You’d better shop around
Consumer advocates are constantly telling us we should try to find the best deal on insurance, just as we do with plane tickets and gas. But it might be the least heeded advice on the planet.
Why? Because a) getting comparable quotes on insurance premiums is a pain in the neck, and, b) most people think that all insurance companies use the same pair of dice for setting premiums.
Whether it’s worth it or not to shop for insurance depends on your personal tolerance for hassle, but let me report here what I recently learned regarding my homeowner’s insurance.
I’ll say, first of all, that I have no complaints against the company that currently insures my home and cottage. Over the years, we’ve had a few minor claims, and the serviced has been excellent.
I explored a switch only because of an issue that’s too complicated to explain here.
Anyway, my current annual premium on what’s known in the biz as my “primary residence” is $1,063.
The proposal from the prospective insurer (a national TV advertiser with whom my cars are insured): $2,069.
Not even close.
Filed under John Schneider homeowner's insurance
Before and after
In a recent blog I described a misadventure involving, two of my brothers, me, a chainsaw, a tree and a Chevrolet Impala.
Well, there’s no point in rehashing the embarrassing details of the incident (if you must dwell on the them, check my May 2 blog).
Anyway, one brother learned that we could order a new hood on line (free delivery!). We had it painted to match the Impala, and installed it Wednesday.
Total bill: $600, two-thirds of which was the paint job. Tuition in the school of hard knocks.
Filed under John Schneider chainsaw mishap
Now open: the all-you-can eat summer buffet
A few days ago my motion-detecting trail-cam captured the image of a this winter-weary buck just starting to grow back its antlers.
Although the blood vessels (commonly referred to as “velvet”) that cover the antlers at this stage always make them look thicker than they actually are, I would judge, from the look of the mean beams, that this buck will have a nice rack come fall.
Also, after a few months at the all-you-can-eat summer buffet, he’ll be a lot bigger, as well.
By the way, that square thing he’s going for is what’s left of a mineral block - a combination of salt and other elements. Deer seem to crave them this time of year.
Filed under John Schneider trail-cam whitetail deer antler growth
LOOK! … IN THE WEEDS BY THE MAILBOX … ANOTHER PHONE BOOK!
No more pointless complaining about the useless phone books that keep coming … and coming … and coming …
This morning, after bringing in yet another soggy specimen bound for the recycling center, I scoured the Internet and found a site called www.yellowpagesoptout.com, which, theoretically, allows people to stop the madness.
I went through all the steps. I filled out all the boxes. I must admit, however, that I have my doubts that, a) the word will get to people who deliver the books, and, b) they’ll care. I’ll cross my fingers.
Meanwhile, I stumbled upon another website that suggested “six things to do with useless phone books.” Among the options: bullet-proof vest, sleep aid, bookshelf filler, Christmas gift for a naughty kid when a lump of coal isn’t available.
Filed under John Schneider useless phone books
Just in the nick of time
I was at the Okemos Meijer store Sunday afternoon, and noticed this group of young guys huddled around the Mother’s Day card display.
The thing is, they appeared to be putting some serious effort into finding the right cards.
Better late than never, right?
Filed under John Schneider Mother's Day
