Personal Perspective

Many homeowners enjoy throwing parties for holidays or special events. If a party is in the near future, be sure that individual Homeowners coverage is adequate. Guests who are injured might need to file an injury claim if their vehicle is damaged, if they fall down or if a pet bites them. Research shows that about 75% of adult homeowners who plan social gatherings in their homes do not have a personal umbrella policy. This makes them more vulnerable to lawsuits stemming from guests who suffer injuries. The same research study showed that the remainder of the homeowners surveyed did not know what type of coverage they had. This means it is likely that the percentage of homeowners who do not have adequate coverage is more than 75%. However, they should have this extra coverage to protect themselves from lawsuits. Although dog bites and falls are common, alcohol is one liability issue that is often overlooked but is very risky.

Alcoholic drinks are viewed as a way to relax and enjoy socializing. However, there is one sobering fact that many homeowners who plan to serve these drinks should know. In 30 states, homeowners might be responsible for damages arising from any auto accidents caused by their intoxicated guests who choose to drive home. In a research survey, more than 50% of homeowners said they agreed that party hosts should be responsible for their guests’ safety. However, very few took any steps to obtain adequate insurance coverage. The research study concluded that most people avoid purchasing a Personal Umbrella policy because they are under the impression that their regular Homeowners coverage provides adequate protection for such matters. Since many lawsuits include large awards and medical costs, it is easy for one incident to exceed the homeowners liability limits.

Homeowners must take two steps to ensure they are protected. First, it is imperative for them to contact a personal agent to discuss Umbrella policy options. It is also important to take the agent’s advice to avoid facing a costly lawsuit. The second step homeowners must take is to read the following suggestions, which are designed to reduce their risk of lawsuits from intoxicated party guests:

• Instead of having the party at a personal residence, reserve space in a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license.
• Ensure that there are filling food options and non-alcoholic beverage choices available.
• To avoid trouble from party-crashing strangers, limit invitations to friends or familiar people.
• For guests who appear drunk, provide transportation or overnight accommodations.
• Avoid serving alcohol to guests who appear intoxicated.
• Plan activities that draw attention away from drinking alcohol.
• If several guests are expected at a home party, consider hiring an off-duty police officer to handle problems and discreetly monitor guests’ alcohol consumption.
• Take away all alcoholic drinks at least one hour before the party is supposed to end.

Very few people are prepared to face a traffic accident; however, many people will be involved in one at some point during their lives. While some are minor, others are severe and require appropriate action. Even the most careful drivers may experience an accident due to the poor driving skills of others. The best way to be prepared is to know how to respond at the scene. People who know what to do can save lives. In addition to this, preparedness makes the claims process simpler.

If an accident happens, take the following steps:

• Stop the car immediately, and check to see if anyone involved is injured. Do not move any injured individuals.
• Call the highway patrol or police immediately. Be sure to tell them how many people are involved, how many people are hurt and what types of injuries have been noted. The police will then notify an emergency response team.
• Find a blanket, sweater or anything available to cover injured people with. It is very important to try to keep them warm.
• Set up flares or other bright objects around the scene of the accident. This is especially important at night, and the objects will help other motorists steer clear of the scene.
• When an involved vehicle is parked in the middle of the road, pull it to the shoulder. If possible, it is important to avoid congesting the road.
• Ask the responding law enforcement officer where to obtain a police report copy. As a rule, it is beneficial to have one before submitting an insurance claim.
• If necessary, call a towing company to pick up the damaged vehicle. Avoid giving permission for repair work. The insurance adjuster will need to see the vehicle and assess it prior to the repair process.

When the accident occurs, it is important to obtain some information from the other drivers and passengers involved in the accident. If they are upset, try to calm them down. Write down the following bits of information:

• Names and addresses of every driver or passenger involved.
• Names and addresses of all witnesses at the scene.
• The make and model of every car involved.
• Insurance identification information for each party.
• License plate numbers of each car involved.
• Drivers license numbers of each individual.

Not all other parties may be willing to cooperate. If they do not have insurance, they might try to offer a settlement at the scene of the accident. They might also prefer not to involve the police or highway patrol. Since there are many things that could go wrong in such a scenario, always notify law enforcement immediately. Be sure to write down the law enforcement officer’s badge number and name. If any emergency personnel are involved, write down their names. After an accident, always contact a personal insurance agent.

In some cases, people hit an unattended vehicle. It might be impossible to find the owner or wait for that individual to return. In such a case, the person who hit the vehicle should leave a note with their name, address and phone number. Write down the details of the accident, and call an insurance agent immediately.

Although many homeowners assume otherwise, their insurance policies do not cover a sewer backup. However, there is separate coverage available. In comparison with the cost of dealing with the aftermath of a sewer backup, coverage is a true bargain. Homeowners are responsible for repairing and maintaining the portion of pipeline that connects their home with their city’s sanitary sewer main. Since this pipeline is actually owned by the homeowner, any parts of it that extend into the public right of way or street are also included. Working on these pipes is a costly chore, so it is important for all homeowners to know how sewer backups are caused. The following three types of blockages are the most common causes of backups.

Tree Roots Blocking Pipelines. Trees thrive on water, so their roots often gravitate toward cracks in sewer lines. Although the growth starts with a few tiny roots penetrating the pipe, they eventually get thicker and expand. They often enter pipelines near the joints, which results in major blockages. Unfortunately, tree roots eventually can span the entire length of the pipe and cause a complete clog. If trees owned by the city are suspected of causing problems, contact their cleanup department immediately. They will often sample the roots to determine who is responsible for cleanup. In some situations, a combination of city trees and privately owned trees are to blame. When this happens, the city and the property owner must split the cost of cleanup and repairs.

Heavy Rains Clogging Storm Sewers. If a sanitary sewer or storm sewer is unable to contain the amount of rain falling, a backup might occur. Water typically enters the home through washtubs, toilets or sump wells in the basement. Although damage is most common in the basement, it can occur anywhere in the home. To help avoid this problem, make sure there is a sump pump to drain the water and a generator that will run the pump if the power goes out.

Sanitary Main Blockages. Several types of blockages are possible in the sanitary main. Blockages result in sewage backing up into the home itself. Fortunately, this occurrence is gradual, so there is time to call a plumber before the house is overcome with sewage. In some cases, there might be a rapid flow of water coming in through the basement. When this happens, it is important to call the city’s public works office immediately.

Each of these events can be very costly. Sewage and standing water can also be hazardous to human health. In addition to this, they destroy nearly every tangible object they meet in a home. A simple calculation of the cost of replacing damaged items and comparing it to the cost of insurance is enough to clarify the importance of adequate coverage. To learn how to obtain protection from sewer backups, discuss available options with our agents today.

Burglar alarm systems have evolved into total security systems in recent years. In the past, these systems were limited to providing protection for a homeowner’s property against carbon monoxide, fire or intruders. However, they offer an entire new form of technology and increased security today. Some of the latest products from the most popular companies have the ability to oversee every function of the home environment. One of the most important parts of this new wave of home security is Z-Wave technology.

Understanding Z-Wave Technology. Z-Wave Technology is considered a mesh networking technology. It was developed in 1999 for the purpose of creating a standard for communication of home devices via wireless radio frequency. This new technology has a major advantage over older home security systems. Since it is constructed similarly to extremely reliable computer network protocols, it offers a much more elite level of protection. Z-Wave technology also serves as a signal repeater by re-broadcasting signals to a network’s additional devices.

Although these revolutionary products are purchased separately from garage door openers, locks and dimming switches, one major security company has introduced the technology into its most recent home security system products. In addition to offering the basic home security functions, this system offers many more advantages, which include light control, climate control and video surveillance. This latest technology development also features remote access to the system’s controls and cameras via a computer at work, a laptop, smart phone, tablet computer, netbook or any other compatible device with access to the Internet.

Reasons to Install Z-Wave. Since millions of property crimes occur each year in the United States, it’s important to have a way to help put criminals behind bars. In some cases, indication of a home security system with stickers is enough to deter criminals. With a burglary occurring every few seconds somewhere in the country, nobody should assume that their property is safe or that this couldn’t happen to them. It’s crucial to have a system offering technology features that surpass the capabilities of criminals. For example, a burglar might simply clip the cords on an outdated system. With the technology of the newest wireless systems, even clipped cords won’t let the criminal get away with their plans. The system will still send electronic notifications to the monitoring company, homeowner and law enforcement if the power cords are cut. Z-Wave’s remote monitoring features give families additional peace of mind that they can know what is happening on their property while they’re miles away from home.

In addition to providing superb protection for an empty house, these systems are also great for parents who want to monitor children, pets, or individuals providing child care in the home. These systems not only let parents know that their children are home but they are also capable of monitoring television and computer usage. The system has the ability to control access to locked closets, cabinets or other areas of the house that are forbidden to children. In a world where crimes are high and perils threaten homes, it’s important to have a good plan to avoid being the victim of theft, fire or any other unwanted incidents.

One million dollars is the minimum amount of coverage for an Umbrella policy. However, insurance companies usually offer these types of insurance policies in million dollar increments and often go up to $5 million or $10 million. Some companies that target high net worth individuals might offer up to $50 million or more in coverage. Most people who purchase an Umbrella policy choose the $1 million dollar amount, but many choose $2 million dollars or more. A rough estimate of what it costs for the first million is about $200 to $250 a year, but can be higher if you have more than two cars, young drivers, or points on your record. Although each incremental amount above the first million is slightly less, increments exceeding $10 million can be higher.

The more coverage you have, the more bullet proof you will be if you become liable for a catastrophic incident. One of the best aspects of this coverage is that it’s very inexpensive. It’s important for those considering this type of insurance to avoid cutting corners. Shortcuts cannot be afforded when all accumulated assets from an entire lifetime are in question. Some believe that all they need is coverage for whatever their net worth is, but settlements and judgments can go beyond someone’s assets because damages are never limited to someone’s net worth.

It’s also important to protect future wages from garnishment. The future income of an individual who doesn’t have ample coverage can also be jeopardized. If the person who is injured earns a considerable amount of money, that individual is more likely to be a target of the best liability attorneys.

Although $1 million might appear to be more than enough coverage, the total cost of liability claims can multiply quickly. In today’s world, $1 million isn’t much. It’s not unusual to read in the news of settlements of well over $5 million. Losing the ability to earn an income and facing a lifetime of injuries or medical care can easily total several million dollars over a lifetime, not to mention situations where multiple people are injured, which would multiply the total damages. It’s important to consider what amount would be acceptable for various conditions. For example, ask yourself how much you would settle for if you were paralyzed and unable to work the rest of your life.

Anyone who has something to lose should have at the very minimum a $2 million Umbrella, but if you really have a lot to lose and don’t want to gamble with your life’s wealth, your options are at least a $5 million policy, if not more. Discuss this valuable coverage with one of our agents.

There are two golden rules to remember when driving – expect the unexpected and be ready for anything. Many agencies, such as the National Safety Council, have compiled listings of the most common road emergencies and the ways that drivers can best handle them safely. Let’s look at six of them:

1. Blown Tire. Don’t over-steer, but do maintain a firm, steady grip on the wheel to keep the vehicle going in the desired direction until you’re able to slow it down. Keep in mind that a front blown tire will cause the vehicle to pull toward the blowout’s side, while a rear blown tire will cause the vehicle’s rear end to weave. Apply your brakes smoothly and slowly enough that you can pull the car to the side of the road at a safe speed. Never immediately swerve to the side of the road or jam on the brakes as you could lose control.

2. Blown / Malfunctioning Headlights. Slowly brake and come to a stop on the right shoulder. Try to get as far away from passing traffic as possible. Turn on your emergency flashers, if they’re still operational, and place road hazard markers or flares at least 300 feet from the rear of your vehicle. If you don’t have a cell phone to call for roadside assistance, then you can open the hood and try to scrape the battery cable’s lead terminal posts and the inside of connector lugs. This might provide a better connection and enough intermittent light to make it to a phone. As a last resort, you could use your emergency flashers as an intermittent light source if they’re on a separate circuit.

3. Skidding Vehicle. Remove your foot from the gas. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel your rear wheels get traction again. Now, straighten the wheel. Never jam on the brakes or over-steer during the skid. To avoid skidding to one side when you need to come to a sudden stop, you can rapidly jam and immediately release the brakes. For those with anti-lock brakes, keep your foot on the brake and continue firm pressure while steering.

4. Engine Failure. Turn your right signal on and let the vehicle’s momentum carry you to the shoulder. If this isn’t a possibility, then remain in your lane or along the right side. Pump your brakes and turn your emergency flashers on to let other drivers know you’re in trouble. Once you’ve come to a stop, you’ll ideally exit the vehicle on the side without traffic flow. You can alert other vehicles by placing reflectors or flares; keeping your taillights on; and placing a white cloth around your handle, spoiler, or antenna. Use your cell phone to call for help or flag down a law officer. There might be an emergency call box on long bridges.

5. Stuck Accelerator. Turn off the ignition and apply the brakes. Keep in mind that your power assist feature will no longer work and braking and steering will be more difficult. Never lean down to handle the gas pedal, but you can try to lift the pedal with your toe if the pedal and throttle linkage have a positive connection. 6. Brake Failure. If your brakes still functioning properly, but you have a system light indicating a brake failure, then you should slowly take the most level route to a service station or mechanic shop.

If your brakes don’t feel normal, but are still offering some resistance, then pump them rapidly. This action could build enough hydraulic pressure to slow your vehicle down. You might be lucky enough to have a clear road and be able to coast to a stop or roll and apply your parking brake. Use your horn and flash your lights to alert pedestrians and other vehicles. You might need to carefully sideswipe hedges, snow banks, parked cars, and/or guardrails to help your vehicle stop if your on a downward, steep roadway. Never swerve to the left of a vehicle in your path unless it’s your only choice. If you’re headed straight for another vehicle, firmly press the brakes; head for a shoulder, ditch, or open ground on the right side; and try to alert others with your horn.

Driving emergencies are hard to think through as they’re happening. For the best outcome possible, you’ll need to know what the potential emergencies are, know how to safely deal with them ahead of time, and make the subjects part of your family’s safety discussions.

Many disasters caused by winter weather conditions can be prevented by taking a few simple steps. Although it’s hard to think about such things during warmer months, it’s important to be prepared when the colder weather arrives. It’s hard to predict the weather in the future. However, long periods of low temperatures frequently experienced throughout history have proven that it’s important to be prepared.

Regular Homeowners policies provide coverage for ice dams, burst pipes, loss from fires and wind damage from snow or ice. When snow melts, it can cause serious damage to a home. One of the most common causes of catastrophic loss is winter storms. Although wind and hail are the most common causes of insurance claims, freezing and water damage follow close behind. It’s important for homeowners to carefully review their insurance policies before winter arrives to understand what is covered. It’s crucial to have ample coverage for rebuilding a home and replacing all the belongings in it. It’s also helpful to consider purchasing sewer backup insurance.

There are several ways to prepare a home for winter and the damage it usually brings. Consider the following tips:

• Clean out all gutters – It’s important to remove all sticks, leaves and debris. This helps the melting ice and snow flow smoothly. It also prevents ice collecting and forming a dam, which can result in water seeping into the house’s ceilings and walls.
• Keep trees and branches trimmed – When branches hang over houses during the winter, they’re likely to accumulate snow and ice, which might make them break. Branches falling on homes can cause significant amounts of damage. They might also hurt people who enter the property.
• Use gutter guards – These guards are useful for preventing interference of water flow from debris.
• Seal cracks and holes – Caulk all holes and cracks to ensure that melted snow and wind can’t enter the home.
• Keep steps and handrails safe – It’s important to ensure that steps and banisters are sturdy. If they accumulate snow or ice, they can contribute to serious injuries.
• Use insulation liberally – Homeowners should add extra insulation to basements, attics and crawl spaces. When heat escapes through the roof, it contributes to ice and snow melting faster. As the moisture melts, re-freezes and accumulates, it can cause a roof to collapse.
• Maintain a warm temperature – It’s best to keep the thermostat at 65 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. The temperature in the walls is always colder than the temperature in the house.
• Call the professionals – The heating system should be checked and serviced every year to prevent fires. It’s also important to ensure that smoke alarms are working. Carbon monoxide detectors are another valuable safety feature that should be placed in every home. In addition to this, homeowners should have a contractor evaluate the home for structural damage. It’s best to identify and repair minor problems before they become a disaster.
• Be familiar with shutting off the water – Homeowners should know how to do this, and they should know where their pipes are located. When pipes freeze, it’s imperative to act quickly. When going away for an extended time, it’s best to have someone look after the home or have a service professional drain the system.
• Add an emergency pressure release valve – By adding this to a current system, homeowners will have a system that is protected against increasing pressure from frozen pipes.

Most people know the importance of insurance protection. You don’t want to be without it when problems strike. What many don’t realize, however, is that protecting themselves with insurance isn’t a once and done event. You don’t wear the same pants you did when you were five years old because, besides no longer being in style, they simply don’t fit. A Homeowners policy purchased when your house was furnished with bean bag chairs and bar stools is no longer going to “fit” once you’re lounging on Italian leather sofas while watching television on your wall mounted plasma screen. Life is constantly changing, and your insurance policies should reflect that.

Does this mean that I have to immediately call my insurance agent every time I buy a new piece of furniture or my cousin Gwen moves in for six months? Not necessarily. Although more significant changes should be reported immediately (such as getting married or getting a new car), items such as improving your home entertainment system or upgrading your car’s tape deck to an MP3 player, can be reported at your annual insurance review. Agents reach out to their clients because they want to make sure to check up on these changes and make help avoid any gaps in their clients insurance, however it’s equally important to for a policyholder to reach out to their agent to make sure they are covered. Schedule your own annual review, and call your agent as you get your annual renewal. If one agent handles all of your coverage, this task is relatively easy. Jot down any changes that have occurred over the last year, even if you’re not sure whether they are significant enough to mention. Doing so will ensure that all of your insurance policies are best suited to your current life situation.

Some examples of changes that should be mentioned to your agent immediately are listed below. Ask yourself these questions every year:

• Have I gotten married or divorced?
• Have I had a new baby, or adopted a child?
• Is anyone in my house a new driver?
• Is anyone living with me who wasn’t before?
• Will they ever be driving any of my vehicles?
• Do I have a personal umbrella policy? Do I need one?
• Have I purchased any new properties?
• Have I started a home business?
• Have I purchased new furniture, electronics, or fine jewelry?

These are just a few examples of life changes that are often picked up during an annual review. However, they are far from the only changes that can affect your coverage, so be thorough when documenting and reporting items to your agent.

Some of the above examples might seem pretty obvious. Most people know that if their teenager gets his license, they need to notify their auto insurance carrier. However, not everything is as obvious.

For example, take a couple who just had their first child. They decide that it’s time to purchase Life insurance to provide for the child if something ever happens to them. This couple is doing the responsible thing. They understand the importance of buying Life insurance when starting a family. That significant step in planning for the future is taught to the general public quite effectively, in the form of commercials, television shows, radio spots, and the like. But what about five years later when little Ellie is born? Having child number two doesn’t necessarily flip on the proverbial switch like the first time, shining that bright light on the right decision. Television shows don’t show “made for T.V.” couples updating their Life insurance policies for child number two. Advertisements don’t highlight the importance of adding new children as beneficiaries. All anyone ever hears about through popular culture is the importance of getting Life insurance if you don’t have it, especially if you are starting a family. If the Henderson family gets a Life insurance policy when their first little one is born, and four children later, mom and dad are hit by a logging truck on a trip to Alaska, only the first child gets the money.

Protect yourself, your family, and your personal belongings by making sure that each of your insurance policies gets an annual check-up. You’ll rest much better once you do.

Insuring a rental car is a process that confuses nearly everyone. Most people don’t consider this type of insurance until the issue is brought up by a sales representative at the checkout counter. Although rental insurance might sound like a good idea, it’s important to know what is covered and what kind of coverage might already exist before purchasing it. It’s best to call an agent and a credit card company before purchasing rental car coverage.

When calling the insurance company, ask how much coverage exists for a current vehicle. If the rental car is used for recreation, the same deductibles and coverage held on a personal vehicle usually apply to a rental car. If the car is used for business purposes, the same coverage doesn’t exist. Vehicle owners who drop their collision or comprehensive coverage to save money are not covered if the rental vehicle is damaged in an accident or stolen. It’s important to ask if an insurance company covers administrative fees, towing charges and loss of use for a vehicle. There are several insurance companies that offer riders for such coverage, which makes it less expensive to purchase coverage from the rental car company. However, it’s important to remember that diminished value isn’t covered by insurers in many states.

Credit card companies and the banks they use differ in the terms of coverage they offer for rental cars. For example, a gold card might offer less coverage than a platinum card would. Usually loss and damage are the only coverage provisions offered by credit card companies for rental cars. Damages to other vehicles, property of others and personal belongings are usually not covered. Although some companies provide coverage for towing, they usually don’t provide coverage for administrative fees or diminished values. It’s also important to keep in mind that many credit card companies have changed their policies in recent years, so cardholders may not have the amount of coverage they originally had. To learn about the type of coverage available from a credit card company, call the toll-free number on the back of the card. Be sure to ask for written information to be sent by mail or email. As a general rule, credit card company coverage should be used as secondary coverage to temporary insurance from the rental company or from personal auto insurance. If there are multiple credit cards available, call each company to find out which one offers the best provisions.

There are usually several different types of coverage offered at the rental car counter. Loss damage waivers, which are commonly called LDWs, are not technically insurance products. However, they do clear renters of the financial responsibility of theft or damage to the rental car. LDWs may also provide coverage for loss of use, administrative fees and towing. There are several incidents that may void LDWs. It’s important to understand the contract terms thoroughly before purchasing this coverage. Be sure to check with an agent before buying this type of insurance in order to avoid duplicate provisions. Liability coverage offered by rental companies must be in accordance with individual laws for the state in which the company is located. As a general rule, these amounts are minimal and provide limited coverage. Umbrella policies are much smarter investments. Speak with an agent to learn more about umbrella policies. Personal accident and personal effects coverage options also exist. They provide limited coverage for auto accidents and loss or damage of personal belongings.

It’s necessary to file a claim with the insurance company if a home is destroyed by a storm or a visitor is injured. It’s important to keep in mind that a Homeowners policy is a contract held between an insurer and an individual. This means that there are specific procedures and rules to follow. It’s important to read an insurance policy thoroughly to understand individual responsibilities completely. There are a few pointers that every homeowner should remember.

Immediately report all crimes to the police. It’s important to notify the police of any vandalism, burglary or other crime. Homeowners should also obtain the names of any police officers involved in the report or investigation. It’s also important to write down the names of all law enforcement officers after speaking with them on the phone.

Make all necessary temporary repairs. Don’t shell out thousands of dollars for full repairs to a damaged property. It’s best to pay only for supplies to repair or sustain something temporarily. For example, if a window is broken, it’s best to pay for boards and nails or tape and cardboard to repair it temporarily. It would be pointless to pay for an entirely new window until after the claim is honored. Homeowners should save all receipts of items purchased for making temporary repairs.

Call an agent immediately. After calling the police for any crime-related issues, it’s important to call an insurance agent. If the nature of the claim doesn’t involve a crime, phone an agent immediately after discovering the issue that will become a claim. Since there are time limits for some claims, it’s important to follow this advice. Ask the agent what steps must be taken. Agents are also able to provide advice regarding how long the claims process will take.

List all damaged items. Don’t discard any items that are damaged before the insurance adjuster is able to survey them. Photographs and videotapes are also acceptable forms of proof in most cases. After making an inventory, make a copy for the insurance adjuster.

Obtain the necessary claim forms. After receiving notification of a claim, an insurance company must send the proper forms to an individual within a specific time period. The best way to avoid delays is to ensure that the paperwork is filled out correctly.

Keep all receipts after relocating. Not everyone has to relocate after filing a claim. However, if the dwelling is uninhabitable, it’s important to remember that Homeowners insurance has provisions for living expenses to some extent. It’s best to keep receipts in order to show written proof of expenditures.

Homeowners should follow each of these steps carefully. After filing a claim, it’s best to have an insurance adjuster come out as quickly as possible to survey the damage. Most insurance companies arrange for adjusters to visit a residence. To learn more about this process or to obtain answers to other questions, contact us.