SAV-ON's Involvement with Northwest Harvest

We received a wonderful e-mail today from Northwest Harvest--

Your service is deeply appreciated, particularly during the holiday season when many of us have extra demands on our time. This year, you have every reason to be especially proud. In December alone, volunteers contributed a record-breaking 9,793 hours of time to help Northwest Harvest be successful. One month into the New Year, it looks as if 2010 could be just as busy for all of us at Northwest Harvest as 2009 was. Currently, volunteer hours are up 33 percent over this time last year.

Because of your generosity, thousands of our neighbors in need have food on the table during some of the winter's coldest and darkest days. We are deeply grateful to each of you for the work you do!

SAV-ON volunteered time and efforts at the Kent Warehouse last December. And it doesn't stop there. Every location has a donation bin and for every referral we get that we provide an insurance quote for, whether or not the policy is written, we donate $1 to Northwest Harvest. In 2009, we contributed a total of $1,076 to this worthwhile organization, and this year we're determined to do even better!

We're volunteering again this month. Anyone and everyone is welcome so let us know if you'd like to join us!

Christmas Party Photos

Some photos from our Christmas party compiled by our very own Jose Terrazas. Thanks Jose!

Only 1-in-4 Have Flood Coverage

With only 1-in-4 homes covered in the Green River Valley, WA area, insurance commissioner Mike Kriedler is urging residents to purchase now, especially with the 30 day waiting period.

“Recent work on the Howard Hanson Dam has lowered the risk of catastrophic flooding in the valley. That’s the good news,” Kreidler said. “But the risk of flooding is still significantly higher than normal. Getting this relatively low-cost coverage can protect against major losses.”

FEMA will be revising their flood zone in the Green River Valley and these maps will likely broaden the area considered high-risk. These new maps take effect in September 2010.

Many don't realize that renter's can get contents-only coverage starting at only $39 for the year. However, we are suggesting that they consider building coverage too in case the building does not have a master policy for flood.

Kriedler adds, “renters shouldn’t assume that their apartment owner’s insurance will cover their losses, because it generally doesn’t,” said Kreidler. “A flooded apartment can easily lead to thousands of dollars in damages. Renters have to protect themselves, too.”


Log on to our website: www.sav-on.com for a quick quote or call us 1-888-867-2866.

FREE Santa Photos!

Come in for your FREE photo with Santa. Please bring a donation for Northwest Harvest (non-perishable food items or monetary donations). Limit one per family please.

Hosted by SAV-ON Insurance
22815 Pacific Hwy S
Des Moines WA 98198
Sunday, December 13th
11am and 2pm

FYI, Homeowners Policies DO NOT Cover Flooding

Your regular homeowners policy does not cover flooding. But a flood insurance policy does.

• Flooding is the #1 natural disaster.
  
• Flood damage is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies.
  
• 25% of flood claims are filed by people living in low-to-moderate risk areas.
  
• In high-risk areas, 1 in 4 homes will experience a flood over the course of a 30-year mortgage.
  
• Only 2 inches of water in your home can cost $7,800 or more in damage. (Can you guess what 1 foot would be? Find out the cost with this interactive tool from FloodSmart.gov.)
  
• Disaster assistance- if it's available- is usually a loan you must repay with interest.
  
• Flood insurance is mandatory if you live in a high-risk area and have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender. Check with your lender for details.

Aren't those enough reasons to protect yourself from flood?
If you haven't already, now is the time. Call us 1-888-867-2866, e-mail us, or request a flood quote from the web today.

Flood insurance rates are all federally regulated by FEMA which means, it's the same cost anywhere you go. So why not shop with the Agency that cares, the agency you trust?

Remember, all flood insurance policies have a standard 30 day waiting period!


Thanks to FloodSmart.gov

SAV-ON Halloween Contest Update

Our original Dopey was out sick, but we had a great stand in...meet Kid's Club Secretary, Donny!



When the Evil Queen found out where Snow White was hiding, she came to drop off an apple.
Careful Snow White!








AND NOW THE RESULTS!

The Des Moines office as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs first place, the "Best Costume" trophy, and pizza next week!

The Kent office won 2nd place, the "Most Original" trophy and will also be enjoying pizza next week.

And Normand in our Lynnwood office gets a consolation prize for his awesome rendition of Jack Sparrow; a McDonald's Big Mac Meal!!


Have a safe and Happy Halloween! For tips on trick or treating, check out our latest newsletter.

Halloween Office Contest!

In the spirit of Halloween, 3 offices compete for the pizza lunch!
Which is your favorite??

Kent Office





Des Moines Office





Lynnwood Office






Bellevue Office
Freeze, POLICE! .... Somebody isn't insured with SAV-ON ...

New Spanish Commercial Airs this Month!

Our latest commercial to air this month on a few Spanish channels. Here's the sneak peek! Marque ya!

SAV-ON Proudly Sponsors Youth Sports Teams

SAV-ON is proud to support the local community and youth sports teams. Enjoy the team photos!


Co-Owner Rick Devitte proudly stands alongside the Des Moines Bulldogs Basketball team!



The Des Moines Dragons Baseball team are all smiles!










In addition to being active in the community, all 6 SAV-ON locations offer Northwest Harvest drop boxes all year round! Thanks to the Kent office for recently donating another full box!

Survey Shows Support in Banning Texting While Driving

Data suggests legislation alone will not solve the problem

Columbus, Ohio — Nationwide Insurance today released the results of its new On Your Side® survey, which found that 8 in 10 Americans surveyed this month say they would support legislation restricting cell phone use while driving. The survey, conducted Aug. 5-9, 2009, by Harris Interactive, reports that 80 percent of Americans favor a ban on texting while driving, while two thirds favor a ban on cell phone calls, and more than half say they would support a ban on cell phone use altogether. Earlier this summer, Nationwide announced its support of the concept of a national ban on texting while driving to help curb crashes and reduce auto insurance claims.

The survey results are being announced as hundreds of highway traffic safety advocates and officials are convening at the Governors Highway Safety Association’s annual conference in Savannah, Ga., to discuss driving while distracted (DWD) and other highway safety issues. This meeting is taking place in advance of a presidential summit on DWD that is scheduled for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Washington, DC.

“In recent months, the debate about the dangers of DWD has intensified as more and more states consider taking legislative action,” said Bill Windsor, Nationwide’s Safety Officer. “The survey results confirm that there is strong public support for banning texting while driving. It also provides insight into support for additional restrictions policymakers may want to consider.”

Public support for DWD legislation
The results of the new survey show there are varying degrees of support for different types of restrictions. Overall, the survey found that 8 in 10 drivers support some type of cell phone usage restriction.

The majority of respondents say they are supportive of laws restricting any type of cell phone use while driving.

80 percent of respondents support a ban on text messaging while driving.

80 percent of respondents support a ban on e-mailing while driving.

Two thirds (67 percent) of respondents say they are supportive of laws restricting phone calls while driving.

Of those who support some type of cell phone usage restriction, nearly 3 in 4 believe the law should apply to all drivers, not just specific groups.

Regional differences
In geographic regions where one would expect to find higher cell phone usage and more multitasking lifestyles, support for a ban was high. The majority of respondents in the west and northeast regions say they would support a ban on any type of cell phone use while driving.

Generational differences
While it’s not surprising that older generations are supportive of bans, even members of Generations X (ages 33-44) and Y (ages 21-32), who are more likely to use cell phones, are supportive of laws – particularly those banning text messaging and e-mailing. Three fourths of Generation X and Y respondents favor these restrictions.

The overwhelming support for legislation may be driven by increased public recognition of the dangers associated with DWD. In 2008, Nationwide’s DWD survey revealed that 45 percent of respondents had been hit or nearly hit by another driver using a cell phone.

Need for education
According to the survey released today, respondents say they are witnessing a growth in distracted driving behavior on the roads, underscoring the importance of public education to raise awareness about this dangerous practice.

More than half of respondents say they see more drivers using cell phones while driving than they did 12 months ago.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents say that when they drive, they always or often see other drivers using cell phones.

The importance of technology
“The new information in this survey also indicates that many drivers are either in denial about their DWD habits or resistant to changing their behavior,” said Windsor. “This suggests that legislation may not be enough to eliminate distracted driving and highlights the need for a technological solution that can prevent cell phone usage in moving vehicles while still allowing people to stay connected.”

Drivers in denial
Nearly half (49 percent) of drivers say a law restricting use of cell phones would not change their behavior because they don’t currently use cell phones while driving.

When you compare this statistic to Nationwide’s 2008 DWD survey, which revealed that more than 80 percent of drivers admit to talking on their cell phone while driving, it may be the case that some drivers are either in denial or too embarrassed to admit their DWD problem.

Resistance to new laws
In the new survey, four out of five respondents (82 percent) who admit to using their cell phones while driving say their behavior would change if cell phone usage were restricted by law.

However, 18 percent of respondents who admit to using their cell phones while driving say they would continue to do so regardless of a change in law, with Generation Y most likely to resist the change (26 percent).

Further evidence that a technological solution is needed comes from Nationwide’s 2008 DWD survey. This study found that 43 percent of drivers believe technological advances that prevent cell phones from working in a moving vehicle would be the most effective solution to DWD.

Nationwide’s commitment to reducing DWD
Nationwide is committed to helping customers protect what matters most and that is why the company recently stated its support of the concept of a national ban on texting while driving. In addition to saving lives, fewer DWD related crashes could also result in lower insurance costs for consumers.

“DWD impacts all of us in one form or another and Nationwide will continue to raise public awareness about this important issue,” said Windsor. “By working closely with legislators, public safety officials and other key stakeholders we can arrive at real-world solutions to this problem and help make the roads a safer place.”

Survey methodology
This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive via its National QuorumSM telephone omnibus service. This study was conducted by telephone within the United States between Aug. 5-9, 2009 among a nationwide cross section of 1,008 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race, and region were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. The results for the overall sample have a sampling error of +/-3 percentage points at a 95 percent certainty.

Des Moines Office Wins Prestigious Award

SAV-ON Insurance has been selected for the 2009 Best of Des Moines Award in the Insurance Agents category by the U.S. Commerce Association.

Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Thank you to our wonderful clients and others that made this award possible. We will continue to strive for the most excellent service and provide to families and individuals in need in our local community.


US Commerce Association Website

Earthquake Preparedness: What To Do Before an Earthquake

Check for earthquake hazards

Fasten shelves securely to walls.

Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.

Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.

Brace overhead light fixtures.

Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.

Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.

Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.

Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

Identify safe places indoors and outdoors

Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

Against an inside wall.

Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.

In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Have disaster supplies on hand

Flashlight and extra batteries.

Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.

First aid kit and manual.

Emergency food and water.

Nonelectric can opener.

Essential medicines.

Cash and credit cards.

Sturdy shoes.

Make sure the whole family knows the plan

Make sure children know how to call 911 and how to tune into emergency radio broadcasts

Teach family members how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity

Have an earthquake drill

Have a plan to reunite after a disaster if family is separated

Have an out of state family member or friend as an emergency contact in case local friends and family are not reachable due to the disaster


Thank you to FEMA

Burien Car Show Event

June: Graduate Results

We moved 40 people from high risk rates to low-cost Preferred rates this last month through our Exclusive Graduate Department. That brings us to a total of 259 for the year!

Our top savers this last month... (These savings are per 6 month terms!)

Ben O - Enumclaw - $937

Maria A - Seattle - $773

Richard S - SeaTac - $734

Robert T - Seattle - $698

David D - Kent - $697

Robert L - of Orting - $578

Patricia K - Tacoma - $544

Jaime D - Kent - $510

Kathleen C - Edmonds - $499

Anatoliy V - Tacoma - $424

Kathleen C - Edmonds - $499

Kid's Club Carnival CANCELED

Unfortunately, the Kid's Club Carnival has been canceled. But we plan to have this next year.

Donations to Northwest Harvest are still encouraged at any of our office locations. This last quarter we raised a monetary donation of $282.

To Drive or Not To Drive!

To Drive or not to Drive!

And that really is the question! What age is the right age for a teenager to get their drivers license?

The age and requirements vary state-to-state and have varied laws concerning all aspects of when, where and how teens may drive.

We pose the question regarding readiness to the parents.
Even if the age to get a license in your state is 16, you must ask yourself is your teen mature enough and ready for the responsibility?

No parent wants to say no to their children but feelings and emotions involving things like peer pressure and the ability to impress their friends have no place behind the wheel of a car. Being that traffic deaths are the number 1 reason for high mortality rates in teenagers.

Let's face it, driving is all about responsibility. Are your kids good with following the rules, doing the chores, handling their emotional ups and downs sensibly? Only you know how your child will measure up to these questions.

Here are some ideas from another parent.

Many parents "basically cut their kids loose the minute they get their driver's license." That was not the case with the Cox family's oldest child, Rachel, who turned 16 in January and got her license in April. The decision to allow her to drive was tied to certain rules. Among them:

She's not allowed to use a cell phone while driving. Cox checks the itemized statement to ensure the rule is followed.

She's not permitted to have passengers (except for family) for at least a year. Cox sometimes bends this rule, depending on where her daughter is going and with whom.

Rachel must continue to drive with her parents on occasion, so they can observe. And she's required to enroll in a New Driver Car Control Clinic.

There was never any room for negotiation. Donna Cox has had the rules in mind since 1997, when she helped her best friend bury her 16-year-old son in Louisville. He had been driving just four days.

"His death notice and picture have hung on my kitchen cabinet for the last nine years," Cox says, "so it's a daily reminder."

Swine Flu Update....

The Swine Flu is receiving significant international attention. Now, the World Health
Organization has raised the Pandemic Threat Level to 5 (out of 6!)

Symptoms are similar to regular human flu: fever and chills, a cough, sore throat, aching limbs, headaches, and general malaise. However, there are reports of swine flu also causing diarrhoea and vomiting. Pneumonia and respiratory failure can occur leading to death as also happens in regular human flu, which kills thousands of people every year.

And how are we preparing ourselves to battle this pandemic virus? It appears to many folks that we are spending a great deal of time scaring the pudding out of ourselves, lots of knee jerk reactions, and reports of an ominous nature.

But, this swine flu outbreak should wake us all up to either getting our acts together and begin to plan for the reality of many other pandemic possibilities. Businesses as well as our schools and homes should have a plan. I love this definition given in one of the many swine flu articles I've read: "Cyberchondria is an anxiety disorder related to hypochondria and brought on by reading too many tweets with the #swineflu tag, listening to conspiracy theorists, and viewing online news stories about diseases that scare the sheesh kebab out of you for no good reason." All you good scouts out there, be prepared.

Stephenie Sings

We've posted some fun videos of our commercials and just some fun around the office. Type of in "Stephenie Sings" on YouTube. Enjoy :)

We're on Twitter!

Check us out on the hottest new social network, Twitter! You can find us at www.twitter.com/SAVONSAM

Find out INSTANTLY when we've posted a blog, if you're the winner of our referral program ($50 dinners or the 32" HDTV!), or for exclusive contests!

Exciting Update!

A quick update-- We're in the works of getting video postings on the blogs. The Flip and Flip Mino has taken the country by storm and we're hoppin on the Flip train!

What do you want to see? What do you want to know? Insurance related or not, we'd like to be a wealth of information to you on home, auto, catastrophe information and more.

Did you know we have another blog? SAV-ON Safe Teen Driver Blog. Check it out!