Do You Drive The Most Stolen Vehicle In AZ? Check The List.

Of the thousands of vehicles on Arizona roads, criminals are keeping an eye on their favorites.

The number one car thieves are after is the 1994 Honda Accord.

"Honda parts fetch a good deal of money because they are known to be so reliable. So yes when a car does get stolen, it's not necessarily for the car but to harvest it for the parts which are worth a lot of money," said Andy Savage, who is the assistant sales manager at Showcase Honda in Phoenix.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau just released a list of the most stolen vehicles in Arizona:

1. 1994 Honda Accord

2. 2005 Dodge Ram

3. 1997 Honda Civic

4. 1999 Chevrolet pickup

5. 1997 Ford F150

6. 2003 Ford F250

7. 1997 Nissan Altima

8. 1994 Nissan Sentra

9. 2006 Ford F350

10. 2007 Toyota Camry

Nevertheless, thefts are actually down. The city that once topped the list in car thefts is now in 56th place in the nation. Last year 13,556 vehicles were stolen in Phoenix.

Phoenix police say the worst places to get your car stolen are apartment complex parking lots between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Michelle Donati, with AAA Arizona, says drivers need to do what they can to protect their vehicle, such as, "getting your free VIN etching, using the club, using an alarm... basically anything you can do to be proactive to prevent this crime from happening to you is well worth the effort."

Cleaning Up After A Dust Storm

The recent monstrous dust storms, otherwise known as 'Haboob's' that roared through Phoenix, delaying flights and causing power outages for thousands of people, is also the cause of massive clean up efforts.  In addition, now is the time for preventative maintenance.

So, if you got hit by the haboob, here's a list of cleanup, recovery and  maintenance tasks that could save you time and money in maintenance:

1. Check swamp coolers for debris and damage.

2. Clean air conditioning condensor units - especially roof top units that were running during the storm.

3.  Check and clean exterior ventilation systems.

4.  Replace air filters and check pool filtration systems.

Fire Season Is Here-What You Need To Know #insurance

Over the past several years, almost the entire state of Arizona has been suffering a major drought, making our area more susceptible to out-of-control wildfires. If you add in this winter's hard freeze and little rain, we may very well have the perfect combination for an unusually hazardous fire season.  Fire managers throughout the state are spreading the word on how to prevent this year's wildland fires from spreading to your homes and businesses. Little things like clearing out fuels from around your home and keeping your grass mowed can really help protect your property. Take special care to thoroughly remove extra yard brush, especially buffelgrass, a plant that burns hot and fast, making desert fires even more treacherous.  In the event your property is damaged by fire, be sure to follow these guidelines to help minimize damage: Call your Insurance Company within the first 24 hours of the fire.  They will send out a restoration company immediately. Corrosive fumes and soot from smoke and fire can cause permanent etching in less than 72 hours. If the outdoor temperature is above 60 degrees, open windows and doors to help air out your home and reduce smoke odors. Clean chrome, formica, aluminum and porcelain fixtures to prevent tarnishing and etching. If your furnace uses forced hot air, change the air filter. Tape damp cheesecloth over important documents to capture loose soot in the air. Dispose of any opened packages of food. If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open. Send any clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified restoration dry cleaner for thorough cleaning.

Cleaning Soot It Looks So Easy... After a fire disaster, it's tempting to try to clean the leftover soot yourself. Before you load up with a sponge and a bucket of water, there are a couple of things you should know about cleaning soot off of your belongings. Soot appears dusty but is actually oily and very easy to smear. The  best of practice for removing soot usually involves a high power vacuum and NOT touching the surface with it or any attachments.  Even the slightest touch can grind the oily soot into the surface, causing staining.  It is best to let a restoration company clean any leftover soot. Information courtesy of ServiceMaster AllCare Restoration, Peoria, Az.

FIRE & SMOKE DAMAGE

Fire & Smoke Damage

Fire damage in a home can be a stressful event for a homeowner. Damage to your personal belongings and home are just some of the concerns you may experience. Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration Services Include:

• Contents Services-Inventory, Move Outs
• Structural Cleaning- Ceilings & Walls, Carpet & Floor Restoration
• Deodorization

Your Insurance Agent can put you in contact with a Professional Restoration company who understands that your home is more than four walls. Your home includes your memories and personal belongings.

Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Mold

Mitigation and Remediation

  

 

Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns.

Water damages can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damages cleaned promptly and professionally.

Signs of the presence of excessive mold include: 

• The presence of visible mold.
   
• Strong, musty odors.
   
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
   
• Excessive humidity. 

Help IsAvailable

In most water damage situations, mold growth is not a problem, and Water Restoration Professionals can safely restore your home or business to pre-loss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection. In some situations an indoor air quality professional will be required to create a restoration plan for your home. 

Your Insurance Agent can direct you to a restoration company that is experienced at carrying out the assigned plan and working to make it "Like it Never Even Happened. "