Archive for the ‘New Requirements’ Category
NY Drivers Face Penalties for Talking on Cell Phones
As of today, February 16th, New York Drivers will receive a 2 point penalty on their driving record if found guilty of driving while talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device (in addition to the $100 fine). As of November of 2009, texting was also declared illegal and punishable with a $150 fine and 2 points on your driving record.
Both penalties can result in higher insurance costs.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles announced the change this week. “By strengthening the current law, our hope is that motorists will become even more aware of the potential consequences of their actions if they use a cell phone while driving”
- J. David Sampson, DMV executive deputy commissioner
At least one in five crashes in New York are caused by driver distraction, officials say. Each year over 300,000 tickets are issued statewide for cell phone violations according to Insurance Journal.
Posted in Automobile Insurance, Insurance Coverage, New Requirements, Safety Tips | 
Tags: cell phone, cell phones, consequences, crashes, david sampson, department of motor vehicles, dmv, driver distraction, insurance, insurance costs, insurance journal, motorists, new york state, new york state department, new york state department of motor vehicles, ny drivers, NYS penalty for driving while talking on cell phones, texting, york drivers | 
No Comments »
Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite
Bed Bugs have been staking their claim throughout NYC and the surrounding areas with infestations spotted in various and unexpected establishments such as movie theatres, schools, retail stores, and other businesses. While these pests aren’t known to carry diseases, they bring with them remediation costs, battered reputations of the infested and possible lawsuits. For more information, check out the links below.
Bed Bug Prevention and Control
Resources:
Information: New York State Bed Bug Disclosure Law
Property Managers Bed Bug Guide- Click Here
NYC Dept. of Health- Bed Bug Control- Click Here
New York State Housing Authority- Stop Bed Bugs Safely- Click Here
WSJ- Bed Bugs Put Bite in Co-op Deals- Click Here
Dateline NBC- What to Know About Bed Bugs- Click Here
The Cooperator- Bed Bugs, Lead Paint and Graffiti- Click Here
Mackoul Blog Posting- Click Here
Edward J. Mackoul Quoted in Habitat Magazine
President Edward J. Mackoul was quoted in the February issue of Habitat Magazine in the article titled, “How To Enable Sales & Refi’s,” by Bill Morris. In this article, Mr. Mackoul comments on the compromised position faced by boards of coops and condos because of stringent requirements demanded by Fannie Mae.
Especially since the global recession, Fannie Mae has become increasingly strict on enforcing insurance guidelines on buildings that many baords are struggling to meet. Of special concern are the strict ratings standards that a building’s insurance carriers must meet from one of three ratings agencies. As stated by Mr. Mackoul, “Some buildings have had to switch insurance carriers and they’ve been hit with major premium increases in order to get coverage with a new [Fannie Mae approved] carrier. As we wait for Fannie Mae to consider changing their guidelines, Mr. Mackoul says, “we are getting calls from Managing Agents saying buyers can’t get loans and shareholders can’t refinance.”
Read Article: http://www.mackoul.com/page.asp?pageID=12