Quality Claim Service Makes a Difference
By David Hopewell State Farm® agent
Headaches, hassles, and unnecessary strain in life can be reduced by researching the quality of claims service a company offers before purchasing an auto insurance policy. The few key areas to inspect are: customer satisfaction, customer choices and professionalism of claim representatives.
Customer satisfaction is one of the easiest to research. Independent firms, such as J.D. Power and Associates, rank customer satisfaction for auto insurance.
Quality claim service means prompt response and payment for what is owed for damage and quality repair work. Other intangibles can make the claims process less stressful.
Here are a few questions to ask when shopping for auto insurance:
· Is the person who sells me the policy, the same person I can trust to report a claim?
· Will there be someone who can answer my questions if I have one?
· Will I have my choice of body shops to repair my vehicle?
Another measure of quality claim service is customer choice. Not only choosing the auto body repair shop, but even the choices you have in communicating with the company. With today’s hectic lifestyles, some companies offer options to report claims in person, on the phone or even online, 24 hours a day.
Finally, professional claim handling can eliminate the unnecessary stresses related to an auto crash. Professional claim handling requires special skills. Claim adjusters need to empathize with the customer’s situation to establish good communication and assist them in making a claim.
The professional needs to turn the anxiety of a customer not knowing what to expect into confidence that the claim will be handled fairly and quickly. A car crash is already a stressful time in anyone’s life. But the quality of claim service can differentiate insurance company A from company B. Knowing that you’ve researched a company before buying an auto insurance policy will give you an added confidence when the unexpected happens.
Start by asking your agent about quality service.
September 29, 2009
September 28, 2009
Deer-Vehicle Collision Frequency Jumps 18% in Five Years
Deer-Vehicle Collision Frequency Jumps 18% in Five Years
09.28.2009
State Farm estimates that 2.4 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the United States over a two-year period.
09.28.2009
State Farm estimates that 2.4 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the United States over a two-year period.
The frequency of deer-vehicle collisions is increasing.
Among the 35 states where at least 7,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur per year, New Jersey and Nebraska have posted the largest increases, 54 percent.
The number of vehicles on U.S. roadways has grown by 7 percent over the last five years. But the number of times those vehicles have collided with deer has swelled by much more than that.
Using its claims data, State Farm® estimates 2.4 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the United States during the two-year period between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2009. That’s 18.3 percent more than five years earlier.
To put it another way, one of these unfortunate encounters occurs every 26 seconds (although they are much more likely during the last three months of the year and in the early evening).
More Deer-Vehicle Collisions
Among the 35 states where at least 7,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur per year, New Jersey and Nebraska have posted the largest increases, 54 percent. Kansas is next at 41 percent. Deer-vehicle collisions have jumped by 38 percent in Florida, Mississippi and Arkansas. Then come Oklahoma (34 percent) and West Virginia, North Carolina and Texas (33 percent). State Farm is not including the percentage changes in the other 15 states plus the District of Columbia because the lower volume of total collisions makes the percentage changes less credible.
For the third year in a row, West Virginia tops the list of those states where a collision with a deer is most likely (for any one vehicle). Using its claims data in conjunction with state motor vehicle registration counts from the Federal Highway Administration, State Farm calculates the chances of a West Virginia vehicle striking a deer over the next 12 months at 1 in 39. Such an encounter is even more likely in West Virginia than it was a year ago.
Michigan remains second on that list. The likelihood of a specific vehicle striking a deer there is 1 in 78. Pennsylvania (1 in 94) and Iowa (1 in 104) remain third and fourth respectively. Montana (1 in 104) is fifth. Arkansas and South Dakota each dropped a spot to sixth and seventh. Wisconsin remains eighth. North Dakota and Virginia round out the top 10.
The state in which deer-vehicle collisions are least likely is still Hawaii (1 in 9,931). The odds of any one vehicle hitting a deer in Hawaii during the next year are roughly equivalent to the odds of randomly picking a piece of clover and finding it has four leaves.
Property Damage Increases
The average property damage cost of these incidents was $3,050, up 3.4 percent from a year ago.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. cause more than 150 fatalities each year.
These collisions are more frequent during the deer migration and mating season in October, November and December. The combination of growing deer populations and the displacement of deer habitat caused by urban sprawl are producing increasingly hazardous conditions for motorists and deer.
“State Farm has been committed to auto safety for several decades and that’s why we want to call attention to potential hazards like this one,” said Laurette Stiles, State Farm Vice President of Strategic Resources. “We hope our updated information will inspire motorists to make safe decisions.”
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© 2009 Factiva, Inc. All rights reserved.
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According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. cause more than 150 fatalities each year.
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© 2009 Factiva, Inc. All rights reserved.
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According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. cause more than 150 fatalities each year.
Tips on Reducing Deer Hits:
Here are tips on how to reduce the chances that a deer-vehicle collision involving your vehicle.
*Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. These are placed in active deer crossing areas.
*Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m.
*Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which deer will enter roadways.
*Keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds – if you see one, there is a strong possibility others are nearby.
*Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles.
*If a deer collision seems inevitable, attempting to swerve out of the way could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or place you in the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Additional Resources
Likelihood of Any One Vehicle Colliding With a Deer Over the Next Year [ pdf ]
Likelihood of Any One Vehicle Colliding With a Deer Over the Next Year [ pdf ]
September 08, 2009
Embrace Life, No matter What!
Embrace Life, No Matter What
By: David Hopewell
State Farm® agent
Have you ever heard, “If I had only had more time.”
As people grow older, some may have regrets about all the things they did not do. Not taking an exotic trip or missing visits to family members might top the list. Your list might even include “not running a marathon.” One of the biggest regrets may be not telling a loved one how much you care.
One thing is for sure: The more you enjoy life and prepare for the unexpected, the fewer regrets you may have.
While no one can possibly do everything on a lifetime to-do list, there are plenty of ways to show people you care. One way is to make sure your family has the financial means to continue living their current lifestyle if you are no longer around.
Life insurance is one way to do just that. A strong economic foundation includes adequate life insurance coverage; enough to cover a mortgage, college tuition or outstanding debts.
There are many online sites, including statefarm.com®, that provide calculators to determine your life insurance needs. A qualified insurance professional can help you choose a policy to meet your needs and fit in your budget. Once a policy is in place, you can revisit it, especially during different life events, to make certain the coverage is still appropriate. Knowing you have provided for your loved ones will give you peace of mind so you can enjoy doing the things you’ve always wanted to do.
If you have questions about this article please contact me by calling in at 859-734-5338 or e-mail me at david@davidhopewell.com.
By: David Hopewell
State Farm® agent
Have you ever heard, “If I had only had more time.”
As people grow older, some may have regrets about all the things they did not do. Not taking an exotic trip or missing visits to family members might top the list. Your list might even include “not running a marathon.” One of the biggest regrets may be not telling a loved one how much you care.
One thing is for sure: The more you enjoy life and prepare for the unexpected, the fewer regrets you may have.
While no one can possibly do everything on a lifetime to-do list, there are plenty of ways to show people you care. One way is to make sure your family has the financial means to continue living their current lifestyle if you are no longer around.
Life insurance is one way to do just that. A strong economic foundation includes adequate life insurance coverage; enough to cover a mortgage, college tuition or outstanding debts.
There are many online sites, including statefarm.com®, that provide calculators to determine your life insurance needs. A qualified insurance professional can help you choose a policy to meet your needs and fit in your budget. Once a policy is in place, you can revisit it, especially during different life events, to make certain the coverage is still appropriate. Knowing you have provided for your loved ones will give you peace of mind so you can enjoy doing the things you’ve always wanted to do.
If you have questions about this article please contact me by calling in at 859-734-5338 or e-mail me at david@davidhopewell.com.
August 11, 2009
Is A Rollover In Your Future?
Is A Rollover In Your Future?
By David Hopewell-Harrodsburg, KY
859-734-5338
State Farm® Agent
Have you recently left one employer to begin working for another? Were you covered by an employer sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k)? If so, you may be wondering about the future of your account.
In the event of a job change, there are many options available to you regarding your employer sponsored retirement account assets. The options you have will depend on the provisions of your former employer’s plan. Sometimes your money can stay in the plan with your previous employer until you reach a specific age and you then can begin taking withdrawals without a tax penalty.
Remaining with your old plan may have drawbacks. Sometimes fees are charged to former employees to offset managing the account. A minimum asset balance may also be required. Other times you must take your money out when you terminate employment. You should contact the Human Resources department or benefits counselor of your former employer to determine your options. If you withdraw plan assets, you may need to find another funding vehicle.
Transferring the balance of the assets in your previous employer’s tax-qualified account to a plan sponsored by your new employer may be an option. This can be done without paying taxes if the money goes directly to the new account (known as a “direct rollover”). However, your new employer may not allow a rollover, thus you will need to look at further options.
One choice to consider is rolling the balance of your account to a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). With this choice, you are able to control the investment options within the IRA. You can also avoid the need to make a further rollover if you change jobs again.
Rolling your 401(k) assets into a Traditional IRA can be costly if not done correctly. If you take a withdrawal, the trustee of your old plan must withhold 20 percent of the money for federal income tax purposes. You have 60 days to roll the distribution to a new qualified retirement vehicle if you do take a withdrawal. The 20 percent withholding will count as a distribution if you do not roll over that amount to an IRA or other qualified plan. A 10 percent tax penalty will usually apply if you are under age 59½ and you don’t roll the entire amount into an IRA or other qualified plan.
In order to avoid the 20 percent federal income tax withholding, a direct rollover should be considered. The assets of your employer sponsored plan are transferred directly from your former employer’s plan to a Traditional IRA or other qualified plan. You don’t touch the money, and neither does the government. Your assets can grow tax-deferred until you begin withdrawals.
If you would like to know more about the options you have for a rollover please call 859-734-5338, click www.davidhopewell.com david@davidhopewell.com , or come into our office at 559 S. College St Harrodsburg, KY.
By David Hopewell-Harrodsburg, KY
859-734-5338
State Farm® Agent
Have you recently left one employer to begin working for another? Were you covered by an employer sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k)? If so, you may be wondering about the future of your account.
In the event of a job change, there are many options available to you regarding your employer sponsored retirement account assets. The options you have will depend on the provisions of your former employer’s plan. Sometimes your money can stay in the plan with your previous employer until you reach a specific age and you then can begin taking withdrawals without a tax penalty.
Remaining with your old plan may have drawbacks. Sometimes fees are charged to former employees to offset managing the account. A minimum asset balance may also be required. Other times you must take your money out when you terminate employment. You should contact the Human Resources department or benefits counselor of your former employer to determine your options. If you withdraw plan assets, you may need to find another funding vehicle.
Transferring the balance of the assets in your previous employer’s tax-qualified account to a plan sponsored by your new employer may be an option. This can be done without paying taxes if the money goes directly to the new account (known as a “direct rollover”). However, your new employer may not allow a rollover, thus you will need to look at further options.
One choice to consider is rolling the balance of your account to a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). With this choice, you are able to control the investment options within the IRA. You can also avoid the need to make a further rollover if you change jobs again.
Rolling your 401(k) assets into a Traditional IRA can be costly if not done correctly. If you take a withdrawal, the trustee of your old plan must withhold 20 percent of the money for federal income tax purposes. You have 60 days to roll the distribution to a new qualified retirement vehicle if you do take a withdrawal. The 20 percent withholding will count as a distribution if you do not roll over that amount to an IRA or other qualified plan. A 10 percent tax penalty will usually apply if you are under age 59½ and you don’t roll the entire amount into an IRA or other qualified plan.
In order to avoid the 20 percent federal income tax withholding, a direct rollover should be considered. The assets of your employer sponsored plan are transferred directly from your former employer’s plan to a Traditional IRA or other qualified plan. You don’t touch the money, and neither does the government. Your assets can grow tax-deferred until you begin withdrawals.
To complete a direct rollover, contact us to discuss your options. Once you determine where you want the money to go, the IRA custodian can request the money from your employer-sponsored plan in the form of a check or wire transfer.
Your current IRA contributions are not affected by a rollover. You may contribute the allowable limit to an IRA even after rolling a substantial amount from your previous plan.
With so many choices available, it may be in your best interests to discuss a Traditional IRA rollover with a financial professional. You have some options. Take advantage of one with which you are comfortable.
If you would like to know more about the options you have for a rollover please call 859-734-5338, click www.davidhopewell.com david@davidhopewell.com , or come into our office at 559 S. College St Harrodsburg, KY.
July 28, 2009
Organize your records for emergencies!
Organize your records for emergencies!
If something happens to you, what important records would your family need to take care of your financial or business matters? Get them organized and accessible before an emergency or a crisis situation happens.
3 things to consider:
Location, Who knows where they are and Which papers?
Location. This could include a home safe, fire security box or off-site location such as a safe deposit box. Shoe boxes under the bed might not be a good idea!
Who Knows. I'd say your spouse 1st for sure. If not them then a 3rd party you feel comfortable with such as your attorney, accountant, another family member or a family friend. the general idea is someone not living in your residence that knows about the information and how to access it. know your comfort level with this person and you alone make the decision.
Which Papers. Organized records are a plus under these circumstances. The list may include:
Besides who knows where they are, being organized and accessible in a crisis situation is a key.
If you'd like other information, click in at www.davidhopewell.com and send an e-mail to david@davidhopewell.com or give us a call at 859-734-5338. Or if you are local you can always come see us at 559 S. College St. Harrodsburg, KY 40330.
If something happens to you, what important records would your family need to take care of your financial or business matters? Get them organized and accessible before an emergency or a crisis situation happens.
3 things to consider:
Location, Who knows where they are and Which papers?
Location. This could include a home safe, fire security box or off-site location such as a safe deposit box. Shoe boxes under the bed might not be a good idea!
Who Knows. I'd say your spouse 1st for sure. If not them then a 3rd party you feel comfortable with such as your attorney, accountant, another family member or a family friend. the general idea is someone not living in your residence that knows about the information and how to access it. know your comfort level with this person and you alone make the decision.
Which Papers. Organized records are a plus under these circumstances. The list may include:
- safety deposit box # and key.
- life insurance policies
- deeds, contracts, leases, titles, mortgage loan papers
- banking records
- investment and retirement account information
- burial arrangements
- all of your insurance papers for your car, home, health ect.
- birth certificates.
Besides who knows where they are, being organized and accessible in a crisis situation is a key.
If you'd like other information, click in at www.davidhopewell.com and send an e-mail to david@davidhopewell.com or give us a call at 859-734-5338. Or if you are local you can always come see us at 559 S. College St. Harrodsburg, KY 40330.
May 26, 2009
All Businesses Need Insurance
All Businesses Need Insurance
State Farm® agent
The dream of owning a business becomes a reality for thousands of people each year.
For many of these would-be captains of industry, that means starting the operation on a small scale. However, your enterprise may be in jeopardy if you don’t have business insurance.
You need business insurance because most beginning entrepreneurs don’t have the financial resources to handle adversity if it should come. Adversity can happen in many ways: fire can destroy your inventory, a power outage could cause your goods to spoil or a customer could be injured accidentally while visiting your location.
Business insurance can protect you from these hazards and others by providing many or all of the coverages listed below:
· Accidental direct physical loss coverage for business personal property,
· Broader off-premises property coverage,
· Loss of income coverage and
· Extra expense coverage.
This list above is just a sample of what’s available. You should contact your State Farm agent to see what coverages are right for your business.
Many entrepreneurs start their businesses on shoestring budgets and try to cut corners by keeping expenses at a minimum. But when you consider what you get, business insurance becomes a tool you can’t afford to work without it.
Is CD Laddering Right for You?
Is CD Laddering Right for You?
By David Hopewell
State Farm® agent
With the recent volatility in the stock market, people are hesitant to put their entire nest egg into the market. Additionally, with the economy creating tight times for families, it’s often necessary to make sure funds are available if and when we need them. For those investors who are either reluctant to jump head first into the market or those who may have a need for cash, the strategy of laddering Certificates of Deposit (CD's) may be appropriate.
CD laddering is the process of structuring your investment into CD's to take advantage of the higher rates afforded by longer-term time deposits, yet maintaining liquidity by arranging it so that equal portions of the invested money is available periodically. To accomplish this, you begin by buying numerous CDs with various maturities.
For instance, let’s say you have $25,000 to invest. Rather than investing the $25,000 in one CD that matures at a designated time, by laddering CD's, you may choose to invest $5,000 in each of five separate CDs. In this example, you would then purchase a 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year CD in equal amounts of $5,000. After one year, when your first CD matures, you would invest it in a new 5-year CD. Each year, a CD will expire and, if the funds are not needed, they will be reinvested in a new 5-year CD to take advantage of the higher interest rate typically offered by a 5-year CD as compared to the 1- or 2-year CD's.
This approach allows you the comfort of knowing that a CD will mature each year in case you need the money, yet still take advantage of the higher rates typically offered for longer maturities. Staggering your maturity dates also helps smooth out the volatility of the market. If interest rates rise during the year, you will have money available to invest in a higher rate CD. Or, if rates fall, only a portion of your investment dollars will need to be reinvested at the lower rate.
CD laddering may be a strategy that’s appropriate for your lifestyle. Plus, with the guaranteed interest rate offered on CD's, you will be able to plan your future with confidence. Talk with your insurance agent or financial expert for more information.
**I hope this helps the conservative investor a little more. State Farm Bank offers CD's with great rates and you can do it all over the internet by going to www.davidhopewell.com and then entering State Farm Bank. If you need further help call me 24/7 at 859-734-5338. Press 2 allows you to speak to a live person 24/7.
DH
By David Hopewell
State Farm® agent
With the recent volatility in the stock market, people are hesitant to put their entire nest egg into the market. Additionally, with the economy creating tight times for families, it’s often necessary to make sure funds are available if and when we need them. For those investors who are either reluctant to jump head first into the market or those who may have a need for cash, the strategy of laddering Certificates of Deposit (CD's) may be appropriate.
CD laddering is the process of structuring your investment into CD's to take advantage of the higher rates afforded by longer-term time deposits, yet maintaining liquidity by arranging it so that equal portions of the invested money is available periodically. To accomplish this, you begin by buying numerous CDs with various maturities.
For instance, let’s say you have $25,000 to invest. Rather than investing the $25,000 in one CD that matures at a designated time, by laddering CD's, you may choose to invest $5,000 in each of five separate CDs. In this example, you would then purchase a 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year CD in equal amounts of $5,000. After one year, when your first CD matures, you would invest it in a new 5-year CD. Each year, a CD will expire and, if the funds are not needed, they will be reinvested in a new 5-year CD to take advantage of the higher interest rate typically offered by a 5-year CD as compared to the 1- or 2-year CD's.
This approach allows you the comfort of knowing that a CD will mature each year in case you need the money, yet still take advantage of the higher rates typically offered for longer maturities. Staggering your maturity dates also helps smooth out the volatility of the market. If interest rates rise during the year, you will have money available to invest in a higher rate CD. Or, if rates fall, only a portion of your investment dollars will need to be reinvested at the lower rate.
CD laddering may be a strategy that’s appropriate for your lifestyle. Plus, with the guaranteed interest rate offered on CD's, you will be able to plan your future with confidence. Talk with your insurance agent or financial expert for more information.
**I hope this helps the conservative investor a little more. State Farm Bank offers CD's with great rates and you can do it all over the internet by going to www.davidhopewell.com and then entering State Farm Bank. If you need further help call me 24/7 at 859-734-5338. Press 2 allows you to speak to a live person 24/7.
DH
May 05, 2009
Anatomy of an Auto Policy
Anatomy of an Auto Policy
By: David Hopewell
State Farm® agent
Picture this scenario: A woman leaves her car securely locked and safely parked on a quiet side street. But the unexpected happens. When she returns, her car is severely damaged.
This scenario has a happy ending. After the initial shock, she calls her insurance agent. The agent guides the woman through the claim process and explains that her car policy’s collision coverage will pay the cost, after the deductible is met, to repair her car.
Why insurance?
State laws require owners and drivers of motor vehicles to be financially responsible for damages they cause in a car accident. Insurance satisfies this requirement. In addition, optional coverages are available that can further reduce your risk of significant financial loss from a car crash, even if it is not your fault.
Types of coverage available
There are various types of coverage available when purchasing an Auto insurance policy.
· Liability: Pays damages for bodily injury to others and damage to property that result from a wreck that is caused by an insured under your policy. Also pays for other costs including legal defense and court fees in the event an insured is sued because of a car wreck. **
· Collision: Pays for damage, after a deductible is met, to your insured car when it strikes, or is struck by, another vehicle or object.
· Comprehensive: Pays for damage to your insured car that was not caused by a collision. Some examples include damage caused fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism, theft, or impact with an animal. There may or may not be a deductible for this coverage.
· Medical Payments Coverage: Pays the reasonable and necessary medical expenses for an insured that is injured in a car crash, regardless of who is at fault for the wreck.
· Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Pays damages to an insured that is injured in a car crash caused by a driver who does not have liability insurance.
· Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Pays damages to an insured that is injured in a car crash when the person(s) responsible for the wreck accident has insufficient liability insurance to fully compensate the insured for the injury.
· Car Rental Expense: Pays eligible rental car expenses if your car is not drivable because of a loss which would be payable under Collision Coverage or Comprehensive Coverage.
· Emergency Road Service: Pays for items such as towing expenses, the cost to deliver gasoline, and specified labor charges to unlock your car if the key is locked inside the car.
When shopping for insurance, it’s important to look at more than the total cost. Become familiar with the amount and type of coverage that is being offered. Also, note what isn’t being covered, who is covered while driving your vehicle and the quality of customer service in the event of an accident. And always remember to make sure the company you’re insured by is financially strong.
The bottom line is that you should understand your policy and buy the amount of insurance you think you need.
**How much liability you need will depend on what your financial statement looks like. If you have assets of over $300,000 (the value of your home, savings accounts, 401k, CD's ect.) and your liability limits are $25,000/$50,000 you may not have enough protection. Call us at 859-734-5338 to go over things with you.
By: David Hopewell
State Farm® agent
Picture this scenario: A woman leaves her car securely locked and safely parked on a quiet side street. But the unexpected happens. When she returns, her car is severely damaged.
This scenario has a happy ending. After the initial shock, she calls her insurance agent. The agent guides the woman through the claim process and explains that her car policy’s collision coverage will pay the cost, after the deductible is met, to repair her car.
Why insurance?
State laws require owners and drivers of motor vehicles to be financially responsible for damages they cause in a car accident. Insurance satisfies this requirement. In addition, optional coverages are available that can further reduce your risk of significant financial loss from a car crash, even if it is not your fault.
Types of coverage available
There are various types of coverage available when purchasing an Auto insurance policy.
· Liability: Pays damages for bodily injury to others and damage to property that result from a wreck that is caused by an insured under your policy. Also pays for other costs including legal defense and court fees in the event an insured is sued because of a car wreck. **
· Collision: Pays for damage, after a deductible is met, to your insured car when it strikes, or is struck by, another vehicle or object.
· Comprehensive: Pays for damage to your insured car that was not caused by a collision. Some examples include damage caused fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism, theft, or impact with an animal. There may or may not be a deductible for this coverage.
· Medical Payments Coverage: Pays the reasonable and necessary medical expenses for an insured that is injured in a car crash, regardless of who is at fault for the wreck.
· Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Pays damages to an insured that is injured in a car crash caused by a driver who does not have liability insurance.
· Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Pays damages to an insured that is injured in a car crash when the person(s) responsible for the wreck accident has insufficient liability insurance to fully compensate the insured for the injury.
· Car Rental Expense: Pays eligible rental car expenses if your car is not drivable because of a loss which would be payable under Collision Coverage or Comprehensive Coverage.
· Emergency Road Service: Pays for items such as towing expenses, the cost to deliver gasoline, and specified labor charges to unlock your car if the key is locked inside the car.
When shopping for insurance, it’s important to look at more than the total cost. Become familiar with the amount and type of coverage that is being offered. Also, note what isn’t being covered, who is covered while driving your vehicle and the quality of customer service in the event of an accident. And always remember to make sure the company you’re insured by is financially strong.
The bottom line is that you should understand your policy and buy the amount of insurance you think you need.
**How much liability you need will depend on what your financial statement looks like. If you have assets of over $300,000 (the value of your home, savings accounts, 401k, CD's ect.) and your liability limits are $25,000/$50,000 you may not have enough protection. Call us at 859-734-5338 to go over things with you.
January 16, 2009
Frozen Pipes
If your pipes freeze
Don't take chances. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. (Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.)
Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because you could be electrocuted.
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