Bailey Insurance News

A Time to Celebrate Mothers

Thu, 09 May 2013 21:18:23 GMT

As the second Sunday of May nears, it’s time to think of ways to celebrate mothers – although, of course, that’s a worthy pursuit at any time of year!

At Bailey Place Insurance, we thought it would be fun to give you a little of the history behind Mother’s Day, as well as a few ideas to honor the special women in all our lives.

Ancient beginnings

According to MothersDayCentral.com, the ancient Egyptians held an annual festival to honor “the mother of the pharaohs” – the goddess Isis. This is one of the earliest historical records of a society celebrating a mother.

How Mother’s Day came to be in the U.S.

In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, a social activist and poet (and author of the lyrics for “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) had become distraught by the toll of the Civil War. She issued a “Mother’s Day Proclamation” that year, calling on mothers to protest the killing and create a day celebrating peace and motherhood.

Howe’s proclamation did not result in a national Mother’s Day, but in 1908, Anna Jarvis of West Virginia took up the cause. She wanted to accomplish her mother’s dream of making a celebration of all mothers. By 1909, more than 40 states were holding Mother’s Day services, even though it was not a national holiday.

In 1912, according to Wikipedia, West Virginia was the first state to officially observe Mother’s Day. Jarvis continued to promote the day until President Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday in 1914.

She later regretted creating the holiday, believing that it had become too commercialized.

Enough with the history – where are the gift ideas?

At Bailey Place Insurance, we know you might have more urgent concerns on your mind, like last-minute shopping, so here are the most popular Mother’s Day gifts, according to MothersDayCentral.com.

Flowers
Gift baskets
Jewelry & Perfume
Spa gifts
Magazines
A special home improvement
Plants for the garden

Of course, perhaps the best gift of all is getting in touch and letting the moms in your life know just how much they mean to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

Protect the expensive gifts

If you're giving or have received an expensive Mother’s Day gift, such as a nice piece of jewelry, please get in touch to find out whether it will be covered by your existing home insurance policy. If it's not already covered, we'll advise you on your options.

Bailey, Place Agencies Announce Cortland Dryden Merger

Hope Cross — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:43:45 GMT

January 30, 2013 CONTACT: Chuck Spaulding – 607/756-2805
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stephen Franco – 607/753-9365

Bailey, Place Agencies Announce Cortland / Dryden Merger

Cortland, NY – The George B. Bailey Agency and Place Insurance, two long-time anchors of the local insurance industry, have announced their merger in a move designed to capitalize on the strengths of each.
“We are two well established, independent, family-owned agencies and we each bring something to the table,” said Bailey Agency owner Chuck Spaulding. “Place has young, talented sales and marketing people. We have experienced and talented service people. It’s our desire to create a single, stronger agency by blending those strengths.”
Place Insurance owner Steve Franco agreed, adding that the merger also preserves the historic standing that each firm enjoys in Cortland and Tompkins County. “We want to honor the legacies of the people who founded each agency and the formation of Bailey Place Insurance does that,” he said. “This isn’t the end of either business, but rather the evolution of two strong independent agencies joining together to form a stronger organization to better meet the service needs of our clients and the challenges of our industry.”

Spaulding and Franco are equal partners as a result of the merger, with Spaulding emphasizing that he has no immediate plans for retirement. Bailey Agency’s Cortland staff will relocate from its current 18 Tompkins Street location to the Place Insurance building at 2 North Main Street, and its Dryden office will continue to service customers there under the new Bailey Place banner.
            About 20 people will be working for the new agency when the transition is complete sometime early in the second quarter of this year, and both Spaulding and Franco acknowledge that they are looking for growth in the future. “Bailey Place will be one of the largest privately owned independent insurance agencies in Central NY which will enable us to provide the widest array of insurance options and services for our clients.” Franco said. “We are excited about the opportunity to grow our commercial business and expand our footprint in Tompkins County.”
            George B. Bailey founded the Bailey Agency in 1936, building his business in the Dryden community and operating from his garage on Library Street before moving to offices on West Main Street. Bailey’s son, Bill, purchased the business in 1957 and moved it to its current location at 5 South St. in 1963.
            Spaulding joined the agency in 1979 as an agent, and in 1987 the agency added a Cortland location at 11 Groton Ave. before moving to its current Tompkins Street Address. John Bailey, a third generation family member, joined the agency in 1989. Spaulding and John Bailey bought the agency in 1997, with the company enjoying success in offering a broad range of insurance products to thousands of customers at its two locations. After being named the Professional Insurance Agent of the Year in 2012, Bailey sold his interest in the agency in order to pursue a new career path. Bailey will remain a member of the staff to assist with the transition through the end of 2013.
            Place Insurance is one of the oldest privately owned insurance agencies in New York State, tracing its roots to the 1850s, when Cortland attorney Charles Foster began selling insurance policies in his practice. Foster ran the agency until 1875 when he sold it to James A. Nixon. The company had different names and changed partners five times over the next 50 years before being purchased in 1912 by Charles F. Brown, Cortland's first elected mayor and a prominent local businessman.
            Brown ran the agency until the age of 90, at which point he sold it to his son-in-law, J. Dempster Place, in 1946. J. Dempster's son John D. Place joined the agency in 1947 and the business name was changed to Place Agency, Inc. Jack's son, James W. Place, joined the agency in 1974 and purchased the agency in 1982. Franco joined Place Insurance as an officer in 2009 and he purchased the agency in 2011.
            “This is the best kind of merger”, said Spaulding, “All existing staff will be part of the new organization and client relationships will remain unchanged. Both agencies will see improvements in technology, insurance markets and support which will benefit our clients and our staff.”

Protect Your Motorhome and RV From the Cold

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 21:22:03 GMT

If you're a snowbird and you're headed away from the cold this winter to a sunnier and warmer spot, you can move on to the next article. Just know that we here at Bailey Place Insurance wish you a safe journey – and that we're all a little jealous. But no hard feelings; we'll still be here, standing ready should you need us.

But for those RV owners who aren't able to escape the winter weather it's important to prepare for it. Just as with your home, a little maintenance now will go a long way toward preventing frustration – and expensive repairs – later.

The basic tips below should help you get started. For more detailed information, including step-by-step instructions on replacing the water in your motorhome with antifreeze, simply do a web search for RV winterization and you'll find several great resources. Of course, you should consult your owner's manual for guidelines specific to your unit.

Winterizing your RV's exterior

This is the "easy" part of winterizing your RV. You'll want to clean it thoroughly, and make sure any awnings are fully dry before rolling them in for the winter. Also, keep your tires covered to protect them from sunlight and the elements. Make sure all doors and windows are closed.

Protecting your motorhome's interior

After cleaning the interior, leave the cabinets open and make sure to remove any food or food residue. If you aren't going to be in your RV over the winter, you sure don't want to attract any animals or insects looking for a cozy spot. Close your curtains or blinds to keep the sun out. And never store a propane tank inside your RV, even over the winter.

Engine, tanks and plumbing

Make sure you have enough antifreeze in the engine, and change the oil and filter if needed. If possible, you'll want to charge the battery a few times during the winter (you may even want to remove it from the RV). Then, empty the holding tanks and replace the water in the plumbing lines with non-toxic antifreeze.

Just a little preparation will help ensure your RV is ready to roll when summer comes back around in Cortland & Dryden. You'll be back on the road before you know it. (And then we'll be jealous of you, too!)

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us. You can also learn more about our RV insurance or get a free RV insurance quote online today!

What's Maggie Been Up To?

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 16:40:00 GMT

I’ve had a busy summer. A family of ducks on the pond near our house greeted me twice a day on our walks. When we got to the pond, the mom and her 3 chicks paddled furiously to see me. At first it was more than I could stand. I whined and whined and wanted to jump in and chase them. Very exciting!! But then I learned to crouch down near the water and talk with them. Then they seem to trust me – or maybe they just liked the food we fed them. Either way, it was the best part of my day!

This is my friend, Roxy, an English Bulldog. She visits my house sometimes. “Look, Roxy, a rabbit. We need to chase it.” Roxy doesn’t understand about rabbits – she just sat and watched!

Roxy finally convinced me that as long as we had to stay on the porch, we should relax on a soft cushion and just chill. Well, OK.

Roxy was here again just the other day. I whispered to her that I would really like to show her this big red ball. I've had it for quite a while and was never really interested in it.

It's a hard ball, hard to play with, and makes a lot of noise. Didn't seem to bother Roxy. She worked on it from the top, not the side. OH!

Boy, was I embarrassed. This is why I lose grip of the ball...I have small paws and a small jaw. Look at Roxy - she is powerful. WOW!

I specialize in chasing balls and romping in the yard, but Roxy tired me out. I was glad to retire to our soft cushions. 'Whew, I look a mess, Roxy.'

Hurricane Sandy

John W. Bailey — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 19:41:55 GMT

**If you've had a claim or are preparing for the storm. Please see http://www.baileyagency.com/service-center/claims for more information.

To our Valued Clients,

As we all prepare to meet the challenges presented by Hurricane Sandy, please trust that everyone here at the George B. Bailey Agency will be doing their best to assist you should you have a claim resulting from the storm. Our thoughts are focused on your safety and the safety of your family.

As we will likely be without power along with you, and may not have phone or internet service available, you may wish to contact your insurance company directly should you experience a claim.

Go to http://www.baileyagency.com/service-center/claims for a list of our main insurance companies along with their claim reporting phone numbers.

It is our hope that your property will not sustain any damage related to the approaching storm.

From all of us at the George B. Bailey Agency, we thank you very much for trusting us to serve as your insurance agent. We will do our utmost to assist you should you experience damage to your property.

Please take care and be safe,

John

Halloween Safety: Be Ready When the Little Goblins Come Out

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:20:00 GMT

It's a night full of treats for both kids and adults in Dryden and Cortland. But a number of factors - including lots of people walking in the dark, the threat of wet and stormy weather, strangers coming to your door - mean that Halloween in NY may have some tricks up its sleeve.

The Bailey Place Insurance wants your Halloween to be a happy one. So whether you're taking your kids out trick-or-treating, hosting a party or just staying home to greet costumed visitors, we can help make your evening safe while you take care of making it spooky. Just check out the tips below - and, as always, don't hesitate to call us at 607-756-2805 or 607-844-8626 if you have questions about your costume ... er, coverage.

Make your kids' costumes scary - and safe

Make sure costumes are made of flame-resistant material. When wearing your costume, do not walk near lit candles or luminaries.
Add reflective tape to costumes and bags to increase your visibility to drivers.
Masks and costumes should be properly fitted to avoid blocked vision and falls.
Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

Safe trick-or-treating in Upstate New York

Trick-or-treaters should walk in groups or with a trusted adult. Do not allow kids to go out alone.
Make sure kids know their home phone number as well as how to call 911.
Flashlights and glow sticks can help with visibility while trick-or-treating.
Kids should only enter a home if they’re with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
All treats should be examined for choking hazards and tampering. Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you know the cook well.
Of course, it's a good idea to limit the number of treats your children (and you!) eat. One way to encourage this is by having a full, healthy meal before going out trick-or-treating.

Having a party? Expecting trick-or-treaters at your house?

Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit, and free of obstacles.
Keep candles (including lit jack o'lanterns) away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains.
Remind drivers coming to and from your home to watch out for trick-or-treaters and drive slowly through neighborhoods.

Carving those pumpkins

Creating a jack o'lantern is a time-honored tradition, whether you buy your pumpkins at the grocery store or at a local pumpkin farm. But don't forget, kids and knives are a dangerous combination. It's best to have the kids draw designs on the pumpkin with a marker and then let an adult handle the carving. And here's a great idea for kids who want to remove the seeds - rather than using a knife, hand them an ice-cream scoop. It's a lot safer, and it just might be more effective!

Help keep Halloween safe for everyone - and remember, your kids WILL know if you swipe some treats from their stash!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us today!

What I (Gus) Did On My Summer Vacation

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:18:53 GMT

Hey there everyone! Gus here. Here is my "what I did this summer" report.

I went swimming and fishing most every day. After all, I am a Lab!

mmmm yummy My cousin and I like the same bone.

Me and my cousins...I am the one in the middle. Jake is older and Theo is younger than me.

One of my chores was to keep an eye on the little ones. It really wasn't a chore at all...they like to do fun things!

My older cousin Jake teamed up with me to keep an eye on the little ones too.

It was the best summer ever!!!

There is Still Time to Get the Most Out of Your RV This Year

Hope Cross — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:32:31 GMT

There's nothing quite like taking a road trip in an RV. Whether you're headed to somewhere nearby or somewhere farther away, Bailey Place Insurance wants you to get the most out of your travels.

We put a few links toward the bottom of places to stay. Check them out!

General travel tips

Have a plan. (And maps, or a GPS.) One of the reasons you're traveling in an RV, no doubt, is for the adventure. But while the freedom to go wherever you want in New York or beyond can be exciting, getting lost isn't (at least for most people). You'll cut down on frustration if you know where you're headed.
Pack the right things. We've all forgotten to pack something while going on vacation. And buying new items at your destination can add up. So make a packing list, and remember that it's not all about clothes and toiletries. Don't forget your favorite road music, or DVDs to watch at night. And if you've got kids with you, be sure to pack games and other things to entertain them.
But don't pack everything. Of course, just because you have an RV doesn't mean you should bring all of your possessions on vacation with you.
Be prepared for anything. You should have a first-aid kit in the RV, as well as some tools for smaller repairs. And if you're traveling a long distance, why not bring some local items from your hometown to give as gifts when you make new friends?
Limit the driving. It's tiring enough driving a car - let alone an RV - hundreds of miles a day, so give yourself plenty of rest and don't overdo the driving.

Want to bring your car?

Taking a car a long with your RV can give you a lot more flexibility on your vacation. But it can also make the driving more stressful, so keep that in mind. According to towingworld.com, there are three main options to bring your car with you:

A trailer: This of course, allows you to raise the car completely off the ground. They're generally more expensive than other options, but keep wear and tear to a minimum for your car.
A tow dolly: This lifts the front wheels of the car off the ground. They're useful if you can't tow your car with all four wheels down, and can be easily used for front-wheel drive vehicles without another device to make it towable.
A tow bar: The most popular choice, because of its convenience. It's the option with the least amount of equipment, and usually the least expensive; it also takes up less space than dollies and trailers. Note that not all cars can be towed with four wheels on the ground, so check your manufacturer's recommendations.

Where to stay

If you're looking for campground or RV parks in New York and beyond, you're in luck - there are seemingly endless options across the country. But how do you know which ones are good? Or safe? Plenty of online resources have information on various parks, including the ones below:

Wherever you stay, you'll want to take some steps to prevent crime. RVs can be inviting targets for thieves, because they usually contain more valuables than cars. Always lock your doors when you're away from the RV, and keep valuables out of sight or locked away.

If you're parked for the night in a non-camping area, such as a parking lot, try to stay in a well-lit area - and keep the door facing the light. Finally, try to make fuel or convenience store stops during the day, if possible.

You'll have lots of fun in your RV. We wish we were coming with you! Here's hoping for smooth and safe travels.

And don't forget, we can help you get the right insurance coverage for your RV (and everything else). Contact us today!

Pool Safety Tips for the Summer and all Year Round

Hope Cross — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:02:17 GMT

We’ve included some Pool Safety tips in anticipation of time with family and friends this summer from www.poolsafely.gov

Parents and families can build on their current safety systems at pools and spas by adopting additional water safety steps. Adding as many proven water safety steps as possible is the best way to assure a safe and fun experience, because you can never know which one might save a child's life-until it does.

Staying Close, Being Alert and Watching Children in and Around the Pool

Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water.
Teach children basic water safety tips.
Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments.
Have a telephone close by when you or your family is using a pool or spa.
If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first.
Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors.

Learning and Practicing Water Safety Skills

Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.
Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly.
Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency.

Having the Appropriate Equipment for Your Pool or Spa

Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools.
Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
If your house serves as a fourth side of a fence around a pool, install door alarms and always use them. For additional protection, install window guards on windows facing pools or spas.
Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water.
Ensure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers, and ask your pool service provider if you do not know.
Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order.
Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm.

www.poolsafely.gov

A Home Inventory Will Help You Know What You Own

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:50:54 GMT

Why should I have a home inventory?

Your furniture and appliances, clothing, sports or hobby equipment, and electronic goods are all regarded as personal property. Like many people in Upstate New York, you may own much more than you realize.

Comparing the value of your belongings to the "contents" limit listed in your policy helps you make sure you have enough insurance to replace them if they are lost, stolen or destroyed as a result of a covered loss.

If that’s not enough to make you consider doing an inventory, having one also makes filing a claim easier.

What’s the best way to create my inventory?

The easiest way is to create a video inventory. Using a video camera, record and describe items as you walk through your house. Or, you can use a regular camera to take pictures and create a home inventory checklist.

Here are a few tips for completing and storing your inventory:

Add brand names and descriptions where you can, especially on large-ticket items.
Keep any receipts you have with the list to make the claims process easier
Store your video or photo inventory offsite so you won’t lose it if your house is damaged.
Update your personal property records when you purchase new furnishings and valuables.

There are a number of online services and software options you can use as well to help you organize and store your inventory remotely. Use our home inventory worksheet for guidance.

How much insurance do I need?

We're here to assist you in analyzing your insurance needs and help you decide how to most effectively protect your personal property.

Ask us about full value coverage, which will pay for the replacement value of your personal belongings. A standard policy typically covers personal property only up to its actual cash value, determined by taking the replacement cost and deducting depreciation, which can be substantial.

Remember, your New York homeowners insurance policy covers valuable items such as jewelry, art and antiques, only up to set dollar amounts. If the cost of replacing them exceeds these limits, you may want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage.

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us today!