Archive for April, 2010

What To Do After a Flood

Monday, April 26th, 2010

The following are helpful tips to do following a flood:

  • Follow local news and government notices to learn whether your water supply is safe to drink.
  • Avoid the floodwaters since they may be contaminated by a variety of contaminants like oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. It can also be electrically charged from downed power lines.
  • Avoid ALL moving water.
  • Know where the floodwaters have receded since the roads and surrounding areas may have weakened and could collapse under excessive weight.
  • As with all catastrophes, you must stay away from downed power lines since they may be hot, and try to report them to the power company even if you think they may already have been reported.
  • Return to your home only when you are re-assured by authorities it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid all buildings if they are surrounded by floodwaters.
  • Always use extreme caution when entering any building after a flood. There may be hidden damage that could create catastrophic results, particularly in foundations.
  • Since damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards, make sure you service your damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • Make sure you clean, disinfect, and dry out everything that got wet. Remember, Mud left from floodwater can contain contaminants and need to be removed.

Check FEMA for other helpful information http://www.fema.gov

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Finding the Right Commercial Auto Policy

Monday, April 19th, 2010

We all know that price is a big consideration when looking for a commercial auto policy, but keep in mind; you also need to find the best all-around coverage to suit your company’s needs.

First and foremost, you need to understand what coverage and service options are available for your risks. This will help you make a more informed decision so that you and your business are properly protected. Here are some tips that you should consider when researching the right coverage for your company.

  • Know the insurance company you’re dealing with. What is their reputation for handling claims. It does you no good to get “cheap” coverage if in fact they don’t pay claims, and this could cost you more in the long run. Also, make sure the company specializes in commercial coverage. An independent insurance agent will generally have several choices of insurance companies.
  • Look for discounts. Before seeing an agent for a quote on your commercial auto policy, get your company’s loss and financial records together. It may help you save quite a bit of money. There are a lot of discounts for things like increased liability limits in the past, if your employees consist of experienced drivers, or if your company’s credit rating is good.
  • Don’t let your coverage lapse. If you have continuous coverage, your costs will be lower than if you let your policy laps, so never let your insurance policy lapse.
  • Check driving records before hiring. Make sure you request a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for every potential hire if they will be driving company vehicles.

As your independent agent can help you find the right coverage through the right company, and know the discounts that each of these companies offer.

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SAFE BOATING AND SPEED RULES

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Did you know that you are financially and legally liable for wake damage created by your boat? Well, now you do, and regardless of if you have insurance or not!

A lot of people are really not clear as to the definition of speed zones posted as “Idle Speed/No Wake” or “Slow Speed/Minimum Wake”

Idle Speed/No Wake means you must operate at the minimum speed that allows you to maintain steering and make headway (move in a forward direction.) So what does this mean? It means absolutely no wake whatsoever. In most boats, this is somewhere around 600-900 RPMs, but it solely depends on your boat.

“Slow Speed/Minimum Wake” means you must operate fully off plane and completely settled in the water. Certainly no “white caps” showing on your wake and your bow does not rise to a plane at all.  The range here may possibly be somewhere between 900-1200 RPMs (once again depends on your boat)

In any event, your boat’s wake must not be excessive, and cannot create a hazard to other vessels regardless of the zone you are in, and anyone who operates a vessel with a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property will be cited for reckless operation. This can be a stiff penalty in most cases, and will invariably ruin your pleasurable boating day!

Law enforcement typically monitors boat traffic in and around known hazardous areas, and they pay close attention as to when a boat comes off a plane, or when they speed up, and are more than willing to give you a hefty fine for doing so. While they are at it, you can also expect a full boat inspection!

Good ways for you to monitor your boat’s wake is look behind your boat and see what type of wake, if any, you are pulling. Then you can modify your speed accordingly.

It’s best to adhere to these simple but often un-understood rules when on the water. You also want to make sure that you carry adequate insurance to protect your vessel, your passengers, and other vessels. Unlike auto insurance which in a lot of states is required, Florida does not require you to insure your boat, and this can leave you with a huge exposure in the event you suffer a mishap with another vessel or structure, and once again, you may be the one liable for the costs.
Without insurance, this could be a lot since boats are not cheap! Contact us, your local independent insurance agent, for more information on a policy that can give you adequate coverage.

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