Page 8 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – September/October 2020

Insurance
Pennsylvanians are no strangers to deer season, which generally runs from October through December. Many motorists know that the dramatic increase in the movement of the deer population, due to hunting and mating season, can cause serious traffic problems in not only rural and forested regions, but also on highways and in neighborhoods.
While the movements of deer and other wildlife, including beloved pets like dogs and cats, are unpredictable, there are actions motorists can take to help prevent an accident or reduce the damage from an animal collision.
• Scan the road and shoulders ahead of you.
Continuously sweep your eyes across the road for signs of animals. While the most likely accident is caused by an animal darting in front of you, looking ahead helps
As summer winds down, there’s no better time to replace or repair your roof. Whether you’re making standard fixes or replacing the whole thing, selecting the right contractor can help you avoid problems immediately and in the future.
• Confirm that the roofer is properly licensed
and insured. A legitimate roofer will be able to furnish an up-to-date license and proof of insurance. Call the city to make sure
the license is valid, and call the roofer’s insurance company to confirm that their worker’s compensation and liability insurance is valid. Be sure to also ask the roofer if they use subcontractors — if they do, verify that the subcontractors are licensed and insured as well.
• Choose a recommended contractor from your community. Reduce your chances of being scammed by getting several local referrals. Local contractors are more likely to be familiar with city codes and rules, and have relationships with other workers and suppliers nearby. Verify with the references that the work was completed on time and up to code.
• Consider manufacturer designations. A contractor with one or more credentials or certificates is considered “credentialed.”
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provide enough reaction time if an animal is spotted. Also, remember some animals move in groups, so when there is one, there is usually more in the area.
• At night, use high-beam headlights if there’s no oncoming traffic. Wildlife may be spotted sooner when using high beams. The light reflecting off their eyes may also reveal their location.
• If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane. Swerving to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash or result in the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
• Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk. Most animals, especially deer, tend to be more active in the early morning and at dusk.
• Slow down and use extra caution when traveling through areas with a high and active wildlife population.
These credentials — often issued my manufacturers — speak to the contractor’s qualifications and expertise, so ask them
if they have earned any.
• Check out their Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Visit bbb.org to see details like how long the contractor you are considering hiring has been in business, and whether or not any complaints have been filed against them. You may want
to consider hiring a contractor that has BBB accreditation, which means it meets certain standards and is known to make a good-faith effort to resolve customer complaints.
• Get an extensive warranty. Some contractors can offer manufacturer’s warranties that cover their workmanship. These warranties are helpful in case shoddy workmanship reveals itself long after the job is done, so ask your contractor whether or not they can offer one.
• Know your material options. Not all materials are created equal, and your contractor should lay out several options for you. What you choose cannot only impact the resale value of your home, it can also impact how well your roof fares during severe weather or a natural disaster.
• Always wear your seatbelt. Drivers
should always wear a seat belt and
remain awake, alert, and sober. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the chances of getting injured when hitting an animal are much higher if you don’t have your seatbelt on.
For information on auto insurance coverage, contact your AAA Insurance agent at 1-800-222-1469, visit AAA.com/Insurance,
or stop by your local AAA office.
In addition to choosing a contractor who gives you options, do your own research to determine what materials are best for your home.
• Get a written contract. Once you’ve selected a contractor, always get a detailed written contract that clearly states everything the contractor will do, including prices for labor, materials and permits.
• Never pay upfront. Pay for the work in installments, as the phases of the job are completed. Avoid paying with cash — instead, use a check or credit card. Most importantly, verify that the work is complete before paying all invoices. Never pay a contractor
in full, or sign a completion certificate, until you are satisfied with the job.
For more information on homeowners or renters insurance, contact your AAA Insurance agent at 1-800-222-1469, visit AAA.com/Insurance, or stop by your local AAA office.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020