10 Reasons Sump Pumps Fail!

 

1. Float switch is broken or stuck

2. Too much water is overwhelming the pump

3. Clogged sump pump intake screen

4. Sump pump is air locked (on but not working)

5. Sump pump is jammed by mud or stone

6. Power outage

7. Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse

8. Sump pump is burned out

9. Broken pump impeller or drive shaft

10. Clogged or frozen sump pump discharge

Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

 

Our last post on tips for water damage! It's been a good run guys!

 

Basements:

Make sure that basement windows and doors have built-up barriers or flood shields.

 

Irrigation:

Inspect and adjust the spray pattern of the irrigation heads to minimize the water sprayed directly onto the house to avoid excessive water near the foundation.

 

Roof:

To prolong roof life, have a professional roof inspection annually. Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering, parapets and drainage system.

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

 

Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage due to humidity:

 

• The relative humidity in your home should be between 30% & 50%
• Condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings, and musty smells are signs that you have have too much humidity in your home.
• Be sure to use bathroom exhaust fans following warm showers or baths.
• When going on trips, turn the temperature up on the air conditioning, not off. The air conditioning system helps remove moisture from your home.

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

 

 

Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from windows & doors:

 

• Check for leaks around your windows and doors, especially near corners.
• Check for peeling paint as it can be a sign of water getting into the wood.
• Inspect for discolorations in paint or caulking, swelling of the window or doorframe or surrounding materials. 

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from your washing machine:

 

• Turn supply valves off while the home is unoccupied or washing machine is not in use.
• Leave a 3 to 4 inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose near the valve connection.
• Check the hoses for cracks, kinks or blisters, which are most commonly found near the hose connection every six months.
• Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every five years and installing reinforced braided stainless steel hoses.

 

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from refrigerators/icemakers:

 

• Inspect the hose every six months. Ensure the valve connection is secure and check for kinks. If kinks are present, replace the hose.
• Leave a 3 to 4 inch space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping.
• Locate the water shut-off valve. Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off & replace the valve as needed. 

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

No bonfires on top of the car!

Reducing your risk - Shower Stall

 

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from shower stalls:

 

• Inspect tile and grout every six months, paying attention to loose or cracked tiles and cracked or crumbling grout lines. Repair as needed.

 

• Test the shower pan annually by: 

1. Blocking the floor drain.
2. Filling the shower stall with approximately one inch of water.
3. Using a pencil to mark the water line.
4. Leaving the water standing in the shower pan for eight hours.
5. If the water level decreases, contact a plumbing professional.

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

Pirate Ship Win!

I want one!

Memorial Day Weekend

 

As Memorial Day, and the warm weather approaches, take a few moments to make sure your auto and home policies are up-to-date.  For instance, tons of accidents happen when the highways are jammed with vacationers.  Be sure that you are carrying enough liability insurance (or buy an “umbrella” policy) to cover you in the event you are involved in a serious accident.  Also be sure you have rental reimbursement and towing coverage.  

As for your homeowners policy, check with us if you are planning to remodel, build an addition, install a swimming pool, buy a boat, etc.  We’ll help you to determine if your current protection serves your needs. Contact us now by clicking this link today!

Reducing your risk - Toilets

 

Some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from toilets

 

• Inspect the flushing mechanism inside the toilet every six months
• Ensure the connection to the valve is secure
• Replace the flapper or fill valve assembly if you notice the intermittent or constant tank refilling when the toilet isn't in use

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

 

Landscape Ready: Utility Marking, Underground Septic & Sewer Back-Up

"Remember the “Beverly Hillbillies?” With apologies to Jed, Grannie and the clan, consider the following variation:   “Come and listen to a story about a lady named McGee A simple suburban homester just wanting a new tree But when our green thumber plunged that shovel in the ground Up from the depths come a-bubblin’ brown…. …Sewage, that is. Smelly sludge, septic tank tea.”   And if you’ll forgive the mixed metaphors, a smelly yard may be just the tip of the iceberg when you dig before being sure exactly where your local underground utilities are located. Negligent homeowners may face a myriad of exposures to loss beyond the possible damages to their own property or house plumbing: Severe injury if that shovel hits an electrified line. (Hit a natural gas line and they may never find you again.) Fines from local regulators. Liability for repair expenses to utility companies. Liability to neighbors for cutting power, water, phone, cable or sewage lines. Even if there is no immediate visible damage, your shovel may damage the protective coating of a gas line, for example, starting a gradual leakage or deterioration that is a ticking time bomb.   Yet according to a recent national survey conducted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), only 33% of homeowner do-it-yourselfers called to have their lines marked before starting digging projects. (CGA is a coalition of 1,400 excavators, locators, and road builders; telecommunications, electric, oil and gas providers; railroads; one-call centers, public works, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, state regulators, insurance firms, engineering/design firms, and emergency services.)     Too Shallow? Careful!   And speaking of time bombs, even if you’re thinking like many of those non-callers that your planting is too shallow or located sufficiently to the side to impact deeply buried utilities, consider future growth: Could those spreading tree roots eventually make their way into nearby sewer lines, causing anything from nuisance blockages to major and expensive damage and backups? The answer, thanks to the FCC and the CGA, is as simple as three numbers: 811. There have long been numerous local “Call Before You Dig” numbers furnished by municipalities and utility companies. The FCC mandated a single, national phone number be created in addition to the existing local options to increase convenience, compliance and eliminate confusion, while continuing free and local service.     Nice Colors   The 811 calls are directed to a local center, which then notifies all the affected utilities. They then mark all underground lines—at no cost to you—with easily recognized colored lines or flags: Red, electric. Orange, communications, telephone/CATV. Blue, potable water. Green, sewer/drainage. Yellow, gas or oil. Purple, reclaimed water or irrigation. Maroon, temporary survey. White, pre-marked site of intended excavation. Be sure to call at least 48-72 hours in advance of digging, and be prepared with specific information on your plans. When it comes to digging in your yard, 811 represents the best of risk management—minimizing or eliminating the claim entirely!     Coverage Idea   Even your best-laid plans might not prevent a basement or ground floor bathroom to be suddenly awash in sewage backup. That’s why you should ask your agent about special endorsements to your home insurance to respond to such backups. Be sure to tell your agent the amount of valuable property you have in the basement. While old-time basements often held only old stuff in storage, today's are often the center of family life—“man-caves” to recreation rooms! If your best precautions should fail, add your Trusted Choice® agent to your Call Before You Dig list! Just like those utilities, he or she will gladly mark out the limits of your current coverage as it applies to your plans. (Now, if we insurance experts could just figure out a way to do it—red for property, blue for liability?—with those clever colored lines or flag"     http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/Landscape-Ready.aspx

Good Ole FAILBlog

"There are only two words that come to mind when I see the expression on Stickman’s face: insurance fraud. Medical bills aren’t cheap, you know!" - FAILBlog

 

PS: I just noticed he's got two thumbs up! 

Congratulations Class of 2012!

 

Congratulations Class of 2012: Now It’s Time to Graduate to Your Own Insurance!

"It’s a rite of passage for college students to don cap and gown and march for graduation ceremonies- in fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 1.8 million students will graduate with a bachelor's degree in 2012. As those 1.8 million make the transition from undergraduates to careers, pursuit of advanced degrees or back into mom and dad's basement, it's critical that they understand how walking across that stage may have changed their insurance needs. While every individual’s needs are unique, here are five basic insurance coverages that all college grads should consider, to see if they apply:  Auto insurance A shiny new car, whether owned or leased, holds appeal for newly employed college grads.Auto insurance helps cope with the expenses of accidents, vandalism or theft.  A lender or leasing company that finances the vehicle will require auto insurance. Car accidents can create large liabilities for a driver, so the liability portion of auto coverage helps protect the bank account. Plus, auto insurance covers many legal expenses if a driver is sued. If a graduate who already owns a car is moving, where they keep and register the car, especially from one state to another, can impact coverage. It's important for new graduates to let their insurance agent know about these moves to make sure their current coverage will still apply, or if they'll need a new policy.   Health insurance Under the new federal health care law, children can remain on their parent's health insurance policy until age 26. With unemployment and underemployment high among those in their early twenties, this can provide many recent grads with health insurance until they are able to get it through their employer or an individual policy. Individual policies can be pricey and differ significantly in coverage, so talk with a Trusted Choice® insurance professionalabout what makes the most sense.   Homeowners or renters insurance College grads starting out may not own a home yet, but may rent a residence. To make sure their possessions are protected, homeowners and renters insurance offer comprehensive coverage whether at home or traveling. Liability insurance included in renters and homeowners coverage also helps protects against the risk of being sued. There usually are limitations on renters coverages within a group house—a typical post-graduate arrangement—so it is important to understand the details of a policy.   Life insurance New grads may find a job with an employer that offers group term life insurance coverage. However, those with children may find it worthwhile to buy additional term life insurance or permanent life insurance, which builds cash value over time.   Disability insurance This is a vital but often-overlooked insurance coverage. It provides income when a person is injured or disabled, whether on the job or off. A Trusted Choice® insurance professional can calculate the right amount of coverage to help a person live while recovering.   New college grads may want to lean financially on their parents’ insurance coverages as long as possible (though mom and dad might feel a little differently!). While that makes sense, it’s not always viable. For instance, auto insurance companies will require an owner or lessee of a car to carry their own coverage. There are plenty of insurance policies out there that new grads won’t need, unless there are special circumstances, such as air travel insurance, contact lens insurance or cancer insurance. Typically, it is better to have comprehensive policies like renters or health. Parents of new graduates also should take this time to review their own insurance portfolios, as there may be opportunities to reduce their premiums when child moves out of the home. A Trusted Choice® insurance professional can help new grads and their families navigate these waters, to provide sensible coverage that won’t break the bank."

http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/graduate-to-your-own-insurance.aspx

Water damage - Tips for reducing your risk!

 

This week, a few tips for supply lines and drains:

• Watch for stains on walls or ceilings & a musty smell.
• Pay attention to your water bill. A significant increase could indicate a leak.
• Insulate pipes in attics, basements and exposed exterior pipes to avoid freezing.
• During periods of freezing weather, open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warm air.
• Disconnect garden hoses when freeze warnings are issued.

Next week, tips for toilets!

 

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

Insurance fail to brighten your Monday morning blues!

What am I Riddle?

        

• I am a piece of paper, a drop of ink and a few pennies of a premium
• I am a promise to pay
• I help people see visions, dreams and achieve economic immortality
• I am education for the children
• I am savings
• I am property that increases in value from year to year
• I lend money when you need it most, with no questions asked
• I ensure people the daring to live and the moral right to die
• I create money when non existed before
• I guarantee the continuity of business
• I am a declaration of financial independence and economic freedom
• I am protected by laws that prevent creditors from assessing the money I give to your loved ones
• I bring dignity, peace of mind and security to your family

       

What am I?

 

 

 

The Irish Blessing

 

May those who love us, love us;

And for those who don't love us, 

May God turn their hearts;

And if he doesn't turn their hearts, 

May he turn their ankles,

So we will know them by their limping!

 

Happy St. Patricks Day!

New Year's resolutions that could lower your insurance rates

 

Six resolutions that could lower your insurance rates.

 

1. Lose weight

If you're among the two-thirds of Americans who are overweight or obese, losing weight could qualify you for lower life insurance rates. That's true whether you're applying for a new policy or already have life insurance.

Louis J. Cassara, chairman and CEO of the Financial Resource Network in the Chicago area, says several of his formerly overweight clients who slimmed down through healthy diet and exercise programs were able to get reconsideration of their life insurance rating classes on existing policies. The strategy reduced costs of their permanent life insurance policies, allowing more money to go into cash value, says Cassara, a Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant.

"You can save 5 percent to 15 percent on the cost of insurance by being in good shape," he says.

Not all life insurance companies allow existing policyholders to apply for better rating classes. Ask your life insurance agent for details.

2. Quit smoking

"Smoking dramatically increases the cost of insurance, particularly for term life insurance," Cassara says.

Smoking also raises premiums for permanent life insurance, such as whole and universal life, as well as disability and long-term care insurance.

Most life insurance companies require you to be tobacco-free for at least 12 months to qualify as a nonsmoker, but John Hancock offers a "quit smoking incentive" program for its universal life and variable universal life products.

Cassara says the John Hancock program lets smokers who intend to quit smoking qualify for standard nonsmoker rates for three years. They get to keep the nonsmoker rate permanently if during the three years they show evidence they quit smoking for at least 12 months.

3. Make your home safer

Ask your homeowners insurance company or agent about safety and security discounts.

"It could be something as simple as installing deadbolts on doors or putting in better locks on windows, up to installing a security system with remote monitoring," says Tully Lehman, a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Network of California.

Consider upgrades for fire safety, too, such as replacing an old wood shingle roof with a roof made from fire-safe materials.

4. Improve your credit

Insurance companies in some states can use credit information as a factor in setting car and home insurance premiums. People with good credit get lower rates than those with poor credit histories. To improve your credit, request free copies of your credit reports through annualcreditreport.com and follow instructions to correct any factual errors. Then, catch up on late payments to creditors, pay your bills on time and keep credit card balances under 30 percent of credit limits. Not all states, however, use credit history information when setting rates.

5. Drive less, drive gently - if you can

Insurance companies offer pay-as-you-drive programs in a growing number of states. Examples are Progressive's Snapshot and State Farm's In-Drive. By enrolling in these programs, you agree to have your car's mileage and your driving performance tracked through a telematics device installed in your vehicle.

The device monitors how far you drive and when, how fast you accelerate and turn, and how hard you brake. If you qualify by meeting certain criteria -- not driving during peak hours, not driving more than 12,000 miles in a year and not taking turns too fast or braking too hard -- you can receive a reduction in your car insurance rate.

6. Turn off your cell phone while driving

Ditching your phone while driving may not directly lower car insurance rates, but it may help prevent accidents and traffic tickets, which can increase premiums. Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones and text messaging devices while driving. If adopted by all states, it would be illegal to use a phone while driving, even if you used accessories that allowed you talk on the phone without using your hands.

Currently, the use of mobile devices while driving is governed by state laws with varying degrees of scope. Some states ban all use of handheld cell phones while driving, others prohibit just novice drivers from using cell phones behind the wheel. Meanwhile, some states ban only text messaging while driving. Regardless of what the laws are in your state, safety experts say it's best to stay focused on the road rather than talk on the phone and drive.

"No matter how good you think you are at multi-tasking, having a conversation on a mobile phone while driving distracts you from safely controlling your car," says Dave Melton, a driving safety expert with Liberty Mutual Insurance and managing director of global safety. "Talking on a hands-free device makes absolutely no difference. You are distracted when you talk while driving."

Using a cell phone behind the wheel also teaches kids that it's OK to do so, no matter how often you tell them not to text or talk on the phone while driving.

"And the problem gets worse for teens and novice drivers who are [at] greater risk because they lack driving experience and may not recognize their own level of distraction or appreciate risky driving situations," Melton says.

Source: http://www.insurance.com/life-insurance/coverage/resolutions-lower-insurance-rates.html?WT.qs_osrc=fxb-45854010