <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Clean up any water spills immediately to prevent mold growth. Exhaust fans can help draw out excess moisture as well.</li> <li>Even if you think you live in a safe town, lock your doors and windows at night and when you leave. It’s a tiny step that can keep you safe just in case someone with sticky fingers slides into town.</li> <li>Only you can prevent house fires. All right, it’s not exactly how the saying goes, but by making sure that your smoke alarms are in working order, and that you have fire extinguishers strategically located, you can greatly reduce your chance of serious house fires.</li> </ul> Auto Maintenance: <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Change your oil regularly. Oil keeps your engine lubricated, reduces friction and reduces nasty sludge from building up in your engine. Regular oil changes can keep your car running better for longer.</li> <li>Replace your windshield wipers every six months. If you see streaks on your windshield or hear strange squeaking sounds, it’s time for a new set of windshield wipers. A new set of wipers can significantly improve your vision during bad weather, which might make all the difference in the world.</li> <li>Rotate your tires. Your front and rear tires wear differently, and rotating them can help increase their lifespan and prevent blowouts. Every car is different, but many tire manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles.</li> </ul>   By following these simple steps, you can reduce your chances of car and home trouble, and save yourself time, hassle and money. Want another way to save those things? Bundle your insurance with The Billy Davis Insurance Group. By covering your home and car both through us, you’ll pay less, and have the peace of mind of having just one insurance Agent to turn to whenever the need strikes. Call us to learn more.urn:uuid:82e03d66-c54e-4847-8b02-b5a8015cc8f1Don't cook up danger in the kitchenDon't cook up danger in the kitchen Kitchens are comfortable places where families and friends can hang out, but they can be dangerous for small children. Here are a few basic safety precautions to implement so everyone stays safe: Keep knives, ...Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:14:24 -0500<h1>Don't cook up danger in the kitchen</h1> Kitchens are comfortable places where families and friends can hang out, but they can be dangerous for small children. Here are a few basic safety precautions to implement so everyone stays safe: <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Keep knives, scissors, and other sharp instruments locked or in a location too high for kids to reach.</li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">When cooking, keep pots and pans on the rear burners as much as possible, or turn their handles so young hands can’t grab them.</li> <li style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Make sure their cords are out of reach. (Telephone cords, too.)</li> </ul>urn:uuid:7d6d644f-f749-4933-bcc8-e4295febbc34•Want to save time, money and hassle? Bundling your insurance is a no-brainer. No Brainer At The Billy Davis Insurance Group, we want to make your life easy. Let’s face it, you have better things to do than spend your time worrying about your insurance coverage. That’s why we’re here. One of the easiest ways ...Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:25:56 -0500No Brainer At The Billy Davis Insurance Group, we want to make your life easy. Let’s face it, you have better things to do than spend your time worrying about your insurance coverage. That’s why we’re here. One of the easiest ways to help us help you is to bundle your coverage with us. When you’re in a car accident or your home’s electrical system was fried by lightning, you don’t want to be hunting through your phone for numbers and struggling to remember who your Agent is. Let us be your trusted advocate in the insurance world. Then you only have to remember one number when disaster strikes and then know that it’s all taken care of. Besides being convenient, bundling your auto and homeowner’s insurance can be incredibly cost-effective. Get the same great coverage you’ve come to expect from The BDIG, but for a lower price. Convenient and affordable? Bundling’s a no-brainer when it comes to your insurance.urn:uuid:db53243b-32b7-4bc6-9957-348968e2b072•Feeling overwhelmed trying to find a trustworthy contractor? Let us help! An Unexpected Guest One day, you’re casually eating breakfast when a tree limb from that big oak tree outside decides to join you in the dining room leaving you with a lot of damage and a big mess. What do you do now? Your first call should be...Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:18:04 -0500An Unexpected Guest One day, you’re casually eating breakfast when a tree limb from that big oak tree outside decides to join you in the dining room leaving you with a lot of damage and a big mess. What do you do now? Your first call should be to your Agent. Not only does this let us get the claims process started as soon as possible, we can also help in other ways. We live and work in your community, and we know the contractors here. Let us recommend a contractor who we know will do the job, and do it right. Of course, you’re always welcome to use your own contractor, but when you just want that tree limb out of your kitchen, knowing that help is on the way can be a huge comfort. We can also help you find an auto repair shop that will meet your needs, and a mechanic you know you can trust. Let us help you find contractors and mechanics to get you back to your life as soon as possible. For added convenience, bundle your homeowner’s and auto policies with us. Then you’ll only ever have to worry about making one call: to your trusted insurance advocate.urn:uuid:946dcc2f-8b0b-46e7-af36-277c2c6548e2•Flood insurance is not included in your homeowner’s policy—do you need the protection? When It Rains, It Pours We’ve all seen pictures of houses with water up to their rooftops, and cars floating serenely down a street that looks more like a river. Floods are a major force to be reckoned with and can have catastrophic effects on...Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:43:47 -0500When It Rains, It Pours We’ve all seen pictures of houses with water up to their rooftops, and cars floating serenely down a street that looks more like a river. Floods are a major force to be reckoned with and can have catastrophic effects on your car and your home.   In the case of homeowner’s insurance, you are probably not covered for flood damage in your homeowner’s policy. Flood coverage must be purchased separately, and differs from your homeowner’s policy in some significant ways. Typically, flood insurance is not as comprehensive as your homeowner’s policy: it usually doesn’t cover basement improvements, but does cover things like washers, dryers, ceilings and sheetrock.   You’re more likely to be affected by flood than fire in your life, so take the time to make sure you and your family are protected from these devastating acts of nature. Call us; let’s talk about whether flood insurance is a wise investment for your family.urn:uuid:1cf3bc90-6e87-4734-a1af-ab36f192fe0b•If a meteor hits your house, are you covered? Understanding Your Policy A meteor hits your home. Are you covered? You hit a deer with your car. Covered? While we’re always here to help walk you through the intricacies of your policy, here are some basic rules of thumb about home and auto c...Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:03:21 -0500Understanding Your Policy A meteor hits your home. Are you covered? You hit a deer with your car. Covered? While we’re always here to help walk you through the intricacies of your policy, here are some basic rules of thumb about home and auto coverage. Specifics depend on your policy, and please call us if you have questions. Home Coverage: Home insurance typically falls into two broad categories: coverage for your home itself, and coverage for your possessions. For structural coverage, you’re usually covered for damages caused by fire, wind, hail and lightning, but earthquake and flood insurance must be purchased separately. For your personal property, if your possessions are stolen or damaged by a covered disaster, you’ll typically receive 50-75 percent of your total insurance amount to replace them. Expensive items like fine art or jewelry may require additional coverage. Auto Coverage: Auto insurance covers a broader set of circumstances, including collision (accidents), comprehensive (damage not caused by an accident, like a rock hitting your windshield or damage from theft), uninsured motorist coverage, property damage coverage (to repair someone’s damaged property, like a light pole or a mailbox), medical coverage (to cover injuries you or your passengers sustained in a collision), and bodily injury liability (to protect you from lawsuits). Seems like a lot? It is! One of the best things that you can do to protect both your home and your auto is to bundle your coverage. Why? It means that you have one go-to person to explain your insurance questions, and you can save some serious cash. In the meantime, we do hope you’ll call if you have questions about what’s covered in your auto or home policy.urn:uuid:55a6fd1f-f714-4020-979e-0cd0a1aab94b• What do you do when you wind up with a car sitting in your kitchen?Reverse   You jump in the car early one morning before your first cup of coffee, eyes still bleary with sleep. You open the garage door and prepare to back out. Thought the car was in reverse, didn’t you? It wasn’t. It was in drive. ...Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:18:18 -0500Reverse   You jump in the car early one morning before your first cup of coffee, eyes still bleary with sleep. You open the garage door and prepare to back out. Thought the car was in reverse, didn’t you? It wasn’t. It was in drive.   Now you’re left with some big problems: there’s a hole in your garage wall, and your car is sitting in your kitchen. What do you do now? If you have your auto and homeowner’s insurance bundled with The Billy Davis Insurance Group, your next move is simple: call us. That’s it. One phone call to one person, rather than scrambling to remember who you need to call for each policy. We can help you get that hole patched—and car fixed-- in no time.   Not only is policy bundling convenient for you, it can also save you money with our multi-policy discount. Turns out you can have it all.urn:uuid:4a2da29d-2830-48f3-85b0-f3dcf53b6b12•Fire gives us light and warmth, but it can still turn on us. Protect yourself:Friend and Foe Fire is man’s oldest ally -- and our oldest enemy. We use it for cooking, for warmth, for electricity and light, but sometimes, it can turn on us. More than 3,500 Americans die every year in house fires, and more than 18,000 are...Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:23:32 -0500Friend and Foe Fire is man’s oldest ally -- and our oldest enemy. We use it for cooking, for warmth, for electricity and light, but sometimes, it can turn on us. More than 3,500 Americans die every year in house fires, and more than 18,000 are injured. Take the time to protect your family and your home from fire damage with a few simple tips: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Electrical fires: A little common sense can go a long way in keeping your home safe from electrical fire. Don’t overload circuits, and immediately unplug any device that sputters, sparks or smokes. Don’t run cords under rugs or other flammable items.</li> <li>Kitchen fires: Fire cooks our food, but it can all too easily get out of hand. Make sure to never leave a pot on the stove unattended, and keep towels and other flammable items away from burners. Remember that if you have a grease fire, adding water to the flames will only make the problem worse. Keep an approved chemical fire extinguisher in easy reach.</li> <li>Smoke alarms: Having a working smoke alarm in your house can double your chances of survival in a fire. Test the alarm every month, and make sure it always has fresh batteries. A great way to remember to change the batteries is to change them when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time.</li> </ul> These few simple tips can keep you and your home safe from the ravages of fire. Call us today for more information on fire safety—and how you can receive discounts for being fire wise. We can also talk about bundling in your auto policy, and saving you even more money—and peace of mind.urn:uuid:a3398fc7-e2d4-4271-8375-41af061d8a24•Do you clip coupons to save cash? Find out how you can save on your insurance policies, too:Clipping Coupons Everyone loves saving money. We take the time to clip coupons, comparison shop and wait for sales when it comes to groceries, clothes and electronics. Why not apply your super saving skills to your insurance, too? See if you qualif...Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:36:25 -0500Clipping Coupons Everyone loves saving money. We take the time to clip coupons, comparison shop and wait for sales when it comes to groceries, clothes and electronics. Why not apply your super saving skills to your insurance, too? See if you qualify for some of these sweet, sweet savings: <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Multi-Policy Discount: Buy more, save more. When you bundle your ERIE auto, home, life insurance, or other insurance, you can see substantial savings on your insurance bills. </li> <li>Smoke Alarm Discount: Installing smoke alarms can save your life in case of a fire, but they can also save you cash if you’re an ERIE homeowner.</li> <li>Burglar Alarm Discount: Protecting your possessions and your family with a burglar alarm can give you peace of mind…and a chunk of change.</li> </ul>urn:uuid:6ad5b39f-5f91-405c-ba69-7e34661bf9dcNew Homeowner ChecklistBuying a house is a big decision and can definitely change your life. You get the advantages of living in a place that’s all your own, but there are so many new responsibilities that fall on your plate: mowing the lawn, painting the house, taki...Tue, 24 May 2011 11:54:53 -0500Buying a house is a big decision and can definitely change your life. You get the advantages of living in a place that’s all your own, but there are so many new responsibilities that fall on your plate: mowing the lawn, painting the house, taking care of that washing machine yourself when it starts spraying water, rather than calling a super or a landlord. These new responsibilities often wind up leading to big new bills.   Make sure to take care of one important task when you buy a new home: change your auto insurance. Sounds strange, right? But many people don’t like to go to the hassle of changing their car insurance when they buy home insurance. Turns out, it’s not a hassle at all, and bundling your ERIE auto and home policies can save you big money.   Give us a call today to find out how easy it is to switch your insurance, and save that cash for your new house.