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!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
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.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
A No Key New Years Eve!
This weekend, millions of people will ring in the New Year with friends, family, and loved ones. However, amidst all the festivities, toasts, and celebrating, safety can quickly take a backseat to a good time – especially when alcohol is added to the mix.
Due to an increase in drunk driving, New Years Eve is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which reports that 10,839 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2009.
Whether you’re planning to stand in Times Square to see the ball drop or you’re celebrating by throwing a party for friends, your insurance agent want to ensure you usher in 2012 safely. Don’t let your New Year’s celebration turn tragic, follow these safety tips to ring in the New Year responsibly.
1. Leave your keys at home. If you’re planning to raise a glass and toast the New Year, do not drink and drive. Choose a designated driver (many states also offer DD services), take public transportation, walk, or call a taxi. Whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. When you get behind the wheel intoxicated, you’re not only endangering yourself and your passengers, you’re putting others on the road in danger.
2. Be a responsible host. If you’re throwing a New Year’s Eve party, select a designated driver and call a local cab company to provide rides for your guests. You should also stop serving alcohol to guests a couple hours before the party ends, so that guest can sober up. If your party includes underage guests, consider using two different types of cups or different colors in order to distinguish alcoholic beverages from non-alcoholic. If someone underage is caught drinking at your party, as the host you are responsible and could face charges. (You can also read more about social host liability here.)
3. Don’t walk alone. If you choose to walk home from a New Year’s celebration, take a friend with you. Walking alone makes you a target for robbers and other attackers. You should also avoid areas that aren’t well lit or places with little or no foot traffic.
4. Be discrete. If you’re not going to be home on New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day, make sure your home is secure by locking all doors and windows, turning on automatic light timers, and arming your security. You also shouldn’t advertise your absence by posting notifications about your departure on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites.
5. Watch your drink. Never leave your glass or cup unattended. Putting down a drink – even for a minute – gives partygoers with ill intentions a chance to slip something in it. If you need to go to the restroom or step outside, hand your drink to a trusted friend.
Source: http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/no-keys-new-years-eve.aspx
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Party Host Liability Tips
In the midst of the festive and hectic holiday atmosphere, it is easy to forget the serious responsibility involved with hosting a party at your home or business. In many states, individuals and employers hosting holiday parties can be held liable in cases where a guest or third party is injured in an accident related to alcohol consumption at your event. Hosts have been held responsible for medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost time from work, and even wrongful death. Agents recommend that those planning to host holiday parties this year review their homeowners, renter’s or comprehensive general liability (CGL) insurance policy and ensure they have adequate liability coverage if sued and found liable for the actions of a guest who drank at their home or business. While all holiday partygoers and hosts alike should be responsible and know their limits, consumers need to acknowledge that most risks cannot be eliminated entirely. But planning ahead and learning about what’s involved in hosting a reception is the best defense.
Liability Coverage Tips:
• If hosting a holiday party, individuals should look to the liability portion of their homeowners or renters insurance policy to provide them protection if they are sued and found liable for an accident involving a guest who drank at their home.
• Employers need to make sure that their comprehensive general liability (CGL) policy provides them coverage for third-party liquor liability policy before hosting that holiday office party.
• Charging employees for alcoholic beverages in the home or office may not always be the best solution for business parties. It is important for businesses to remember that once they charge a fee for alcohol, they have technically entered the alcohol sales business, even if only for one night. That carries with it requirements for a liquor license and an array of special liability protection needs. It by no means lets these employers off the hook.”
• Purchasing a personal “umbrella” liability policy—that can provide $1 million or more in additional coverage over the limit offered by a standard homeowners or renters policy—may be a prudent move for the frequent party host. This type of coverage can cost as little as $125 a year.
Party Host Safety Tips:
• Limit guest list to those you know.
• Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
• Schedule activities or entertainment not involving alcohol. If the party centers around drinking, it is likely that guests will drink more.
• Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive home.
• Stop serving alcohol well before the time the party is to end.
• Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
• Review your insurance policy with your insurance agent before the event to ensure proper liability coverage.
• Stay alert yourself, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Winter Pool Maintenance!
One of our readers (In & Out Plumbing) wanted us to do a blog entry on pool maintenance in the winter. This is what we found:
A swimming pool should not be closed until the outside air maintains a temperature of 65 degrees or less. The colder temperatures will help to prevent any algae growth in your swimming pool water underneath the Winter pool cover. If you live in an area of the country where the outside air temperature does not stay below 65 degrees, or if you do not put a winter pool cover on your swimming pool, you should continue to run your filtration system and sanitize the swimming pool. This will prevent algae growth or other water problems and staining while the pool is not in use.
A swimming pool should be clean and free of debris before the pool closing process is started, and the pool filter should be backwashed or thoroughly cleaned following the pool filter manufacturer ’s instructions.
The pool chemical levels should be balanced using the following guidelines:
- Free Chlorine: 1-3 ppm.
- Combined Chlorine: 0 ppm
- pH: 7.2 - 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200 - 350 ppm
To chemically treat the swimming pool for the winter you should shock the pool water using a chlorine-free pool shock. A non-chlorine pool shock is suggested because this chemical will oxidize all organic contamination in the pool water to prevent algae from growing, without raising the chlorine level. A chlorine based pool shock will drastically raise the chlorine level of the swimming pool, and the resulting gasses which escape from the pool water surface will collect underneath the swimming pool cover. This may damage the underside of the winter pool cover, and damage the vinyl pool liner (if there is a pool liner) exposed above the waterline. The inert ingredients in most chlorine pool shock may also lead to stains or scaling, if added to the swimming pool immediately before the filtration system is shut down and a pool cover is installed. After chlorine-free pool shock has been circulated for 8 hours, a copper-free algaecide or algae prevention chemical should be added to further prevent any algae growth. Click here to shop for quality pool winterizing chemicals at competitive prices.
Disconnect swimming pool equipment if necessary, and drain all water from the equipment following the manufacturer's instructions. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures you should bring as much of the pool filter equipment indoors as possible. If pool equipment will be left outdoors it should be covered to protect it from harsh weather or damage from ice and rodents.
Drain the pool water 6-8 inches below the lowest fitting inside the swimming pool. To prevent ice damage to the pool plumbing, in-ground pool owners in an area with freezing temperatures need to blow all of the water out of the pool plumbing and put a non-toxic pool anti-freeze into the pool plumbing. If you have not ever closed your inground pool yourself, it is strongly suggested that you pay a local professional to close your swimming pool this year. Pay close attention to what he/she does (in particular the process of blowing the water out of the pool plumbing), and ask questions and take notes if necessary.
Use a guard or plug in the skimmer(s) and return line fitting(s) inside the swimming pool to prevent water from entering the plumbing if the water level inside the pool should rise. You can then install your winter pool cover, following the manufacturer's instructions. Unless you own a safety pool cover, your swimming pool cover should not be pulled taught over the surface of the pool water. A safety pool cover (typically found on an inground pool) has straps extending from the edge of the cover all the way around, and these straps attach to anchors sunk into the concrete or decking around the pool. These sturdy anchors allow a pool safety cover to be pulled taught over the surface of the swimming pool, and support the weight of a person should anyone happen to fall onto the cover during the winter.
A standard "tarp like" winter pool cover should be installed so that it lays on the surface of the water inside the pool. A standard winter pool cover should run nearly straight up the walls of the swimming pool to overlap up onto the decking around an inground pool, or overlap over the top rail of an above ground pool to be secured on the outside of the above ground pool. This prevents the winter pool cover from being pulled into the pool by the weight of water, snow and ice that will inevitably collect on top of the pool cover.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tips for having a safe live Christmas Tree in your home
Having a live Christmas tree in your home during the holidays can greatly enhance your holiday atmosphere with the smells of pine and the natural beauty of a freshly cut tree. However, it is important to take steps to ensure that your tree stays fresh and fire safe while it is in your home. A fresh and well maintained Christmas tree will not only look good longer, but it will be less of a fire risk.
According to the National Fire Protection Association*:
- Between 2003-2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 250 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in direct property damage annually.
- Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they occur, they are likely to be serious. On average, one of every 18 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death.
The following tips are some great ways to keep your tree looking good and your home safe during the holidays.
Plan ahead- Buy your Christmas tree a day or two before you plan on bringing it in your home. Place your Christmas tree outside in a bucket filled with water for 1-2 days. This will allow the tree to naturally open up which ensures that when the tree is put inside; it's branches won't end up opening up coming close to candles, electrical outlets, or fireplaces. Plus allowing the tree time to open up will help the tree look great as it will become fuller and bigger as it opens up. Be sure to cut off all netting and ropes right away when you get home.
Keep hydrated- A healthy Christmas tree is one that is properly hydrated and kept moist throughout the holiday season. You should always make sure that the tree has plenty of water in the base at all times. In addition to keeping water available for the tree to absorb, many people fill spray bottles with water to keep the tree from drying out. You should spray your tree with room temperature water at least once a day but only when the Christmas lights are off and unplugged. Spraying your tree daily will reduce the dryness, prevent excessive amounts of needles from falling off, and make the tree more resistant against fire and flames. Some people, who have humidifiers, keep them on in the room that the tree is in to keep the air from becoming dry around the tree.
Don't overload- Many fires involving Christmas trees involve electrical fires. Always follow the instructions on the lights and never connect more sets then recommended to the tree. Use a power strip if you need to connect multiple sets of lights so you don't connect too many sets to each other. Always unplug the lights completely from the wall socket when you are going out or going to sleep. Don't put your Christmas tree lights on a timer as you may end up not being around at times when it is set to be on.
Keep away from open flames- Never light candles near your Christmas tree and keep your tree away from fireplaces, stoves, and other sources of open flames. As pretty as the old fashioned lit candle holders might look on a Christmas tree; they are extremely dangerous and should not be used on your holiday tree. Instead consider the safe flame candles that only look like the real thing. In addition to avoiding open flames, keep your tree in a cool room that isn't too brightly lit. This will keep moisture on the tree from your water spraying and minimize drying out.
Keep pets and children away- A toppled Christmas tree or chewed electrical wires are major cause of holiday related fires. Keep wires out of reach and be mindful of low hanging wires and ornaments on your tree. Dogs and cats alike may try to play with or chew on wires which could lead to electrical fires and harm to both tree and pet. Children should be told to look but don't touch as Christmas trees are often filled with shiny and colorful lights and decorations; tempting small children to touch and play near the Christmas tree.
A live Christmas tree on Christmas morning with presents all around underneath and sparkling lights is a beautiful thing and a tradition for many families. Follow the above tips to keep your tree fresh, looking good, and of course safe.
*NFPA's "Home Christmas Tree and Holiday Light Fires" by John R. Hall, Jr. and Marty Aherns, October 2009
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Christmas Tale for all of my Insurance Friends!
Twas the night before Christmas (12:01 a.m. 12/25) and all through the house (single family, joisted masonry, e.c.3, terr. 44, pc5), not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (thorough pride of ownership and excellent maintenance).
The (flame-retardant) stockings were hung by the (contractor-installed) chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there (in spite of deadbolt locks and central station alarm system).
The children (ages 4, 8, 14, & 16) were all nestled snug in their beds (check MVR on 16-year-old) while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads (check for drug use).
Ma in her kerchief (scheduled heirloom) and I in my cap (no slave to fashion) had just settled down for a long winter’s nap. (Check employment, is insured sleeping all day?)
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter (check into condition of premises, housekeeping, etc.), I jumped out of bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, threw back the curtains and tore open the sash (intentional destructive act, no coverage; also, appears insured only wearing a cap in front of uncovered window).
When what to my wondrous eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. (check if sleigh is rated business use and corporate owned.) With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. (Notify life underwriting, order medical on 600-year-old driver).
More rapid than eagles (check MVR for speeding violations) his coursers they came and he whistled and shouted and called them by name (possible aggressive driver).
Now Dasher (turbo equipped?), now Dancer (classic?), now Prancer (check occupation), now Vixen (definitely check occupation), on Comet (possible muscle deer), on Cupid (check credit score), on Donner (4×4) and Blitzen (possible drinking problem?).
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall (check for structural damage; also look into height exposures), now dash away, dash away, dash away all (old man climbing walls either in great shape or overly medicated).
So up to the housetop his coursers they flew, with a sleigh full of toys and Saint Nicholas, too. (Check for possible retail delivery classification of autos). And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. (Check for shingle damage; also classification of operations—roofing is a prohibited class).
As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney he came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur (scheduled items) from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. (Part-time job as firefighter?)
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back. (Check to see if insured has safety committee; check lifting training). His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry, his cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry (order updated medical report, possible drinking and/or drug abuse).
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth (ineligible for nonsmoker discount) and the smoke encircled his head like a wreath (check batteries in smoke detectors to make sure operational).
He was chubby and plump a right jolly elf (overweight for height) and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a nod of his head soon gave me reason I had nothing to dread (Stranger enters past alarm and insured not worried? Sounds suspicious.)
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stocking, then turned with a jerk (review workplace for ergonomic compliance).
And laying his finger aside of his nose (obscene gesture?), and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. (Check operations, chimney sweeps are prohibited classification, look into GL PD deductible.)
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle (not likely with fat man and sleigh full of toys. Check GVW for proper classification, light/service/local seems unlikely).
And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” (Check hours of operation; 24-hour service operations prohibited. Also check into seasonal nature of business.)
NOTE: ORDER NEW LOSS CONTROL REPORT. DIARY FOR 07/01/06 TO DISCUSS WITH AGENT.
(And you don't think we have our own lingo?) HAHA
Source: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2005/12/23/63402.htm
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