Personal Perspective

If you own a condominium, you might think you don’t need insurance protection. Think again. Although your condominium association offers a “master” insurance policy that covers the building and commonly owned property, this insurance probably does not protect your upgrades, furnishings, and other belongings. That means if a burglar breaks into your condo, a fire causes smoke damage to interior walls of your unit, or a visitor falls and hurts himself inside your home, you will not be covered by your condominium’s general insurance policy. This is exactly why you need your own condo owner’s policy. This personal coverage could protect you in the event of theft, damage, and personal liability situations.

Every condo is different. Before you purchase condo insurance, you should find out exactly what is covered by your condominium association’s master policy. Generally, these policies cover only the structure of the building, but it varies depending on your state and particular condominium. It’s important to do your homework and find out exactly what is and is not covered so you can make sure your personal policy covers the rest.

What kind of coverage do you need? The type of coverage you need greatly depends on your unique situation. However, you’ll definitely want to protect yourself against theft, damage, and personal liability incidents. Depending on where you live, you might also need Flood insurance or other special coverages. One of our professional insurance agents can help you figure out exactly what kind of coverage you need. You might want to ask yourself the following questions as you decide on the details of your insurance policy:

• What parts of the condo am I responsible for according to my condo association’s bylaws?
• How much would it cost to replace or repair my condo?
• How much are all of my personal items worth?
• Do I have especially valuable items in my condo, such as jewelry, antiques, fine art or collectibles?
• Do I run a business out of my home or often work from home?

You should also think about Liability coverage. Unfortunately, we live in a lawsuit-happy society today. So, if a visitor falls down your stairs and breaks his leg or slips on some water in the kitchen and throws out her back, they might ask you to pay for medical expenses, lawsuit costs, and other compensation awards. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your insurance policy includes liability protection.

Don’t skimp. Whatever you do, don’t assume that your condo association has you covered. This assumption could cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. Do some research and find out exactly what kind of protection your association’s insurance policy provides. You’ll probably discover that it’s not nearly enough to protect your personal property and belongings. Our expert insurance agents can help you determine exactly what kind of coverage you need. You might even qualify for special discounts if your condo has smoke detectors and central station burglar and fire alarms. Call our office today!

You’re having a new pool installed in your backyard, and you can’t wait to dive into a summer of swimming fun. Of course, you might be so busy buying water wings, noodles and floats that you forgot to take care of one very important detail: Your insurance. Now is the time to take a close look at your Homeowners policy to see if you have sufficient coverage for your new pool. Your first step should be to give one of our insurance agents a call right away and let us know you have a new pool. If you neglect to inform us of this important fact, it could cause problems down the road if someone is injured in your pool. Here are a few insurance facts to keep in mind as you get ready for your pool opening:

Your pool is separate from your home. Homeowners insurance generally provides coverage for damages to your home and “other structures” on the premises. As far as your insurance company is concerned, your pool is considered a separate entity from your house — which means it is covered under the “other structures” portion of your policy, together with detached garages, sheds, and gazebos.

With most Homeowners policies, the maximum amount of insurance coverage for these other structures is 10% of the amount of coverage on your home. In other words, if your insurance policy covers $100,000 on your home, the coverage you would receive for your pool and other structures would be $10,000 combined. If you spent wads of money on a fancy new pool, $10,000 might not be enough to cover serious damages to it. Plus, if you have a shed and a detached garage in addition to a new pool, keep in mind that this amount will have to cover damages to all three structures. You might decide that you need to purchase additional insurance. The type of pool damages your insurance will cover varies depending on your specific policy. Be sure to read the fine print and figure out exactly what your policy covers. Most policies do not cover damage caused by freezing, thawing, pressure or weight of ice water. Therefore, if you live in a particularly cold area, be sure to protect and “winterize” your pool properly before the colder months hit.

Protect yourself against pool liability issues. Insurance can also protect you against liability issues related to your pool. Obviously, there are serious dangers associated with pools, including injuries and drowning. As a matter of fact, about 45,000 swimmers are injured and 300 people drown in backyard swimming pools every year. Although the liability portion of your Homeowners policy will protect your assets if someone sues you, it might not be enough. Most Homeowners policies pay up to $100,000 in coverage each time a person makes a legitimate civil claim against you for an injury that occurred on your property. When you install in a pool, you are increasing the chances that someone could be seriously injured or even killed on your property. Therefore, you should consider purchasing additional liability coverage after you install your new pool. First of all, find out if you can purchase higher liability coverage limits on your existing Homeowners policy. You might be able to increase your coverage from $100,000 to as much as $300,000 for a minimal premium.

However, this still might not be enough for a pool owner. You should also consider purchasing what’s known as a Personal Umbrella policy. This type of policy offers a higher level of liability coverage and ensures that you and your family will be protected if someone sues you for damages. Umbrella policies typically pay up to a predetermined limit, which is usually $1 million, for liability claims made against you and your family.

Call our office today and discuss how you can protect yourself from liability issues relating to your pool.

Follow pool safety rules! Another way you can protect yourself from liability issues is to create a safe swimming area and make sure everyone who takes a dip follows your pool rules. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Do not install a pool diving board or slide. (Many insurers will not even cover pools with these items because they are far too risky.)
• Install a secure fence around the pool.
• Never leave small children unsupervised near the pool, even for a few seconds.
• Do not allow anyone who cannot swim into your pool.
• Keep children away from pool filters. The suction from these filters can cause injuries or trap them at the bottom of the pool.
• Do not swim alone or allow others to swim alone.
• Do not allow people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol to swim in the pool.
• Check the pool regularly for glass, bottle caps and other hazards.
• Keep a secure cover on the pool during the off-season.

Motorcycle owners might be a risky bunch by nature, but when it comes to motorcycle insurance, it is not a good idea to indulge that tendency. If you own a motorcycle, you need to have sufficient insurance coverage in place. Fortunately, there are some proven strategies motorcycle owners can use to trim their insurance costs, without sacrificing the coverage they need.

Ride Carefully – Keep Your Driving Record Clean

Perhaps the most effective thing you can do to keep your motorcycle insurance rates low is to be a careful and proactive rider. Keeping your driving record clean can lower your insurance rates significantly, so be sure to take safety into account each and every time you ride.

If you are a new rider, consider enrolling in a safe riding course. You can often find these courses at your local community college. Many insurance companies provide discounts for riders who successfully complete a safety course, so it might be worth your time and effort.

Choose Your Motorcycle Carefully

Some motorcycles seem to be irresistible to thieves. If you own one of these models you might end up paying the price. Before you shop for your bike, be sure to check theft records. Don’t forget: You can also contact us for a rate quote before buying your motorcycle.

Install an Anti-Theft Device on Your Motorcycle

Installing an anti-theft device can also reduce your premiums. Alarms make it that much harder for thieves to make off with your bike. Not only do they protect your motorcycle from theft, but they can lower your insurance costs at the same time.

Ask About Discounts

By having your Homeowners, Auto and Motorcycle insurance with the same company, you might be eligible for a multi-policy discount. Be sure to ask us about any discounts that might be available.

In addition to multi-policy discounts, many insurance companies offer additional discounts for everything from a college degree to a safe driving record. Just like with your car, you might be eligible for additional discounts if you keep your motorcycle in a garage where it is safe from thieves and from the forces of nature.

Raise Your Deductible

Another excellent way to lower your monthly insurance premiums is to raise your deducible. Deductibles and premiums move in opposite directions, so the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium. You can make this work for you by funneling the difference into a separate savings account that you can use to cover unexpected expenses in the event of an accident.

If you live in an urban area, owning a car can be both expensive and a hassle. Finding a parking spot can be next to impossible. Paying for parking can leave a major hole in your wallet. Due to the sheer number of drivers on the road, insurance costs tend to be higher in large cities. Fuel economy suffers during city driving because of the relatively slow speeds and frequent stops. Consequently, many city dwellers are saying no to car ownership and relying on alternatives. Mass transit remains an essential option, but a relatively new idea is taking hold in U.S. cities: Car sharing.

According to CarSharing.net, at the beginning of 2010 there were 27 car sharing programs in the U.S., serving 388,000 members and sharing 7,500 vehicles. They go by names like Zipcar, Car2go, City CarShare, and Community Car. The programs charge an annual membership fee and some charge an application fee. Zipcar, for example charges a $50 annual fee and a $25 application fee in the Washington, D.C. area. A separate fee applies for each use of a car (for example, $30 for a four-hour reservation), which covers gas, insurance, and a specified number of miles.

When a member needs a car, they reserve one by phone or online. The program directs the member to a parking spot where the car is located. The member unlocks the car with a “zipcard” by holding the card up to the windshield (the keys are inside). The member uses the car and returns it to a designated parking spot by the end of the reservation time.

The types of people likely to use a car sharing service include:

• Those who normally use public transportation but who need their own vehicle on occasion
• Those who own one car and occasionally need a second
• Those who own cars but occasionally need a larger vehicle
• Those who can’t afford to buy a car but can afford the membership fees
• Those who want to avoid the inconvenient aspects of car ownership, such as maintenance, fees, and storage costs

A person using a car sharing service takes risks similar to those she would take while renting a car. They might incur legal liability for injuring someone or damaging another’s property while using the car. They might suffer injuries in an accident, resulting in medical expenses and lost income. They might damage the vehicle and become responsible for repair costs. The car sharing service provides Liability insurance, but the borrower has no guarantee that the amount of insurance will be enough to cover all the damages. Also, that insurance might not apply if the member lets an unauthorized person drive, such as a “designated driver” during a night on the town. Car sharers might want to buy a Named Nonowner Auto insurance policy, which will cover liability, medical, and uninsured or underinsured motorist losses over and above what the car sharing service’s policy provides. Also, certain Umbrella Liability policies might cover damage to a borrowed vehicle if the car sharing service’s policy does not pay. Our professional insurance agents can identify insurance companies that offer these types of coverages and explain the differences in coverage and cost of the various policies.

For people living in areas where it is available, car sharing might be a very sensible alternative to owning a car. Like any special service, it carries certain risks. However, by making some simple arrangements ahead of time, drivers can take advantage of these services and be confident that they’ve limited their financial risks.

Before you go out and purchase that new boat you have been dreaming about all winter, consider the importance of also purchasing the proper watercraft coverage that you will need for your new toy.

Many people mistakenly believe that their boat will be covered under either their Personal Auto policy (PAP) or Homeowners policy. Auto policies do not provide liability coverage or coverage for damage on boats. Homeowners policies might cover only boats that have low value or are low-powered. So before going out and purchasing a boat, contact us to discuss the proper watercraft coverage that you will need.

Here are some considerations when it comes to figuring out if you will need separate watercraft coverage for your boat. These types of boats will require a separate insurance policy:

• Any boat valued at more than $1,500
• A sailboat that is more than 26 feet long
• Powerboats that have motors exceeding 25 horsepower

Insurance companies will often deny coverage for particular types of watercraft. These types of watercraft might be denied coverage:

• Watercraft such as jet skis or wave runners, due to the high number of accidents with them.
• Houseboats, homemade or kit boats, competition bass boats, and speedboats.
• Boats that are more than 15 to 20 years of age, due to a higher loss frequency (Note: It is also wise to order a marine survey or inspection of an older boat before purchasing, which can point out deficiencies in the boat that could cause you to reconsider the purchase or renegotiate the price).

Finally, when it comes to purchasing the proper watercraft coverage needed for your new boat, also consider purchasing a Personal Umbrella policy. This policy would be in addition to a watercraft policy and is especially beneficial if you are going to purchase a speedboat, one designed for skiing or any other type of craft that has a higher potential for loss of life or damage. Umbrella policies are relatively inexpensive and will provide additional coverage above the liability coverage found in a watercraft policy.

If you purchase a Personal Umbrella policy, use the same insurance company that provides your Homeowners policy or Personal Auto policy.

When driving down a street at night looking at houses, you are most likely drawn to the house with exterior lighting, neatly trimmed landscaping, and lights on inside. That’s because the house looks inviting and well cared for. Now imagine a burglar is driving down the same street. The things that drew you to the previous house are the same things that will turn that burglar away, looking for better opportunities. A property with no exterior lighting, overgrown landscaping, and possibly no one at home, invites criminal activity.

It is important to note that burglary is a preventable crime. Common sense dictates some of the steps you can take toward making your home safer and less attractive to burglars. The following are some general tips you should incorporate into your routine that can make the difference between the burglar stopping at your house or passing it up for another one further down the road.

The first line of defense between you and a burglar is to secure your home properly. Make sure your yard, driveway, and all entrances to your home are well-lit. Consider the use of lights on a timer or photocell, which turns lights on automatically at dusk and shuts them off at dawn. Trees and shrubs around windows should be cut back so you don’t give a burglar a place to hide while preparing to enter your home.

If you are going to be away from home for a period of time, leave a light on. Lights left on indoors, especially those on a timer that turn on when it gets dark and shut off at bed time, can be a deterrent to a burglar. The goal is to make it look as if you are home. Ask a neighbor to pick up your newspapers and bring in your mail. Along the same lines, if you will be gone for an extended period, arrange for your lawn to be maintained. Permitting your grass to grow high or get dry is a sign of neglect and can invite unwanted attention. If you have a garage, use it. Parking inside your garage on a regular basis makes it more difficult for a burglar casing your home to know whether or not you are really there.

Burglars will usually spend about five minutes trying to get inside your home. Make that task as difficult as possible by doing the obvious: Lock your doors and windows! If you forget to lock your back door, this can be viewed as an invitation by a burglar looking to get into your home quickly. In addition to the obvious, avoid spring bolt locks. It takes only a credit card to push open the bolt and allow access to the inside. Deadbolt locks should be installed on all exterior doors. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established testing and ratings for deadbolt locks. Grade 1 locks are the best, with Grade 3 locks being easier to penetrate. Look for Grade 1 locks when shopping for a deadbolt. A key lock or pin-type lock works best for patio door, or any door with glass that could be broken easily to access a knob on a deadbolt. Heavy-duty strike plates should also be used to prevent a burglar from successfully kicking in your door.

When purchasing a new home, make sure all locks have been changed. Also, think about calling a reputable locksmith who can advise you on proper locks for doors and windows. Carefully preparing your home, including adequate locks, lighting, and regular maintenance, can make the difference between a burglar deciding to make a stop at your house or to keep driving.

If your teen is getting ready to put their hands to the wheel, it’s time to think seriously about Auto insurance options a dreadful thought for many parents, but with a little research and careful planning you might be able to obtain affordable Auto insurance for your teen. Let’s explore some ways to lessen the cost of your teen’s Auto insurance.

Proper Driver Training

Many teens opt for driver’s education in high school, and this is a wonderful way to decrease your teen’s Auto insurance rates right from the beginning. Many Auto insurance companies offer discounts to those who have completed a driver’s education course successfully. Not to mention driver’s education provides proper on-the-road training for your teen. The instructor can teach all the written and “unspoken” rules of the road while also showing proper driving techniques, including defensive driving. Knowing how to drive properly helps decrease the chances of careless driving, thus making your teen a much safer driver.

Law versus Fun

Emphasize to your teen that although driving is fun, it’s also a serious responsibility. Make sure they understand how the law works and the stiff penalties for speeding, racing, careless driving, drunk driving, running stop signs or red lights, not wearing seatbelts, parking in undesignated areas, etc. Explain that even one traffic offense can eliminate their chances for affordable Auto insurance in years to come, and might even cause them to lose their driving privileges for a while.

Does Your Teen Make the Grade?

Some insurers offer discounts to students who keep their grades up. This is somewhat of a reward for you as a parent and for your teen if they get good grades or maintain a high GPA (grade point average). Your Auto insurance company might offer this discount because insurers feel that a teen who demonstrates responsibility and carefulness in school is more likely to do the same while behind the wheel of an automobile. This can be used as an incentive for your teen as well. You might even offer a bonus allowance to your teen for keeping their grades up, using the money you’ll save with cheaper Auto insurance!

Choose Cars Wisely

Teens and sports cars – these words shouldn’t be used in the same sentence if you’re shopping for Auto insurance. Insurance companies frown upon teens buying or driving sports cars, even if the teen is a safe driver. Sports cars in general tend to carry higher insurance rates for drivers of all ages, but teens are especially vulnerable to temptation when it comes to showing off their new car and testing how fast it will go. Opt for a sedan or family-style car with all the safety features possible. The good thing about safety features is your insurance company might offer discounts for certain safety features such as anti-lock brakes, air bags, added frame support, and others.

Opt for an Add-On to Your Policy

When your teen first starts driving, consider adding them to your current insurance policy for a while. You can do this as long as you remain the primary driver of your vehicle. Then your teen will be able to enjoy the lower rates based on your discounts and age. If they only have a learner’s permit, check with your insurance company to find out if they should be added to the policy as a driver. Most will cover teen drivers automatically under your policy while driving with a permit.

Shop for the Best Deal

If you’re shopping for an Auto insurance policy for your teen, you’ll be surprised at the differences among companies. Every company varies in what it considers to be “high risk” drivers. Some insurers specialize in insurance for young drivers and are able to offer cheaper rates than others. Also, compare each company’s discounts for teen drivers. Some might offer more discount opportunities than others.

Having a teen driver creates awareness about road safety and Auto insurance like nothing else. Use these tips to guide you as you shop for Auto insurance that will provide the most coverage for your money.

There are several steps you can take to ensure you are getting the best Homeowners insurance rates possible for the coverage you need:

• Before purchasing a home, it is wise to learn about its insurance loss history. If there have been past losses, be sure to inspect the home closely to determine if proper repairs were made. The CLUE and A-PLUS databases enable insurers to check the claim history of the property as well as that of the homeowner.
• Raising your deductible is a great way to reduce your premiums. Higher deductibles on your Homeowners insurance could produce savings of 25% or more.
• Consider upgrades to your home. Do you need to modernize your heating, plumbing, and electrical systems to reduce the risk of fire and water damage? Are there upgrades you could make that would reduce the risk of damage in windstorms and other natural disasters? You might be able to save on your premiums by adding storm shutters, reinforcing your roof, or buying stronger roofing materials. Older homes can be retrofitted to make them more capable of withstanding earthquakes. If you do make home improvements, be sure to make your insurer aware of the changes.
• Improve your home security. You typically can get premium discounts of at least 5% for installing a smoke detector, burglar alarm or dead-bolt locks. Some companies will cut your premium by as much as 15% or 20% if you install a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that signals the police, fire department, and other monitoring stations. These systems are not inexpensive and not every system qualifies for a discount. Before you buy such a system, find out what kind your insurer recommends, how much the device would cost, and how much you would save on premiums.
• Buy your Home and Auto policies from the same insurer. Some companies that sell Homeowners, Auto and Liability coverage will take 5% to 15% off your premium if combine policies with them.
• Maintain a good credit rating. Most insurers use credit-based insurance scores to determine Homeowners and Auto coverage premiums. All else being equal, a person with a good credit score will pay much less for insurance than someone with a lower score.

Severe weather can strike at any time of the year. It is not always possible to avoid driving during dangerous weather conditions. However, being a cautious driver can mean the difference between getting home safely and standing along the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.

Snow and Ice

Winter often brings frozen precipitation, in one form or another. Ice and snow cause driving challenges for most of us, but we can all be safer on the road by following a few key driving tips. The first rule of thumb is to take the time to properly de-ice and clean your windows. An extra five minutes defrosting and scraping all your windows will enable you to see others and use defensive driving skills. Once your windows are cleared and you are on the road, keep your speed slow and consistent. In deep snow, travel at a speed fast enough to keep your momentum going but slow enough to maintain control of the vehicle. Road signs usually warn us that bridges freeze before roads. Therefore, slow down before crossing bridges and overpasses and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.

Use extra care when braking in winter weather conditions. Braking should be slow and deliberate. If you brake too quickly or abruptly, your brakes could lock-up, causing you to lose steering capability. Anti-lock brakes will help to keep you from losing steering control in a quick braking situation. To engage anti-lock brakes, push the pedal to the floor and hold; do not pump the brakes. Ice and snow do not change the application of your anti-lock brakes; push and hold the brake pedal to avoid losing steering control. If these safety tips fail and you find yourself stuck in the snow, straighten your wheels and accelerate slowly. Try to avoid spinning your tires and, if necessary, use sand or cinders for added traction under the drive wheels.

Fog

During foggy conditions, stay to the right side of the road and turn on your low-beam headlights. If you cannot see the edge of the road, it might be safest to pull over. If you make the decision to pull off the road, be sure to pull to the far right, off of the traffic lane, and turn on your hazard lights.

Wind and Rain

Wind and rain present special challenges for drivers. If you have a high-profile vehicle such as a trailer or motor home, consider staying off the roads until the winds die down. The beginning of a rain storm is the most treacherous time to be on the road, as water mixes with road oils and dirt to create a slick surface. Be careful to avoid hydroplaning by slowing down and maintaining traction between your tires and the road surface. Turn on your lights to allow your vehicle to be seen by other drivers and use your defroster and/or air-conditioner to improve visibility.

Severe thunderstorms can result in tornados and hail. In the car, monitor your news radio station. If you see a tornado, the safest place to be is outside of the car. Pull over and find a ditch or other low-lying area where you can lay face down and protect yourself from flying debris. In a hailstorm, pull under an overpass or bridge to seek shelter while on the road. When a hurricane is in the forecast, head inland to high ground well before the storm approaches land.

By exercising caution in severe weather driving conditions, you can save yourself the headache of sliding off the road, having an accident, or suffering even greater damage to yourself and your property.

No driver can afford to be without Automobile insurance, but it can be difficult to know how much coverage you really need. These days most states require that all drivers purchase car insurance, and in states where coverage is mandated there is a minimum coverage threshold that must be met. Many drivers assume that this state minimum coverage is enough, but in many cases that level of protection is completely inadequate. It is therefore important for every driver to evaluate their own insurance needs in order to determine the best level of coverage for Liability, Property Damage and other insurance categories.

Why the Minimum

When states pass laws mandating that every driver carry Automobile insurance they need to consider a number of factors, but affordability is often near the top of the list. If the state legislature is going to force people to purchase a product or service they need to make sure that product or service will be affordable. For this reason many states set the bar very low for Auto insurance coverage. This low bar makes policies more affordable, but it also leaves many drivers without the protection they really need.

For that reason it is important to look at your own state’s minimum coverage levels and determine if those levels really provide adequate coverage. If for instance your state requires that you carry only $10,000 in Property Damage insurance, what happens if you total your neighbor’s brand new Porsche 911? If you do not have enough Property Damage insurance in place you could be on the hook for the rest of the damages. The same is true of personal injury. It’s important to take a realistic look at the minimum coverage levels set by your state and determine whether or not they truly are adequate for your needs. The more you have to protect, the more insurance coverage you will need.

The Low Cost of Upgrading

Many drivers assume that upgrading an existing Auto insurance policy from the state mandated minimum coverage levels to something more realistic will be prohibitively expensive, but that is not necessarily the case. In many cases drivers can upgrade from the minimum set by their state to $300,000 worth of coverage or more for only a small increase in their premium levels. Upgrading coverage can be extremely affordable for those considered to be good risks, but even those with a few black marks on their driving records are often surprised at just how affordable that extra coverage can be.

Reviewing your Auto insurance coverage with one of our agents on a regular basis is the best way to make sure you are providing adequate protection for your car, your family, and your personal property. By knowing the legally required coverage levels and adjusting those levels to suit your own needs you can save money on your premium without sacrificing the protection you need.