Happy Autumn,
Welcome to “The Compass” … the first edition of our Niagara National Client Newsletter. In future issues we will share with you the latest news, insights, and tips on our products and services. We’ll introduce you to our staff and hopefully bring a smile by sharing fun facts, recipes and other “exciting” insurance trivia. We hope you enjoy reading it and find it useful. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Thank you and enjoy the beautiful fall weather!
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What’s this Spousal Liability Coverage all about?
New York has a new law that requires auto insurers to provide supplemental spousal liability insurance coverage equal to bodily liability coverage, unless the insured specifically rejects such coverage in writing. This law went into effect on August 1st, 2023.
Supplemental spousal liability insurance coverage is designed to provide financial security for you or your spouse in the event of a car accident where you or your spouse are at fault. In simpler terms, it means that if your spouse is a passenger in an accident that was your fault (as the driver) and is injured, then they would be able to sue and collect pain and suffering compensation from your own auto insurance policy. Supplemental spousal liability coverage pays for your legal defense along with any damages you may owe as the responsible party, up to the limit on the policy. The coverage limit matches the coverage limit of your regular bodily injury liability coverage.
This coverage is being added to all New York auto insurance policies regardless of your specific marital status.
Some carriers are charging for the coverage and others are not. If your carrier is charging for the coverage and you want it removed, married or not, you have to sign a declination form. If there is no premium charge, there is no way to opt out.
If you have any further questions about this topic, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Fall is a beautiful season, but it also brings some dangers for drivers. Deer are more active and unpredictable during this time of the year, especially at dawn and dusk. Collisions with deer can cause serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage. According to the State Farm Insurance Company, there were over 2 million animal collisions insurance industry claims for the past year. To avoid becoming one of these statistics, here are some tips to follow:
- Slow down and watch for deer signs. Deer are often found near wooded areas, fields, or water sources. They tend to travel in groups, so if you see one deer, expect more to follow.
- Use your headlights wisely. High beams can help you spot deer eyes in the dark, but they can also blind or confuse the animals. If you see a deer on or near the road, dim your lights and honk your horn to scare it away.
- Brake don’t swerve. If a deer is in your path, do not try to avoid it by swerving into another lane or off the road. This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or hit another object. Instead, brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane.
- Wear your seat belt. This is the best way to protect yourself from injuries in case of a collision. Airbags are not designed to protect you from hitting an animal.
- Report any accidents. If you hit a deer, pull over to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights. Call 911 if anyone is injured or the deer is blocking traffic. Do not approach the deer, as it may be still alive and dangerous. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the fall season safely and responsibly. Remember, deer are wild animals that can behave unpredictably. Be alert, be prepared, and be respectful of their habitat.
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Million Dollar Bacon Recipe (candied bacon for your next tail gate)
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Ingredients:
- Bacon (thick cut)
- Brown Sugar (1 cup)
- Maple Syrup (2 Tbls)
- Cayenne Pepper (1/2 tsp)
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp)
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp)
- (optional – add a teaspoon of Bourbon if you wish)
What you’ll Need:
- Parchment Paper (or silicone liner)
- Baking Sheet
- Cooling Rack
Directions:
- Lay parchment paper on baking sheet. Lay bacon out in a single layer (do not overlap) – you may need 2 baking sheets.
- Pop bacon in a 375-degree oven to start to cook.
- Prepare topping while bacon is preheating.
- In a mixing bowl – combine brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and maple syrup (and bourbon if you wish)
- Pull bacon out of oven – and spread mixture over the bacon (only need to put on one side – it will seep through)
- Bake for 20 – 30 minutes until crispy – pull out and transfer to baking rack until cool.
ENJOY!
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Guitar Nhalay just celebrated her 10th anniversary with Niagara National. Guitar works in our Business Insurance & Employee Benefits Department. Congratulations Guitar … pictured here, she was “Queen for a Day” celebrating her 10 year milestone during our recent Buffalo Bills tailgate lunch.
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Insurance Fun Fact:
Want protection from UFOs?
There is such a thing as alien abduction coverage. This means that – should you be abducted by aliens, and can prove it, you may be able to make a claim if you suffer damages. It’s been a policy staple for over 30 years now, and even weirder is the fact that the UFO Abduction Insurance Company states that they have paid out!
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Refer-a-Friend and earn $10
A referral is one of the best compliments a business can receive. Do you know a friend, relative or co-worker that might benefit from the world class service and product offerings that Niagara National Insurance can provide? Spread the word and we’ll give you a $10 Gift Card of your choice for every referral that obtains a quote from us.
Click the Money Button below.
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We are here to serve you Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Other hours by appointment
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