Personal Perspective

During a party at your home, you get caught up in the moment and say something that’s untrue about a friend. Or you write a letter to the editor and use unfounded statements about someone. Unfortunately, everyone makes mistakes. You might find yourself facing a libel or slander lawsuit, though, because of your judgment lapse or other mistakes. An umbrella insurance policy can protect you.
What is Libel and Slander?

Libel and slander fall under the category of defamation. Typically, libel covers written statements and slander covers speech. Because both forms of defamation damage a person’s reputation, the victim could file a lawsuit that threatens your home, financial savings and other assets.

You Need an Umbrella Insurance to Have Libel and Slander Coverage

Whether you committed libel in a written letter or email or spoke slander at a party or during a phone conversation, your homeowners or renters insurance policy probably doesn’t protect you. However, it might if you:

*Sign a personal injury endorsement that covers unintentional acts of libel or slander.
*Obtain personal injury coverage that offers additional liability coverage for at-home or off-site remarks that are considered libelous or slanderous.

For maximum and guaranteed protection, buy an umbrella policy that covers personal injury. It’s an additional endorsement that takes effect after your homeowners insurance is exhausted.

Your umbrella policy can also provide financial protection and pay for defense costs if you’re sued in certain cases. Those cases include invasion of privacy, defamation of character or wrongful imprisonment.

How Much Coverage Should you Buy?

With help from your insurance agent, decide how much umbrella insurance coverage you need. If you have a large number of assets or a high net worth, consider purchasing a large umbrella policy to protect yourself. No matter how much money or valuables you own, however, consider purchasing this  beneficial coverage.

No one usually plans to commit libel or slander, but accidents happen. Umbrella insurance can protect you. Discuss your options with an insurance agent today, and think twice before writing or saying something that might come out the wrong way.

Despite regular maintenance, you can’t predict when your vehicle’s tire might blow or when your car will simply stop working. The Insurance Information Institute suggests several important steps that keep you safe if your vehicle breaks down.

Pull Over

You never want to leave your vehicle in the middle of the road. Drive it to the right shoulder or other safe spot before you attempt to figure out what’s wrong with it or call for help. This way, your vehicle won’t obstruct traffic, and you have a clearer line of sight when you’re ready to return to the road.

Warn Others

Tell other drivers that you’re immobile and warn them to slow down when you place flares or reflective triangles on the road at least six feet behind your vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights, too.

Stay Inside

It’s tempting to stand outside and flag help or attempt to fix your vehicle, but this choice is dangerous on busy highways. Remain in your vehicle until roadside assistance or a helpful friend arrives.

Turn on the Lights

If you don’t set up flares or reflective triangles, other drivers won’t see you at night until the last minute. Increase your visibility and safety when you turn on the interior lights.

Hang a White Marker

A white fabric square, scarf or paper hanging from the driver’s side window alerts other drivers that you’re broken down and immobile. Secure a white object into place and then wait for help.

Call for Help

Roadside assistance from your insurance company or auto club is available 24/7, so call them on your cellphone as soon as your vehicle is safely off the road. You can also use a call box if it’s located near your vehicle. If you don’t have a phone or a nearby call box, wait for highway patrol to find you.

Breaking down on the highway is no fun, and it’s dangerous. Enroll in a roadside assistance today. Your auto insurance company might offer this coverage, so check your policy or call your agent. This coverage won’t prevent break downs, but it will give you peace of mind if you’re ever stuck along the road.

Did you buy or receive an engagement ring recently? Congratulations! Now, learn how to insure your valuable investment and protect your new heirloom.

Get an Appraisal

Before your insurance company will add your engagement ring to a policy, it needs to know your ring’s worth, brand, condition and description. If your ring costs under $5,000 and you bought it from a jeweler, the insurance company will probably accept the purchase invoice or receipt. Visit your jeweler for an official appraisal, though, if you bought the ring at an estate sale, inherited it from your grandmother or ordered a custom-made piece.

Purchase Insurance

After getting an appraisal, talk to your insurance agent about insuring it. You may be able to add your ring to your existing homeowners or renters policy. In cases, however, you’ll need  to purchase a rider that provides additional coverage.

Additionally, consider the coverage details. Does your policy cover the replacement cost of your ring if it’s stolen, damaged or lost? Do you have to use a specific jeweler for ring repairs or a replacement? Will you need an annual appraisal? These and other details help you choose the best policy.

Store Your Ring for Safekeeping

Of course, you or your fiancé plan to wear the engagement ring regularly. When you need to store it, though, implement a few safekeeping techniques that protect your ring’s value and deter theft and  damage.

First, use a sturdy case with a hard shell and a soft or padded lining. Then, store the case in a dry environment that features low humidity and a stable temperature.

Next, follow your jeweler’s guidance for your specific ring. Different gems and metals require different storage solutions. For instance, soft pearls are best protected when they’re placed in a soft bag that offers protection from dust, and silver retains its shine when it’s stored in a tarnish proof case.  Likewise, many gems crack or scratch easily, so separate your engagement ring from other items in your jewelry box as you protect it.

Finally, consider locking your ring in your home’s safe or bank’s lock box if you need to store your ring for extended periods of time.

Your engagement ring symbolizes your love. Protect it when you insure it. Your insurance agent will provide additional information as you care for your new ring forever.

Winter weather creates dangerous driving conditions. Because you may be unable to stay home every time snow or ice falls, use these defensive driving tips. They help you and everyone else on the road arrive safely to your destination.

Prep Your Vehicle

Before you pull onto the road, spend a few minutes prepping your vehicle. Equip it with winter tires or tires with adequate tread. Then, clean the snow and ice off your vehicle, especially the windows, mirrors and lights. Finally, tell someone where you’re going, which route you expect to use and your anticipated arrival time.

Snow

Now that your vehicle is adequately prepped, drive carefully in snow.

• Use smooth motions as you brake, accelerator and change gears.
• Allow extra space between you and other vehicles.
• Wear sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visibility.
• Drive on fresh snow rather than in the packed and slippery trail left by other vehicles.

Ice

One of the most hazardous of all winter weather, ice poses a tremendous threat to your safety on the road. Stay home if possible during ice storms. Otherwise:

• Reduce your speed and leave at least 10 car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• During a skid, stay calm as you accelerate and break gently and smoothly. Steer into the skid, too. For example, steer right if your vehicle is skidding to the right.
• Be aware of black ice. It’s hard to spot but is just as dangerous as white ice or snow.

Hail

During dangerous hail storms, you must pay extra attention to the road and implement several safety measures.

• Drive into the storm so that the hail hits the reinforced windshield rather than the side windows and back glass that aren’t as strong.
• Stay away from ditches that can flood during hail storms.
• Pull over if the storm becomes too heavy, and wait until it stops.

Before you head out the door this winter, use defensive driving tips. Update your auto insurance, too. With these protective measures, you improve your chances of arriving safely at your destination.

Winter ice and snow make your outdoor sidewalks and stairs extremely slippery. If someone visits your home and slips or falls, you will most likely be liable. Use the best ice melting solution to ensure safety around your property all winter.

Sunshine and Warm Weather

Sunny weather conditions melt ice naturally. While you may need a faster method to melt ice on your busy front sidewalk, consider allowing Mother Nature to work her magic on the infrequently used sidewalks along the sides or back of your home.

Carbohydrates

Ice melting solutions made from beets or corn biodegrade and don’t damage asphalt or other materials. While carbohydrate based ice melt is thick and smelly, they’re affordable.

Potassium Acetate

Apply this solution to make your sidewalk wet, and then top it with rock salt or another ice melt. The combination works in extreme temperatures. Potassium acetate doesn’t corrode asphalt or metal, but it is expensive and can cost as much as eight times more than rock salt.

Rock Salt

Available at most hardware stores, rock salt serves as an affordable ice melt. It works best in temperatures above 15 degrees F. Although rock salt is effective, it pollutes waterways and damages vehicles and asphalt, so use it sparingly.

No matter which option you use, implement several helpful tips.

• Carefully follow the directions on the package. That way, you don’t use too much ice melt yet still achieve the clear and safe surface you need.
• Take time to remove as much snow as possible before you apply your chosen ice melting solution. Otherwise, it won’t work properly.
• Consider the weather, too. If the temperature is expected to rise or rain is in the forecast, you can use less solution.

The ice melt you choose depends in part on your budget and preferences. Be sure to stock your preferred ice melt in a secure and locked container that’s out of reach of your children and pets. Then, carefully spread it as needed to prevent dangerous and costly slips and falls around your home this winter.

Your fireplace looks beautiful and adds warmth to your home. It can also be a fire hazard, though. Protect your home and family as you enjoy your fireplace when you follow a maintenance schedule and implement safety tips this winter.

Check the Chimney

An essential part of your fireplace, the chimney needs a thorough inspection once a year. Hire a professional to look for cracks and other damage and to clean out combustible buildup like creosote. Then, secure a spark-arrestor screen to the chimney as you prevent dangerous sparks from escaping and damaging animals from entering.

Start the Fire Safely

Before you light a relaxing fire, open the flue. Start the fire with only approved materials like newspaper and dry logs. Once you have the fire going, don’t use it to burn holiday gift wrapping or grill food.

Maintain the Screen or Door

Every fireplace needs a safety screen or glass door. It prevents sparks from flying into your home and discourages your children or pets from reaching into the fireplace. Ensure the screen is constantly in place and free from any damage as you reduce accidental burns and other injuries.

Remove Combustibles

Flammable rugs, draperies, paper and other combustibles have to stay at least three feet away from the fireplace. Otherwise, these combustible materials could cause a fire.

Use the Right Tools

Metal tools safely adjust logs and remove ash. Store them near the fireplace but out of your children’s reach.

Provide Proper Supervision

Always supervise your fire. If left unattended, sparks could start a fire in your home or your children or pets could walk into the bright but hot embers.

Remove Ash and Coal Properly

A one-inch layer of ash in the firebox insulates the fire. To remove excess ash or coals, wait until they’re completely cool. Use an ash vacuum or metal shovel, and place the materials in a secure metal container outdoors.

You’ll safely enjoy your fireplace all season when you maintain it properly. Additionally, contact your insurance agent to update your home insurance policy and provide a layer of protection for your family and house.

How many windows are in your house? While they allow natural light to bathe your house in warm sunshine, they can also provide insurance and other benefits if they’re insulated.

Lower Heating and Cooling Costs

Up to 60 percent of your home’s hot or cold air easily escapes through single pane windows. You’ll feel drafts when you stand near those non insulated window, and you’ll notice an increase in your heating and cooling costs.

Installing insulated windows is a large expense since costs range from several hundred to a thousand dollars per window. You’ll quickly make that money back as you lower your heating and cooling expenses by at least 10 percent, though.

Reduce Noise

Barking dogs, busy roads and other outdoor sounds create unwanted noise inside your home. With insulated windows, you won’t hear as many disturbing noises and will be able to enjoy your sanctuary in peace.

Increase Security

Single paned windows break easily, allowing burglars to enter your home whenever they want. Plus, older windows may not feature secure locks. You protect your home, possessions and family when you install secure insulated windows. With this benefit, you could save money on your home’s insurance costs.

Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Homes cause up to 28 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. Double paned insulated windows cut those emissions and protect the environment.

Insulated Window Options

While insulated double pane windows provide numerous benefits, you do have other temporary and affordable options.

• Thermal reflective plastic attaches easily to drapery rods or hooks on a window’s four corners. While it filters roughly half of the natural light, you can still see outside and remove the plastic whenever you want.
• Heated shrink film is also easy to apply and remove as needed. Typically clear, it insulates your windows without affecting your view.

In the long run, insulated windows provide numerous home insurance and other benefits. That’s why you should strongly consider replacing your home’s old windows with insulated windows as soon as possible.

Whether you received valuable collectibles or heirloom jewelry, you’ll want to insure these holiday presents. Your homeowners or renters insurance policy may provide coverage for some of your new items, but anything above the existing coverage limit requires a personal articles floater. Consider specific gifts that you’ll want to insure this year.

Jewelry: Your homeowners insurance policy should cover jewelry valued at less than $2,000. However, appraised jewelry that’s more valuable will require a floater.

Furs: From a real fur jacket to a fake fur-trimmed hat, add any furs you receive to your homeowners insurance policy.

Fine Art: Paintings, sculptures, rare books, manuscripts, ornamental collectibles, glasses and antique furniture fall under the fine art category. Record these items and their value on an itemized schedule attached to your insurance policy.

Electronics: Laptops, cameras, TVs and other electronic devices, plus telescopes, video recording equipment and films, are typically included in your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy. If these items are high-end, consider a floater.

Coins or Stamps: Depending on their value, you’ll want to add a floater for new coins or stamps in your collection.

Musical Instruments: List any musical instruments, including sound equipment, on a floater.

China, Crystal or Silverware: List these items on a schedule and include the insurance coverage amount.

Guns: List and describe each gun on a schedule. Include the value.

Sporting Goods: Bicycles, golf equipment, guns and other sporting goods fall under your existing insurance policy unless they’re collectible, rare or expensive.

Tools: Insured under your homeowners or renters policy, your new tools won’t need a floater unless they exceed the value of your existing coverage.

As with everything in your home inventory, record a detailed description, serial number, purchase date, value and picture of your new holiday presents. Store copies of this information with your insurance policy in a fireproof safe and in a secure location other than your home.

Go ahead and enjoy your new holiday presents. Just remember to check with your insurance agent to be sure they’re covered.

Like Santa, you’ve probably made a holiday shopping list and checked it twice. Are you paying attention to your identity as you buy presents? If not, consider top identity protection tips this holiday shopping season.

Hide money-related items at home. As many as half of all identity thieves know their victims. So before your holiday guests or home repair personnel enter your home, lock bank statements and important documents as well as your checkbook and spare credit cards in a fireproof safe.

Protect your numbers. When getting cash from the ATM, cover the buttons so no one behind you in line sees what you type. Also, don’t say your credit card or social security number over the phone if anyone is standing nearby and can hear you.

Always keep your credit card in sight. If you’re distracted at the cash register, you give the clerk a chance to slip your credit card into his or her pocket or copy the number.

Travel light. You don’t need a huge purse or bulging wallet as you shop. Instead, carry one or two credit cards and your driver’s license. Your purse, checkbook and other cards can stay locked at home or in the trunk.

Shop secure websites. The website address should start with https:\, and the lock symbol at the bottom right hand corner of the web page should take you to a security certificate that matches the store where you’re shopping.

Save every receipt and analyze every statement. It’s a pain, but you’ll be glad you took the time to store receipts and look over every statement for unfamiliar purchases.

Report discrepancies immediately to the credit card company or bank.

Sign up for identity monitoring. For a few dollars a month, you receive invaluable monitoring of your credit card numbers and accounts.

Whether you shop early or wait until the last minute, your identity remains secure when you follow these safety tips this holiday shopping season. For even more protection, talk to your insurance agent about identity protection insurance today.

Christmas isn’t the same without lights. Strands of sparkling lights can be hazardous, though, if you forget to follow safety tips as you hang, plug in, store and enjoy these holiday essentials.

Buy lights that are safety tested. Lights without an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) tag may be unsafe to plug in and use.

Inspect lights and plug them in before hanging them. This visual assessment exposes fire hazards like cracked, loose or broken bulbs and frayed, chewed or broken cords. It also lets you replace burnt out bulbs and ensure all the bulbs are the same wattage. After repairing any problems, plug in the lights to ensure the bulbs work and the strands work properly.

Separate indoor and outdoor lights. Strands designed for indoor use should not be hung outdoors because their thin insulation is easily damaged when exposed to cold, wet outdoor conditions.

Hang lights with insulated hooks. Staples, tacks or nails can pierce the strands and cause dangerous electrical shorts and increase the fire risk.

Use extension cords properly. Plug no more than three strands of lights into each extension cord, lay rather than coil extension cords and use only outdoor certified extension cords for your outdoor lights. If the cords feel hot, unplug the lights for a while to reduce fire risk.

Turn off lights before you go to bed or leave the house. Otherwise, the hot lights could start a fire, and you will be asleep or away from home and unable to intervene.

Water the tree regularly. A dry tree and hot lights are an unsafe combination.

Store lights properly to prevent damage and simplify decorating next year. Instead of stuffing them in a box, carefully wind the light strands, secure them with twist ties and store them in plastic bags. Alternatively, wrap the strands around a paper towel tube and thread the ends through the tube’s hollow center.

Hanging lights is a fun and festive holiday tradition. With these safety tips, you have peace of mind as you enjoy your sparkling home all season.