2013 August Newsletter Article 1

Do You Have a College Student in Your Household?

If you’re helping one of your children go off to college for the first time, or return to college, we may be able to help you save some money and gain some extra protection.

• Your homeowner’s insurance might extend to his or her belongings. Usually, the belongings of your college student will be covered by homeowner's insurance, but it’s best to be sure. If for some reason the coverage doesn’t extend, consider purchasing renter's insurance. Students who live off campus may need to purchase their own renters insurance if they are not covered by their parents' homeowners policy.
• You could get a discount on your auto insurance. Because you’ll have one less driver living at home when your son or daughter goes off to school, your household might get a discount — as long as they don’t take a car along. If he or she does take a set of wheels, talk to us so we can review your coverage to make sure your child is properly insured.
• Student loans might call for extra protection. If student loans are involved, you might want to consider life insurance for your son or daughter. It can help financially in the case of an unexpected death.

• Insurance can help in the most unexpected cases. Accidents can happen. Extra liability coverage through an umbrella policy (personal catastrophe liability) can help protect you financially should a lawsuit ensue.

Please contact Ashmead Insurance so we know about any changes happening in your household. It’s always best to double check your specific situation and coverage needs. Call us at 215-822-7573.

2013 August Newsletter Article 2

Watch for Scams After a Storm

When storms hit, your home and your life can be turned upside down. You’re eager to get your home repaired, but you must be careful because some contractors aren’t really there to help.

Most contractors are reputable business people. But each year there are a few dishonest ones who chase storms from state to state. They may try to convince you that you have hail or other damage and need a new roof when you really don’t. They’ll ask to be hired for the work, explaining that your insurance company will pay for the repairs.

Your homeowner’s policy covers damage caused by hail and windstorms, but they will not cover the cost to replace a roof or siding when no damage has occurred. Since the work these dishonest contractors offer may not be of the highest quality, we recommend that you get a second or even a third opinion before starting any contract work.

What You Can Do

If you’re beginning to repair or rebuild after a storm, or even if you are just planning a home improvement project, keep these tips in mind while choosing a contractor wisely.  These tips are recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

• Get more than one estimate.
• Don’t be pushed into signing a contract right away.
• Get everything in writing. Cost, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules and other expectations should be detailed.
• Check references before deciding which contractor to choose.
• Never sign a contract with blanks.
• Don’t pay a contractor in full until the work is complete.
• Check with county or city licensing authorities to see if the contractor is licensed in your jurisdiction, as well as checking for complaints with their regional Better Business Bureau.

Ashmead Insurance Can Help

If you need suggestions about who to hire or how to repair your home after a storm, contact Ashmead Insurance at 215-822-7573 and we can help you contact an insurance claims adjuster. Your insurance company has professional claims adjusters who are trained to assess your property, identify storm damage and prepare an estimate for proper repair. They can also provide recommendations for reliable, licensed contractors in your area, but the final choice of contractor is always yours.

2013 August Newsletter Article 3

What Do You Do When Your Car Breaks Down?

None of us likes to be stranded by a broken-down car. At best, it’s inconvenient. At worst, depending on the time of day or night, the weather conditions and the location of a breakdown it’s downright dangerous.

That’s why you can purchase coverage that adds emergency road service to your auto policy. If your auto is disabled, this coverage pays for auto towing and required labor costs at the site of the vehicle breakdown.

Give Ashmead Insurance a call at 215-822-7573 if you’d like to add Road Service Coverage. We’re happy to help.

2013 August Newsletter Article 4

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

• Do I have children for whom I’d like to set aside money to finish their education in the event of my death?
• Do I have family members or organizations to which I would like to leave money?
• Does anyone else depend on me financially?
• How much of the family income do I provide?
• How will inflation affect future needs?
• How will my family pay final expenses and repay debts after my death?
• If I were to die early, how would my survivors, especially my children, get by?
• Will there be estate taxes to pay after my death?

Call Ashmead Insurance today at 215-822-7573 to talk over how much life insurance you need for your unique goals and circumstances and the needs of your family.

2013 August Newsletter Article 5

Yummy Turkey Bruschetta Burger

Lean, delicious, juicy burgers made with zucchini and topped with a summer garden tomato bruschetta topping over a bed of baby arugula – no bun required!

Bruschetta ingredients:

¼ cup chopped red onion

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

3 medium vine ripe tomatoes

2 small cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. fresh basil leaves, chopped

3 oz. part skim mozzarella, diced

Turkey Zucchini Burger ingredients:

1.25 lbs. 93% lean ground turkey

1 small zucchini, grated (1 cup or 5 oz.)

¼ cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs

1 clove garlic, grated

1 tbsp. red onion, grated

Salt and fresh pepper

Oil spray

For serving:

2 medium tomatoes, sliced into 10 thin slices

4 loose cups baby arugula

Directions:

Combine the red onion, olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper in a large bowl.  Set aside a few minutes while you chop the tomatoes, then place in the bowl.  Add the garlic, basil and additional salt and pepper to taste and mix well and set aside.  Toss in the cheese when ready to serve.

Squeeze the excess moisture from the zucchini in a paper towel.  In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, shredded zucchini, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, salt and pepper.  Form into 5 equal sized patties about 5 oz. each, forming them as flat as possible.

Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat.  When hot, lightly spray with oil.  Add the burgers to the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low.  Cook until browned, about 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 4 minutes, careful not to burn.

To serve, arrange 3 slices of tomato on each dish, then place 1 cup arugula on top in the center, then top with the burger and finish with the bruschetta (don’t forget to add the cheese), serve right away.