If you find yourself involved in an accident here’s what you need to do before you call your insurance company…

1. Call the police (911 in most areas). Report any injuries.

2. Write down the other car’s make, model, and plate number. Get the driver’s name, address, and license number…get the owners name, too. Most states require drivers to have an insurance identification card in the vehicle and it will provide most of this information.

3. Write down the names and addresses of all passengers and witnesses.

4. Get the officer’s name and badge number. Ask how you can obtain a copy of the police report for your insurance claim.

5. Do not admit to guilt, do not accept money from the other driver, and do not agree to forget about a minor accident.

6. Write down what happened: include the time of day, weather conditions, hazards, road conditions, and driving speed. Make a note of any prior damage on other cars.

Once you collect this information, contact your auto insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance companies have 24-hour claims service by phone. So you can call your insurer right from the scene. Your insurance ID card should provide the number.

Are you ready to celebrate your way into the New Year? Many Americans make it a point to go out with friends and family. While this is fun, it can also be dangerous and risky without the proper precautions and protection. As your trusty Decatur, Illinois Insurance Agency, we have a few tips to share before the big night.

•    Plan ahead by finding a designated driver. If you absolutely cannot drive home, you are going to need a friend!

•    If you are hosting a party, make sure you limit the alcohol and watch your guests. If someone is getting too inebriated, cut them off.

•    Those who are going out should pack an overnight bag just in case. Those who are having people over should prepare for guests to possibly spend the night.

•    Stay in groups if you are going to a club or bar. Straying from friends could lead you to trouble.

•    If your children are going out, make sure you are aware of their whereabouts and ensure them that you will be able to pick them up no matter where they are.

•    If you notice a friend is too drunk to drive, do not be afraid to take their keys away.

Being careful this New Years Eve does not mean avoiding a drink at all costs; it means knowing your limit and being smart. If you have a feeling you will be drinking a lot, plan properly. If not, it is still important to be careful, especially if you will be on the roads. Once the bars let out, the roads will be filled with irresponsible drivers.

If you are concerned about your coverage, do not hesitate to contact our agency. We will be able to set you up with a reliable auto insurance policy to cover any accidents out on the roads. We offer coverage for:collision, comprehensive, property damage liability, medical or personal injury protection and much more.

Allow us to help you ring in the New Year the right way!

Christmas Fire Safety Tips: Setting Up and Decorating Your Tree

The most joyous of times can also be deadly. Take the Christmas season. Christmas trees are involved in approximately 400 fires annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association, typically resulting in more than a dozen deaths, dozens of injuries and more than $10 million in property loss and damage. Short-circuiting tree lights are cited as the leading cause.

As the holidays approach, the State Fire Marshal's Office offers these safety tips for setting up and decorating Christmas trees that will minimize the risk of fire and injuries.

· Set up the tree away from fireplaces, portable heaters, heater vents, and television sets. Place it out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. Use thin guy wires to secure tall trees to walls or ceiling; the wires will be almost invisible. Because heated rooms dry out natural trees rapidly, keep the stand filled with water; check the water level daily. A six-foot tree will absorb one gallon of water every two days.

· Use only lights tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters' Laboratories. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Miniature lights are preferred, for their cool-burning bulbs. Position bulbs so that they aren't in direct contact with needles or ornaments.

· Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord (maximum of 200 miniature lights or 150 larger lights). Only one extension cord should be used per outlet.

· Be careful where you place electrical cords: Don't run electrical cords under rugs; walking traffic can weaken the insulation and the wires can overheat, increasing the chances for fire or electric shock. Be careful when placing cords behind or beneath furniture; pinched cords can fray and short. Keep animals away from cords to avoid entanglement and chewing. Keep cords and lights away from the tree's water supply.

· Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

· Turn off all lights before going to bed or leaving the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

· Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.

· Never use lighted candles on a tree (even an artificial tree) or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.

· Decorative lighted villages, Nativity scenes, electric trains, and other electrically powered scenery and figures should be monitored like other decorative lights.

Looking for Quality insurance? Click here for more information and a free insurance quote from The Insurance Center of Decatur!