Preventive Car Maintenance You Should Know

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” so the old saying goes, but if you’re talking about your car, that pound of cure could be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars if something goes wrong. That’s why it’s so critical to maintain your car to the best of your ability. Not only will it save you money, but it will help keep you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road safer as well. No matter what kind of car you own, there are basic functions of care you should be conducting on a regular basis. Here are the most important elements of preventative car maintenance you should know that will extend the life of your car and save you money in the long run.

For more on car insurance in Burbank, contact your local Allstate representative today!

Exterior Lights

If you’re not checking your exterior lights on a regular basis, chances are you won’t know when one malfunctions until something unfortunate happens. This could be an accident you cause because one of your blinkers is out, or a traffic stop by police because of a broken tail light. Don’t be a victim of your inaction. Be proactive and check all of the following lights every few months, and especially before you plan to drive a long distance.

● Headlights, including fog and dim features
● Parking lights
● Tail lights
● Brake lights (get a friend to step on your brake while you inspect the rear of the car)
● Turn signal lights, front and rear
● Hazard lights

Tire Pressure

Not only is correct tire pressure crucial to the safe operation of your vehicle, it can help save you money on gas as well. Refer to your owner’s manual for your car’s recommended tire pressure, and then drop by a gas station to add air, if necessary. Air compressors generally have tire pressure gauges attached, but you can also buy an inexpensive handheld tire pressure gauge and keep it in your glovebox for better convenience.

Tire Wear and Tear

While you’re checking your tire pressure, take a look at the wear on your tires as well. The last thing you want is a worn tire blowing out on the freeway. Getting your tires rotated and balanced when you should will ensure that your tires wear evenly and improve the handling of your car, but your tires will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If you’re not sure how worn is too worn, do the penny test. It’s a good idea to perform this test yourself before going to a tire dealer because while most people are trustworthy, there have been cases of customers getting talked into buying four brand new tires that they don’t actually need. 

Fluid Levels

Fluids are absolutely vital to the performance of your car and should be checked once a month. Even if you have a new car with every indicator light under the sun, indicator lights can malfunction, so check your fluids anyway. Besides the obvious catastrophe that can occur if your engine runs out of oil, monitoring the level of your fluids can help you circumvent other problems too, like a thermostat malfunction with your radiator or a leak in your transmission. A quicker than usual depletion of fluid levels can help diagnose deeper issues before they leave you stranded on the side of the road. Refer to your user’s manual or Youtube videos if you’re under the hood and have trouble navigating which reservoir is for which of these fluids you should be checking on a regular basis:

● Oil
● Transmission
● Brake
● Power steering
● Coolant
● Washer

Air Filters

Do you like breathing clean air? Of course you do. So does your car, and with regular changing of your car’s cabin and engine air filters, you’ll both breathe easier.  Dirty air filters allow road grit, pollutants and other debris to enter your car intake, and the interior of your car. In your cabin, this results in you breathing dirty air; in your car’s intake, it clogs up the works and affects performance.  Just like your central heat or air conditioning system at home, your car’s air filters should be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Air filters are cheap and changing them takes less than five minutes – more than worth the investment for the trouble it saves.

Windshield Wipers

Another cheap and easy fix that can have serious consequences if neglected, streaks all over your windshield can block your view and inhibit your ability to react.  Windshield wipers degrade quickly because of their prolonged exposure to the elements, so at the first sign of a streak, it’s time to toss them and get new ones.

Can excellent preventative car maintenance make you a safer driver and decrease your insurance premium? Contact Gino Mattunts at Allstate Burbank for questions on car insurance and all your other insurance needs.

Easiest Ways to Boost the Curb Value of Your Home

Whether you’re thinking about putting your home on the market or you’re simply wanting to boost the value of your home, there are some simple and easy ways to do this without breaking the bank and having to put in a whole lot of blood, sweat, and tears to do so. For more on home insurance, life insurance, and car insurance, contact your local Allstate representative today.

Below are some easy tips for boosting the curb value of your home.

CURB VALUE BOOSTING TIP #1: Give your paint a new coat.

One of the easiest ways to add curb value to your home is simply giving your exterior paint of your home a fresh, new coat of paint.  It’s amazing what a new coat of paint can do for the outside of the house.  Any white trim can be brighter.  Any less appealing colors, chips, or peeling paint can be cleaned up.

CURB VALUE BOOSTING TIP #2: Wash the exterior of your home.

If you cannot freshen up the paint, even just giving the exterior of your home a good wash will go a long way.  There’s a lot of dust, dirt, cobwebs, and other debris that can make its way onto the outside of your house.  You can rent or purchase a power washer and wash the outside of your home to clean it up.  If you decide to paint your home, you will want to wash the exterior prior to painting.

CURB VALUE BOOSTING TIP #3: Repair and Fix the Roof.

The roof is one of the first things that a potential homebuyer will notice on a home.  If your roof is old, worn out, missing shingles or otherwise damaged or in need of repair, that will definitely be an eyesore and bring down the value of your home.  Make sure that your roof is in top shape.  The curb value that a newly replaced roof will add to your home will be greater than the costs associated with getting the roof repaired.

CURB VALUE BOOSTING TIP #4: Keep up the yard.

A great way to add to value to your home is to maintain a nice yard.  If you have grass, the grass should be green and free of weeds and debris.  Any additional plants or planters are a nice touch as well. 

CURB VALUE BOOSTING TIP #5: Pave the driveway.

A nice, smooth driveway is another easy way to add value to your home.  Cracks in the asphalt along the driveway are not pleasing to the eye to a homebuyer, so taking the time to have a neat driveway with ample space for parking the cars and for guests is ideal.

CURB VALUE BOOSTING TIP #6: Maintain a Neat Exterior.

In addition to the above tips to keeping the exterior aesthetics of your home in top shape, it is important that you maintain a neat exterior in other ways, including but not limited to: rain gutters, windows, shutters, bricks, siding, mailbox, address numbers, fences, front door, gate or screen to the front door, garage door, etc.  Even making the smallest improvements to these items will add value to your home.

HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOUR HOME?

As a homeowner, chances are, your home is one of the largest assets—if not the largest asset—that you own.  It is important that you insure your home with homeowners insurance.

As with most insurance policies, there are different features and provisions that will determine what will be protected.  Generally, most homeowners insurance policies are intended to cover structural damage that may occur, such as in the event of a fire, as well as any liability to the owner to any injuries that may incur to anyone that may be injured on their property.  Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not include damage that may be the result of flood or earthquake.  Those are typically additional policies and coverage that may be required (if available).

As a homeowner, it is not only important that you have homeowners insurance to protect your home and any legal responsibility that you may have in the event of any injury that may occur in your home, it is important that you also maintain your home.  Many accidents occur as the result of poor maintenance and negligence of the homeowner.  Not only does taking care of your home add to the value of your home, it helps to remove any potential problems that may occur from a poorly maintained property.

We hope that the tips above help you to add to the curb value of your home—relatively quickly and easily.  If you have a question about how to protect your home and wish to schedule a review of your homeowners insurance needds, the qualified and licensed agents at Allstate are waiting to help you!  To locate an agent in your area, click here or call us 24/7 at 1-877-810-2920.

Best Road Trips for Scenic Views in America | Allstate Burbank

Whether you are planning a road trip full of adventure and exploration or just looking to explore your local area, the US is full of beautiful scenery that makes for a stunning drive.

For more info on the best road trips and how to deal with car insurance, don’t hesitate to  contact Allstate Burbank for all your road needs.

The Hawaii Belt – Big Island, Hawaii

What locals call the “Hawaii Belt” is really three state routes (11, 19 and 190) which form a circle around the perimeter of the Big Island of Hawaii. What makes this drive so special is the diversity it offers. If you complete the entire 300-mile drive, which usually takes several days, you will see jungles, active lava flows, white beaches, farmland, mountains and valleys. Most people suggest you begin your trip in Kailua-Kona, the region where the famed Kona coffee comes from. 

Overseas Highway- Florida Keys

The roads and bridges of the Overseas Highway from the Florida mainland all the way down to our country’s southernmost point at Key West are the survivors of Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway. This highway was originally a 113-mile-long railway which was constructed between 1905 and 1912. However, in 1935 a hurricane destroyed Flagler’s railway and the tracks were converted into highways. At certain points in along the route, the ghostly remains of the tracks are still visible above the water. 

Finger Lakes Region- New York

These are a chain of lakes located in central New York which are shaped like 11 fingers and were formed by glaciers. The lakes extend from Syracuse to Rochester, and experts recommend making a loop starting and ending in Ithaca to take advantage of the farms and wine tastings which are typical in the region. This trip will take a couple of days, and you can take some time to go for a hike a visit the natural waterfalls. 

Pacific Coast Highway- California 

Known as one of the most scenic routes in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway follows much of the California coastline. It hugs steep mountains with gorgeous views of the ocean starting in Los Angeles and stretching all the way through Big Sur, Monterey Bay, and wine country, including Sonoma county. It takes about five hours to drive the complete highway.

Going-to-the-Sun Road – Montana

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 52-mile, two hour drive the bisects Glacier National Park in Montana. It was actually created to bisect the park, allowing visitors to see all the attractions, so there are plenty of places to stop and check out the view along the way. The park has many things to see, including glacial lakes and valleys, alpine tundra and cedar forests. The road is open every year from June through early fall. In the winter however, there is too much snow to make it traversable. 

Skyline Drive – Virginia

Skyline Drive is the only public road through Shenandoah National Park. If you are planning a day trip, it takes about 3 hours to drive through without stopping. But you will definitely want to stop to look at the stunning flowers and wildlife as you wind through the park. There are 75 scenic overlooks where you can stop to take photos. If you would like to stay longer, Skyline Drive is dotted with campsites and visitor centers as well.

Seward Highway – Alaska

This highway connects the cities of Anchorage and Seward, and it takes about five days to make the drive without stopping. However, you will probably want to stop to look at the natural surroundings which include waterfalls and glaciers, or stop in one of the fishing villages, mining towns, or national forests. You might also see ‘unusual’ wildlife like eagles, moose, and beluga whales. Its important to remember to visit Alaska during the summer, when there is more sunlight.

Allstate is you go-to partner for the road. For insurance or tips on the country’s best road trips, we are there for you.  Get in touch with us to learn more about how Allstate Burbank can protect you, and make sure to visit us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter to keep up to date on all our latest news.

7 Essentials to Bring for a Road Trip | Best Road Trip Tips

Road trips provide a chance to escape life for an adventure unlike any other. Whether it be with your family, significant other, or an exciting solo excursion, your road trip is only as good as you are prepared. To help, we’ve collected some expert road trip tips to help you on your adventure.

For everything road-related, visit Allstate Burbank for rates on auto insurance, renter’s insurance, and life insurance.

Navigate with Waze

Navigation made easy. It never hurts to have a little help as you head on a road trip. With the social traffic and navigation app Waze (available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry), you’ll be getting more than just directions. This free app allows other drivers in your network to report accidents, traffic jams, police sightings, construction, and delays, so you’ll receive real-time updates along the route. 

Invest in a Kopack Slim Backpack

When you’re constantly tossing bags in and out of the car, you want to know they’re durable. The water-resistant Kopack Slim Backpack has plenty of compartments equipped with one large packing compartment, separate laptop compartment, tablet holder, and front pocket organizers for portable charger, cords, books or snacks. Perfect for the tech-savvy family on-the-go, Kopack Slim Backpack is thoughtfully designed for business trips or weekend getaways or for simply heading to the office or school and home again. ($36.99, amazon.com) 

Store Your Drinks and Snacks with a Rubbermaid Cooler

With the Rubbermaid 50 Quart Cooler, you won’t have to worry about keeping your drinks and snacks cool. This split-top cooler will keep food cold for more than 12 hours and easily packs with 25 pounds of ice. It also comes with rugged wheels, so you can easily maneuver this travel cooler over multiple surfaces easily. Perfect for camping, picnics, tailgating or any party, Rubbermaid 50 Quart Cooler is designed to keep extra thick insulation to keep ice frozen up to 5 days even in temperatures up to 90 degrees Farenheit.  ($57.29, amazon.com)

Take Your Morning Coffee On-the-Go with Oxo Travel Mug

If your morning routine includes a morning cup of coffee to get you through the day, take it on the road with Oxo Good Grips Double Wall Travel Mug. With three silicone seals, this durable, stainless steel mug ensures no leaks and is BPA free. 

Keep Your Back-Seat Tech-Savvy and Organized

Keep your kids occupied during the road trip with this picket-packed headset hanger. The High Road PadPockets iPad Holder gives backseat riders their own mobile theater with an iPad holder and seat back organizer to store everything you need for long or short trips. Easy to install, the The High Road PadPockets iPad Holder is attached to car seatbacks with an adjustable headrest strap and bottom tie cords. ($9.95, amazon.com)

Pack a Comfort Kit

For long road trips or travels at the crack of dawn or late at night, bring blankets and pillows for snuggling, keeping warm and naps. For kids, don’t forget his or her favorite toys or stuffed animals and a change of clothes for any unforeseen diaper accidents or spills.  

Travel with a First Aid Kit

This is among the most important road trip tips. A first aid kit comes in handy on the road for minor cuts, injuries or emergencies. You will want to bring along the basics as well as any prescription medicine you need. This includes but not limited to Band-Aids, pain reliever, allergy reliever, cotton balls, q-tips, and sunscreen. ($19.97, amazon.com)

Road Trip Ready with Allstate

Allstate Burbank is your partner in everything road-worthy. From car insurance to road trip tips, let us be your first stop! Get in touch with us to learn more about how Allstate Burbank can protect you, and make sure to visit me on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter to stay updated on all the latest news from Allstate.

Best Tips for Your Apartment Hunting Checklist | Apartment Guide

Apartment hunting is a tedious process. While monthly rent is an important factor, you should never forget to look at the location, the people, the commute, the neighborhood, and the space – to name a few. This apartment hunting checklist includes all these factors that will influence your decision on where you want to live next. 

Location is King

Location is key to apartment hunting. It determines the commute, the people, the neighborhood vibes, and the space. 

• The Commute. Ask yourself how you will get to and from work. If you have a car, then parking and the time/distance you are willing to drive each day identifies your radius search. If you don’t have a car, your location is either walkable or accessible to public transportation.

• The People. Your family and friends are the center of your life aside from school and work. If you’d like to move to an area where your family or friends are, it helps to be close and have them nearby for social get togethers or in cases of emergencies.

• The Neighborhood. What neighborhood do you see yourself in? Do you love to work out? Find a location nearby a gym. Have a pet? Make sure the location is pet friendly and has pet-friendly parks. Love the nightlife? Then locate yourself in the prime locations of restaurants and bars.

• The Space. How large of a space will you need is often directly correlated to your proximity to the city. The closer you are to downtown, the more you are going to pay per square foot. 

Savvy Tips for the Smart Apartment Hunter 

• Ask your friends and network. Word of mouth can expedite your search with leads.

• Check your wireless and cell phone reception in every room.

• Test the water pressure in the shower and faucets.

• Move during the winter. November, December and January rent rates are at their lowest.

• Look inside all interior cabinets and drawers. This will save you time with any holes or damages early on.

• Test out the apartment for one or two days. Smaller apartment complexes will let you if you ask.

• Check your car insurance rate in that area. Car insurance rates vary by location.

• Measure your furniture. This will help save you time come move-in day to make sure your furniture fits through door openings.

• Ask other tenants what their average electric or heating bills are before signing any lease.

• Read the lease carefully, specifically terms and conditions.

• Check all outlet functions.

• Read reviews of apartment complexes and units.

• Don’t forget the newspaper classifieds.

• Check the smoking policies.

Let’s Get Started 

When you’re ready to get into the game, here’s a few tips to get started.

• Define your budget. Identify your budget then start the search. Some landlords and property managers require minimum earnings to move forward in the application process.

• Research. Do your homework before narrowing down your selection.

• Connect and engage. Send emails and make phone calls to property management offices to inquire about available floor plans, rent prices, utility costs, etc.

• Consult a professional. A real estate agent can be an invaluable asset when it comes to finding a place with package rates and industry know-how’s. 

• Narrow your search. Remove any apartments outside of your budget, location and requirements. 

• Schedule tours. Check out a short list of apartments and tour them within one or two days.

• Make your pick. Low housing inventory in the U.S. means a quick property sell out. Make sure your decision is timely. 

Apartment Ready with Allstate 

Allstate Burbank can help keep you on your feet if you ever deal with any questions about your next apartment search or apartment hunting checklist. Get in touch with us to learn more about how Allstate Burbank can protect you, and make sure to visit me on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter to stay updated on all the latest news from Allstate.

Top Home Insurance Mistakes to Avoid | Home Insurance Questions

Before you choose your home insurance policy, you need to strike a balance between affordability and adequate coverage. You want to minimize risk, but you also don’t want to overpay for insurance you’ll never use. Understand exactly what you want to insure and know the value of your coverage by avoiding these 7 home insurance mistakes.

1. Not Knowing the Value of Your Property

Failing to purchase enough insurance could leave new homeowners with thousands of dollars in uncovered damages and losses. If you discover you’re underinsured after the loss occurs, you may need to pay some replacement costs out of pocket. To avoid this risk, stay up-to-date on home values in your area so you know how much it would cost to rebuild and update your policy accordingly. 

You can also track the value of your valuable items such as engagement rings, cameras, computers, and expensive antiques. It’s good to get these appraised to adjust for their true worth and adjust limits accordingly.

Also, consider home improvements. As time goes on, homeowners will likely make improvements such as renovating the kitchen, bathroom or installing energy-efficient additions When it comes to insurance, as many as 40 percent of home insurance buyers do not update their policy to match their improvements.

2. Thinking Deductibles are Fixed 

While deductibles are fixed in general, this may not be the case for major weather events such as a hurricanes or windstorms. Damages from weather events may not be fixed but rather a percentage of a coverage amount. To help set expectations, ask an insurance agent about any changes in deductible amounts in accordance with the type of claim filed.

3. Figuring Sewage-Backup is Included 

While homeowners assume standard coverage in their homeowner’s insurance policy, not all is included. Out-of-date sewage lines could lead to sewage backup, which could damage the entire structure of a home. A small addition to a homeowner’s policy can protect a new home should a situation arise.

4. Failing to Buy Flood Insurance or Earthquake Insurance

If your home is in a flood zone or an area of seismic activity, you may need to purchase additional insurance. Water intrusion and earthquake-induced losses can be confusing when it comes to home insurance policy, so be sure which water-related coverage you’ll need to cover your risks.

5.  Not Asking for a Multi-plan Discount 

When purchasing insurance, don’t forget to ask about multi-plan discounts. If you bundle auto, life and health insurance along with your homeowner’s insurance, agencies often offer discounts so you can save both time and money. 

6. Failing to Shop Around

As with any pivotal decision in a homeowner’s life, homeowner’s insurance is not to be taken lightly. Shopping around is one of the most important tips for buying home insurance and the best way to choose the right one for you within your budget and for the coverage you need. Be sure to understand the key elements of different policies and the differences in pricing, coverage and flexibility.

7. Forgetting About the Policy After You Buy 

After you purchase home insurance, don’t set aside your policy in a drawer and pay the annual premium without question. As your life moves forward, your policy may need to change as well. Annually, check your coverage amounts to determine if they’re still adequate. 

Be Prepared and Drive Well with Allstate 

Allstate Burbank can help keep you on your feet if you ever deal with any questions about home insurance mistakes Get in touch with us to learn more about how Allstate Burbank can protect you, and make sure to visit me on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter to stay updated on all the latest news from Allstate.

Best Motorcycle Trips to Take this Summer | Motorcycle Trip Tips

Nothing beats touring the country by motorcycle. The unique satisfaction of freedom paired with the heightened adventure as your twist and turn; that’s a sense of beauty you can’t connect to inside a car. Here are 10 of the best motorcycle trips to try this summer.

Big Sur (CA) 

Take a break from slow-moving rental cars along the coast and coast through Nacimiento-Fergusson road, which climbs the Santa Lucia Range mountainside. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pacific across 90 miles of California Highway 1, stretching from Monterey County to San Luis Obispo. 

Hudson Valley (NY) 

Just 90 minutes outside of Manhattan, Hudson Valley explores 80 miles of scenic vistas of the Hudson River and no shortage of wineries, villages and outstanding restaurants. The course spans from Yonkers (south) to Albany (north) with interstate 87 on the east and Highway 9 to the west.

Idaho Grand Loop (ID, UT, WY, OR, WA, MT)

This epic, 2,549-mile route spans across Salt Lake City and runs through Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. The course stretches through Beartooth Highway, Route 12 and Washington Route 129.

Las Vegas Outskirts (NV)

Taking it out from the Las Vegas Strip, this route spans across highways 167 and 169 connecting Valley of Fire National Park, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. This course is best for spring, summer and fall; avoid winter months as near-freezing temperatures can damper the ride. 

Yellowstone National Park (WY) 

This 142-mile Grand Loop swings around Yellowstone, surrounded by the park’s greatest hits including Mammoth Hot Springs, Fountain Pots and Old Faithful. Enjoy this scenic route and keep an eye out for wildlife, which always wander onto the roadway.

Florida Keys (FL) 

This route stretches across 113 miles of Florida mainland to Key West along Highway 1. The highlights of this trip are the bridged Overseas Highway section, which bisects the Gulf waters on the west and the Atlantic on the east. Stop by Alabama Jacks on Key Largo to kick off your journey for some local conch fritters and key lime pie.

New Orleans (LA)

Unlike scenic routes connected with Mother Nature, this route dominates most road-based vacation destinations, riding through New Orleans and urban hot spots over to Louisiana swamps and plantation country. 

San Diego (CA) 

Taking a different turn here, this route makes for an awesome day trip. The B roads run through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering mile after mile of scenic flow and connected by California highways 78 and 79.

Big Island (HI)

Among the most scenic and best motorcycle trips, this one nearly takes the cake. This route is interwoven by a web of two-lane blacktop that cuts through a wide variety of terrain, from moon-like volcanic flatlands to lush rainforest. For a more efficient route through the heart of the island, take Saddle Road. 

Monument Valley (AZ, UT) 

This route takes you through the Western front as you saddle up and ride through lonely highways that cut through the sandstone buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The most memorable drive is the 17-mile Valley Drive loop completed by a 45-mile long scenic byway across Valley of the Gods, Cedar Mesa and Highway 163.

Be Prepared and Drive Well with Allstate 

Allstate Burbank can help keep you on your feet if you ever deal with any questions about your car. Get in touch with us to learn more about how Allstate Burbank can protect you, and make sure to visit me on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter to stay updated on all the latest news from Allstate.