myWaukee | Waukee Iowa Community News

You are here: Home / Archives for Insurance

Shocking Facts About Lightening

by

Did you know that lightning strikes cloud-to-ground about 25 million times a year (according to the National Weather Service)? The odds of being struck by lightning in the U.S. average around 1 in 600,000.

Lightning strikes are arbitrary and random. Lightning has been recorded traveling 40 miles from cloud sources, causing injuries and deaths.

Workers on the job account for a significant portion of the total number of people struck by lightning. Roofers, construction workers, road crews, pipe fitters, and farm workers are at especially high risk because they spend much of their time standing on open ground or a roof—prime targets for lightning trying to make its way to the ground. For this reason, every work site should have a plan in place to help keep outdoor workers safe in case of a storm.

Monitor Weather Conditions
Check the weather forecast daily and keep tabs on any developing storms that pose a risk of severe weather. You can go low-tech with a portable weather radio, or choose from a variety of apps for your mobile device that display up-to-the-minute conditions and radar.

Know When to Take Shelter
All employees should understand the lightning safety plans for their specific work sites, including the shelters that are available to them.  If you can see lightning or hear thunder, you are within range of a possible lightning strike. When workers hear thunder, they should immediately begin moving to a safe shelter and stay there for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder is heard. The key is to get to shelter before the lightning threat becomes significant.

Choose a Safe Shelter
A fully enclosed building is the best choice for lightning protection. If no permanent structures are available, a hard-topped, enclosed vehicle is also acceptable. Open structures (like picnic shelters) and open vehicles (such as golf carts) do not provide any lightning protection, and ordinary wood buildings do not provide adequate protection.

NATIONAL FIREWORKS SAFETY MONTH

Fireworks are an integral part of many summer celebrations. As entertaining as they are, they can also be dangerous. In fact, during the 30-day period around Independence Day, an average of 240 people visit emergency rooms every day as a result of fireworks-related injuries. Children under the age of 15 are especially at risk, accounting for some 30 percent of all injuries.

To protect yourself and your family from injuries related to fireworks, it’s best to attend only authorized public displays.

www.insproins.com

What You Need to Know About Automobile Recalls

by

How do I know if my car is subject to a recall?

Last year was a record-setting year for the auto industry—and not in a good way. In 2014, automakers issued more than 800 recalls, affecting nearly 64 million vehicles. Many recalls are related to known safety issues, so please take recall notices seriously and take your car in for the necessary service. A minor fix could make a major difference in your vehicle’s safety or performance.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a current database of auto recalls. To learn if your vehicle has been recalled, simply enter the vehicle’s year, make, and model in the selection boxes at http://wwwodi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues to view the search results.

You can also search using your 17-digit Vehicle Information Number. VIN plates are attached to the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle and visible through the windshield. The VIN is also printed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or doorframe.

What to do if you receive a recall notice

In the event of a recall, vehicle owners will receive a notice in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer or the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. Oftentimes, the official notice comes a few weeks or months after the recall was issued, so that the manufacturer has time to notify its dealers of recall procedures and ensure the availability of repair parts. The notice will provide you with recall specifics and instructions to schedule your vehicle for service. Typically, you will need to take your car to a dealership and there is no charge for the recall service.

Save repair receipts

If you have a possible defect repaired, but your vehicle hasn’t been recalled, be sure to save your receipt and other service documents. If the vehicle is later recalled for that specific problem, you may be eligible for a reimbursement for repair expenses from the automaker.

Learn more about recalls

For more information about the recall process and your rights and responsibilities as a vehicle owner, refer to the NHTSA publication Motor Vehicle Defects and Safety Recalls: What Every Vehicle Owner Should Know. You can find a copy online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/documents/MVDefectsandRecalls.pdf.

Remember, if your vehicle is recalled, you should have the necessary repairs performed as quickly as possible, as failure to act can leave you and others unnecessarily vulnerable to a known safety risk.

James Starkweather: Allstate Insurance

How To Protect Against Identity Theft

by

Identity theft is the act of taking someone’s personal information and using it to impersonate a victim, steal from bank accounts, establish phony insurance policies, open unauthorized credit cards, or obtain unauthorized bank loans. In some more elaborate schemes, criminals use the stolen personal information to get a job, rent a home, or take out a mortgage in the victim’s name.

Close to half of identity theft cases are the result of a lost or stolen wallet, checkbook, credit card, or other physical document, but online shopping can also pose a security risk.

Victims of identity theft are often left with lower credit scores and spend months or even years getting credit records corrected. They frequently have difficulty getting credit, obtaining loans, and even finding employment. Victims of identity theft fraud often travel a long and frustrating road to recovery; depending on the severity of the identity theft fraud damage, the recovery process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years.

Most homeowners’ and renters’ policies provide coverage for theft of money or credit cards; however, the amount of coverage is limited (usually $200 in cash and $50 on credit cards). Once you have reported the loss or theft of your credit card to the issuing company, you are responsible for only $50 of unauthorized use.

Some companies now include coverage for identity theft as part of their homeowners’ insurance policy. Check your policy to find out. Others sell it as either a stand-alone policy or as an endorsement to a homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy which can run about $25-$50 annually.

Identity theft insurance provides reimbursement to crime victims for the cost of restoring their identity and repairing credit reports. It generally covers expenses such as phone bills, lost wages, notary, and certified mailing costs, and sometimes attorney fees (with the prior consent of the insurer). Some companies also offer restoration or resolution services that will guide you through the process of recovering your identity.

Use of stolen credit card numbers is among the most common forms of identity theft, but some schemes use electronic means, including online scams like ‘phishing,’ in which thieves use email inquiries purporting to be from financial or other online organizations, to obtain sensitive account information. Others might use more old-fashioned methods, such as ‘dumpster diving’—rooting around in people’s garbage to collect financial information.

Many credit card companies are now using radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips in their credit cards instead of magnetic stripes. The advantage is quicker, more efficient transactions—especially those carried out at traditionally cash-only retail outlets, such as fast-food restaurants or convenience stores. However, in some cases, radio frequency identification may make it possible for identity thieves to use a simple electronic device to capture the information. The scariest part is that it can happen right in your presence, without your even knowing it.

Source: Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska
www.insproins.com

 

Do Not Underestimate Thieves

by

Don’t Underestimate Thieves!

While a thief is obviously a person making a bad decision, they’re not necessarily unintelligent. Don’t underestimate someone who is determined to rip you off in one way or another. Many of them have clever methods.

Statistics show that thieves generally take the path of least resistance. The more secure the situation, the less likely they will be to target it.

With all the electronic gadgets available today, it’s likely you use at least one or two of them. Here are some steps you can take to make it more difficult—and therefore less likely—for thieves to target your home.

“Open, Says ME!” If your garage door opener is removable, and you keep your registration—or other items with your home address—in your car, you’ve just told your thief where you live and given them a way to get in. Imagine that the thief found this information in your car while it’s in long-term parking at the airport. Now you’ve also provided information that you’ll be gone for a long time. TIP: Take your remote garage door opener with you when leaving your car—even for a few hours.

“GPS, Take Me Home.” Was “home” one of the first locations you programmed into your GPS? This, in combination with having a garage door opener, creates a situation similar to the first scenario. The thief now has a way in to your house and can ask your GPS to direct him straight to your house. TIP: Keep the “home” setting, but change it so it directs you to a nearby location (e.g., a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home.

“Hubby, Sweetie, Honey, Mom.” Take a look through your contacts list on your cell phone. Do you use nicknames for your loved ones, or do they use them for you? If you got a text from “hubby” that said “In line at grocery store. Forgot PIN for debit card. Text it to me please.” Or from “mom” that said “What’s our garage door keypad code again?” What would you do? More than likely, you’d promptly text them the necessary information. If your loved one’s phone was in the hands of a thief, you just gave them access to your bank account or your home. TIP: Don’t assign nicknames in your contacts. In addition, if they’re requesting sensitive information, confirm their identity by asking specific questions via text, or better yet, call and talk to them. Furthermore, if you DO confirm the identity and text the information, be sure to delete the text later, and make sure your “hubby” (or sweetie, or mom) does, too.

Missing Item Found! Have you ever lost something of value and reported it to the authorities (e.g., mall security, airport security, library lost and found)? Just think how happy you’d be if you got a call that they had your item and you should come and claim it immediately. If it’s a thief who actually made the call, they’re now aware that you’ll be out of your house for a while—perhaps enough time to burglarize your home. TIP: Look up the “real” phone number (don’t just use the caller ID display) and call to confirm that the call was valid before leaving your house.

Bottom Line: Take your time and think before acting, speaking, or texting. If it doesn’t feel quite right, or if you’re revealing information that you would normally keep secure, pause and think it through before revealing it. Thieves can be very tricky. They will rely on the element of surprise, count on “typical” human responses, smile and be charming, and look you straight in the eye and speak with confidence—all while getting you to reveal information or behave in a way that works to their advantage.

Branch out with your insurance this Spring

by

As March rolls around our thoughts turn to Spring. But…this is Iowa and March storms can bring heavy wet snow, wind, and ice. The extra weight and stress of these kind of weather events can lead to unfortunate things like snapping tree limbs. 

Now might be a good time to look around your home, garage, shed, or fence to see if there is risk to limbs that would cause damage if they fall. While you are at it check to see if they are overhanging your neighbor’s property as well. In the Midwest claims for damage from falling limbs can easily exceed $2,000. You can hope each limb is healthy and strong but a better plan is to look for risk and trim it back.

Trees are precious and can be a real advantage to your property. Keep your trees healthy and trimmed to reduce the risk of injury and property damage. Consider a bonded professional for the work as it can be risky in itself.

Things an insurer may consider risk:

  • Branches from your tree laying/touching your or your neighbor’s roof.
  • Dead trees or branches from your tree overhanging your roof or a neighbors.
  • Trees leaning against any structure.
  • Leaves from tree branches touching your roof.
  • 6 inch diameter and larger branches overhanging your roof or your neighbors.
  • Tree limbs that are able to touch an electrical line.

If the worst happens, what will your insurance cover? Call and find out.

James Starkweather-Allstate Insurance
agents.allstate.com/james-starkweather

LIFE INSURANCE – DON’T DIE WITHOUT IT

by

Death is not something any of us wants to talk about, but if you died today, would your family be financially secure without you?

Would they be able to maintain your residence? Could your children attend college? Would all of the monthly bills get paid? Or would you leave unnecessary financial burdens for your family? 

Life insurance pays your family after your death, ensuring your family is taken care of and is financially secure. Life insurance benefits can be used to pay funeral expenses, medical bills, the mortgage, existing debt, and taxes. Equally important, life insurance can provide replacement income and pay for anticipated expenses like college tuition and retirement needs.

You know you need life insurance, but how much is enough? A simple calculation provides an initial estimate. Multiply your current annual income by ten. This provides an approximate amount of coverage you should have. Other factors will affect your specific needs, such as your age, number of children, family income sources, existing debt, and any current life insurance you already own.

If you have life insurance today, do you understand your policy and are you sure it is adequate to protect your family? When it comes to life insurance, what you don’t know can hurt you. Most important, it can hut the ones you love.

That is why INSPRO is now offering a free Life Insurance Performance Evaluation. This thorough evaluation will help you accurately assess your needs and determine if you are getting the best value from your premium.

Our free Life Insurance Performance Evaluation will lead to one of the following results:

You have adequate coverage and your policy(ies) are performing the way you need. Peace of mind!

You are currently paying too much and can save money for the same or better coverage.

You can significantly increase benefits without increasing payment.

Your policy guarantees can be improved.

You can cover additional needs (LTC) without “out of pocket” cash flow.

Let’s ensure your family is protected. Give Joe Meyers at INSPRO a call today at (515) 226-9565 to schedule your free Life Insurance Performance Evaluation. 

INSPRO Insurance
www.insproins.com

Cyber Liability

by

For many years, it’s been widely known and accepted that companies should be accountable for the private records they handle or control.

One law that raised awareness of this issue was the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. In 2003, a privacy rule went into effect for the private healthcare information protected under HIPAA. Since then, 46 out of 50 states have amended their state laws or codes to also address how companies and state agencies must respond to leaked personally identifiable information (PII).

Insurance that protects you in case of cyber attack may seem like something only large corporations would need or be able to afford. But believe it or not, cyber liability insurance makes a lot of sense for small companies as well.

Here’s why:

1. It’s more affordable than you think.
Policy premiums can be as low as $2,000 a year.  You can get coverage as high as $30 million and deductibles as low as $10,000, depending on your needs and how much you’re willing to pay.

2. It can cover more than you think.
Many policies offer “first party” coverage – that is, they’ll pay for things like business interruption, the cost of notifying customers of a breach, and even the expense of hiring a public relations firm to repair any damage done to your image as a result of a cyber attack.

3. You probably don’t have a risk management team.
Big corporations have entire departments devoted to analyzing the risks the company could face and helping set policies and procedures to protect against them. Many smaller companies don’t – but a good insurance broker can perform a similar function.

4. Even if you don’t host your data yourself, you’re still responsible for it.
Is your website and/or any of your data hosted or stored in the cloud? Take a good look at your contracts: You’re still legally responsible, which is a significant risk.

5. Your general policy won’t cover you.
Typically, a general liability policy specifically excludes losses incurred because of the Internet.  A good cyber liability policy will pick up where your general policy leaves off.

Contact INSPRO today for assistance in selecting the best policy for your business.

INSPRO Insurance
www.insproins.com

The Insurance Checkup: Good for Your Financial Health

by

Having too little or too much insurance can cost you money. A regular insurance checkup can help ensure you have the amount and type of coverage you need.

Just as you should schedule an annual checkup with your primary care physician, you should schedule an annual checkup with your insurance agent. Any number of life events can affect your need for insurance coverage. If you don’t change your insurance program in response, you could be underinsured or overinsured…either of which can cost you money!

Some of the events that could affect your personal property and liability insurance needs include:

Buying a new vehicle or boat
The right insurance coverage can protect any valuable motorized vehicle from damage or theft. And don’t forget about liability. You might not need insurance to legally operate a snowmobile or other motorized off-road vehicle, but you will have additional liability exposures. The right kind and amount of insurance can protect your family if someone outside your immediate family gets injured or suffers property damage due to your use of a motorized off-road vehicle or motorboat.

Making home improvements
If you’ve invested in any improvements that could increase the value of your home, you might need additional insurance. Other types of improvements, such as updating the wiring, heating or air conditioning or installing an alarm system, could qualify you
for a discount.

Operating a home-based business
With certain narrow exceptions, your homeowners policy does not cover business property. It also does not cover business-related liability, so if a client visited your home and tripped on the stairs, your homeowners policy would probably not cover the cost of any injuries.

Changing your family status
Marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, and the moving away of an adult child can create changes to your health insurance needs. They can also change your property and liability coverage needs. For example, when a college graduate finally moves out of the house, you probably won’t need to keep her on your auto policy. Or if marriage adds another car to your garage, you might qualify for a multi-car discount on your auto policy.

Buying high-value jewelry, antiques, art or collectibles
Your homeowners policy has separate, lower limits for these types of frequently stolen and difficult to replace items. A policy rider, or low-cost addition to your homeowners policy, can provide adequate protection for some valuables.

We can review your current coverage and how it fits your current needs.
Please contact INSPRO for more information.

INSPRO INSURANCE
www.insproins.com

Should I Buy the Damage Waiver When Renting a Car?

by

Everyone has a different tolerance for risk and should make their own decision, but we can help you be aware of the risks you will assume if you decline the waiver. Please take time to consider the following.

Most auto policies do provide liability coverage for your use of a rented or borrowed car, just as they do when you’re driving your own vehicle – assuming it’s a passenger car, SUV, etc., and not a truck used for business.

Coverage for damage to the rented vehicle is less certain. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on at least one of your vehicles, that same coverage will apply to a rented vehicle if you are responsible for repairs.

Certain expenses may not be covered by your personal insurance, and because of this risk, some choose to purchase the waiver from the rental company. These expenses include: 

Loss of Rental Income. If the car rental company claims they are losing rental income while the car is being repaired, they may hold you responsible for the lost income. The rental company may charge their maximum daily rent amount, which can really add up if the repairs take an extended period of time.

Diminished Value. The rental company may claim that, because of the damage and subsequent repair, the vehicle is worth less when it comes to resale. Your policy may not pay for a loss like that, nor will it pay for other indirect costs, such as towing.

Operation by Unauthorized Drivers. Your policy will not pay for loss caused by someone driving the vehicle if that person is not covered by your rental policy. This includes a valet attendant parking the rented vehicle. (A similar restriction may be in the damage waiver.)

Risk of Impairing the Use of Your Credit Card. It is possible that, if the rental company holds you responsible for any or all of these obligations, the company may immediately place a charge on your credit card pending final resolution of the claim.

We hope this information will relieve some uncertainty and help you enjoy your upcoming vacation or business trip.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact your local INSPRO Insurance office today.

Screen Shot 2014-08-22 at 12.45.06 PM

© Copyright myTown Magazines