Thursday, January 20, 2011

Surviving Severe Cold Weather

Much of the country periodiaclly experiences severe and sustained cold weather, with snowfalls interspersed with periods of melting and freezing. This can inflict considerable damage on homes.

Here are some tips and steps you can take to make insurance losses less likely during extended severe weather.

  • Keep sidewalks and entrances to your home free from snow and ice.
  • Watch for ice dams near gutter downspouts. Keep gutters free of leaves and debris so melting snow and ice can flow freely. Ice dams can cause water to build up and seep into your house.
  • Keep the house heated to a minimum of 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 degrees will not keep the inside walls from freezing.
  • Identify the location for the main water shutoff in your home. Find out how it works in case you have to use it.
  • Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. Keeping water moving within the pipes will prevent freezing.
  • If you haven’t already, make sure all hoses are disconnected from outside spigots.
  • If your garage is attached to your house, keep the garage doors closed. The door leading to the house is probably not as well-insulated as an exterior door.
  • If ice forms on tree limbs, watch for dead, damaged or dangerous branches that could break and fall because of ice, snow or wind and damage your house, a car, or injure someone walking near your property.
  • If you use fireplaces, wood stoves and electric heaters, watch them closely and make sure they are working properly.
  • Remember to close the flue in your fireplace when you’re not using it.
  • If you have to leave your home on a trip, ask a neighbor to check the house regularly. If there is a problem with frozen pipes or water leakage, attending to it quickly could mean far less damage.
  • If you plan to be away for an extended period of time, have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting.
    A Worst-Case Scenario
  • If you discover that pipes are frozen, don’t wait for them to burst. Take measures to thaw them immediately, or call a plumber for assistance.
  • If your pipes burst, first turn off the water and then mop up spills. You don’t want the water to do more damage than it already has.
  • Call your agent or company as soon as you can. An insurance adjuster doesn’t need to see the spill before you take action. However, he or she will want to inspect any damaged items.
  • Make temporary repairs and take other steps to protect your property from further damage. Remove any carpet or furniture that can be further damaged from seepage.
  • Make a list of the damaged articles.
  • Save the receipts for what you spend—including additional living expenses if you must leave your home until repairs are completed—and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.



Standard homeowners policies will cover most of the kinds of damage that result from a freeze. For example, if house pipes freeze and burst or if ice forms in gutters and causes water to back up under roof shingles and seep into the house. You would also be covered if the weight of snow or ice damages your house.

However, most policies do not cover backups in sewers and drains or flood damage, which can also happen in winter. To be covered for flooding, you need a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program, while coverage for sewers and drains is generally offered as an endorsement to a standard homeowners insurance policy.

If your home suffers water damage, it is important to make sure that it is properly dried and repaired to prevent any potential problem with mold. Remember, mold can not survive without moisture.

Check with your agent or company so you’ll be sure what your policy covers.

For more information visit: Insurance Information Institute

Monday, January 10, 2011

Safe Driving and Good Car Maintenance Take Center Stage In Winter


Damage to cars from falling ice or tree branches is covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy, an optional coverage which about 75 percent of U.S. drivers purchase. Comprehensive covers damage to a policyholder’s car not involving a collision with another car, including damage from fire, theft, explosions, earthquakes, floods and riots.
In order to avoid potentially dangerous situations under challenging driving conditions, the I.I.I. offers the following tips:

SAFE WINTER DRIVING

  • Give yourself enough time to arrive at your destination. Trips can take longer during the winter than at other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads.
  • Drive slowly—accelerating, stopping and turning all take longer on snow-covered roads.
  • Leave more distance than usual between your vehicle and the one just ahead of you, giving yourself at least 10 seconds to come to a complete stop. Cars and motorcycles usually need at least three seconds to halt completely when traveling on dry pavement.
  • Be careful when driving over bridges, as well as roadways rarely exposed to sunlight—they can be icy when other areas are not.
  • Avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
  • Keep the windshield and windows clear. Drivers in cold-weather states should have a snow brush or scraper in their vehicle at all times. Your car’s defroster can be supplemented by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility.
  • Do not activate your cruise control when driving on a slippery surface.
  • Do not warm up your vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
  • Bring a cellphone so that those awaiting your arrival can get in touch with you if you are very late. But avoid the temptation to use the phone while driving, as it can be a dangerous distraction.
  • Monitor the weather conditions at your destination before beginning your trip. If conditions look as though they are going to be too hazardous, just stay home.
  • Drivers should neither apply extra gas nor stop their vehicle when traveling on an icy road and approaching a hill. The extra gas will prompt a car’s wheels to spin, and stopping completely will make it difficult for the vehicle to regain its momentum.

GOOD CAR MAINTENANCE

  • Keep your tires properly inflated and remember that good tread on your tires is essential to safe winter driving.
  • Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it is clear. A blocked pipe can cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your car when the engine is running.
  • Be sure to keep your gas tank full. Stormy weather or traffic delays may force you to change routes or turn back. A fuller gas tank also ensures that your car’s gas-line will not freeze.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INSURANCE: www.iii.org
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THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038, (212) 346-5500


Wednesday, December 29, 2010

If You Are Using Supplemental Heating Sources In Your Home, Take Proper Precautions

Heating Equipment Leading Cause Of Winter Home Fires, Says I.I.I.


NEW YORK, December 7, 2010— With oil rising to $90 a barrel this week, homeowners in the Northeast and Midwest who heat their homes with oil may be tempted to use supplementary heating sources to offset their high heating bills. These alternative heating sources, if not used properly, can contribute to an increased risk of fire, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Space heaters, wood stoves and other supplemental heating sources are the leading cause of home fires during the winter months, trailing only cooking equipment. The National Fire Protection Association reports that fixed and portable home heating devices account for two of every three home heating related fires and two of every three related deaths. In 2008 (the most recent statistics available), heating equipment was involved in an estimated 66,100 reported home structure fires, 480 civilian deaths, 1,660 civilian injuries, and caused direct property damage of $1.1 billion.

Fireplaces and chimneys were involved in 43 percent of these fires and 11 percent of the deaths. Fixed and portable space heaters, including wood stoves, were involved in 25 percent of the heating fires, but resulted in 74 percent of the fatalities.

By comparison, central home heating systems account for only a small percentage of heating-related fires and fatalities. Supplemental heating devices are more dangerous because they provide many opportunities for error by the people using them. Here are some of problems:

  • Lack of regular cleaning, leading to creosote buildup in wood-burning devices, chimneys and connectors. (Creosote is a flammable, tar byproduct of wood smoke that builds up on the walls of a chimney or wood stove.)
  • Failing to give space heaters enough space.
  • Flaws in the construction or design of wood-burning equipment.
  • Fueling errors involving liquid- or gas-fueled heating equipment.
  • Improper installation.



“Damage caused by fire and smoke are covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies,” said Loretta Worters, vice president of the I.I.I. “Homeowners are also covered for water or other damage caused by fire fighters working to extinguish the blaze.

To protect yourself from the economic consequences of fires and other disasters, the I.I.I. advises homeowners to purchase enough insurance to rebuild the home and personal possessions.

“Unfortunately, many consumers do not know what is in their policy until they have to file a claim and at that point it is too late to purchase the right amount of financial protection,” Worters explained.

For those living in a community that charges fire department services, special coverage may be available. Generally, homeowners are reimbursed up to $500 of this cost and there is no deductible.

In 2009, there were 377,000 residential fires in the U.S., costing nearly $8 billion. Because of the deadly and destructive nature of fire, insurers offer discounts and preferred rates to homes and communities that take steps to reduce the risk of fire

Homes made of fire-resistant material or located near a fire department that is highly rated often have lower insurance rates. In addition, homeowners may be eligible for discounts up to 20 percent if the wiring in a home is upgraded, sprinkler systems installed or if the house has smoke and fire alarms that ring at an outside service. Even purchasing simple safety devices such as basic smoke detectors and fire extinguishers will generally provide discounts of at least 5 percent.

If you use supplemental heating sources, remember to follow these basic safety tips.

Portable Space Heaters
The biggest mistake people make with space heaters is placing them too close to flammable materials such as bedspreads, draperies, upholstery or clothing. Space heaters need at least three feet of clearance from anything that can burn.

  • Make sure any new space heater carries the mark of an independent testing laboratory.
  • Always turn space heaters off when you leave a room or go to bed.
  • If you use an electric heater, do not overload the circuit. If you must use an extension cord (and it is better not to), choose one that is the same size or larger than the appliance cord. Do not use electric heaters in bathrooms or other areas where they may come in contact with water; the danger of electrocution is too great.
  • If you use a kerosene heater, burn only kerosene. Gasoline, camp stove fuel or any other fuel except kerosene can be extremely dangerous if used in a kerosene heater. Make sure your kerosene is water-clear, not yellow. Refuel the heater outdoors.
  • When turning a portable heating device on or off, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If possible, buy devices with automatic shutoff features.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

  • Wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors and all solid-fueled heating equipment should be inspected and cleaned professionally each year, especially if they have not been used for some time. Fireplaces regularly build up creosote that needs to be cleaned out.
  • Woodstoves should be UL listed and of solid quality and design. Install them with three feet of clearance from combustible surfaces and with adequate floor support and protection.
  • Never use flammable liquids to start a fire in a fireplace or woodstove. Do not use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires. Never burn charcoal indoors; it can generate lethal amounts of carbon dioxide.
  • Keep flammable material away from the hearth and mantel. Use a sturdy screen to keep sparks from flying into a room.
  • Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is cold. Never close the damper with hot ashes in the fireplace; the fire will heat up again and toxic carbon monoxide can spread into the house.
  • Synthetic logs are increasingly popular because they are so easy to use. Follow the directions on the package. Never break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. This could release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.


Central Home Heating Systems
Make sure your furnace is in good working condition. Have it inspected regularly, and leave repairs to professionals.

Get into good safety habits and teaching family members what to do in a fire or other emergency. Print a list of emergency phone numbers such as the police and fire departments and place them near the telephones in your home. Make sure that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in good, working condition. Install a sophisticated alarm system that rings at an outside service to contact the fire, police or local emergency medical service.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety offers additional information on Alternative Heating Sources. For more information on making your home safer, contact the United States Fire Administration.


For More Information please visit: Insurance Information Institute






PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT iii store AND amazon.com

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038, (212) 346-5500

Monday, December 6, 2010

Child Safety Seat Tips

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Celebrate the Season of Light Safely

Candles, lights and decorations are an essential part of the holiday season. Unfortunately, they also increase the risk of fire and injury. Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure nearly 3,000 individuals and cause over $900 million in damage.*

To have a safe and healthy holiday season, the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) recommends following these important safety tips:

Christmas trees

  • Pick out a freshly cut Christmas tree-one that is too dry can easily catch fire. Trim at least one inch from the bottom of the tree; this will increase the tree's ability to absorb water. Live trees need a lot of water so check the water level and refill often.

  • Place the tree in a secure stand designed to hold the weight of the tree. Never place a Christmas tree near a heat source such as a fireplace, radiator or stove. Do not use candles to decorate a tree. And never go near a tree with an open flame such as a candle, lighter or matches.

  • Dispose of the tree when it becomes dry, or when the needles begin to fall off in large quantities. Never burn old trees or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Instead, take it to a recycling center or have it removed by a community pick-up service.

  • If you buy an artificial tree, make sure that it is made of fire-resistant material.
Decorations and lights

  • Do not overload electrical sockets by plugging too many cords into a single outlet. Always unplug holiday lights when no one is home or when everyone goes to sleep for the evening. Use only Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved lights. Inspect old light strands for any cracks, frayed edges or bare spots. Throw out any damaged chords.

  • When decorating a tree with lights, fasten them securely to the tree and make sure that no bulbs come in contact with needles or branches. Check wires regularly. If they become warm, unplug the lights immediately.

  • Never use indoor lights outside. They are not designed to withstand the elements and if they get wet, can cause an electric shock. Remove outdoor lighting as soon as the season is over. Even specially created outdoor decorations are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to the elements.

  • Do not block exit paths to doors or fire escapes with Christmas trees or other decorations.
Fireplaces

  • Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. This may release fire-starting embers or produce a build-up of dangerous chemical fumes in the home.
Entertaining

  • If you entertain guests who smoke, provide large ashtrays and check for cigarette butts in upholstered furniture before going to bed. Cigarette fires are a leading cause of fire fatalities in the home.

  • Do not leave the stove unattended when cooking-in the excitement of entertaining, it is easy to forget something on the stove and leave it to burn, causing a potential fire hazard.
Children and pets

  • Place all ornaments and candles out of reach of small children and pets. Small or breakable ornaments can be easily knocked down, which can result in cuts or choking. Curious children and playful pets can topple a tree in seconds causing serious injury.

  • Beware of toxic decorations. Mistletoe and holly berries may be poisonous if more than a few are swallowed. Old tinsel may contain lead so discard old tinsel if you are not sure of its composition. Fire salts (which produce a multi-colored effect when thrown on burning wood) contain heavy metals, which if swallowed may cause serious gastrointestinal problems and vomiting.
Candles

  • Check candles frequently to make sure they do not burn down too far or drip hot wax. Make sure candles are placed in sturdy, non-combustible holders away from decorations and other combustible materials.

  • Clean and trim candlewicks to 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch before lighting. Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping. Candles should be placed at least three inches apart so they do not melt onto one another. Keep candles free of wick trimmings, matches or any flammable material that might ignite.

  • Never leave candles burning unattended. Remember to snuff out all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.

Give your family the priceless gift of safety this holiday season. Prepare for the New Year by getting into good safety habits and teaching family members what to do in a fire or other emergency. Print a list of emergency phone numbers such as the poison control center, and police and fire departments and place them near the telephones in your home. Make sure that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in good, working condition.

You may also want to consider installing a sophisticated alarm system that, in the event of an emergency, rings at an outside service to contact the fire, police or local emergency medical service.



For more information on making your home safer, contact the United States Fire Administration at or the Candle Fire Safety Association.

For more information on insurance and safety, visit the I.I.I. Web site.

_________________
*U.S. Fire Administration figures


The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Travel Insurance

Before leaving on vacation, make sure you have adequate insurance. Vacations can sometimes cost thousands of dollars so it is important to have the proper insurance protection in case the cruise or tour operator goes bankrupt or you need to cancel the trip due to illness or other unforeseen events.

There are four major types of travel insurance, although you can also purchase packages that offer several options, including Trip Cancellation, Lost Baggage, Medical, Dental, Emergency Evacuation, 24 Hour Traveler Assistance, Baggage Delay, Travel Delay, and Accidental Death Coverages. Some policies also have options for Collision/Damage coverage for rented cars.

1. Trip Cancellation Insurance

This would reimburse you if the cruise line or tour operator goes out of business. It would also provide coverage if you have to cancel the trip due to sickness, a death in the family or another calamity listed in the policy.

In addition, if you or an immediate family member becomes seriously ill or is injured during the trip most policies would reimburse you for the unused portion of the vacation.

The cost is generally five to seven percent of the price of the vacation, so a $5,000 trip would cost roughly $250 to $350 to insure.

Trip cancellation is very different from a Cancellation Waiver that many cruise and tour operators offer. Waivers are relatively inexpensive, costing approximately $40 to $60. They provide coverage if you have to cancel the trip, but they have many restrictions. They must be purchased when you book the trip and will usually not cover you immediately before departure (the time period most people cancel) or after the trip has begun. Most importantly, waivers are not insurance. Cancellation Waivers are not regulated by the state department of insurance, so if your tour or cruise operator gets into financial difficulty, you may not be able to collect.

2. Baggage Insurance or Personal Effects Coverage

This would provide coverage if your personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip.

To insure $1,000 worth of personal belongings for a week, it would cost roughly $50 per year.

Before purchasing this type of coverage, find out how much insurance the airline or trip operator provides for your belongings.

Also, check your homeowners or renters policy. It will usually provide coverage for off-premises theft. Therefore, if your luggage is stolen, your insurer will pay to replace it, less the deductible.

If you are traveling with expensive electronic equipment, jewelry or sporting gear, it might be more cost-effective to purchase a floater or endorsement to your homeowners or renters policy. The cost to insure a $1,000 ring would be between $10 and $40 annually. This would provide full coverage for the item, anywhere in the world, usually for one year.

3. Emergency Medical Assistance

This provides insurance and medical assistance for travelers. It would cover you if you had to be airlifted off a mountain due to a skiing or hiking accident, or if you had to stay for a prolonged period of time in a foreign hospital. It would also provide coverage if you got seriously sick or were injured and needed to be flown home. Some commercial airlines require very sick passengers to travel on a stretcher with a doctor. This means that you might have to purchase 10 or more seats on a plane at a possible cost of over $10,000.

Before purchasing this type of coverage, check with your own health insurance carrier. Find out what type of coverage you have when traveling abroad and if there are any limits. Also, ask if the policy will pay to fly you home or to a country with first-rate medical care.

4. Accidental Death

This provides a variety of coverages if you or a family member die on the trip. If you have a good life insurance plan or made other financial provisions for your loved ones, this may be duplicate insurance.

Your credit card company may provide travel-related services and coverage. You can also purchase travel insurance from either a travel agent or you can buy directly from an insurer that specializes in this type of coverage.



For More Information Visit: Insurance Information Institute

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Trying to Save Money? Avoid the Five Biggest Insurance Mistakes!

Tips For Saving Money On Home and Auto Insurance, From the I.I.I.

With nearly one in 10 Americans out of work, and others forced to make ends meet with less money, many people are looking for ways to cut costs. There are smart ways to save on home and auto insurance; however, there are also mistakes that can result in being dangerously underinsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)

“When money is tight, it extremely important to be financially protected against a catastrophe with the right amount and type of insurance,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. “By taking a few simple steps, it is possible to cut costs and still be protected should disaster strike.”

Following are five of the biggest insurance mistakes that consumers should look out for:

1. Insuring a home for its real estate value rather than for the cost of rebuilding. When real estate prices go down, some homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of insurance on their home. But insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of the home. You should make sure that you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings.
A better way to save: Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $1,000 could save up to 25 percent on your premium payments.

2. Selecting an insurance company by price alone. It is important to choose a company with competitive prices, but also one that is financially sound and provides good customer service.
A better way to save: Check the financial health of a company with independent rating agencies and ask friends and family for recommendations. You should select an insurance company that will respond to your needs and handle claims fairly and efficiently.

3. Dropping flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as from some private insurance companies. Many homeowners are unaware they are at risk for flooding, but in fact 25 percent of all flood losses occur in low risk areas.
A better way to save: Before purchasing a home, check with the NFIP to check whether it is in a flood zone; if so, consider a less risky area. If you are already living in a flood zone area, look at mitigation efforts that can reduce your risk of flood damage and consider purchasing flood insurance.

4. Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability for your car. In today’s litigious society, buying only the minimum amount of liability means you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket—and those costs may be steep.
A better way to save: Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $1,000. The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident.

5. Neglecting to buy renters insurance. A renters policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to a disaster. Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue.
A better way to save: Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer, such as renters, auto and life will generally provide savings.

The I.I.I. website has consumer information on insurance, as well as more tips for saving money on homeowners and auto insurance.



THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE, 110 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10038, (212) 346-5500


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