The Allstate Blog » Allstate Agent http://blog.allstate.com Expert tips and fun facts on protecting your car, home, motorcycle or RV from Allstate Auto Insurance Wed, 22 May 2013 21:05:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Stories from Sandy: Renewed Purpose and Hope http://blog.allstate.com/sandy-stories-renewed-purpose-and-hope/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sandy-stories-renewed-purpose-and-hope http://blog.allstate.com/sandy-stories-renewed-purpose-and-hope/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:00:48 +0000 Pauline Hammerbeck http://blog.allstate.com/?p=3764 Allstate agent Andrea Zorzi collects Sandy supplies

Freehold, New Jersey. Bruce Springsteen’s hometown. And, more recently, the site of great upheaval in the wake of Sandy. The Allstate Blog sat down with Allstate agency owner Andrea Zorzi, whose agency has a long history in Freehold, to learn how the storm has impacted the community, how she’s been lending a helping hand, and her thoughts on what’s next for the city that inspired the small-town America lyrics of Springsteen songs.   Allstate Blog: So, how strong is your connection to Freehold? Andrea Zorzi: My dad was a 40-year Allstate agent. He retired in 2008, and I took the business over from there. Our office has been in Freehold for more than 25 years.   AB: How prepared were you for the impact Sandy could have? AZ: The forecasters warned that this would be an unprecedented storm … but in our area we have been so fortunate to escape any kind of severe weather that, although they might have made some preparations, I think many doubted it was going to have such a severe impact.   AB: How soon did you realize that the impact was, indeed, severe? AZ: I live five blocks from the ocean, and I stayed through the storm. The next morning, I took a walk to the ocean. It was hard to recognize that this was the same place I stood the day before. The entire landscape had changed. There were homes that floated into the street, debris strewn about, things that didn't belong where they were ... sections of the boardwalk three streets over from where it should be. I've never seen anything like it.   AB: How soon were you able to communicate with customers? AZ: It was very difficult in the beginning. None of us had power in our homes or offices, no gas and nowhere to get it. Even cell phone service was disrupted … for many, only text messages were getting through. I knew that so many of our customers were in the affected areas and without power, phones or internet in the office or anywhere. It was easy to feel helpless. I posted my cell phone number on our office door and kept showing up, not knowing what else to do; my staff and I wanted to help these people whose lives, we knew, had been torn apart.   AB: What could you do to help? AZ: Well, the first few days after the tragedy, the needs were immediate for things like flashlights, batteries, candles, jackets, and blankets. But it was clear that no one knew where to go or what to do. So, we’re sitting in our cold, dark office and my senior producer, Joann came up with the idea that we should be a drop-off point for supplies.   AB: Great idea. So, how did you spread the word? AZ: We were able to get Facebook on our phones, so we started by posting requests for supplies on Saturday night. We saw what people close to the affected areas were posting about their needs—we compiled a list and put it out there. On Sunday morning, we came into the office, we barely got the signs up and people just started coming in. Many with their cars and vans full of stuff!   AB: That must have really felt good. AZ: It did. It gave us purpose. By the time our power came on a few days later, the office was filled to the brim with donations. As customers started coming in to file or discuss their claims, we had people still streaming in with donations. It motivated many of our customers to come back to the office with donations of their own. We’ve been filling trucks, and calling on our friends to use their trucks, to get everything out to these checkpoints that have been set up near the most affected areas. These hubs have been created because so many people have been coming out with offers to help. We’ve certainly seen that sense of philanthropy. For our own efforts, the volunteers and donations we’ve amassed have been amazing. It just sort of snowballed.   AB: Why do you think that is? AZ: I think, for many people, it was empowering to be proactive and actually start doing something. So many people lost so much. Coming in to help those people was a way to turn the helplessness into hope. In fact, a whole movement has formed to help—it’s truly an outpouring of support. AB]]> Allstate agent Andrea Zorzi collects Sandy supplies

Freehold, New Jersey. Bruce Springsteen’s hometown. And, more recently, the site of great upheaval in the wake of Sandy. The Allstate Blog sat down with Allstate agency owner Andrea Zorzi, whose agency has a long history in Freehold, to learn how the storm has impacted the community, how she’s been lending a helping hand, and her thoughts on what’s next for the city that inspired the small-town America lyrics of Springsteen songs.   Allstate Blog: So, how strong is your connection to Freehold? Andrea Zorzi: My dad was a 40-year Allstate agent. He retired in 2008, and I took the business over from there. Our office has been in Freehold for more than 25 years.   AB: How prepared were you for the impact Sandy could have? AZ: The forecasters warned that this would be an unprecedented storm … but in our area we have been so fortunate to escape any kind of severe weather that, although they might have made some preparations, I think many doubted it was going to have such a severe impact.   AB: How soon did you realize that the impact was, indeed, severe? AZ: I live five blocks from the ocean, and I stayed through the storm. The next morning, I took a walk to the ocean. It was hard to recognize that this was the same place I stood the day before. The entire landscape had changed. There were homes that floated into the street, debris strewn about, things that didn't belong where they were ... sections of the boardwalk three streets over from where it should be. I've never seen anything like it.   AB: How soon were you able to communicate with customers? AZ: It was very difficult in the beginning. None of us had power in our homes or offices, no gas and nowhere to get it. Even cell phone service was disrupted … for many, only text messages were getting through. I knew that so many of our customers were in the affected areas and without power, phones or internet in the office or anywhere. It was easy to feel helpless. I posted my cell phone number on our office door and kept showing up, not knowing what else to do; my staff and I wanted to help these people whose lives, we knew, had been torn apart.   AB: What could you do to help? AZ: Well, the first few days after the tragedy, the needs were immediate for things like flashlights, batteries, candles, jackets, and blankets. But it was clear that no one knew where to go or what to do. So, we’re sitting in our cold, dark office and my senior producer, Joann came up with the idea that we should be a drop-off point for supplies.   AB: Great idea. So, how did you spread the word? AZ: We were able to get Facebook on our phones, so we started by posting requests for supplies on Saturday night. We saw what people close to the affected areas were posting about their needs—we compiled a list and put it out there. On Sunday morning, we came into the office, we barely got the signs up and people just started coming in. Many with their cars and vans full of stuff!   AB: That must have really felt good. AZ: It did. It gave us purpose. By the time our power came on a few days later, the office was filled to the brim with donations. As customers started coming in to file or discuss their claims, we had people still streaming in with donations. It motivated many of our customers to come back to the office with donations of their own. We’ve been filling trucks, and calling on our friends to use their trucks, to get everything out to these checkpoints that have been set up near the most affected areas. These hubs have been created because so many people have been coming out with offers to help. We’ve certainly seen that sense of philanthropy. For our own efforts, the volunteers and donations we’ve amassed have been amazing. It just sort of snowballed.   AB: Why do you think that is? AZ: I think, for many people, it was empowering to be proactive and actually start doing something. So many people lost so much. Coming in to help those people was a way to turn the helplessness into hope. In fact, a whole movement has formed to help—it’s truly an outpouring of support. AB]]> http://blog.allstate.com/sandy-stories-renewed-purpose-and-hope/feed/ 0 Concerned About Paying for College? Take Action! http://blog.allstate.com/concerned-about-paying-for-college-take-action/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=concerned-about-paying-for-college-take-action http://blog.allstate.com/concerned-about-paying-for-college-take-action/#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:42:52 +0000 Brendan http://blog.allstate.com/?p=3715 all_home_older_family_050

Many Chicago parents share a dream of seeing their children attend college and receive a quality education that can help set the foundation for a successful career. But some fear that paying for college will be difficult. "The important part is that parents do something," says Sedrik Newbern, a Libertyville-based Allstate Insurance agent. There are many college savings programs available from various sources that can help develop a savings plan tailored specifically to your situation. There are Illinois-specific 529 savings plans, as well as all sorts of grants, financial aid plans and even life insurance packages that provide college-funding options. The issue for many parents is choosing a strategy and taking action. Sedrick Newbern“I recommend to just do something. Sometimes there's this 'analysis by paralysis'," Newbern says. "[Have] a conversation with your insurance agent or financial specialist to figure out ways that you can accumulate money in a way that doesn't put much of a tax burden on you and allows you to grow your money, so when your child is of college age, you’ll have money to pay for it.” Newbern admits that while having a plan in place and taking action is important, the dramatic increases in the cost of college may be exceeding the amount of assistance available through traditional financial aid vehicles. Costs Are on the Rise Last October, The Washington Post reported that financial aid is not keeping pace with the rising cost of college, citing a study by the College Board Advocacy and Policy Center. According to the story, the cost of college has risen faster than inflation for some time, and “Many states have slashed funding for higher education. The [College Board] report found state appropriations per student dropped 10 percent in 2011-12, a fourth straight year of decline.” According to a Wall Street Journal report  on the same topic, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's 2012 tuition and fees were $14,522 for residents in 2012, which amounts to a 47 percent increase since 2006. That said, parents must still find ways to pay for their child’s education, because as Newbern says, “Not all kids are scholars or athletes and they won’t be eligible for scholarships. Who knows what options will be available or what those options will look like in 10 years.” Quotes for Education Which is precisely where companies like Allstate can--and do--step in. Since 2008, Allstate has offered its Quotes for Education program that is designed to help students of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) finance their education. Working with partners such as the Tom Joyner Foundation, the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and the Thurgood Marshall Foundation, the program has provided consumers a quick and easy way to support HBCU students. This year, the Quotes for Education program raised $141,120 for The Tom Joyner Foundation to support HBCU students. These donations help form the Allstate/Tom Joyner Foundation Scholarship, which is awarded to financially in-need HBCU students each year. [CTA: agent for college savings plan]]]> all_home_older_family_050

Many Chicago parents share a dream of seeing their children attend college and receive a quality education that can help set the foundation for a successful career. But some fear that paying for college will be difficult. "The important part is that parents do something," says Sedrik Newbern, a Libertyville-based Allstate Insurance agent. There are many college savings programs available from various sources that can help develop a savings plan tailored specifically to your situation. There are Illinois-specific 529 savings plans, as well as all sorts of grants, financial aid plans and even life insurance packages that provide college-funding options. The issue for many parents is choosing a strategy and taking action. Sedrick Newbern“I recommend to just do something. Sometimes there's this 'analysis by paralysis'," Newbern says. "[Have] a conversation with your insurance agent or financial specialist to figure out ways that you can accumulate money in a way that doesn't put much of a tax burden on you and allows you to grow your money, so when your child is of college age, you’ll have money to pay for it.” Newbern admits that while having a plan in place and taking action is important, the dramatic increases in the cost of college may be exceeding the amount of assistance available through traditional financial aid vehicles. Costs Are on the Rise Last October, The Washington Post reported that financial aid is not keeping pace with the rising cost of college, citing a study by the College Board Advocacy and Policy Center. According to the story, the cost of college has risen faster than inflation for some time, and “Many states have slashed funding for higher education. The [College Board] report found state appropriations per student dropped 10 percent in 2011-12, a fourth straight year of decline.” According to a Wall Street Journal report  on the same topic, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's 2012 tuition and fees were $14,522 for residents in 2012, which amounts to a 47 percent increase since 2006. That said, parents must still find ways to pay for their child’s education, because as Newbern says, “Not all kids are scholars or athletes and they won’t be eligible for scholarships. Who knows what options will be available or what those options will look like in 10 years.” Quotes for Education Which is precisely where companies like Allstate can--and do--step in. Since 2008, Allstate has offered its Quotes for Education program that is designed to help students of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) finance their education. Working with partners such as the Tom Joyner Foundation, the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and the Thurgood Marshall Foundation, the program has provided consumers a quick and easy way to support HBCU students. This year, the Quotes for Education program raised $141,120 for The Tom Joyner Foundation to support HBCU students. These donations help form the Allstate/Tom Joyner Foundation Scholarship, which is awarded to financially in-need HBCU students each year. [CTA: agent for college savings plan]]]> http://blog.allstate.com/concerned-about-paying-for-college-take-action/feed/ 1 Make Memories, Not Mischief: 4 Unsafe Holiday Traditions to Avoid http://blog.allstate.com/holiday-safety-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=holiday-safety-tips http://blog.allstate.com/holiday-safety-tips/#comments Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:00:09 +0000 Lisa Faina, Allstate Agent http://blog.allstate.com/?p=3623 Holiday Safety Tips

By Lisa Faina, Allstate Agent The holiday season is steeped in traditions that originated in a world long before warning labels and fire safety commercials. As an insurance agent, I've heard holiday horror stories of all kinds: everything from Black Friday shopping injuries to Christmas tree fires, among other things. They say ‘accidents happen’ but there are steps you can take to enjoy your beloved rituals without risking a home fire or your personal safety. Here are four potentially risky traditions, along with a few holiday safety tips, to keep your family out of harm’s way.

Candles and Christmas Light Safety

Flickering candlelight looks beautiful, but real candles should never be used on or near a Christmas tree (the earliest Christmas trees were illuminated by candles). Even Christmas lights can pose a fire safety problem. Frayed wires left unattended can overheat, turning a dry tree into a raging inferno in just seconds. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, home holiday decorations cause over 400 holiday fires each year, resulting in $15 million in property loss and damage. Safety tip: Decorating for Christmas shouldn’t be a hazard. Only use electric lights that are rated for Christmas trees and tested by a recognized laboratory (you’ll usually find a sticker noting the laboratory’s approval on the cord). Also, keep your tree well watered to reduce flammability.

Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner

Beware the turkey fryer! Crisp, fried turkey may taste delicious, but splattered hot oil can easily start a serious house fire or burn anyone nearby. In addition to the danger of splattering oil igniting flammable objects nearby, the oil itself can overheat and catch fire. Safety tip: If fried turkey is part of your family’s Thanksgiving tradition, consider these fire safety tips: don’t overfill a fryer with oil (leave enough room to avoid spills when you add the turkey); never put a frozen turkey directly in hot oil; or, use an infrared fryer to safely cook your bird instead.

Roof-Top Holiday Decorations

Crawling onto the roof to string lights or set up Santa’s sleigh sends nearly 5,800 people to the hospital emergency room each year, according to a study by Electrical Safety Foundation International. Accidental falls from the roof or an unstable ladder can result in broken bones, concussions or even something worse. Safety tip: If possible, avoid climbing onto the roof to set up holiday decor. If you must use a ladder, make sure it is securely positioned, and ask another adult to hold it for you. Children should never climb ladders.

Black Friday Door-Buster Shopping Stampedes

Scoring a door-buster deal on Black Friday is an annual tradition for many American shoppers. Lining up and racing into a store right when it opens, however, can be extremely dangerous. Every year, there are reports of people being trampled by over-eager shoppers. Stay safe: Many stores are now staggering door-buster deals over several hours. Skip the stampede and arrive later in the day; no shopping savings are worth risking injury.   Allstate agent Lisa Faina, of Cooper City, FL, was featured as a safety and prevention expert in a holiday safety segment airing on the Lifetime TV network program, “Designing Spaces.” The holiday segment featured host Rhonda Castagna interviewing Faina about holiday safety tips for car and home. We asked Lisa to share some of her advice with The Allstate Blog.    So, what are your family's holiday safety tips?   Recommended by the Editor:    ]]> Holiday Safety Tips

By Lisa Faina, Allstate Agent The holiday season is steeped in traditions that originated in a world long before warning labels and fire safety commercials. As an insurance agent, I've heard holiday horror stories of all kinds: everything from Black Friday shopping injuries to Christmas tree fires, among other things. They say ‘accidents happen’ but there are steps you can take to enjoy your beloved rituals without risking a home fire or your personal safety. Here are four potentially risky traditions, along with a few holiday safety tips, to keep your family out of harm’s way.

Candles and Christmas Light Safety

Flickering candlelight looks beautiful, but real candles should never be used on or near a Christmas tree (the earliest Christmas trees were illuminated by candles). Even Christmas lights can pose a fire safety problem. Frayed wires left unattended can overheat, turning a dry tree into a raging inferno in just seconds. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, home holiday decorations cause over 400 holiday fires each year, resulting in $15 million in property loss and damage. Safety tip: Decorating for Christmas shouldn’t be a hazard. Only use electric lights that are rated for Christmas trees and tested by a recognized laboratory (you’ll usually find a sticker noting the laboratory’s approval on the cord). Also, keep your tree well watered to reduce flammability.

Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner

Beware the turkey fryer! Crisp, fried turkey may taste delicious, but splattered hot oil can easily start a serious house fire or burn anyone nearby. In addition to the danger of splattering oil igniting flammable objects nearby, the oil itself can overheat and catch fire. Safety tip: If fried turkey is part of your family’s Thanksgiving tradition, consider these fire safety tips: don’t overfill a fryer with oil (leave enough room to avoid spills when you add the turkey); never put a frozen turkey directly in hot oil; or, use an infrared fryer to safely cook your bird instead.

Roof-Top Holiday Decorations

Crawling onto the roof to string lights or set up Santa’s sleigh sends nearly 5,800 people to the hospital emergency room each year, according to a study by Electrical Safety Foundation International. Accidental falls from the roof or an unstable ladder can result in broken bones, concussions or even something worse. Safety tip: If possible, avoid climbing onto the roof to set up holiday decor. If you must use a ladder, make sure it is securely positioned, and ask another adult to hold it for you. Children should never climb ladders.

Black Friday Door-Buster Shopping Stampedes

Scoring a door-buster deal on Black Friday is an annual tradition for many American shoppers. Lining up and racing into a store right when it opens, however, can be extremely dangerous. Every year, there are reports of people being trampled by over-eager shoppers. Stay safe: Many stores are now staggering door-buster deals over several hours. Skip the stampede and arrive later in the day; no shopping savings are worth risking injury.   Allstate agent Lisa Faina, of Cooper City, FL, was featured as a safety and prevention expert in a holiday safety segment airing on the Lifetime TV network program, “Designing Spaces.” The holiday segment featured host Rhonda Castagna interviewing Faina about holiday safety tips for car and home. We asked Lisa to share some of her advice with The Allstate Blog.    So, what are your family's holiday safety tips?   Recommended by the Editor:    ]]> http://blog.allstate.com/holiday-safety-tips/feed/ 3