I'm polling my audience on two totally unrelated issues.
First: I just got my home, auto and umbrella insurance policy renewals from Liberty Mutual. Each rate went up 10%. Are other people seeing similar rate increases? I'm getting the funny feeling that they basically gave me a teaser rate to get my business. I'm ok with this one time 10% increase, but if they plan on jacking it 10% per year, I'm going to have a problem.
Second: I'm in the market for a good flashlight - I mean a lights-up-the-no-streetlight-pitch-black-country-road flashlight for when we walk the dogs at night. It needs to be carried with one hand, and preferably would cost under $50.
Feedback appreciated as always.
-KD
20 comments:
Liberty Mutual is laying the foundation for a strong post IPO run. They just filed to go public this morning, and jacking everyone's rates by 10% will flow through the numbers over the next several quarters. You should switch to GEICO.
No comment on the insurance (I'm an expat in Brazil right now), but Mag Light flashlights are always the best.
http://www.shopzilla.com/camping-hiking-gear/mag+light+flashlight/12040100/products
Probably go for the 2 or 3 battery version. You can adjust the beam, and almost indestructible...
Thx for the good analysis!
I second the mag light suggestion. They also double as a blunt object, if you happen to find yourself getting assaulted.
A little extra comfort for those rural nights...
For your light canon:
http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Level-630-Lumen-Flashlight/dp/B002UMAIH6/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I15DKPKMTE9D1I&colid=2T3EQ7P2RIRM5
indeed i have faced a similar increase by liberty mutual. and i have been a no claim customer for many years. and to make matters worse, this has now happened second year in a row.
so i should investigate other options - when i get around to it.
One of these should light things up...note, they take Li-Ion batteries.
http://www.amazon.com/Pelcian-M6-2330-LED-Flashlight/dp/B000P1HV74/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1284436396&sr=1-7
On the insurance: I change insurance companies every couple years. My rates have either stay steady or go down a bit.
Your observation that they offer a teaser rate is correct. Most people are too lazy to go on the internet and get some quotes at renewal time.
Jerry
This will work as a head light as well, comes with battery pack and charger and is more like a motorcycle light in output:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.29489
If you really want a proper hand held and stay under 50 bucks you will find great toys on the site as well. Don't forget a charger.
If you don't want to order from Hong Kong (might take 2-3 weeks) and need something traditional and tough immediately, visit a dive store for an UK SL4:
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_972/Context_965/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/Filter_1%3d393/UKTSL4.html?Hit=1
A bit less nice than the LED lights and eats 4 C batteries in 2 or 3 hours, but if you just need it occasionally...
Find out what light "Dog the Bounty Hunter" uses. That should work for you.
I don't know about the insurance, but I promise you can't go wrong with a Maglite. You can get one at your local Home Depot, I would imagine. Very durable, very dependable, with several sizes (and colors) to choose from.
When we're in Vermont (open fields, so moonlight helps), my camping headlamp (elastic band goes over the forehead) does the trick. There isn't much tree cover, so the combination of the headlamp and moonlight are good enough. I didn't want to carry a flashlight by hand anymore. Consider it. I love Mag Lights but they're heavy to lug around constantly. Can get for $20 at any sports/camping store.
Ditto on the headlamp...once you try one you will not go back to a handheld again
I have all sorts of headlamps already. i need something MUCH brighter than that. unless you guys wear coal miner's headlamps...
Ihave a new Liberty Mutual auto policy - they saved me over $300 per year, and they said the premium will drop next year, assuming no tickets or accidents. Second - I live in the sticks and walking at night is an issue when there is no moonlight, which is most of the time here on the Orsgon coast. I use an "eveready" flashlight, held in one hand, great light and paid, as I remember around $26 a few years ago. It is yellow with a black lens flange. Hope this helps.
Maybe another way to help...perhaps put a flashlight on the dogs' collars? Lots of small LED ones out there. Though it won't solve the problem it helps, and it's cheap. Plus it's easier to spot them if they run off. Small steps like this may limit the need for such a strong flashlight.
For flashlights look at either Surefire or Streamlight. They have several models that are indestructible and turn night into day.
I have a surefire and love it. definitely need to buy the extra batteries, but I am a big fan.
http://www.surefire.com/G2-Nitrolon
Most of my gun lights as well as handheld lights are surefire and they do great. I also have a few streamlight and pentagon lights as well and I have been happy with them all but Surefire for better or for worse still reigns supreme.
Maglite. Hands down. And it functions as a weapon of deterrence par excellance. I worked at a gas station during the embargo of the 70's with the lines and had a knife pulled on me one night. I had a maglite. He did not. Nor did he have a 36 inch reach. The ambulance crew thought he would be in the hospital for a couple of weeks.
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