Coalition Against Insurance Fraud: Pa. Airbag-Fraud Bill Would Help Knock out Knockoffs

Coalition urges state Senate passage to protect consumers from shady body shops

Making airbag scams a specific crime in Pennsylvania will save lives and deal a blow to insurance scams, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud has urged the state senate majority leader.

“Airbags protect us from serious injuries or worse. We rightfully expect they will protect us during crashes. The use of counterfeit or non-functional airbags jeopardizes that expectation,” director of government affairs Howard Goldblatt wrote Sen. Jake Corman.

HB 1476 cleared the state Senate Finance Committee this week, and faces a vote on the full Senate floor. The Coalition urged swift passage.

Motorists face a serious safety peril. Knockoffs generally won’t open properly in a crash. Drivers have died and been injured in crashes involving non-functioning counterfeits or fraudulently removed airbags. Knockoffs also spewed shrapnel and flames at crash dummies in federal tests.

Dishonest body shops can easily buy knockoffs on the black market or mainstream sites such as eBay or Craigslist. Counterfeits cost just a few dollars, though shady body shops charge auto insurers $1,000 or more for legitimate manufacturer originals.

“The ethically challenged repair shop thus pockets a large and illegal profit. This is insurance fraud against the consumer and insurer, helping keep premiums higher for honest drivers in Pennsylvania,” Goldblatt wrote.

Thirteen states have made airbag fraud a specific crime in recent years. HB 1476 would add similar protections for Pennsylvania consumers, Goldbatt wrote.

A Chinese national named Dai Zhensong tried to flood the U.S. with fake airbags made in his factory in China. They looked like legitimate models from mainstream carmakers. His airbags spewed shrapnel onto crash dummies in federal tests.

Thousands of airbags made it to the U.S. Many could’ve been installed on vehicles. Zhensong’s network was dismantled and he received 37 months in federal prison.

“HB 1476 will help protect Pennsylvania consumers from counterfeit airbags and the public-safety problems they pose,” Goldblatt wrote.

Bacall Associates Travel - Tips for a Fun and Better Beach Vacation Trip

Beach is probably one of the favorite place of families to go to during vacations. Kids will be super excited when you tell them you're going to the beach, and they will definitely start packing their favorite things to bring with them.

You can enjoy listening to the waves while enjoying your favorite book and laying down on a soft towel under an umbrella. Bacall Associates put together a few tips to consider for your perfect beach vacation.

Location

Obviously, there are a lot of beaches to choose from, and each of them offers unique services. Before booking your trip, make sure to choose the best beach that suits your family's interests. Your family's enjoyment should be your utmost priority. You can ask your close friends or other relatives for suggestions, or you can just browse the internet and trust Google's results. Don't choose a beach that is exclusive for singles or couples if you're planning to have a vacation with your whole family. For a new adventure, you can also choose a 'virgin' beach or a quiet and less crowded beach. Your family will surely enjoy the serenity of such places, and you can do activities on your own without disturbing other people. For example, lots of reviews state that Singapore doesn’t really have nice beaches because it’s only known for its towering steel and glass towers, but it has few beaches that are very beautiful, quiet and peaceful and only the locals know their locations and some of which doesn’t have an officialbeach name. Secret beaches are amazing! But since they are not made to cater tourists, your family need to prepare everything you need by yourselves.

Accommodations

If you're planning to stay for a few days at the beach, then you and your family should have a place to stay in. You can choose between hotels often available at the beachfront, or hotels within walking distance of your beach's location. You don't want to choose faraway hotels, right? Choose the one that is the most convenient for your family, and has a wide variety of beach accommodations perfect for any beach experience you're looking for. You can choose between romantic cottages, full-service resorts, family-friendly hotels, or even campsites. You should ask your family members for their preferred accommodation to have a unified decision.

Activities

Your family will definitely enjoy doing different kinds of activities during your beach vacation, so you should choose a beach that offers an amazing array of activities. Bacall Associates advise you to plan ahead and organize everything beforehand. Ask questions to the staff of the beach to plan the activities you’ll be having. Paying in advance is also an option so that you’ll not bother yourself bringing a large amount of money to the beach. Before booking, don't forget to ask if those services are available during your stay. You can also discuss this matter with your family members so that they know what to expect and what activities to perform on the beach.

Time

Note that choosing the right time is crucial for your beach vacation. You should know that peak season and public holidays mean crowded beaches, and expect traffic and fully booked airports. With these situations in hand, you should be able to make everything right for your vacation. Yes, you have a lot to consider that's why you shouldn't rush planning and take one step at a time. To avoid rainy and very hot seasons, check the weather of the area at different times of the year. Remember that choosing the most convenient time for you and your family is really important.

Packing

Bacall Associates advises you to pack right and light. Girls usually plan to pack their things in advance than boys, but it'll be better if everyone will do this beforehand. With this, you’ll have more time organizing your things and putting everything you need without forgetting anything important. This can result in a less stressful beach vacation. Making a list of the things you need can help you organize your things. Some of the most important things to bring with you include cash, hat and sunscreen, phone charger, reading materials, and of course, an extra outfit.

Bacall Associates has been in the travel arena for decades, so you can definitely trust the tips given above in planning your beach vacation. So what are you waiting for? Start preparing the things you need, and make sure that you will be having a memorable beach holiday with your family.