Why Insurance Agents Worry About Their Clients: Hotel Safety Tips

In my blog yesterday we talked about the holidays fast approaching and the highway travel that would be most likely taking place and some ways to be sure your reach your destination and return home safely. Today lets talk about when you actually arrive. If you are staying in a hotel there are some very important safety precautions you will want to take to be sure you and your family are protected.  Even if you think you know the area and you feel 'safe', you can not be too careful.  Crime is on the rise.

Before your stay, know your hotel:  Don't be afraid to call and ask questions before you make your reservation.  Select a hotel that has installed modern electronic guest room locks. Be aware of your hotels surroundings and location.  If you are visiting a foreign country, be aware of the security situation there.  Call ahead and make sure the front desk is staffed 24 hours a day. Jewelry, luggage and valuables should be photographed before your trip.  Be sure your cell phone works even if there is a phone in your room.

Once you arrive, be aware of your surroundings:  Immediately familiarize yourself with the fire escape route. Ask the front desk what number should be dialed in case of emergency.   Be aware of anyone listening in on your conversation as you check in. Don't let the front desk associate publicize your room number.

During your stay, be on guard:  Keep your room key, wallet, flashlight and cell phone on your nightstand. Check the locks on doors and windows as soon as you arrive. At night, use the main entrance.  Keep cash, credit cards and checks in separate pockets or areas of your purse. Never open your door to someone unless you are sure of their identity and expecting them.

Below is an infographic offering more safety tips before and during your stay.  You should also check with your insurance agent to be sure your belongings will be covered.  Some homeowners or renters policies provide coverage anywhere in the world, some in the US only and there is often limitations for jewelry.

If you would like a free review of your insurance policy, please visit us on the web or give us a call at one of our three locations.

Why Insurance Agents Worry About Their Clients..Road Trips!

As the holiday season approaches more and more individuals and families will be hitting the highway traveling to visit family and friends.  We want to make sure you take every precaution to stay safe while traveling near and far. 

There is some basic maintenance that should be done to your vehicle to be sure it gets you to and from where you need to be.  Like checking your battery, oil, coolant and other fluid levels.  Check your tire pressure, air filter, and be sure you have a spare tire. Most importantly, get those repairs done if needed. You may think this is silly but when loading in any potential passengers and all the extra belongings you should also check your vehicles load capacity.

There are some things  you need to do to be sure you have everything you need.  Make sure your latest insurance Identification Card contains accurate information and is located in your glove box with a copy of your registration.  We normally give our insurance handy plastic holders to keep these important documents in. It also lists our contact number on the back in case you need to reach us on the road.  You should also make a quick call to be sure you know what coverages you have, like towing, rental reimbursement and in some cases trip interruption.

Lastly there should be some things you should have on hand in the event of an emergency. Buy a road atlas or map, GPS or cell phone technology is great when they work.  Have a backup plan just in case.  Be sure your electronic devices are fully charged, like your GPS or cell phone.  A GPS may help so that you are aware of any detours.  Buy snacks, bottled water and a first aid kit, including any regular medications.  You should also have a blanket during this time of year.

Here is an infographic for easy visual reference about the things I mentioned an a pre-filled list for easy packing!  Have a safe trip, a fun holiday and most importantly feel free to contact us with questions.

Black Friday vs Cyber Monday

Is anyone else terrified of the Black Friday festivities that are about to commence? I have heard that some people turn selfish and greedy during the shopping process. I decided to attend Black Friday a few years ago because there was a bargain I just HAD TO HAVE.  Even though I was well aware that it is known as the busiest shopping day of the year.  I was faced with elbow to elbow crowds in every store and mall I dared to venture in.   I saw people pushing, shoving, even grabbing... it was horrible.

I promised myself I will never brave Black Friday shopping again. This year the stores will be open for early savings on Thanksgiving as well.  I think that is going too far.  It is mostly the large chains of retail stores that have decided to open, like Walmart, Target etc.  They will reap the rewards by getting some extra revenue they were not able to collect in prior years.  The employees will really suffer, instead of enjoying a day off with their families they most likely are being forced to work.  Cyber Monday offers a safer, more civil shopping experience that can be enjoyed from home, local coffee shop, or any other place with internet. Today’s infographic offers some interesting stories and information about Cyber Monday and Black Friday. Good luck to all you brave shoppers out there, get those deals and stay strong! [via]

reprinted in parts from dailyinfographic.com

Make sure all your purchases are covered properly, give us a call for a free review of your renters or homeowner policy or for a free quote.

Have you ever been victim to a frivolous lawsuit?

Did you know that included in many insurance policies is liability coverage.  There are many different types of policies and liability coverage.  Your homeowner or renters policy usually provides personal liability.  This type of liability is very broad and covers "you" anywhere.  Most people think that the liability coverage provided on this type of policy only protects you if someone gets hurt on the property.  Actually, it is much broader than that.   This is the type of liability coverage I am going to focus on today.  Here is some more specific information, in hopefully easy to understand language:

Personal Liability:  Found on  your homeowners or renters policy.  You must read your specific policy language for specifics of what is covered or not covered.  Who is covered is also defined in your policy language.  However, in most cases "YOU" are a named insured and any resident relatives.  Also, in most cases the policy language states that they will pay all sums up to the amount shown on the declaration page which anyone we protect becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of a personal injury or property damage resulting from an occurrence during the policy period.  

A good example is if you are in the supermarket and you accidentally hit someone or perhaps their vehicle with your shopping cart.  If you are sued, your insurance company will hire and attorney, investigate, and if necessary go to court and pay any claims up to the limit on your policy.

If your son or daughter, who lives with you, is playing in the yard and accidentally knocks a ball through a window - a neighbors house or car, again you will be protected.

Here is the most important thing I want you to know about this coverage and the least known:

Personal liability coverage is the LEAST expensive coverage on  your policy. Often times $100,000 worth of coverage is automatically included in your premium. Did you know that usually for $20-$30 approximately more a year you can make that $1,000,000.  

Please contact us if you would like a free review of your current home or renters policy, even if you are with another agent or if you would like to increase your coverage.

You can also contact us on the web and get a free homeowner quote or visit us at one of our three locations.

Automobile Insurance—Top five questions

What auto coverage do I need? 

New York Law requires all vehicles to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance in the amount of $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more persons (Uninsured motorists protection subject to the same minimums), $10,000 for damage to property of others, and $50,000 for Personal Injury Protection (PIP), also known as No-fault. This minimum coverage are applicable to any one accident. However, depending on your individual situation, it is advisable that you consider increasing the amounts of your liability coverage depending on your needs and the assets you would like to protect.

What optional coverage should I consider purchasing?  

You may consider purchasing Comprehensive and Collision coverage to protect against theft or damage to your vehicle. Insurers also offer other valuable coverage to protect you and your family, such as Additional PIP and Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists (SUM). It is recommended that you review the Insurance Department’s Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance, located in the Automobile Insurance Resource Center, for more general information about auto insurance. You may also consult with the producer or insurer to help determine the types of coverage that are ideal for you.

Does my policy protect me for liability against a lawsuit from an injured spouse?  

The standard auto policy does not automatically provide coverage for an insured against liability due to death of or injuries to a spouse. However, an insured may purchase Supplemental Spousal Liability, which does provide coverage for an insured against liability due to death of or injuries to a spouse.

What effect does my credit history have on my insurance?  

Many insurers consider consumer credit information as part of their underwriting process and, for those that do, your credit history may have an affect on the premium charged. However, insurers are prohibited from rejecting an application for insurance solely on the basis of credit information and from using credit in any way to terminate a policy or increase the premium on a renewal policy. Insurers are required to disclose the use of credit information to their policyholders.

What discounts are available?  

While all insurers are required to offer certain mandatory discounts (such as for vehicles equipped with air bags, anti-lock brakes or daytime running lights, or for taking a DMV approved Accident Prevention Course), many insurers have a wide range of other discounts that may also be applicable to you. Ask the insurer or producer about the discounts offered by the insurer to see if you qualify or could qualify for any of the available discounts.

 For more visit us on the web or contact us at one of our three locations.  You can also visit the insurance department online.

What May or May Not be Covered on a Standard Homeowner Policy

Did you know that the following may not be covered on a standard homeowner policy?

All insurance policies are limited as to the coverage that they provide, if they did not we would all be paying much higher premiums.  Among the things that are not covered, we have identified some coverage options you may want to add to your standard homeowner policy.  

• Sump Pump Failure, sewer and drain backup
  
• Any at home business including daycare
  
• Any collections, jewelry, guns, furs, silverware, antiques, money, & cold all have very limited coverage
  
• Earthquake coverage
  
• Sinkhole collapse
  
• Watercraft Coverage including their trailers
  
• Trailers and campers
  
• Ordinance or law - if at the time of a loss a building code requires you to rebuild to comply with the ordinance - this coverage provides the extra expense to do this.
  
• Trees, Shrubs, Plants & Lawns

To find out more information or to find out if your policy covers any or all of the above please feel free to visit us on the web or contact us at one of our three locations.  

We also offer FREE insurance reviews even if you are not our customer. Contact us and we will go over your current policy and point out any coverage gaps.

Cell Phone Safety - Driving Home the Importance

These days, it’s hard to find someone who does not have a cell phone.  Cell phones can be invaluable for those business professionals who spend a lot of time out of the office, or for anyone who wants the added peace of mind knowing they can call for help in an emergency.

Are there laws limiting the use of cell phones while driving?

New York state prohibits the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway. Violators charged for using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle can face a fine of up to $100. Hands-free cell phones, however, are permitted.

In 2013, several changes have been made to the law.  Now you can face up to 5 driving points. If you are a probationary or junior driver you could be looking at a suspension for 60 days and if it happens a second time revocation.  The maximum fines have been increased to $150 for 1st offense,$200 for 2nd offense, and third $400 and lets not forget the surcharge...$93.

Familiarize yourself with your phone

Be sure you review all the literature that comes with your phone.  Understand how to use its many features—including speed dial, re-dial and hands-free options.

Many manuals are available for free online.

Be aware of your surroundings and road conditions

If you find yourself in hazardous driving conditions-whether traffic-or weather-related—let your voice mail system pick up the call.  A few minutes of paying attention, and pulling over in a safe location, could make a huge difference in your safety and the safety of those around you..

Are there laws limiting the use of portable electronic devices used for text messaging or transmitting electronic data while driving?

Effective Nov. 1, 2009, New York state prohibits the use of electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway.

Portable electronic devices include hand-held cell phones, but also include PDAs, laptop computers, pagers, broadband personal communication devices and electronic games.  Violators charged for using an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle can face a fine of up to $150.

Stay calm on the phone and on the road

Don’t use driving time to engage in stressful or emotional conversations.  They can distract you from driving safely and sensibly, even if you are using a hands-free phone.

Cell phones can be an invaluable business tool or your lifeline in a real emergency.  But, remember, when you’re behind the wheel, your most important responsibility is safe driving.

There are new penalties that just went into effect for commercial drivers effective October 28, 2013 - click here for our free report : FREE REPORT FOR MOTOR CARRIERS & COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVERS

For more information visit us on the web at www.tiains.com or contact us at one of our three locations.

Reprinted in parts with permission from PIA Management Services Inc.

Prevent Water Damage Caused By Winter Ice Dams

What is an Ice Dam?

In the winter a warm attic can melt snow on the roof causing water to run down and re-freeze at the edge of the roof where its colder.  If ice builds up it becomes an ‘ice dam’ that blocks water from draining, so the water is forced under the roof covering and into the attic or down inside the walls causing water damage.

How to prevent Ice Dams?

The best way to prevent ice dams is to maintain a cold roof.  Use sufficient insulation in the attic to keep the inside warm air from getting into the attic and warming the roof.  Also, maintain a cool, well –ventilated attic space that will not allow the roof to warm up.

Is there coverage ? 

To obtain coverage for this kind of leakage, not directly the result of damage to the roof by wind or the weight of snow, you would need an all-risks-not-excluded type of policy.  It is often referred to as an HO-3 or special form.

What to do if you get an ice dam?

First, take immediate steps to prevent further damage and contact our agency.  We will verify your coverage and give you instructions for preparing your claim.
Generally, you’ll be asked for repair estimates for structural damage and a list of items that will need repair or replacement.  Depending on the amount of damage, an appraiser from your insurance company may need to see the damage.  As with any insurance claim, keep all receipts.
Using a long handled snow puller, pull the snow from the roof, back just a few feet from the edge of the eaves before ice has a chance to form.  By simply removing the snow along the edge of the roof, you will give melting water a chance to drain from the eaves and prevent the formation of ice dams that  may damage your roof.
DO NOT GET ON THE ROOF TO REMOVE SNOW BUILDUP.  This is dangerous and you could easily damage the roofing material, resulting in leaks when it rains.

Please contact us, on the web or at one of our three locations, if you would like to know if you have this coverage on your existing homeowner policy - even if you are not a current customer we are happy to provide FREE insurance reviews.

This information is reliable and accurate, but we can not guarantee prevention or that the corrective measures will alleviate damages.  Always consult an experienced contractor or other expert to determine the best preventative and corrective action.

How Safe Is Your Heating?

The right way to use alternative heating sources when fending off old man winter….

The best defense may be maintenance of your home’s heating system. But, if you decide to give alternative heating a try, make safety a top priority.  The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) suggests: 

• Look for products tested by Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
• Buy models with automatic shut-off features and heat element guards
• Maintain a 36-inch clearance between the heater and combustible materials, such as bedding, furniture, wall coverings or other flammable items. 
• Do not leave a heater unattended.
• Check every electrical cord for fraying and cracking.  If one looks worn, replace it before using.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in several parts of the house.
• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least twice a year and make sure to test them as well.

Other safety suggestions:

•  Never use a kerosene heater indoors.
• Never use electric or gas stoves (ovens) to heat the home.  They are not intended for that purpose and can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If using a wood fireplace, have inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep 
• When using a gas fireplace, keep the glowing embers and logs clean; inspect and clean the air circulation passages and fan; avoid obstructing the vents.

Visit us online at www.tiains.com or contact us at one of our three locations for more information.

What's Your Insurance IQ?

Think you know all you need to know about Insurance?  According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) the majority of Americans believe they are smart about insurance, but a deeper look at the issue tells a different story.  How insurance savvy are you?

Test your knowledge with these questions :

1. Auto rates are the same in every state.

A. True                 B.   False

2. What factors can affect your auto insurance?

A. Your age and marital status

B. Where you live and how you use your vehicle

C. Your accident history and safety features on your car

D. Your credit based insurance score

E. All of the above can affect your policy, depending on the type of coverage and the state in which you live

3. If you have personal auto insurance, will it always cover a rental car?

A. Yes B.  No

4. If you let a friend drive your car and he or she is at fault in an accident, does your personal auto policy cover damage to the other vehicle?

A. Yes, coverage typically extends to the permitted user of the car.

B. No, my friends insurance covers it.

5. What kind of insurance provides coverage if a person is injured in an accident and decides to file a lawsuit?

A. Liability coverage associated with auto and homeowners insurance

B. An Umbrella Policy

C. A personal Catastrophe Liability Policy

D. All of the above

6. What type of life insurance is less expensive, but only lasts a particular length of time?

A. Term life B.   Whole Life

C.    Universal life D.  All of the above

7. In general,, how much life insurance should I have?

A. Half your annual salary B. Two times your annual salary

B. 5-7 times your annual salary D.  10 times your annual salary

8. If you operate a small business out of your home, will your homeowners policy automatically cover any damage to your equipment (computer, supplies, etc.) and any liability exposure associated with the business?

A. Yes B.     No C.     It may provide limited coverage

9.    A flood has recently left several inches of water in your house.  Does your homeowners insurance cover the damages?

A. Yes B.    No

10. Can your insurance help if someone has stolen your identity of your credit card?

A. Yes B.  No C.   Maybe

Answers:  1-b, 2-e, 3-b,4-a,5-d,6-a,7-c,8-c,9-b,10-c  

Want to know more visit us on the web or contact us at one of our three locations.

Strange Claims

Anything can happen to anyone at anytime and here’s proof.  Here are what we think the top 5 strangest claims:

1.)    A property owner in Spain, rented his home to vacationers.  In this particular case it was a group of young people in their 20’s for two weeks.  When he returned to the property he found sand and water emulating the sea inside his home.  The young people gave the explanation that the beach “hadn’t lived up to their expectations”.  If this had been in NY and insured on a landlord policy, this most likely would have been an excluded claim.  When you rent your property to others it is considered the cost of doing business in most cases and would not be covered.  Our advice, screen your tenants and collect a security deposit.  This along with strange holiday home claims can be found here: http://www.yourmoney.com/your-money/news/2270071/top-ten-weirdest-holiday-home-insurance-claims

2.)    A man was driving around in his pickup truck and had his shotgun riding, well, shotgun. Arriving at his destination, the man grabbed his gun and hopped out of the cab. Unfortunately, he lost his grip and the gun discharged. The man wasn't sure if he'd fired the gun while grabbing for it or if it went off by itself as it hit the ground.  The gun was loaded (with buckshot - which spreads into lots of little bb type bullets) and luckily, the man was uninjured, the truck's interior wasn't as fortunate. The entire cab of the truck suffered extensive damage. In order for an event such as this to be covered you need comprehensive coverage (also called OTC, or Other Than Collision). This and several other Weird Auto Insurance Claims can be found here: http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/auto-insurance/5-weird-auto-insurance-claims.htm#page=4]

3.)    This one is really hard to understand how anyone would actually submit a claim for this, but in the UK a man was using the flashlight function on his cell phone while assisting his cow during calving.  Yup, you guessed it, the phone somehow disappeared!  It did however eventually turn up later but was damaged beyond repair.  I heard the mobile phone insurance company paid in full for this claim.  You may want to confirm whether the misplacing of your phone is a covered peril.  Read about this and more mobile insurance claims here:  http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/10/25/top-10-bizarre-mobile-phone-insurance-claims-revealed_n_2015370.html

4.)    I have read that this next one is a really common complaint.  A woman was traveling and relaxing under a coconut tree when a coconut fell and hit her on the head and she needed to go to the hospital for treatment of the injury.  This actually ended up being very costly. There were CAT scans, blood work, monitoring etc. Luckily for her the insurance company paid the hospital fees but no out of pocket expenses.  Read this and more weird travel insurance claims here:     http://worldtravelbuzz.com/top-10-strangest-travel-insurance-claims/

5.)    Crime doesn’t pay … A customer tried to sue a Virginia Cracker Barrel Restaurant for $500,000 settlement after ‘discovering’ a mouse in her soup.  The chain and its insurance carriers investigated the claim and found the mouse could not have been droned & cooked in the soup because it had no soup in its lungs.  The court case actually went to trial and the jury believed the only way the mouse could have gotten there was if the person deliberately put it there!  The woman was arrested for fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion and was sentenced to a year in prison. Read this and more at: http://listverse.com/2013/01/06/top-10-bizarre-insurance-claims/

If you want to know if your insurance would cover any of these particular instances please give us a call to discuss or check us out on the web www.tiains.com.

Fire Prevention Week 2013

This is national fire prevention week.  There was actually a presidential proclamation declaring this week in 2013.

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires with heating related fires close behind.  Here are some tips to help prevent and put out fires:

1) Make sure you have a smoke detector in every room of your home, but not in the kitchen
2) Unplug appliances when not in use
3) Don't use metal in the microwave, beware dinnerware sometimes has metal paint on the trim
4) Keep your stove & oven clean and in good repair
5) Be extra careful when cooking with oil or grease - be sure you don't over heat or over fill
     NEVER pour water on a grease fire, use sand, baking soda or a fire extinguisher.
6) Be sure all flammables are kept away from the stove & oven - like pot holders, dish & paper towels
7) Around the holiday, if you have a real tree, water daily and keep several feet from heaters.
8) Be sure your chimney was cleaned before the start of the heating season
9) Have your existing furnace inspected and maintained by a professional regularly

Follow this CHAIN:

CALL 911 for help
HAVE a fire plan in place - arrange meeting place away from the home - and have fire drills
ASK your local fire department for window stickers to alert there are children or elderly in the home
INSPECT your portable fire extinguisher & keep in an easily accessible spot - Every home should have one.
NFPA the National Fire Protection Association has many more tips visit them & make a plan.

We also have more information direct from many of the fire insurance companies we work with.  They want to help you prevent fires.  Visit us on the web at http://www.tiains.com , stop in to one of our three locations or give us a call for more info or to get a free quote for fire insurance.

Disaster Preparedness

I recently came across the reality show Doomsday Preppers on the National Geographic Channel.  I have to admit I was hooked well for a hour or so.   Some people take this to the extreme - or so it seems anyway. However, It made me stop and think.  I thought about what I would have or do if I suddenly had no power for more than a few hours.  I would have no water, no can opener, no stove, no microwave. I have a family and just to be safe I started taking a few simple precautions.  Not building an underground shelter but setting a side a few simple supplies in case my family and I should need them.

Travelers Insurance has a wealth of helpful information on their website and anyone with an internet connection can access it.  There are several other sites available...some perhaps not so reputable.  I would stick to Insurance companies, and government sites like the CDC  and of course the Department of Homeland Security  and lastly FEMA .

If you don't want to read up, here are a few simple things you can do:

1) Get a couple of gallon jugs of spring water at your next trip to the store.  They are usually less than $1 each.  They suggest a gallon of water per person per day.  

2) Stock up on extra can goods (already cooked) like beans, soup, raviolis, fruit, etc.  The best way is to purchase them with the pull tab tops.

3) Non-electric can opener

4) Portable battery operated radio

5) Batteries

6) Blanket (ideally one for every person in the household)

7) Matches in a zip lock bag

8) First aid kit

9) Flashlight (rechargeable that do not need batteries is best)

10) Dust masks, these are really inexpensive and can be purchased at even the dollar store

11) Baby wipes, garbage bags and twist ties

12) Infant formula, diapers, baby food

13) Prescription medications, vitamins, and glasses

14) Some basic tools, wrench or pliers, screwdriver, hammer, utility knife

Of course there are lots of variations on this and you can find them by checking out the links I provided.

I gathered as much as I could and threw it in a backpack.  Hopefully I will never need to use this in my lifetime, but I am prepared at least for a couple days.

If you have questions or need more information go to www.tiains.com or stop into one of our three locations. We would be happy to print you out a checklist to help you be prepared.

Flood Insurance

We have received an extensive amount of rain which caused flash floods in several areas in our community.  Fortunately, FEMA stepped in and gave some of the local area homeowners some monetary assistance.  Unfortunately however, in most cases it was not enough to replace some irreplaceable items or to purchase another property. 

Homeowner policies cover some important perils, like fire, wind, vandalism, and many more perils are available depending on the level of coverage selected. There is also a coverage called water backup that is sometimes available, usually by endorsement.  This may have given some limited coverage for sump pump failure or backup of sewers.  Flood is ALWAYS excluded on a homeowner policy. 

In order for the peril of flood to be covered you need a flood insurance policy.  Flood insurance policies are not just available for homeowners.  You can rent or own a mobile home and still purchase a flood policy.  Flood policies can cover the building or contents or both.  Replacement cost policies are available. 

Often times when people think flood insurance, they think “expensive”.  That is not always the case.  It all depends on where you live.  If you live in an area that is prone to floods or your home is built below the base flood elevation (BFE), yes it is probably going to cost more than a couple hundred dollars.  With that said, many homes in our area were affected by the flood and are still in a preferred flood zone and a policy may be very affordable.

Flood insurance quotes are free.  Why not ask your agent for a flood quote and then you can make an educated decision as to whether or not you want to spend money on this additional policy?  When I quote a policy for someone, I give them a copy of the property profile report from the tax assessor’s database, a report on the Flood Zone determination and a copy of the quote.   It is especially important if you are thinking of purchasing a property to get a flood quote before you purchase. 

Much more information on what to do before, during and after a flood is available online by going to: http://www.fema.gov/

You can also obtain a free flood insurance quote along with all the reports I mentioned above by going to http://www.tiains.com or contact us at any one of our three locations.