Happy June! This month's update brings you helpful advice, timely insights, and resources you need to know as the month continues. What's included: Summer road trip safety and your auto insurance, a few dates to mark on your calendar, Dave's Corner: high-paying jobs you can do without a degree, and a roundup of articles worth reading this month. | Hit the road this summer. But first, check out a few things worth knowing. | June kicks off peak road trip season and National Safety Month. With more families hitting the highway, it's a great time to think about both driving safely and whether your auto coverage is ready for the miles ahead. According to traffic safety data, motor vehicle fatalities are consistently among their lowest in the winter months and rise significantly from May through the summer, with July and August often among the deadliest months of the year. And for families with teen drivers, the stakes are even higher. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is widely referred to as the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers, during which teens are roughly 20% more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than during the rest of the year. Distracted driving accounts for 60% of teen crashes during this period, making awareness and preparation especially important for families heading into the summer season. A few simple habits can make a big difference for all drivers: - Stow your phone - Turn it off or put it in "Do Not Disturb" mode before you start driving.
- Know your route - Have a passenger program your navigation system or enter your destination before you leave.
- Secure kids and pets - Keep them safely in the back seat so they are not a source of distraction up front.
- Tune up before heading out - Check tires, brakes, lights, and fluids before a long trip.
- Pack an emergency kit - Jumper cables, a spare tire, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, water, and snacks are all worth having on hand.
For parents of teen drivers, summer is a good time to revisit the rules of the road together. Talk through passenger limits, curfews, and a zero-tolerance policy on texting while driving. Modeling good behavior behind the wheel goes a long way too. On the insurance side, a road trip is also a good opportunity to make sure your coverage is working for you. A few things to confirm before you go: - Review your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to ensure your limits still meet your needs.
- Check whether roadside assistance is included in your policy or available as an add-on. A flat tire or dead battery in an unfamiliar area is a lot less stressful when you know help is on the way.
- Confirm rental car coverage if there is any chance you will need a rental vehicle during or after your trip.
- Let your insurer know about any modifications to your vehicle, such as a roof rack or bike carrier, as these can affect how your policy responds in a claim.
- Check state-specific coverage rules if you are crossing state lines, and confirm your policy details if you are traveling internationally.
If you have questions about your current coverage or want to make sure you are protected before a summer trip, do not hesitate to reach out. We're happy to take a look and make sure everything is in order before you head out. | Here are a few notable dates and reminders to keep in mind this month! - June 7th is National Cancer Survivors Day. Observed on the first Sunday in June, this day raises awareness, honors survivors, and shows that life after a cancer diagnosis can be full and meaningful.
- June 10th is National Iced Tea Day. Summer is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than with a tall glass of iced tea. The real question is: Sweetened or unsweetened?
- June 14th is Flag Day. America's Flag Day marks the day in 1777 that the Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” The national flag, which became known as the “Stars and Stripes,” was based on the “Grand Union” flag, a banner carried by the Continental Army in 1776 that also consisted of 13 red and white stripes. This is a great reminder to display yours this month.
- June 19th is Juneteenth. This federal holiday celebrates the emancipation of the remaining enslaved African Americans who were still under Confederate control in the United States two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a meaningful and important day to observe and reflect on.
- June 21st is Father's Day. This day celebrates the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and father figures who show up day after day. If you are still looking for the perfect gift, check out the article roundup below for some great ideas.
- June 21st is World Day of Music. Music has a way of connecting all of us, regardless of background or skill level. Today is a celebration of that universal language in all its forms.
- June 23rd is National Hydration Day. As summer heats up, staying hydrated is more important than ever. Keep a water bottle nearby and take care of yourself out there.
- June 26th is National Chocolate Pudding Day. Here’s a lighthearted and delicious reason to treat yourself. No further explanation needed.
| High-Paying Jobs You Can Do Without a Degree - Many of the highest-paying jobs without a four-year degree are in skilled trades, health care and technical fields.
- These roles include electrician, dental hygienist and elevator installer.
- The highest-paying job on this list is air traffic controller, with a median pay of $144,580 per year.
| A referral is the highest compliment you can give us! To show our appreciation for every referral we enter your name into our monthly drawing. You could win gift cards or cash. Also, for every referral that you send to Allco Insurance, that writes a policy with us, we donate $10 to Stripes of a Warrior. Stripes of a Warrior is a great cause that we support wholeheartedly. They will provide financial assistance to those that have been diagnosed with cancer and are unable to afford their housing, medical bills, medication, or food expenses. Referrals have helped raise over $28,000 in the past 9 years for Stripes of a Warrior. To learn click HERE. | We've rounded up a few great reads from around the web to keep you informed and entertained this month: | In honor of Father's Day and the start of fishing season... "My dad wanted to listen to music while we were fishing. So I put on something catchy." Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! | As always, if you have any insurance questions or want to make sure your coverage is ready for the summer ahead, do not hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help. | |