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I’m borrowing my friend’s car … am I covered?

Most people have an idea of what’s covered and not covered under their various insurance policies. But at Saks Insurance, LLC., we get a lot of questions about borrowing or loaning a car.

Now that fall is here, and you might be looking to borrow your neighbor’s truck for a home-improvement project or a trip to the local landfill, we thought it was a great time to provide a little more information.

Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it’s covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner’s permission.

The borrower’s insurance is considered secondary, meaning that in the event of an accident, it could apply if the owner’s insurance is insufficient to fully cover the damage.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to what is called “permissive use” coverage. For example, permission must be given by the owner, unless the borrower has a reasonable belief that they are allowed to use the car. However, the borrower cannot give permission to someone else. So if your teenager allows one of his or her friends to drive your car your coverage likely won’t apply.

Coverage might also be denied if the borrower operates the vehicle in a negligent or criminal manner. And if the borrower is using your car for business purposes, your personal auto policy likely won’t cover that.

If you have a regular long-term arrangement to either borrow or lend a car, the borrower should probably be added to the owner’s personal auto policy. Those who don’t own a car, but often borrow one, might also consider “named non-owner coverage,” an endorsement that provides bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorists coverage and more.

Ultimately, it’s usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it’s for “normal” use. You’ll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you’re the owner or borrower, will apply.

For all of your auto insurance needs throughout Arizona, contact Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona. We will work with you to make sure that you have the most comprehensive auto insurance coverage, at the right price to fit into your budget.

October 6, 2014
Motorcycle Gear – Proper motorcycle safety gear helps you ride right

Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, the right protective gear will help you have enjoyable and, most importantly, safe journeys. Even if you’re riding just a short distance, the fact that motorcycles don’t offer the same protections as other vehicles means that you need to take great care when you hit the road.

We here at SAKS INSURANCE, LLC. want everyone on the road to reach their destination in one piece. So we’re providing some safety gear tips gleaned from motorcycle safety organizations, including the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association.

Keep your head

Perhaps the most important piece of safety equipment — other than a well-maintained bike — is your helmet. Not only does a helmet protect your head in the event of a crash, the visors and face shields provide additional safety benefits along with a more enjoyable ride. You don’t really want to get hit in the face with a pebble or a bug on the freeway, do you? Full-face helmets also cut down on wind noise and can help reduce rider fatigue.

Always make sure your helmet has a secure fit and that any face-protection options you select allow you to easily see what’s around you.

It may be tempting to feel the wind in your hair as you ride along The Apache Trail, but wearing a helmet should be a no-brainer when you consider the safety benefits.

Your feet and hands

Boots protect your feet and ankles from injury not only in a crash but also during the ride by providing a barrier against road debris and hot exhaust pipes. The right boot soles (oil-resistant, rubber-based composite) will help you keep your feet where they need to be — on the pegs.

And remember to protect your fingers! Gloves improve your grip and prevent abrasions and blisters. Just be sure that they fit properly so you can still work the controls of your bike.

The rest of your body

When it comes to clothing to wear while riding your bike, there are options for every style choice. Look for protective gear designed specifically for motorcyclists – it will offer you the best protection while still allowing you to comfortably operate your bike.

There’s a reason many riders wear leather. It is extremely durable and protects against abrasions. Newer fabrics, however, also provide these benefits. Look for reflective strips or other features designed to help make you more visible to other drivers, or add your own reflective strips if needed.

If it’s windy, you’ll want to wear layers to help keep the wind from your body. If you ride in inclement weather, don a rain suit or other gear designed specifically for those times when the road ahead isn’t quite sunny. You can even look for clothing that features electric heat, which can make your journey a lot more comfortable.

Non-clothing items

Safety gear isn’t all about clothing. Some items to keep handy: a flat-tire repair kit, tire-pressure gauge, spare fuses and anything that might be of use for your particular bike. Remember to pack a flashlight, in case you end up on the side of the road in the dark. (And it can help keep you visible to passing traffic, which is always a real concern.)

We know that this list of safety gear sounds like a lot, but safe riding means being responsible. If you are looking to buy cool new gear to go with your bike, you might as well get the kind that will make you look good and help save you from injury.

Other safety resources

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (http://www.msf-usa.org) is a great resource to learn more about safety gear and motorcycling in general, as is the American Motorcyclist Association (www.americanmotorcyclist.com). We’re here to help, too! If you have questions about insurance coverage for your bike, or want more safety resources, give us a call at 480-545-1144.

September 30, 2014
RV Campsites – Finding a great place to camp in your RV
“Wherever you go, there you are.”

Whoever said that must have been an RV owner — after all, one of the best things about vacationing in an RV is the fact that your “hotel” is pretty much anywhere you decide to stop.

Of course, there’s a little more to finding a great camping spot than just pulling over and hoping for the best, so we at SAKS INSURANCE, LLC. put together some tips and resources to help you find the best spots on your next trip.

Plan ahead

Just as you would book a hotel before you leave on a vacation, it’s best to make reservations for your RV trip, regardless if you’re staying at a private RV park or a campground on public property. As anyone who has been to The National Forest Campgrounds in Arizona can tell you, spots fill up quickly during peak travel seasons and often sell out.

Public or private?

From basic accommodations to luxury RV resorts, you have many choices. State and national parks tend to have simple campgrounds, but they often offer the best in natural beauty! Whether you go public or private, you’ll want to factor in whether the site has hookups for your RV, how much you’re willing to spend and how close you’ll be to attractions you want to visit — particularly if you aren’t towing a separate car and need to use the RV for all of your travel.

What about parking lots?

Some shopping centers and truck stops will allow overnight camping, while rest areas generally prohibit it. Always be certain that you have permission to camp before setting up for the night.

The Family Motor Coach Association recommends the following if you stay in a private parking lot:
- Park out of the way.
- Avoid using slide-outs and awnings if possible.
- Do not use your leveling jacks on asphalt.
- Limit your stay to one night and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
- Purchase fuel, food or supplies as a thank-you when feasible.
- Do not put personal items, such as chairs or a grill, outside.
How to find campgrounds

RV campground directories are available at bookstores, libraries and some RV supply stores, and they can be very useful to keep with you as you travel. You can also contact local and state tourism bureaus for camping information. Naturally, you have plenty of online resources to choose from as well:
- S. National Parks reservations and other public campgrounds: www.recreation.gov
- National Recreation Reservation Service: www.fs.fed.us/recreation/reservations
- Guide to Federal Recreation Passes: http://store.usgs.gov/pass
- Reservations for Canadian parks: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/reserve.aspx
We know insurance is just about the last thing you want to have on your mind when you’re on vacation, so give us a call at 480-545-1144 before you leave to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need!

Here’s to safe travels and happy RVing!
September 26, 2014
Safe and Fun Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day 2014
How do you and your family commemorate Memorial Day? Commemorate the true meaning of Memorial Day at the Mesa Cemetery from 8 AM to 11 AM, when the staff passes out flags during their annual observation. The Town of Gilbert will also remember our country’s war heroes with an observance at their downtown 9/11 Memorial.

Every year, Mesa’s Stapley Aquatic Complex celebrates the school holiday and the arrival of summer by opening their pool for public swim season on Memorial Day Weekend. Make sure the whole season is just as refreshing by buying your family’s annual city pool pass this weekend too; from May 24 through May 26, the City of Mesa is selling half-price family passes and taking 25% off individual pool passes.

Mesa police formed a DUI Task Force last Memorial Day in an effort to keep the streets safe after all the backyard barbecues and celebrations. While DUI convictions can cost you your job, raise your insurance premiums, and land you in jail, the most important reason to drink responsibly is to prevent tragedy. If you’re celebrating at home, make sure your guests have designated drivers before you keep the beer flowing all day long. If someone else is hosting the festivities or you’ve chosen to attend a local event in town, don’t forget to arrange a safe ride home. Because you can only control your own driving, it’s also a good idea to avoid the streets after dark if possible.

Memorial Day is synonymous with outdoor cooking under the summer sun. Some important safety tips can keep your backyard barbecues safe for everyone, and if you have a swimming pool, it’s particularly important to follow these Memorial Day safety tips to prevent both immediate and long-term damage:
- Make sure children are supervised at all times, and if they’re in a pool, adults should take turns assuming responsibility to prevent any lapses
- Don’t leave an open flame or sharp knife unattended
- Apply at least a tablespoon of sunscreen every two hours
- Wear protective accessories, such as hats and sunglasses, especially during the late morning and early afternoon, when UV rays are at their strongest
- Clearly label the ingredients of any dish you prepare and share, in case of allergens
To learn more about the merits of safe driving, or to make sure your coverage matches your family’s priorities, contact Hoey & Saks Insurance Agency. The independent, family-owned insurance agency has over 20 years of experience serving Mesa, Arizona, as well as Chandler, Gilbert and the surrounding area. Their team can help you find a policy that meets all of your family’s needs.
May 21, 2014