Personal Lines Insurance Offerings Available in Noblesville

March 12th, 2010

AAA Hoosier Motor Club is striving to remind Noblesville area residents that AAA Hoosier Insurance Agent Jon Walls offers a variety of insurance products through the club’s Noblesville office (1950 E. Conner St., Suite C).

In addition to providing AAA members and insureds with options relative to their auto, home and life insurance needs, Walls also offers motorcycle, RV, boat, ATV, small business and commercial auto insurance products, to name a few. 

For additional information relative to AAA Hoosier Insurance offerings, please contact Walls at the club’s Noblesville service center by calling 317-773-8235.

Hoosier Motor Club Gas Gauge 3/10/10

March 10th, 2010

The current run up in crude oil and nationwide gasoline prices is based largely on renewed short-term optimism concerning the health of the U.S. economy.

Last week, investors factored in news that, while the economy is still shedding jobs, it is doing so at a much slower rate than in previous months. Overall, the labor market can best be described as treading water, even as other signs of recovery start to emerge. While certainly not good news, it does signal there is at least the potential for a small amount of job growth within the next two quarters or so.

The labor market is a primary indicator of overall economic health so any improvement in jobs data has a ripple effect throughout the economy as well as on oil prices. Increased economic activity boosts consumption of oil and other energy stocks. As the recovery gains steam and people return to work and resume their normal activities and travel trends, demand for gasoline improves as well.

Of course, there are many additional factors contributing to the recent upward trend in oil and retail gasoline prices. The ever present fluctuations in the strength of the U.S. dollar continue to impact prices on a daily basis. Additionally, seasonal factors are at play as many refineries are now in the process of performing maintenance and preparing to switch over to summer blended fuels. Additionally, investors are counting on the potential for increased vehicle travel as the weather improves. 

Over the past week alone, our nation’s retail gas price average has increased roughly a nickel. However, it is important to remember that prices are still somewhat bound by weak fundamentals. Supplies remain vast and demand, while improving, remains somewhat soft as well. These factors alone should help prevent prices from drifting dramatically higher in the short term.

On Monday, the national average retail price for a gallon of self serve regular was $2.753 or about 10 cents higher than the average price two weeks ago.

“Dare to Prepare” Program Tonight in Kokomo

March 3rd, 2010

A complimentary “Dare to Prepare” driver education course will be given TONGIHT in the Kokomo City Building auditorium (100 South Union Street - Kokomo, IN).

The 90-minute AAA Hoosier Motor Club program will begin at 6:30 p.m.

“Dare to Prepare” provides critical information teens need to know before they get behind the wheel of an automobile. The presentation walks attendees through the steps necessary to obtain a learner’s permit and driver’s license, covers Indiana’s new Graduated Driver’s Licensing law for teen drivers, discusses the roles and responsibilities of parents throughout the process and the importance of parent-teen driving agreements, provides parents with tips on how to teach their teens to drive and much more.

Advance registration is requested but not required!

For more information, please contact Karen Burkhardt at 765-453-5665.

New BMV Services at AAA Hoosier Offices

March 3rd, 2010

Hoosiers may now renew or apply for new driver’s licenses or ID cards at four AAA Hoosier Motor Club branch offices in the Indianapolis metro area. The licensing service is available at the club’s Braeburn Village (8120 East 21st St., Indpls.), College Park (8751 Wesleyan Rd., Indpls.), Speedway (3073 N. High School Rd., Indpls.) and Noblesville (1950 E. Conner St. Ste. C) locations.

What makes these new offerings even more exciting is the fact that unlike standard Indiana BMV branches, AAA Hoosier Motor Club offices are open on Mondays and WILL provide BMV services then. Also, while regular BMV license branches DO maintain limited Saturday hours, AAA Hoosier Motor Club service centers are open later in the day–from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Drive tests will not be available at Hoosier Motor Club offices, and applications for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) cannot be processed there. Security requirements prevent foreign nationals from applying for licenses or ID cards at AAA Hoosier Motor Club service centers.

A customer applying for or renewing his/her driver’s license or ID card at a AAA office can get a SecureID credential by providing documents that prove identity, legal status, Social Security numbers and Indiana residency. These documents are not required if the customer opts for a non-SecureID credential.

Following the same procedure used in all BMV license branches, the driver’s license or ID card will be mailed to the customer within ten days after applying. If the customer’s current license will expire within ten days, the customer will be given an extension document that must be kept with the current license until the new license arrives in the mail.

Hoosier Motor Club Gas Gauge 3/1/10

March 1st, 2010

Oil prices fell from six week highs today under the weight of renewed dollar strength and mixed economic news. Oil closed down 97 cents to end the trading day at $78.69 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Two major factors continue to be the primary influencers over the direction of oil prices: the state of the economic recovery and the strength of the U.S. dollar. With regards to the broader U.S. economy, data continues to be mixed. Manufacturing activity for February was up, though less than anticipated as investors continue to look for signs of a strong recovery.  Consumer spending, another gauge of economic activity, was slightly more positive and was reported as being up half a percentage point in January. As economic activity increases, so will demand for energy sources like oil and gasoline.

The primary factor in today’s oil price movement was the U.S. dollar, which has shown some strength in recent trading days, particularly against the euro. Today’s dollar surge was due in part to uncertainty over the health of the economies of several European Union (EU) member states - in particular Greece - which continues to teeter on the brink of insolvency. As the EU struggles economically, so does the euro, which has helped boost the dollar by default. 

Recent trading has been marked by volatility. With oil prices hovering near the $80 bandwidth for several days now, motorists are no doubt noticing slightly higher gas prices at the pump.  On average, prices have added about a nickel over the course of the past week. Retail prices may continue to climb a few additional cents this week as well if oil stays at or around the $80 per barrel mark, barring unforeseen events.

At this time of year seasonal demand trends tend to exert their influence on retail prices.  Historically, retail prices climb as the spring driving season approaches. While the past couple of years have been anything but typical with regards to retail gasoline prices, the early spring has seen a steady - though sometimes subtle - climb in prices going several years back. This year, wholesale gasoline prices for April have been trading 10 to 12 cents higher than wholesale prices for March.

Another seasonal factor to take into account has to do with refineries. March marks the start of maintenance season for many refineries operating in the United States. Given the troubled state of the refinery business - many have been shuttered due to weak demand and miniscule margins - additional shut downs for maintenance may cause some headaches should demand for gasoline increase. In a tighter market the temporary loss of a few refineries would have a more pronounced affect on prices than it will likely have this year given the ample supply of gasoline available. Additionally, the switch over to summer blended fuels is just around the corner.

Gasoline prices maintained a 10 cent band during the month of February, staying between $2.61 and $2.71 for the entire month. In fact, the national average retail price for the month split the difference between the high and low points, coming in at $2.65 per gallon. This relative stability comes despite the fact oil prices were subject to some measure of volatility, a trend likely to continue into March and beyond.

Today (March 1), the national average retail price for a gallon of self serve regular was $2.705, or a little more than 5 cents higher than the average price one week ago.

Hoosier Motor Club Gas Gauge 2/22/10

February 22nd, 2010

Oil prices ended the day above $80 per barrel this afternoon, closing up 35 cents at $80.16 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Oil prices have largely detached themselves from the traditional fundamentals of supply and demand in recent times. Oil demand, while forecasted to grow in developing nations during 2010, remains sluggish at best in the United States and is showing only marginal improvements in other major economies around the world. 

Retail gasoline demand also remains muted, with the most current data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) placing U.S. gasoline demand at roughly 8.5 million barrels per day. Additionally, refining activity is down as EIA data indicates refineries are now running below 80 percent capacity for the first part of the year. Reportedly, U.S. retail gasoline supplies currently have a healthy cushion of nearly 27 days worth of gasoline in stock.

As has been the case during the past several months, the movement of oil prices is being driven largely by broader economic issues. Much of the price jump to open the week may be attributable to the widespread belief among investors that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates low for the foreseeable near future. Thus far, weak employment data and only moderate improvements in manufacturing data have convinced policy makers the economy is still on shaky footing and that interest rate hikes should be avoided in the short term.  

The link between interest rates and oil prices is an indirect, though important one. Low interest rates, coupled with other factors like government spending, can lead to a weaker U.S. dollar. The weaker the U.S. dollar, the cheaper commodities like oil become for foreign investors using other currencies to buy. As a result, the price is driven up.

Low interest rates will likely remain until the economy improves or inflation becomes a problem. Currently, inflation doesn’t seem to be a concern and, while there are certain signs of economic improvement, robust economic and employment growth is likely months if not years away, according to industry experts.

Of course, other factors are contributing to the recent rise in oil prices too. 

Global tensions have flared a bit regarding the continued uncertainty in Iran over its nuclear ambitions. The issue involves several of the world’s top oil producing and consuming nations and therefore directly impacts oil prices. The Iranian situation is by no means new and will likely remain a factor in oil prices for some time to come. Seasonal price trends may also be playing a role in the direction of prices. The spring driving season, a period traditionally marked by increased gasoline consumption, is just around the corner and investors may have begun factoring it into futures prices. Also, labor strikes at refineries in France are also said to be a factor in oil prices moving higher.

Thus far in 2010, the markets have not been able to sustain oil prices above $80, instead seemingly preferring to keep them in a range from $70-80 per barrel.  

Despite the relative volatility of oil prices in the first two months of 2010, retail gasoline prices have been able to stay within a 15-cent band - between about $2.61 and $2.76 for self serve regular - since the start of the year. While the national average price reached its 2010 low just a few days ago (Feb. 17) retail prices have followed oil prices and have begun creeping back up in some markets. If oil prices show strength during the remainder of the week, this trend will likely continue.

As of this morning, the national average price for a gallon of self serve regular was $2.648, or a little more than 3 cents higher than the average price one week ago.

AAA Members Can Buy Discounted Pacers Tickets

February 15th, 2010

As a member of AAA, you can “SHOW YOUR CARD & SAVE” when you buy Indiana Pacers tickets for either of the following two games…

FEBRUARY 17 vs. San Antonio Spurs - 7:00 p.m.

FEBRUARY 27 vs. Chicago Bulls - 7:00 p.m.

Exclusive Pacers Network Offer

  • Balcony Level Tickets for $5 (save over $20)
  • Krieg DeVault Club Level Tickets for $15 (save over $65)
  • Lower Level  End Zone Tickets for $25 (save over $46)
  • Lower Level Center Court Tickets for $40 (save over $85)

Just click on the link below to attend!

YOUR PASSWORD IS: GOLD

https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=pacers&o=167898&g=4432

Here’s the legal stuff…

  • Tickets are limited and subject to availability.
  • Ticket price includes a 6% Marion Co. Admissions Tax. No refunds or exchanges

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • You will have to create a Ticketmaster Account to purchase tickets.
  • All seat locations and purchases are processed instantly. 
  • E-tickets will be sent to your e-mail account within minutes of your purchase.
  • You can’t lose your tickets! Print them from your computer up to the day before the game.
  • You will be reminded of the event via e-mail a few days prior to the game.

Consider Buying Earthquake Insurance

February 15th, 2010

Images of desperation and despair continue to pour out of Haiti in the wake of its devastating earthquake last month, killing more than 200,000 people and directly impacting more than 3 million of its people. This earthquake also serves to remind Americans of their exposure to this peril. Records dating back to 1900 reveal that earthquakes have occurred in all 50 states and have caused damage in 39 of these states. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a major study in 2000 indicating that U.S. earthquake losses over time could average $4.4 billion a year.

So the following question naturally arises: what is your exposure to an earthquake? Research indicates that residents in California, Oregon, and Washington are most at-risk. However, parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee are also quite exposed to earthquakes. The New Madrid Seismic Zone runs under these states and, though it occurred long ago, gave rise to one of the largest magnitude earthquakes to ever hit the United States.

If you live in any of these states, you should ascertain your proximity to an earthquake fault zone. California residents can determine their exposure by visiting the State of California’s Department of Conservation Web site, which provides a list of affected cities and counties. For other state-specific information, visit the U.S. Geological Survey Web site.

Most homeowners policies specifically exclude earthquake losses, just as they do flood losses. Therefore, if you live near an earthquake seismic zone, consider purchasing a separate earthquake policy or an earthquake endorsement attached to your homeowners policy. In addition, the following are some steps to take that will reduce your chances of injury or property damage resulting from an earthquake.

  • Verify that operational fire extinguishers are strategically located on each floor of your home.
  • Anchor tall furniture, refrigerators, water heaters, and bookcases securely to the walls.
  • Utilize flexible connectors for gas supply to gas-fueled appliances.
  • Keep beds away from glass or any hanging object that might fall.
  • Verify that your home’s roof and chimney are well-maintained, with proper support.
  • Apply safety film to windows and glass doors.
  • Add anchor bolts or steel plates between the home and its foundation.
  • For older homes, work with a civil engineer or city building department to verify that your home is up to code for the earthquake peril.
  • Communicate to family members an emergency meeting place should your family get separated during an earthquake.

If you are in your home when an earthquake occurs, stay inside and move away from windows, skylights, doors, and objects that might fall. Crawl under a sturdy item such as a large table or desk.  Stay where you are until the shaking stops.

Copyright 2010
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

 

Information relative to AAA Hoosier Insurance offerings can be obtained through the club’s Web site http://www.AAA.com or by calling 317-923-1500.

Texting While Driving Legislation Very Important

February 15th, 2010

Text messaging is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle and yet there are still an alarming number of drivers who are doing it.

 

AAA Hoosier Motor Club is calling on Indiana legislators to help protect motorists and their passengers by passing House Bill 1279, which would ban all drivers from text messaging while driving.

 

Today’s motorists are already confronted with a number of dangerous distractions while operating motorized vehicles and research confirms that taking your hands off the wheel, eyes off the road and mind off of driving radically increases your chances of causing a crash. In fact, a recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute showed the crash risk for commercial truck drivers who text increases 23 times. That’s 2,300 percent!

 

There is remarkable consensus on the need for a law against texting while driving. Currently, 19 states have banned texting while driving and numerous others have legislation pending. Furthermore, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has imposed a federal ban on texting while driving for all commercial drivers.

 

Make no mistake — these laws work. For example, a study by AAA that examined the effect of California’s 2009 texting ban showed a 70 percent decrease in this dangerous practice, indicating that laws do, in fact, have an immediate influence on driver behavior.

 

A statewide ban in Indiana would set a standard for traffic safety and empower police to stop this dangerous driving behavior.

 

Additionally, AAA Hoosier Motor Club is asking drivers themselves to do something about texting while driving. The first step in helping make Indiana roadways safer is for Hoosiers to contact their respective senators and to encourage those individuals to support House Bill 1279, now that the bill has successfully passed out of the House with a vote of 95-3.

 

Texting while driving is said to be, in many cases, even more dangerous than drunk driving. Now is the time to stop this practice before more lives are lost unnecessarily.

AAA Offers Spring Break Tips

February 11th, 2010

A challenging economy is expected to alter the travel migration patterns for students and families traveling during this year’s Spring Break-typically defined as the week prior to and after Easter Sunday, AAA’s travel experts say.

“The numbers of those traveling during Spring Break are likely to be somewhat less than the numbers seen before the economic downturn. Domestic destinations that are viewed as less-expensive are likely to pull business from some international Spring Break hotspots, making them just as crowded or even more so,” said Glen MacDonell, director of AAA Travel. “Overall, locations that are easy to get to and offer discount pricing or an all-inclusive experience are likely to be the most popular, just as they have been throughout this economic cycle.

“Because of these factors, doing your travel research and booking early will be essential to getting the spring vacation you really want. Travelers who are willing to look beyond the obvious ‘college beach towns’ may be able to find deals and discounts not normally associated with the Spring Break season. This is because the all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean will be competing even harder to lure budget-conscious students away from home this year,” he said.

For those looking for something closer to home, but definitely beyond the usual, AAA suggests Spring Breakers consider a vacation at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

  • Thrill-seekers will find new experiences both within and beyond all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks-from Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to CyberSpace Mountain at DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park (Downtown Disney®) and the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
  • The world’s two most popular water parks-Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach-are both situated in the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort. The nation’s largest, fastest water slide-Summit Plummet-resides at Disney’s Blizzard Beach (with speeds of up to 55 mph); and at Typhoon Lagoon, some of the world’s largest man-made waves are pumped out every 90 seconds in the 2.5 acre wave pool. Springtime temperatures in central Florida should be ideal for this type of experience.
  • Staying at a Disney resort can further the experience by adding to the convenience and value; Disney’s Pop Century Resort is fantastic for budget-minded guests looking not to skimp on the Disney resort experience; and with complimentary transportation, extra hours in the parks, bottomless mugs and the Disney Dining Plan, there is no better way to see Walt Disney World® Resort.
  • College Students looking to “see the world” can visit 11 distinct nations spanning the globe-all while leaving their passport at home, thanks to The World Showcase at Epcot®. Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Morocco, Mexico and more await guests with local fare, drink and atmosphere. And it doesn’t hurt that a walk from, say, Germany to Italy, is a brisk five minutes.
  • As for nighttime excursions, Downtown Disney® West Side and Disney’s BoardWalk feature dozens of entertainment venues, including a tethered-balloon experience, Cirque du Soleil, an ESPN Club and a 24-theater movie complex. 

The college crowd won’t be the only ones traveling in large numbers this March and April. Families with children also use the occasion of school vacations to get up and go, although they are typically looking for somewhat tamer pursuits. While AAA’s travel experts still advise family travelers to look into a Florida or California theme park destination, they should also contemplate cruising as an ideal way to keep everyone entertained and on a budget.

“With many cruise ships home-ported around the United States, you can escape to the sea without ever stepping foot on an airplane. Cruise ports like New York City, Baltimore, Jacksonville, New Orleans and Galveston make it convenient for families to drive to a cruise instead of enduring the hassle of flying,” MacDonell said.

“Once onboard, you will be able to relax or start the party as the mood strikes you. And with destinations such as Mexico; the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Bahamas nearby, you can be worlds away from both classes and careers overnight,” he added.  

It is important to note that there must be an adult aged 21 or older in each cabin.

No matter the time of year or point of destination, those interested in arranging travel plans are encouraged to contact their nearest AAA Hoosier Motor Club travel agent for assistance.