What You Need to Know About Opening Your Pool

As you know, acquiring a tailored and quality home insurance policy is an important part of your general responsibilities 

as a home owner or landlord. When you own an in-ground swimming pool, that plan should include all the added liability 

risk exposure you get with the summer activity.

For those homeowners that want to save money on the annual pool opening, those in the know (and many of them happen to be 

in the house and auto insurance industry) recommend certain proactive methods.

Follow the pool opening guide below and summer swimming fun is yours to enjoy!

1. Remember to speak to your independent insurance agent about reviewing your homeowners' policy. Make sure all the 

necessary provisions in regard to swimming pool coverage are in proper place.

2. Prior to removing your pool cover, clear off fallen leaves and dirt. Next, spill off any excess water.

3. Remove the cover together with someone else. Clear of all dirt once again, then dry it and fold it up. Put it away in 

the garage or shed until the end of the summer season.

4. Disconnect any plugs used for winterizing your pool. Follow up by connecting any of the return valve fittings, drain 

plugs, pool filters and the pump. In addition, restore any more equipment needed for summer pool use.

5. Use your garden hose to add enough water to fill your pool to an adequate swimming depth level.

6. Turn on systems: prime your pump; activate circulation and every related filter.

7. Clean the area of any leafage or remaining dirt and debris. Brush pool sides and pool floor well so that pool filters 

can eliminate any loosened dirt or muck.

8. Bring a small sample of the pool water to your local pool supply shop for pH and alkaline level evaluation.

9. Ensure your pool water is safely and correctly balanced. This involves a proper pH and alkaline balance, as well as a 

hard calcium water balance. Test for accuracy.

10. Before you, your family or guests begin to enjoy the pool swimming fun, allow the system's filter to run throughout a 

full twenty-four hour filtering cycle.

11. Following the filter run, use your pool vacuum to suck up any remaining leaves and dirt.

12. Finalize the preparedness rituals by shocking your pool water. Experts recommend doing this twice for optimum results.

13. Post clear safety rules in pool vicinity and have a working phone available in the event emergency personnel need to 

be summoned.

Home-Sharing Nightmares: Are Airbnb and Other Hosts Protected by Homeowners' Insurance?

You probably never stopped to consider whether your homeowners' insurance would cover property damage or liability claims caused by someone who is renting your house. Why would you? After all, the last thing on most people's mind is how an insurance policy will respond to some, unknown future loss.

Home-sharing services like Airbnb and HomeAway have turned a lot of ordinary homeowners into part-time innkeepers. The Pew Research Center found that 11% of American adults have used home-sharing services. Airbnb alone boasts of having over 3 million listings worldwide.

This means that a growing number of you actually need to stop and consider whether claims involving renters are covered by your homeowners' insurance. Unfortunately, the excitement and opportunity created by new business models make it too easy to overlook the downside.

That being said, there's always a downside. For example, host homeowners face an increased exposure to:

Personal and structural property damage or loss.

Criminal activity, theft and vandalism.

Liability to guests for property damage or bodily injury that occurs on the premises.

Liability to third-parties for property damage or bodily injury caused by guests.

This brings us back to our original question. Does a standard homeowners' insurance policy cover damage and liability claims involving renters?

You shouldn't be surprised to learn that standard homeowners' policies don't directly address home-sharing. After all, today's sharing economy didn't exist when most of these policies were written. Nevertheless, there are some traditional provisions in standard policies that could limit or exclude coverage for the host homeowner.

Eligibility. Standard policies are typically restricted to dwellings that are used exclusively for private residential purposes.

Property Damage. A homeowner's personal property that is stolen from areas that are rented to guests is generally not covered under a standard policy. Neither is the theft of a guest's personal property. Standard policies can also limit coverage for some big-ticket items located in areas that are rented to others, like appliances, carpeting and household furnishings.

Liability Coverage. Host homeowners may not think of home-sharing as a business, but insurance companies may disagree. This can be a problem because standard policies typically don't provide liability coverage for business conducted from the home.

Despite not being expressly mentioned or excluded, losses suffered by host homeowners may end up not being covered by their standard insurance. Coverage gaps are common whenever old-school insurance is confronted with new-school behavior. These gaps can also be financially devastating.

Until the insurance industry can catch up with the Über's and Airbnb's of the world, potentially significant coverage gaps are likely to remain for home-sharing hosts. In the meantime, if you are or plan to become a host homeowner, you should carefully review current policies to identify any potential coverage gaps. If you're not sure, you should ask an experienced insurance agent.

How Insurance Customers Can Save on Home, Car and Boat Coverage

Do you know anyone that enjoys dealing with the stream of daily bills? I don't.

For the average person, home and car expenses are enough of a headache. When insurance policy premiums join the list of associated costs, the payout hassles become even more of a colossal hassle.

You may think there is no alternative. But I'll let you into a little secret. Think you have no choice in the matter? You bet you do. And it comes in the form of bundled insurance!

Bundled insurance? You ask. What's that?

Although doing your part in investigating the varying forms of coverage and the attached price tags that come along with them can get you a policy that may be cheaper than others, there is another way to find even more significant discounts. According to most insurance companies, you can save big bucks by combining two different forms of coverage under one plan. If you 'bundle' your home insurance, for instance, together with your auto plan, you can take advantage of this phenomenal option.

Why do the insurance providers offer such motivation?

The insurance industry is like others. Competition breeds ideas to get clients to stay with them. By presenting a plan that covers your home and car - as well as your boat if you happen to own one - at a great price, the particular company will be buying your loyalty. To them, the offered savings are worth the price of customer fidelity. Naturally then, everyone becomes a winner. The company by securing your as their customer, and you by locking in a great quote.

But there's more to the deal that meets the average eye. By signing the dotted line of a bundled home and auto policy, you glean additional bonuses. Not only do you win by saving a bundle of money, but you get the comprehensive coverage needed and the multitude of bills that generally were part of your daily mail is reduced to one simple bill that incorporates the cost of home and auto insurance. Of course, keeping track of renewal dates also is simplified this way. Because you will have combined what technically can be classified as two different forms of protective coverage into one all-inclusive plan, you will have condensed two dates into one renewal date: home and auto are renewed together!

Need further evidence that this is the money-saving way to go?

Home-Auto Insurance with a Bundle of Cost-Cutting Savings

Examples:

A home and vehicle owner decided to go with a bundled plan. He was overjoyed to discover this saved him $1,200 for the year!

A condo owner went for a combined condo-auto insurance policy, giving him savings of $500 for the year!

Another homeowner listened to his independent insurance agent and opted for a bundled home-auto plan. He raked in a year's savings of $900.

Incidentally, you can get a bundled policy for your home and car, as well as your truck, motorcycle, boat or any other vehicle or watercraft, as well as a life or financial plan.

Learn more about bundled insurance from your independent insurance agency.

Why Trampoline Fun May Not Be Insured by Your Homeowner's Policy

Ah, the joys of summer. As healthy as summertime and after-school activity is for your kids, there is a definite downside to some forms.

A downside?

What could ever be wrong with some good old fashioned fun? The question apparently has been turned around by every angle by the insurance industry. When it comes to fun with a potential for danger, the experts say, the risks may be too great for a related company's likings.

So, trampolines - that device that allows your kids to jump until their energy is spent and then go for some more - may actually not be in the terms and conditions of your home coverage policy.

Now, do not simply take this article's say as proof. Go ahead check out the facts yourself. But please do your research before you actually purchase one or use it because if you find that it's excluded, you will not be protected in the event of a liability for injury!

Read your policy carefully.

Is your trampoline covered? If you do not see any stipulated exclusion about trampolines, you have the green light go-ahead to its use. Should an associated accident actually occur, you will have the insurance clout protection that generally will pay for damages you are responsible for in the event of a law suit's determination.

But what if your trampoline is covered conditionally? If you are confused about the question, allow us to explain.

Some insurance companies will include trampoline coverage under the terms and conditions of a home owner's policy only if specific safety concerns are addressed. This means that your coverage is dependent on the installation of a net fence or the installation of similar precautionary equipment.

Then, we come to a situation when an insurance plan does not cover trampoline at all. Read through the policy conditions with a fine tooth comb to see if such an item is excluded from coverage. If you are still intent on having a trampoline, do not buy or use one until you have procured the appropriate policy that indeed covers it. Bear in mind though that a homeowner's plan that includes a trampoline may likely have higher premiums than one that does not.

Certainly, discussing your particular case with a knowledgeable independent agent is the correct manner in approaching the matter. In fact, conferring with an insurance agent who has your best interest in mind will empower you in your choice of policy - something that will give you the right protection when you need it most.

What Type of Insurance for Mudslides?

For the uninformed, mudslides are mud piles that slide down a mountain or hillside or any vertical slope. Composed of mud, stones and rocks as well as general debris, it can cause much damage to homes and property. With the force garnered by gravity, a mudslide can rip out trees, power lines and anything in its path.

While most feel smug about mudslide safety, a mudslide can occur suddenly - particularly in localities where there is a great deal of rain, fast melting snow and resulting flash flooding. Areas where wildfire has eliminated trees, brush and vegetation are most prone to a mudslide disaster when excessive rain or snow melts occur.

Property and homes in the path of a mudslide can be devastating. Recent polls in fact indicate that there is anywhere between two to four million dollars of property damage per year in the United States as a result of mudslide occurrence.

It is important for the home, business or property owner to realize that standard homeowners, renters or commercial property insurance will not cover the damages related to a mudslide. The insurance industry views a mudslide as a repercussion of the earth's movement, much like an earthquake that is also not covered by a standard plan. Incidentally, related disasters such as landslides and sinkholes are also not covered under standard insurance.

You may wonder, if a mudslide is the result of the earth's movement, would an earthquake policy cover the damages? The answer is no - unless of course, the mudslide occurred because of the earthquake.

In addition, unlike a mudflow that is defined as a river of mud streaming down the incline and may be covered under your flood insurance policy, a mudslide is a thick substance and is not covered under a flood plan.

For those living in mudslide risk exposed sites there is indemnity in the form of a Difference in Conditions policy. This type of insurance is written as a rider to your existing homeowners or business policy and can also cover damage from landslides, earthquakes and flooding.

As for vehicle damage from a mudslide, the answer is simple - a comprehensive auto insurance policy should protect you from the four natural calamities: mudslides, landslides, earthquakes and floods.

For a deeper understanding of this and other forms of insurance as it pertains to your individual situation, speak to an experienced independent agent who views an educated consumer as an asset.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Replacement Insurance Claims

When it comes to replacing your roof, you must decide whether to pay for it out-of-pocket, or to go through your home owners' insurance carrier. Since roof replacement is a major part of why many people have homeowners' insurance policies, filing a claim is the most common route. However, if you do choose to file a homeowners' insurance claim for roof replacement, be aware that there are several factors involved in the claim process. For this reason, it is important to do your research in order to understand what to expect when preparing for a roof replacement insurance claim. Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions regarding roof replacement and insurance claims.

My Check is Less Than The Cost to Replace My Roof. Why?

An insurance adjuster reveals his estimate for the cost of your roof, but then makes two major deductions: your deductible and depreciation/betterment. Continue below to learn the meanings behind them.

What Do All These Insurance Terms Mean? Betterment, Depreciation, RCV, ACV?

Depreciation is the loss of value in an asset, as a result of age, wear, and tear. In contrast, betterment is a term that refers to an improvement that adds to the value of a property or facility. The current retail cost to replace the total amount of damaged or defective roofing materials is called the replacement cost value, or RCV. The actual cost value is abbreviated as ACV, and represents the actual cash value of a roofing system. The ACV takes into account general depreciation. For instance, if a roof that is meant to last 50 years becomes totaled from hail after only 25, if the RVC is $30,000, the ACV is only $15,000. This depreciation is usually paid once a final invoice is submitted.

The Adjuster's Estimate Does Not Seem Accurate. Is it a Final Estimate or Can I Dispute it?

A final estimate from an adjuster is not necessarily set in stone. If an estimate from your roofing company is different from your adjusters, there is no need to worry. It is important that your roofing contractor and your insurance adjuster communicate on several areas of concern, in order to reconcile some of the discrepancies in the final estimate. If you are compelled to dispute certain depreciations, you would need to file a claim within the company, work your way up through the chain of command, and present your evidence as to why the depreciation estimates are inaccurate or unreasonable. It helps to have your roofing contractor assist you with these types of claims because they can provide professional documentation of what they think is a fair resolution.

In Total, How Much Will it Cost Me to Replace My Roof?

With homeowners' insurance, you will only be paying the deductible and any upgrades you choose. You might have to pay for the entire roof replacement upfront, and then get reimbursed for it through a check sent by your insurance carrier. Some insurance companies operate this way to avoid fraud.

I Found a Roofing Company That Says They Will "Cover My Deductible." Is This Legitimate?

No one should pay your deductible except for you. If a roofing company advertises that they will "cover your deductible", it is an unethical and improper way of doing business. A reputable roofing company will never advertise this. Furthermore, a sign allowance can be a disguise for a "cover your deductible" scam. If they offer a referral fee, in order for it to be legitimate and ethical, the fee must be the same whether a roof is purchased or not. Also, it must be reported as taxable income.

Preparing for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: Are You Ready for The Season Within The Season?

If you live or work in the Atlantic hurricane region, you should already know that hurricane season officially starts June

1st. You should also know that Fourth of July fireworks do more than mark the passing of another Independence Day. They

also signal the rapidly approaching peak of hurricane season.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tropical activity spikes from mid-August through mid-

October. This period is often referred to as "the season within the season." This doesn't mean it's time to panic.

Instead, it's time to make sure your plans and protective measures will be ready to go on a moment's notice if a storm is

coming your way.

For the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, NOAA predicts a:

45% chance of an above-normal season
35% chance of a near-normal season
20% chance of a below-normal season
NOAA forecasters also predict a 70% likelihood of:
11 - 17 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
5 - 9 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
2 - 4 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)
Though these predictions do not include Tropical Storm Cindy, which made landfall in the Gulf of Mexico on June 22nd, they

do include pre-season Tropical Storm Arlene, which formed over the eastern Atlantic in April. An average season produces

12 named storms, six of which become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
A strong El Nino and wind shear typically suppress the development of Atlantic hurricanes. Warmer sea surface temperatures

tend to fuel hurricanes. However, NOAA is expecting "a weak or non-existent El Nino, near- or above-average sea-surface

temperatures... and average or weaker-than-average vertical wind shear."

Regardless of predictions, it's better to be safe than sorry, so here are a few tips that can help protect you, your home

and your business during and after a storm.

Before the Storm

Monitor the news to allow time to prepare.
Identify tools and equipment that will be needed to secure property before and recover after the storm (flashlights,

batteries, caulking, tarpaulins, sandbags, cutting and fastening equipment, etc.).
Clear drains and down spouts to minimize the risk of flooding.
Unplug electrical equipment and move items inside and away from windows
Check and secure all documents and records.
Take or update photographs of real and personal property.
Gather insurance policies and agent/insurer contact information.
After the Storm
Only after it has been declared safe to do so, take reasonably necessary steps to protect against any further property

damage.
Report fallen power lines to the power company immediately. Stay away from them!
Check exterior walls and roof for damage.
Check interior perimeter walls, floors and roof for leaks and water damage.
Document all damage with photographs and video.
Prepare detailed damage reports.
Call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report damage.
Protective measures taken before a storm are important, but they may not always be enough. It's important to also have

adequate insurance to cover loss or damage to homes, cars, business and personal property. But, don't delay. By the time

it looks like a storm is coming your way, it may already be too late.
Remember, it only takes one tropical storm or hurricane heading your way to make it an active season for you. If you have

any doubts about this, just ask those who were already hit by Tropical Storm Cindy.

Where Can I Buy Coach House Insurance?

Online, everyday insurers don't offer a bespoke Coach House policy typically, as the Insurance world has been rather slow on the uptake of these properties being built at such a rate. You cannot buy it online - unless you can find a specialist and you cannot buy it from mainstream providers such as Direct Line, Churchill's, More Than etc..as its stands today - 30/08/2017. It's a niche product and requires a specialist insurance Provider.

Why? Quite simply this is because of the Liability of any garages which fall to the property Freeholder to insure, which is leased out to leaseholder who lives nearby. There is complex Liability issues that most Insurers are not interested in and therefor will not offer insurance.

The Freeholder must insure the garages if they form part of the Title Deeds of the property - otherwise, in the event of a claim (fire for example) the property will not be able to be rebuilt as the garages which form the foundation and base of the building, won't be covered on the policy. You cannot issue a coach house as a flat - because it is not one and you will be incorrectly insuring your property - again this would mean that any claims would be refused as you will not have insured your property honestly and in good faith.

Coach House Insurance is therefor a niche product and not so widely available - but it is there! You must Insure the property as a Coach House, and all the Garages mentioned on the title deeds of the property must be included on the Buildings Insurance Schedule.

When you initially buy your Coach House your solicitor should bring this to your attention to make sure that the property will be properly and adequately Insured, and covering your Legal liabilities to the leaseholder of any garages. You should be advised of your Legal Responsibilities to all leaseholder's and the fact that you are required to insure their garage as part of your property. You won't insure their contents of course - but you do need to insure the fabric of the whole building.

Providing you insure the whole building then any valid claims submitted will be honored, and your Legal Liabilities protected. Considering Coach House Insurance is not typically expensive - its worth doing properly. People expect premiums to be higher than 'normal' buildings insurance - but that is not the case.

Preparing for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: Are You Ready for The Season Within The Season?

If you live or work in the Atlantic hurricane region, you should already know that hurricane season officially starts June 1st. You should also know that Fourth of July fireworks do more than mark the passing of another Independence Day. They also signal the rapidly approaching peak of hurricane season.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tropical activity spikes from mid-August through mid-October. This period is often referred to as "the season within the season." This doesn't mean it's time to panic. Instead, it's time to make sure your plans and protective measures will be ready to go on a moment's notice if a storm is coming your way.

For the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, NOAA predicts a:

45% chance of an above-normal season
35% chance of a near-normal season
20% chance of a below-normal season
NOAA forecasters also predict a 70% likelihood of:
11 - 17 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
5 - 9 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
2 - 4 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)
Though these predictions do not include Tropical Storm Cindy, which made landfall in the Gulf of Mexico on June 22nd, they do include pre-season Tropical Storm Arlene, which formed over the eastern Atlantic in April. An average season produces 12 named storms, six of which become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
A strong El Nino and wind shear typically suppress the development of Atlantic hurricanes. Warmer sea surface temperatures tend to fuel hurricanes. However, NOAA is expecting "a weak or non-existent El Nino, near- or above-average sea-surface temperatures... and average or weaker-than-average vertical wind shear."

Regardless of predictions, it's better to be safe than sorry, so here are a few tips that can help protect you, your home and your business during and after a storm.

Before the Storm

Monitor the news to allow time to prepare.
Identify tools and equipment that will be needed to secure property before and recover after the storm (flashlights, batteries, caulking, tarpaulins, sandbags, cutting and fastening equipment, etc.).
Clear drains and down spouts to minimize the risk of flooding.
Unplug electrical equipment and move items inside and away from windows
Check and secure all documents and records.
Take or update photographs of real and personal property.
Gather insurance policies and agent/insurer contact information.
After the Storm
Only after it has been declared safe to do so, take reasonably necessary steps to protect against any further property damage.
Report fallen power lines to the power company immediately. Stay away from them!
Check exterior walls and roof for damage.
Check interior perimeter walls, floors and roof for leaks and water damage.
Document all damage with photographs and video.
Prepare detailed damage reports.
Call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report damage.
Protective measures taken before a storm are important, but they may not always be enough. It's important to also have adequate insurance to cover loss or damage to homes, cars, business and personal property. But, don't delay. By the time it looks like a storm is coming your way, it may already be too late.
Remember, it only takes one tropical storm or hurricane heading your way to make it an active season for you. If you have any doubts about this, just ask those who were already hit by Tropical Storm Cindy.

Where Can I Buy Coach House Insurance?

Online, everyday insurers don't offer a bespoke Coach House policy typically, as the Insurance world has been rather slow on the uptake of these properties being built at such a rate. You cannot buy it online - unless you can find a specialist and you cannot buy it from mainstream providers such as Direct Line, Churchill's, More Than etc..as its stands today - 30/08/2017. It's a niche product and requires a specialist insurance Provider.

Why? Quite simply this is because of the Liability of any garages which fall to the property Freeholder to insure, which is leased out to leaseholder who lives nearby. There is complex Liability issues that most Insurers are not interested in and therefor will not offer insurance.

The Freeholder must insure the garages if they form part of the Title Deeds of the property - otherwise, in the event of a claim (fire for example) the property will not be able to be rebuilt as the garages which form the foundation and base of the building, won't be covered on the policy. You cannot issue a coach house as a flat - because it is not one and you will be incorrectly insuring your property - again this would mean that any claims would be refused as you will not have insured your property honestly and in good faith.

Coach House Insurance is therefor a niche product and not so widely available - but it is there! You must Insure the property as a Coach House, and all the Garages mentioned on the title deeds of the property must be included on the Buildings Insurance Schedule.

When you initially buy your Coach House your solicitor should bring this to your attention to make sure that the property will be properly and adequately Insured, and covering your Legal liabilities to the leaseholder of any garages. You should be advised of your Legal Responsibilities to all leaseholder's and the fact that you are required to insure their garage as part of your property. You won't insure their contents of course - but you do need to insure the fabric of the whole building.

Providing you insure the whole building then any valid claims submitted will be honored, and your Legal Liabilities protected. Considering Coach House Insurance is not typically expensive - its worth doing properly. People expect premiums to be higher than 'normal' buildings insurance - but that is not the case.

Reasons to Avoid Mortgage Life Insurance

Have you ever wondered which is worse?

A devastating earthquake or picking up the pieces of life after surviving such an earthquake?

Perhaps the second one requires more resilience and determination. It also requires the hand of providence and of-course good planning habits.

It would be a shattering to see one's home crumbling in front of their eyes and would be all the more depressing if the house is not insured.

There are certain myths with regards to home insurance and through this article, we attempt to de-construct such myths:

Myth # 1: Home Insurance does not cover hand-of-God incidents:

It is a general feeling that home insurance does not cover natural disasters. However, mishaps like fire, earthquake, flood and other perils are amply covered in the first section of most home insurance policies. In most of the plans this is a mandatory coverage.

In order to understand what is covered under the policy, it is important to read the policy documents carefully. Only after considering the terms of the policy in detail should one commit to purchase the policy.

It is a fact that some insurance companies may cover a particular form of natural disaster while others might not do it. It is always a good practice to compare different policies before buying one.

Myth # 2: Settlement of claims is a cumbersome process:

Many people shy away from buying a home policy simply because they feel that the claim lodging and settlement process is innately cumbersome. Actually it is not that intimidating and just need to follow a particular procedure.

When the property of the insured is damaged due to some calamity, intimation has to be given to the particular insuring company as early as possible, either to the local office or the main office as per the stipulations in the policy.

The insurer on its part will send an agent to survey the extent of damage to the policyholder's property. Once the agent files the report, decision is taken regarding the value of the claim that is permissible as per the policy.

The insurer might ask for certain documents from the insured before they finally go about the process of settling the claim.

With the gradual and progressive improvement in technology a lot off ease has come about in the process of storage of policy documents. Now policy documents can be stored in Dematerialized or electronic format also. This helps in case where the original policy has been misplaced or lost and in such situations the only question that the insurer asks is the date when the policy was taken.

Myth # 3: Low Insurance Premium means Low Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage for homes and premium amount payable are not always directly proportional. If the home to be insured is already equipped with such safety devices as fire alarm, and burglar alarms, it is likely that the insurer will offer discounts on the premium.

Judicious decisions while buying a policy will help in keeping the premium cost low. For example in areas, which are clam and peaceful a cover for riot and terrorism might not be required at all.

As these natural calamities are not very frequent, the risk for the insurer is low. So the premium will be obviously low.

Myth # 4: It is necessary to own the home for having it insured

It is often that people are under the impression that in order to insure their place of residence, they need to own it. This is not true.

The house owner can insure the basic structure of the house that he is renting out.

A tenant can always insure the belongings in the house they are residing in. If they happen to change homes, the insurer can approve the change of address.

Myth # 5: Burglary is not covered

Home insurance policies cover not only damage caused by natural disasters but also damage or loss caused by robbers burgling the house or even attempting to burgle it.

Individual items of value like pieces of jewelry, documents, gadgets and fittings can all be insured. However, discretion may be used to insure only the valuables, else the premium will be substantially high.

Conclusion:

While buying an insurance policy it is imperative that the policy document is studied thoroughly.Clarifications may be sought in case it is felt that there is any ambiguity in the policy clause. With online policy buying becoming simple, it is an easy to compare the various policies online before taking a final call.

5 Myths About Home Insurance Demystified

Have you ever wondered which is worse?

A devastating earthquake or picking up the pieces of life after surviving such an earthquake?

Perhaps the second one requires more resilience and determination. It also requires the hand of providence and of-course good planning habits.

It would be a shattering to see one's home crumbling in front of their eyes and would be all the more depressing if the house is not insured.

There are certain myths with regards to home insurance and through this article, we attempt to de-construct such myths:

Myth # 1: Home Insurance does not cover hand-of-God incidents:

It is a general feeling that home insurance does not cover natural disasters. However, mishaps like fire, earthquake, flood and other perils are amply covered in the first section of most home insurance policies. In most of the plans this is a mandatory coverage.

In order to understand what is covered under the policy, it is important to read the policy documents carefully. Only after considering the terms of the policy in detail should one commit to purchase the policy.

It is a fact that some insurance companies may cover a particular form of natural disaster while others might not do it. It is always a good practice to compare different policies before buying one.

Myth # 2: Settlement of claims is a cumbersome process:

Many people shy away from buying a home policy simply because they feel that the claim lodging and settlement process is innately cumbersome. Actually it is not that intimidating and just need to follow a particular procedure.

When the property of the insured is damaged due to some calamity, intimation has to be given to the particular insuring company as early as possible, either to the local office or the main office as per the stipulations in the policy.

The insurer on its part will send an agent to survey the extent of damage to the policyholder's property. Once the agent files the report, decision is taken regarding the value of the claim that is permissible as per the policy.

The insurer might ask for certain documents from the insured before they finally go about the process of settling the claim.

With the gradual and progressive improvement in technology a lot off ease has come about in the process of storage of policy documents. Now policy documents can be stored in Dematerialized or electronic format also. This helps in case where the original policy has been misplaced or lost and in such situations the only question that the insurer asks is the date when the policy was taken.

Myth # 3: Low Insurance Premium means Low Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage for homes and premium amount payable are not always directly proportional. If the home to be insured is already equipped with such safety devices as fire alarm, and burglar alarms, it is likely that the insurer will offer discounts on the premium.

Judicious decisions while buying a policy will help in keeping the premium cost low. For example in areas, which are clam and peaceful a cover for riot and terrorism might not be required at all.

As these natural calamities are not very frequent, the risk for the insurer is low. So the premium will be obviously low.

Myth # 4: It is necessary to own the home for having it insured

It is often that people are under the impression that in order to insure their place of residence, they need to own it. This is not true.

The house owner can insure the basic structure of the house that he is renting out.

A tenant can always insure the belongings in the house they are residing in. If they happen to change homes, the insurer can approve the change of address.

Myth # 5: Burglary is not covered

Home insurance policies cover not only damage caused by natural disasters but also damage or loss caused by robbers burgling the house or even attempting to burgle it.

Individual items of value like pieces of jewelry, documents, gadgets and fittings can all be insured. However, discretion may be used to insure only the valuables, else the premium will be substantially high.

Conclusion:

While buying an insurance policy it is imperative that the policy document is studied thoroughly.Clarifications may be sought in case it is felt that there is any ambiguity in the policy clause. With online policy buying becoming simple, it is an easy to compare the various policies online before taking a final call.

All You Need to Know About Affordable Home Insurance in Edmonton

Why You Should Get a Home Insurance Quote in Edmonton

· To avoid overpayment and save a significant amount of money

· Insuring your house, cottage, or rental includes protection from flooding

· To get any information about home insurance from a live agent

· To get a quote from 10 insurance companies

Sample Home Insurance Quotes in Edmonton

Example 1: Insurance on a two-story house in Allendale, about 2,000 square feet, including flooding coverage, costs around 

$93 a month, or $1,116 annually.

Example 2: Insurance on a condo with two bedrooms in the downtown area of Edmonton, near Canadian Western Bank Place, 

costs about $22 a month, or $264 annually.

Example 3: Insurance on a one-story house near the intersection of 107 Ave and 142 St NW, in the Grovenor neighbourhood of 

Edmonton, costs $65 a month, including flooding protection, or $780 annually.

Home Insurance Premiums in Edmonton - Average Rates

Home insurance policies change for different types of properties. Tenant insurance (also called renter's insurance) only 

covers the contents of a rented house and, depending on the policy, liability. The homeowner's coverage, on the other 

hand, is focused on the insurance of the building itself to ensure protection in instances that are related to natural 

hazards, fire or earthquake, or due to unlawful human activities like vandalism.

Home insurance covers the rebuild value of a dwelling, but not the market value, which is, in fact, higher. That is why, 

when the property has undergone some damages, the insurance provider will carry the rebuilding costs so the policyholder 

is able to restore a corresponding property.

This chart features the average premiums for rented and homeowner's insurance in Alberta and Canada. As the chart shows, 

owned property insurance is, on average, higher than the renter's policy.

Condo and Tenant Insurance Policies in Edmonton

Condo owners in Edmonton are protected by their own condo insurance policy, which they must buy, and the condominium 

corporation's policy, which the corporation must buy. The first one covers the contents of a condo, modifications, theft, 

liabilities of a third party, locker contents, additional expenses and insurance assessments. The second type, the 

condominium corporation's insurance, provides coverage for exterior parts of a building, like the roof, infrastructure 

(the building envelope) and areas like halls, lobbies, elevators and so on.

Condo tenant insurance, which is insurance of a rented condo, provides protection of the contents in case it is damaged as 

a result of theft, fire, etc. This type of policy also covers third party liability and additional living expenses. For 

example, if your condo was damaged due to fire or flooding, making it unsuitable for living, your condo tenant insurance 

in Edmonton can cover your temporary stay at a hotel room or rental unit.

8 Ways to Decrease Costs for Home Insurance in Edmonton

1. Quit smoking. Since smoking can pose a danger to your lungs and health overall, and since it also creates a higher risk 

of fire inside a house, insurance companies don't welcome this habit, so they increase premiums for home insurance.

2. Choose a safe area to live in. Be careful not to buy a house in flood-prone or earthquake areas as the risk of damage 

to your house is double, and so are your premiums.

3. Check for recent claims because, if you have not made one for a long time, you can get a discount. However, not all 

insurance companies in Edmonton provide such an option, so you should ask around to be sure.

4. It is time to upgrade your home since houses that are well maintained get much lower premiums in comparison to ones 

that are very old and in poor condition. Be sure that when you spend money on upgrading any part of your house, like the 

bedroom or basement, you save on your home insurance by reporting the upgrades. In fact, call your insurer before you 

start and ask how much you can save!

5. Get alumni discounts. If you are a graduate of some post-secondary institutions, like McGill University or the 

University of Toronto, you can get alumni insurance discounts. Check with your university to see if it provides this 

advantage.

6. Union memberships may include insurance discounts. Some large corporations or unions also provide their members with 

insurance policies.

7. Take care of your plumbing since many insurance providers prefer copper and plastic pipes to the galvanized or lead 

ones. Perhaps one of the renovations for your home will involve upgrading the plumbing because, in Edmonton and Alberta, 

this will mean lower premiums for your home insurance.

8. Read consumer reviews. Consumer reviews help you choose among the variety of insurance providers in Edmonton to find 

the one that will be suitable for you in terms of finances and your situation.

Get Affordable Home Insurance in Calgary

There are many reasons to get home insurance in Calgary. First of all, you want to make sure your house, cottage, or

tenancy is covered for damage, theft, and flooding. Secondly, you want to know if you are overpaying for home insurance,

and if you are, you want to know if you have access to a more affordable insurer. We can help you connect with a live

insurance broker who will give you the information you need to insure your house in Calgary. You can also request a quote

from at least 10 Canadian home insurers, so you can compare rates.

Typical Home Insurance Premiums
Home protection prices are different for rented and owned properties. Tenants insurance for rented homes covers the basic

contents of a house and some liability (you may need a separate policy for fine art, wine collections, furs, and other

expensive, atypical items). Tenants insurance is often cheaper than homeowners insurance.

Homeowners insurance covers the building and its exterior, as well as risks connected to theft, fire, earthquake, etc.

Since the value of the building is much higher than the contents of a rented unit, homeowners insurance premiums are

significantly higher than are the premiums for tenants insurance.

In order to have a broader picture of home insurance rates in Canada, here are statistics of the average home rates in

Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and Canada. These statistics are provided by InsurEye.

In Alberta, monthly house insurance rates are typically $84 for homeowners and $49 for renters.

In Ontario, monthly home insurance rates are typically $78 for homeowners and $42 for renters.

In British Columbia, monthly home protection rates are typically $85 for homeowners and $47 for renters.

Across Canada, monthly home insurance rates are typically $77 for homeowners and $41 for renters.

Examples of Calgary Home Insurance Quotes
Home insurance quotes in Calgary depend on the size of a building, its location, and possible risks (like flooding). The

following examples of house insurance quotes will help you better understand how much home insurance can potentially cost

you:

· For a 2,800 square foot, two-storey house in Calgary, in the neighbourhood of Altadore near River Park, expect

approximately $98 monthly ($1,176 a year).

· For an 850 square foot, two-bedroom condominium on the 12th floor in downtown Calgary, next to Central Memorial Park,

the insurance costs are approximately $23 a month ($276 a year).

· For a one-storey house in Calgary, in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, located close to 4th St NW and the Trans-Canada

Highway, the insurance is approximately $62 monthly ($744 a year).

Flooding Coverage for Homes in Calgary
Since Calgary often sees flooding, every homeowner should be prepared for the possibility of this risk and should

understand the main aspects of home protection and flooding. One thing you should keep in mind is that home protection in

the flood-endangered areas of the city is more expensive because of the much higher risk.

There are four main types of flooding. It is important to remember that your home insurance policy treats each of them

differently:

1. Overland flooding occurs as a consequence of water (rain or melting snow) entering your house from the outdoors.

Standard insurance in Calgary does not cover expenses from overland flooding. However, some companies do provide coverage

for this type of flooding at an additional cost.

2. Roof leakage can be covered or not covered, depending on the factors that caused it. If the roof was in poor condition

from the beginning, your insurance provider will not cover the damage. Your home insurance will most likely cover damage

from a natural cause, like hail.

3. Your insurer will cover plumbing issues, only if you comply with the rules in your policy, such as having somebody

visit your home while you are not there for extended periods of time (for example, while you are on vacation).

4. Sewer backup happens when wastewater is driven back into your house. Traditional home protection does not cover this

type of flooding. However, you can always purchase this type of coverage as an addition to your home insurance policy.

The Difference Between Condo and Tenants Insurance in Calgary
Owners of condos can purchase homeowners insurance for their condo. The condominium corporation purchases commercial condo

insurance. The difference between these two policies is in what part of the condo they cover. The homeowners insurance

covers the contents of the condominium. The coverage also includes protection for upgrades, locker contents, third party

liability, theft, additional living expenses, and sometimes special insurance assessments.

The commercial condominium corporation's insurance covers the building's exterior (envelope), together with its

infrastructure and common areas.

Condo renters in Calgary need tenants insurance to cover the contents of their condos. This type of protection is usually

mandatory and is part of the rental contract. In addition to the coverage of contents against theft, fire, and other

hazards, the insurance also extends to third party liability and additional living expenses. Living expenses are for the

cases when the condo is unlivable (due to earthquake, flood, fire, etc.), so the renter is forced to live in a hotel or

rental unit until the condo repairs are complete.

10 Ways to Save on Home Insurance in Calgary
Here are a few ways to save on your home coverage. For more savings, get an insurance quote and contact an insurance

expert.

1. Professional membership. Members of unions or professional organizations can get a discount on their home insurance.

Insurance companies, like Meloche Monnex Insurance, also provide their members with insurance policies.

2. Hydrant or fire station. If your home is close to one of these things, you can ask for a discount from your insurance

provider.

3. Discounts for students. Some insurance providers give discounts for students. As for dependent students who live alone,

their parent's home insurance may cover the insurance on their apartment at no additional charge. For example, Desjardins

Insurance provides this discount.

4. Discounts for graduates. TD Insurance is an example of an insurer that offers discounts for graduates from post-

secondary institutions like McGill University or the University of Toronto.

5. Quit smoking. Many insurance companies increase home protection premiums for smokers due to the potential fire risk.

6. Change your policy. Those with tenant insurance should rethink the size of their coverage - perhaps some things that do

not have much value do not need additional coverage.

7. Security of your home. Does your home have additional security, like a doorman or security guard? This might get you a

discount from your insurance provider.

8. Direct insurer. Also called a captive agent, a direct insurer represents one company and can offer their products for a

cheaper price when compared to insurance agents or brokers.

9. Consumer reviews. Other home insurance consumers often share their experiences of purchasing insurance and making

claims. Thanks to these insights, you will be able to avoid unexpected costs and overpayment.

10. Compare prices. You can get home insurance quote in Calgary for a cheaper price thanks to the price comparison tools

that show you the rates of the same services provided by different insurance companies.

Common Questions About a Home Insurance Claim

For the unfamiliar, the insurance claim process is quite confusing. Here, we bring a scenario involving a homeowner's wish to have a claim processed along with the most common questions posed to the professionals. It is our hope that through the dissipation of these along with the answers, the topic will become clearer and the process will not be seen as daunting.

How would a leading insurance carrier handle a home claim in regard to payment?

A: We're providing an example of some of the top companies here. In the event a claim is brought about home damage, the company would seek a repair estimate. Immediately upon receiving the estimate, the company would issue a payment check. In certain instances, where extra living expenses or temporary repair work is necessary for safety purposes, the insurance might even make advance payment of the emergency situation.

It is common to see the claimant's mortgage company written on the payment check. Why is this so?

A: This practice is mandated by the government in regard to a large loss. The reason behind this is simple enough: due to the insurable interest that the mortgage company has in having the home repaired, payment is issued to them. In order for the insured to receive the funding, he or she must be in contact with the mortgage company.

The estimated cost of repairs were higher than the actual payment, why is this so?

A: In cases like this, the reasoning behind this follows the fact that the homeowner must first pay his or her out-of-pocket deductible before any payment from the insurance company is forthcoming. The deductible is then subtracted from the remaining balance of payment.

What are the variables that the insurance companies use to determine if a house needs repairs over rebuilding?

A: The insurance carrier first consults with a professional engineer or building specialist in regard to the risk factor involved in repair work over building safety. If there is a significant risk to the structure, the insurance company will decide to rebuild the home instead of repairing it.

In the event a home is deemed necessary for rebuilding, does it have to be rebuilt in precisely the same way as it was before incurring damages?

A: If the insured wishes to add any changes to the building, he or she can do so. The insurance company pays for the home to be restored and the policyholder pays for any additional costs for any upgrades.

In the event a home is deemed not inhabitable, what does the insurance company do for the insured homeowner?

A: If the damaged home is classified as uninhabitable, the insurance company will likely assist the homeowner's family relocate to a comfortable hotel. Should the home repairs become drawn out, the insurance company will help move the family to temporary housing that has similar amenities to the pre-damaged home.

Will the policyholder be denied coverage for temporary living over time?

A: The policyholder can expect to be covered for temporary housing for the full duration of repair work on the damaged home. This applies even if the homeowner's policy term has expired.

What does an insurance company do in regard to protecting the contents of a home during the duration it takes to repair a home?

A: Transportation, as well as storage costs are taken care of by the insurance company during the repair time frame.

These and any other questions regarding the homeowners claim process should be directed to an experienced independent agency.

Why Renters Also Need Insurance

What would you do if you lost everything you owned except for the clothes on your back? For a lot of people without renters insurance this is a real question that happens every day. In America, only about 41% of people who rent have renters insurance, which is about 45 million people. Did you know that Netflix has over 50 million subscribers in the US alone? I know that figure includes people who own homes, but it's crazy to think that there are more people who purchase one type of service to watch TV in our country than there are who own renters insurance.

If cost is a factor then I say let's look at the numbers. The average cost of this coverage varies from state to state but ranges from $100-$200 a year, which is the same cost as Hulu, Netflix and Amazon prime. How is it that people are willing to risk everything they own to have a video service instead? This is not even considering the people who have all three.

Let's talk about renters insurance and what it all will do for you. Did you know that if someone gets hurt on your property that you're renting, you can be responsible for their damages? Renters insurance covers that. Did you know that if you were displaced from your home but were still required to pay rent, you may be stuck with paying for two places to live? It covers that too. Did you know that if a fire starts in your apartment complex and ruins all your stuff, you are responsible for replacing it? I will give you two guesses but only one will count. Did you know that most companies give you a discount for having a policy in place? Did you also know due to how cheap a renter's policy is coupled with the discount, a lot of times it's free?

How can we question if something that could prevent a situation that could change your whole life is needed? For the cost of a large value meal at McDonald's you could get hundreds of thousands worth of coverage. If you don't have renters insurance the first thing you should be doing after reading this is contacting your agent in regards to finding out what needs to be done to get a policy in place. You will sleep easier at night knowing that you made the right decision!

The Importance of Knowing Your Home Coverage

If you own a home do you actually know what your policy covers?

There are pages and pages in your renewal packet that comes every year but you probably throw it away. Most people's biggest asset is their house, yet most are unaware of what it is actually covering. While it may never be an issue, some people have lost thousands of dollars for not fully knowing what their policy entailed and by then it was too late. I want to take a moment to go over some of the things that can vary from policy to policy. Homeowners generally know what their home is insured for and what the price is but there is a whole lot in between. Did you know that not all policies will replace your roof if it is damaged? How about that your jewelry may not be covered at all? Because each company is so different, each policy is very different and some are much better than others.

When you are looking for homeowners insurance there are a few things that are a MUST HAVE for almost every homeowner. The first one is RCV (replacement cost value). If you have RCV on your policy this means that if your roof is damaged from a hail storm and deemed a total loss, they are going to pay you what it would cost to replace it less your deductible. If you do not have RCV you most likely have ACV (Actual Cash Value) which means they would pay you what it is worth at the time of the loss. For example, if you have a roof that was warranted for 25 years and it is 15 years old, that means that 60% of your roof life is gone. If you were to have a claim, they would only give you 40% of the value of your roof less the deductible. In some cases the result could be thousands lost come claim time.

RCV is not something that is just limited to your roof, it is how they value all of your possessions as well. A good example to show how RCV is greatly different than ACV is a TV. Everyone knows that technology progresses at the speed of light and what's hot today is a paperweight tomorrow. If you had a 5 year old TV with ACV you would only get a fraction of what you paid for it because the value decreases so quickly. If you had RCV, you would get reimbursed for what it would cost to purchase that TV or one very similar brand new as of the time of loss!

Did you know that almost all policies have special limits for certain items? Jewelry, guns, furs and fine arts are the most common items with special limits. Most policies will give you a small amount for each of these on the base policy. Generally this can be increased and floaters (a specified amount for 1 item) can be added to the policy so you are adequately covered. In some cases though, a policy may offer NO coverage for any of these items and while they may offer it, some policies may only cover you up to $1000 in total for each category!

Instead of writing 10 pages worth of explanations of how coverage can vary greatly between each policy I thought I would just make a list of each one so you can bring it up with your agent!

RCV 

ACV 

Earthquake 

Flood 

Sewer Backup 

Special limits (Jewelry, guns, furs, fine arts) 

theft/vandalism 

pipe breaks 

metal marring 

Identity Theft 

Building Ordinance 

Reconstruction cost (too low because they use outdated estimators) 

Personal Property at another location 

power interruption 

loss of use 

separate structures 

Watercraft/PWC coverage

These are just a few of the different coverage options that can vary greatly from policy to policy. The easiest and most beneficial thing you can do to make sure that you are covered properly is by doing a review of all your policies with your insurance agent.

Landlords HMO House Insurance

It is no secret that Insurance is largely calculated based on the postcode of the property, the type of tenant, and the 

risk of flooding, and crime rates etc. Insurers also hike premiums for city locations for no other reason than city prices 

are expected, by the consumer, to be higher.

As far as Landlords of Student Let properties are concerned, Landlords who need an HMO Insurance policy can expect to pay 

huge premiums if the postcode is even remotely near a city university. Landlords HMO Insurance near any of the 

universities in London is automatically inflated, as it is in Cambridge, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and so on and so 

forth. There are slightly higher risks to an insurer when the property is let on a multi tenure basis to students, but the 

price increases outweigh that risk.

It is vital that Landlords avoid the main big brands, and the insurers who are running TV advertisements, and delve deeper 

into what is actually available to them. Insurance is a massive market, there are hundreds of Insurers and underwriters 

who want a piece of that city business, and are willing to offer more competitive deals, but you need to shop clever!

Landlords HMO Insurance is a niche product that requires specific underwriting, and by choosing a specialist insurer, and 

not just the big names that come to mind immediately - savings can be made. For example - if you let your property to Phd 

students, some insurers will classify those tenants as working professionals. This can halve the cost of the Insurance to 

the landlord. It is not a broadcast fact because the type of Insurers that offer these savings are not plastered all over 

the media. Insurers like Ageas, Lloyds of London, Vasek, Equity Redstar and many more;- all reputable established 

underwriting companies - but you don't hear their name on the TV or Radio.

There are lots of ways to keep the costs of HMO Insurance manageable, and lots of Insurers will offer incentives to 

Landlords such as Interest Free Direct Debits, to help with their bottom line, and cash flow - again, this is not always a 

well-known and advertised fact. They simply sit behind UK Insurance Brokers, providing specific Insurance policies to 

their clients at low-cost rates because they don't need to service the customer directly, and can save money on the 

business. The Customer Service, the Advertising Costs, the Administration costs - they are all the brokers' costs, so the 

Insurance provider can afford to offer better rates.

Going directly to the biggest names will automatically cost you more as a policy holder. Use a Broker - particularly for 

niche products. Brokers have access to a large range of products and turn over a high volume of business to the insurers; 

this enables the Landlord to benefit from choice, and much more competitive premiums. This particularly applies to 

Landlords who need HMO Insurance Policy's, with city postcodes near a University or College.

It makes absolute sense for any property owner to shop wisely, and protect their investment with quality Insurance.

We offer HMO Landlords Insurance, and other niche specific policies for Landlords. We have access to a huge range of 

products and very competitive premiums.

We are particularly competitive with London Postcodes, and HMO properties near to universities - Cambridge, Oxford, 

Manchester, Nottingham and more.

Things You Should Know Before Purchasing Home Insurance

Like other types of insurance policies, you have to take your time to choose the right one. Typically, a home insurance policy may cost based on the coverage level, deductible size, age and location of the home. Given below are a few things that you may want to consider when buying home insurance.

1. Protection

As a homeowner, you may need to buy home insurance in order to protect your home and properly. Even if you want to rent, you need insurance for protection. As a matter of fact, everyone wants protection in case of accidents or injury.

2. Coverage

If your coverage is better, you won't have to pay a lot from your own pocket in case of a disaster. In most cases, it is up to your lender to decide how much of coverage is good for you. It's important to keep in mind that the price you pay is effected by the coverage amount you purchase.

3. Deductibles

Actually, this is the amount that you have to pay on each claim. Moreover, this amount applies to the insurance coverage on the house and property that you own. When opting for a policy, make sure you can afford the deductible in case of making a claim.

4. Replacement Cost

You can insure your property or house for actual cash value or replacement cost. In case you don't know, replacement cost is what it would cost to rebuild or replace your home without depreciation deduction. It's a good idea to get your home insured for a minimum of 80% of its value. On the other hand, actual cash value is what it costs to replace or repair your home post depreciation.

5. Shop Around

You can get recommendations from your lender, but you are not bound to buy from their recommended provider. You can use any of the unbiased sources in order to know what insurers charge for the same type of services and products.

6. Discounts

Some states offer lower rates for home insurance provided you get other types of insurance policies as well.

7. Basic Coverage Available

For the protection of your property and home, you can choose from various insurance packages. Actually, each package offers protection against limited number of events, such as theft, windstorm and fire. Aside from this, the additional coverage may include medical payments, personal liability, living expenses and property damage.

8. Where to Shop

To find out, you can check the yellow pages, telephone directories and newspapers. Aside from this, you can ask your friends, relatives and neighbors for recommendations on good agents and companies. Make sure you shop around in order to get the best service and price.

9. Read Your Policy Carefully

Make sure your read the policy documents carefully before signing it. You should understand the contents of the policy. Lastly, you may want to keep the policy papers in a safe place.

Keeping Fire Safe While Celebrating Chanukah

Tradition! Tradition! Tradition is what Chanukah is all about. To commemorate the miracles of old when the Israelites were

miraculous saved from the tyrannical rule of ancient Greece, Jews all over the world light their menorahs and place them

in front of the window of their home or by the entrance. From the first night when only one candle is lit, adding up day

by day until the eighth and final night of the festival when all eight flames dance merrily to proclaim the Almighty's

greatness, families gather to party together.

This year, Chanukah begins on Tuesday night, December the twelfth. Homeowners all across the globe will be lighting their

menorahs and celebrating. Just as the little bit of oil in the flask of oil that was found amid the ruins of the temple of

old went a long way by supplying fuel for eight entire days until more pure olive oil could be brought, so too, a little

bit of caution in regard to fire hazards surely will go a long way in keeping family and home safe from the associated of

risks.

Here you have the safety guidelines for the holiday brought to you by home, property, auto, business and life insurance

experts.

Eight Ways to Ensure Chanukah menorah safety:

1. Chanukah is a great time to do your bi-annual smoke detector test. While you are at it, make sure your carbon monoxide

detector is in good shape, too, ready to alert you if there is associated danger. And it might make sense to have your

insurance professional review your home policy at this time as well.
2. Use only a menorah made out of metal. Wood menorahs pose a significant fire hazard.
3. Prior to lighting, set your menorah atop a secure tabletop that has been adequately covered with silver foil.
4. In the event you light with candles as opposed to oil, melt the bottoms securely into the menorah's cups.
5. Keep kids and pets out of the menorah's way.
6. Put away any matches or lighters following the lighting ceremony.
7. Never leave your burning menorah unattended.
8. Make sure to pull back curtains a good distance from the lit menorah. Keep any flammables away as well.

Four Ways to Fire Safe Holiday Cooking

1. Clear the area around your cooking site from towels, oven gloves and anything else that could catch fire.
2. Turn any pot or frying pan handle towards the back of the stove to minimize toppling risks.
3. Roll up long sleeves and take off jewelry that may get caught prior to cooking or frying.
4. Keep kids and pets far from the cooking area.

Enjoy the holidays with the peace of mind that comes with being cautious!

We're PRIME Insurance Agency, a 3-generation family-run award-winning independent agency. As proud partners of many of the

top companies in the industry, we shop our wide network to get you tailored coverage at competitively lowest quotes.

Avoiding Holiday Tree Home-Fire Risks

As the days get shorter and evening turns to night quicker, the holiday season dispels the season's cold weather and related doldrums. Part of the revelry for many is the traditional holiday tree and accompanying tinsel and lighting. While the décor certainly may add to the heightened festive aura, utmost care should be taken to avoid fire risks.

To fully understand the severity of the associated hazards, consider the following data brought to 'light' by the Homeowners insurance claim studies:

1. Between the dates of 2011 and 2015, there were approximately a couple hundred home fires a year that were related to the holiday tree. Of those, 6 deaths, 16 injuries and more than fourteen million dollars in damages were the direct consequences for each year of the occurrences.

2. 40 percent of X-mas tree fires were due to faulty electric supply or erroneous tree decoration lighting.

3. Twenty-six percent of tree home fires and 80 percent of the related tragic fatalities occurred because of lighted candles or heating appliances that were positioned too close to the tree.

4. Twenty-four percent of X-mas holiday tree fires were acts of arson, deliberately started to incur damage.

5. The month of December had the most holiday tree fires and the month of January was not far behind in associated home fires.

6. 37 percent of home fires started due to tree hazards took place either in the home living room, den or family room.

How does the homeowner prevent a holiday tree fire? Here are the safety guidelines that the experts bring.

8 Tips to Enjoying Holiday Tree Safety

1. Only use USL certified decorative lighting
2. Check electric cords for wear and tear. If there is damage, do not use.
3. Check for bulb connection tightness. If the bulb is loose, do not use.
4. Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
5. Use only a fresh tree. Dried out trees increase the risk of fire.
6. Never go out of the house without turning off the holiday tree lights.
7. Never go to sleep before turning off the tree lights.
8. Following the holidays, do not store the tree in the garage, shed or basement. Dispose of it properly. It can be a fire hazard.

The holidays were meant to bring joy and cheer to friends and family. Don't let your share of it be hampered by fire risks.

Happy Holidays from the home, auto, business, workers comp and life insurance professionals!

What You Need to Know About Frozen Water Pipes

Since you were school age, you have known the scientific formula: frozen water expands. Imagine, then, what occurs within your home water pipes when it gets super cold. The pipe water becomes frozen and as the water expands, it raises the water pressure. More water pressure eventually leads to burst pipes, which of course causes the type of water damage to your home that you don't even want to think about.

Below find six truths about water pipe bursts and related home damage.

From the Files of Homeowner Insurance Claims:

• Among winter's chief causes of property damage are frozen burst pipes.
• 37 percent of frozen water pipe damage comes from the basement or lower level of the home.
• Property damage from burst water pipes have been known to be very costly, often exceeding the $5,000 mark.
• The freezing point for water is thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit.
• In general, a standard home insurance policy does not protect against damage resulting from a burst pipe.

For homeowners, landlords and renters, beware of water pipes lie within spots that are not heated. Places such as an attic, a crawl space or outside walls that bear the full brunt of winter's wrath increase the risk of pipe bursts. While a plumbing contractor might be able to re-line the piping to warmer zones of the home, the job may not always be a feasible undertaking.

So, here are other ideas brought to you from the insurance guys on how to minimize associated risks.

Six Ways to Keep Water Pipes from Bursting in Cold Weather

1. Place insulation around the pipes to keep them from freezing.

2. Plug outside holes and those in the structure's foundation with calking.

3. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets so that house heat can circulate thoroughly.

4. Allow a slow flow of water from sink taps when the weather gets exceptionally cold.

5. If you go on vacation do not leave the house heat low enough to cause pipe freezing.

6. Consider emptying out your water system before leaving on vacation. To do this, shut off the main valve and turn on water faucets; turn off when water no longer flows.

To find out if your home has the right coverage for your individual liability risks, have an experienced independent agency review your policy. By educating yourself about your auto, business, home, and life insurance needs, you become your own insurance advocate

How Important Are Insurance Carrier Ratings and Insurance Tracking Solution Software?

What is an insurance policy? It is a promise or an assurance to pay in case of a covered damage or loss. The insurance

carrier promises to cover the loss and pay during a financial disaster. Although, the commercial insurance has turned out

to be quite complex and expensive, yet a good coverage can be your only security against the monetary catastrophe during a

serious claim. Have you ever thought how would your condition be if the insurance company fails to keep the promise during

the time of your need? This is where the insurance tracking solution software comes forward.

It is not an easy task to predict which insurance carrier is the best and safe, out of numerous options available. But,

the ratings provided by various agencies can be of great help to select the most trusted one in the crowd. The carrier

goes through rigorous evaluation procedures comprising reviewing business plans, reinsurance, financial statements,

interest rates, regulations, credit, funding criteria, and actual reporting for being rated. Such severe analysis helps in

measuring the real capabilities of solvency by the carriers.

The ratings are given using noble benchmarks between grades A to F. The insurance firms possessing grades A++ or A+ are

considered to be the superior ones within the entire industry. The excellent ones are rated A or A- and the good ones are

rated B++ or B+. The insurance companies' ratings between A and B are considered financially secure companies and the

carrier rating C are said to be on the marginal line. Each Insurance Carrier has North American Industry Classification

System (NAICS) codes to identify the specific rating. It helps to classify each carrier within the industry to collect,

analyze, and publish the statistical data.

Insurance Carrier Thresholds & Why it matters

You must be wondering what an insurance carrier threshold is. It is nothing but a tested way to reduce the risk. Often it

becomes difficult for a company to go through the financial records and ratings on a regular basis. In such cases, even if

the ratings of their trusted and functional insurance concern go down, the establishments remain unaware. This calls for a

risk of the broken promise from the chosen insurance company's end.

In order to avert any such risk, the private entities and public organizations create a threshold for the insurance

organizations. They choose to have the rating certificate of the insurance holders. The threshold mentions that the

insurance firm must be no less than a C+ rating. This serves as risk reduction if for any reason that specific insurance

carrier goes below the threshold.

The certified insurance software helps to update the carrier ratings on a quarterly basis. So, in case of such a situation

where the insurance firm fails to maintain the threshold assigned by the company, the administrator of the designated

software receives a notice that the insurer would have to switch to an insurance carrier that would meet their compliance

standards set by the insurers for the company.

Only the financially strong insurance companies can probably respect the insurance agreement and reimburse the claims as

pledged. In the case of inability to pay the claims, it puts your business in danger of bearing the entire bill for the

significant damages from court proceedings. Selecting a superior insurance company can take care of your organization's

insurance agreement for a long-term apart from assuring security and peace of mind.

Automate your Risk Reduction

In order to systematically reduce the risk, the insurance software has no comparisons. Such software is built in order to

help the larger organizations do less paper work and documentation and assist their customers in different ways. Alongside

monitoring Insurance Carrier Rating hands-free, insurance software also tracks all of the Certificates of Insurance to

make sure the Certificate is up-to-date, the policy amount is correct, and documentation is where it needs to be. In

addition to these elements, if aspects of the documents are not on par with your organization's requirements, the

insurance software dashboard allows for complete customization and automates reminders for your vendors.

Overall, the certified insurance software effortlessly manages every project and sync with the interface of the trusted

3rd party agency, helping you to judge the right insurance carrier for your company.

Get Insured Before Mishap Decides to Visit You During Festivities

Festivities are closing in on us. Which means the air will be filled with the fragrance of scented candles, homes lit by

diyas and malls filled with families. It's this time of the year when families go out and shop for festive proceedings.

And chances are, you yourself would be busy planning and making a few phone calls for the festive occasion.

But here's the thing, just take a min out of your busy schedule and ask yourself, are you ready for any mishaps?

It may sound a little morbid, but nonetheless, it is an important question you should be questioning yourself, as nothing

is certain.

You could say, uncertainty is like a cloud that's always flying over your head but strikes when you least expect it to.

Which is why it's crucial that you secure your happiness from any accidents.

Some of you who are sceptical by nature might question as to what could possibly go wrong during festivities. We admit,

it's rare but it can happen with anyone, so here are a few examples.

1. All auspicious functions, religious or social are conducted with the lighting of the diya or jot. Now imagine this,

what if a curtain close to your diya gets lit by fire, or what if you miss out one of the items from your shopping list,

you drive and come back to see your house on fire?? Shocking right? but wait there's more.

2. Our country is one of the many nations to buy firecrackers in bulk during Diwali. Imagine this, what if a damaged

rocket comes flying down, slips under your brand new car and explodes. Saddening right?

Whether it's misfortune, sloppiness or somebody else's fault, the point is a number of things can happen that could leave

a big hole in your pocket.

What's crucial is that you don't suffer any financial crisis because of a mishap. Which is why it is important that you

insure your valuables with Insurance.

A good insurance company offers a wide range of insurance covers to its customers such as-

-Car Insurance

-Travel Insurance

-Bike Insurance

-Home Insurance

-Fire Insurance

-Engineering Insurance

-Liability Insurance

-Burglary Insurance

-All Risk Insurance

Surely going through an insurance company's range of policies may take you a little while but in the unlikely event of any

mishap, you will find that your research up-front to have been a time well spent.

Fire Claims - Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim

After suffering a fire the homeowner will need to do file a claim for property damages so they can clean up and start to 

rebuild. Fires are devastating and sometimes homeowners will make a costly mistake during and after the settlement of 

their fire claims. Most will let a fire claim adjustor come survey their property and make the claim but there can be 

things that are missed during the initial claim. One thing to note is that after the insurance company sends you a check 

and closes the fire claims the homeowner has three years to add to the existing closed claim. This can be done if it is 

found that the damages were not assessed correctly. To help make sure that you get the right settlement for your fire 

claims, here are some tips to help you.

Document the damage to your home and other buildings

Take the time to inspect and document all of the damage yourself. If the home is not a total loss make sure that you take 

pictures of the damaged rooms. Try to take overviews and some close-up photos. Before you enter the room, hall, or closet 

take an overview. By doing this it will help you to organize your pictures and which ones belong to which room. For 

example, with the living room, take an overview, then go from top to bottom of the walls, ceiling, doors, and the floor.

Document damage to your contents

The next step is to go back to each room and closet to inventory your contents. For everything that is damage, including 

clothes, shoes, furniture, paintings, etc that have been damaged by the fire making sure to show the damage on the 

picture. Yes, this is going to take a lot of pictures but everything needs to be documented in order to get the right 

settlement. Make a list of all contents that have been damage. Once you have listed the damaged items and have the 

pictures take another look around the room to make sure that you have not missed anything. Make an inventory list for each 

room with the pictures attached.

Review your insurance policy

Yes, insurance policies are hard to understand but before filing fire claims you should take the time to review your 

police basics, such as how much coverage you have on your home, how much coverage is on your personal belongings, and how 

much will the policy pay for you to stay in a hotel.

Once you do fire claims the fire claims adjuster will cover to the site of the fire and start their own claim. Do not give 

them the original photos and inventory claim sheet but a copy. This will help them expedite the claim.

Fire Claims Process-insurance

The fire claims process is considered the time that the policy owner notifies their insurance company of the fire until

the claim process is finished and ends in a settlement for the policy owner. To get to the end point there are several

steps involved.

Review your policy

At all times you should know where to look for and find your insurance policy. It should be in a safe fireproof lock box

or safety deposit box rented from the bank. When there is a fire you should get your insurance policy out and review it to

determine what type of coverage you have and how much it is for, what is covered and what is excluded. This information

will help you know how you should file your claim and if there are any deadlines to file your claim. Most of the

information that you will need can generally be found on the declaration page. This is usually found at the beginning of

your insurance policy. If, for some reason or other, you cannot find your insurance policy or do not understand what is

covered and how to file a claim contact your insurance company.

Contacting your insurance company

As soon as you review your policy, or even before if you want, you should contact your insurance company to notify them of

the fire and what type of loss you have suffered. Some insurance companies may require that you contact them as soon as

the loss occurs while others may give you a couple of days. This information will also be in your insurance policy. With

some insurance policies there are often provisions that will provide you with money for temporary housing if your home was

destroyed by fire, which is another reason you should contact them as soon as possible. You may have to submit written

notification instead of calling.

Information needed by insurance company

When you contact your insurance company they will tell you what you need to submit in order to start the fire claims

process. This will generally consist of a statement from you telling what happened and what the damage is. If they need

more information or documentation it is your responsibility to provide it as long as what they request is reasonable. Make

sure that in all of your documentation that you are thorough because you will not be reimbursed for anything that is not

documented.

Payment process

How you will be paid for your loss will depend on the type of fire claims you submitted and what the loss was. If it is a

small loss the insurance company may just write a check but if it is to do repairs or rebuilding they may disburse the

payments to the one doing the work.

Property Claims Adjuster - What They Do

This professional is the one that processes insurance claims to determine whether the one insured is entitled or not to a payout. Many property claims adjusters work for insurance companies and they will be the ones that investigate claims that are related to homes, businesses, vehicles, and other insured properties. To begin the process the adjuster will speak to the one filing the claim to determine the cause of the damage. When there has been a legitimate insurance claim filed the adjuster then has to calculate the cost of replacement or repair of the property that has been damaged.

There are not many college courses that are designed specifically for those that want to enter this field. When an insurance company recruits a new property claims adjuster they will generally look for individuals that have prior experience working in the insurance industry or has a legal work background. The work hours are often irregular. One example of the reason why this is so is that if there is an accident they must investigate it could occur at any hour of the day or night.

In an insurance agency they are referred to as a staff adjuster. They will interview the one that filed the claim along with any witnesses in order to find out the cause of the damage. The adjuster may also obtain a police report to help verify the claim if a report was filed. For injury claims they may also request medical records to validate the claim. Another responsibility for the property claims adjuster has is to establish whether the insurance has a responsibility to pay the claim. After the investigation is complete the adjuster will negotiate with the claimant until both sides reached a satisfactory settlement.

Some property claims adjuster also work independently on a contract basis for insurance companies but are considered self-employed. Many times an insurance company does not need the services of the adjuster on a full time basis so they will hire one as needed. It is less expensive to hire them as needed. When self-employed the adjuster will defend the interests of the party that hires them. They generally will work for several clients over an extended period of time.

If you are an individual or business you can hire an independent property claims adjuster to help represent their case to their insurance company. Those that are self-employed will do the same job as those employed by an insurance agency but the one difference is they look for evidence that supports the claimant, which is the one that hired them. It is their job to prove the claim and not disprove it. The independent adjuster generally gets a percentage of the insurance settlement.