New Car for Graduation? Be a Smart Kentucky Consumer

Seven Shopping Strategies For New Car Buyers

Congratulations Kentucky Graduates!

New car shopping can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. But others can find the experience stressful and tedious. Either way, there’s a lot to think about. According to a survey of car shoppers, overall purchase price is the most important factor when shopping for a new car (46 percent), followed by make and model (31 percent).

Safety and performance come in a distant third, tied at seven percent. But whether you’re turned on or turned off by the dizzying array of car choices, trim options, “expert” reviews, incentives and other deals, it definitely pays to approach car buying strategically.

So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you find yourself having trouble keeping a clear head, just keep these strategies, courtesy of Charlie Pinson Insurance  in mind:

1. Decide how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs. Just looking for the basic transport capability of a small or medium sedan? Or do you need the hauling capacity of a van or SUV? Something practical? Something sporty? Something in between?

2. Research crash tests and accident data available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

3. Shop around for financing. If you can, apply for and get approval for a loan from a bank, credit union or other financier before you even visit the dealership. Being a “cash buyer” gives you an advantage when you do finally meet with the dealership’s financing person.

4. Test drive the car. Try to drive in conditions that will be similar to those under which you’ll drive every day.

5. Check pricing for your desired make and model at two or three dealerships and use that information to help you negotiate the best deal.

6. Get a firm quote, in writing. This should include not only the cost of the car, but any fees and the sales tax.

7. Inspect your new car carefully before driving off the lot. Make sure all the options you’ve ordered are included and that the body and paint are free of scratches or dents.

Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of Kentucky auto insurance, although it seems that few people realize that what they pay for insurance can add significantly to the vehicle’s total cost.

Wise car buyers know to shop around for Kentucky insurance and find out how costs compare. They also know to visit a Kentucky independent insurance agency – like Charlie Pinson Insurance.  We can check with several companies to find the best combination of coverage and price.

To get a Progressive quote with Charlie Pinson Insurance, visitwww.pinsoninsurance.com

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Charlie Pinson Insurance is a Kentucky independent insurance agency representing many Kentucky Car Insurance companies including Progressive Insurance. In addition to online  Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes consumer education, claims contacts, and agency profiles are available. New college graduates might also need Kentucky Short Term Health Insurance when coming off a parents policy, or awaiting benefits from a new employer.

KY Insurance Agency salutes our Secretary Heather Stiltner

Happy Secretary Day!

As a Kentucky independent insurance agency,  we get dozens and dozens of calls a day. Figuring out what the client needs, and getting them to the right person is not always an easy task....even in a small agency like ours.

Thank goodness for Heather Stiltner! She is the voice of Charlie Pinson Insurance, when you call our office. Heather can get your insurance quote started, check on your bill, and tell you how to get here. Not only that, but she sings while she works! You gotta love that!

So Healther, keeper of the gate, queen of data entry, and melodious voice behind our phone...we salute you! Thanks for all you do! Happy Secretary's day!

Heather Stiltner is a graduate of Shelby Valley High School. When she is not working in our Kentucky insurance office, she sings with a group called "Downtown Groove." Click to send Heather a Kentucky Auto Insurance Quote request.

News Flash! Liberty Mutual Insurance Group to buy Safeco Insurance

6.2 Billion Dollar Deal

It's official. Liberty Mutual Insurance Group is poised to buy Safeco Insurance. Safeco's Kentucky insurance agents received the communique this morning from corporate headquarters in Seattle.

What's that mean to Kentucky Safeco policyholders?

Well, according to the Safeco press release, "the Safeco name and brand will continue." Liberty Mutual is very strong in the eastern United States, and Safeco is strong on the west coast. A few years back, Liberty Mutual bought Ohio Casualty Insurance.

For details on the story check out Insurance Journal.

A Kentucky Safeco Auto Insurance agent, Charlie Pinson offers Kentucky Car Insurance quotes  online.

So you like Classic Cars?

Lexington KY Children’s Hospital Benefits from Concours

Media Contact: Mary Margaret Colliver, (859) 361-1887

LEXINGTON, KY (April 22, 2008) – An announcement was made today at the Mansion at Griffin Gate in Lexington that the Fifth Annual Keeneland Concours d’Elegance will be held July 17-20, 2008. The classic car show will be held at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington July 19. A special presentation was made to UK HealthCare’s Kentucky Children’s Hospital of $25,000 from last years Concours d’Elegance.

“It is our hope and our goal that the Concours d’Elegance provides everyone with a unique experience—a mix of art, flair, design, sounds and—of course—a cause,” said event chairman Tom Jones. “There are many reasons to be excited about the 2008 Concours, and we are looking forward to hosting another outstanding weekend in the Bluegrass. It’s a delight to enjoy your passion and be able to do good works for the community, especially the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The people at Kentucky Children's Hospital who make that happen day in and day out are the real heroes in this grand scheme of things.”

“We are so pleased to be able to bring this event to the Bluegrass,” said event co-chair Connie Jones. “It has proven to be a fun and exciting weekend for all ages. Even children love the classic automobiles. It has been our goal for the last four years to raise funds for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, a very important and needed organization across Kentucky. It also is important to Tom and me to showcase our beautiful state.”

“The Concours board and their many supporters are extraordinary professionals and community leaders who make great contributions to the Bluegrass State in their daily work,” said Dr. Tim Bricker, professor and chairman of pediatrics, UK College of Medicine, and physician-in-chief of Kentucky Children’s Hospital.” In addition to those responsibilities, they put their skills and energy together to organize and run the Keeneland Concours. The energy and drive of the board and supporters comes from their dedication to this community and our Kentucky Children’s Hospital. We are honored to have their support.”

In 2006, fortifying their commitment to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, the Keeneland Concours d’Elegance Board chose to create an endowment for neonatal research. Dr. Henrietta Bada, professor of pediatrics, UK College of Medicine and chief of the division of neonatology at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, leads the endowment research.

Keeneland is widely known for its Thoroughbred horsepower. But a different kind of horsepower is making quite a name for itself on the grounds of the legendary race course.

One hundred extravagant automobiles will be showcased on the historic racing grounds of Keeneland, drawing car enthusiasts from around the country to the fifth annual Concours d'Elegance.

Concours d’Elegance, a “gathering of elegance,” originated in Paris during the 1920s. The Concours quickly became not only an event for automobile manufacturers to parade the latest edition of extravagant automobiles, but also a spot for fashion designers to showcase the latest styles.

This year's event will feature Cadillac as the guest marque. As in previous years, 100 nationally and internationally acclaimed Concours automobiles will be judged to receive the coveted trophy sponsored by horse farms throughout the region. Cars exhibited at the event fall into one of 13 judged categories.

Although this four-day event is best known for the Saturday Concours d’Elegance and its magnificent display of automobiles, additional events and activities provide visitors and participants a taste of Kentucky's art, culture and elegance.

Event activities include:

• Bourbon Tour (Thursday, July 17)An exclusive tour of a renowned distillery conducted by the master distiller will feature bourbon sampling from selected barrels. The catered lunch and round-table discussion with the experts will give participants inside information about the history and production of Kentucky's favorite libation. Registration is limited.


• Black Tie Gala (Friday, July 18) "Great Gatsby" themed party held in the private dining rooms of Keeneland which overlook the historic track and paddock. The "Cadillac of Galas" includes a cocktail reception, fine dining and dancing to the Jay Flippin Orchestra. $200 per person. 6:30 p.m. to midnight.


• Keeneland Concours d'Elegance (Saturday, July 19)
  Concours automobiles featuring Cadillac, historic General Motors Heritage Collection display, special exhibits, and hundreds of cars in the Car Club Paddock. Included will be automotive art, a silent auction, and unique shopping. $15/person, under 12 free. $10 for Collector's event program. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Awards presentation is at 3 p.m.


• Hangar Bash (Saturday evening, July 19)Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Bluegrass Airfield from 5 to 8 p.m. Casual setting for food, drink and music. Concours automobiles and vintage motorcycles share the spotlight with modern and vintage planes. Special feature will be a WWII Bomber fly-over. $25/person.


• Tour d’Elegance (Sunday, July 20) Keeneland Race Course at 9:00 a.m. The ever popular tour features a 75-mile drive through the beautiful Bluegrass with a stop at a legendary horse farm and visit to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill where participants are served a catered lunch and can leisurely tour the restored 1800s Shaker settlement. $200/car with 2 people; $75/extra passenger.

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Kentucky Auto Insurance agent, Mark Frantom,  is especially interested in Classic Cars and dreams of owning his own 1964 1/2 Mustang Convertible. For your family car insurance check our Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes online.

Women's Health Month in Kentucky UK Center for Advancement of Women's Health

Media Contact: Ann Blackford, (859) 323-6363, x230

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 18, 2008) − In recognition of April as Women's Health Month, Kentucky women are encouraged to sign up for the Women's Health Registry at the University of Kentucky's Center for the Advancement of Women's Health.

The Kentucky House of Representatives signed Resolution 216 to dedicate the month of April to improving the health and well-being of women in Kentucky.

The Women's Health Registry, an initiative of UK's Center for the Advancement of Women's Health, is the only state-wide health registry of its kind in the nation. Participation is simple, unintrusive and confidential, yet the potential benefits for a better understanding of women's health needs are immeasurable.

The registry opened March 1, 2006. Since that time, over 5,000 Kentucky women between ages 18-89 have completed either a paper or online survey about their health. The registry asks questions about a variety of topics including demographics, education, physical and mental well-being. The information helps researchers interested in women's health to better understand how things such as stress and family history influence women's health. The registry also provides a link between interested women and research studies they may qualify for.

Mary Johnson, clinical research administrator and coordinator of the Women's Health Registry, said that the registry needs women of all descriptions and that each woman represents thousands of other women that are just like her. "Each survey year will provide a snapshot of the health and circumstances of the women in the registry. They provide current life information that over time will create a panoramic view of their health and lives that will help all the women that are growing up behind them."

Participation does not require a woman to physically come to UK. Filling out the questionnaire can be done in the comfort of a woman's home or any where she has access to a computer. The questionnaire can also be filled out by hand and mailed to UK if that is preferable. Providing one's health information is an easy way for women to be proactive in their own health care.

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Posted by Joyce Pinson, Kentucky Health Insurance Agent. Click for Kentucky Health Insurance Quotes  for Individuals and Families. Kentucky Short Term Medical insurance is also available. Visit our main website at Kentucky Online Insurance Quotes  or visit our Lexington KY Insurance page

What we're reading today Earth Day 2008

Here it is Earth Day again, and we find ourselves asking "What are we doing better to help the environment?" Can "going green" really make a difference? We surely hope so.

Here's what Charlie Pinson Insurance KY is doing:

• Excess paper shredded and sent out for recycling


• Enhanced computer technology allowing for "transactional filing" paperless files


• Employees use real ceramic coffee cups reducing waste from Styrofoam cups


• Re-use packing materials for shipping


• Saving coffee grounds for rose bushes and blueberry bushes as mulching fertilizer


• Use rechargeable batteries for digital camera, pagers, pda's etc

Here's what we are reading today about "Going Green"

• Getting ready to buy a new car? Check out Green Vehicle Guide. (Don't forget to get a Kentucky Auto Insurance Quote  too!)



• Wondering what you can do? Check out Louisville KY Magazine Green Article  for lots of cool tips.



• The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition has several interesting articles about alternate energy sources.



• Last month's news release from Travelers Insurance regarding green commercial property coverages.



• With Progressive Insurance now touting the Cleveland Indians baseball Progressive Field, and Safeco Insurance pairing with the Seattle Mariners Safeco Field we wondered about sports venues going green. Check out the EPA article.

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Joyce Pinson (that's me!),is a Kentucky health insurance agent, who will be planting trees on Saturday. Our Kentucky insurance agency represents a number of companies including Progressive Insurance and Safeco Insurance. Click here for a Kentucky Car Insurance Quote  or here for a Kentucky Health Insurance Quote.

Travelers Commercial Property Coverage Goes Green

New Endorsement Supports Travelers Efforts to Encourage Environmentally Responsible Behavior

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 2008--In support of the growing trend toward more efficient and environmentally friendly building practices, Travelers (NYSE:TRV) Commercial Property Division today launched its Green Building Coverage Enhancements for mid-sized businesses. An endorsement to the standard Deluxe Property Coverage, this new product highlights Travelers' ability to keep pace with the evolving sustainable building practices.

"Travelers is pleased to note that a number of federal, state and local agencies across the country are instituting programs that encourage, or require, environmentally friendly building practices," said Rich Waskiewicz, senior vice president, Travelers Property. "Today's announcement supports those efforts and our company-wide initiatives to encourage environmentally responsible behavior."
Travelers' Green Building Coverage Enhancements for mid-sized businesses promote the use of environmentally friendly building materials as replacement components following a covered cause or type of loss. Travelers' Deluxe Property forms are amended to provide the following additional coverages:

• Green Building Alternatives - Increased Cost


• Green Buildings Reengineering and Recertification Expense


• Vegetative Roofs


• Green Building Alternatives - Increased Period of Restoration

"Travelers believes that commercial property owners who embrace 'green' technologies are likely to be more risk management-minded, practicing greater care in building maintenance and operation," said Michael Klein, president of commercial accounts, Travelers. "We are excited to introduce this new product, supporting our middle market customers who implement environmentally friendly initiatives."
For more information on the new coverage enhancements from the Travelers Commercial Property Division, call your local Travelers Commercial Accounts office.

About Travelers

Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve agents, brokers and policyholders is to deliver insurance that evolves to stay in-synch with life and business as they change. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. The company's diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in both the personal and commercial settings, including automobile, homeowners, construction, small business, oil and gas, ocean marine, surety and management liability, global technology and public sector services. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2007 revenues of $26 billion and total assets of $115 billion. The company has approximately 33,000 employees.

The content of this release is only for the informational use of the reader. In no event will Travelers or any of its affiliates be liable in contract or in tort to anyone who has access to this information for the accuracy or completeness of the information relied upon in the preparation of this release. Additionally, information contained herein does not constitute and shall not be construed to reflect the adoption of any coverage position by Travelers or any of its affiliates in connection with any of the topics or considerations set forth herein.

CONTACT: The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Media Contact:
Jeffrey Weir, 860-277-8692
jsweir@travelers.com
SOURCE: The Travelers Companies, Inc.

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Charlie Pinson Insurance is a Kentucky Independent Insurance Agency representing many insurers including Travelers Insurance. Working with many Kentucky small businesses, the agency offers products including Kentucky Workers Compensation, BOP Business Owners Policies, and Commercial Kentucky Auto Insurance. Through sister agency, Triple B Insurance, our Kentucky health insurance agents offer group health insurance and employee benefits.