Personal Perspective

A timeshare is one way to vacation in style since it gives you access to your favorite vacation destination. When you purchase a timeshare, you can choose from three different types – deeded ownership, right to use and points. Before you embark on your next trip, make sure you purchase adequate timeshare insurance.

• Deeded Ownership

  With a deeded ownership timeshare, you buy the timeshare and then live there a few weeks out of every year. When you’re not there, other people use it. Because you own the unit, you may sell, lease, bequeath or donate it.

  Title insurance is the first type of insurance you should buy for a deeded ownership timeshare. It ensures the title for the unit is free and clear and indeed legally owned by you.

  Purchase deeded timeshare property insurance, too. It covers your timeshare property against losses from fire, weather, vandalism and theft.

  Consider a comprehensive policy that insures the building and your contents and provides liability coverage as well. The contents policy covers the possessions that are in the timeshare. Liability coverage can pay medical expenses or court costs if someone is injured while staying at your timeshare, and it pays for damages a friend may do while staying in your unit.

• Right to Use

  This type of timeshare is one that you rent or lease for a set number of years. You do not own the timeshare but can rent, transfer or bequeath the right to use the unit.

  Because you do not own the timeshare, you will not need to purchase property insurance. The actual timeshare management company or develop will carry this coverage. However, you may pay for that insurance coverage as part of the unit’s maintenance fee.

  What you will need to purchase is contents and liability insurance policies. Your full-time homeowner’s policy may provide the contents and liability coverage you need, but read the policy carefully to be sure.

• Points

  Some timeshare developers or club managers sell points you can redeem for your vacations. This option gives you flexibility in where you stay, and the points may be redeemable for travel and other vacation-related expenses.

  If you participate in a points timeshare, the timeshare developer or club manager will usually pay for property insurance. You should read the timeshare contract and find out if content and liability coverage is also paid for or if those policies are your responsibility.

The timeshare you choose determines the type of insurance you need. With all three choices, review your contract carefully to find out what’s covered. Then talk to your insurance agent as you purchase the right timeshare insurance for your needs.

As many as one in five homes are invaded annually in the United States. One tool thieves use is lock bumping. They use a bump or rapping key to unlock pin tumbler locks and gain access to your home. Learn about lock bumping as you take steps to secure your home and peace of mind.

How Lock Bumping Works

Typically, you can only open a door with a key that’s specific to that lock. The key’s design aligns with the lock, pushes the pins into place above the shear line and unlocks the door.  A bump key is designed to also unlock a door except the thief inserts it into the keyhole and taps the key with a screwdriver or hammer. The bumping pushes the pins in the lock above the shear line and pops the lock.

Thieves can easily learn how to make a bump key thanks to numerous online how-to videos and instructions. With a collection of 10 different bump keys, they can open 90 percent of the doors in the U.S., and the entire process takes a few seconds. Tips That Protect Your Home From Lock Bumping

Protect your home and prevent lock bumping with several steps.

• Buy a different pin tumbler lock. Certain locks are harder to bump. When shopping for new locks, look for ones that are:
  • Made with security pins
  • Not made from hardened steel
  • Designed with programmable side bars and not top pins
  • Equipped with a trap pin
  • Shallow drilled where one of the interior pins is slightly shallower than the others

• Change the spring tension. Stronger top springs in the lock make bumping harder, so ask a locksmith to make at least two of the top springs firmer.
• Replace the traditional pin tumbler lock. Instead, invest in a disk tumbler, time, combination, electronic or electromagnetic lock. They don’t contain pins and are less vulnerable to bumping.
• Reinforce existing locks. If you don’t want to replace all the locks in your home, replace the door’s metal strike plates. It mounts on the doorjamb and costs about $10.
• Lock your door always. Whether you’re hanging out at home, working in the yard or garage, going to work or taking an extended vacation, lock your doors. Don’t make it easy for a thief to enter your home!
• Purchase adequate insurance. Homeowners and renters insurance won’t prevent lock bumping, but it can give you peace of mind. With the right insurance, you can replace any of your possessions that are lost, stolen or vandalized.

Your home’s security and peace of mind are vital. Understand and prevent lock bumping as you protect your home and family.

No one wants to consider becoming disabled, but what would you do if a catastrophic injury or illness prevented you from working? Disability insurance kicks in after 90 days and would pay you up to 60 percent of your annual salary. As you consider buying this valuable coverage, remember seven important things.

• Assess Your Risk Your occupation, hobbies, family health history and current health are all factors that affect your risk for developing a disabling injury or illness. Honestly and accurately assess your risk as you decide if disability insurance is a wise investment for you. If you don’t know your risk, talk to your insurance agent and ask him or her to look in the Standard Industry Code and find out if your occupation is considered high-risk.

• Calculate Your Average IncomeThe disability insurance you’re eligible for depends on your annual net income. If your income fluctuates, average your income from the last three years and use that figure to calculate the amount of disability insurance coverage you need.

• Perform a Needs-AnalysisA needs-analysis reviews expenses like your mortgage, debt, savings and retirement accounts and determines how much income you need if you become disabled. With this figure, you can make sure you buy a policy with adequate coverage.

• Apply When You’re HealthyMost disability insurance carriers review the medical records of potential customers and require a physical and blood tests. If you wait to buy a policy when you’re injured or diagnosed with a serious illness, you may be denied.

• Consider StackingIf you purchased disability insurance years ago, you used your income at the time to determine the benefit amount. Consider purchasing an additional policy now. It stacks on top of the existing policy and covers any income difference, which gives you financial peace of mind.

• Shop Around

Insurance companies offer a variety of products at varying costs. Shop around to find the policy that meets your needs.

Don’t rely on price alone. Check out the other benefits and features of the policy, too.

Find out if cancer in your family history automatically excludes you from getting a policy.

Verify the carrier’s definition of disability.

• Drop the Policy When You Turn 65You may not retire when you turn 65, but drop your disability policy anyway. If a doctor diagnoses you as disabled when you’re over the age of 65, the policy won’t pay because according to its definition you are retired.

Disability insurance is a valuable asset. Use these seven tips and talk to your insurance agent as you decide if it’s right for you.

As a pet owner, you would do anything to care for your furry friend. Have you ever thought about what will happen to your pet when you’re gone? Millionaire Leona Helmsley’s dog Trouble received $2 million, which allowed him to live in a hotel with the best security, grooming and food. Because you may not have millions to spend on your pet, consider several options that ensure your pet receives ongoing care if something were to happen to you.

Rule Out Life Insurance

Life insurance is one asset that allows you to declare a beneficiary. Before you select your pet to receive your death benefits, realize that because pets are considered property and are unable to sign legal documents, they are disqualified from this option.

Ask Someone to Care for Your Pet

You could ask a trusted family member, neighbor or friend to care for your pet after you die. Check in with your trusted caretaker regularly to ensure he or she is still interested and financially able to care properly for your furry friend.

Purchase Pet Insurance

Like your health insurance, pet insurance covers medical treatment your pet may need. It’s a valuable resource that a caretaker can use to care for your pet after you’re gone.

Establish a Trust

A trust is a legal entity that safeguards money for specific purposes, in this case pet care. To set up a trust for your pet, take these steps.
Choose a trustee. Select someone who will be ready and available to care for your pet according to your specifications. It’s also a good idea to choose a backup trustee.

• Decide the worth of the trust. Calculate the total cost of your pet’s care per year multiplied by the estimated number of years your pet has left to live. Remember to factor in extra expenses like medical treatment, medicine or a special diet.
• Do not name your pet in the trust. Generic wording that ensures all your pets are cared for when you die eliminates the need to rewrite the trust when you get a new pet or pets.
• Select a trust duration. Unfortunately, your pet will not live forever. Word the trust so it provides care for your pet for 21 years or until the death of your pet, whichever occurs first.
• Choose a remainderman. This person will receive any money left in your trust after your pet dies. Verify that the remainderman will not kill your pet to get your money.

You can care for your pet even after you’re gone. Talk to your financial advisor or attorney to ensure your wishes and your pet’s needs are met.

You’ve purchased auto and homeowners or renters insurance like a responsible consumer. However, you could have insurance coverage gaps that threaten your assets. Here are a few common ones that you should consider closing as you save money, protect yourself and gain peace of mind

Transportation Expense Coverage
Your auto insurance covers medical expenses and liability. Does it also provide you with a rental car or other transportation after an accident? Transportation Expenses coverage can cost as little as $8 per vehicle per year and gives you access to a rental vehicle or other form of transportation. It lessens your stress after an accident and minimizes disruptions to your daily life.

Personal Catastrophe Liability Coverage
Also known as an umbrella policy, personal catastrophe liability coverage protects your assets if you are sued after an accident. It can cover any expenses related to a personal injury or liability lawsuit and any lawyer fees, hospital bills and related expenses you may incur. This coverage starts at $150 per year and provides priceless peace of mind for you and your family.

Valuables Coverage
The average homeowners insurance policy includes a $3,000 limit on personal items. Does that amount cover the replacement of your expensive electronics, jewelry, artwork and furs? If not, buy an endorsement or rider. It gives you extra coverage for valuables and protects your items if they are lost, stolen or damaged.

Flood Insurance
While you might not live in a high-risk flood area, one in five flood claims occur outside of high-risk flood areas, and an inch of water can cause major damage to your home and possessions. Protect yourself with flood insurance. In many cases, there’s a 30-day waiting period for this coverage, so apply for it today and reduce your risk.

Life Insurance
Your group life insurance policy may cover you for twice your annual salary, but that money is probably not enough to cover your final expenses and care for your family. Purchase your own policy with a death benefit of six to eight times your annual salary. Investigate different types of life insurance policies and coverage amounts as you care for your loved ones.

Outdated Insurance Polices
You pay your insurance premiums on time so that your policies don’t lapse. When was the last time you reviewed your coverage? Adjust your homeowners coverage after renovations or when you sell collectibles. Check your auto coverage, too, to ensure it’s sufficient for your household vehicles and drivers. Policy reviews take a few minutes but can save your thousands of dollars and give you hours of priceless peace of mind.
Your insurance coverage protects your assets. Consider closing any gaps today.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that most burglaries occur during the summer months. While some burglars enter your home, others are interested in soft targets, the items stored outside of your home. One in three homeowners do not protect their soft targets, but you can with these tips.

Vacant Properties
Thieves and vandals typically target vacant homes as they steal scrap metal or take other items to sell. If you’re on vacation, keep your windows and doors locked. Install outdoor motion activated lights and use a timer to turn on indoor lights at random times, too. You can also install a video camera that allows you to monitor your home while you’re away.

Vehicles and Loose Items
Experienced car thieves can steal a vehicle in less than 10 seconds. Always keep your car locked inside the garage or make sure the alarm is turned on and install an anti-theft device that disables the ignition or locks the steering wheel. You should hide any loose items, too, including electronics, garage door openers, toll booth passes and parking garage passes, either in the glove box or trunk.

Unlocked Sheds and Garages
Tools and lawn equipment are easy to resell. Always lock your garage, including windows, even if you’re working in your lawn. Be sure your valuable tools and equipment are stored inside the shed or garage, too.

Sports Equipment
Whether your summer activities include baseball, kayaking or tennis, resist the urge to store your sports equipment outside. Secure it safely in a locked garage or shed, in a locked bin or in your vehicle’s trunk.

Bicycles
Ideally, you should store your bike in a locked garage or shed. If you have to store your bikes, don’t use thin bike chains and wheel locks that are easy to unbolt or cut. A heavy chain threaded through the bike’s wheels and frame and a thick padlock are more secure.

Air Conditioning Units
Your outdoor air conditioning units contain copper coils and other metal piping that thieves can scrap for cash. Install a bright security light that’s motion activated near your outdoor AC unit or install a locked fence around it.

Pool Pumps
Pool pumps are easy to resell. Remove the pool pump and store it inside during your vacation. If that’s not possible, install a bright, motion-activated security light near the pump. You should also install a fence around your pool and keep it locked at all times.
Protect your home from thieves when you take steps to protect these seven soft targets. Be sure your homeowners or renters insurance policies are up to date, too, as you protect your home and possessions.

In 2015, a man in Montana decided to transport five Russian honey bee hives in a cardboard box in his vehicle. He was observed driving all over the road, and when he was pulled over, a highway patrol officer found thousands of bees flying freely in the vehicle as the man drove. He was cited for careless driving. What can we learn from this story? Don’t transport bee hives in a cardboard box in your vehicle and take several steps to be safe if one or more bees do fly into your car.

• Don’t panic. Even though it’s scary to drive with a bee in the car, stay calm. Remind your passengers to stay calm, too, since you need to think clearly and not be distracted as you prevent an accident.
• Stay focused on the road. Take your eyes of the road for even a second to find or swat the bee, and you could cause an accident. Remain focused at all times as you stay safe.
• Keep your hands on the wheel. Swatting at the bee might make you feel better, but you’re more likely to swerve into oncoming traffic or onto someone’s property if you take your hands off the wheel.
• Slow down gradually. Instead of slamming on the brakes, slow down gradually. Put your four-way or hazard lights on to alert other drivers that you are driving below the speed limit as you help everyone on the road drive safely.
• Find a safe place to pull over. Never stop in the middle of the road, on a hill or in another unsafe area. Find a safe spot and pull over.
• Shoo the bee out of the vehicle. Use a shoe, rolled up newspaper or other item to shoo the bee gently out of your vehicle.
• Be prepared if you’re allergic. Always carry a current EpiPen or allergy medication when you drive. It can be stored safely in your emergency kit, glove box or somewhere else in easy access. You want to be prepared in case you are stung by a bee.
• Drive with your windows up. If you absolutely do not want a bee to enter your vehicle, drive with your windows up.

It can be annoying and even dangerous to drive with a bee or other insect in your vehicle. Take these precautions as you protect yourself and everyone on the road. You should also make sure to purchase the right insurance for your needs since even your best efforts may not be enough to prevent an accident when a bee flies into your car.

Your condo is your home, and it’s one of your most valuable possessions. Protect it with condo insurance. Here are the basics you need to know as you protect your investment.

Check Lender Requirements

Unless you pay for your condo with cash, plan on purchasing condo insurance. Most mortgage lenders require condo buyers to show proof of condo unit insurance before the loan is approved. Discuss insurance requirements with the lender, and then talk to your insurance agent.

Consider the Price

The cost of your condo insurance depends on the deductible and amount of coverage. Remember that increasing your deductible and reducing coverage can lower your premiums. However, weigh the benefits of adequate protection versus saving money as you decide what condo insurance to buy.

Understand the Master Policy

Condo associations generally take out a master policy that covers the building and common areas. This policy typically will provide one of three coverage options:

• The basic building including roof, exterior walls, hallways, basement and elevators but not interior walls, carpeting, cabinets, appliances or wall coverings
• The basic building and unit items excluding alterations, improvements or additions you make to your unit at your expense
• The basic building and unit items, including alterations, improvements and additions you make

Be sure to review the condo association’s bylaws and insurance documents to ensure you are in compliance with the requirements and purchase adequate protection for your home.

What Your Unit Policy Will Cover

Even though your condo association may have a master policy in place, you still need individual insurance. It covers items that are excluded from the master policy and may compensate you for claims that may not be covered by the master policy’s deductible.

The condo insurance policy you purchase should cover three specific areas. Check your policy for details.

1. Personal Property: Insure the possessions you own in case they are stolen, vandalized or damaged in your home or elsewhere. Those items include furniture, electronics, clothing and other household items. Your unit policy can include replacement value or actual cash value coverage.
2. Loss of Use: Your insurance policy will pay a portion of your hotel, meal, laundry and other living expenses if you have to move temporarily because your home becomes uninhabitable due to fire, mold or another cause.
3. Personal Liability: If someone visits you and suffers a physical injury or if you or a family members damage someone else’s property, your personal liability coverage will pay for the damages. The policy could also cover court, defense and settlement costs.

Condo insurance is a valuable investment that protects you and your home. Consider you options when you talk to your agent today.

One in four vehicle crashes is caused by drivers texting or using other electronic devices. Multitasking can help you get several tasks done at one time, but it’s always a bad idea when you’re behind the wheel. It only takes a second for your attention to wonder and an accident to happen. Learn more about the causes of distracted driving and what you can do to stay safe.

#whiledriving

Texting while driving is illegal in 39 states and the District of Columbia. However, texting isn’t the only distraction that causes accidents.  A popular Twitter and Instagram social media hashtag #whiledriving has become popular across the country.

According to a recent survey, 55 percent of #whiledriving users are men and 45 percent are women. The top states with the most #whiledriving posts are:

1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. South Carolina
5. New York
6. Illinois
7. Massachusetts
8. Oregon
9. Colorado
10. Nevada

The top 10 most popular hashtags that accompany #whiledriving include:

• Clouds
• Sunset
• Sky
• Nature
• Sun
• Nofilter
• Landscape
• Car
• Driving
• Selfie

Based on these hashtags, we see that people enjoy snapping pictures of pretty scenery as they drive. Nature is great, but enjoy the view with your eyes rather than taking and posting the picture while you drive.

What if You See a Distracted Driver?

Insurance agents caution drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes and attention on the road while driving. However, that doesn’t stop people from getting distracted as they drive. In addition to texting and posting pictures while driving, fatigue, other passengers, eating and daydreaming also distract drivers’ attention off the road.

Your safety and the safety of others on the road depends on every driver staying focused. If you see a distracted driver who’s weaving out of the lane, not maintaining the speed limit or exhibiting other signs of distraction, you can:

• Assume the distracted driver will not see your vehicle.
• Leave extra room between you and the distracted driver, even if you have to slow down or pull off the road.
• If you can’t get away from the driver, pull over and call 911 to report the driver’s behavior.
• Avoid road rage or other vigilantism.

Safety on the road depends on everyone paying attention. Stop texting and driving distracted. For more information how to be safe on the road, how to cope with distracted drivers and to update your auto insurance contact your insurance agent. Drive safe!

Summer lawn mowing season has arrived. Are you operating your lawn mower safely? Here are the tips you need to stay safe as you manicure your grass.

1. Read the instruction manual. Discover the purpose of all the knobs and whistles on your model, how to operate it properly and safety tips for your lawn mower.
   
2. Fill the tank outside. It’s never a wise idea to fill your mower’s fuel tank inside your garage or in a shed. Combustible fumes could build up and explode.
3. Store fuel and oil in marked containers. You don’t want to use the wrong fluids and ruin your mower or have anyone accidentally drink the fluid or serve it to pets.
4. Perform maintenance when your mower is turned off and cool. You could be burned if you add fuel to your mower while the engine is running or when it’s hot.
5. Don’t use anything with an open flame while you fuel your mower. You don’t want to start a fire.
   
6. Do not start the engine under an enclosure. Toxic fumes could build up and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
7. Stay with the mower when the engine is running. Someone could be injured if your mower rolls down a hill or runs into something or someone while it’s turned on.
8. Turn the engine off before making adjustments. If you notice that the grass isn’t getting cut short enough or the engine is skipping, turn the engine off. You can then make adjustments safely.
9. Refuse to allow young children to operate the lawn mower, and don’t carry kids as you mow. The machine is simply too dangerous for young children.
10. Wear the proper clothes when mowing. Closed shoes and long pants protect your body as you mow your lawn.
11. Remove foreign objects from your lawn. Rocks, branches, twigs, toys, hoses and other objects in your lawn could damage your mower’s motor. Plus, objects spit from the mower could travel at a speed of up to 100 miles per hour.
12. Don’t allow children or pets in the yard. Even if they’re playing on the other side of the yard from where you’re mowing, it takes only a few seconds for them to cross the yard and enter the path of your mower.
13. Train everyone who uses the mower. Be sure everyone who operates the mower knows how to use it properly and follows these safety precautions.

Your lawn mower gives your yard the manicure it needs. Whether you mow several times a week or once a month, follow these safety tips. Consider purchasing homeowner’s insurance, too, as further protection for you and your home.