The Allstate Blog » Tips and Tricks

The Essential Guide to Renting a Storage Unit

Jenny Zhang, SpareFoot — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:28 +0000

Many of us, at one point or another, will use self-storage. Whether it be for college, moving, general storage or downsizing, self-storage remains a viable option for those with simply too much stuff. Though, if you’ve never used self-storage before, the process can seem overwhelming: What is climate control, and do you need it? What should you bring on the day of move-in? Will you end up on Storage Wars? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, keep reading for a comprehensive guide to renting a storage unit.

Where to Start

If you don’t already have a storage facility in mind, the Yellow Pages, Google and websites like SpareFoot are wonderful places to start. Many local facilities offer promotions, deals and discounts on storage, so it can be valuable to do research on the various options in your area before making a choice.

Understanding Climate Control

With more and more storage facilities offering climate control, it’s important to understand exactly what it is and how it can help you. The most basic level of climate control guarantees that your storage unit will remain within a certain temperature range. This will often mean anywhere between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some facilities also offer humidity control in tandem with climate control, so ask your facility representative if you’re unsure. If you’re storing temperature-sensitive items like wine, wood or leather furniture, vehicles or artwork, climate control is a must; swings and extreme highs or lows in temperature can affect the quality of your possessions. Additionally, you may want to avoid plastic bags -- a sealed plastic bag can foster humidity, especially if you haven’t properly dried whatever item you’re storing before wrapping it in plastic.

Renting a Truck

Again, depending on the amount and size of possessions you’re looking the store, you may or may not need a truck. Many storage facilities offer deals involving free or discounted trucks and other necessary moving equipment, so make sure you make a point to ask.

Know Your Insurance Plan

It's crucial to insure your belongings if you're planning to store for a long term, and especially if you're keeping expensive items in storage. Check with your agent first to clarify if your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy will cover your stored possessions; while most do, the extent of coverage can vary by insurance company. In many cases, the storage facility may also offer its own coverage. Regardless of which provider you choose, make sure you read the respective insurance policy and rental lease carefully for any fine print to make sure you understand.

A Word on Storage Auctions

If you’re worried about ending up on Storage Wars or Auction Hunters, take note: Storage facilities can only auction off the contents of a unit when the tenant stops paying rent. Even then, the storage facility is required by law to notify the tenant through either public notice, post or electronic mail. The delinquent tenant can pay for their unit at any point during this process, thus cancelling the need for the auction. The process can vary slightly by state, though, so if you’re worried that your chaise will end up on TV, make sure you familiarize yourself with your state’s laws. Overall, however, if you pay your fees on time, you shouldn’t ever have to worry about losing your valuables to an auction.

Security

Before you commit to a storage facility, take a tour and ask about the electronic systems. Do the grounds have video surveillance? Is there gate access? Ask about the neighborhood, or do some research online if you’re unsure.

Locks

Most self-storage facilities will require you to use your own lock, so don’t let that be the one thing you forget on move-in day! Stay away from standard or combination padlocks, as these can be easily picked or broken. Stick with a closed-shackle padlock, disc lock or cylinder lock.

Unit Sizing

If you’re storing heavy or large objects, it can often be worth the extra money to rent a unit on the ground floor. Additionally, choose a larger-sized unit if you plan on "visiting" your items often. This gives you walking space and will make your life exceptionally easier. Don’t forget to take advantage of the height of the unit, which usually ranges from 8 to 12 feet. Store vertically, with heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes at the top. As always, if you’re unsure about the best size for your belongs, describe your stored items to your facility or a SpareFoot representative, and they’ll help you figure out the appropriate size.

Know What You Can’t Store

This includes animals, perishables, firearms (varies by state, make sure you check first), explosives, flammable items, noxious or hazardous materials, and stolen property. Again, if you’re unsure, ask the facility manager before going forward. Jenny Zhang is a writer at SpareFoot, the online marketplace where you can find and reserve a self-storage unit with comparison shopping tools that show real-time availability and exclusive deals.

Spring is Here: Get Your Home Ready!

Melissa — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:32 +0000

Spring weather was a little late in arriving in many parts of the country this year. Chances are, by now, you're probably seeing some daffodils and tulips and hearing birds singing in the budding trees. The arrival of spring brings thoughts of spring cleaning -- and getting some maintenance projects under way before summer means you'll be able to relax and enjoy your home by the time spring gives way to summer. Here are some home maintenance tips to help you welcome the arrival of spring weather.

Weatherstripping

The U.S. Department of Energy says weatherstripping the windows on your home is an easy and effective way to save money on your energy bill. Weatherstripping is a material you can apply around your window and door frames to ensure there's a good seal. During the harsh winter months, it can help keep the warm air inside the house, and the cold drafts out. In the spring and summer, weatherstripping works the opposite way, helping to keep the cool air inside and the warm air out. If you didn't install weatherstripping before the winter cold set in, you may want to take this opportunity to seal your windows before you have to turn on the air conditioner -- which could help save you money on your energy bills year-round. In the summer, if the cool air is contained inside, then the AC will not have to work as hard, and that may help you save money on your energy bill. The same can be true of your furnace when winter rolls back around. Thinking about installing weatherstripping? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you apply weatherstripping to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Click here for more information.

Indoor Maintenance

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, an opportunity to sweep the cobwebs from your home, clear out the dust that accumulated during the winter and let the sunshine in. While you’re up to your elbows in soap, washing the windows, defrosting the refrigerator and tackling what seems to be a never-ending list of spring cleaning chores, you might as well make a maintenance checklist, too. On those warmer days, you may want to do the following: Test and clean ceiling fans. According to the the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, an efficient ceiling fan in each room you want to cool can help allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without reducing your comfort level. Ceiling fans are not only a good way to air out the house and generate a cross-breeze, but they have the potential to help you save money on your energy bill. With ceiling fans keeping the house cool, you may not have to turn up the AC as high. So, now might be a good time to make sure your fans are clean and ready to start cooling you off this spring. Replace your AC filter. While the warm weather is still technically several weeks away, you want to make sure your air conditioner is prepared and ready to go. The National Center for Healthy Housing recommends you replace the filters in the air conditioner in the spring. A new filter will optimize the efficiency of the unit. Replace torn or damaged window screens. If you don't have an air conditioner, or if you simply like to keep the windows open in the spring and summer, it's a good idea to make sure your screens are in good shape -- you don't want to let flies in with all that fresh air! Winter storms and wind can damage window screens, so it may be a good idea to assess any damage and replace what needs to be fixed. Exterior Upkeep Your window screens aren't the only parts of your home that can fall victim to nasty winter weather, so you may want to take stock of your home's condition. The National Center for Healthy Housing suggests that in the springtime, you may want consider these outdoor maintenance projects: Check your roof shingles. This should be done by a licensed professional, as working on the roof can be dangerous without the proper training. You should ask the roofing professional to make sure the shingles are not curling or clawing. If they are, they are susceptible to leaks and may need to be replaced. Replace rotten siding or trim. Make sure your home's siding and trim aren't damaged from windy, icy conditions. If your home is made of brick or stucco, look for any crumbling or deteriorated mortar. If you find a problem, contact a professional for help with repairing or replacing the damaged materials. Clean gutters and downspouts. You're making sure the inside of your home is clean; why not make sure your gutters are, as well? Get rid of any leaves of other debris that accumulated during the winter to make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready to take on those April showers. This job, too, is best left to a professional, as climbing on a ladder is required. So, now's the time to get those spring maintenance projects under way. By the time those May flowers start to bloom, you will be able to enjoy them with the peace of mind of knowing your home maintenance is up-to-date. If you need a reminder to perform maintenance tasks at your home, click here to sign up for the Allstate Maintenance Reminder tool.

10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Your Life Easier

Quicken Loans Guest Blogger — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:42 +0000

Despite the chill that still lingers in the air, spring is here. Whenever I hear the word spring I almost always associate it with cleaning. And as much as I really despise cleaning, dusting off the dirt and polishing things up puts a smile on my face. For many, it means it’s time for a fresh start. Spring cleaning is no small task, though. In fact, it can often turn into a huge beast of a project that some of us may give up on. To make your spring cleaning adventure a little less painful, I’ll share a few tips that always help me tackle my dirty house.

Make a list of what needs to be cleaned in each room.

Lists help me stay organized – especially if I have a huge project, like spring cleaning, on my plate. Before I even get started, I walk through each room and write down what needs to get done. Writing a list out also helps me make sure I have all the cleaning materials I need before I get started, saving me tons of time later. It’s a pain in the butt when you have to stop everything to run out and buy more carpet cleaning solution.

Make your playlist.

I have a cleaning playlist that includes the Black Keys, Boston and the Rolling Stones. Listening to music while I clean just seems to make things go by faster. Of course, you don’t have to make a playlist; you could always just turn the radio on to your favorite station.

Get a trash and donate box/bag.

As you go through each room, make sure to declutter. Throw away old magazines and papers from the previous year. Put items you no longer use or need, like that book you bought 10 years ago but never read, in the donate box. Once you’re done cleaning your whole house, itemize your donate pile because you may be able to deduct those donations on your taxes.

Work on one room at a time.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you want to clean your entire home all at once. Try writing down all the rooms in your home on a piece of paper and checking each one off as you go. If you can work on at least two or three rooms each weekend, you’ll get a lot more done and still have free time on the side.

Set an amount of time to work on each room.

I know I can get easily distracted, looking at items I'd forgotten or old photographs, and before I know it I’ve spent the entire day cleaning just one single room. Set a timer so you don't fall into this trap. You can also use the timer to give yourself a little break here and there. Much like a list, it helps keep me on track. Trust me, I get easily distracted.

Get some help.

Don’t do all the cleaning yourself. Recruit your kids, significant other or roommates to help you out. I know that when my roommates and I pitch in together to clean the kitchen, it takes about half the amount of time that it takes when I do it myself. To be honest, if those who live there make the mess, they should also help clean it.

Start from the top and work your way down.

This is just the law of gravity – clean from the top of the ceiling to the floor. Knock all the dusty cobwebs from the corner, wash the curtains, clean the windows, dust the furniture, vacuum the furniture and finally vacuum the floor.

Use natural cleaners.

Many chemical-based cleaners emit hazardous fumes. Some cleaners when mixed together can even emit toxic fumes that can seriously hurt you. Vinegar is a great substitute to use in your bathroom or kitchen and as a general household cleaning solution. Although it sounds crazy, vodka can also substitute for chemical cleaners. My grandmother had sworn off “newfangled” chemical cleaners some years ago. She only cleans with vodka and vinegar. It makes sense, though, because the acidity of vinegar is extremely high at a pH level of 2. A study in the Journal of Environmental Health found that vinegar is comparable to bleach when killing harmful bacteria like E. coli.

Be patient.

My dad always told me to work smarter, not harder. Take your time and let grimy surfaces, like the ones in your bathroom and kitchen, soak in your cleaning solution. Work on something else on your list while your cleaner does the hard work.

Reward yourself at the end.

For me, having something to look forward to at the end of a long day of cleaning sure makes things go a lot faster. Plus, you worked hard and deserve it. Treat yourself. OK, so these ideas won’t make all the dirt magically disappear, but the tips above can make the process a little less agonizing. Just remember to pace yourself. You don’t have to do everything in one day. Want more spring cleaning inspiration for your home? Check out these helpful tips for cleaning up the outside of your home. What kinds of things do you do around the house to get ready for spring? Share what you do with other readers! Krissy Schwab is a writer at Quicken Loans, focusing on sustainable living, home, money and life for the Quicken Loans Zing Blog.

10 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Mike Orsini — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:00:13 +0000

With the high price tag of new cars, and the quick depreciation rate of new vehicles, many consumers look for used cars for sale instead. And while investing in a used car may seem like a judicious option, buyers still need to be smart in their choices. Used cars that are sold with hidden damage can become costly problems for the unsuspecting buyer. To avoid purchasing the proverbial lemon, here's a checklist of 10 strategies and points from CARFAX to check to help ensure condition and value before buying a used car. 1. The Test Drive It's always best to take the car on a test drive on both local roads and highways. In different environments, you can get a good feel for how the car responds and performs. On local roads, you can feel how the car shifts and responds to sharp turns. You'll also get a good idea on the condition of the brakes with stop-and-go. With a trip on the highway, you can note if the engine runs smoothly or not. While on a test drive, keep your eyes and ears open. Make sure to note any unusual engine noises and whether or not all of the electronics in the car are working properly. 2. The Aesthetics: Inside and Out Both the inside and outside condition of the car play a large factor in value. Make sure to check the interior upholstery carefully, along with any repairs to the exterior of the car. That's not to say you shouldn't purchase a car that has been in a minor fender-bender, but you'll want to make sure the exterior was repaired professionally and that the results are barely visible to the eye. Always open the hood and take a good look at the engine and parts. Dirty and rusted parts can be a strong indication that there may be trouble down the road. 3. The Leak Test Any car that is leaking fluids is a red flag for a needed repair. While you're on a test drive, take a moment to park in a clean area on the road, and let the car run for at least 30 seconds. Then, move the car and do a visible inspection for any leaking substances. Black fluid might be an indicator of leaking oil, green fluid may indicate a leak in anti-freeze, and pink fluid may indicate a leak in the transmission. 4. Research Reviews on the Make and Model Do a bit of detective work on industry and consumer reviews on the make and model to uncover possible defects or even common problems. You can easily do a check by doing a search on Google. 5. Research Price To ensure that you are being charged a fair price, make sure to compare prices for the same make, model and year with several sources. Checking the Blue Book values and dealer prices can easily be done online. Even though condition and mileage will play a role in price, you can still get a good ballpark figure of the going price. 6. Mechanic Inspection Many consumers don't take the time to have a mechanic inspect their used car before purchase, which can lead to more expensive car maintenance down the road. The cost to have a car inspected by a professional can be well worth the price. A mechanic is the professional who can help you discover hidden problems and also assist with determining the car's value. If there are going to be major problems with the engine or transmission in the future, this is the pro who is going to let you know. 7. Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Purchasing a certified pre-owned car can be a wise choice because it offers the buyer an extra level of quality assurance. Many local car dealers offer these vehicles with warranties that extend beyond the initial new coverage. 8. Buyer's Remorse To avoid buyer's remorse, never be too quick to pull the trigger when buying a used car. Taking the time to do thorough research and negotiating for the best price is the best way you can ensure you’re getting a good deal on the right vehicle. 9. Decode the VIN Checking a VIN decoder chart is a quick, easy, and free way to check a used car’s VIN info matches up with what’s in the vehicle title and records. VIN cloning is a scam where sellers replace the VIN of a stolen car with one that is legally registered. This type of fraud can easily be avoided by decoding the VIN of the vehicle in question. 10. Vehicle History Report A vehicle history report can you help you reveal title problems, ownership history, service points and previous accidents, large or small. These reports can be available from dealers or ordered online. CARFAX offers one of the most comprehensive car reports available to purchase, which is pulled from a database of more than six billion car records. Following these 10 points and strategies can be a surefire way to help ensure that you don't get stuck with a lemon. You'll have all the information needed to help you make an informed decision, whether you decide to buy or not. Mike Orsini is the head of blog marketing at CARFAX. Headquartered in Centreville, VA, CARFAX is the most trusted provider of vehicle history information that is used by millions of consumers each year. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports™ are available on all used cars and light trucks model year 1981 or later.

Don’t Get Stuck in the Muck: Follow These 6 Critical Off-Road Driving Tips

Doug Howlett — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:53 +0000

You might be a dedicated “mudder” who operates a big-tired, four-wheel-drive truck and looks for the biggest mud holes you can find, or a weekend warrior who must occasionally navigate a soft, rutted dirt road following a soaking of rain. Either way, all drivers who venture off the asphalt must know how to tackle the muck and avoid getting stuck. Most basic soft-ground situations are navigated easily—even in a two-wheel-drive vehicle—by simply keeping forward momentum going with a little gas and working the wheel back and forth when necessary for additional traction. But to deal with deeper or softer-than-usual mud or sand or deep-rutted muck, remember the following advice: 1. Slow and Steady – When approaching a stretch of visibly muddy road or ground, maintain a slow but steady speed. Land Rover offers this advice to drivers: “Drive as slowly as possible and as fast as necessary.” Never speed through mud, as the slippery surface can make it easy to lose control and hit a tree or other nearby obstacle. 2. Maintain Control – Keep the wheels straight as you enter the muck and for as long as your momentum continues. Racking the wheel back and forth can be useful when you start to bog down, as it helps the tread on the edge of your tires grab. However, as long as you are moving forward at a steady speed, turning the wheels will only slow momentum and increase your odds of getting stuck. 3. Lock It In – If you have four-wheel drive, lock it in before entering the mud. If you wait until you need it, it may be too late. More tires turning with power through soil will improve your chances of making it through and will also reduce tire spin, which merely digs deep ruts in the road. 4. Walk It First – In the case of deep mud or water holes, get out and walk the ground before driving through it, poking the bottom with a stick to make sure it isn’t too deep for your vehicle. 5. Avoid Ruts – It’s better to blaze your own path in a deep mud situation, as ruts caused by other drivers can reduce steering ability and can be next to impossible to pull out of. They also tend to hold the softest, wettest portion of mud and reduce the amount of clearance between the ground and bottom of the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of getting seriously stuck. 6. Let Some Air Out – If necessary in mud and almost always when driving on sand, reduce the amount of air pressure in tires to allow more tread to make contact with driving surface. Offroaders.com suggests that for “most four-wheeling purposes, a tire pressure of 18 to 20 (pounds per square inch) will be adequate.” Sometimes the best way to avoid getting stuck is knowing when to simply turn around and go another way. Remember to always drive within your abilities, and whenever possible, only tackle mud, sand or other non-pavement driving situations in the company of someone in another vehicle—just in case you need them to pull you out.

Stop Electronic Identity Theft: 5 Steps You Can Take Now to Protect Your Digital Life

Melissa — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:29 +0000

One of my favorite things to do is to grab my laptop, walk to the coffee shop down the street from my apartment building, grab a table and sip some cappuccino while perusing Pinterest. One evening last week, I was getting ready to leave the coffee shop when a friend walked in. We started chatting, I got distracted, and when I finally left, I grabbed my purse -- but not my laptop bag. I realized this when I was about two blocks away from the coffee shop, so I sprinted back. As I ran, I was thinking furiously of all the information on that computer -- my irreplaceable vacation photos, financial software with my checking account records, all my passwords. When I burst back into the shop I found that luckily, an honest customer had given my laptop to the barista, and my information was safe. Phew! But, what if someone with less moral character had come across my laptop? I started looking into what criminals can do with your personal data and realized I was lucky I hadn't become an identity theft victim. Scam artists often use stolen personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, PINs and other sensitive details -- much of which was stored on my laptop -- to commit various types of fraud, from taking out credit cards in a victim's name to fraudulently using a stolen identity to get a job. According to a report by Javelin Strategy and Research, in 2011, about 28 million Americans became identity theft victims. So, I learned some ways to help protect my digital life. One strategy is to put extra security layers in place. For example, back up your personal files to both an external hard drive and a paid cloud storage provider – should something happen to either copy, you will have a duplicate. Stronger passwords and data encryption are also important. If you're like me, and you haven't really thought much about your digital security, there are some steps you may want to consider. Here are five things you can do right now to help stay safe: Get security software that updates automatically. As the efforts to outmaneuver identity thieves evolve, so do the thieves' tactics. OnGuardOnline.gov says one way to combat this is to make sure that the security software, operating system and browsers on your computer are up-to-date. You can usually set these programs to update automatically. Set up an external drive for data storage. OnGuardOnline.gov suggests backing your computer data with an external hard drive. You may also want to consider printing off your most important files, such as financial documents and family photos, so if your digital copies are compromised, you'll have hard copies. Store the drive or hard copies in a fireproof safe or emergency kit. Put it in the cloud. Like your laptop, computer or smartphone, external hard drives are vulnerable to fire, flood or theft. PCMag.com suggests backing up your data to an online data storage server, also known as keeping it "in the cloud" -- which means that it is protected no matter what happens to your home. A paid storage provider will archive all your files, which you can access via a user-friendly website. Not all cloud storage providers offer the same services, and not all are both Mac- and PC-friendly, so you'll want to evaluate your specific needs when researching cloud storage providers. Strengthen your passwords. Never use the same password for more than one account login. Be creative with your passwords. The Federal Trade Commission suggests thinking of a phrase or word and then substituting numbers and symbols for some of the letters. Encrypt your data. Guard online transactions by using an encrypted, secure connection. Not sure if a site is encrypted? Check your browser’s status bar. A “lock” symbol means that your data can be safely exchanged. The FTC also warns that you should be careful when using public wireless (WiFi) networks; an unsecured network means anyone can see what data you send and receive (unless you are visiting an encrypted website). Save personal financial transactions, like checking a bank account balance, for secure networks. My brief panic about my lost laptop has made me want to take measures to protect my information. Hopefully, you'll learn from my mistake and plan ahead to keep your digital life safe from identity thieves.

Stump the Identity Thief: 7 Tips to Create a Strong Password

Melissa — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:00:12 +0000

According to the Internal Revenue Service, identity theft and credit card fraud are growing global concerns. From phishing scams to sophisticated hacking rings, cyber thieves continue to develop creative ways to compromise your personal information. Internet security can be tenuous and, at times, easily breached, and both the IRS and Federal Trade Commission recommend you safeguard your personal information with a strong password. Here are seven password tips that will help you stump an identity thief and keep your information and financial accounts protected. 1. Don't use your dog's name. The IRS suggests that you refrain from using any personal information in your password. That includes Social Security numbers, maiden names, birthdays, anniversaries, the names of children, pets, or anything else that can be guessed, researched or discovered by a hacker. 2. Make them hunt through the "haystack." Steve Gibson, security expert and president of Gibson Research, suggests using a password that is long and contains upper-case and lower-case letters and special characters. Using various types of characters in a long password increases the number of combinations a hacker has to try in order to crack your password. Gibson likens these attempts to figure out your password to finding a needle in a haystack; so, to hide that needle, you should use more characters, and characters of different types, to make the "haystack" larger. 3. Old passwords = vulnerable. According to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (USCERT), it’s a good idea to change your password on a regular basis, especially after accessing accounts via a public computer. If you keep the same password to a certain website for many years, identity thieves have that much more opportunity to decode it. A rule of thumb is to change your password every 45 days. It's especially important to change your password after using it on a public computer, because browsers on public computers can, in some cases, store your passwords, making them vulnerable to theft. 4. Try a pass phrase. If you feel your memory is sharp, then consider creating a pass phrase. A pass phrase is a long string of unrelated letters, numbers and punctuation marks. While a pass phrase can be difficult for a user to remember, this type of password is also very difficult to crack. 5. Use a sentence. If you don't think you're going to be able to remember a cryptic string of characters, one idea is to think of your password as a sentence and then use the first letter of every word, mixing in caps and lower-case letters and a few numbers that you can remember, as the actual password. 6. Memorize all passwords. Do not store the information in a wallet, in a purse or on a cellphone. If you need to write the password down, be sure it’s stored in a secure location. 7. Do not use the same password for work and personal accounts. In fact, the USCERT recommends that you use a different password for each website account you access. That way, if one of these passwords becomes compromised, the thief will not have access to a second account. While identity theft and credit card fraud are a risk, you don't need to feel vulnerable or unprotected. Use these seven tips to create a strong password, and you'll not only stand a better chance of stumping an identity thief, but you could also give yourself greater peace of mind when it comes to Internet security.

Has Your Child’s Identity Been Stolen? Know the Warning Signs

Melissa — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:04 +0000

Many of us have heard the warnings about identity theft. But, did you know that your children can fall victim to identity theft too? Recent statistics show that it happens. Carnegie Mellon University's CyLab found that 10.2 percent of 40,000 children involved in a 2011 study were victims of identity theft. Childhood identity theft can have devastating long-term financial implications. It can affect a child’s ability to take out a student loan, receive a scholarship or get a credit card. Identity theft may even impact future job opportunities.

Child Identity Theft Warning Signs

How do you know if your child’s identity has been stolen? Be vigilant about protecting your child's identity, and watch for the following red flags:

Unsolicited credit card offers. Have you received one or more unsolicited credit card offers in your child’s name? Credit card offers are never intentionally sent to minors.
Social Security account statement. These statements track annual contributions and anticipated benefits. Unless your child has a part-time job, an earnings statement in your child’s name is a clear indicator of fraud.
A bill or a collection agency call for your child. Don’t dismiss this as a case of mistaken identity. A call from bill or collection agency can be a clear sign of identity fraud.
The Internal Revenue Service contacts you about your child. If the IRS informs you that your toddler hasn't paid his income taxes, this is a warning sign that someone may be masquerading as your son.

Tips for Preventing Child Identity Theft

Identity protection for your child starts with some privacy precautions. Here are some tips that may help reduce your child’s risk for identity theft:

Be proactive. Start by checking with the fraud divisions of all three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Credit reporting agencies typically do not keep a report on file for minors. If there is a report, then there’s a good chance that your child’s identity is compromised.} And consider purchasing identity restoration coverage, which can help protect you and your family against identity theft and help repair any damage to your identity. Talk to an Allstate agent for more information.
Be cautious when giving out your child’s Social Security number. If a school, youth sports team, or a medical office asks for your child’s Social Security number, know that it’s OK to question why they need it, what they will do with it and how they plan to keep it safe.
Shred anything with your child’s personal information. Shred forms, documents and mail before disposal.
Never carry your child’s Social Security card. To help reduce the risk for theft; leave you child’s card -- and the cards of all the members of your family -- in a safe place, like a safe at home or a safe deposit box.

What to Do If Your Child's Identity is Stolen

If you find out that someone has stolen your child's identity, there are some steps you can take to minimize the damage. If you discovered that a credit report (fraudulently) exists for your child, contact any one of the three major credit bureaus (that bureau is legally required to alert the other two) and ask them to put a "fraud alert" on the file. Report the identity theft to the FTC. Also, contact your local police department to file a report. By taking a few simple proactive steps, and staying alert to early warning signs, you can minimize your child's risk for identity theft or the impact it will have should it ever occur. What concerns you most about someone's stealing your child's identity? Share your thoughts below.

4 Ways to Pull a Truck from the Mud

Doug Howlett — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:00:10 +0000

Sometimes, you just can't avoid driving through mud. Whether you're parking in an unpaved lot at a concert venue or pulling off the pavement to go camping, odds are that at some point, you're going to have to navigate some mud and muck. Drive through enough of it, and you’re probably going to get stuck. With tires spinning, mud flying and forward progress halted, what is a driver to do?

Rock It Out

As soon as the truck bogs down to a complete stop, the first thing you should do is put it in reverse, keep your wheels straight and gradually accelerate in an effort to get back where you started from—on solid ground. If the truck has four-wheel drive and you haven’t already locked it in, definitely do so now. If the truck bogs down after going only a short distance in reverse, shift into low gear and power forward as far as you can. If the tires spin, turn the tires side to side in an effort to get the edge of the treads to grip the surface. Increase acceleration gradually, giving it more and more gas as long as you are moving forward. Repeat the back-and-forward process as long as you continue to make progress. Passengers should get out of the vehicle and help push if necessary. This will also reduce the weight of the truck.

Add Traction

Place dry, solid objects beneath the edge of the tire in the direction you want to go (forward or reverse). Some drivers have successfully used floor mats (though, they’ll probably be toast afterwards), but rocks, limbs and boards all make better options. You can also reduce the amount of air pressure in your tires to gain more contact between the ground and the tires’ tread. Offroader.com recommends dropping the pressure to between 18 and 20 pounds per square inch. If the truck is resting on the undercarriage, use the vehicle’s jack to lift the tires off the ground. (Make sure the jack is on a solid surface and never crawl under the vehicle while it’s jacked up.) Once lifted even a few inches, you can slide sticks, boards or other solid items beneath the tires to provide lift and traction.

Winch It Out

If you plan to drive through mud on a regular basis, it is probably wise to outfit your truck with some sort of winch. Even if you don’t have a winch, a come-along or a Hi-Lift jack can be used to pull the vehicle free provided there is a tree or other solid object close enough to attach a recovery strap around. Simply loop the winch cable or recovery strap around the tree and use the power winch, come-along or jack to slowly pull it out of the rut. For safety, place a blanket over the center point of steel winch cables. In the event the cable snaps, the weight of the blanket should keep the cable from whipping into the air, possibly injuring you or damaging the truck.

Pull It Out

Oftentimes, the best and quickest way to get your truck unstuck is to have another truck simply pull you out. Using a webbed recovery strap, attach the strap to both trucks’ tow hitches, frame-mounted tow hooks or the frame itself, as long as you can get to them without putting tension on other, less solid parts of the vehicles. Never attach a strap to a bumper, axles, parts of the suspension or the hitch ball, as these parts can get easily damaged. Once attached, the mobile vehicle should pull most of the slack from the strap, leaving just enough room for the mobile vehicle to get up a little speed before pulling on the stuck one. The mobile vehicle should accelerate gradually—never stomp the gas—and the driver of the stuck vehicle should put it in gear and begin applying gas as the vehicle starts to move. Bystanders should stay two to three car lengths from the vehicles and out of their path of travel in the event the strap breaks or one of the vehicles begins to slide.

Tips for Loading and Towing Your Boat

Doug Howlett — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:58:30 +0000

Few things can be more nerve-wracking to the new or inexperienced boater than having to load or unload a boat on a trailer in front of an audience of people gathered at the boat ramp. The stress is even worse when they’re waiting for you to get out of their way so they can load or unload theirs, as well. Here’s how to haul your boat like a pro and take it in and out of the water with confidence.

Keys to Towing Your Boat

If you haven’t towed your boat yet, you’ll want to practice backing a trailer - with the boat on it - into an empty parking lot before trying it out on a busy ramp. Once you’ve got that mastered, you can head over to the marina. When backing into a ramp, give yourself extra distance to stop. The additional weight of a boat and trailer can add to your vehicle’s momentum, and you’ll need the extra space for making turns and pulling past objects due to the additional width and length. Align the trailer and vehicle before slowly backing down the ramp, as it’s more difficult to back down at an angle. Remember when backing, a trailer moves in the opposite direction that you steer. OnlineTowingGuide.com suggests steering from the bottom of the steering wheel, as this guides the trailer in the direction you are steering.

Launching Your Boat Made Easy

First things first: You’ll want to get your boat ready to unload before you back down a busy ramp. Put drain plugs in, untie all straps except the bow strap and load fishing or other gear you will need in the vessel. DiscoverBoating.com recommends backing the trailer deep enough into the water so that its fenders are just above the waterline. This should be enough to float the boat off the bunks and keep the tow vehicle from submerging its tailpipe. Don’t forget to put the truck in park and apply the emergency brake. The goal is not to launch a vehicle! Unhook the bow strap and, using a rope, walk the boat back down the dock if there is one, or climb in--or better yet, have a friend if climb in if you’re going out with someone--and power rearward until clear of other boaters.

Load a Boat on a Trailer the Right Way

After you’re done enjoying a day out on the lake or it’s time to put your boat away for the season, you need to be able to safely and easily load your boat back onto the trailer. Back up your trailer until the bunks are just submerged. This should allow the boat to float onto the bunks without overshooting the winch. Bunks are designed to help align the boat. If there is too much water over them, it can be hard to set the boat on the trailer straight. Pull or power the boat onto the bunks so that you only need to crank the winch a few times to tighten it up. Next, kill the engine, secure the bow strap and raise the prop so it won’t drag on the ramp when pulling forward. Pull clear of the ramp before securing the boat with additional tie-downs, opening drain plugs and organizing gear for the drive home. Wind, tides and currents can make it challenging to properly align a boat with the trailer before powering up. OnlineTowingGuide.com offers this advice: “If water current is making it difficult to load the boat, try backing the trailer into the water so that the tail end of the trailer faces downstream a little.” This reduces the amount of cross current the boat’s driver will have to contend with when pulling forward on the bunks. Another thing to consider is proper boat insurance, which can be helpful after the unexpected happens. Try these tips the next time your and your friends head out for a day on the water to keep your launch simple and stress-free.