Archives for August 2018

Remind your kids to stay safe around the school bus. Watch our video for some important tips.

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During an extended power outage, an emergency generator can keep essentials like your refrigerator and microwave or computer and Wi-Fi router up and running. If your house is prone to frequent outages during summer storms or severe winter weather, an emergency generator may be a smart investment. Whether you choose a permanent standby or a portable model, you’ll want to keep your generator in top shape so it’s ready to go when a power outage strikes. These are some considerations when selecting and maintaining your generator.

Know your options: permanent versus portable

There are two main types of generators: permanent standby generators and portable generators. A permanent standby generator can be an expensive investment but offers consistent power to keep most of your appliances running simultaneously, including a central air conditioner. Standby generators are quieter than portable generators and automatically turn on in the event of a power loss.

Portable generators are a smaller, more affordable option that can power a few electrical devices and are used more for temporary outages. Portable generators run off gasoline and need to be run at least 10 feet from your home to protect against dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, cautions FEMA. This means you’ll need to run long, heavy-duty extension cords from the generator to your appliances. Another option is to have an electrician install a manual transfer switch subpanel off your main circuit panel. In the event of a power outage, the backup generator can directly power the subpanel using a single extension cord.

Once you have selected a generator, basic maintenance will help keep it ready for use at any time: Click to see tips…

Safe driving is more than simply driving the speed limit. It’s about proactively scanning the environment, staying focused on the road and being prepared for unexpected events – which occur every day while driving.

 

See attached PDF with valuable information on distracted driving Every Second Matters

Distracted walking is becoming a major safety concern. In 2017, almost 6,000 pedestrians were killed.

Causes of Distracted Walking
Interestingly, the rise in distracted walking accidents has occurred at the same time the US experienced an increase in smartphone usage. Millennials between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely to engage in common distracted walking behaviors. What might be surprising, though, is that evidence indicates women ages 55 and older are the most likely to suffer serious injuries.

While one may suspect that smartphone use contributes to this trend, it is by no means the only cause of inattentiveness while walking.  Other possible causes of distracted walking may include personal problems, deadline focus, or complacency.

Common Risks Associated With Distracted Walking
Common injuries pedestrians risk when they engage in distracted walking include

• Sprains and strains
• Fractured or broken bones
• Cuts
• Bruises

Many people believe themselves to be the exception when it comes to distracted walking. However, a study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that 75 percent of respondents said that “other people” walk around distracted, while only 29 percent admitted to being guilty themselves. Moreover, only 46 percent of these considered their behavior “dangerous.”

There is scientific evidence suggesting that no one can truly multitask and people can only give their full mental attention to one thing at a time. Trying to keep track of more than one activity or thought process leaves you switching focus constantly and your brain playing catch-up.

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The facts on specialty insurance
You might have heard the term before—”specialty insurance”—and thought it wasn’t for someone like you. After all, it sounds more like the insurance athletes buy to cover lost income in case of a career-ending injury, or coverage that billionaires get for kidnapping or extortion situations.

Yes, those policies really exist. But when you hear Safeco or your independent agent talk about “specialty,” it means something quite different: It means protecting your labors of love and lifelong passions (even if you’re not a billionaire).

Do you have a motorcycle? A boat? What about a classic car or an RV? Maybe you own a home that you rent out.

In all of those instances, you need the additional protection of specialty insurance.

Why do I need it?
Unique situations and specialized items, such as motorcycles and boats, need specialized protection that go beyond what standard auto and homeowners policies can provide. For example, if you are a landlord and you decide to evict your renters, you could be sued. A homeowners policy doesn’t cover that—but a Landlord Protection policy does.

If you have a boat, your state might not require you to have insurance for it. But homeowners policies often only provide limited coverage (if any), and they usually don’t cover injuries or accidents that happen on the water. Watercraft coverage protects you against theft, liability and more.

Perhaps the most common specialty coverage is umbrella, which provides an extra layer of protection beyond your home and auto policies. Say you’re responsible for a crash with multiple injuries. Your auto liability limits likely aren’t enough to cover all of those expenses, which means you could be on the hook for the additional costs. An umbrella policy is designed to kick in at that point, paying the amount above your other policy’s limits.

 

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As your professional insurance partner, we are here to help you manage risk, but even the best-made plans change or unexpected situations come up. That’s when we need to hear from you.  It is important that we are advised of any changes in your business or personal life that may have a bearing on the validity and/or adequacy of your insurance.

How has your business evolved?

• Expansion, layoffs, mergers and/or acquisitions
• Changes in company succession plan
• Change in scheduled equipment such as contractor’s equipment, electronic processing (computers), etc.
• Circumstances which may require increased liability insurance limits
• Interest in maximizing efficiencies in employee benefits, payroll, retirement and human resources
• Changes in company goals that may impact your company’s employee benefit strategy
• Changes in any operation, such as expansion to another state or new products
• Need for risk management services/OSHA compliance

These are some examples of when we need to hear from you in order to keep help your business growing and keep your employees happy and engaged.

How has your personal life changed?

• New vehicles, drivers or changes in driving use
• Improvements or additions to your home valued at $5,000 or more
• Change in mortgage company
• New jewelry, fine arts, collectibles or other specialty items
• Recreational vehicles? ATV, camper, or boat
• Need for life insurance or increasing current amounts

A lot can happen in a year and we want to make sure your policies keep up with you.

Insurance policies should not be stagnant; they must reflect changes with you or your business. We are part of your professional team that provides protection.

 

Contact us at 800-733-2530

College can be an exciting time for young people. It often serves as the first major step on the road to independence. For a parent, it can be both exciting and sad to watch your child leave home. This time also can be fraught with worries. Will they get enough to eat? Will they succeed without help? Will they and their possessions be safe away from home?

The last question, of course, is a significant concern and, for parents of first-time college students, the ins and outs of insurance coverages are not always clear. From auto coverage to renters insurance, there’s a bit to learn about the life of a college student.

Protecting Possessions
When a student moves to college, she or he often brings many belongings from home. In addition to clothes, shoes and toiletries, most college students take stereo systems, cell phones, laptops, jewelry and other valuable items to their dorm room. At home, possessions are protected under a homeowners policy. But what happens when a child is away at school?
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In an environment where theft is a real problem – there are approximately 798 burglaries for every 100,000 students – proper coverage is important. For students living in dorms, the family’s homeowners insurance can protect many possessions. But don’t take this for granted. Be sure to contact an independent agent to verify the coverage you may already have. As Selective notes, some policies limit coverage on dependents’ dorms to 10% of the value of the home’s total coverage amount. So be sure you know the coverages for your homeowners insurance policy.

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