Got Insurance?

Check your auto insurance policy to be sure you comply with changes to Wisconsin law.  Starting June 1, 2010, nearly all drivers and owners of motor vehicles are required to show proof of liability insurance if requested by a law enforcement officer at an accident or during a traffic stop, for example, if you’re pulled over for speeding.

This is a significant change in the law.  Previously, Wisconsin’s Financial Responsibility Law didn’t require motor vehicle liability insurance.  Drivers only needed to prove that adequate resources existed to cover any possible liability.  Now, Wisconsin drivers have no choice but to carry the following minimum liability insurance, updated January 2010: $50,000 for injury or death of one person; $100,000 for injury or death of two or more people; and $15,000 for property damage.   The law also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage each with minimum limits of $100,000/$300,000 for bodily injury coverage.

If you fail to show proof of insurance after an accident or during a traffic stop, you may be fined $10.  But if you drive a motor vehicle without insurance, you could be fined up to $500!  And don’t even think about offering proof of insurance that is found to be fraudulent because you could be fined up to $5,000.

Rather than wonder or worry, call your local insurance agent to discuss your coverage.  With questions about the law and how it affects you and all Wisconsin drivers, call Brooks & Moeller, S.C.

Jennifer A. Moeller   5-26-10:  2 p.m.

MAY IS BIKE MONTH!

Celebrate National Bike Month by biking to work

Simple steps for bicycling to work:

1. Choose the proper wardrobe. If you wear a skirt you’re just begging to be the next hot You Tube video.  Pants with one or both legs rolled up or secured are best.  After that, you can’t really go wrong.  If you need to change, put knits (they don’t wrinkle!) in your backpack or bag.  Yes, you can take this as an excuse to go shopping.
2. Keep an eye on the weather. If you’re not adventurous, you may wish to get to work some other way when there is a 50% or greater chance of showers.  Arriving soggy takes some of the fun out riding to work.  On the other hand, if you get to work, a co-worker or family member will give you a lift if a storm surprises you while at work.  No offense meteorologists, but bicyclists need a plan B.
3. Pat yourself on the back. Congratulate yourself for burning calories and stress while not burning anything harmful for the environment.  Your budget will benefit, too, provided you didn’t go overboard on my shopping suggestion.  But then again, if you bike to work often enough….

When you arrive at our office on your bicycle, you can park your bike in our bicycle rack.  Enjoy May Bike Month!  Jennifer Moeller