Summer Travel Tips

Hotel/Motel Tips for Travelers
By: Douglas Motz Insurance Agency
Are you planning a stay in a hotel or motel this summer, if so here are some useful safety tips:
♦Stay in hotels on well-traveled streets in safe areas of the city of your destination.
♦Before you go anywhere familiarize yourself with its location. Take a business card or a piece of stationary from the hotel with their name and address; this can help you in the event you get lost.
♦Lower level floors are safer in case of fire; however, you should avoid the first floor as it is the best location for break-ins.
♦Get yourself familiar with the location of stairways, fire escapes routes, emergency exits and alarms.
♦If a fire starts be sure to take your key before leaving the room, since most hotel room doors automatically lock. Never use the elevator during a fire. If there is heavy smoke in the stairwell walk up to the roof fire exit. If there is heavy smoke in the hallway and the exits are blocked it is better to go back to your room. If there is smoke in your room, open a window and turn on the bathroom vent. Call the front desk to tell them where you are, or call the fire department to report your location in the building. Hang something out the window as a signal, for instance, a bed sheet. Fill the bathtub with water to use for fire fighting. Stuff wet towels into cracks around doors or where smoke can enter. Place a wet towel over your mouth and nose to help filter out smoke.
♦Do not use your name when answering the phone.
♦Put the “Do not disturb” sign on your door whenever you leave your room for the day, it will give the impression you are in your room.
♦Always keep your hotel room door locked. Never invite strangers into your hotel room. Before opening the door to a stranger, verify who it is.
♦Never leave your valuables where hotel employees can see them. If there is a safe in the room use it.
♦Be observant when returning to your hotel at night, use the main entrance.
♦Do not stay out on the streets late at night. Walk on well-lit streets. If necessary, arrange for taxi service.
♦Do not assume that because the hotel you are staying at is in a safe neighborhood that all of the surrounding areas are safe. Check with the hotel’s employees to see if there are unsafe areas to stay away from.
For more safety tips call Doug Motz at Douglas Motz Insurance Agency @ 760-200-0270 or go to www.DougMotz.com. Check out our blog at www.DougMotzInsurance.blogspot.com and follow us on Facebook!
License # 0F00702

Buying a New Home?

Buying a New Home?
Don’t forget to include the costs of homeowners insurance.
Whether you are a first time home buyer, looking to downsize to a smaller property or considering the purchase of a second home, do not forget to factor in the potential insurance costs of the home you are considering buying when calculating the overall price of owning the house. Insurance is something that is often overlooked when factoring in costs.
Most people tend to focus on schools, neighborhoods, restaurants, shopping and property taxes.
Since you will be paying for insurance as long as you own your property, you need to factor the cost of insurance into the home buying process.

Here are a few questions to ask prior to buying which could affect the cost of your insurance premiums:

♦Is there a history of earthquakes?
♦Is the house in a flood zone?
♦Is the house vulnerable to wind damage?
♦How close is nearest fire department?
♦What is the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems?
♦Is the house well built, well maintained and up to code?
♦Does the house have a swimming pool or other water feature?
♦ What is the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems?

Don’t wait until the last minute. Ask your insurance agent if the house will qualify for insurance, and get an estimate of the premium. The sooner you act, the smoother the process will be. If you are getting ready to close escrow on a house or need a quote on your existing home call Doug Motz @ Douglas Motz Insurance Agency at 760-200-0270 or go to DougMotz.com. Check out our blog @ www.DougMotzInsurance.blogspot.com or you can follow Doug Motz Insurance on Facebook.

License # 0F00702