New Chicago Cell Phone Laws - Don't get caught yapping in traffic...
A brand new law in Chicago makes it illegal to hold and use a cell phone while driving. The new law permits drivers to use headsets and other hands-free devices, but bans driving while holding a cell phone in your hand.

While the law generally requires the use of hands-free devices unless the car is parked, an exception is made for 911 calls.

Fine start at $50.00 per offense, and go up to $200.00 if the offending call occurs during an accident.

The new Chicago law takes effect on July 8th.

Eighty-five people were ticketed through the first four days of a new law in Chicago that forbids motorists from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving, police said Wednesday.

Officers wrote 33 tickets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the city, police spokesman Pat Camden said. The number jumped to 52 on Tuesday.

Officers are free to use discretion when deciding whether to write a ticket, Camden said.

In May, the Chicago City Council voted to ban driving while talking on hand-held phones after Alderman. Burton Natarus (42nd) used a parliamentary maneuver to pass it without explicitly mentioning the issue was being considered.

Motorists caught with phones at their ears while driving face a $50 fine, which rises to $200 if the gabbing driver is involved in an accident. Talking on a headset while driving remains leg.

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FREE CELL PHONE HEADSETS

Check out:  http://www.freeheadset.org/home.php

You’ll only pay a very small shipping fee, and your headset will arrive in the mail.

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Things to look forward to in 2005 & 2006....
Farmers in pleased to intoduce a new discount program later in 2005.  Starting later this year, Farmers will be offering a new discount to customers who are members of their college alumni association!  This discount will apply to all Farmers Insurance auto policies, and save customers 20%.

More information will be on its way.  In the meantime, check with your college and university to see what their requirements are for membership into the alumni association.

Starting in 2006 Farmers will also be expanding our Affinity Discount program.   Currently we offer a 5% discount for special groups like Teachers, Nurses, Policemen, Firemen, Doctors, Engineers, & Scientists.  This discount will increase to 20% in 2006!  Why not start saving now?  See our affinity discount page for more information. 

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Hit a Home Run with
                     FARMERS!
Congratulations to Debra Chuk - winner of this summer's Baseball Ticket Raffle!!!  Debra will be attending a Cubs or White Sox game this summer on us!

Look for more contests and raffles from our agency very soon!!  Thank you to everyone.

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Check out information below from our previous newsletters......

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Illinois Speed Cameras to Take License on 2nd Offense

Beginning in July the State of Illinois will use speed cameras in areas designated as "work zones" on major freeways. Anyone caught by the devices will be mailed a $375 ticket for the first offense, but a second ticket will cost $1000 and comes with a 90-day license suspension. Drivers will also face higher insurance premiums as the first offense remains on the record for 4-5 years, but a second offense remains for a minumum of 7 years. This represents the harshest penalty structure yet for a city using photo enforcement.

The state will begin with two camera vans issuing tickets in zones with speed limits lowered to 45 MPH. Photographs of both the driver's face and license plate are taken. Officials plan to keep at least one van in the Chicago area on the Dan Ryan and Kingery Expressways while other vans issue tickets in the rest of the state. Illinois Tollway Executive Director Jack Hartman promised more work zones: "Since the Tollway just launched our $5.3 billion Congestion Relief Plan, drivers will see more work zones on the Tollway than they have in the past."

Introducing new POWER DEDUCTIBLES!!

Beginning in July 2005 Farmers Insurance will be offering two new deductible options: 
These new options will give Farmers customers the added flexibility to customize their deductible options to suit their individual needs.  Choosing a $750 deductible will allow for 10% savings compared to a $500 deductible, and a $1250 will allow for 10% savings compa a $1000 deductible.

Ask us how Farmers Insurance unique coverages and deductibles can save you money on your car insurance bill.

• Our "Loss of Use" coverage (similar to rental coverage on most policies) actually pays YOU directly in the event of a loss.  You can use this money to pay for a rental car, use public transportation, or even pay a portion of your deductible!
• Farmers "Glass Deducible Buy Back" coverage reduces your deductible to $100 for glass claims.  This allows a customer to carry a higher deductible for comprehensive, yet have only have a $100 deductible for glass losses, which are among the most common comprehensive losses.
• Ask us how some of our financial services products can help save for the future, and still have access to your principle investment in the event you need it.
  

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Stop writing checks & Start saving money!
Starting in July 2005 for new business, and August 2005 for renewals Farmers Insurance will provide a special discount to customers who sign up for E-Z Pay. (electronic funds transfers from your checking account.)